Abstract: A retrofit electromechanical door knob assembly is adapted to fit within an aperture in a door in place of a conventional mechanical lock assembly. The retrofit door knob assembly is similar in appearance to a conventional door handle assembly, but includes a motor coupled to a latch, and suitable electrical and mechanical key inserts for receiving separate electrical and mechanical keys. Either a mechanical or an electrical key can unlock the latch. The electrical key insert includes a data probe within the handle for receiving the electrical key and a means for gripping an electronic key to allow a user to turn the handle with the key after the latch is unlocked by the motor, thereby withdrawing the latch.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 7, 1995
Date of Patent:
October 20, 1998
Assignee:
Dallas Semiconductor Corporation
Inventors:
Mark M. Glick, Nicholas M. G. Fekete, Michael L. Bolan, Jeffrey D. Owens