Emhart Industries, Inc.

Bruce A Clarkson

Thomas G Loughlin

Peter Mongeau

William W Taylor, Jr

Ronald J Frere

Steven A MacIntyre

Laurence S Slocum

Raymond J Andrejasich

There is a controller connected to a plurality of probes via a transmission line. Each probe includes sensors which provide voltage signals related to the fluid status in the probe environment. The voltage signals are applied to a voltage controlled oscillator which in turn provides an oscillating signal for transmission to the controller. A counter in the controller is controlled by a timer to count the number of oscillations of the transmitted signal over a predetermined time period. The count is represented by a digital signal which is processed to provide an indication of the fluid status of the probes. Probe circuit temperature is also transmitted to the controller for use in correcting the received oscillator frequency.

Fluid status detector

The invention adapts to an electronic lock comprising a housing, and a plug supported for rotation within the housing and having a keyway to receive the blade of a key which rotates the plug during operation of the locking apparatus. A locking member is movable into engagement with the plug to prevent the movement of the plug and the operation of the locking apparatus and movable out of engagement with the plug to allow the rotation of the plug and the operation of the locking apparatus. A solenoid having a core coupled to the locking member moves the locking member into and out of engagement with the plug. A permanent magnet is movable between a first position to receive and hold the solenoid core to maintain the locking member out of engagement with the plug, and a second position to release the solenoid core, and a driving means moves the magnet in at least one direction between the first and second positions. Consequently, power may be turned off to the solenoid after retention by the magnet and a battery source is preserved.

Electronic locking system and key therefor

There is a controller connected to a plurality of probes via a transmission line. The controller provides a command signal including a probe identifier signal and a probe data signal. Each probe includes a plurality of different sensors, each providing one or more status signals on a plurality of probe data channels. Each probe also includes a comparator for comparing the probe identifier signal to a local probe address, a multiplexer responsive to the data signal for selecting one of the data channels, and a switch responsive to the comparator to provide the selected data signal to the controller when the identifier signal correlates with the local probe address.

There is a controller having an identifier signal output and a status signal input, and a plurality of probes, each having an identifier signal input and output and a status signal input and output. The probes are connected in series with the inputs of one probe connected to the outputs of the next, with the identifier signal output of the controller connected to the identifier signal input of the first probe, and with the status signal input of the controller connected to the status signal output of the first probe. Each probe includes a decrementer which decrements the identifier signal received from the previous probe by one and retransmits it to the next probe. Each probe also includes a comparator and a switch configured so that when the comparator receives an identifier signal equal to zero, the switch switches the status signal output of the probe from its status signal input to a source of a local probe status signal. Thus when the controller outputs an identifier signal corresponding to the number N-1, the nth probe reports its status, which is passed down the series of probes to the controller.

An electronic locking system including a lock cylinder having an electronically actuable release assembly which is selectively enabled to disengage a pin from a cylinder plug, to permit the rotation of the plug by an inserted key. The lock cylinder and key each contain non-volatile, electronically alterable memory devices, such as EEPROM integrated circuits, which house keying system codes. The key EEPROM is preferably housed within the key blade, in a key design which closely resembles a traditional mechanical key. The release mechanism incorporates a locking pin which is moveable between plug-engaging and non-engaging positions, along a radius of the lock cylinder. The release mechanism may include a primary actuator which directly moves the locking pin, or may act indirectly upon the locking pin via a latching member.

An electronic locking system including a lock cylinder having an electronically actuable release assembly which is selectively enabled to disengage a pin from a cylinder plug, to permit the rotation of the plug by an inserted key. The lock cylinder and key each contain non-volatile, electronically alterable memory devices, such as EEPROM integrated circuits, which house keying system codes. The key EEPROM is preferably housed within the key blade, in a key design which closely resembles a traditional mechanical key without the usual bitting. The release mechanism incorporates a locking pin which is moveable between plug-engaging and non-engaging positions, along a radius of the lock cylinder. The release mechanism may include a primary actuator which directly moves the locking pin, or may act indirectly upon the locking pin via a latching member.

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Beverly, MA, United States of America

Bruce A Clarkson