The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 09, 2001
Filed:
Jul. 07, 2000
Klaus W. Gartner, Verdes Estates, CA (US);
Dieter Butterweck, Dortmund, DE;
Peter J. Phillips, San Pedro, CA (US);
U-Code, Inc., Torrance, CA (US);
Abstract
An electronic combination lock having a dial-shape handle with a keypad incorporated therein is disclosed. Rotation of the handle extends or retracts a bolt that closes or opens the lock. The keypad includes indicia that give the user visual cues as to the orientation of the handle, thereby informing the user of the extended or retracted condition of the bolt. A battery pack is used to energize circuitry that recognizes a code entered through the keypad. The circuitry provides a control signal that activates a solenoid to extend or retract a bolt blocking device, which in turn prevents or enables movement of the bolt. A visual indicator warns of a low voltage or power condition in the battery pack. Electrical contacts are provided in the face plate of the handle to connect the circuitry to an external power source in case the battery pack fails.