Importance

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Abstract

An electronic dial combination lock has a spindle journalled within the lock for movement in two degrees of freedom, i.e., both rotational and axial displacement, to cause engagement of a push pin located on an internal cam wheel to engage one of a plurality of pressure-sensitive switches within the lock located in an evenly-spaced, circular pattern centered on the spindle's axis, each switch capable of making a discrete, unique electrical connection. Circuit means contained in the region sense the making of the electrical connections and detect when a given subset of connections has been made in a predetermined, sequential order corresponding to the lock's combination, to initiate an electrical signal within the region. The electrical signal may be used, e.g., to operate a solenoid to permit a conventional fence lever to engage the cam wheel such that a bolt within the lock may be withdrawn, such as in a safe door. The lock's internalization of all electronic circuitry renders it tamper-resistant relative to prior art electronic locks and as a suitable replacement for conventional, all-mechanical tumbler wheel locks.

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First Claim