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US 9,394,723 B1Granted
Lock that mechanically detects tampering
AssigneeAmazon Technologies, Inc.
InventorsGregory Branchek Roth, Alexander Zissis Ginos
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Pin tumbler locks are provided that include features for detecting tampering. Tampering may be detected in a number of different ways. As an example, abnormal movement of one or more of the driver pins in a pin tumbler lock can be an indication of tampering. In addition, one or more sensors can be included at the end of a keyway that detect picking or bumping beyond the length of normal key insertion. A mechanical actuator can be used for detection.
Claims25
A pin tumbler lock, comprising:
- a body;
- a plug rotatingly mounted in the body and comprising a keyway for receiving a key;
- a pin shaft extending from the body into the plug;
- at least one tumbler pin in the shaft;
- an actuator configured to actuate in response to movement of said at least one tumbler pin in the shaft beyond a predetermined position in the shaft;
- a lockout mechanism comprising a plunger pin for locking rotation of the plug;
- and
- a mechanical linkage connected between the lockout mechanism and the actuator and configured to transmit mechanical force from the actuator to the lockout mechanism so as to lock rotation of the plug.
5 more elements
A pin tumbler lock, comprising:
- a body;
- a plug rotatingly mounted in the body and defining a keyway for receiving a key;
- means for sensing tampering of the pin tumbler lock via the keyway;
- a lockout mechanism for locking rotation of the plug;
- and
- a mechanical linkage connected with the lockout mechanism and with the means for sensing tampering, the mechanical linkage configured to trigger the lockout mechanism when the means for sensing tampering senses an excessive movement of a pin in the keyway while the plug is stationary in the body, the excessive movement being greater than a movement expected with an authentic key, and configured to transmit mechanical force from the means for sensing tampering to the lockout mechanism.
3 more elements
A pin tumbler lock, comprising:
- a body;
- a plug rotatingly mounted in the body and defining a keyway for receiving a key;
- a lockout mechanism, inaccessible from the keyway, and configured to selectively lock rotation of the plug relative to the body;
- a sensor for sensing tampering of the pin tumbler lock via the keyway by sensing excessive travel of one or more pins in the keyway, the excessive travel being greater than a travel expected with an authentic key;
- and
- a mechanical linkage connected with the lockout mechanism and the sensor and configured to transmit mechanical force from the sensor to the lockout mechanism.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.