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US 9,567,770 B1Granted
Lock that electronically detects tampering
AssigneeAmazon Technologies, Inc.
InventorsAlexander Zissis Ginos, Gregory Branchek Roth
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. An electrical sensor can be used for detection.
Claims24
A pin tumbler lock, comprising:
- a body;
- a plug rotatingly mounted in the body and comprising a keyway for receiving a key;
- a plurality of pins for the pin tumbler lock abutting the keyway;
- and
- a sensor configured to generate a signal in response to sensing tampering with the pin tumbler lock via the keyway, wherein the sensor senses excessive travel or movement of a pin of the plurality of pins beyond a location where the pin of the plurality of pins would travel under normal use, and generates the signal based in part on sensing that the excessive travel or movement of the pin exceeds travel or movement normally associated with receiving the key.
2 more elements
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 pin in the shaft;
- and
- a sensor for sensing excessive travel or movement of the pin in the shaft beyond a location where the pin would travel under normal use, and for generating a signal consistent with the excessive travel or movement of the pin based in part on sensing that the excessive travel or movement exceeds travel or movement of the pin normally associated with receipt of an authorized key.
3 more elements
A pin tumbler lock, comprising:
- a body;
- a plug rotatingly mounted in the body;
- and
- a winding mechanism for storing energy, the winding mechanism being coiled and wound by rotating the plug relative to the body, wherein the winding mechanism provides energy to a solenoid for the pin tumbler lock, the solenoid configured to actuate a lockout mechanism to fire and move a locking pin into position to straddle the shear line, preventing rotation of the plug.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.