Patent Grant
8068027
The present invention relates to improved locking assemblies generally.
The following U.S. patents are believed to represent the current state of the art:
The present invention seeks to provide improved locking assemblies generally. There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a key-operated remotely monitorable locking assembly including a key-operated lock including a lock body including a key operated locking assembly and a tamper monitorable lockable assembly which is selectably locked to the lock body by operation of the mechanical key operated locking assembly and a wireless communication circuit located in at least one of the lock body and the lockable assembly for providing a remotely monitorable indication of tampering with the lockable assembly.
Preferably, the wireless communication circuit is also operative for providing a remotely monitorable indication of at least one of locking and unlocking the lockable assembly to the lock body. Alternatively or additionally, the wireless communication circuit is also operative for providing a remotely monitorable indication of at least one of presence and absence of the lockable assembly within the lock body.
Preferably, the tamper monitorable lockable assembly includes a flexible sealing wire assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the key operated locking assembly is operated by at least one of a mechanical key, an electronic key and a combined mechanical-electronic key. Alternatively or additionally, the tamper monitorable lockable assembly includes at least one conductor disposed about a retaining element, the conductor being monitored by the wireless communication circuit.
Preferably, the key operated remotely monitorable locking assembly also includes at least one monitorable element disposed within the lock body and at least one detector operative to monitor the presence of the monitorable element at a predetermined location within the lock body. Additionally, the monitorable element includes a magnet. Alternatively or additionally, the detector includes a reed switch. Alternatively, the detector includes an RFID sensor.
Preferably, the tamper monitorable lockable assembly is entirely removable from the lock body. Alternatively, the tamper monitorable lockable assembly is tethered at one side thereof to the lock body.
Preferably, the wireless communication circuit is operative provide a wireless indication if the tamper monitorable lockable assembly is unlocked from the lock body prior to receipt of wireless authorization by the wireless communication circuit.
Preferably, the key-operated remotely monitorable locking assembly also includes a key insertion sensor operative to sense whether a key is operatively inserted in the key operated locking assembly and the wireless communication circuit is also operative for providing a remotely monitorable indication of at least one of key insertion or the absence thereof.
There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a monitorable shipping container assembly including a shipping container body, a remotely monitorable locking assembly including a lock including a lock body and a tamper monitorable lockable assembly which is selectably locked to the lock body and a wireless communication circuit located in at least one of the lock body and the lockable assembly for providing a remotely monitorable indication of tampering with the lockable assembly and a support on the exterior of the shipping container body for removably supporting the locking assembly onto the shipping container body and a support sensor for sensing when the locking assembly is located on the support, the wireless communication circuit also being operative for providing a remotely monitorable indication responsive to an output of the sensor indicating whether the locking assembly is located on the support.
Preferably, the wireless communication circuit is also operative for providing a remotely monitorable indication of at least one of locking and unlocking the lockable assembly to the lock body. Additionally or alternatively, the remotely monitorable locking assembly is a key operated locking assembly.
Preferably, the remotely monitorable locking assembly also includes a key insertion sensor operative to sense whether a key is operatively inserted in the locking assembly and wherein the wireless communication circuit is also operative for providing a remotely monitorable indication of at least one of key insertion or the absence thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the tamper monitorable lockable assembly includes a flexible sealing wire assembly. Alternatively, the tamper monitorable lockable assembly includes a shackle assembly.
Preferably, the key operated locking assembly is operated by at least one of a mechanical key, an electronic key and a combined mechanical-electronic key. Additionally or alternatively, the tamper monitorable lockable assembly includes at least one conductor disposed about a retaining element, the conductor being monitorable by the wireless communication circuit.
Preferably, the remotely monitorable locking assembly also includes at least one monitorable element disposed within the lock body and at least one detector operative to monitor the presence of the monitorable element at a predetermined location within the lock body. Additionally, the monitorable element includes a magnet. Additionally or alternatively, the detector includes a reed switch. Alternatively, the detector includes an RFID sensor.
Preferably, the support sensor includes a magnet sensor. Alternatively, the support sensor includes an RFID sensor. Alternatively, the support sensor includes a reed switch.
There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a remotely monitorable closure assembly including a closure assembly arranged for mounting on a first closure element and including a closure body, a closure pin fixedly mounted onto the closure body and a wireless communication circuit located in the closure body for providing a remotely monitorable indication of tampering with the closure assembly and a closure pin receiver arranged for mounting on a second closure element cooperative with the first closure element, the closure pin receiver having at least a pin securing operative orientation and a pin releasing operative orientation.
Preferably, the remotely monitorable closure assembly also includes a key-operated lock associated with the closure pin receiver and being operative for selectably locking the closure pin receiver in the pin securing operative orientation. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second closure elements are first and second doors which may be secured in a closed mutual orientation by the closure assembly. Alternatively, the first and second closure elements are hatch portions of a tanker which may be secured in a closed mutual orientation by the closure assembly. Alternatively, the first and second closure elements are output valve access elements of a tanker which may be secured in a closed mutual orientation by the closure assembly.
Preferably, the remotely monitorable closure assembly also includes a mounting element fixed to the first closure element and wherein the closure body is mounted onto the mounting element. Additionally, the closure pin includes at least one conductor forming an electrical circuit, the electrical circuit being operative to provide indication of tampering to with the closure assembly to the wireless communication circuit.
Preferably, the closure pin receiver also includes at least one monitorable element operative to provide the wireless communication circuit with sensed information for monitoring the presence of closure pin at a predetermined location within the closure pin receiver. Additionally, the monitorable element includes at least one magnet.
Preferably, the wireless communication circuit is also operative for providing a remotely monitorable indication of at least one of the pin securing operative orientation and the pin releasing operative orientation. Additionally, shifting of the closure pin receiver between the pin securing operative orientation and the pin releasing operative orientation is governed by a spring loaded retaining assembly. Alternatively, shifting of the closure pin receiver between the pin securing operative orientation and the pin releasing operative orientation is governed by a rotation of a mechanical key disposed within the closure pin receiver.
Preferably, the remotely monitorable closure assembly also includes at least one pin receiver retaining element operative to retain a movable portion of the closure pin receiver within a remainder of the closure pin receiver.
There is even further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a remote visual identification system including a controller and a plurality of wirelessly addressable displaceable visual indicators, each including a mounting element, a selectably displaceable visual indicator mounted onto the mounting element, an individually addressable visual indicator displacement assembly operative to selectably displace the visual indicator and a wireless communicator associated with the displacement assembly and operative to receive operational signals from the controller.
Preferably, the displacement assembly includes a motor control circuit, a motor controlled by the motor controlled circuit and a transmission controlled by the motor and being operative to position the visual indicator. Additionally or alternatively, the visual indicator is selectably displaceable between an inoperative orientation and a visually indicating orientation by the motor and the transmission.
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
Reference is now made to
Preferably, doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 110 also includes a second conductor 116, which may or may not be arranged in a loop and define an electrical circuit, and additionally or alternatively one or more magnets or other monitorable elements 118, whose presence at a predetermined location with respect to one or more detectors 120 located within the housing 102 can be monitored. Monitoring of displacement of conductor 116 and/or elements 118 from the predetermined location thereof can provide an indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the lock, as well as of closing thereof. An additional indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the lock is preferably provided by a sensor 121 which is mounted adjacent cylinder 104.
Preferably electrical circuitry 114 also includes wireless communication circuitry which is operative to provide an indication of the locked/unlocked, and tamper status of the monitored locking assembly to a remote monitoring station (not shown).
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 210 preferably includes a first conductor 212, preferably arranged in a loop extending therealong and forming an electrical circuit whose integrity is monitorable by electrical circuitry 214 disposed within the key-operated lock 200, such that cutting or otherwise breaking the sealing wire assembly 210 produces an indication of tampering. The looped end of conductor 212 is preferably disposed about a retaining element 215, such that in a case of tampering, when conductor 212 is exposed it cannot be removed from doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 210 without being cut, producing an indication of tampering.
Preferably, doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 210 also includes a second conductor 216, which may or may not be arranged in a loop and define an electrical circuit, and additionally or alternatively one or more magnets or other monitorable elements 218, whose presence at a predetermined location with respect to a detector 220 located within the housing 202 can be monitored. Monitoring of magnet 218 is provided by a second magnet 222, which is preferably disposed on a spring element 224 below monitorable element 218. Spring element 224 is operative to ensure magnetic contact between magnet 218 and magnet 222 while the locking assembly 200 is locked.
Monitoring of displacement of conductor 216 from the predetermined location thereof and/or detachment of magnet 218 from magnet 222 can provide an indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the lock, as well as of closing thereof. An additional indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the lock is preferably provided by a sensor 225 which is mounted adjacent cylinder 204.
Preferably electrical circuitry 214 also includes wireless communication circuitry which is operative to provide an indication of the locked/unlocked, and tamper status of the monitored locking assembly to a remote monitoring station (not shown).
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 310 preferably includes a first conductor 312, preferably arranged in a loop extending therealong and forming an electrical circuit whose integrity is monitorable by electrical circuitry 314 disposed within the key-operated lock 300, such that cutting or otherwise breaking the sealing wire assembly 310 produces an indication of tampering. The looped end of conductor 312 is preferably disposed about a retaining element 315, such that in a case of tampering, when conductor 312 is exposed it cannot be removed from doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 310 without being cut, producing an indication of tampering.
Preferably, doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 310 also includes a second conductor 316, which may or may not be arranged in a loop and define an electrical circuit in series with a reed switch 318, whose presence at a predetermined location with respect to a magnet 320 located within the housing 302 can be monitored. Monitoring of displacement of conductor 316 and reed switch 318 from the predetermined location thereof can provide an indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the lock, as well as of closing thereof.
An additional indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the lock as well as closing thereof is preferably provided by a magnet 322 disposed at a predetermined location at the end of conductor 316, whose presence at a predetermined location with respect to a second magnet 324 can be monitored. Second magnet 324 is preferably disposed on a spring element 326 below magnet 322. Spring element 326 is operative to ensure magnetic contact between magnet 322 and magnet 324 while the locking assembly 300 is locked. A further indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the lock is preferably provided by a sensor 327 which is mounted adjacent cylinder 304.
Preferably electrical circuitry 314 also includes wireless communication circuitry which is operative to provide an indication of the locked/unlocked, and tamper status of the monitored locking assembly to a remote monitoring station (not shown).
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 410 preferably includes a first conductor 412, preferably arranged in a loop extending therealong and forming an electrical circuit whose integrity is monitorable by electrical circuitry 414 disposed within the key-operated lock 400, such that cutting or otherwise breaking the sealing wire assembly 410 produces an indication of tampering. The looped end of conductor 412 is preferably disposed about a retaining element 415, such that in a case of tampering, when conductor 412 is exposed it cannot be removed from doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 410 without being cut, producing an indication of tampering.
Preferably, doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 410 also includes a second conductor 416, which may or may not be arranged in a loop and define an electrical circuit, and additionally or alternatively one or more magnets or other monitorable elements 418, whose presence at a predetermined location with respect to a detector 420 located within the housing 402 can be monitored. Monitoring of magnet 418 is provided by a second magnet 422, which is preferably disposed on a spring element 424 below magnet 418. Spring element 424 is operative to ensure magnetic contact between magnet 418 and magnet 422 while the locking assembly 400 is locked. An additional indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the lock is preferably provided by a sensor 425 which is mounted adjacent cylinder 404.
Preferably electrical circuitry 414 also includes wireless communication circuitry which is operative to provide an indication of the locked/unlocked, and tamper status of the monitored locking assembly to a remote monitoring station (not shown).
In the embodiment of
It is appreciated that in the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
A preferred monitorable locking assembly is shown in
Doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 510 preferably includes a first conductor 512, preferably arranged in a loop extending therealong and forming an electrical circuit whose integrity is monitorable by electrical circuitry 514 disposed within the key-operated lock 503, such that cutting or otherwise breaking the sealing wire assembly 510 produces an indication of tampering. The looped end of conductor 512 is preferably disposed about a retaining element 515, such that in a case of tampering, when conductor 512 is exposed it cannot be removed from doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 510 without being cut, producing an indication of tampering.
Preferably, doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 510 also includes a second conductor 516, which may or may not be arranged in a loop and defines an electrical circuit, and additionally or alternatively one or more magnets or other monitorable elements 518, whose presence at a predetermined location with respect to at least one detector 520 located within the housing 504 can be monitored. Monitoring of displacement of conductor 516 and/or elements 518 from the predetermined location thereof can provide an indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the lock, as well as of closing thereof. An additional indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the lock is preferably provided by a sensor 521 which is mounted adjacent cylinder 505.
Preferably a locking assembly placement sensor 524 senses that the lock 503 is properly placed in holder 502 attached to the shipping container 501. Sensor 524 may be a magnet sensor, which senses the propinquity of a magnet 526, incorporated in holder 502, a reed switch incorporated in holder 502 which senses the propinquity of a magnet, an RFID sensor, a sensor which senses a protective communication code which is interactive with handshake or any other suitable sensor. Sensor 524 preferably provides an output to circuitry 514 which enables the location of the locking assembly in the holder 502 to be remotely monitored by transmission of the output of sensor 524 to a remote monitoring installation.
Lock 503 is maintained in place with respect to holder 502 by a pair of pins 528 which extend transversely from holder 502, and which are biased by a pair of springs 530. In a normal state, springs 530 bias pins 528 outwardly such that pins 528 pressurize housing 504 and maintain it in place. A user wanting to remove lock 503 from holder 502 can push pins 528 toward holder 502 against the biasing of springs 530, thus releasing the lock 503.
Reference is now made to
Doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 610 preferably includes a first conductor 612, preferably arranged in a loop extending therealong and forming an electrical circuit whose integrity is monitorable by electrical circuitry 614 disposed within the key-operated lock 600, such that cutting or otherwise breaking the sealing wire assembly 610 produces an indication of tampering. The looped end of conductor 612 is preferably disposed about a retaining element 615, such that in a case of tampering, when conductor 612 is exposed it cannot be removed from doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 610 without being cut, thus preventing the possibility of tampering which is not indicated.
Preferably, doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 610 also includes a second conductor 616, which may or may not be arranged in a loop and which defines an electrical circuit, and additionally or alternatively one or more magnets or other monitorable elements 618, whose presence at a predetermined location with respect to a detector 620 located within the housing 602 can be monitored. Monitoring of magnet 618 is provided by a second magnet 622, which is preferably disposed on a spring element 624 below magnet 618 which is operative to ensure magnetic contact between magnet 618 and magnet 622 while the locking assembly 600 is locked. Additional indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the lock is preferably provided by a sensor 625 which is mounted adjacent cylinder 604.
Preferably electrical circuitry 614 also includes wireless communication circuitry which is operative to provide an indication of the locked/unlocked, and tamper status of the monitored locking assembly to a remote monitoring station (not shown).
In the embodiment of
A key insertion sensor 630 senses whether a key 632 is inserted in cylinder 604. The key insertion sensor 630 typically includes a pin 634, which is biased by a spring 636 and whose position is sensed by any suitable conventional sensing element 638. The output of sensing element 638 is preferably supplied to circuitry 614, which also includes wireless communication circuitry which is operative to provide an indication of the locked/unlocked, key insertion and tamper status of the monitored locking assembly to a remote monitoring station (not shown).
Reference is now made to
Doubly-monitorable shackle assembly 710 preferably includes a first conductor 712, preferably arranged in a loop extending therealong and forming an electrical circuit whose integrity is monitorable by electrical circuitry 714 disposed within the key-operated lock 700, such that cutting or otherwise breaking the shackle assembly 710 produces an indication of tampering. The looped end of conductor 712 is preferably disposed about a retaining element 715, such that in a case of tampering, when conductor 712 is exposed it cannot be removed from doubly-monitorable sealing wire assembly 710 without being cut, thus preventing the possibility of tampering which is not indicated.
Preferably, doubly-monitorable shackle assembly 710 also includes a second conductor 716, which may or may not be arranged in a loop and define an electrical circuit, and additionally or alternatively one or more magnets or other monitorable elements 717 and 718, whose presence at a predetermined location with respect to detectors 719 and 720 located within the housing 702 can be monitored. Monitoring of displacement of conductor 716 and/or elements 717 and 718 from the predetermined location thereof can provide an indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the lock, as well as of closing thereof.
A key insertion sensor 730 senses whether a key 732 is inserted in cylinder 704. The output of key insertion sensor 730 is preferably supplied to circuitry 714, which also includes wireless communication circuitry which is operative to provide an indication of the locked/unlocked, key insertion and tamper status of the monitored locking assembly to a remote monitoring station (not shown).
Reference is now made to
Doubly-monitorable shackle assembly 810 preferably includes a first conductor 812, preferably arranged in a loop extending therealong and forming an electrical circuit whose integrity is monitorable by electrical circuitry 814 disposed within the shackle assembly 810, such that cutting or otherwise breaking the shackle assembly 810 produces an indication of tampering. Preferably, doubly-monitorable shackle assembly 810 also includes a second conductor 816, which may or may not be arranged in a loop and define an electrical circuit, and additionally or alternatively one or more magnet sensors or other monitoring elements 817 and 818, whose presence at a predetermined location with respect to one or more magnets or similar propinquity indicating elements 820 located within the housing 802 can be monitored. Monitoring of displacement of conductor 816 and/or elements 817 and 818 from the predetermined location thereof can provide an indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the lock, as well as of closing thereof. Typically, the monitored status of the locking assembly is wirelessly communicated from propinquity indicating elements 820 to circuitry 814.
Circuitry 814 preferably also includes wireless communication circuitry which is operative to provide an indication of the locked/unlocked and tamper status of the monitored locking assembly to a remote monitoring station (not shown).
Reference is now made to
As seen in
Referring now to
Mounted on pin assembly housing 914 is a pin 916 which preferably includes a first conductor 918, preferably arranged in a loop extending in a bore 920 disposed along pin 916 and forming an electrical circuit whose integrity is monitorable by electrical circuitry 924 disposed within the pin assembly housing 914, such that cutting or otherwise breaking the pin 916 produces an indication of tampering. Preferably, pin 916 or socket assembly 906 also includes a second conductor, which may or may not be arranged in a loop and define an electrical circuit.
Selectably positionable socket assembly 906 preferably comprises a mounting bracket 930, onto which is fixedly mounted a sleeve 931, which defines a longitudinal axis 932. A socket defining element 934 is slidably mounted in sleeve 931 for selectable positioning along axis 932 between extreme positions defined by engagement of pins 936, fixed to and extending transversely of socket defining element 934, and slots 938 formed in sleeve 931. The extreme positions are respectively a pin engagement position, as seen in
Preferably, one or more magnets 939 or other monitorable elements such as reed switches are disposed within a bore formed in socket defining element 934. Magnets 939 are operative to sense the presence of pin 916 at a predetermined location within the socket defining element 934, which presence can be monitored by circuitry 924. Monitoring of displacement of conductor 918 and/or pin 916 with respect to magnets 939 can provide an indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the locking assembly, as well as of closing thereof.
Shifting of the socket defining element 934 from one position to another is governed by a manually operable, spring loaded retaining assembly 940, which is partially seated in a bore 941 formed in socket defining element 934. Retaining assembly 940 includes a pin 942 having cylindrical sections 944 and 946, a hand-actuable button top 948 and a spring 949. Section 946, which lies above section 944, has a smaller diameter than section 944. Pin 942 engages a slot 950 formed in sleeve 931, which has a pair of relatively large diameter areas 952 and 954, separated by relatively narrow elongate area 956. The spring 949 tends to urge section 944 into engagement with slot 950, while manual depression of button top 948 brings section 946 into engagement with slot 950, at which time socket defining element 934 is movable relative to monitorable pin assembly 900.
It may be thus appreciated that by suitable manual operation of retaining assembly 940, the socket defining element 934 may be shifted from a pin engagement position, as shown in
Reference is now made to
As seen in
Referring now to
Mounted on pin assembly housing 1014 is a pin 1016 which preferably includes a first conductor 1018, preferably arranged in a loop extending in a bore 1020 disposed along pin 1016 and forming an electrical circuit whose integrity is monitorable by electrical circuitry 1024 disposed within the pin assembly housing 1014, such that cutting or otherwise breaking the pin 1016 produces an indication of tampering. Preferably, pin 1016 or socket assembly 1006 also includes a second conductor, which may or may not be arranged in a loop and define an electrical circuit.
Socket assembly 1006 preferably comprises a mounting bracket 1030, onto which is fixedly mounted a sleeve 1031, which defines a longitudinal axis 1032. A socket defining element 1034 is slidably mounted in sleeve 1031 for selectable axial positioning along axis 1032 between extreme positions defined by engagement of a pin 1036, fixed to a bore 1037 formed in socket defining element 1034 and extending transversely thereto, and a slot 1038 formed in sleeve 1031. The extreme positions are respectively a pin engagement position, as seen in
Preferably, one or more magnets 1039 or other monitorable elements, such as reed switches, are disposed within a bore formed in socket defining element 1034. Magnets 1039 are operative to sense the presence of pin 1016 at a predetermined location within the socket defining element 1034, which presence can be monitored by circuitry 1024. Monitoring of displacement of conductor 1018 and/or pin 1016 with respect to magnets 1039 can provide an indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the locking assembly, as well as of closing thereof.
Disposed within the socket defining element 1034 is a key housing barrel 1040 which is formed with a slot 1042 operative to engage a key 1044. Shifting of the socket defining element 1034 from one position to another is governed by manual operation and rotation of key 1044 within slot 1042 of barrel 1040, thus releasing pin 1016 such that socket defining element 1034 is movable axially relative to monitorable pin assembly 1000. It may be thus appreciated that by suitable manual operation of key 1044, the socket defining element 1034 may be shifted from a pin engagement position, as shown in
Reference is now made to
As seen in
Referring now to
Mounted on pin assembly housing 1118 is a pin 1120 which is preferably formed with a narrower neck portion 1121 and which preferably includes a first conductor 1122, preferably arranged in a loop extending in a bore 1124 disposed along pin 1120 and forming an electrical circuit whose integrity is monitorable by electrical circuitry 1126 disposed within the pin assembly housing 1118, such that cutting or otherwise breaking the pin 1120 produces an indication of tampering. Preferably, pin 1120 or socket assembly 1106 also includes a second conductor, which may or may not be arranged in a loop and define an electrical circuit and additionally or alternatively one or more magnets, reed switches or other monitorable elements, whose presence at a predetermined location can be monitored by circuitry 1126. Monitoring of displacement of conductor 1122 and/or monitorable elements can provide an indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the locking assembly, as well as of closing thereof.
A vertical bracket element 1130, having a generally square window 1132 formed therewithin, typically has mounting bracket 1110 mounted thereonto by screws or bolts, such that pin 1120 extends through window 1132. An additional planar bracket element 1134 is typically mounted onto a first side 1136 of handle 1102, such that vertical bracket element 1130 is moveable relative to planar bracket element 1134. Handle 1102 is preferably formed with a first bore 1138 which is adapted to have pin 1120 slidably extend therethrough, and with an additional bore 1140 which is adapted to have rod 1114 slidably extend therethrough. Rod 1114 is retained inside bore 1140 by a retaining element 1142 mounted in a bore 1144 at a forward end of the rod 1114.
Socket assembly 1106 preferably comprises a circular ring 1150 which is disposed within a cylindrical portion 1152 terminating in a wall portion 1154 having a central circular hole 1156 formed therein. Typically, cylindrical portion 1152 is mounted onto a second side 1158 of handle 1102 such that a central bore of ring 1150 and circular hole 1156 are aligned with bore 1138 and pin 1120 can slidably extend therethrough.
Shifting of the pin 1120 from one position to another with respect to handle 1102 is governed by a manually operable, spring loaded retaining assembly 1160, which is partially seated within cylindrical portion 1152. Retaining assembly 1160 includes a pin 1162 having cylindrical sections 1164, 1166, 1168 and 1170, a hand-actuable button top 1172 and a spring 1174. Typically, section 1164, which lies above section 1166 has a smaller diameter than section 1166, which in turn has a smaller diameter than section 1168 which lies therebelow. Section 1170 lies below section 1168, and has a smaller diameter than section 1168. Pin 1162 engages a bore 1176 formed in cylindrical portion 1152, and is biased downward by the urging of spring 1174 on section 1168, such that in a closed orientation of the locking assembly, section 1170 of pin 1162 engages neck portion 1121 of pin 1120. Manual raising of button top 1172, eases the pressure exerted by spring 1174 on section 1168, resulting in raising of pin 1162 and disengagement of section 1170 of pin 1162 from neck portion 1121 of pin 1120.
It may be thus appreciated that by suitable manual operation of retaining assembly 1160, pin 1120 and monitorable selectably positionable pin assembly 1100 may be shifted from a pin engagement position, as shown in
Reference is now made to
As seen in
Referring now to
Mounted on pin assembly housing 1218 is a pin 1220 which is preferably formed with a narrower neck portion 1221 and which preferably includes a first conductor 1222, preferably arranged in a loop extending in a bore 1224 disposed along pin 1220 and forming an electrical circuit whose integrity is monitorable by electrical circuitry 1226 disposed within the pin assembly housing 1218, such that cutting or otherwise breaking the pin 1220 produces an indication of tampering. Preferably, pin 1220 or socket assembly 1206 also includes a second conductor, which may or may not be arranged in a loop and define an electrical circuit, and additionally or alternatively one or more magnets, reed switches or other monitorable elements, whose presence at a predetermined location can be monitored by circuitry 1226. Monitoring of displacement of conductor 1222 and/or monitorable elements can provide an indication of authorized or unauthorized opening of the locking assembly, as well as of closing thereof.
A vertical bracket element 1230, having a generally square window 1232 formed therewithin, typically has mounting bracket 1210 mounted thereonto by screws or bolts, such that pin 1220 extends through window 1232. An additional planar bracket element 1234 is typically mounted onto a first side 1236 of handle 1202, such that vertical bracket element 1230 is moveable relative to planar bracket element 1234. Handle 1202 is preferably formed with a first bore 1238, which is adapted to have pin 1220 slidably extend therethrough, and with an additional bore 1240, which is adapted to have rod 1214 slidably extend therethrough. Rod 1214 is retained inside bore 1240 by a retaining element 1242 mounted in a bore 1244 at a forward end of the rod 1214.
Socket assembly 1206 preferably comprises a sleeve 1250, which defines a longitudinal axis 1252, and is mounted onto a second side 1258 of handle 1202 by mounting elements, such as screws or bolts. A socket defining element 1260 is mounted in sleeve 1250 for engagement of pin 1220 therein. Socket defining element 1260 is retained in location within sleeve 1250 by engagement of a pin 1262, fixed to a bore 1264 formed in socket defining element 1260 and extending transversely thereto, and a bore 1266 formed in sleeve 1250.
Disposed within the socket defining element 1260 is a key housing barrel 1270 which is formed with a slot 1272 operative to engage a key 1274. Shifting of the pin 1220 relative to socket defining element 1260 is governed by manual operation and rotation of key 1274 within slot 1272 of barrel 1270, thus releasing pin 1220.
It may be thus appreciated that by suitable manual operation of key 1274, pin 1220 and monitorable selectably positionable pin assembly 1200 may be shifted from a pin engagement position, as shown in
Reference is now made to
As seen in
As seen in
Alternatively, the information may be communicated to a remote computer 1330 via an antenna 1332 mounted thereon. Remote computer 1330 can then correlate the information and communicate the correlated information directly to remote control center 1314. As a further alternative, monitorable locking assembly 1310 may communicate directly with monitorable locking assembly 1326, to ensure that there is a match in fuel type and transfer location.
As seen in
Alternatively, the information from locking assemblies 1310 and 1326 may be communicated to computer 1330, via antenna 1332 mounted thereon. The information is then compared by computer 1330, and an alert indicating a discrepancy in fuel types is then communicated from computer 1330 via antenna 1332 to the operator at remote control center 1314. As a further alternative, monitorable locking assembly 1310 may communicate directly with monitorable locking assembly 1326, in which case the operator transferring the fuel from tanker 1300 to reservoir 1322 is alerted, preferably by a visual or audible alert.
As seen in
Alternatively, the information from locking assemblies 1310 and 1326 may be communicated to computer 1330, via antenna 1332 mounted thereon. The information is compared by computer 1330, and an alert indicating a discrepancy in locations is then communicated from computer 1330 via antenna 1332 to the operator at remote control center 1314. As a further alternative, monitorable locking assembly 1310 may communicate directly with monitorable locking assembly 1326, in which case the operator transferring the fuel from tanker 1300 to reservoir 1322 is alerted, preferably by a visual or audible alert.
Reference is now made to
As seen in
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of various features described and shown in the foregoing description as well as modifications and variations thereof which would occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not in the prior art.
Reference is made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/557,976, filed Mar. 30, 2004 entitled “ELECTRONIC PADLOCK”, to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/562,750, filed Apr. 15, 2004 entitled “SAFEGLOW-WIRELESS MONITORING SYSTEM FOR FLUID TANKERS”, to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/574,424, filed May 25, 2004 entitled “HI-G-PARK—WIRELESS CAR & STORED ITEMS IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM” and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/624,263, filed Nov. 2, 2004 entitled “REMOTELY MONITORABLE ELECTRONIC LOCKING DEVICE”, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference and priority of which is hereby claimed pursuant to 37 CFR 1.78(a) (4) and (5)(i).
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL2005/000357 | 3/30/2005 | WO | 00 | 8/8/2007 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2005/094172 | 10/13/2005 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 60557976 | Mar 2004 | US | |
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| 60574424 | May 2004 | US | |
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