Larry Cutter

US Patent:

53879031, Feb 7, 1995

Filed:

Apr 24, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/874191

Inventors:

Larry Cutter - San Pedro CA
Klaus W. Gartner - Palos Verdes Estates CA
Dieter Butterweck - Dortmund, DE
P. Vuilleumier - Gletterens, CH
Jean-Luc Monnier - La Chaux-de-Fonds, CH
P.-A. Sermet - Marin, CH

Assignee:

Ciposa Microtechniques SA

International Classification:

E05B 4300
E05B 4900

US Classification:

34082531

Abstract:

A programmable time lock includes a microprocessor, which senses the angular position of a key shaft via a sensor/encoder. The microprocessor includes ROM and RAM memory circuits, a timer, and a clock, and it can activate a stepper motor to control the position of a detent pin. The microprocessor is also connected to a display, which has fields for hours, minutes and seconds, as well as for the days of the week, for a cursor for each day, and for a low-power indicator. System time, as well as opening times for the lock may be set and changed simply by turning the key according to predefined routines. A method for operating the lock includes sets of steps for each of several routines: setting real time, setting opening times for each selected day of the week, and specialty routines including adding an intermediate opening time, cancelling the opening time for selected days, adjusting the system time, for example to change to or from daylight savings time, and verifying the version of the time lock in use. For all routines, the user first arms the lock by turning the key, and then selects a routine and enters the desired parameters by turning the key either continuously clockwise or counter-clockwise (to increment or decrement times or days) or by turning it back and forth to switch routines. In most routines, leaving the key stationary is used to signal acceptance of entered data.

US Patent:

55400680, Jul 30, 1996

Filed:

May 2, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/237258

Inventors:

Klaus W. Gartner - Palos Verdes Estates CA
Larry I. Cutter - Torrance CA
Peter I. Phillips - Lake Arrowhead CA

Assignee:

La Gard, Inc. - Torrance CA

International Classification:

E05B 4700

US Classification:

70277

Abstract:

An electronic combination lock is disclosed which allows access to a closed or secure location wherein the lock includes a locking mechanism for operating between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. A rotatable cam wheel has a circumferential surface portion defining a slot such that rotation of the cam wheel moves the slot. A movable lever is coupled to the locking mechanism for changing the condition of the locking mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition and is pivotably movable into and out of engagement with the cam wheel. The movable lever engages the cam wheel such that rotation of the cam wheel changes the condition of the locking mechanism. A cantilever and detent on the lever releasably maintain the lever in a position disengaged from the cam wheel. A solenoid and projectable detent moves the lever from its disengaged position for engaging the lever with the cam wheel so that rotation of the cam wheel changes the locking mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.

US Patent:

53076567, May 3, 1994

Filed:

Dec 17, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/629119

Inventors:

Klaus W. Gartner - Palos Verdes Estates CA
Larry I. Cutter - Torrance CA
Peter J. Phillips - Lake Arrowhead CA

Assignee:

La Gard, Inc. - Torrance CA

International Classification:

E05B 4700

US Classification:

70277

Abstract:

An electronic combination lock is disclosed which allows access to a closed or secure location wherein the lock includes a locking mechanism for operating between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. A rotatable cam wheel has a circumferential surface portion defining a slot such that rotation of the cam wheel moves the slot. A moveable lever is coupled to the locking mechanism for changing the condition of the locking mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition and is pivotably movable into and out of engagement with the cam wheel. The movable lever engages the cam wheel such that rotation of the cam wheel changes the condition of the locking mechanism. A cantilever and detent on the lever releasably maintain the lever in a position disengaged from the cam wheel. A solenoid and projectable detent moves the lever from its disengaged position for engaging the lever with the cam wheel so that rotation of the cam wheel changes the locking mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.

US Patent:

55944302, Jan 14, 1997

Filed:

Aug 23, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/294315

Inventors:

Larry Cutter - San Pedro CA
Klaus W. Gartner - Palos Verdes Estates CA
Dieter Butterweck - Dortmund, DE
P. Vuilleumier - Gletterens, CH
Jean-Luc Monnier - La Chaux-de-Fonds, CH
P-A Sermet - Marin, CH

Assignee:

La Gard - Torrance CA
Ciposa Microtechniques SA

International Classification:

E05B 4300
E05B 4900

US Classification:

34082531

Abstract:

A programmable time lock includes a microprocessor, which senses the angular position of a key shaft via a sensor/encoder. The microprocessor includes ROM and RAM memory circuits, a timer, and a clock, and it can activate a stepper motor to control the position of a detent pin. The microprocessor is also connected to a display, which has fields for hours, minutes and seconds, as well as for the days of the week, for a cursor for each day, and for a low-power indicator. System time, as well as opening times for the lock may be set and changed simply by turning the key according to predefined routines. A method for operating the lock includes sets of steps for each of several routines: setting real time, setting opening times for each selected day of the week, and specialty routines including adding an intermediate opening time, cancelling the opening time for selected days, adjusting the system time, for example to change to or from daylight savings time, and verifying the version of the time lock in use. For all routines, the user first arms the lock by turning the key, and then selects a routine and enters the desired parameters by turning the key either continuously clockwise or counter-clockwise (to increment or decrement times or days) or by turning it back and forth to switch routines. In most routines, leaving the key stationary is used to signal acceptance of entered data.

US Patent:

62958496, Oct 2, 2001

Filed:

Jul 13, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/116335

Inventors:

Klaus W. Gartner - Palos Verdes Estates CA
Larry I. Cutter - Torrance CA
Peter J. Phillips - Lake Arrowhead CA

Assignee:

Masco Corporation - Taylor MI

International Classification:

E05B 4700

US Classification:

70277

Abstract:

An electronic combination lock is disclosed which allows access to a closed or secure location wherein the lock includes a locking mechanism for operating between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. A rotatable cam wheel has a circumferential surface portion defining a slot such that rotation of the cam wheel moves the slot. A movable lever is coupled to the locking mechanism for changing the condition of the locking mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition and is pivotably movable into and out of engagement with the cam wheel. The movable lever engages the cam wheel such that rotation of the cam wheel changes the condition of the locking mechanism. A cantilever and detent on the lever releasably maintain the lever in a position disengaged from the cam wheel. A solenoid and projectable detent moves the lever from its disengaged position for engaging the lever with the cam wheel so that rotation of the cam wheel changes the locking mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.

US Patent:

57787115, Jul 14, 1998

Filed:

Jun 26, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/669748

Inventors:

Klaus W. Gartner - Palos Verdes Estates CA
Larry I. Cutter - Torrance CA
Peter J. Phillips - Lake Arrowhead CA

Assignee:

Masco Corporation - Taylor MI

International Classification:

E05B 4700

US Classification:

70277

Abstract:

An electronic combination lock is disclosed which allows access to a closed or secure location wherein the lock includes a locking mechanism for operating between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. A rotatable cam wheel has a circumferential surface portion defining a slot such that rotation of the cam wheel moves the slot. A movable lever is coupled to the locking mechanism for changing the condition of the locking mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition and is pivotably movable into and out of engagement with the cam wheel. The movable lever engages the cam wheel such that rotation of the cam wheel changes the condition of the locking mechanism. A cantilever and detent on the lever releasably maintain the lever in a position disengaged from the cam wheel. A solenoid and projectable detent moves the lever from its disengaged position for engaging the lever with the cam wheel so that rotation of the cam wheel changes the locking mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition.