Fingerprint-actuated padlock
View Patent ↗A microprocessor-operated keyless entry padlock includes a fingerprint sensor for reading a fingerprint and comparing it to at least one fingerprint stored in memory in the padlock. If a match is found the padlock may be manually opened by a knob or automatically opened by actuating a drive gear to move a gear portion connected to a locking bar to open the locking bar.
1. A fingerprint-operated padlock, comprising:
a fingerprint sensor mounted on a padlock body having a locking bar;
a gear portion secured to the locking bar;
an actuating mechanism secured to a drive gear held in the body;
the drive gear cooperating with the gear portion;
a locking element cooperating with the drive gear;
a latch arm held in the padlock body and connected to the locking element;
a solenoid operable to move the latch arm and release the locking element from the drive gear;
a microprocessor and a power source held in the padlock body and operatively connected between the fingerprint sensor and the actuating mechanism to allow the locking bar to be opened if a fingerprint stored in a memory is matched to a fingerprint read by the fingerprint sensor; and
a button held on the padlock body to activate the power source.
2. The fingerprint-operated padlock of claim 1 wherein the actuating mechanism includes a manually actuated knob, rotatably held in the padlock body.
3. The fingerprint-operated padlock of claim 2 , further including a keyswitch operated between three positions to open or close the padlock, or to record a plurality of fingerprints into memory.
4. The fingerprint-operated padlock of claim 1 wherein the actuating mechanism includes an electric motor.
5. The fingerprint-operated padlock of claim 4 , further including a keyswitch operated between three positions to open or close the padlock, or to record a plurality of fingerprints into memory.