LOCKED OR UNLOCKED

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to electronic devices for indicating lock/unlock status of a cylinder lock, and more particularly the present invention relates to systems coupled to operate with cylinder locks having a standard form, for indicating whether the cylinder lock is locked or unlocked.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

There are a number of prior art systems that electronically check whether a door was last locked or when the door was locked. In particular, with no limitation, it is desired to have the locking state of a knob cylinder lock. Referring to Figure 1, a typical knob cylinder lock assembly 20 is illustrated. Figure 2a is a side view illustration of a standard "European" type cylinder lock 30 and Figure 2b is a front (knob side) view illustration of cylinder lock 30. Cylinder lock assembly 20 includes a latch 22, a dead bolt 24 and a cylinder lock 30. Cylinder 30 is operable from a key hand side 34 by a key 40 and from a knob hand side by knob 32.

Some prior art systems are based on the direction of the turning of the key. Other prior art systems include electronic sensors inserted into the lock or attached to the door frame in the vicinity of the lock.

There is a need for and it would be advantageous to have a device built into a standard form cylinder lock that will indicate the state of the lock to a remote receiving unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the intention of the present invention to provide an electronic device that can be integrated into many types of cylinder locks, wherein the device is part of a system for determining the lock/unlocked status of the lock, and provide the data indicating the lock/unlocked status to a wired or wireless receiving unit. The types of cylinder locks that are suitable can be, for example, with no limitation, a "European" cylinder lock, a mortise cylinder lock and many others. The present invention will now be described mostly in terms of integrating an electronic device, for determining and indicating the lock/unlocked status of a lock, with a knob "European" cylinder lock, but the present invention is not limited to "European" type cylinder locks and can be integrated with mortise type cylinder locks and many other types of cylinder locks.

The term "radially aligned", as used herein, refers to two elements being in radial alignment, wherein a first element is spatially affixed and the second element rotates about an axis such that in each revolution, the second element faces (being substantially in maximal proximity to) the first element. If the first element is a sensor, the first element can sense the instant when the second element faces the sensor, that is, when the second element is substantially most proximal to the sensor.

The term "locked state" of a lock, as used herein, refers to the state in which the lock is locked and the lock operating key can be inserted or removed.

The term "unlocked state" of a lock, as used herein, refers to the state in which the lock is unlocked and the lock operating key can be inserted or removed.

According to the teachings of the present invention, there is provided a cylinder lock capable of being operationally locked and unlocked. The cylinder lock includes a non-rotating body, an operationally rotatable member having a rotational axis and an external surface. The cylinder lock further includes an electronic system for indicating whether the cylinder lock is locked or unlocked.

The electronic system includes one or more markers, each securely disposed on or proximal to the external surface of the rotatable member, at a respective marker location. The electronic system further includes two or more sensors disposed inside the non-rotating body of the cylinder lock, proximal to the external surface of the rotatable member, wherein the one or more markers are radially aligned with the respective two or more sensors.

The electronic system further includes a processor and indication means, operationally connected to the sensors and to the processor.

A zero state of the lock is the rotational state of the lock in which the key which key fittingly operates the cylinder lock is removed from the cylinder lock. The zero state can be either a locked state or an unlocked state. When the rotatable member is rotated in a locking direction (typically clockwise), after the rotatable member has been rotated at least by a locking radial angel, one of the markers faces a respective sensor of the two or more sensors, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor identifies that the lock is being locked. When the rotatable member is rotated in an unlocking direction (typically counterclockwise), after the rotatable member has been rotated at least by an unlocking radial angel, one of the markers faces a respective sensor of the two or more sensors, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor identifies that the lock is being unlocked.

When at least one marker comes into proximity with at least one of the two or more sensors, the processor identifies that the lock is in zero state, the zero state being either a locked state or an unlocked state, as has been identified by the processor, before reaching the zero state. If the processor has identified that the lock was being locked, then it is determined that the zero state is a locked state. If the processor has identified that the lock was being unlocked, then it is determined that the zero state is an unlocked state.

Preferably, the sensors are made as reed switches. Optionally, the sensors are made as Hall sensors.

In preferred variations of the present invention the cylinder lock is a European type cylinder lock, wherein the rotatable member has a cylindrical form having a first face, a second face and a peripheral external surface. Optionally, the European cylinder lock is a knob type cylinder lock.

The two or more sensors of the electronic system include a first sensor and a second sensor, and the markers include a first zero state marker, a second zero state marker, a locking state marker and an unlocking state marker.

The first zero state marker is securely disposed on the peripheral external surface at a first zero marker location, wherein the first zero state marker is radially aligned with the first sensor. The second zero state marker is securely disposed on the peripheral external surface at a second zero marker location, wherein the second zero state marker is radially aligned with the second sensor.

The locking state marker is securely disposed on the peripheral external surface at a locking marker location, wherein the locking state marker is radially aligned with the first sensor and wherein the locking marker location forms the locking radial angel with respect to the first zero marker location. The unlocking state marker is securely disposed on the peripheral external surface at an unlocking marker location, wherein the unlocking state marker is radially aligned with the second sensor and wherein the unlocking marker location forms the unlocking radial angel with respect to the second zero marker location.

When the rotatable member is rotated in a locking direction, after the rotatable member has been rotated at least by the locking radial angel, the locking state marker faces the first sensor, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor identifies that the cylinder lock is being locked.

When the rotatable member is rotated in an unlocking direction, after the rotatable member has been rotated at least by the unlocking radial angel, the unlocking state marker faces the second sensor, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor identifies that the cylinder lock is being unlocked.

When the first zero state marker comes into proximity with the first sensor and when the second zero state marker comes into proximity with the second sensor, the processor identifies that the cylinder lock is in zero state, the zero state being either a locked state or an unlocked state, as has been identified by the processor.

When the rotatable member is rotated in a locking direction, after the rotatable member has been rotated by an angel of at least (360° - the unlocking radial angel), the unlocking state marker faces the second sensor, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor conforms that the cylinder lock is being locked.

As the rotatable member continuous to rotated in a locking direction, when the rotatable member completes a full round, the first zero marker is again radially aligned with the first sensor, and the second zero state marker is again radially aligned with the second sensor, thereby reaching again a zero state, and wherein the processor, having identifies and conformed that the cylinder lock was being locked, determines that the zero state is a locked state.

When the rotatable member is rotated in a locking direction, after the rotatable member has been rotated at least by an angel larger than the locking radial angel, and then, the rotatable member is rotated in an unlocking direction, the locking state marker faces again the first sensor, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor determines that the cylinder lock has returned to an unlocked state.

When the rotatable member is rotated in an unlocking direction, after the rotatable member has been rotated by an angel of at least (360° - the locking radial angel), the locking state marker faces the first sensor, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor conforms that the cylinder lock is being unlocked.

As the rotatable member continuous to rotated in an unlocking direction, when the rotatable member completes a full round, the first zero marker is again radially aligned with the first sensor, and the second zero state marker is again radially aligned with the second sensor, thereby reaching again a zero state, and wherein the processor, having identifies and conformed that the cylinder lock was being unlocked, determines that the zero state is an unlocked state.

When the rotatable member is rotated in an unlocking direction, after the rotatable member has been rotated at least by an angel larger than the unlocking radial angel, and then the rotatable member is rotated in a locking direction, the unlocking state marker faces again the second sensor, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor determines that the cylinder lock has returned to a locked state.

In variations of the present invention, the European type cylinder lock includes a latch opening mechanism. When the cylinder lock is in an unlocked state and the rotatable member is rotated in an unlocking direction, after the rotatable member has been rotated at least by an angel of the unlocking radial angel, the unlocking state marker faces the second sensor, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor identifies that the latch of the cylinder lock is being opened. Typically, the unlocking radial angel is less than 45°.

In variations of the present invention the cylinder lock is a mortise type cylinder lock, wherein the rotatable member has a generally round and flat rotatable member, the flat rotatable member having a lingua protrusion extending from the periphery of the flat rotatable member. The non-rotating body includes a generally round and flat face, wherein the flat face of the non-rotating body is substantially parallel to the generally round and flat rotatable member.

The markers include a single marker. Typically, the two or more sensors include a zero state sensor, a locking state sensor and an unlocking state sensor.

The zero state sensor is securely disposed at the flat face of the non-rotating body at a zero sensor location, wherein the zero state sensor is radially aligned with the marker. The locking state sensor is securely disposed at the flat face of the non-rotating body at a locking sensor location, wherein the locking state sensor is radially aligned with the marker. The unlocking state sensor is securely disposed at the flat face of the non-rotating body at an unlocking sensor location, wherein the unlocking state sensor is radially aligned with the marker.

When the rotatable member is rotated in a locking direction, after the rotatable member has been rotated at least by the locking radial angel, the marker faces the locking sate sensor, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor identifies that the cylinder lock is being locked.

When the rotatable member is rotated in an unlocking direction, after the rotatable member has been rotated at least by the unlocking radial angel, the marker faces the unlocking state sensor, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor identifies that the cylinder lock is being unlocked.

When the marker comes into proximity with the zero state sensor, the processor identifies that the cylinder lock is in zero state, the zero state being either a locked state or an unlocked state, as has been identified by the processor.

When the rotatable member is rotated in a locking direction, after the rotatable member has been rotated by an angel of at least (360° - the unlocking radial angel), the marker faces the unlocking state sensor, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor conforms that the cylinder lock is being locked.

As the rotatable member continuous to rotated in a locking direction, when the rotatable member completes a full round, the marker is again radially aligned with the zero state sensor, thereby reaching again a zero state, and wherein the processor, having identifies and conformed that the cylinder lock was being locked, determines that the zero state is a locked state.

When the rotatable member is rotated in a locking direction, after the rotatable member has been rotated at least by an angel larger than the locking radial angel, and then the rotatable member is rotated in an unlocking direction, the marker faces again the locking state sensor, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor conforms that the cylinder lock has returned to an unlocked state.

When the rotatable member is rotated in an unlocking direction, after the rotatable member has been rotated by an angel of at least (360° - the locking radial angel), the marker faces the locking state sensor, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor conforms that the cylinder lock is being unlocked.

As the rotatable member continuous to rotated in an unlocking direction, when the rotatable member completes a full round, the marker is again radially aligned with the zero state sensor, thereby reaching again a zero state, and wherein the processor, having identifies and conformed that the cylinder lock was being unlocked, determines that the zero state is an unlocked state.

When the rotatable member is rotated in an unlocking direction, after the rotatable member has been rotated at least by an angel larger than the unlocking radial angel, and then the rotatable member is rotated in a locking direction, the marker faces again the unlocking state sensor, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor conforms that the cylinder lock has returned to a locked state.

In variations of the present invention, the mortise type cylinder lock includes a latch opening mechanism and wherein the cylinder lock is in unlocked state, when the rotatable member is rotated in an unlocking direction, after the rotatable member has been rotated at least by an angel of unlocking radial angel, the marker faces the unlocking state sensor, at least instantaneously, whereby the processor identifies that the latch of the cylinder lock is being opened Typically, the unlocking radial angel is less than 45°.

In preferred variations of the present invention, the indication means of the cylinder lock include remote indication means, wherein the remote indication means are contained within a remote receiving unit. The remote receiving unit is selected from the group consisting of a Bluetooth-based receiver, a cellular phone, a PDA, a PC and other managing controller units known in the art. The remote indication means are selected from the group consisting of the display of a designated electronic device, led lights and a buzzer or other audio devices.

In variations of the present invention, the indication means of the cylinder lock include local indication means built into the cylinder lock, wherein the local indication means are selected from the group consisting of led lights, an audio device and a display. In variations of the present invention, the indication means are integrated into an electric cylinder lock.

Preferably, the locking state data, containing the current locking state of the cylinder lock, is sent by the processor to a remote indication means via wireless communication means selected from the group including Bluetooth, Wifi, cellular phone network, a wireless modem and a Zigbee like wireless device. For example, the locking state data is sent in the form of an SMS. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration and example only and thus not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 (prior art) illustrates a typical knob cylinder lock assembly;

FIG. 2a is a side, partial cross section view illustration of a standard "European" type cylinder lock;

FIG. 3a is a side, partial cross section view illustration of a "European" type cylinder lock, in which an example electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of the cylinder lock is integrated, according to embodiments of the present invention, the lock being in a zero state;

FIG. 3b illustrates the "European" type cylinder lock with integrated electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of the cylinder lock as shown in Figure 3 a, the cylinder lock shown from the reverse side;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustration of a portion of the "European" type cylinder lock with an integrated electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of the cylinder lock, in the state shown in Figure 3 a;

FIG. 5a is a radial cross section view of the cylinder lock shown in Figure 3a, the lock being in a zero state;

FIG. 5b is a radial cross section view of the cylinder lock shown in Figure 3 a, the lock being in a zero state;

FIG. 6a is a side, partial cross section view illustration of a "European" type cylinder lock, in which an example electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of the cylinder lock is integrated, according to embodiments of the present invention, the lock being in a locking detecting state;

FIG. 6b illustrates the "European" type cylinder lock with integrated electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of the cylinder lock as shown in Figure 6a, the cylinder lock shown from the reverse side;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustration of a portion of the "European" type cylinder lock with integrated electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of the cylinder lock, in the state shown in Figure 6a; FIG. 8a is a radial cross section view of the cylinder lock shown in Figure 6a, the lock being in a locking detecting state;

FIG. 8b is a radial cross section view of the cylinder lock shown in Figure 6a, the lock being in a locking detecting state;

FIG. 9a is a side, partial cross section view illustration of a "European" type cylinder lock, in which an example electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of the cylinder lock is integrated, according to embodiments of the present invention, the lock being in an unlocking detecting state;

FIG. 9b illustrates the "European" type cylinder lock with an integrated electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of the cylinder lock as shown in Figure 9a, the cylinder lock shown from the reverse side;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustration of a portion of the "European" type cylinder lock with an integrated electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of the cylinder lock, in the state shown in Figure 9a;

FIG. 1 la is a radial cross section view of the cylinder lock shown in Figure 11a, the lock being in an unlocking detecting state;

FIG. 1 lb is a radial cross section view of the cylinder lock shown in Figure 11a, the lock being in an unlocking detecting state;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective views of a mortise cylinder lock, including an example electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of the cylinder lock is integrated, according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG 13, which is a side, partial cross section view illustration of the cylinder lock shown in Figure 12, the lock being in a zero state;

FIG 14, which is a side, partial cross section view illustration of the cylinder lock shown in Figure 12,the lock being in a locking detecting state;

FIG 15, which is a side, partial cross section view illustration of the cylinder lock shown in Figure 12,the lock being in an unlocking detecting state; and

FIGs. 16-17 are perspective views of a mortise cylinder lock, in which an example including an example electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of the cylinder lock is integrated, according to embodiments of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided, so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The methods and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The present invention is described in terms of the gas turbine using steam as the operating gas, but the present invention is not limited to operate with steam and other gases can be used within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention provides an electronic system, a portion of which can be integrated into many types of cylinder locks, to determine the lock/unlocked status of the lock, regardless of the operating key or mechanism, and provide the data indicating lock/unlocked status to a wired or wireless receiving unit. Many types of cylinder locks that are suitable, for example, with no limitation, a "European" cylinder lock, a mortise cylinder lock and many others.

Reference is now made to Figure 3 a, which is a side, partial cross section view illustration of a "European" type cylinder lock 100, in which an example electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of cylinder lock 100, is integrated, according to embodiments of the present invention, lock 100 shown in a zero state. Figure 3b illustrates cylinder lock 100, lock 100 being in a zero state, from the reverse side. Figure 4 is a perspective view illustration of a portion of cylinder lock 100, lock 100 being in a zero state.

Cylinder lock 100 includes a body 136, an operationally rotatable cylinder member 130 having a rotational axis 135 and an external surface 139 (see Figure 4), and an electronic system for detecting the locking state of cylinder lock 100. The electronic system includes a first sensor 110 and second sensor 112, each securely disposed (when assembled) proximal to external surface 139 of cylinder member 130. The first and second sensors (110 and 112) are preferably disposed inside body 136 of cylinder lock 100.

The electronic system further includes a first zero state marker 120 securely disposed on external surface 139 of cylinder member 130 at a first zero marker location, wherein first zero state marker 120 is radially aligned with first sensor 110. The radial line is denoted as virtual line 150 in Figure 4. The electronic system further includes a second zero state marker 122 securely disposed on external surface 139 of cylinder member 130 at a second zero marker location, wherein second zero state marker 122 is radially aligned with second sensor 112. The radial line is denoted as virtual line 152 in Figure 4.

Reference is also made to Figure 5a, which is a radial cross section view of the cylinder lock 100, section through virtual line 150, and to Figure 5b, which is a radial cross section view of the cylinder lock 100, section through virtual line 152. The electronic system further includes a locking state marker 124 and an unlocking state marker 126. Locking state marker 124 is securely disposed on external surface 139 of cylinder member 130, at a locking marker magnet location. Locking state marker 124 is radially aligned with first sensor 110, wherein the locking marker location forms a locking radial angel a with respect to the first zero marker location. The unlocking state marker 126 is securely disposed on external surface 139 of cylinder member 130, at an unlocking marker location. The unlocking state marker 126 is radially aligned with the second sensor 120, wherein the unlocking marker location forms an unlocking radial angel β with respect to the second zero marker location.

Preferably, with no limitation, all the markers (120, 122, 124 and 126) of the electronic system are made as magnets. Preferably, with no limitation, the first and second sensors (110 and 112) are made as reed switches. For example, the first and second sensors (110 and 112) can be made as Hall sensors.

The electronic system further includes a processor 160 (See figure 3a), an optional local receiving unit 165 operationally connected to a remote receiving unit 170 and indication means 180, operationally connected to first and second sensors (110 and 112).

Reference is now made to Figure 6a, which is a side, partial cross section view illustration of a "European" type cylinder lock 100, in which an example electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of cylinder lock 100, is integrated, according to embodiments of the present invention, lock 100 shown in a locking detecting state. Figure 6b illustrates cylinder lock 100, lock 100 being in a locking detecting state, from the reverse side. Figure 7 is a perspective view illustration of a portion of cylinder lock 100, lock 100 being in a locking detecting state. Reference is also made to Figure 8a, which is a radial cross section view of the cylinder lock 100, section through virtual line 150, and to Figure 8b, which is a radial cross section view of the cylinder lock 100, section through virtual line 152, lock 100 being in a locking detecting state.

When cylinder 130 is rotated in a locking direction 190 (typically clockwise), for example, by a turning knob 32, locking state marker 124 moves radially towards first sensor 110. After cylinder 130 has been rotated at least by locking radial angel a, locking state marker 124 faces (being substantially in maximal proximity to) first sensor 110, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 160 identifies that lock 100 is being locked.

Reference is now made to Figure 9a, which is a side, partial cross section view illustration of a "European" type cylinder lock 100, in which an example electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of cylinder lock 100, is integrated, according to embodiments of the present invention, lock 100 shown in an unlocking detecting state. Figure 9b illustrates cylinder lock 100, lock 100 being in an unlocking detecting state, from the reverse side. Figure 10 is a perspective view illustration of a portion of cylinder lock 100, lock 100 being in an unlocking detecting state. Reference is also made to Figure 1 la, which is a radial cross section view of the cylinder lock 100, section through virtual line 150, and to Figure l ib, which is a radial cross section view of the cylinder lock 100, section through virtual line 152, lock 100 being in an unlocking detecting state.

When cylinder 130 is rotated in an unlocking direction 192 (typically counterclockwise), for example, by turning knob 32, unlocking state marker 126 moves radially towards second sensor 120. After cylinder 130 has been rotated at least by unlocking radial angel β, locking state marker 126 faces second sensor 120, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 160 identifies that lock 100 is being unlocked. When first zero state marker 120 comes into proximity with first sensor 110, and second zero state marker 122 comes into proximity with second sensor 120, processor 160 identifies that lock 100 is in zero state, the zero state being either a locked state or an unlocked state, as has been identified by processor 160. If processor 160 has identified that lock 100 was being locked, then it is determined that the zero state is a locked state. If processor 160 has identified that lock 100 was being unlocked, then it is determined that the zero state is an unlocked state.

When locking cylinder lock 100, as cylinder 130 continuous to rotated in a locking direction 190, when cylinder 130 rotating a radial angle of at least (360° - β), unlocking state marker 126 faces second sensor 112, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 160 conforms that lock 100 is being locked. As cylinder 130 continuous to rotated in a locking direction 190, when cylinder 130 completes a full round, first zero marker 120 is again radially aligned with first sensor 110 and second zero state marker 122 is again radially aligned with second sensor 112, thereby reaching again a zero state. Processor 160, having identifies and conformed that lock 100 was being locked, determines that the zero state is a locked state.

It should be noted that if processor 160, has identifies that locking state marker 124 passed proximally to first sensor 110, and then that locking state marker 124 passes again proximally to first sensor 110 a second time and then reaching the zero state, processor 160 determines that lock 100 was being locked but the locking process did not complete and that cylinder lock 100 has returned to an unlocked state.

When unlocking cylinder lock 100, as cylinder 130 continuous to rotate in an unlocking direction 192, when cylinder 130 rotating a radial angle of at least (360° - a), locking state marker 124 faces first sensor 110, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 160 conforms that lock 100 is being unlocked. As cylinder 130 continuous to rotated in an unlocking direction 192, when cylinder 130 completes a full round, first zero marker 120 is again radially aligned with first sensor 110 and second zero state marker 122 is again radially aligned with second sensor 112, thereby reaching again a zero state. Processor 160, having identifies and conformed that lock 100 was being unlocked, determines that the zero state is an unlocked state.

It should be noted that if processor 160, has identifies that unlocking state marker 126 passes again proximally to second sensor 112, and then that unlocking state marker 126 passes again proximally to second sensor 112 a second time and then reaching the zero state, processor 160 determines that lock 100 was being locked but the locking process was not complete and that cylinder lock 100 has returned to an unlocked state.

In variations of the present invention, processor 160 is facilitated to determine whether the latch is being opened while cylinder lock 100 is in an unlocked state. It is quite common that cylinder locks includes a mechanism configured such that the tuning the key in an unlocked direction, while the cylinder lock is in an unlocked state, operatively pulls back latch 22 (see Figure 1) to an open position. By releasing the key, latch 22 operatively returns to the idle, closed position.

In a cylinder lock 100, having the latch opening mechanism and the cylinder lock

100 is in an unlocked state, when cylinder 130 is rotated in an unlocking direction 192, unlocking state marker 126 moves radially towards second sensor 120. After cylinder 130 has been rotated at least by unlocking radial angel β, unlocking state marker 126 faces second sensor 120, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 160 identifies that latch 22 of lock 100 is being opened. By releasing the key, latch 22 operatively returns to the idle, closed position, while operatively causing cylinder 130 to rotate in a locking direction 190 at least by unlocking radial angel β. Locking state marker 126 again, faces second sensor 120, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 160 identifies that latch 22 of lock 100 is returning to a closed position and that lock 100 is returning to an unlocked state.

It should be noted that determine am opening of latch 22, unlocking radial angel β should typically be less than 45°.

Optionally, the cylinder lock is a mortise type cylinder lock. Reference is made to figure 12, which is an exploded perspective views of a mortise cylinder lock 300, including an example electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of the cylinder lock is integrated, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Cylinder lock 300 includes a body 340, an operationally rotatable cylinder member 330 having a rotational axis 335 and an external surface 339, a rotatable cam member 338 securely attached to rotatable cylinder member 330, for example by screw 334, and an electronic system for detecting the locking state of cylinder lock 300. When cylinder member 330 rotates cam member 338, being securely attached to rotatable cylinder member 330, rotates too,

Rotatable cam member 338 has a generally round and flat form, wherein a lingua protrusion 332 extends from the periphery 336 of flat rotatable cam member 338. Non- rotating body 340 includes a generally round and flat external face surface 342, wherein flat face 342 is substantially parallel to the flat faces of cam member 338.

Reference is also made to Figure 13, which illustrates cylinder lock 300, lock 300 being in a zero state. The electronic system is similar to the electronic system shown integrated with cylinder lock 100. The electronic system of cylinder lock 300 includes a first sensor 310 and second sensor 312, each securely disposed (when assembled) proximal to external surface 339 of cylinder member 330. The first and second sensors (310 and 312) are preferably disposed inside body 340 of cylinder lock 300.

The electronic system further includes a first zero state marker 320 securely disposed on external surface 339 of cylinder member 330 at a first zero marker location, wherein first zero state marker 320 is radially aligned with first sensor 310. The radial line is denoted as virtual line 350 in Figure 12. The electronic system further includes a second zero state marker 322 securely disposed on external surface 339 of cylinder member 330 at a second zero marker location, wherein second zero state marker 322 is radially aligned with second sensor 312. The radial line is denoted as virtual line 352 in Figure 12.

Reference is also made to Figure 13, which is a side, partial cross section view illustration of a mortise type cylinder lock 300, in which an example electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of cylinder lock 300, is integrated, according to embodiments of the present invention. In the example shown in Figure 13, cylinder lock 300 is shown in zero state. Reference is also made to Figure 14, which is a side, partial cross section view illustration of lock 300 in locking detecting state, and to Figure 15, which is a side, partial cross section view illustration of lock 300 in unlocking detecting state.

The electronic system further includes a locking state marker 324 (see Figure 14) and an unlocking state marker 326 (see Figure 16). Locking state marker 324 is securely disposed on external surface 339 of cylinder member 330, at a locking marker magnet location. Locking state marker 324 is radially aligned with first sensor 310, wherein the locking marker location forms a locking radial angel with respect to the first zero marker location. The unlocking state marker 326 is securely disposed on external surface 339 of cylinder member 330, at an unlocking marker location. The unlocking state marker 326 is radially aligned with the second sensor 320, wherein the unlocking marker location forms an unlocking radial angel with respect to the second zero marker location.

Preferably, with no limitation, all the markers (320, 322, 324 and 326) of the electronic system are made as magnets. Preferably, with no limitation, the first and second sensors (310 and 312) are made as reed switches. For example, the first and second sensors (310 and 312) can be made as Hall sensors. The electronic system further includes a processor 360 (See figure 13), an optional local receiving unit 365 operationally connected to a remote receiving unit 370 and indication means 380, operationally connected to first and second sensors (310 and 312).

When cylinder 330 is rotated in a locking direction 390, for example by turning key 40, locking state marker 324 moves radially towards first sensor 310. After cylinder 330 has been rotated at least by the locking radial angel, locking state marker 324 faces (being substantially in maximal proximity to) first sensor 310, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 360 identifies that lock 300 is being locked.

When cylinder 330 is rotated in an unlocking direction (typically counterclockwise), for example by turning key 40, unlocking state marker 326 moves radially towards second sensor 320. After cylinder 330 has been rotated at least by the unlocking radial angel, locking state marker 326 faces second sensor 320, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 360 identifies that lock 300 is being unlocked.

When first zero state marker 320 comes into proximity with first sensor 310, and second zero state marker 322 comes into proximity with second sensor 320, processor 360 identifies that lock 300 is in zero state, the zero state being either a locked state or an unlocked state, as has been identified by processor 360. If processor 360 has identified that lock 300 was being locked, then it is determined that the zero state is a locked state. If processor 360 has identified that lock 300 was being unlocked, then it is determined that the zero state is an unlocked state.

When locking cylinder lock 300, as cylinder 330 continuous to rotated in a locking direction 390, when cylinder 330 rotating a radial angle of at least (360° - unlocking radial angel), unlocking state marker 326 faces second sensor 312, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 360 conforms that lock 300 is being locked. As cylinder 330 continuous to rotated in a locking direction 390, when cylinder 330 completes a full round, first zero marker 320 is again radially aligned with first sensor 310 and second zero state marker 322 is again radially aligned with second sensor 312, thereby reaching again a zero state. Processor 360, having identifies and confonned that lock 300 was being locked, determines that the zero state is a locked state.

It should be noted that if processor 360, has identifies that locking state marker 324 passed proximally to first sensor 310, and then that locking state marker 324 passes again proximally to first sensor 310 a second time and then reaching the zero state, processor 360 determines that lock 300 was being locked but the locking process did not complete and that cylinder lock 300 has returned to an unlocked state.

When unlocking cylinder lock 300, as cylinder 330 continuous to rotate in an unlocking direction, when cylinder 330 rotating a radial angle of at least (360° - locking radial angel), locking state marker 324 faces first sensor 310, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 360 conforms that lock 300 is being unlocked. As cylinder 330 continuous to rotated in an unlocking direction, when cylinder 330 completes a full round, first zero marker 320 is again radially aligned with first sensor 310 and second zero state marker 322 is again radially aligned with second sensor 312, thereby reaching again a zero state. Processor 360, having identifies and conformed that lock 300 was being unlocked, determines that the zero state is an unlocked state.

It should be noted that if processor 360, has identifies that unlocking state marker 326 passes again proximally to second sensor 312, and then that unlocking state marker 326 passes again proximally to second sensor 312 a second time and then reaching the zero state, processor 360 determines that lock 300 was being locked but the locking process was not complete and that cylinder lock 300 has returned to an unlocked state.

In variations of the present invention, processor 360 is facilitated to determine whether the latch is being opened while cylinder lock 300 is in an unlocked state. It is quite common that cylinder locks includes a mechanism configured such that the tuning the key in an unlocked direction, while the cylinder lock is in an unlocked state, operatively pulls back latch 22 (see Figure 1) to an open position. By releasing the key, latch 22 operatively returns to the idle, closed position.

In a cylinder lock 300, having the latch opening mechanism and the cylinder lock 300 is in an unlocked state, when cylinder 330 is rotated in an unlocking direction, unlocking state marker 326 moves radially towards second sensor 320. After cylinder 330 has been rotated at least by the unlocking radial angel, unlocking state marker 326 faces second sensor 320, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 360 identifies that latch 22 of lock 300 is being opened. By releasing the key, latch 22 operatively returns to the idle, closed position, while operatively causing cylinder 330 to rotate in a locking direction at least by the unlocking radial angel. Locking state marker 326 again, faces second sensor 320, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 360 identifies that latch 22 of lock 300 is returning to a closed position and that lock 300 is returning to an unlocked state. It should be noted that determine am opening of latch 22, the unlocking radial angel should typically be less than 45°.

Optionally, the cylinder lock is a mortise type cylinder lock. Reference is made to figures 16 and 17, which are perspective views of a mortise cylinder lock 200, including an example electronic system for indicating lock/unlock status of the cylinder lock is integrated, according to embodiments of the present invention.

Cylinder lock 200 includes a body 240, an operationally rotatable cylinder member 230 having a rotational axis 235, a rotatable cam member 238 securely attached to rotatable cylinder member 230 and thereby cam member 238 rotates when cylinder member 230 rotates, and an electronic system for detecting the locking state of cylinder lock 200.

Rotatable cam member 238 has a generally round and flat form, wherein a lingua protrusion 232 extends from the periphery 236 of flat rotatable cam member 238. Non- rotating body 240 includes a generally round and flat external face surface 242, wherein flat face 242 is substantially parallel to the flat faces of cam member 238.

The electronic system includes a first sensor 210, and second sensor 212 and third sensor 214, each securely disposed proximal to a face surface of rotatable cam member 238. The first, second and third sensors (210, 212 and 214) are preferably disposed inside body 240 of cylinder lock 200, at or proximal to flat external face surface 242.

The electronic system further includes a marker 220 securely disposed on rotatable cam member 238 at a marker location, wherein marker 220 is radially aligned with the first, second and third sensors (210, 212 and 214). The radial line is denoted as virtual line 250 in Figure 16. The electronic system further includes a processor 260 (See figure 17), an optional local receiving unit 265 operationally connected to a remote receiving unit 270 and indication means 280, operationally connected to first, second and third sensors (210, 212 and 214). Preferably, with no limitation, the marker of the electronic system is made as magnets. Preferably, with no limitation, the first, second and third sensors (210, 212 and 214) are made as reed switches. For example, the first, second and third sensors (210, 212 and 214) can be made as Hall sensors. When marker 220 is radially aligned with first sensor 210, marker 220 faces (being substantially in maximal proximity to) first sensor 210, cylinder lock 200 is in zero state.

When cam 238 is operatively rotated in a locking direction 290 (typically clockwise), for example by a key (not shown), marker 220 moves radially towards second sensor 212. After cam 238 has been rotated at least by locking radial angel y, marker 220 faces second sensor 212, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 260 identifies that cylinder lock 200 is being locked.

When cam 238 is operatively rotated in an unlocking direction 292 (typically counterclockwise), for example by a key (not shown), marker 220 moves radially towards third sensor 214. After cam 238 has been rotated at least by locking radial angel 3, marker 220 faces third sensor 214, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 260 identifies that cylinder lock 200 is being unlocked.

When locking cylinder lock 200, as cam 238 continuous to rotated in a locking direction 290, when cam 238 rotating a radial angle of at least (360° - 3), marker 220 faces third sensor 214, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 260 conforms that lock 200 is being locked. As cam 238 continuous to rotate in a locking direction 290, when cam 238 completes a full round, marker 220 is again radially aligned with first sensor 210, thereby reaching again a zero state. Processor 260, having identifies and conformed that lock 200 was being locked, determines that the zero state is a locked state.

It should be noted that if processor 260, has identifies that marker 220 passed proximally to second sensor 212, then identifies that marker 220 passes again proximally to second sensor 212 a second time, and then reaching the zero state, processor 260 determines that lock 200 was being locked but the locking process did not complete and that cylinder lock 200 has returned to an unlocked state.

When unlocking cylinder lock 200, as cam 238 continuous to rotated in an unlocking direction 292, when cam 238 rotating a radial angle of at least (360° - y), marker 220 faces second sensor 212, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 260 conforms that lock 200 is being locked. As cam 238 continuous to rotate in an unlocking direction 292, when cam 238 completes a full round, marker 220 is again radially aligned with first sensor 210, thereby reaching again a zero state. Processor 260, having identifies and conformed that lock 200 was being unlocked, determines that the zero state is an unlocked state.

It should be noted that if processor 260, has identifies that marker 220 passed proximally to third sensor 214, then identifies that marker 220 passes again proximally to third sensor 214 a second time, and then reaching the zero state, processor 260 determines that lock 200 was being unlocked but the unlocking process did not complete and that cylinder lock 200 has returned to a locked state.

In a cylinder lock 200, having the latch opening mechanism and the cylinder lock 200 is in an unlocked state, when cam 238 is rotated in an unlocking direction 292, marker 220 moves radially towards third sensor 214. After cam 238 has been rotated at least by unlocking radial angel 3, marker 220 faces third sensor 214, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 260 identifies that latch 22 of lock 200 is being opened. By releasing the key, latch 22 operatively returns to the idle, closed position, while operatively causing cam 238 to rotate in a locking direction 290 at least by unlocking radial angel δ. Marker 220 again, faces third sensor 214, at least instantaneously, whereby processor 260 identifies that latch 22 of lock 200 is returning to a closed position and that lock 200 is returning to an unlocked state.

It should be noted that determine am opening of latch 22, unlocking radial angel δ should typically be less than 45°.

Preferably, when the processor (160, 260, 360) determine a change in the cylinder lock (100, 200, 300) operational state, the processor (160, 260, 360) updates designated indication means (180, 280, 380), which indication means (180, 280, 380) are facilitated to indicate the status of the cylinder lock (100, 200, 300) to a user.

Preferably, the indication means (180, 280, 380) are disposed remotely with respect to the cylinder lock (100, 200, 300), in which case the processor (160, 260, 360) sends the status data related to the status of the cylinder lock (100, 200, 300) to remote receiving unit (170, 270, 370), which receiving unit (170, 270, 370) updates the designated indication means (180, 280, 380). The communication between the processor (160, 260, 360) and the receiving unit (170, 270, 370) can use any wireless communication means known in the art, including sending an SMS to a designated cellular phone.

Optionally, the electronic system of the cylinder lock (100, 200, 300) further includes an intermediate relay (165, 265, 365), which relay include on optional processor. Wherein the communication between the processor (160, 260, 360) and the receiving unit (170, 270, 370) goes from the processor (160, 260, 360) first to the interaiediate relay (165, 265, 365), which communicates the lock status to the receiving unit (170, 270, 370). The communication between the processor (160, 260, 360) and the intermediate relay (165, 265, 365) can be wired or wireless, for example using Bluetooth.

Optionally, the indication means (180, 280, 380) are disposed locally with respect to the cylinder lock (100, 200, 300), in which case the processor (160, 260, 360) sends the status data related to the status of the cylinder lock (100, 200, 300) to remote receiving unit (170, 270, 370), which receiving unit (170, 270, 370) updates the designated indication means (180, 280, 380). The remote receiving unit (170, 270, 370) is selected from the group consisting of a Bluetooth-based receiver, a cellular phone, a PDA, a PC and other managing controller units known in the art. The remote indication means are selected from the group consisting of the display of a designated electronic device, led lights and a buzzer or other audio indicators.

The communication between the processor (160, 260, 360) and the receiving unit (170, 270, 370) can use any wireless communication means known in the art, including sending an SMS to a designated cellular phone via another controller or a communication relay.

It should be noted that in all embodiments of the present invention, all the components of the electronic system that are integrated into the cylinder lock, are integrated such that none of the components interfere with the operation of the cylinder lock.

It should be further noted that preferably, in all embodiments of the present invention, the integration of components of the electronic system into the cylinder lock, does not alter the form of standard components of the standard cylinder lock.

The invention being thus described in terms of embodiments and examples, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.