Secure electronic compartment lock and method therfor
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising:
- a latch mechanism adapted to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position;
an input facility adapted to receive programmed data, the programmed data capable of engaging the latch mechanism;
a detection facility, coupled to the latch mechanism, the detection facility adapted to detect engagement of the latch mechanism;
a memory facility adapted to store data relating to the programmed data that engaged the latch mechanism;
an identifier mounted in proximity to the latch mechanism that identifies the apparatus; and
an output facility that outputs data representative of latch mechanism activity.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic lock that can be used on luggage, baggage, rail cars, trailers or any compartment that can be opened and re-locked. The lock provides tracking of when the lock was opened, where the lock was opened and data relating to the key that was used to open the lock. An input facility on the lock receives programmed data, which is capable of engaging the lock. The programmed data is typically stored on a magnetic card. A detection facility is coupled to the latch mechanism of the lock, and the detection facility detects engagement of the latch mechanism by the card. A memory stores data relating to the programmed data that engaged the latch mechanism. An identifier is mounted in proximity to the latch mechanism that identifies the lock and an output facility outputs data representative of lock activity.
42 Citations
32 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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a latch mechanism adapted to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position;
an input facility adapted to receive programmed data, the programmed data capable of engaging the latch mechanism;
a detection facility, coupled to the latch mechanism, the detection facility adapted to detect engagement of the latch mechanism;
a memory facility adapted to store data relating to the programmed data that engaged the latch mechanism;
an identifier mounted in proximity to the latch mechanism that identifies the apparatus; and
an output facility that outputs data representative of latch mechanism activity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for enabling engagement of a lock comprising:
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providing programmed data to a latch;
detecting engagement of the latch;
storing data relating to the programmed data capable of engaging the latch;
identifying the lock using a coded data representation; and
outputting data relating to engagement of the latch. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A system comprising:
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a lock;
a latch mechanism, mounted on the lock;
an input facility adapted to receive programmed data, the programmed data capable of engaging the latch mechanism;
a detection facility, coupled to the latch mechanism, the detection facility adapted to detect engagement of the latch mechanism;
a memory facility adapted to store data relating to activity of the latch mechanism; and
an output facility that outputs data representative of latch mechanism activity. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. An apparatus comprising:
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a database adapted to store data relating to activity of a lock mechanism; and
an input module, coupled to the database, the input module adapted to input data relating to a particular lock mechanism, wherein the data relating to activity of the lock mechanism includes a time the lock was opened and a location the lock was opened and identification of a key used to open the lock.
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30. An apparatus for enabling engagement of a lock comprising:
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means for inputting programmed data to a latch;
means for detecting engagement of the latch;
means for storing data relating to the programmed data capable of engaging the latch;
means for identifying the lock using a coded data representation;
and means for outputting data relating to engagement of the latch. - View Dependent Claims (31)
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32. A system for tracking a plurality of articles comprising:
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one or more locking mechanisms, each locking mechanism affixed to an associated article, and each locking mechanism having a detection facility adapted to detect engagement of the locking mechanism;
one or more engagement devices, each engagement device adapted to engage the locking mechanisms;
a storage facility adapted to store data relating to the engagement of the locking mechanisms; and
an output facility adapted to output data relating to the engagement of the locking mechanisms.
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Specification