Apparatus and Method for Controlling and Monitoring Access to a Storage Container
First Claim
1. A system for monitoring and controlling access to valuable objects comprising:
- at least one panel having a plurality of receptacles;
at least one insert operable to be releasably engaged with at least one of the receptacles;
each insert having a respective electronic identifier; and
an electronic controller operably coupled with the panel to monitor and record when each insert is engaged with and disengaged from one of the receptacles.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A panel having a plurality of receptacles may be disposed in a storage container. A plurality of inserts may be releasably engaged with respective receptacles. One or more valuable object may be attached to each insert. One of the valuable objects may be a key to provide access to remotely located equipment or other types of enclosures. An electronic controller may be provided to monitor and keep a record of each time an insert is removed from and returned to one of the receptacles. The electronic controller may monitor and record possible tampering with the panel. The electronic controller may be operable to communicate with remotely located equipment, handheld devices and/or a network operations center. If the valuable object is a key for a lock associated with remotely located equipment, the electronic controller may also monitor and record each time the remotely located equipment is opened and closed.
104 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A system for monitoring and controlling access to valuable objects comprising:
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at least one panel having a plurality of receptacles; at least one insert operable to be releasably engaged with at least one of the receptacles; each insert having a respective electronic identifier; and an electronic controller operably coupled with the panel to monitor and record when each insert is engaged with and disengaged from one of the receptacles. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for monitoring and controlling access to a storage container with valuable objects disposed therein comprising:
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the storage container including a housing having a hollow interior with at least one door; a lock on the door to prevent unauthorized access to the storage container; at least one panel disposed within the storage container having a plurality of receptacles in which respective inserts may be releasably engaged; a respective electronic identifier disposed within each insert; each receptacle operable to electrically contact the electronic identifier when one of the inserts is releasably disposed within the receptacle; and each receptacle operable to communicate with an electronic controller when one of the inserts has been engaged with the receptacle and disengaged from the respective receptacle. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A system for controlling and monitoring access to a mobile storage container disposed within a service vehicle and valuable objects disposed within the mobile storage container comprising:
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an electronic enclosure disposed within the service vehicle; the electronic enclosure operably coupled with the mobile storage container; an electronic controller disposed within the electronic enclosure; the mobile storage container having a plurality of receptacles operable to be releasably engaged with respective inserts; each insert having a respective unique, electronic identifier; each receptacle operable to communicate a signal to the electronic controller when one of the inserts is engaged with the receptacle and when the one insert is removed from the receptacle; and the electronic controller operable to identify the respective insert disposed in the receptacle. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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28. A method to monitor and control access to inserts disposed within a container comprising:
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releasably engaging each insert with a respective receptacle disposed within the container; and sending a signal from a respective electronic identifier disposed in each insert to an electronic controller to indicate when the insert is installed within the receptacle and to indicate when the insert has been removed from the receptacle; - View Dependent Claims (29, 30)
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Specification