Secure entry system with acoustically coupled telephone interface

• US 5,245,652 A
• Filed: 12/05/1991
• Issued: 09/14/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 10/16/1985
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: GE Interlogix Incorporated (General Electric Company)
• Original Assignee: Supra Products, Inc. (Carrier Global Corporation)
• Inventors: Larson, Wayne F., Henderson, Walter G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dwyer, James L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MATAR, AHMAD
• Application Number:
  US07/806,801
• Time in Patent Office: 649 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.31, 340/825.32, 340/636, 340/355, 340/418, 379/103, 379/105, 379/98, 70/63, 70/271, 70/277, 70/278, 361/171, 361/172, 235/379, 235/380, 235/382.5, 902/26, 902/27
• US Class Current: 379/102.06
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 19/0005 Key safes E05B35/086 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0053 by operating the handle
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 1/32 Time-recording locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00769 with data transmission performed by wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00825 remotely by lines or wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00865 remotely by wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2209/08 With time considerations, e.g. temporary activation, valid time window or time limitations
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00309 operated with bidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00571 operated by interacting with a central unit
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00817 where the code of the lock can be programmed
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00857 where the code of the data carrier can be programmed
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00896 specially adapted for particular uses
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/21 having a variable access code
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/215 the system having a variable access-code, e.g. varied as a function of time
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/27 with central registration
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5031 Receptacle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7028 Electric

Abstract

A comprehensive real estate lockbox system is disclosed which provides a variety of operational features. One of these includes a reader key that can retrieve access data from a system lockbox. The reader key is provided with an audible tone generator which can be selectively enabled by the user. The tone generator can be used to download data from the reader key over telephone lines.

Claims

1. In a method of operating an electronic real estate lockbox system comprising a lockbox, a key, and a computer, the lockbox including:

communication means for relaying data, including access log data, between the lockbox and the key;

a key compartment for releasably containing a house key;

a key compartment lock for controllably securing the key compartment means in a locked state;

key compartment control means for unlocking the key compartment lock means upon receipt of proper data from the key via the communication means;

a shackle for releasably fastening the lockbox to a fixed object;

a shackle lock having released and retained states for controllably securing the shackle means in a locked position;

the key including;

communication means for relaying data, including access log data, between the key and the lockbox;

circuitry for controlling operation of the key;

battery means for supplying power to the key circuitry;

a keypad comprising a plurality of switches for permitting a user to enter data into the key; and

indicator means for providing feedback to the user on an operational status of the key;

the computer including;

means for receiving access log data from the key;

means for presenting access log data to a user;

wherein the improvement comprises;

providing an audible tone generator in the key and using said audible tone generator to download access log data from the key to the computer over telephone lines through a telephone mouthpiece.

2. The method of claim 1 which further includes:

providing, over telephone lines, lockout list data representative of keys that are to be locked out;

coupling said lockout list data to a key;

transferring said lockout list data from the key to a lockbox; and

preventing keys identified by the lockout list data from gaining access to the key compartment of the lockbox.

3. The method of claim 1 which further includes providing lockbox operating power from a battery.