Method and apparatus for interconnected electronic locks
First Claim
1. An electronically controlled lock system for a plurality of lockable units comprising:
- a plurality of electronic locks, one for each unit;
at least one key with a key code for presentation to the locks;
each lock having means for reading a key code when a key is presented to the lock, a memory containing at least one access code, means for comparing a presented key code and an access code, and means for opening the lock when a presented key code matches an access code; and
means for transmitting key codes presented at one lock to locks in other units, whereby any lock having an access code matching a transmitted key code is opened in response to presentation of a key to one lock.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A group of cabinets or other units each have a solenoid operated lock controlled by an electronic lock accessible by one or more electronic keys. The locks are linked together in a chain by power and data lines so that power is supplied through a single 12 volt transformer, and key codes are transmitted from a lock that reads a key to other locks, to open any cabinet programmed with an access code matching the transmitted key code. To limit power requirements, when one solenoid is being energized a busy signal is transmitted to prevent concurrent operation of other solenoids. A user installed master code stored in the lock and a corresponding master key are used to permit programming or erasing of other access key codes. A factory installed permanent reset code is stored in the lock and a secret algorithm known only to the manufacturer can derive the reset code from the cabinet serial number. When a master key is lost the user requests a reset key from the manufacturer who must use the secret algorithm to reveal the reset code and make a key containing the reset code. When that key is used, the master and access codes are erased, the lock is opened and the code in the reset key is scrambled to prevent its use for another reset operation.
36 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An electronically controlled lock system for a plurality of lockable units comprising:
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a plurality of electronic locks, one for each unit; at least one key with a key code for presentation to the locks; each lock having means for reading a key code when a key is presented to the lock, a memory containing at least one access code, means for comparing a presented key code and an access code, and means for opening the lock when a presented key code matches an access code; and means for transmitting key codes presented at one lock to locks in other units, whereby any lock having an access code matching a transmitted key code is opened in response to presentation of a key to one lock. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An electronically controlled lock system for a plurality of lockable units comprising:
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a plurality of electronic locks, one for each unit; at least one key with a key code for presentation to the locks; each lock including a microprocessor based circuit including a non-volatile memory for access codes, means for receiving data from a key, an auxiliary data input, a data output, means for comparing a presented key code and an access code, and means for opening the lock when a presented key code matches an access code; and a communication link interconnecting the plurality of locks and coupled to the respective auxiliary data inputs and the data outputs for transmitting key codes from one lock to another. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. In a system of electronically locked units and coded keys for opening all or selected units, the method of opening locked units comprising the steps of:
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providing the units with individual electronic locks; linking the electronic locks together for code communication; programming each unit with at least one access code matching at least one key code; presenting a key to one of the locks; reading the key code of the presented key; comparing the key code to the at least one access code stored in the one lock; opening the lock when the key code matches the access code; transmitting the key code from the one lock to other locks linked with the one lock; and comparing the key code to access codes in the other locks and selectively opening locks of the other units when code matches occur. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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Specification