Multiple access electronic lock system

• US 5,923,264 A
• Filed: 12/22/1995
• Issued: 07/13/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Harrow Products LLC (Allegion PLC)
• Original Assignee: Harrow Products Incorporated
• Inventors: Walsh, John E. III, Conklin, Peter S., Hass, Brian D., Lavelle, Gary E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuchlinski, Jr., William A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Beaulieu, Yonel
• Application Number:
  US08/577,267
• Time in Patent Office: 1,299 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.31, 340/825.34, 340/542, 340/543, 340/545, 340/825.3, 340/825.32, 340/636, 70/275, 70/276, 70/277, 70/278, 235/375, 235/380, 235/382, 235/382.5, 455/343
• US Class Current: 340/5.64
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00674 with switch-buttons
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/0069 actuated in a predetermined sequence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/21 having a variable access code
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/22 in combination with an identity check of the pass holder
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/33 by means of a password

Abstract

An electronic door security system employs an input console having two readers for enhanced security. A microprocessor processes inputs applied at each of the readers to selectively permit access through a secured door. Application of an input to either reader transforms the controller to a power-up mode.

Claims

1. A door security system comprising:

latch means for latching a door;

lock operator means for selectively locking and unlocking said latch means;

an input console comprising;

first reader means comprising a key pad for receiving a personal access code;

second reader means for receiving an electronic code from a coded key;

controller means for controlling said operator means, said controller means having a powered down mode for power conservation, and an active mode, and said controller means being transformed to the active mode upon applying an input at one of said first reader means and said second reader means, said controller means comprising;

memory means for storing at least one valid personal access code and at least one valid electronic code;

processor means communicating with said memory means and said first reader means and said second reader means for processing information in one of at least a first processing mode and a second processing mode and automatically switching between said first and second processing modes in response to detecting inputs at said first reader means or said second reader means wherein in said first processing mode said processing comprises identifying a personal access code input at said first reader means, comparing said personal access code to at least said one valid access code and generating a first RELEASE signal in response to a positive comparison and, in said second processing mode said processing comprises identifying an electronic code input at said second reader means, comparing said electronic code to at least said one valid electronic code and generating a second RELEASE signal in response to a positive comparison,

wherein said operator means is responsive to said first and second RELEASE signals.

2. The door security system of claim 1 wherein said second reader means is a contact activatable data port.

3. The door security system of claim 2 wherein said second reader means further comprises means defining computer jack openings.

4. The door security system of claim 1 wherein said second reader means comprises a first contact defining a first contact surface, a second contact spaced from said first contact at a first distance and elevated from said first contact, said second contact defining a second contact surface generally orthogonal to said first contact surface, and a semi-circular shoulder spaced from said first contact a distance commensurate with said first distance.

5. The door security system of claim 4 wherein said first and second contacts further comprise means defining computer jack openings.

6. The door security system of claim 1 wherein said lock operator means comprises a low current motor.

7. The door security system of claim 1 wherein said memory means is programmable to add and remove valid personal access codes and valid electronic codes.

8. The door security system of claim 1 further comprising on-board power means for powering said security system.

9. The door security system of claim 1 wherein said input console further comprises an indicator light for indicating lock status.

10. A door security system comprising:

lock operator means for selectively locking and unlocking a latch assembly;

an input console comprising;

first reader means for receiving a first input code;

second reader means for receiving a second input code; and

controller means for controlling said operator means, said controller means having a powered down mode for power conservation and an active mode, and said controller means transforms from said powered down mode to said active power mode upon application of an input to one of said first reader means and said second reader means, said controller means comprising;

memory means for storing a set of valid first codes and a set of valid second codes;

processor means communicating with said memory means and said first reader means and said second reader means for processing information in a first processing mode and a second processing mode and automatically switching between said first and second processing modes in response to inputs at said first reader means or said second reader means wherein in said first processing mode said processing comprises identifying a first code input at said first reader means, comparing said first code to said set of valid first codes and generating a first RELEASE signal in response to a positive comparison and, in said second processing mode said processing comprises identifying a second code input at said second reader means, comparing said second code to said set of valid second codes and generating a second RELEASE signal in response to a positive comparison; and

on-board power means for powering said operator means and said controller means,

wherein said operator means is responsive to said first and second RELEASE signals.

11. The door security system of claim 10 wherein said first reader means comprises a key pad and said second reader means comprises an electronic contact activatable data port.

12. The door security system of claim 10 wherein said input console further comprises communication means for receiving a computer jack.

13. The door security system of claim 10 further comprising privacy means for disabling said first and second RELEASE signals.

14. A door security system comprising:

lock operator means for selectively locking and unlocking a latch assembly;

an input console comprising;

first reader means comprising a key pad for receiving a personal access code;

second reader means for receiving an electronic code from a coded key;

communication port means for communicating with a computer;

controller means for controlling said operator means, said controller means having a powered down mode for power conservation, and an active mode, and wherein said controller means is transformed to said active mode upon applying an input at one of said first reader means and said second reader means, said controller means comprising;

memory means communicatable with said communication port means for storing at least one valid personal access code and at least one valid electronic code;

processor means communicating with said memory means and said first reader means and said second reader means for processing information in at least a first processing mode and a second processing mode and automatically switching between said first and second processing modes in response to inputs at said first reader means or said second reader means wherein in said first processing mode said processing comprises identifying a personal access code input at said first reader means, comparing said personal access code to at least said one valid access code and generating a first RELEASE signal in response to a positive comparison and, in said second processing mode said processing comprises identifying an electronic code input at said second reader means, comparing said electronic code to at least said one valid electronic code and generating a second RELEASE signal in response to a positive comparison,

wherein said operator means is responsive to said first and second RELEASE signals for unlocking the latch assembly.

15. The door security system of claim 14 wherein said coded key comprises a ROM chip.

16. The door security system of claim 14 further comprising privacy means for disabling said first and second RELEASE signals.

17. The door security system of claim 14 wherein said second reader means comprises a first contact defining a first contact surface, a second contact spaced from said first contact at a first distance and elevated from said first contact, said second contact defining a second contact surface generally orthogonal to said first contact surface, and a semi-circular shoulder spaced from said first contact a distance commensurate with said first distance.