Secure entry system with radio reprogramming

• US 6,822,553 B1
• Filed: 10/15/1993
• Issued: 11/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 10/16/1985
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GE Security Incorporated (Carrier Global Corporation)
• Original Assignee: GE Interlogix Incorporated (General Electric Company)
• Inventors: Larson, Wayne F., Henderson, Walter G., Barrett, Philip D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Zimmerman, Brian
• Application Number:
  US08/138,555
• Time in Patent Office: 4,057 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.31, 340/825.34, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 340/5.73, 235/382.5, 702/78, 455/269, 455/343, 379/98, 379/103, 379/105, 379/108, 379/107
• US Class Current: 340/5.73
• 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 2009/00761 with data transmission performed by connected means, e.g. mechanical contacts, plugs, connectors
• 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 70/7068 Actuated after correct combination recognized [e.g., numerical, alphabetical, or magnet[s] pattern]

Abstract

One or more lock or key units of a secure entry system is equipped with a radio receiver. The receiver permits a memory in the lock or key unit to be updated with new data that is modulated onto a radio frequency signal. By this technique, system-wide changes of programming data, such as changes of lockout lists and access codes, and changes targeted to specific units, such as disabling a particular key, can be implemented simply and quickly.

Claims

1. In an electronic key for use with an electronic lock, the key and lock being distinct from one another and movable relative thereto, the key including a microprocessor, a battery coupled to the microprocessor, a memory coupled to the microprocessor, a keypad including at least the digits 0-9, the keypad being coupled to the microprocessor, and a communications port for sending signals to the lock, an improvement comprising:

a receiver for receiving electromagnetic radio frequency signals; and

a decoder coupled to the receiver for providing data corresponding to a received radio frequency signal to the memory to change data stored therein;

wherein characteristics of the key can be programmed remotely and wherein the characteristics stored in memory include a code representing an expiration date for said key.