Patent · US Expired

Electronic security system

US5745044A · kind A · utility

224Cited by
23References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 9, 1992
Grant dateApr 28, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 9, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04L2209/12
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An electronic security system includes an electronic lock mechanism and an electronic key, each of which is provided with a microprocessor controller and a memory storing data including an ID code and encryption key codes. The lock microprocessor may either change ID codes stored in its memory or encrypt a seed number to be used for determining access to the lock. The key can only be used to access the lock either once or for a limited number of successive times, and must thereafter be reprogrammed by a host computer to be loaded with either the proper ID code or the appropriate encryption key code for that lock. The electronic lock operates a solenoid which retracts a bolt-blocking mechanism that prevents the unlocking of the bolt even when a key having the correct mechanical key cuts is inserted into the lock. Power for operating the electronic lock as well as the solenoid is provided by a power supply within the key. In a preferred embodiment the key unit is composed of a handheld computer and key module interface.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.