Field retrofittable refrigerator lock with temperature monitoring, temperature based access control and alarming

US8199019B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• CompX International Inc.

Inventors

• Kenneth A. Kaczmarz · La Grange Park, US
• Mitchell S. Mlynarczyk · Hoffman Estates, US
• John B. Payson · Naperville, US
• Brock E. Robinson · Crest Hill, US
• Ernest Vaughn · Waukegan, US
• Francis H. Zimmerman · Libertyville, US
• Matthew R. Greiner · Simpsonville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 14, 2008
• Grant date: Jun 12, 2012
• Expiry date: Apr 13, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F25D2700/12
• WIPO field: Other consumer goods
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

Disclosed are apparatus and methodology subject matters for temperature monitoring and controlled access to refrigerated medications. An electronically controlled lock is installed on a refrigerator used for storage of temperature sensitive medications. Lock access is given to individuals having differing levels of access authorization so that user level authorization holders may have access to stored medications. Supervisor level authorization holders may have access to stored medications and may also effect changes in lock settings including setting alarm levels. Alarm levels may be adjusted to monitor temperatures within the refrigerated storage area so that in the case that temperature fall outside preset limits, access to the stored medicines may be had only by those individuals having supervisory access authorization.