Digital electronic lock system

Claim 1

In an electronic lock system for operating an electromechanical lock having an input port for electronic signals, an electronic key comprising, in combination: a portable housing containing a power source for generating power signals and including input means for generating electronic signals; and means for detachably joining the portable housing to the input port of said electromechanical lock and transferring said power signals to said electromechanical lock wherein said power signals are its sole source of power.

Claim 10

An apparatus for electronically controlling the activation of a lock-release mechanism, said apparatus comprising: a small, lightweight portable housing capable of being easily carried; an input means associated with said housing for converting instructions initiated by an operator of said apparatus into electrical signals; an energization source within said housing for powering said input means, said energization source having at least two terminals; a first connector integral with said housing and providing output ports for the electrical signals of said input means and the terminals of said energization source; a lock-release mechanism and a lock associated therewith mounted to a stationary fixture; a second connector for electronically mating with said first connector, said second connector being integrally mounted with said lock-release mechanism; an electronic decoder and detector means in said lock-release mechanism for receiving said electrical signals from said input means and for receiving power from said energization source when said first and second connectors are joined; and said electronic decoder and detector means being responsive to a predetermined coded signal to transfer power from said energization source to said lock-release mechanism thereby releasing the lock associated with said lock-release mechanism.

Claim 11

An apparatus for electronically controlling the activation of a lock-release mechanism, said apparatus comprising: a small, lightweight portable housing capable of being easily carried; an input means associated with said housing for converting instructions initiated by an operator of said apparatus into electrical signals; an energization source within said housing for powering said input means, said energization source having at least two terminals; a first connector integral with said housing and providing output ports for the electrical signals of said input means and the terminals of said energization source; a lock-release mechanism and a lock associated therewith mounted to a stationary fixture; a second connector for electronically mating with said first connector, said second connector being integrally mounted with said lock-release mechanism; an electronic decoder and detector means in said lock-release mechanism for receiving said electrical signals from said input means and for receiving power from said energization source when said first and second connectors are joined; and said electronic decoder and detector means being responsive to a predetermined coded signal to transfer power from said energization source to said lock-release mechanism thereby releasing the lock associated with said lock-release mechanism.

Claim 12

A method for energizing a lock-release mechanism integrally associated with a stationary device secured by a lock wherein said lock-release mechanism has an electrical input port for receiving power and control signals from a portable activator having an electrical output port, said method comprising the steps of: mating said electrical output port of said portable activator with said electrical input port of said lock-release mechanism; transferring electrical power to a decoder and a detector in said lock-release mechanism from a power source in said portable activator; transmitting from said portable activator a predetermined signal sequence from said output port and into said input port of said lock release mechanism; decoding said predetermined signal sequence; detecting said predetermined signal sequence and, in response thereto, releasing said lock; opening said stationary device unlocked by said lock-release mechanism; and decoupling said input and said output ports so that said portable activator is detached from said lock-release mechanism and removed to a remote location where it is physically and electronically isolated from said lock-release mechanism.

Claim 13

A method for energizing a lock-release mechanism integrally associated with a stationary device secured by a lock wherein said lock-release mechanism has an electrical input port for receiving power and control signals from a portable activator having an electrical output port, said method comprising the steps of: mating said electrical output port of said portable activator with said electrical input port of said lock-release mechanism; transferring electrical power to a decoder and a detector in said lock-release mechanism from a power source in said portable activator; transmitting from said portable activator a predetermined signal sequence from said output port and into said input port of said lock release mechanism; decoding said predetermined signal sequence; detecting said predetermined signal sequence and, in response thereto, releasing said lock; opening said stationary device unlocked by said lock-release mechanism; and decoupling said input and said output ports so that said portable activator is detached from said lock-release mechanism and removed to a remote location where it is physically and electronically isolated from said lock-release mechanism.

Claim 14

An apparatus for unlocking a locking mechanism comprising in combination: a portable actuator comprising; a power source, an input means energized by said power source for converting electromechanical signals generated by mechanical movement initiated by an operator to coded electrical signals, an output port having outputs for said input means and said power source, and a lock-release mechanism comprising; an input port for detachably mating with said output port of said portable actuator, a decoder for decoding said coded electrical signals from said input means by way of said input port, said decoder being supplied with power from said power source in said portable actuator by way of the coupling between said input and output ports, a detector for receiving decoded signals from said decoder, said detector also being supplied with power from said power source in said portable actuator by way of the coupling between said input and output ports and said detector generating an output signal in response to detecting a predetermined signal from said input means, and an electromechanical means and a lock associated therewith responsive to said output signal from said detector for unlocking said lock, said electromechanical means being supplied with power from said power source in said portable actuator by way of the coupling between said input and output ports.

Claim 15

An apparatus for unlocking a locking mechanism comprising in combination: a portable actuator comprising; a power source, an input means energized by said power source for converting electromechanical signals generated by mechanical movement initiated by an operator to coded electrical signals, an output port having outputs for said input means and said power source, and a lock-release mechanism comprising; an input port for detachably mating with said output port of said portable actuator, a decoder for decoding said coded electrical signals from said input means by way of said input port, said decoder being supplied with power from said power source in said portable actuator by way of the coupling between said input and output ports, a detector for receiving decoded signals from said decoder, said detector also being supplied with power from said power source in said portable actuator by way of the coupling between said input and output ports and said detector generating an output signal in response to detecting a predetermined signal from said input means, and an electromechanical means and a lock associated therewith responsive to said output signal from said detector for unlocking said lock, said electromechanical means being supplied with power from said power source in said portable actuator by way of the coupling between said input and output ports.

Claim 16

An apparatus for unlocking a locking mechanism and for receiving a portable actuator which includes a signal input means, power pack and output port, said apparatus comprising: an input port connected to a physically accessible area of said locking mechanism for mating with said output port of said portable actuator for transmitting to said apparatus signals from said signal input means and power from said power pack; a decoder for decoding signals from said signal input means received by way of said output and input ports, said decoder being supplied with power from said power pack by way of said output and input ports; a detector for receiving decoded signals from said decoder and being supplied with power from said power pack, said detector generating an output signal in response to receiving a predetermined decoded signal; and an electromechanical means response to said output signal from said detector for unlocking said locking mechanism, said electromechanical means being supplied with power from said power pack by way of said input and output ports.

Claim 17

An apparatus for unlocking a locking mechanism and for receiving a portable actuator which includes a signal input means, power pack and output port, said apparatus comprising: an input port connected to a physically accessible area of said locking mechanism for mating with said output port of said portable actuator for transmitting to said apparatus signals from said signal input means and power from said power pack; a decoder for decoding signals from said signal input means received by way of said output and input ports, said decoder being supplied with power from said power pack by way of said output and input ports; a detector for receiving decoded signals from said decoder and being supplied with power from said power pack, said detector generating an output signal in response to receiving a predetermined decoded signal; and an electromechanical means response to said output signal from said detector for unlocking said locking mechanism, said electromechanical means being supplied with power from said power pack by way of said input and output ports.