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US5349345A
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US
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Electronic lock
Assignee: VINDICATOR Corp A CORPORATION OF
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Filing: 1992-06-30
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Granted: 1994-09-20
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Expires: 2012-06-30
Abstract
Abstract An electronic lock system includes a key having a memory for storing a first parameter defined by a plurality of fields and a second parameter indicative of a number of the fields. A lock has a receptacle for reading the first and second parameters from the key's memory and compare circuitry for comparing respective fields of the first parameter with a third parameter stored in the lock, with the number of fields compared based on the second parameter. Access to the lock is provided responsive to the compare circuitry, such that a single key may access a predetermined set of locks. The electronic lock is capable of performing a plurality of functions. Control is provided such that permission to access the functions is configurable for each key.
Inventors
- 👤 David J. Vanderschel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 17:23
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/00174; G07C9/00896; G07C9/00912; G07C2009/00753; G07C2009/00761
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
An electronic lock system comprising: a key having a first memory for storing a first parameter comprising a plurality of fields and a second parameter indicative of a number of said fields; and a lock comprising: a receptacle for reading said first and second parameters from said first memory; a second memory for storing a third parameter associated with the lock and comprising a plurality of fields; compare circuitry for comparing respective fields of said first and third parameters, the number of fields compared based on said second parameter; and circuitry for providing access to said lock responsive to said compare circuitry, such that a single key may access a predetermined set of locks.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
An electronic lock system comprising: a key having a first memory for storing a first parameter comprising a plurality of fields and a second parameter indicative of a number of said fields; and a lock comprising: a receptacle for reading said first and second parameters from said first memory; a second memory for storing a third parameter associated with the lock and comprising a plurality of fields; compare circuitry for comparing respective fields of said first and third parameters, the number of fields compared based on said second parameter; and circuitry for providing access to said lock responsive to said compare circuitry, such that a single key may access a predetermined set of locks.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electronic lock of claim 1 wherein said lock further comprises a database for storing information regarding keys provided access to the lock.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The electronic lock of claim 2 wherein said lock further comprises circuitry for setting said first parameter equal to said third parameter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The electronic lock of claim 3 wherein said setting circuitry comprises circuitry for setting said first parameter to said third parameter if said first parameter is set to a predetermined value indicating that the key has not previously accessed another lock.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electronic lock of claim 4 further comprising circuitry for returning said first parameter to said predetermined value.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of allowing access to a lock comprising: reading first and second parameters from a memory presented to the lock, said first parameter comprising a plurality of fields and said second parameter indicating a predetermined number of said fields; comparing a predetermined number of fields of said first parameter, based on said indicated predetermined number of said fields with corresponding fields of a third parameter associated with the lock; and allowing access to the lock if said predetermined number of fields of said first parameter and corresponding fields of said third parameter match.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of allowing access to a lock comprising: reading first and second parameters from a memory presented to the lock, said first parameter comprising a plurality of fields and said second parameter indicating a predetermined number of said fields; comparing a predetermined number of fields of said first parameter, based on said indicated predetermined number of said fields with corresponding fields of a third parameter associated with the lock; and allowing access to the lock if said predetermined number of fields of said first parameter and corresponding fields of said third parameter match.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said first parameter comprises a plurality of binary coded digits.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 7 wherein each field of said first parameter comprises a binary coded digit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of writing the value of said third parameter to said first parameter, if said first parameter is equal to a predetermined value.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4717816A
Cited
US4947163A
Cited
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-09-19 | 1998-03-21 | 1998-09-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-09-19 | 2002-03-21 | 2002-09-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-09-19 | 2006-03-21 | 2006-09-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |