CA2001541C - Electronic interlock for storage assemblies - Google Patents
Electronic interlock for storage assembliesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2001541C CA2001541C CA 2001541 CA2001541A CA2001541C CA 2001541 C CA2001541 C CA 2001541C CA 2001541 CA2001541 CA 2001541 CA 2001541 A CA2001541 A CA 2001541A CA 2001541 C CA2001541 C CA 2001541C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- storage units
- assembly
- signal
- set forth
- closed position
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Abstract
An electronic interlock for locking a file cabinet (10) and for limiting the number of drawers (14) to be accessed at any given time. An input receiver (20) receives an input code to be compared with a preexisting access code. If the codes do not match, an unlock signal is not produced. If the input code matches the access code, the selector (26) renders the storage assembly (10) accessible. The selector (26) will receive a drawer (14) selection from the user and will then send the associated code to the processor (30). The processor (30) unlocks the lock (16) associated with the selected drawer (14). Sensors (34) disable the processor (30) when one of the drawers (14) is in the open position. The memory (22) used to hold the access code is capable of holding more than one access code at a time. The assembly also stores access information, i.e., access code used, time of access, attempted entries, to be transferred to an external possessing unit.
Description
ELECTRONIC INTERLOCR FOR STORAGE ASSEMBLIES
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to electrically controlled storage assemblies. More particularly, this invention relates to storage assemblies with electronic interlock locking control assemblies.
BACKGROUND ART
It is well known that storage assemblies, such as file cabinets, use locking assemblies to protect the articles stored in the assembly. Common locking assemblies utilize mechanisms such as key locks or combination locks. The systems work well in their ability to secure the contents of the storage cabinet. An electronic lock that locks all the drawers on the desk by pressing one button is known.
Currently, two systems are necessary for tall storage cabinets such as filing cabinets. A
lock is needed to secure the contents when desired.
Another system is used to limit the number of drawers to be opened at any one time to one. This prevents the center of gravity from shifting too far forward, thus preventing the hazard of the file P-303 2 20015~1 cabinet from tipping over onto the user. This duplication of interlocking systems is financially costly and space inefficient.
Additional security may be desired, especially when a file cabinet has many users;
however, none of these systems provide this additional feature. If something from the file cabinet is missing, there is no way for an auditor to identify all users without asking all the possible users. Presently, the only way to audit is by setting up a log on or near the storage cabinet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
A file cabinet assembly comprises housing means defining an enclosure, and a plurality of storage units slideably supported by the housing means for sliding between a closed position and an open position. A plurality of electronically controlled independent locking means receive power and each are operatively associated with one of the storage units and has a locked condition for contacting and locking the storage units in the f~
3 20015~1 closed position in response to a lock signal and have an unlocked condition for unlocking and allowing the storage units to slide to the open position in response to an unlock signal and for maintaining the storage units in the closed position and locked in response to discontinuation of power. Electrical control means is connected to the locking means for locking and unlocking the locking means. The control means includes input means for receiving an input code, data memory means for storing an access code, and position means operatively connected to the storage units to produce an enable signal only when all of the storage units are in the closed position and a disable signal when at one of the storage units is in the open position. Processor means is connected to the input means and the data memory means and the position means and connected independently to each of the locking means for receiving and comparing the access code with the input code to produce the unlock signal to only one of the locking means when the access code equals the input code and the enable signal is received for limiting opening to only one of the storage units while the remaining storage units are maintained in the P-303 3a 2001541 closed position with the associated locking means blocked so that all of the storage units must be in the closed position in order to unlock the only one storage unit and move the only one storage unit to the open position.
Also included is a method of providing limited access to a file cabinet assembly having a plurality of storage units movable between a closed position and an open position within a housing.
The method includes the steps of receiving power, storing an access code, receiving an input code, sensing the position of all of the storage units and producing an electrical signal indicative of the positions, producing an electrical enable signal only when all of the storage units are in the closed position, producing an electrical disable signal when at least one of the storage units is in open position, locking the storage units by electrical control in the closed position when the input code is not equal to the access code, locking the storage units when power is discontinued, independently locking only one of the storage units by electrical control from the closed position when the input code equals the access code P-303 3b 2 0 OlS4 1 and the enable signal is produced and power is received, and retaining the remaining storage units locked so that all of the storage units may be in the closed position to all only one of the storage unit to be opened.
The advantages associated with this invention are the reduction of the parts and the ability to increase security. First, the invention utilizes the same system for limiting access to one drawer at a time, as it does for locking the file cabinet. Second, the invention allows for automatic logging of the usage of the file cabinet via external processing.
Z00154~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the subject invention partially cut away; and Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the subject invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A storage assembly, generally shown at 10, comprises a housing means 12 that defines an enclosure. The housing means 12 houses a plurality of storage units 14. These storage units 14 are supported by the housing means 12 for movement between a closed position and an open position.
The storage assembly 10, further comprises individual locking means 16 for movement between a locked condition for locking the associated storage units 14 in the closed position and an unlocked condition for allowing the associated storage unit 14 to move to the open position. In the preferred 200154~
_ P-303 - 5 -embodiment, the locking means 16 comprises a solenoid 16a and a storage unit protrusion 16b. When the plunger 17 of the solenoid 16a is in the extended position, the plunger 17 prevents the storage unit protrusion 16b and, therefore, the storage unit 14 from moving to the open position.
A control means 18 produces an actuation signal for controlling the locking means. This control means 18 comprises an input means 20 for receiving an input code. The input means 20 is typically an alphanumeric keyboard which is well known in the electronics art. The input means 20 is used also for inputting the access code. The access code is stored in the first memory means 22 and is used to be compared with the input code. The comparison is done by a comparing means 24. If the input code matches the access code, the comparing means 24 will produce an unlock signal which will be received by a selection means 26. If the input code does not match the access code, the comparing means 24 will not produce an unlock signal.
The control means is characterized by limiting means 28. The limiting means 28 is responsive to the unlock signal for controlling the conditions of the locking means 16 and allows only ZOO~S4~
one locking means 16 to be in the open condition at any one time. The locking means 16 associated with the remaining storage units 14 are unaffected by the limiting means 28. These remaining storage units 14 remain locked in the closed position when any one of the storage units 14 is unlocked and opened.
The selection means 26 operates in two modes. The first of which occurs upon the selection means 26 not receiving the unlock signal from the comparing means 24. In this mode, the selection means 26 remains in an inoperable mode, i.e., it will not allow a user to select a storage unit 14.
When, however, the selection means 26 receives an unlocked signal from the comparing means 24, the selection means 26 enters its second mode of operation. The selection means 26 becomes operable and the user may select a specific storage unit 14 to unlock and move into the open position. Once a storage unit 14 has been selected, a coded signal indicative of that particular storage unit 14 will be produced.
The coded signal is received by a processor means 30. The processor means 30 processes the coded signal and outputs the actuation signal which is sent to the locking means 16 of the indicated storage unit 200~54~.
14. The output of the processor means, the actuation signal, may be a serial output, in which the individual locking means 16 are connected serially, or it may be in parallel form. The preferred embodiment shows the individual locking means to be connected to the processor means 30 in parallel form.
Thus, the processor means 30 produces an on/off signal, i.e., the actuation signal activates only one of the individual locking means 16.
The processor means 30 further comprises an identification means 32 for receiving the coded signal indicative of one of the storage units 14 and for producing the actuation signal to the actuation means 33 associated with the storage unit 14. The preferred embodiment defines the actuation means 33 to be a hard-wired coupling. This is to be in no way limiting as it may be appreciated to one skilled in the art that any electronic coupling, i.e., radio waves, may be acceptable for such an operation.
The control means 18 further includes sensing means 34 associated with each of the storage units 14. Each sensing means 34 senses the position of its associated storage unit 14. The sensing means 34 sends a signal indicative of either the open position or the closed position.
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A disabling means 36 receives the indication signals produced by the sensing means 34 and disables the processor means 30 when one of the indication signals indicates one of the storage units 14 is in the open position. The processor means 30 is enabled as soon as the sensing means 34 senses all of the storage units in the closed position.
The first memory means 22 has enough memory capability for storing more than one access code.
Having more than one access code allows different personnel different levels of entry. For example, a manager may have control over several different file cabinets. It would be very difficult for him to lS remember each access code for each file cabinet.
Therefore, the manager needs only to know one access code for all file cabinets whereas each file cabinet may have a different access code corresponding to the department in which it is located.
The input means 20 has an additional capability for transferring a new access code to the first memory means 22. The transfer means 38 is activated when the input means is placed in the second mode of operation. This is done by pressing the program button, not located with the majority of the input means 20, and then entering the new access - P-303 _ 9 _ code. Entering a new access code enhances the security level of the file cabinet system and allows employees using the file cabinets to change the old access code when it is forgotten by authorized personnel or discovered by unauthorized personnel.
A second memory means 40 is incorporated into the control means 18. Information relating to the time of an access and the code which is used to access the storage assembly 10 are stored in the second memory means 40. The second memory means 40 includes an interface means 42 for transferring the information of the second memory means 40 to an external processor means. The external processor means is well known in the electronics art and not a part of the subject invention.
The control means 18 further includes a first power interface means 44 for receiving power external of the housing means 12. Any adaptor suitable for receiving power from a standard plug may be used. The control means also includes a second power interface 46 which is within the houslng means 12 and is used for receiving stored energy from a battery 48 wherein the stored energy is used in an emergency situations.
20~1541 In operation, a user will input the input code through the input means 20. The access code, currently in the first memory means 22, is compared with the input code by the comparing means 24.
Dependent upon the comparison results, a lock or an unlock signal is produced from the comparing means and is sent to the selection means 26. If a lock signal is sent to the selection means 26, the second memory means 40 will record the attempted entry. If an unlock signal is sent to the selection means 26, the user then inputs through the input means 20 a code, usually a number, representative of a individual storage unit 14. The second memory means 40 will record the entry and the storage unit 14 lS selected. The coded signal from the selection means 26 then is received by the processor means 30. The processor means uses the identification means 32 and produces an actuation signal. The actuation signal is sent to the individual locking means 16 associated with the storage unit 14. The storage unit 14 then has a window of time in which it may be moved into the open position. Once the storage unit is in the open position, the sensor means 34 senses the storage unit 14 in the open position and sends a disabling signal to the disabling means 36 which disables the processor means 30 from sending any actuation signals to any other storage unit 14.
200~54~
once the selected storage unit 14 is moved back into the closed position, the sensing means 34 stops sending a disabling signal to disable the disabling means 36 which allows the processor means to process another actuation signal to allow another storage unit 14 to enter the open position.
Each time a user inputs a selection the second memory means 40 records the selection and the time. When requested through the use of an external processing unit, the interface means 42 will access the second memory means 40 and the data will be displayed via an appropriate medium for the specified period of time.
The input means 20, when in the second mode of operation, allows the user to enter a new access code to be stored in the first memory means 22. This new access code will be the access code with which the subsequent input codes will have to match.
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims wherein reference numerals are merely for convenience and are not to be in any way limiting, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to electrically controlled storage assemblies. More particularly, this invention relates to storage assemblies with electronic interlock locking control assemblies.
BACKGROUND ART
It is well known that storage assemblies, such as file cabinets, use locking assemblies to protect the articles stored in the assembly. Common locking assemblies utilize mechanisms such as key locks or combination locks. The systems work well in their ability to secure the contents of the storage cabinet. An electronic lock that locks all the drawers on the desk by pressing one button is known.
Currently, two systems are necessary for tall storage cabinets such as filing cabinets. A
lock is needed to secure the contents when desired.
Another system is used to limit the number of drawers to be opened at any one time to one. This prevents the center of gravity from shifting too far forward, thus preventing the hazard of the file P-303 2 20015~1 cabinet from tipping over onto the user. This duplication of interlocking systems is financially costly and space inefficient.
Additional security may be desired, especially when a file cabinet has many users;
however, none of these systems provide this additional feature. If something from the file cabinet is missing, there is no way for an auditor to identify all users without asking all the possible users. Presently, the only way to audit is by setting up a log on or near the storage cabinet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
A file cabinet assembly comprises housing means defining an enclosure, and a plurality of storage units slideably supported by the housing means for sliding between a closed position and an open position. A plurality of electronically controlled independent locking means receive power and each are operatively associated with one of the storage units and has a locked condition for contacting and locking the storage units in the f~
3 20015~1 closed position in response to a lock signal and have an unlocked condition for unlocking and allowing the storage units to slide to the open position in response to an unlock signal and for maintaining the storage units in the closed position and locked in response to discontinuation of power. Electrical control means is connected to the locking means for locking and unlocking the locking means. The control means includes input means for receiving an input code, data memory means for storing an access code, and position means operatively connected to the storage units to produce an enable signal only when all of the storage units are in the closed position and a disable signal when at one of the storage units is in the open position. Processor means is connected to the input means and the data memory means and the position means and connected independently to each of the locking means for receiving and comparing the access code with the input code to produce the unlock signal to only one of the locking means when the access code equals the input code and the enable signal is received for limiting opening to only one of the storage units while the remaining storage units are maintained in the P-303 3a 2001541 closed position with the associated locking means blocked so that all of the storage units must be in the closed position in order to unlock the only one storage unit and move the only one storage unit to the open position.
Also included is a method of providing limited access to a file cabinet assembly having a plurality of storage units movable between a closed position and an open position within a housing.
The method includes the steps of receiving power, storing an access code, receiving an input code, sensing the position of all of the storage units and producing an electrical signal indicative of the positions, producing an electrical enable signal only when all of the storage units are in the closed position, producing an electrical disable signal when at least one of the storage units is in open position, locking the storage units by electrical control in the closed position when the input code is not equal to the access code, locking the storage units when power is discontinued, independently locking only one of the storage units by electrical control from the closed position when the input code equals the access code P-303 3b 2 0 OlS4 1 and the enable signal is produced and power is received, and retaining the remaining storage units locked so that all of the storage units may be in the closed position to all only one of the storage unit to be opened.
The advantages associated with this invention are the reduction of the parts and the ability to increase security. First, the invention utilizes the same system for limiting access to one drawer at a time, as it does for locking the file cabinet. Second, the invention allows for automatic logging of the usage of the file cabinet via external processing.
Z00154~
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the subject invention partially cut away; and Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the subject invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A storage assembly, generally shown at 10, comprises a housing means 12 that defines an enclosure. The housing means 12 houses a plurality of storage units 14. These storage units 14 are supported by the housing means 12 for movement between a closed position and an open position.
The storage assembly 10, further comprises individual locking means 16 for movement between a locked condition for locking the associated storage units 14 in the closed position and an unlocked condition for allowing the associated storage unit 14 to move to the open position. In the preferred 200154~
_ P-303 - 5 -embodiment, the locking means 16 comprises a solenoid 16a and a storage unit protrusion 16b. When the plunger 17 of the solenoid 16a is in the extended position, the plunger 17 prevents the storage unit protrusion 16b and, therefore, the storage unit 14 from moving to the open position.
A control means 18 produces an actuation signal for controlling the locking means. This control means 18 comprises an input means 20 for receiving an input code. The input means 20 is typically an alphanumeric keyboard which is well known in the electronics art. The input means 20 is used also for inputting the access code. The access code is stored in the first memory means 22 and is used to be compared with the input code. The comparison is done by a comparing means 24. If the input code matches the access code, the comparing means 24 will produce an unlock signal which will be received by a selection means 26. If the input code does not match the access code, the comparing means 24 will not produce an unlock signal.
The control means is characterized by limiting means 28. The limiting means 28 is responsive to the unlock signal for controlling the conditions of the locking means 16 and allows only ZOO~S4~
one locking means 16 to be in the open condition at any one time. The locking means 16 associated with the remaining storage units 14 are unaffected by the limiting means 28. These remaining storage units 14 remain locked in the closed position when any one of the storage units 14 is unlocked and opened.
The selection means 26 operates in two modes. The first of which occurs upon the selection means 26 not receiving the unlock signal from the comparing means 24. In this mode, the selection means 26 remains in an inoperable mode, i.e., it will not allow a user to select a storage unit 14.
When, however, the selection means 26 receives an unlocked signal from the comparing means 24, the selection means 26 enters its second mode of operation. The selection means 26 becomes operable and the user may select a specific storage unit 14 to unlock and move into the open position. Once a storage unit 14 has been selected, a coded signal indicative of that particular storage unit 14 will be produced.
The coded signal is received by a processor means 30. The processor means 30 processes the coded signal and outputs the actuation signal which is sent to the locking means 16 of the indicated storage unit 200~54~.
14. The output of the processor means, the actuation signal, may be a serial output, in which the individual locking means 16 are connected serially, or it may be in parallel form. The preferred embodiment shows the individual locking means to be connected to the processor means 30 in parallel form.
Thus, the processor means 30 produces an on/off signal, i.e., the actuation signal activates only one of the individual locking means 16.
The processor means 30 further comprises an identification means 32 for receiving the coded signal indicative of one of the storage units 14 and for producing the actuation signal to the actuation means 33 associated with the storage unit 14. The preferred embodiment defines the actuation means 33 to be a hard-wired coupling. This is to be in no way limiting as it may be appreciated to one skilled in the art that any electronic coupling, i.e., radio waves, may be acceptable for such an operation.
The control means 18 further includes sensing means 34 associated with each of the storage units 14. Each sensing means 34 senses the position of its associated storage unit 14. The sensing means 34 sends a signal indicative of either the open position or the closed position.
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A disabling means 36 receives the indication signals produced by the sensing means 34 and disables the processor means 30 when one of the indication signals indicates one of the storage units 14 is in the open position. The processor means 30 is enabled as soon as the sensing means 34 senses all of the storage units in the closed position.
The first memory means 22 has enough memory capability for storing more than one access code.
Having more than one access code allows different personnel different levels of entry. For example, a manager may have control over several different file cabinets. It would be very difficult for him to lS remember each access code for each file cabinet.
Therefore, the manager needs only to know one access code for all file cabinets whereas each file cabinet may have a different access code corresponding to the department in which it is located.
The input means 20 has an additional capability for transferring a new access code to the first memory means 22. The transfer means 38 is activated when the input means is placed in the second mode of operation. This is done by pressing the program button, not located with the majority of the input means 20, and then entering the new access - P-303 _ 9 _ code. Entering a new access code enhances the security level of the file cabinet system and allows employees using the file cabinets to change the old access code when it is forgotten by authorized personnel or discovered by unauthorized personnel.
A second memory means 40 is incorporated into the control means 18. Information relating to the time of an access and the code which is used to access the storage assembly 10 are stored in the second memory means 40. The second memory means 40 includes an interface means 42 for transferring the information of the second memory means 40 to an external processor means. The external processor means is well known in the electronics art and not a part of the subject invention.
The control means 18 further includes a first power interface means 44 for receiving power external of the housing means 12. Any adaptor suitable for receiving power from a standard plug may be used. The control means also includes a second power interface 46 which is within the houslng means 12 and is used for receiving stored energy from a battery 48 wherein the stored energy is used in an emergency situations.
20~1541 In operation, a user will input the input code through the input means 20. The access code, currently in the first memory means 22, is compared with the input code by the comparing means 24.
Dependent upon the comparison results, a lock or an unlock signal is produced from the comparing means and is sent to the selection means 26. If a lock signal is sent to the selection means 26, the second memory means 40 will record the attempted entry. If an unlock signal is sent to the selection means 26, the user then inputs through the input means 20 a code, usually a number, representative of a individual storage unit 14. The second memory means 40 will record the entry and the storage unit 14 lS selected. The coded signal from the selection means 26 then is received by the processor means 30. The processor means uses the identification means 32 and produces an actuation signal. The actuation signal is sent to the individual locking means 16 associated with the storage unit 14. The storage unit 14 then has a window of time in which it may be moved into the open position. Once the storage unit is in the open position, the sensor means 34 senses the storage unit 14 in the open position and sends a disabling signal to the disabling means 36 which disables the processor means 30 from sending any actuation signals to any other storage unit 14.
200~54~
once the selected storage unit 14 is moved back into the closed position, the sensing means 34 stops sending a disabling signal to disable the disabling means 36 which allows the processor means to process another actuation signal to allow another storage unit 14 to enter the open position.
Each time a user inputs a selection the second memory means 40 records the selection and the time. When requested through the use of an external processing unit, the interface means 42 will access the second memory means 40 and the data will be displayed via an appropriate medium for the specified period of time.
The input means 20, when in the second mode of operation, allows the user to enter a new access code to be stored in the first memory means 22. This new access code will be the access code with which the subsequent input codes will have to match.
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims wherein reference numerals are merely for convenience and are not to be in any way limiting, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
Claims (18)
1. A file cabinet assembly comprising:
housing means defining an enclosure;
a plurality of storage units slideably supported by said housing means for sliding between a closed position and an open position;
a plurality of electronically controlled independent locking means for receiving power and each operatively associated with one of said storage units and having a locked condition for contacting and locking said storage units in said closed position in response to a lock signal and having an unlocked condition for unlocking and allowing said storage units to slide to said open position in response to an unlock signal and for maintaining said storage units in said closed position and locked in response to discontinuation of power, electrical control means connected to said locking means for locking and unlocking said locking means;
said control means including input means for receiving an input code, data memory means for storing an access code, position means operatively connected to said storage units to produce an enable signal only when all of said storage units are in said closed position and a disable signal when at least one of said storage units is in said open position, and processor means connected to said input means and said data memory means and said position means and connected independently to each of said locking means for receiving and comparing said access code with said input code to produce said unlock signal to only one of said locking means when said access code equals said input code and said enable signal is received and for limiting opening to only one of said storage units while the remaining storage units are maintained in said closed position with the associated locking means locked so that all of said storage units must be in the closed position in order to unlock said only one storage unit and move said only one storage unit to the open position.
housing means defining an enclosure;
a plurality of storage units slideably supported by said housing means for sliding between a closed position and an open position;
a plurality of electronically controlled independent locking means for receiving power and each operatively associated with one of said storage units and having a locked condition for contacting and locking said storage units in said closed position in response to a lock signal and having an unlocked condition for unlocking and allowing said storage units to slide to said open position in response to an unlock signal and for maintaining said storage units in said closed position and locked in response to discontinuation of power, electrical control means connected to said locking means for locking and unlocking said locking means;
said control means including input means for receiving an input code, data memory means for storing an access code, position means operatively connected to said storage units to produce an enable signal only when all of said storage units are in said closed position and a disable signal when at least one of said storage units is in said open position, and processor means connected to said input means and said data memory means and said position means and connected independently to each of said locking means for receiving and comparing said access code with said input code to produce said unlock signal to only one of said locking means when said access code equals said input code and said enable signal is received and for limiting opening to only one of said storage units while the remaining storage units are maintained in said closed position with the associated locking means locked so that all of said storage units must be in the closed position in order to unlock said only one storage unit and move said only one storage unit to the open position.
2. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 further characterized by said control means including selection means for producing a coded signal indicative of one of said storage units.
3. An assembly as set forth in claim 2 further characterized by said processor means including means for receiving said coded signal for producing said signal to said locking means of said indicated storage unit.
4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 further characterized by said processor means including actuation means associated with and connected to each of said locking means and said storage units for receiving an enabling signal and producing said actuation signal to said associated locking means.
5. An assembly as set forth in claim 4 further characterized by said processor means comprising identification means for receiving said coded signal indicative of one of said storage units and for producing said enable signal to one of said actuation means associated with said storage unit.
6. An assembly as set forth in claim 5 further characterized by said control means including sensing means associated with each of said storage units for sensing said closed position and said open position and for producing an indication signal indicative of one of said positions.
7. An assembly as set forth in claim 6 further characterized by said disabling means for receiving said indication signals and for preventing disabling said processor means when one of said indication signals indicates said open position.
8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 further characterized by said memory means having enough memory capability for storing more than one access code.
9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 further characterized by said input means comprising transfer means for receiving a new access code and for transferring said new access code to said memory means.
10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 further characterized by said control means comprising a second memory means for storing information relating to time of access, code accessing said storage assembly, which of said storage units accessed.
11. An assembly as set forth in claim 10 further characterized by said second memory means comprising interface means for transferring said information from said second memory to an external processor means.
12. An assembly as set forth in claim 11 further characterized by said control means including first power interface means for receiving power external of said housing.
13. An assembly as set forth in claim 12 further characterized by said control means including second power interface means within said housing for receiving stored energy from a battery wherein said stored energy is used in emergency situations.
14. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 further characterized by said control means comprising initiating means for initiating movement of said storage unit out of said closed position.
15. A method of providing limited access to a file cabinet assembly having a plurality of storage units moveable between a closed position and an open position within a housing, the method including the steps of:
receiving power, storing an access code, receiving an input code, sensing the position of all of the storage units and producing an electrical signal indicative of the positions, producing an electrical enable signal only when all of the storage units are in the closed position, producing an electrical disable signal when at least one of the storage units is in the open position, locking the storage units by electrical control in the closed position when the input code is not equal to the access code, locking the storage units when power is discontinued, independently unlocking only one of the storage units by electrical control from the closed position when the input code equals the access code and the enable signal is produced and power is received, and retaining the remaining storage units locked so that all of the storage units may be in the closed position to allow only one storage unit to be opened.
receiving power, storing an access code, receiving an input code, sensing the position of all of the storage units and producing an electrical signal indicative of the positions, producing an electrical enable signal only when all of the storage units are in the closed position, producing an electrical disable signal when at least one of the storage units is in the open position, locking the storage units by electrical control in the closed position when the input code is not equal to the access code, locking the storage units when power is discontinued, independently unlocking only one of the storage units by electrical control from the closed position when the input code equals the access code and the enable signal is produced and power is received, and retaining the remaining storage units locked so that all of the storage units may be in the closed position to allow only one storage unit to be opened.
16. A method as set forth in claim 15 further including storing information regarding a number of times an access codes equals an input code and the occurrence of opening of the storage unit.
17. A method as set forth in claim 15 further including sensing the position of the storage units and producing a close signal when the storage units are in the closed position and an open signal when at least one storage unit is in the open position.
18. A method as set forth in claim 15 further including receiving the close and open signals and producing an enable signal when all of the close signals are received and for producing a disable signal when at least one of the open signals are received.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US30494989A | 1989-02-01 | 1989-02-01 | |
| US304,949 | 1989-02-01 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2001541A1 CA2001541A1 (en) | 1990-08-01 |
| CA2001541C true CA2001541C (en) | 1995-05-02 |
Family
ID=23178652
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2001541 Expired - Fee Related CA2001541C (en) | 1989-02-01 | 1989-10-26 | Electronic interlock for storage assemblies |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2001541C (en) |
-
1989
- 1989-10-26 CA CA 2001541 patent/CA2001541C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2001541A1 (en) | 1990-08-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |