System for parcel transport and tracking operated responsive to data bearing records

Apparatus comprising:

• a repository that operates to accept and make available parcels to authorized users, including
• a body, wherein the body bounds an interior area configured for storage of parcels,
• wherein the body includes an opening to the interior area,
• a door,
• wherein the door is movably mounted in operative connection with the body,
• wherein the door while in operatively attached connection with the body is rotationally movable about an axis and at least one of axially movable along the axis, moveable perpendicular to the axis and movable rotationally about at least one normal axis that extends perpendicular to the axis,
• wherein the door is movable between
• a closed position, wherein in the closed position the door closes the opening, and
• an open position, wherein in the open position the interior area is accessible from outside the body,
• a lock, wherein the lock is in operative connection with the door,
• wherein the lock is selectively changeable between
• a locked condition, wherein in the locked condition the lock is operative to hold the door in the closed position, and
• an unlocked condition wherein in the unlocked condition the door is movable from the closed position to the open position,
• wherein the repository is configured to be in operative connection with
• at least one externally accessible input device, wherein the at least one input device is operatively accessible with the door in the closed position,
• at least one reading device, wherein the at least one reading device is configured to read parcel indicia associated with a parcel configured to be placed in the interior area, wherein the parcel indicia uniquely identifies the parcel, and
• control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry is in operative connection with
• the lock,
• the at least one input device, and
• the at least one reading device
• wherein the control circuitry is operative to cause
• user identifying information and data corresponding to read parcel indicia to be enabled to be received by the control circuitry through the at least one input device,
• a user authorization determination to be made that the received user identifying information corresponds to an authorized user that is authorized to access the interior area,
• responsive at least in part to the data corresponding to the read parcel indicia,
• a parcel determination to be made that the read parcel indicia corresponds to stored data for a parcel that is authorized prior to receipt of the user identifying information, to be placed in the interior area of the repository,
• responsive at least in part to at least one of the user authorization determination and the parcel determination, the lock to be changeable from the locked condition to the unlocked condition, whereby the parcel is enabled to be placed in the interior area.