Electronic secure entry system, apparatus and method

In an apparatus for use in a secure entry system, a lock box with a compartment therein, the lock box having a memory with the capability of having stored therein a plurality of compartment access codes, timing means, and circuitry connected to the memory and the timing means for determining which compartment access code is to be utilized for the lock box during a predetermined interval of time.

In an apparatus for use in a secure entry system, a plurality of lock boxes with a compartment therein, each of the lock boxes having a memory with the capability of having stored therein a plurality of compartment access codes, timing means, circuitry connected to the memory and the timing means for determining which compartment access code is to be utilized for the lock boxes during a predetermined interval of time, a control station having a computer, timing means, a memory for the compartment access codes, a voice synthesizer and control means connected to the computer, the timing means, the memory and the voice synthesizer, a voice communication link coupled to the voice synthesizer and the control means at the control station for supplying the compartment access codes for the lock boxes to the users and for receiving information from the lock boxes.

In a secure entry system for a plurality of locations, a master console and a plurality of lock boxes for use at the locations, each of the lock boxes having a retainer movable between latched and unlatched positions and a compartment movable between locked and access positions, and code actuated electrical circuit means for operating said retainer and said compartment, said electrical circuit means including a memory having a compartment access code stored therein for access to the compartment and a retainer code stored therein for operation of the retainer, said master console having a memory for storing compartment access codes for obtaining access to the compartments and electrical circuit means for permitting a user of the system to obtain access to the computer access code in the memory for the compartment in a lock box.

In a method for providing secure entry to a plurality of entrances in a secure entry system in the users of the system are each assigned a user code in conjunction with a master console and a plurality of lock boxes, the lock boxes each having a compartment therein, the lock boxes and the master console each having a memory, causing the master console to assign a compartment access code for a predetermined period of time, causing the lock boxes to permit entrance to the same upon insertion of a compartment access code for that predetermined period of time.

In an apparatus for use in a secure entry system, a case, a compartment mounted in the case and being movable between locked and access positions, retainer means carried by said case movable between latched and unlatched positions, first and second electromagnetic latch means carried within the case for use in operation of the compartment and the retainer means respectively, a battery, circuit means within the case connecting the battery to the first and second electromagnetic latch means and code actuated means carried by the case and connected to the circuit means for selectively operating the first and second electromagnetic latch means.