Abstract: A biometric electronic key for use with an electronic lock is programmable to contain data representative of the fingerprint of the user. When so programmed, successful use of the key requires that a fingerprint of the user, as sensed by a fingerprint identification sensor installed in the handle of the key and touched by a user in the course of gripping the key, match an electronic template of an authorized key user's fingerprint that has been programmed into memory within the key's on-board electronics. Otherwise the key will fail to operate the lock.

Abstract: An access control system prevents a mobile container from being compromised/opened during transit, through the use of a programmable electronic lock, which can be unlocked only by means of an enabled electronic key that has been programmed with geographical location data representative of the destination site of the container. When the mobile container arrives at its destination, the key is coupled with a comparator, which compares the geographic location information in the key with real time geographic location information from a geographic location detection unit associated with the mobile container. In response to a match, the comparator enables the key for a prescribed period of time. The key may then be inserted into the programmable electronic lock, which reads the key to determine whether it has been enabled. If the key is enabled, the lock can be unlocked, to provide access to the container.

Abstract: An access control system prevents a mobile container from being compromised/opened during transit, through the use of a programmable electronic lock, which can be unlocked only by means of an enabled electronic key that has been programmed with geographical location data representative of the destination site of the container. When the mobile container arrives at its destination, the key is coupled with a comparator, which compares the geographic location information in the key with real time geographic location information from a geographic location detection unit associated with the mobile container. In response to a match, the comparator enables the key for a prescribed period of time. The key may then be inserted into the programmable electronic lock, which reads the key to determine whether it has been enabled. If the key is enabled, the lock can be unlocked, to provide access to the container.

Abstract: A stand alone, electronic gate lock is integrally mountable with a barrier, such as a perimeter fence of an airport. The gate lock is configured to be locked and unlocked by an electronic key from key access ports on each of interior and exterior sides of the barrier. An electronic controller of the gate lock stores data associated with each attempted electronic key access of the gate lock, so that a history of access to the gate can be tracked. This enables every access to the gate lock to be tracked, thereby increasing the likelihood that the gate will be maintained in its locked condition at all times other than when opened for authorized access.

Abstract: An electronic lock housing assembly provides a lock retrofit for a transportation industry-standard cargo door lock assembly. The electronic lock assembly is configured to protect the electronic components of the lock from impact, moisture and foreign matter. The exterior housing retains an electronic lock cylinder and its cam assembly at the exterior of truck door, so as to engage the rotatable lever of a standard mechanical door latch assembly. The interior housing retains the lock's electronic circuitry directly behind the exterior housing on the opposite, interior side of the door, so as to facilitate electrical interconnection through a mechanically shielded channel in the door.

Abstract: In order to provide a secure housing assembly for an electronic lock, while also providing protection against electrostatic discharge, a conductive plate-based housing assembly is configured to be installed within either a door mortise, or as an escutcheon housing mountable to the exterior of the door. For either installation, the same metallic plate sub-assembly is employed as both a support structure for a circuit board of the lock's electronic circuitry and as a wall of the protective housing. Since the circuit board's ground conductor layer is electrically connected to the metallic plate via conductive mounting standoffs, the lock circuitry is protected against damage due to electrostatic discharge when a key is inserted into a keyway of the lock.

Abstract: A housing for externally mounting an electronic lock to a support structure has a conical sidewall joining front and rear faces of the housing. A cavity extending to the front and rear faces receives the electronic lock, such that a key access face of the lock coincides with the housing's front face. The rear face of the housing has an indented region to which a pivot bracket is mounted. The pivot bracket rotatably engages a pivot shaft coupled to a hinge plate of a pivotable front cover, which is spring biased against the front face of the housing. The housings's conical sidewall has a slot intersecting the indented region. The hinge plate is configured to conform with the slot and the housing sidewall, when the cover is closed against the front face of the housing. A rear end of the hinge plate is tapered so that as said hinge plate rotates about its pivot axis, it clears the structure to which the housing is mounted.

Abstract: A handle-operated lock and latch assembly for interfacing a Eurocylinder type of electronic lock with a rose-accessible door lock/latch mechanism employs a handle of the type used in a mechanical handle-actuated door latch, but in which the shank portion of the handle is modified to include a cavity that accommodates a Eurocylinder-configured electronic lock. The original rose is replaced by a rose having a slightly larger circular aperture, so that it may receive a rotatable collar that is configured to engage the modified handle shank, whereby the handle and the collar are rotatable relative to the rose, with the cam of the electronic lock being inserted into the door's existing lock spindle mechanism.

Abstract: A system for controllably actuating a lock mechanism has a lock actuator control unit arranged to receive a key and to communicate with a programmable key control unit contained within the key. The lock actuator control unit contains a power supply for supplying power to the key control unit, so that a transfer of communication signals between the key control unit and the lock actuator control unit may take place. A key is configured to engage the lock actuator control unit, the key containing a programmable key control unit which stores information representative of the ability of the key to cause the lock actuator control unit to actuate the lock mechanism and which receives power for its operation from the lock actuator unit.

Abstract: An electronic key and lock system, particularly useful for solenoid-operated locks employs a key that can operate electronically and mechanically. The key is mechanically polarized with its blade forming a first electrical contact and a separate second contact which is flush or raised relative to the blade. Each of the key and the cylinder employs respective light emitting and light receiving IR devices for communications between the electronics in the key and communications within the lock. The lock includes a solenoid-operated electronic cylinder.