Patent ID: 9672673
Date: 2017-06-06
CPC Classifications: E05B,G07C

Claim:
1. In a system of many lockers, each of which has an electronic lock on an openable door that provides ingress but no egress, with an access terminal on the lock for entry of a user's code to allow the user to access and open the lock, the improvement comprising: the system including, in addition to access by users via user's codes, manager access via a plurality of electronic manager keys, each to be held by one of a plurality of managers to provide overriding access to lockers when a user cannot access a lock, each lock of the system having a processor and a programmable memory capable of receiving inputs for setting and resetting access codes for the lock, a keypad or other code entry device on said access terminal and connected to the processor for access by users using the lockers, and a data port with communication contacts, a data key comprising a portable electronic device with a processor and a programmable memory, the data key including data contacts to connect with one of said locks when desired by touching the data contacts to the lock's communication contacts, and further including a data port to receive and make electronic contact with one of said manager keys, a smartphone or other hand-held computer device, the smartphone having a program for entering a manager name or ID on the smartphone to be associated with each electronic manager key, and for communicating via the data key with each of the locks of the system to set and reset user or manager access codes that will operate locks of the system, communication means connecting the smartphone or device and the data key, each said electronic manager key having accessing contacts configured to mate with the communication contacts of the lock for manager access to the lock, and said accessing contacts also configured to mate with the data port of the data key to enable communication between the manager key and the data key including identity of a manager key touched to the data key, and the data key when touched to the data port of a lock of the system being capable of sending data to the processor and programmable memory of the lock to set and change permitted user or manager access codes that can access the lock.