Patent ID: 7323967
Filing Date: 2008-01-29
Classification: E05B,G06Q,G07C,G07F

Abstract:
1. An electronically-controlled locker system for use by a plurality of authorized users and managed by an administrator, said system comprising: a first plurality of lockers wherein each locker comprises a respective electronically-activated lock; at least one input device for allowing the plurality of authorized users to communicate with said system; at least one locker control unit, in communication with each electronically-activated lock and with said at least one input device, said at least one input device being in direct communication with said at least one locker control unit and said at least one locker control unit controlling the activation of said electronically-activated locks; a computer, controlled by the administrator, for managing at least one database of authorized user and locker information; a system control unit, in communication with said at least one locker control unit and with said computer, said system control unit providing said at least one locker control unit with said authorized user and locker information, said system control unit comprising a watchdog; and wherein said at least one locker control unit uses data from said at least one input device and said authorized user and locker information to provide access to corresponding lockers for the plurality of authorized users and wherein said electronically-activated lock controls the locked or unlocked state of a corresponding locker door, said electronically-activated lock comprising: an actuator electrically coupled to said locker control unit; a switch, coupled in series with said actuator and not accessible to a user of the locker door, said switch completing an electrical circuit whenever said locker door is closed and opening said electrical circuit whenever said door is opened; and wherein said actuator is momentarily activated by a first current pulse from said locker control unit to open said locker door and wherein said switch opens said electrical circuit upon activation of said actuator and wherein said locker control unit transmits a second current pulse to determine the locked or unlocked state of said locker door, said locker control unit receiving a return current pulse if said locker door is in a locked state and said locker control unit receiving no return current pulse if said locker door is an unlocked state.