Abstract:
An automatic key trapping lock comprising a lock housing; a lock removable from the lock housing and further comprising a core with an internal lock assembly for trapping and releasing a key when a key is turned in a specified direction; a cam assembly comprising a cam member rotatably engaging the lock; a return spring biasing the cam member towards a key trapped position; said cam member operatively engages a locking and releasing solenoid with a plunger for locking and unlocking the cam member; and the locking and releasing solenoid is actuated by one or more control means operatively engaging the locking solenoid for locking or unlocking the cam. It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable key panel assembly having an adjustable cam for accommodating variable length locks.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This non-provisional application claims the benefit of previously filed provisional application No. 60/868,916 first filed on Dec. 6, 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates in general to key control systems. More particularly, the invention comprises a key trapping, modular, access control system and panel. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Access control systems for securing master and other keys are well-known in the art. These systems are used in office buildings, hospitals, apartment complexes, and other structures which require master key and other key security. Examples of master key panels that prevent the removal of keys in a keyway can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,505,066, 4,641,509, 5,970,761 and in systems such as those found in http://www.keywatcher.com/keywatcher/ where a master key panel with a plurality of keys is attached to the panel through the use of a circular ring. Embodiments such as those found at http://www.kewatcher.com/keywatcher/ can be programmed via an onboard console to release the applicable key and has the added feature of an indicator light to point the person using the key as to which key they need. 
         [0006]    However, the problem with existing master key systems is that systems such as those of the KeyWatcher system use rings to secure the keys. Rings have been a huge problem in this field since they are easily cut with portable tools. Further, and more problematic, there is no way for the access control system to verify that the appropriate key has been replaced with the appropriate ring. What commonly results are that keys are often misplaced resulting in lost keys, delay in services, and money spent on locksmiths to replace lost or misplaced keys. 
         [0007]    Other systems used in key prevention devices are those found in lockers and post office boxes that prevent the removal of keys once they have been inserted into their associated keyway. Examples of these are found in U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2001/0039819, 2001/0039819, 2004/0007032, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,051,563, 7,021,095, and 4,641,509. Yet, the problem with these devices that utilize key retention locks do so as a single access system (One user and key per lock) and are not controlled by a master control unit or access system. Further, these locks require the user to manually turn the key back to the trapped position. 
         [0008]    Another class of locks is dedicated for use with doors (E.g., hospital doors) that utilize programmable magnetic cards capable of being swiped through card readers on the doors thereby allowing selective entry. Examples of these types of locks are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,2917,66, 3,954,460, 6,840,071, 7,080,533, and German Patent Nos. 4002085, 4002093, and 4002085. Yet, in each of these cases, the cards enable access entry only for a selected user(s) to a room and the card is the key as opposed to comprising a master key system. 
         [0009]    Another problem with current systems is their inability to adapt to scale and conformity with various locks, most particularly cylinder locks. Building administrators often wish to change the types of locks and add or subtract the number of keyed users that exist on the system. Currently, it is impossible to change the types of locks used without eliminating the entire key system since once a system is purchased, the purchaser is locked into the key locks of that system and the fixed scale imposed by the key system. 
         [0010]    What is needed is a key system whereby a key panel houses keys that are retained in their keyway when not in use, automatically returns those keys to their trapped position when reinserted, is selectively controlled by a master control unit engaging the key panel to release those keys to specified users, and can validate that the appropriate key has been properly replaced. What is also needed is a truly modular access control system to allow for the scaling up or down of a key panel to allow for the addition or subtraction of key locks, and one that can adjust to varying length locks. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    An automatic key trapping lock comprising a lock housing; a lock removable from the lock housing and further comprising a core with an internal lock assembly for trapping and releasing a key when a key is turned in a specified direction; a cam assembly comprising a cam member rotatably engaging the lock; a return spring biasing the cam member towards a key trapped position; said cam member operatively engages a locking and releasing solenoid with a plunger for locking and unlocking the cam member; and the locking and releasing solenoid is actuated by one or more control means operatively engaging the locking solenoid for locking or unlocking the cam. 
         [0012]    It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatic key trapping lock of with a lock arm moveably engaging the solenoid plunger, a return spring arm engaging the cam assembly and the return spring, and a portion of the lock arm is formed to allow the return spring arm to bias into a locked position and prevent the lock arm from returning to an unlocked position; a receiving means for removably receiving and securing the solenoid plunger for locking and unlocking the cam; a control device for reading one or more magnetically readable and programmable cards or biometric data and, operatively engaging one or more card readers or biometric readers; or one or more indicators operatively engaging the one or more control devices. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable key panel assembly having an adjustable cam for accommodating variable length locks. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a schematic overview of a key trapping key panel with a plurality of key trapping locks operatively engaging a reader and network for controlling access to keys. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of a solenoid activated arm release for removing a trapped key from a lock with a return spring arm in an unlocked position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a solenoid activated arm release for removing a trapped key from a lock with a key in an unlocked position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of a solenoid activated arm release for removing a trapped key from a lock with a solenoid plunger extended to place the return spring arm into a locked position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a front view of a solenoid activated arm release for removing a trapped key from a lock with a key in a locked position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of a cylinder from a cylinder lock exposing spring bias mechanisms for biasing the cylinder in a vertical position in a cylinder lock barrel. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a schematic of an access relay system connecting one or more key trapping locks to an access controller. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a removable proximity solenoid actuated key trapping lock in a retaining tube. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9   a  is a side cross-sectional view of a proximity solenoid and sensors engaging one or more key trapping locks. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9   b  is a front view of a proximity solenoid and sensors engaging one or more key trapping locks 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is an electrical diagram showing a proximity solenoid for trapping a key in a lock on a key panel. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of a spring biased automatic key trapping lock utilizing a solenoid plunger directly engaging a cam and having an adjustable lock shaft. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12   a  is a top view of a spring biased automatic key trapping lock utilizing a solenoid plunger directly engaging a cam and having an adjustable lock shaft and illustrating movement B-B. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12   b  is a cross-sectional view of a spring biased automatic key trapping lock utilizing a solenoid plunger directly engaging a cam and having an adjustable lock shaft and having key movement Section B-B. 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a top view of a spring biased automatic key trapping lock utilizing a solenoid plunger directly engaging a cam and having an adjustable lock shaft. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a side view of a spring biased automatic key trapping lock utilizing a solenoid plunger directly engaging a cam and having an adjustable lock shaft. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a front view of a spring biased automatic key trapping lock utilizing a solenoid plunger directly engaging a cam and having an adjustable lock shaft. 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a bottom view of a spring biased automatic key trapping lock utilizing a solenoid plunger directly engaging a cam and having an adjustable lock shaft. 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a rear view of a spring biased automatic key trapping lock utilizing a solenoid plunger directly engaging a cam and having an adjustable lock shaft. 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is an elevated perspective view of a spring biased automatic key trapping lock utilizing a solenoid plunger directly engaging a cam, having an adjustable lock shaft, and having a locking lever for locking a lock housing onto a key panel. 
       
    
    
       [0034]    It should be understood that although these examples may describe some of the more specific features of the invention, they are given only for the purpose of illustration and the invention should not be construed as limited thereto. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    A complete understanding of this invention can be gained through reference to the drawings in conjunction with a thorough review of the disclosures herein. 
       Key Access System 
       [0036]    The present invention provides a novel key access system for automatically securing and releasing keys through key retention. In general, and as a system, the preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1  contains a central key panel or board  1  with one or more key trapping locks  2  engaged by a reader  3  preferably connected to an access control system  31  having an intelligent control software and hardware. The reader assembly  3  can be any known mechanism for reading data to identify a user. In a preferred embodiment a magnetic card (not shown) is programmed through a central access control system  31  that is connected to the reader assembly  3  through a network  23 . For example, in an embodiment using a magnetic card, software and hardware interfaces of the access control system  31  can program a magnetic card with a variety of user information, send the data to the reader assembly  3  on the key panel  1  so that when a card engages the reader assembly  3  signals can be sent to locks  2  through leads engaging locks  2  for releasing one or more trapped keys based on user data. 
         [0037]    There are a number of vendors who provide central access control system software and hardware for key access systems. These units are adaptable and configurable to meet existing security needs for the present invention. For purposes of the present invention, existing central access systems such as Kantech, Hirsch, Northern, Keri, Rosslare, Visonic, IEI, can be adapted and used with a key trapping key panel as disclosed herein. Therefore, much of the hardware and software benefits of these systems will naturally extend to the novelty of the present invention. 
         [0038]    Typically, modern access control systems such as the ones just mentioned are mated with existing network systems to accommodate a broader range of security services such as sensors for monitoring open doors, surveillance cameras, and—specific to the present invention—master key systems.  FIG. 1  shows a typical network topology working in conjunction with the present invention wherein a network  23  engages an access controller  31 , an audio visual component  38 , and a reader  3  and key trapping lock system  1 . Alternately, the network topology can be configured in any known way, such as remote or wireless access to key panels, and engage any number of components in addition to audio visual components, such as door locking sensors and etc. In this way, programmable data can be entered at a central or remote location and sent to a reader onboard or in proximity to and engaging a key panel  1 . 
         [0039]    Further, there are a number of different ways in which a programmable interface of an access control system can be implemented. For example, instead of using a magnetic card and reader, known techniques for performing biometric scans (eyes, fingers, etc) can also be used. In this way, all programmable features can be accessed by a biometric reader for access by a user with the appropriate biometric data. 
         [0040]    In its simplest embodiment, and as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , only one key retention lock is situated on a single key panel  1 . Yet, because most buildings have many keys, and because those numbers of keys can grow, the capability to support a plurality of keys becomes critical. For that reason, a key panel  1  of the present invention also provides for scalable architecture as to the locks. This may be accomplished by adapting the scale of the key panel through input  17  and output  19  boards of varying size to accommodate desired scale. 
         [0041]      FIG. 1 , for example, illustrates how a key panel  1  can be outfitted with slots for accepting one or more key retention locks and  FIG. 8  illustrates how each lock can be interchangeably fitted into separate housing channels. 
         [0042]    As will be discussed in more detail below, individual lock housings may also be constructed to fit the varying lengths of standard cylinder locks by creating locks with slide adjustments. As such, key control system administrators can expand existing systems, replace broken lock housings within the system, or upgrade to different lock technologies. 
       Automatic Key Trapping 
       [0043]    One novel aspect of the present invention is its ability to automatically trap keys when they are reinserted into a lock keyway. Currently, keys are trapped by inserting a key into a lock and then manually rotating the key to release or engage a lock attached to the key cylinder. When the key is in the locked position, either a flange in the cylinder or tumblers will prevent the key from removal or counter-rotation. (See, U.S. Publication 2001/0039819 to McCurry) and an uneven sheer line “traps” the key preventing removal. However, to avoid the problem of requiring manual rotation of the key in the slot to lock the key, (rotation into a key trapped and locked position) this problem is overcome by incorporating a biased return spring. This may be accomplished in several ways: first, by coupling the return spring to an arm joined to a key cylinder to automate the key-trapping function; using a cam that directly engages a solenoid plunger; or through a proximity solenoid that senses the removal and insertion of a key. 
         [0044]    The present invention adds to standard cylinder lock technology. A cylinder lock typically uses tumblers  16  with a spring biased against an internal keyway  24  of the cylinder. When a properly bitted (cylinder conforming) key is inserted into the keyway, the corresponding and matching ridges of the key bias against spring-biased tumblers to form a sheer line. Once the sheer line is formed and tumblers are aligned, a cylinder  14  can be rotated inside a barrel to engage known locking mechanisms. (E.g., a cam for turning a deadbolt) Beyond standard cylinder locks there are also provided key trapping locks which will lock the key in place when a cylinder  14  (See  FIG. 6 ) is turned to a non-vertical or other devised position. However, for these locks to trap a key, a person re-inserting the key must manually turn the key to engage the locking mechanism or else the key will be able to be removed because the sheer line (in a cylinder lock) will remain intact and the locking flange (or other locking mechanisms) will not engage the lock. 
         [0045]    This problem is overcome in several ways, ( FIGS. 2-5 ;  FIGS. 6-9   b ; and  FIGS. 11-12 ). In a first of these embodiments, ( FIGS. 2-5 ) the present invention incorporates the use of a return spring  10  that biases a return spring arm  27  or cam  60  mounted to a rotating cylinder  14  of a cylinder lock  14  to bias arm  27  and rotating cylinder  14  toward a horizontal or “locked” position. Automatic biasing is accomplished through an automatic return spring function, whereby an optional cylinder lock screw  15  ( FIG. 5 ) may be biased against external door and lock components such that when key tumblers form a sheer line keeping cylinder  14  is prevented from rotating to a horizontal position when the key  13  is removed or, in assisting in keeping the sheer line intact once a key  13  is reinserted. Once key  13  is replaced however, the tension of cylinder lock screw  15  can be released and the biased tension created by return spring  10  and return spring arm  27  turns cylinder  14  to a locked position. When return spring arm  27  is biased downward, it slides below the slope of a lock arm  6  preventing a key from turning cylinder  14  back toward a vertical or unlocked position.  FIGS. 1 and 2  show a key  13  and return spring arm  27  simultaneously biased horizontally. Lock arm  6  prevents return spring arm  27  from being turned by key  13  to a vertical position. 
         [0046]    To remove key  13 , lock arm  6  can be mounted to an arm support pivot  7  so that lock arm  6  can be rotated to allow return spring arm  27  and cylinder  14  to be rotated back toward a vertical, unlocked position. Lock arm  6  is automatically rotated by a plunger  28  connected to a solenoid  5 . When solenoid  5  is actuated, plunger  28  is forced against lock arm  6 , partially rotating it around pivot  7  to allow return spring arm  27  to be rotated back to the unlocked position. Solenoid  5  can be actuated by many known manual or access control systems. In a preferred embodiment, a card reader assembly  3  is mounted to a key panel  1  so that a programmable magnetic card can be “swiped” across or through the assembly thereby activating lock arm solenoid  5 . 
         [0047]    Alternatively, and as shown in  FIGS. 11-17 , instead of a plunger engaging a sloped lock arm  6  that is separate from the cam and spring locking assembly, a rotating cam member  60  with an aperture  61  (Or, in the alternative, a groove, recess or magnet, clamp) sufficient to accommodate a spring biased  282  solenoid plunger  280  that directly engages the cam member  60  when a solenoid  281  is actuated. Starting from a key  130  trapped position (which for the purposes of illustration is parallel to the ground), key  130  is trapped—unable to be removed—due to an uneven shear line internal to the cylinder lock—and cannot be rotated to a position perpendicular to the ground because the solenoid plunger  280  is in a locked position and extended into aperture  61  of cam member  60 . To remove key  130 , solenoid  281  is actuated through a control mechanism (E.g., magnetic card reader or biometric scanner programmed to release keys based on selected criteria) thereby retracting plunger  280  and freeing cam member  60  to rotate key  130  to a perpendicular and unlocked position (as shown) created by an even sheer line and allowing removal of key  13 . Plunger  280  is spring biased and rides on cam surface after the initial activation and will extend into aperture  61  when proper rotation is achieved. Actuation of plunger  280  can be timed to extend back through action of spring  282  after a specific period of time. 
         [0048]    When key  130  is removed, as in the other embodiments, an uneven sheer line is created preventing a spring bias from rotating a cam back to a locked and trapped position. When key  130  is reinserted cylinder  280  rotates back toward a key trapped position and plunger  280  reinserts into cam aperture  61 . 
         [0049]    In another exemplary embodiment, each lock  2  can be associated with input  18  and output  19  controls that feed into an access control unit  31 . This can be accomplished either through various types of sensors  8   284  on the panel  1  to each lock  2  or, through separate sensors  8   284  associated with each lock  2  in a multiple lock embodiment. For example, exemplary embodiments include using single pull double throw switches to control LED and key contact internal to a lock to effect numerous status messages or indicators either on the front of the lock itself or as signals sent remotely or to a remote location. In this way, and in view of the embodiment incorporating a return spring arm, status indicators  30  joined to the sensors  8   284  can create an interface (lights, alarms, and etc.) on the panel, adjacent to the appropriate lock, on a lock faceplate  285 , or otherwise capable of indicating various status&#39; to the user when each sensor  8   284  or its relative status indicator  30  is engaged, directly or indirectly. Indicators  30  can include LED&#39;s or other illuminating or digital elements onboard panel  1 , faceplate  285  or, can include leads back to central access control software of access controller  31  that can then notify appropriate persons through various electronic techniques available in the art and novel in light of the present invention. 
         [0050]    For example, and as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , status indicator  8  can be connected (wired or otherwise) to an access control system. Status indicator  8  can also engage and sense a position of return spring arm  27  or whether a key is in cylinder  14  to indicate to a user interface whether a key is in a locked or unlocked position. This can be done by return spring arm  27  engaging a status indicator directly or through the use of the return spring arm engaging a switch. (not shown) In this way, when a user activates a reader  3  on a panel  1  to return a key  13 , an appropriate indicator (E.g., LED) is illuminated, sounded, or other electronic signal sent to a central access system. If a key is inserted and if the key is not inserted properly or there is a malfunction whereby the status switch has not been engaged by the return spring arm, the indicator light can continue to be illuminated acting as a warning to ensure the proper return of the key. Further, a separate indicator light (also not shown) can be illuminated; or an alarm can be activated indicating to the user or a remote system that a key is not properly inserted. 
         [0051]    Alarms and notifications will vary with each access system design. Most access systems have alarm and notification capabilities (E.g., email or alarm outputs that trigger outside sounders) It can also be hooked up to an alarm system and monitored by a central station that would notify those responsible for monitoring the access control system. 
         [0052]    Alternatively, if a key is not resubmitted to an appropriate lock on the panel within a specified period of time, an alarm with a timing mechanism and engaging the status indicator can sound either a physical alarm or even a software alarm of the intelligent control system. Those in the art will readily appreciate the number of different embodiments possible. Typically, key access software has timers built into the software for events such as propped door times, door unlock times and etc. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention would extend standard time from seconds to hours. Therefore, if a key is not returned within the time period the access system will send a programmed response to status indicators  30  or to the access software itself. 
         [0053]    In another preferred embodiment for trapping locked keys and as shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9   a , and  9   b , a return spring solenoid  32  is actuated by a circuit completed by the insertion of a key  13  engaging a cylinder lock  2 . Similar to the return spring embodiment described above, a proximity solenoid  32  is mounted to a panel  1  with a proximity solenoid plunger  33  engaging a proximity solenoid lock arm  37 . When a key is returned to a keyway, it leads to solenoid  32  to complete a circuit and a plunger is extended, releasing lock arm  37 , thereby allowing the key cylinder to rotate. Once rotated, it is prevented from counter-rotation through the lock arm and not released from the trapped position until a reader is activated. 
         [0054]    Further, it is also desirable to have a single solenoid act as both a lock and proximity solenoid engage and disengage a single lock arm to trap and un-trap a key in a lock. When a key is locked in a keyway of a cylinder lock, a lock arm  6  prevents return arm  27  from being returned to create a sheer line and allow release of a key. Then once a card or other biometric member is swiped or scanned, lock arm  6  is released and a second arm  37  pivotally engaged with a second plunger on proximity (or circuit) solenoid  32  and return spring arm  27  locks return spring arm  27  in place to prevent it from instantly returning to a trapped position and the key can be removed from its cylinder. When a key or conductor then touches the key cylinder, a circuit ( FIG. 8 , leads  289  from the cylinder to the solenoid and panel component) is completed causing proximity solenoid  32  to actuate a proximity solenoid plunger  33  to move second arm  37  away from return spring arm  27  allowing it to move to the trapped position when the proper key is inserted creating a sheer line and allowing the cylinder to turn in the barrel. In this way, any optional flanges or nipples biased against the panel components to prevent the barrel from rotating are unnecessary. Vice versa, solenoids and plungers can act in opposing ways to achieve the same result. 
         [0055]    In another preferred embodiment for trapping automatically trapping keys and as shown in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b , a spring lock solenoid  50  and spring arm  51  engages a lock bushing  53  that releasably engages a lock channel  56  on the bushing. The lock bushing  53  also engages a pivotal arm  54  that is biased toward a sensor  55  by a proximity solenoid  58  when a key is removed from a keyway of the lock. In this position the position is shorted and a plunger  59  in constant engagement with the arm  54  remains extended so that arm  54  remains in contact with a sensor  60  connected to I/O contacts  61  for determining key status. When a key is reinserted into the keyway, a circuit is completed and plunger  59  is retracted rotating the arm  54  back towards the spring arm  51  which once the channel  56  rotates sufficiently toward the spring arm  54 , the spring biases the end of the arm into the channel and locks or traps the key in place until another scan or read of a card is made. 
         [0056]      FIG. 9   b  shows a bushing  64  and groove into which a shaft  630  can extend. The lock can then be inserted into a lock housing  650  and then locked in place. By having a rotatable shaft  53 , its rotating motion and that of the cylinder is transferred to a return spring arm allowing it to turn to a trapped or un-trapped position. The shaft can be detachable from the cylinder and the panel to allow for interchangeability and easy removal of the lock. However, to avoid unwanted solenoid activation through inadvertent touching of other parts of the panel, non-conductive bushings (plastic, and etc) can be fitted around the shaft portion that fits into the locking groove  640  (or, the structure of the groove can be formed of a non-conductive material) and in the same way a non-conductive bushing  660  can be formed around the interior of the key lock housing to prevent the key housing from contacting any conductive components of the panel. 
       Scalable Architecture 
       [0057]    Another benefit of the present invention is its ability to provide for scalability. This can be accomplished through a modular key panel design whereby either key locks or key panels can be removed from the key panel. In this way, locks can be replaced quickly, easily, and without having to purchase and upgrade to an entirely new key system and, whole panels can provide for added scalability and can be added to accommodate two or more locks. 
         [0058]    A modular design with the capability of having interchangeable locks is illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . A cam shaft  63  is preferably rotatably joined to a cam  60  and that can be adjusted through manual sliding of the cam and a cam drive  110  a rear tap screw  69  and then secured in place through a set screw  67  engaging a d-slot  105  on or attached to cam shaft  63 . Adjustment is accomplished by releasing set screw  67  and adjusting cam shaft  63  to accommodate various length cylinder locks resting in cylinder lock housing  70   71  comprised of either a single frame or, a multi-frame assembly as is shown in  FIG. 11 . Frame assembly in  FIG. 11  illustrates rear housing member  70  and front housing member  71  that can be adjusted or formed to accommodate the longest cylinder housing available. Likewise, cam shaft  63  can also be specified to accommodate any desired length so that it can adjust to desired cylinder lengths. 
         [0059]    As alternative method for adjusting cam shaft  63 , external threading on cam shaft  63  and internal threading in drive  110  can be used to allow for the adjustment of cam shaft  63  through a rear tap screw adjustable from the back of the lock assembly. To prevent cam shaft  63  from rotating when a key is turned in cylinder  283 , a counter-locking nut can be fitted on the cam shaft  63 . 
         [0060]    To accommodate all the various manufacturers of locks, specifically, cylinder locks, a universal b-tail cam  112  can be fitted onto the back of cylinder  283  thereby allowing cam assembly to rotatably secure to any cylinder lock through a mated cam fitting  113  using the novel cam approach of the present invention. 
         [0061]    To enable interchangeable lock housing, a panel may be constructed to lock in a plurality of lock housings of the various embodiments described above. This is generally accomplished by incorporating a locking lever  100  that mates with a locking knob  102  engaging a lock housing solenoid  101  and as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . Similar to the solenoid actuation of locking solenoid  280  and  5  disclosed above, solenoid  101  can either be independently actuated or programmed into a magnetic key card, biometric scanner, or other control device, and in addition to features described above. 
         [0062]    The above disclosures and drawings are merely illustrative of the present invention and do not claim to represent all of its numerous embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate many other ancillary embodiments that flow from the novelty of the present invention contained herein.