Patent ID: 7961914

Claim:
A portable storage apparatus with an integral biometric-based access control system comprising: a personal storage device comprising an interior; a solenoid-based access device disposed in said personal storage device for providing selectable access to said interior; a biometric sensor capable of sensing biometric features of a user; a biometric driving circuit in electrical communication with said biometric sensor for generating a match signal or a no match signal based on active comparison of at least one biometric signature to said biometric features of said user; a data storage device for storing electronic data; a controller in electrical communication between said biometric driving circuit, said solenoid-based access device, and said data storage device, said controller generates a lock or an unlock signal based upon said match or said no match signal and communicates said lock or said unlock signal to said solenoid based access device and said data storage device; a first proximity receiver disposed within said personal storage device and in electrical communication with said controller for receiving a radio signal; a second proximity receiver disposed on said user and in radio communication with said first proximity receiver for transmitting said radio signal; a distance control setting in electrical communication with said first proximity receiver for adjustably setting said radio signal such that said second proximity receiver is in radio communication with said first proximity receiver within only a predetermined distance; an alarming unit disposed on said personal storage device for signaling an audible alarm upon receiving an alarm signal from said controller; said alarm signal being generated by receipt of a repeated plurality of said no match signals from said biometric driving circuit or when said second proximity receiver is not in radio communication with said first proximity receiver; and, a power supply for providing power to said portable storage apparatus with an integral biometric-based access control system; wherein said power supply further comprises a battery, a battery compartment, and a battery compartment interlock switch; wherein said battery compartment interlock switch sends a signal to said controller which sends said lock signal to said solenoid-based access device when said battery compartment is opened; wherein said at least one biometric signature is programmed within said biometric data circuit; wherein upon sensing said biometric features of said user, and confirming a match of said biometric features with said at least one biometric signature within said biometric data circuit, said controller actuates said solenoid-based access device to provide access to said interior of said personal storage device; and wherein upon sensing said biometric features of said user, said controller provides access to said data storage device.