Vending lock
A cooler access control system locks a cooler when occurrence of an event is detected that requires limiting access to the inside of the cooler. Examples of such events include the loss of power to the cooler for a predetermined period of time, the opening of the cooler door for longer than an allowed time, the loss of functionality of a temperature probe and others. In an embodiment, a service mode is supported wherein the door is left unlocked despite the occurrence of such an event, to allow a stocker or other personnel to leave the cooler door open while stocking the cooler with product.
1. An enclosure access control system for locking an enclosure having an enclosure body and an enclosure door which define a product storage area, the product storage area capable of storing a plurality of products, the plurality of products each being available to be selected by a consumer when the door is open, the system comprising:
a locking element on a first one of the enclosure body and the enclosure door;
a locking mechanism on a second one of the enclosure body and the enclosure door, the locking mechanism having an opening, the locking mechanism further including a latch mounted for movement between a latched position and an unlatched position, wherein the latch is in the latched position when the enclosure door is closed and is in the unlatched position when the enclosure door is open, the locking mechanism further including an electronically actuated latch engaging member adapted to engage the latch, and the locking mechanism further configured to selectively engage the locking element to lock and unlock the enclosure door to the enclosure body;
a first controller comprising a first microcomputer operatively connected to the locking mechanism for controlling actuation of the locking mechanism, wherein the first controller selectively provides a lock actuation signal to the locking mechanism;
a second controller comprising a second microcomputer having control logic to process inputs from at least one data input port to determine whether a fault event requiring the enclosure to be locked has occurred, wherein the second controller selectively provides a lock control signal to the first controller upon the occurrence of a fault event;
wherein the first controller and second controller are operatively connected.
2. An enclosure access control system for locking an enclosure during a power failure or fault event, the enclosure having an enclosure body and an enclosure door which define a product storage area, the product storage area capable of storing a plurality of products, the plurality of products each being available to be selected by a consumer during normal operation when the door is open, the system comprising:
a locking mechanism on the enclosure body, the locking mechanism having an opening and including a latch;
a locking element on the enclosure door and configured to enter the opening of the locking mechanism and contact a surface of the latch when the enclosure door is closed;
wherein the latch is adapted to releasably engage the locking element, the latch being mounted for movement between a latched position and an unlatched position, wherein the latch is in the unlatched position when the locking element is not in contact with the latch when the enclosure door is open, and is in the latched position when the locking element is in contact with the surface of the latch when the enclosure door is closed;
the locking mechanism further including an electronically-actuated latch engaging member configured to selectively engage the latch to lock the latch in the latched position;
lock controller circuitry associated with the electronically-actuated latch engaging member, for controlling movement of the electronically-actuated latch engaging member, wherein the lock controller circuitry selectively provides a lock actuation signal to the locking mechanism; and
an AC power source for powering the lock controller circuitry during normal operation, and a battery for providing power to the lock controller circuitry allowing the lock controller circuitry to lock the door in response to one of a power failure and a fault event.
3. The system of claim 2 , further comprising cooler controller circuitry communicably linked to the lock controller circuitry, wherein the lock controller circuitry is configured to restrict access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at or above a pre-determined threshold temperature.
4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the lock controller circuitry is configured to restrict unsecured access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at room temperature.
5. The system of claim 2 , wherein the lock controller circuitry is adapted to receive an electronic access signal from a remote interface.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the remote interface is configured to transmit the electronic access signal over one of a local area network and wide area network.
7. The system of claim 2 , wherein the lock controller circuitry is configured to permit unsecured access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at or below a pre-determined threshold temperature.
8. The system of claim 2 wherein the lock controller circuitry comprises a first microcomputer, and wherein the first microcomputer is operatively connected to a second microcomputer for controlling the electronically-actuated latch engaging member.
9. An enclosure access control system for locking an enclosure having an enclosure body and an enclosure door which define a product storage area, the product storage area capable of storing a plurality of products, the plurality of products each being available to be selected by a consumer when the door is open, the system comprising:
a locking element on the enclosure door;
an electronic lock mechanism on the enclosure body, the electronic lock mechanism comprising a moveable latch configured to selectively engage the locking element to lock the enclosure door to the enclosure body, and to selectively disengage the locking element to unlock the enclosure door to the enclosure body, the electronic lock mechanism further comprising an electronic actuator operatively connected to an electronically actuated latch engaging member, the electronically actuated latch engaging member having an extended, locked position and a retracted, unlocked position;
lock controller circuitry associated with the electronic lock mechanism for actuating the the electronic actuated latch engaging member to take at least one of the actions of locking the enclosure door to the enclosure and unlocking the enclosure door to the enclosure body;
a manually operated reset signal transmitter configured to be located in a secured location, independent from the lock controller circuitry and external to the product storage area, to transmit a reset signal to the lock controller circuitry to selectively reset the electronic lock mechanism by unlocking the electronic lock mechanism after actuation of the electronic lock mechanism.
10. The system of claim 9 , further comprising enclosure body controller circuitry to detect a fault event requiring the enclosure access control system to be locked.
11. The system of claim 9 , wherein the lock controller circuitry is configured to permit unsecured access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at or below a pre-determined threshold temperature.
12. The system of claim 9 further comprising an AC power source for powering the lock controller circuitry during normal operation, and a battery for providing power to the lock controller circuitry allowing the lock controller circuitry to continue to function during a power failure.
13. The system of claim 9 wherein the lock controller circuitry comprises a first microcomputer, and wherein the first microcomputer is operatively connected to a second microcomputer for controlling the electronically-actuated latch engaging member.
14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism includes a sensor for detecting a reset signal to selectively unlock the locking mechanism after actuation of the locking mechanism.
15. The system of claim 2 , wherein the locking mechanism includes a sensor for detecting a reset signal to selectively unlock the locking mechanism after actuation of the locking mechanism.
16. The system of claim 2 , wherein the controller further comprises a data communication port configured to communicate at least one operation control parameter.
17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first controller is configured in a normal operation mode to permit access to the product storage area, and further configured to operate in a fault condition to restrict access to the product storage area.
18. The system of claim 2 further comprising at least one unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism, the at least one unlocking device configured to generate a first unlock signal for unlocking the lock mechanism, and further configured to generate a second unlock signal for unlocking the lock mechanism.
19. The system of claim 2 , further comprising a first unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism and a second unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism.
20. The system of claim 2 , wherein the controller is configured to receive at least one unlock signal, the controller comprising a plurality of data input ports configured for detecting the at least one unlock signal.
21. The system of claim 2 , wherein the controller comprises a sensor for detecting an authorized or secure signal, wherein the controller actuates the locking mechanism in response to detecting the authorized or secured signal.
22. The system of claim 17 , wherein the controller further configured to being powered by a first power source and a second power source for actuating the locking mechanism, the controller being powered by the second power source and subsequently operating in the normal operation mode following a loss of the first power source.
23. The system of claim 2 wherein the enclosure includes the enclosure body and one or more enclosure doors.
24. An enclosure access control system for locking an enclosure having an enclosure body and an enclosure door which define a product storage area, the product storage area capable of storing a plurality of products, the plurality of products each being available to be selected by a consumer when the door is open, the system comprising:
a locking element on a first one of the enclosure body and the enclosure door;
a locking mechanism on a second one of the enclosure body and the enclosure door, the locking mechanism having an opening, the locking mechanism further including a latch mounted for movement between a latched position and an un latched position, wherein the latch is in the latched position when the enclosure door is closed and is in the unlatched position when the enclosure door is open, the locking mechanism further including an electronically actuated latch engaging member adapted to engage the latch, and the lock mechanism further configured to selectively engage the locking element to lock and unlock the enclosure door to the enclosure body;
a controller comprising circuitry operatively connected to the locking mechanism for controlling actuation of the locking mechanism, wherein the circuitry selectively provides a lock actuation signal to the locking mechanism;
the controller configured to operate in a normal operation mode to permit public access to the product storage area by the consumer and further configured to operate in a fault condition to restrict public access to the product storage area by the consumer;
the controller further configured in the normal operation to permit public access to the product storage area as a temperature of the product storage area timely transitions from a predetermined fault temperature level or limit to a proper temperature level; and
the controller having one of control logic and control circuitry to process inputs from at least one input port to determine whether a fault event of the temperature of the product storage area is at the predetermined fault temperature level or limit for one or more minutes during normal operation, whereupon the controller actuates the locking mechanism to the locked position and the controller transitions to the fault condition.
25. The system of claim 24 , wherein the lock controller is configured to restrict public access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at room temperature.
26. The system of claim 24 , wherein the lock controller circuitry is configured to receive an electronic access signal from a remote interface.
27. The system of claim 26 , wherein the remote interface is configured to transmit the electronic access signal over one of a local area network and wide area network.
28. The system of claim 24 , wherein the lock controller circuitry is configured to permit unsecured access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at or below a pre-determined threshold temperature.
29. The system of claim 24 further comprising an AC power source for powering the lock controller during normal operation, a battery for providing power to transition the lock controller to the fault condition, and the door being locked in response to one of a power failure and a fault event.
30. The system of claim 29 wherein the lock controller operates in the normal operation for a period of time while being powered by the battery prior to the door being locked in response to the one of a power failure and a fault event.
31. The system of claim 24 , wherein the locking mechanism includes a sensor for detecting a reset signal to selectively unlock the locking mechanism after actuation of the locking mechanism.
32. The system of claim 24 , wherein the controller further comprises a data communication port configured to communicate at least one of a latch position signal and a latch engaging member position signal.
33. The system of claim 24 further comprising at least one unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism, the at least one unlocking device configured to generate a first unlock signal for unlocking the lock mechanism, and further configured to generate a second unlock signal for unlocking the lock mechanism.
34. The system of claim 24 , further comprising a first unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism and a second unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism.
35. The system of claim 24 , wherein the controller is configured to receive at least one unlock signal, the controller comprising a plurality of data input ports configured for detecting the at least one unlock signal.
36. The system of claim 24 , wherein the controller comprises a sensor for detecting an authorized or secure signal, wherein the controller actuates the locking mechanism in response to detecting the authorized or secured signal.
37. The system of claim 24 wherein the enclosure includes the enclosure body and one or more enclosure doors.
38. An enclosure access control system for locking an enclosure having an enclosure body and an enclosure door which define a product storage area, the product storage area capable of storing a plurality of products, the plurality of products each being available to be selected by a consumer when the door is open, the system comprising:
a locking element on a first one of the enclosure body and the enclosure door;
a locking mechanism on a second one of the enclosure body and the enclosure door, the locking mechanism having an opening, the locking mechanism further including a latch mounted for movement between a latched position and an un latched position, wherein the latch is in the latched position when the enclosure door is closed and is in the unlatched position when the enclosure door is open, the locking mechanism further including an electronically actuated latch engaging member adapted to engage the latch, and the lock mechanism further configured to take at least one of the actions of locking the enclosure door to the enclosure body and unlocking the enclosure door to the enclosure body;
a controller comprising a microcomputer operatively connected to the locking mechanism for controlling actuation of the locking mechanism, the controller further comprising a data input communication port for detecting an authorized signal transmitter to detect an event requiring the enclosure to be unlocked, whereupon the controller selectively provides a lock actuation signal to the locking mechanism for unlocking the locking mechanism.
39. The system of claim 38 further comprising cooler controller circuitry communicably linked to the lock controller circuitry, wherein the lock controller circuitry is configured to restrict access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at or above a pre-determined threshold temperature.
40. The system of claim 38 , wherein the lock controller circuitry is configured to restrict unsecured access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at room temperature.
41. The system of claim 38 , wherein the lock controller circuitry is configured to receive an electronic access signal from a remote interface.
42. The system of claim 41 , wherein the remote interface is configured to transmit the electronic access signal over one of a local area network and wide area network.
43. The system of claim 38 wherein the lock controller circuitry comprises a first microcomputer, and wherein the first microcomputer is operatively connected to a second microcomputer for controlling the electronically-actuated latch engaging member.
44. The system of claim 38 , wherein the lock controller circuitry is configured to permit unsecured access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at or below a pre-determined threshold temperature.
45. The system of claim 38 further comprising an AC power source for powering the lock controller circuitry, and a battery for providing power to the lock controller circuitry allowing the lock controller circuitry to continue to function during a power failure.
46. The system of claim 38 , wherein the controller further comprises a data communication port configured to communicate at least one of a latch position signal and a latch engaging member position signal.
47. The system of claim 38 , wherein the controller is configured in a normal operation mode to permit access to the product storage area, and further configured to operate in a fault condition to restrict access to the product storage area.
48. The system of claim 38 , wherein the controller further configured to being powered by a first power source and a second power source for actuating the locking mechanism, the controller being powered by the second power source and subsequently operating in the normal operation mode following a loss of the first power source.
49. The system of claim 38 further comprising at least one unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism, the at least one unlocking device configured to generate a first unlock signal for unlocking the lock mechanism, and further configured to generate a second unlock signal for unlocking the lock mechanism.
50. The system of claim 38 , further comprising a first unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism and a second unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism.
51. The system of claim 38 , wherein the controller is configured to receive at least one unlock signal, the controller comprising a plurality of data input ports configured for detecting the at least one unlock signal.
52. The system of claim 38 , wherein the controller comprises a sensor for detecting an authorized or secure signal, wherein the controller actuates the locking mechanism in response to detecting the authorized or secured signal.
53. The system of claim 38 wherein the enclosure includes the enclosure body and one or more enclosure doors.
54. An enclosure access control system for locking an enclosure having an enclosure body and an enclosure door which define a product storage area, the product storage area capable of storing a plurality of products, the plurality of products each being available to be selected by a consumer when the door is open, the system comprising:
a locking element on a first one of the enclosure body and the enclosure door;
a locking mechanism on a second one of the enclosure body and the enclosure door, the locking mechanism having an opening, the locking mechanism further including a latch mounted for movement between a latched position and an unlatched position, wherein the latch is in the latched position when the enclosure door is closed and is in the unlatched position when the enclosure door is open, the locking mechanism further including an electronically actuated latch engaging member adapted to engage the latch, and the lock mechanism further configured to take at least one of the actions of locking the enclosure door to the enclosure body and unlocking the enclosure door to the enclosure body;
a controller comprising a microcomputer operatively connected to the locking mechanism for controlling actuation of the locking mechanism, wherein the controller selectively provides a lock actuation signal to the locking mechanism;
the controller further comprising an output communication port configured to communicate at least one of a latch position signal and a latch engaging member position signal.
55. The system of claim 54 wherein the lock controller circuitry comprises a first microcomputer, and wherein the first microcomputer is operatively connected to a second microcomputer for controlling the electronically-actuated latch engaging member.
56. The system of claim 54 , wherein the controller further configured to being powered by a first power source and a second power source for actuating the locking mechanism, the controller being powered by the second power source following a loss of the first power source.
57. The system of claim 54 wherein the enclosure includes the enclosure body and one or more enclosure doors.
58. An enclosure access control system for locking an enclosure having an enclosure body and an enclosure door which define a product storage area, the product storage area capable of storing a plurality of products, the plurality of products each being available to be selected by a consumer when the door is open, the system comprising:
a locking element on a first one of the enclosure body and the enclosure door;
a locking mechanism on a second one of the enclosure body and the enclosure door, the locking mechanism having an opening, the locking mechanism further including a latch mounted for movement between a latched position and an un latched position, wherein the latch is in the latched position when the enclosure door is closed and is in the unlatched position when the enclosure door is open, the locking mechanism further including an electronically actuated latch engaging member adapted to engage the latch, and the lock mechanism further configured to take at least one of the actions of locking the enclosure door to the enclosure body and unlocking the enclosure door to the enclosure body;
a first controller comprising a first microcomputer operatively connected to the locking mechanism for controlling actuation of the locking mechanism, wherein the first controller selectively provides a lock actuation signal to the locking mechanism;
a secure unlocking signal transmitter to selectively unlock the electronic lock mechanism after actuation of the electronic lock mechanism;
a second controller comprising a second microcomputer and further comprising an input port configured to communicate with the secure unlocking signal transmitter; and
wherein the first controller and second controller are operatively connected.
59. The system of claim 58 , wherein one of the first and the second controller is configured to receive an electronic access signal from a remote interface.
60. The system of claim 59 , wherein the remote interface is configured to transmit the electronic access signal over one of a local area network and wide area network.
61. The system of claim 58 further comprising an AC power source for powering the first and second controllers, and a battery for providing power to the first controller allowing the first controller to continue to function during a power failure.
62. The system of claim 58 , wherein one of the first and second controller further comprises a data communication port configured to communicate at least one of a latch position signal and a latch engaging member position signal.
63. The system of claim 58 , wherein one of the first and second controller is configured in a normal operation mode to permit access to the product storage area, and further configured to operate in a fault condition to restrict access to the product storage area.
64. The system of claim 58 further comprising at least one unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism, the at least one unlocking device configured to generate a first unlock signal for unlocking the lock mechanism, and further configured to generate a second unlock signal for unlocking the lock mechanism.
65. The system of claim 58 , further comprising a first unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism and a second unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism.
66. The system of claim 58 , wherein at least one of the first and the second controller is configured to receive at least one unlock signal, the at least one of the first and second controller comprising a plurality of data input ports configured for detecting the at least one unlock signal.
67. The system of claim 58 , wherein the at least one of the first and the second controller comprises a sensor for detecting an authorized or secure signal, wherein one of the first and the second controllers actuates the locking mechanism in response to detecting the authorized or secured signal.
68. The system of claim 58 wherein the enclosure includes the enclosure body and one or more enclosure doors.
69. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second lock controllers are configured to restrict access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at or above a pre-determined threshold temperature.
70. The system of claim 2 , wherein the lock controller circuitry operates in the normal operation for a period of time while being powered by the battery prior to the door being locked in response to the one of a power failure and a fault event.
71. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second controllers are configured to restrict unsecured access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at room temperature.
72. The system of claim 1 , wherein one of the first and the second lock controllers is configured to receive an electronic access signal from a remote interface.
73. The system of claim 72 , wherein the remote interface is configured to transmit the electronic access signal over one of a local area network and wide area network.
74. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first and second controllers are configured to permit unsecured access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at or below a pre-determined threshold temperature.
75. The system of claim 1 further comprising an AC power source for powering the first and second controllers during normal operation, and a battery for providing power to at least one of the first and second lock controller allowing the at least one of the first and second lock controller to continue to function during a power failure.
76. The system of claim 1 , wherein one of the first and second controllers further comprises a data communication port configured to communicate at least one of a latch position signal and a latch engaging member position signal.
77. The system of claim 9 , wherein the controller further comprises a data communication port configured to communicate at least one of a latch position signal and a latch engaging member position signal.
78. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism, the at least one unlocking device configured to generate a first unlock signal for unlocking the locking mechanism, and further configured to generate a second unlock signal for unlocking the locking mechanism.
79. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a first unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism and a second unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism.
80. The system of claim 9 further comprising at least one unlocking device to selectively unlock the lock mechanism, the at least one unlocking device configured to generate a first unlock signal for unlocking the lock mechanism, and further configured to generate a second unlock signal for unlocking the lock mechanism.
81. The system of claim 9 , further comprising a first unlocking device to selectively unlock the lock mechanism and a second unlocking device to selectively unlock the lock mechanism.
82. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and the second controller is configured to receive at least one unlock signal, at least one of the first and second controller comprising a plurality of data input ports configured for detecting the at least one unlock signal.
83. The system of claim 9 , wherein the controller circuitry is configured to receive at least one unlock signal, the controller circuitry comprising a plurality of data input ports configured for detecting the at least one unlock signal.
84. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and the second controllers comprises a sensor for detecting an authorized or secure signal, wherein the one at least one of the first and second controllers actuates the locking mechanism in response to detecting the authorized or secured signal.
85. The system of claim 9 , wherein the controller circuitry comprises a sensor for detecting an authorized or secure signal, wherein the controller actuates the lock mechanism in response to detecting the authorized or secured signal.
86. The system of claim 1 wherein the enclosure includes the enclosure body and one or more enclosure doors.
87. The system of claim 9 wherein the enclosure includes the enclosure body and one or more enclosure doors.
88. An enclosure access control system for locking an enclosure having an enclosure body and an enclosure door which define a product storage area, the product storage area capable of storing a plurality of products, the plurality of products each being available to be selected by a consumer when the door is open, the system comprising:
a locking element on a first one of the enclosure body and the enclosure door;
a locking mechanism on a second one of the enclosure body and the enclosure door, the locking mechanism having an opening, the locking mechanism further including a latch mounted for movement between a latched position and an un latched position, wherein the latch is in the latched position when the enclosure door is closed and is in the unlatched position when the enclosure door is open, the locking mechanism further including an electronically actuated latch engaging member adapted to engage the latch, and the lock mechanism further configured to take at least one of the actions of locking the enclosure door to the enclosure body and unlocking the enclosure door to the enclosure body;
a controller comprising a microcomputer operatively connected to the locking mechanism for controlling actuation of the locking mechanism, the controller further comprising a data input communication port for detecting an authorized signal transmitted from a secured location requiring the enclosure to be unlocked, whereupon the controller selectively provides a lock actuation signal to the locking mechanism for unlocking the locking mechanism.
89. The system of claim 88 further comprising cooler controller circuitry communicably linked to the lock controller circuitry, wherein the lock controller circuitry is configured to restrict access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at or above a pre-determined threshold temperature.
90. The system of claim 88 , wherein the lock controller circuitry is configured to restrict unsecured access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at room temperature.
91. The system of claim 88 , wherein the lock controller circuitry is configured to receive an electronic access signal from a remote interface.
92. The system of claim 91 , wherein the remote interface is configured to transmit the electronic access signal over one of a local area network and wide area network.
93. The system of claim 88 wherein the lock controller circuitry comprises a first microcomputer, and wherein the first microcomputer is operatively connected to a second microcomputer for controlling the electronically-actuated latch engaging member.
94. The system of claim 88 , wherein the lock controller circuitry is configured to permit unsecured access to the product storage area when a temperature of the product storage area is at or below a pre-determined threshold temperature.
95. The system of claim 88 further comprising an AC power source for powering the lock controller circuitry, and a battery for providing power to the lock controller circuitry allowing the lock controller circuitry to continue to function during a power failure.
96. The system of claim 88 , wherein the controller further comprises a data communication port configured to communicate at least one of a latch position signal and a latch engaging member position signal.
97. The system of claim 88 , wherein the controller is configured in a normal operation mode to permit access to the product storage area, and further configured to operate in a fault condition to restrict access to the product storage area.
98. The system of claim 88 , wherein the controller further configured to being powered by a first power source and a second power source for actuating the locking mechanism, the controller being powered by the second power source and subsequently operating in the normal operation mode following a loss of the first power source.
99. The system of claim 88 further comprising at least one unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism, the at least one unlocking device configured to generate a first unlock signal for unlocking the lock mechanism, and further configured to generate a second unlock signal for unlocking the lock mechanism.
100. The system of claim 88 , further comprising a first unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism and a second unlocking device to selectively unlock the locking mechanism.
101. The system of claim 88 , wherein the controller is configured to receive at least one unlock signal, the controller comprising a plurality of data input ports configured for detecting the at least one unlock signal.
102. The system of claim 88 wherein the enclosure includes the enclosure body and one or more enclosure doors.