Keypad entry electronic combination lock with self-generated combination

Abstract

A combination lock and particularly an electronic combination lock used on a container that is typically housed within an enclosure having a door which further has a lock and a security switch indicating that the enclosure door has been opened may, be provided with a device to shunt a security signal around the switch associated with the enclosure door to shut off, override, or cancel the security switch signal. The lock may be provided with a shunt relay which effectively connects a signal from a voltage source to a monitor or alarm when the combination lock is opened, thereby signaling the monitor that the enclosure door was opened by an individual having the authorized combination for the combination lock. This indicates that the person opening the enclosure lock has a legitimate authorization to access the locked container within the enclosure and that the opening of the enclosure door may be reasonably ignored. Upon the locking of the combination lock and the closing of the enclosure door a brief alarm signal indicates that the combination lock has been locked and the enclosure closed.