Abstract: A mechanical interface (84) for a PDA (80) allows the PDA to be positioned in an operative relationship relative to an electronic lock or electronic lockbox (82). The mechanical interface allows the PDA to be used as a key (80) to actuate the lock, by transmitting signals from the PDA to the lock. The PDA retains its normal functionality as a general purpose computer, and the interface can also form part of a link between the PDA and a remote computer (88) and/or database (92).

Abstract: One or more lock or key units of a secure entry system is equipped with a radio receiver. The receiver permits a memory in the lock or key unit to be updated with new data that is modulated onto a radio frequency signal. By this technique, system-wide changes of programming data, such as changes of lockout lists and access codes, and changes targeted to specific units, such as disabling a particular key, can be implemented simply and quickly.

Abstract: One or more lock or key units of a secure entry system is equipped with a radio receiver. The receiver permits a memory in the lock or key unit to be updated with new data that is modulated onto a radio frequency signal. By this technique, system-wide changes of programming data, such as changes of lockout lists and access codes, and changes targeted to specific units, such as disabling a particular key, can be implemented simply and quickly.

Abstract: A key for accessing an electronic lock that also has an optical scanner includes a user interface, first and second memories and a shared data transfer circuit. The first memory serves to store access data detailing identities of locks accessed by the key. The second memory stores data scanned by the scanner. The access data and the scanned data can both be downloaded from the key via the shared data transfer circuit.

Abstract: The position of a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder may be determined with respect to a plurality of stationary sensors located in an array within certain physical areas. Each sensor comprises a plurality of antenna coils arranged in unique physical orientations and capable of transmitting radio frequency signals of differing phase. The RFID transponder includes an antenna which receives the plurality of signals generated by the antenna coils, and compares the phase of at least two of the signals to determine the relative position of the transponder. The location of the transponder with respect to two or more sensor(s) may also be determined through measurement of the intensity of the signals received by the antenna coil of the transponder. The system and method may also transmit data between a sensor and a dormant (motionless) RFID transponder using a hand-held high intensity RF probe.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the position of a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder with respect to a sensor. In one embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of stationary sensors located in an array within certain physical areas. Each sensor comprises a plurality of antenna coils arranged in unique physical orientations and capable of transmitting radio frequency signals of differing phase. The RFID transponder includes an antenna which receives the plurality of signals generated by the antenna coils, and compares the phase of at least two of the signals to determine the relative position of the transponder. In a second aspect of the invention, the aforementioned antenna coils emit two direction finding mode (DFM) signals in succession; the first signal with all antenna coils turned on, the second with one of the coils turned off.

Abstract: A key container mountable to the body of a vehicle includes a body and a removable cover. The body has a forward flanged end and a storage portion that may be inserted through an opening defined in the vehicle body. The flanged end has at least one hole adapted to receive a fastener for mounting the flanged end to the outside surface of the vehicle. An internal chamber for storing keys or other items is defined in the storage portion, and the chamber can be accessed through an access opening defined in the flanged end. The removable cover covers the access opening and the fasteners when the cover is coupled to the flanged end. A locking mechanism is coupled to the cover for locking the cover to the body of the key container at any orientation about its central axis.

Abstract: A two-way slam bolt controllably locks a bolt against retraction when impacted on one side by a doorjamb, while still permitting free retraction when impacted on the other side. The preferred embodiment employs a U-shaped bolt that must tilt in one of two directions for retraction.

Abstract: The system comprises a plurality of stationary sensors located in an array within certain physical areas. Each sensor comprises a plurality of antenna coils arranged in unique physical orientations and capable of transmitting radio frequency signals of differing phase. The RFID transponder includes an antenna which receives the signals generated by the antenna coils, and compares the phase of at least two of the signals to determined the relative position of the transponder. The antenna coils may emit two direction finding mode (DFM) signals in succession; the first signal with all antenna coils turned on, the second with a subset of the coils turned off. The spatial relationship of the transponder antenna and individual antenna coils precludes all of the signals in each sensor from being rejected by the transponder during emission of both the first and second DFM signal.