Patents Assigned to Key Systems, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20150206362
    Abstract: An identification insert can enable tracking of an asset by placing identification circuitry with a unique identifier in communication with a security asset management system. The insert can be directly mounted in a housing of an asset. Alternatively, the insert can be mounted in an ID enabler that can be attached to an asset via a cable or the like. The insert can also be part of a lock adapter secured to an asset by a lock, or can be mounted in a housing of a lock compatible with a security feature of an asset, such as a lock slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Eckerdt
  • Publication number: 20150164259
    Abstract: A pocket mounted on a support structure can receive a tag carrying a memory button. The pocket is sized and configured to urge the tag toward the support structure and a contact surface of the memory button into electrical communication with a tag contact on the support structure. The pocket can include a slot into which a key flange of the tag can slide. The slot includes an end that acts as a stop for the key flange and ensures adequate alignment of the memory button and the tag contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George H. Eckerdt, George Mastrodonato
  • Patent number: 9019076
    Abstract: A storage system for material containers provides a readable ID distinguishing each container, and includes a scale that weighs containers, so that the system can distinguish between containers that are sufficiently loaded to be effective and containers that are insufficiently loaded. The system preferably includes storage for containers held in contact with readers of the container IDs. This allows a controller to keep track of containers checked out for use and returned for storage, and to identify containers that have been discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Eckerdt
  • Patent number: 8919656
    Abstract: A mounting spring coil is made to grip and releasably hold a cylindrical periphery of a memory button while transmitting an ID effectively. A memory button held in a coil of the mounting spring can support objects such as tags and keys that are identified by the memory button to account for removal and replacement of the objects being secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George Eckerdt
  • Publication number: 20140118110
    Abstract: A storage system for material containers provides a readable ID distinguishing each container, and includes a scale that weighs containers, so that the system can distinguish between containers that are sufficiently loaded to be effective and containers that are insufficiently loaded. The system preferably includes storage for containers held in contact with readers of the container IDs. This allows a controller to keep track of containers checked out for use and returned for storage, and to identify containers that have been discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Eckerdt
  • Patent number: 8704635
    Abstract: A web accessed security box includes a web server that can communicate with a web browser to control access and account for asset events that occur when the box is used. A personal identifier must be satisfied to open a drawer of the box. A latching system uses both an access solenoid for normal opening and closing in response to the personal identifier, and an emergency release solenoid having a separate power supply to open the box when the access solenoid is disabled. Several features make the box secure against weather and tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George H. Eckerdt, George Mastrodonato
  • Patent number: 8690069
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing a compact, tamper-evident means of combining individual keys with unique electronic memory identifiers. The disclosure involves a holder that is manufactured to attach some form of electronic identification, such as a touch memory button, to the head of a key. Once attached, the assembly can be mounted and read electronically to continually account for the identification, presence, access rights, and removal or replacement of the assembly from storage. Application of the key holder would not require alteration of the key in any manner, and thus could occur when the individual keys are either ready for distribution or already distributed and in regular use. The key holder would preferably be tamper-evident and prevent removal of the touch memory button without destruction of the holder, and possibly even the key itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George H Eckerdt
  • Patent number: 8624705
    Abstract: A storage system for material containers provides a readable ID distinguishing each container, and includes a scale that weighs containers, so that the system can distinguish between containers that are sufficiently loaded to be effective and containers that are insufficiently loaded. The system preferably includes storage for containers held in contact with readers of the container IDs. This allows a controller to keep track of containers checked out for use and returned for storage, and to identify containers that have been discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George H Eckerdt
  • Patent number: 8513544
    Abstract: Weight is used to help identify key and ring combinations authorized to certain persons. This is done by associating a weigh scale with each storage box for key and ring combinations, all of which have different total weights. The weights of all the key and ring combinations are registered with a computer, along with authentication and storage information. Then as key and ring combinations are removed from or returned to a storage box, they are weighed on scale 25 so that a computer can compare the scale weight with a registered weight. For any discrepancy, the computer can initiate one of many security actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George H Eckerdt
  • Publication number: 20100051483
    Abstract: The invention includes an enclosure that can hold an asset in an inaccessible position within the enclosure. A tether connects a security device to the asset and connects the asset to the enclosure. The security device, in a secure position, holds the tether in a position that keeps the asset within the enclosure so that the asset is inaccessible, even while hanging in a security box. The security device is also movable to an authorized position that allows the tether to move relative to the enclosure to make the asset accessible to an authorized user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George Mastrodonato, George H. Eckerdt
  • Patent number: 7601052
    Abstract: A key destroyer preferably deploys an angle grinder fitted with a grinding chamber, cover, and insertion tube through which a key can be inserted to be destroyed. The key is gripped in a holder that can slide key foremost through the support tube so that the coded portion of the key can pass through a safety wall at the inner end of the support tube and engage a rotating abrasive disk that grinds away the coded portion of the key. The head of the destroyed key can then be retained as evidence that a particular copy of a key no longer exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Eckerdt
  • Patent number: 7128350
    Abstract: This disengageable strike has a strike annexed to a strike member that is slideably mounted to a strike base. The strike member and strike base are, in turn, mounted to a door frame or door opposite a slam latch. In a first position, the strike engages the latch to prevent the door from opening. An electrically disengageable inhibitor prevents manual movement of the sliding strike from the first position. However, when the inhibitor is disengaged, the strike can be manually moved/slid using an actuator (in the form of a handle annexed to the strike member) to a second position where it does not engage the latch to prevent the door from opening. A biasing spring biasing the strike and strike member towards the first position helps to return it to the first position after the actuator is released. Further, one portion of a sensor for a signal generator is mounted to the strike member such that it is opposite the other portion in the door or frame only when the strike is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Eckerdt
  • Publication number: 20060185410
    Abstract: This key shield features a control key joined to an asset key by a key ring. The key ring is slidable in a longitudinal key ring slot in an opaque elongate body such that the asset key can be moved to a position within said body where its configuration is concealed and can likewise be moved to a position where it is exposed for insertion into a lock by sliding the key ring from one end of the slot to the other. When the key ring is moved to so as to expose the asset key, it pulls the control key into the other end of the body and exposes the asset key at the other end of the body. Likewise, when the control key is exposed, the asset key is hidden. In addition, since the slot itself provides a means for studying the configuration of the asset key, elongate key visibility shields are provided on either side of the asset key and mounted to the key ring. These are adjacent the asset key when it is positioned within the body and block visual inspection through the slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Applicant: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: George Mastrodonato, George Eckerdt
  • Patent number: 7051563
    Abstract: This Door Key Retention Security System guarantees that a key used to enable operation of a powered door is retained or locked in the invention until the door is, once again, closed. Thus, it requires a person who has authorized access to the key to insert the key and properly turn it in order for a door to be opened. Then, while the door is open, the key is locked in the mechanism and cannot be removed. When the need for the door to be open is ended, the door can be closed and the key removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Eckerdt
  • Patent number: 5794993
    Abstract: A tamper-evident ring is made from a split ring made of a strong resilient material and terminated by male and female fittings. The two fittings can be connected to form a continuous ring of the type that allows keys to slide entirely around the ring. One of the two fittings is breakable to prevent the ring from being reclosed and to provide a visual indication that the ring has been reopened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Eckerdt
  • Patent number: 4517923
    Abstract: There is disclosed an animal feeding system which comprises a means for collecting and storing information regarding an animal's individual characteristics such as milk production or weight, a means for storing information regarding the desired or predicted animal characteristics, means for comparing the desired or predicted characteristics and the individual characteristics and determining the degree of variance between the two, and means for feeding the animal based upon the variance, including a means for identifying the particular animal which is at a feed station and means for providing feed to the animal in a user definable, predetermined relationship to the variance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Assignee: Key Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Palmer