Abstract: An electronic lockbox uses a rotary actuator with multiple positions to achieve multiple locking states. Multiple positions of the actuator are detected, using optical sensors. The locking mechanism includes an outer sleeve and an inner cylindrical barrel that are coupled with torsion springs. The lockbox has a shackle and a key bin that are retained by the inner barrel when in the locked state, and the barrel can be rotated to either release the shackle or to release the key bin that typically holds a building's key.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox uses a rotary actuator with multiple positions to achieve multiple locking states. Multiple positions of the actuator are detected, using optical sensors. The locking mechanism includes an outer sleeve and an inner cylindrical barrel that are coupled with torsion springs. The lockbox has a shackle and a key bin that are retained by the inner barrel when in the locked state, and the barrel can be rotated to either release the shackle or to release the key bin that typically holds a building's key.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox uses a rotary actuator with multiple positions to achieve multiple locking states. Multiple positions of the actuator are detected, using optical sensors. The locking mechanism includes an outer sleeve and an inner cylindrical barrel that are coupled with torsion springs. The lockbox has a shackle and a key bin that are retained by the inner barrel when in the locked state, and the barrel can be rotated to either release the shackle or to release the key bin that typically holds a building's key.

Abstract: An electronic lock system that uses an intermediary controller (“IMC”), such as an electronic lockbox, to communicate with an electronic lock that protects buildings, such as dwellings. The IMC also communicates with a wireless portable computer (“WPC”), such as a smart phone, so that an authorized user can first authenticate credentials to the IMC, then have the IMC (or the WPC) send appropriate messages to the electronic lock to command that lock to unlock. The IMC must initially be setup by an ADMIN, so that the IMC's memory contains the specific codes and protocols to successfully communicate with the electronic lock. In this manner, the user can obtain access to the building without specific knowledge of those specific codes and protocols required by the electronic lock. An alarm panel on a building could also be disarmed by the IMC, if its specific codes and protocols are first setup into the IMC's memory.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox system allows both sales agents and sales prospects to communicate either with the lockbox, or with the central clearinghouse computer. Contextual data then is provided to the sales prospect while the prospect is visiting a specific property that is the site of a lockbox installation. Both the agent and the prospect use smart devices, such as smart phones, that have both wide area network capability and low power radio capability. In other situations, contextual data can be sent to a user having a smart device, in which that contextual data pertains to at least one human occupant of the specific property where that lockbox has been installed, which can be useful where a medical caregiver arrives to visit a human occupant of a specific property that is protected by the electronic lockbox.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining security and data gathering for a number of vehicles. The systems include a vehicle activity module for each of the vehicles. The vehicle activity module has a wireless transmitter, a storage device, at least one sensor for receiving event information from identification devices, such as RFID cards, keypads, magnetic ID cards, and the like, a releasable key container, and a processor for accessing and analyzing information. The VAMs are wirelessly connected to a computer system. The VAMs control access to the keys, monitor information relating to access, and store and transmit information relating to sales events, non-sales events, and intrusion events. The VAMs are capable of autonomous operation, without the need to access the computer system to verify event information. The VAMs further include signal attenuating mechanisms to facilitate use of “smart keys.

Abstract: An electronic wireless controller remote locking system allows both sales agents and sales prospects to communicate either with the wireless controller, or with a central clearinghouse computer. Contextual data then is provided to the sales prospect while the prospect is visiting a specific property that is the site of a wireless controller and lock installation. Both the agent and the prospect use smart devices, such as smart phones, that have both wide area network capability and low power radio capability. In other situations, contextual data can be sent to a user having a smart device, in which that contextual data pertains to at least one human occupant of the specific property where that wireless controller and lock have been installed, which can be useful where a medical caregiver arrives to visit a human occupant of a specific property that is protected by the wireless controller and lock.

Abstract: An electronic wireless controller remote locking system allows both sales agents and sales prospects to communicate either with the wireless controller, or with a central clearinghouse computer. Contextual data then is provided to the sales prospect while the prospect is visiting a specific property that is the site of a wireless controller and lock installation. Both the agent and the prospect use smart devices, such as smart phones, that have both wide area network capability and low power radio capability. In other situations, contextual data can be sent to a user having a smart device, in which that contextual data pertains to at least one human occupant of the specific property where that wireless controller and lock have been installed, which can be useful where a medical caregiver arrives to visit a human occupant of a specific property that is protected by the wireless controller and lock.

Abstract: An electronic wireless controller remote locking system allows both sales agents and sales prospects to communicate either with the wireless controller, or with a central clearinghouse computer. Contextual data then is provided to the sales prospect while the prospect is visiting a specific property that is the site of a wireless controller and lock installation. Both the agent and the prospect use smart devices, such as smart phones, that have both wide area network capability and low power radio capability. In other situations, contextual data can be sent to a user having a smart device, in which that contextual data pertains to at least one human occupant of the specific property where that wireless controller and lock have been installed, which can be useful where a medical caregiver arrives to visit a human occupant of a specific property that is protected by the wireless controller and lock.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox system allows both sales agents and sales prospects to communicate either with the lockbox, or with the central clearinghouse computer. Contextual data then is provided to the sales prospect while the prospect is visiting a specific property that is the site of a lockbox installation. Both the agent and the prospect use smart devices, such as smart phones, that have both wide area network capability and low power radio capability. In other situations, contextual data can be sent to a user having a smart device, in which that contextual data pertains to at least one human occupant of the specific property where that lockbox has been installed, which can be useful where a medical caregiver arrives to visit a human occupant of a specific property that is protected by the electronic lockbox.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining security and data gathering for a number of vehicles. The systems include a vehicle activity module for each of the vehicles. The vehicle activity module has a wireless transmitter, a storage device, at least one sensor for receiving event information from identification devices, such as RFID cards, keypads, magnetic ID cards, and the like, a releasable key container, and a processor for accessing and analyzing information. The VAMs are wirelessly connected to a computer system. The VAMs control access to the keys, monitor information relating to access, and store and transmit information relating to sales events, non-sales events, and intrusion events. The VAMs are capable of autonomous operation, without the need to access the computer system to verify event information. The VAMs further include signal attenuating mechanisms to facilitate use of “smart keys.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox system allows both sales agents and sales prospects to communicate either with the lockbox, or with the central clearinghouse computer. Contextual data then is provided to the sales prospect while the prospect is visiting a specific property that is the site of a lockbox installation. Both the agent and the prospect use smart devices, such as smart phones, that have both wide area network capability and low power radio capability. In other situations, contextual data can be sent to a user having a smart device, in which that contextual data pertains to at least one human occupant of the specific property where that lockbox has been installed, which can be useful where a medical caregiver arrives to visit a human occupant of a specific property that is protected by the electronic lockbox.

Abstract: An electronic wireless controller remote locking system allows both sales agents and sales prospects to communicate either with the wireless controller, or with a central clearinghouse computer. Contextual data then is provided to the sales prospect while the prospect is visiting a specific property that is the site of a wireless controller and lock installation. Both the agent and the prospect use smart devices, such as smart phones, that have both wide area network capability and low power radio capability. In other situations, contextual data can be sent to a user having a smart device, in which that contextual data pertains to at least one human occupant of the specific property where that wireless controller and lock have been installed, which can be useful where a medical caregiver arrives to visit a human occupant of a specific property that is protected by the wireless controller and lock.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox system includes a wireless portable transponder that communicates with an electronic lockbox using a low power radio link. The portable transponder includes: a wide area network radio to communicate to a central clearinghouse computer, a motion sensor to activate its wide area network radio, and a connector to communicate with a secure memory device. The electronic lockbox sends a hail message that is intercepted by the portable transponder; the hail message includes identification information. The portable transponder responds with a message that includes a time sensitive encryption key; the lockbox authenticates this response message using its own time sensitive encryption key. If an electronic key is used to access the lockbox, the improved system effectively disables the electronic key during a showing, so that the electronic key cannot be used to access another lockbox until the correct dwelling key has been placed back into the lockbox.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining security and data gathering for a number of vehicles. The systems include a vehicle activity module for each of the vehicles. The vehicle activity module has a wireless transmitter, a storage device, at least one sensor for receiving event information from identification devices, such as RFID cards, keypads, magnetic ID cards, and the like, a releasable key container, and a processor for accessing and analyzing information. The VAMs are wirelessly connected to a computer system. The VAMs control access to the keys, monitor information relating to access, and store and transmit information relating to sales events, non-sales events, and intrusion events. The VAMs are capable of autonomous operation, without the need to access the computer system to verify event information. The VAMs further include signal attenuating mechanisms to facilitate use of “smart keys.

Abstract: An electronic lock box system that includes a central computer, which allows “listing agents” (if used in a real estate sales environment) to custom tailor a survey questionnaire that relates to features connected with the potential sale or lease of a property, and thereby garner feedback information from potential buyers (or lessees), or at least from “showing agents” that represent potential buyers/lessees. To improve response rate, the listing agent can add incentives to other agents who provide useful feedback. Furthermore, the system can be configured such that reciprocal feedback is necessary in order for a participating agent to see feedback about his or her own listings.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox sends identifying data to a portable communications device, which relays that data to a central computer, generating a response from the central computer containing customized information of special interest to the user. Such data can include information relating to the lockbox's property, and contextually relevant information relating to other similar properties nearby. Such data from the central computer also can be delivered to one more auxiliary portable communication devices, including such devices carried by individuals either in close proximity to the lockbox or at a remote location. The data also could comprise visitation history relevant to the user, allowing an agent or a prospect to review information about previous visits to properties. The central computer can also query a user to provide location information for a lockbox that has been added to the system database.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox system includes a wireless portable transponder that communicates with an electronic lockbox using a low power radio link. The portable transponder includes: a wide area network radio to communicate to a central clearinghouse computer, a motion sensor to activate its wide area network radio, and a connector to communicate with a secure memory device. The electronic lockbox sends a hail message that is intercepted by the portable transponder; the hail message includes identification information. The portable transponder responds with a message that includes a time sensitive encryption key; the lockbox authenticates this response message using its own time sensitive encryption key. If an electronic key is used to access the lockbox, the improved system effectively disables the electronic key during a showing, so that the electronic key cannot be used to access another lockbox until the correct dwelling key has been placed back into the lockbox.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox sends identifying data to a portable communications device, which relays that data to a central computer, generating a response from the central computer containing customized information of special interest to the user. Such data can include information relating to the lockbox's property, and contextually relevant information relating to other similar properties nearby. Such data from the central computer also can be delivered to one more auxiliary portable communication devices, including such devices carried by individuals either in close proximity to the lockbox or at a remote location. The data also could comprise visitation history relevant to the user, allowing an agent or a prospect to review information about previous visits to properties. The central computer can also query a user to provide location information for a lockbox that has been added to the system database.

Abstract: An electronic lock box system includes a wireless portable transponder that communicates with an electronic lock box using a low power radio link. The portable transponder includes: a wide area network radio to communicate to a central clearinghouse computer, a motion sensor to activate its wide area network radio, and a connector to communicate with a secure memory device. The electronic lock box sends a hail message that is intercepted by the portable transponder; the hail message includes identification information. The portable transponder responds with a message that includes a time sensitive encryption key; the lock box authenticates this response message using its own time sensitive encryption key. If the messages are authenticated, the lock box sends an access event record to the portable transponder, and this access event record is stored in the secure memory device. If a wide area network is available, the portable transponder sends the access event record to the central clearinghouse computer.