Abstract: The present invention concerns an assembly for removably securing a real estate key box to a fixed structure, such as a door or wall. The assembly is designed so that when the key box is mounted on the assembly and locked, neither the key box nor the assembly can be removed from the structure.

Abstract: A lid is secured to the base of a key box device that defines an enclosed compartment for securing a spare key. The lid carries push-buttons and a knob for locking the lid to the base. The surface of the lid is generally flush with the plane of the base edges thereby eliminating locations for prying the lid from the base. A flanged portion in the lid and corresponding recessed portion in the base sidewalls provide gripping sidewalls to facilitate handling of the lid.

Abstract: A secure entry system makes use of radio transmissions to communicate with locks, keys, and related components throughout the system. The radio transmissions can be made using a paging system, a cellular telephone system, or any other RF carrier. Some embodiments employ a cellular telephone in lieu of an electronic key. Others integrate a paging receiver within an electronic key to provide a unit with dual functionality. The system is illustrated with reference to exemplary applications in the industrial site security, real estate lockbox, and transportation fields.

Abstract: Improvements to access control systems include the provision of a database in an access control device (i.e. key) and procedures assuring that the database, and a master database, are kept up to date. In the particular context of a real estate lockbox system, the keys are provided with a database detailing houses listed for sale in the local area. Updates to this personal database are conditioned on users first uploading to a master database data that their keys have collected in the course of their interactions with lockboxes. Additional features include the provision of statistical data on listing and agent data, a menu by which the access device solicits user feedback on a property just visited, and scheduling appointments to show certain listed properties. Radio communications are used in certain embodiments for updating the database and exchanging other data between the access devices (i.e. keys) and a clearinghouse.

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: An electronic security enclosure conceals a device, such as a switch, valve, outlet, or lock, behind a movable member. When the movable member is unlocked, by an electronic key, and moved to reveal the concealed device, the key is captured, preventing its removal until the enclosure is again secured over the device. A variety of operational features, including provision for keyholder access restrictions, time-of-day restrictions, provision of different classes of keys for employees and vendors, etc., are also provided. The invention also contemplates a plurality of access control devices, including lock boxes, padlocks, mortise locks, cam locks, etc., that are each operable by a common electronic key.

Abstract: An access control system provides a database in an access control device (i.e. key) and includes procedures assuring that the database, and a master database, are kept up to date. In the particular context of a real estate lockbox system, the keys are provided with a database detailing houses listed for sale in the local area. Updates to this personal database are conditioned on users first uploading to a master database data that their keys have collected in their course of their interactions with lockboxes. Additional features include the provision of statistical data on listing and agent data, a menu by which the access device solicits user feedback on a property just visited, and scheduling appointments to show certain listed properties. Radio communications are used in certain embodiments for updating the database and exchanging other data between the access devices (i.e. keys) and a clearinghouse.

Abstract: An electronic real estate lockbox system includes a number of operational features, including facsimile reporting capability, bilateral locking solenoids, improved shackle latching capabilities, improved key-compartment release operation, two-wire bilateral lock-key communications, improved case design, viral lockout list propagation, an update code grace period, packet formatted data transmission with error recovery, FSK audio data downloading, and high security challenge-response authorization procedures. A variety of other operational features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combination lock for a key safe has an over-center spring for biasing a unitary bolt in an extended or retracted position. A switch for actuating the bolt has a break-away button to foil vandals. The bolt includes checkers for engaging notches in a plurality of programmable combination rings when the combination is properly dialed. The checkers have V-shaped ridges for engaging false notches formed in the combination rings, making the lock pick-resistant. The checkers also include flat shoulders to prevent the bolt from being forcibly wedged into the combination rings to open the lock. The combination must be properly dialed to permit the bolt to be retracted for closing the key safe.

Abstract: A comprehensive real estate lockbox system is disclosed which provides a variety of operational features. One of these includes a reader key that can retrieve access data from a system lockbox. The reader key is provided with an audible tone generator which can be selectively enabled by the user. The tone generator can be used to download data from the reader key over telephone lines.

Abstract: A retention mechanism having a housing and a member mounted in the housing for movement between the first and second positions. The member has a shoulder formed thereon. A spring yieldably engages opposite sides of the member and the shoulder to prevent movement of the member from the first to the second position. An actuator is provided which includes an element engaging the spring means for moving the spring from a shoulder engaging or latched position to a shoulder disengaging or unlatched position to permit the movement of the member from the first to the second position.

Abstract: An electronic real estate lockbox system includes a facsimile reporting capability. More particularly, numeric data detailing the location of a lockbox, dates and times of accesses to the lockbox, and the identities of the keyholders who accessed the lockbox, is transferred from the lockbox to a central computer. The central computer interprets this numeric data to provide human-readable names, addresses, etc. After translation, the central computer formats the data for facsimile transmission to the local real estate offices that require the information to track usage of the lockbox. A variety of other features are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic lock system is disclosed in which a key can be assigned a limited lifetime, such as by storing data indicative of an expiration date in a key memory. Whenever the key is used with a lock, the lock first examines this key data and verifies that the key is still timely before performing any operations. After a key's expiration date has passed, it is useless until a new expiration date is stored in its memory. By this arrangement, keys that are lost or stolen soon lose their efficacy and no longer pose a threat to system security. The invention also permits the lock administrator to issue keys with different useful lives, so that, for example, a person who needs a key for only one day can be issued a key that expires the next day. A variety of other operational features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A key for an electronic lock system is provided with circuitry capable of performing a plurality of lock-related functions. Stored in the key is characterization data that determines the key's particular functionality be electronically disabling certain ones of these functions, leaving just a subset of functions from which the operator may select. Keys having various capabilities can thus be electronically tailored from a single master design.

Abstract: A lock includes a plurality of elongated buttons, each of which has on the sides thereof a plurality of gates spaced angularly and longitudinally from one another. A case contains the lock and defines a plurality of bores within which the buttons travel. The buttons are urged out a front cover of the case by biasing springs and are normally prevented from rotation by engagement with keying protrusions on the case. The lock includes a locking bolt which is coupled to a checker plate. The checker plate defines a plurality of edges that engage the sides of the buttons and are received in the gates therein only if the buttons are properly positioned.

Abstract: A battery powered electronic lock system includes a battery monitoring feature that detects three states of the lock system battery. These states correspond to three progressively weaker states of the battery. When the battery is in the first state, the lock system operates in normal fashion. When the battery is in the second state, an indicator informs the user, but operation of the lock system otherwise continues in substantially normal fashion. When the battery is in the third state, normal lock operation is curtailed and the remaining battery energy is reserved for the purpose of opening the lock for specially authorized keys.

Abstract: A key is provided with a memory in which, without user intervention, it collects data relating to lock operations each time the key interacts with a lock. This data is subsequently downloaded from the key to a computer. In some embodiments, the keys collect data relating not just to their own transactions, but also poll lock memories for the locks' prior transactions as well. By this arrangement, a patchwork collection of redundant data can be developed in the computer, improving data integrity and reducing data latency.

Abstract: An electronic key for an electronic lock system is provided with graphical user interface which can display a plurality of symbols corresponding to a plurality of functions that the key can cause the lock to execute. An operator of the key moves a visual indicia among these symbols to select a desired function. The key then transmits instructions to the lock causing the selected function to be executed.

Abstract: A key for use with a lock having internally lugged tumblers comprises an elongate cylindrical member with a longitudinal keyway to receive the lugs. From the longitudinal keyway extend a plurality of circumferential grooves of coded lengths. From the ends of certain of these circumferential grooves extend second, axial grooves which extend back toward the handle of the key. These axial grooves permit the key to be pushed inwardly into the lock after the key has been fully turned. One of the circumferential grooves does not include an axial segment extending from the end thereof. This groove engages a member in the lock which is caused to move when the key is pushed inwardly after rotation. The movement of this lock member activates a printing mechanism inside the lock.