Abstract: An electronic key card lock has a card reader having both card reading electronics and a visual interface integrated into a single unit. Portions of the card reader are made from a light transmitting material that act as both a physical guide for the card and a lens that can distribute light toward the outside of the lock. The light transmitting material houses the card reading electronics and also surrounds a slot that accommodates the key card. A slot in a trim panel of the lock exposes a slot and the front edge of the card reader. When a key card is inserted into the slot of the card reader, one or more light sources in the card reader illuminate to reflect whether the inserted card can open the lock. The light transmitting material distributes the light from the light source so that the front edge of the card reader around the card reader slot is evenly illuminated.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes a single switch actuated by a cam for monitoring the position of a main bolt and an auxiliary bolt. The main bolt and the auxiliary bolt engage and move the cam between an actuated position and a released position. In the actuated position the cam actuates a switch. Actuation of the switch indicates that the auxiliary bolt is retracted and that the main bolt is extended into a locked position. The main bolt includes a tail that engages a portion of the cam to drive the cam to the actuated position. The switch will remain in the actuated condition when the auxiliary bolt is retracted and the main bolt is also retracted.

Abstract: A key card encoder incorporates a plunger that is pushed downward as the card is manually inserted into a slot in the encoder and a potentiometer whose value changes based on the plunger position to indicate the card's position at all times. As the card is inserted into the slot, a head encodes a magnetic strip on the card as the card is inserted into the slot, while the head verifies the code in the reverse direction as the card is withdrawn from the slot. The slot is illuminated in different colors and flashing patterns to guide the user through the encoding process and notify the user if there is an encoding error.

Abstract: An electronic key includes a rigid key shaped member having a blade and a grip. The blade includes a three-dimensional engagement surface including a slot or the like so that the electronic key may be inserted into a lock in only the correct manner. A smart chip is located at an end of the blade opposite the grip. As the blade can only be inserted into the lock in a single orientation, the chip will always be in a proper position to be identified by the lock. A resilient grip portion provides an improved grip and further conveys the less disposable nature of the key to thereby facilitate transition to electronic locks.

Abstract: A security system includes a central controller which communicates with a multiple of electronic door locks within a multi-room facility. The central controller communicates with each electronic lock through a room transceiver located proximate the electronic lock. A display communicates with the room transceiver to provide messages and other services to each room. In operation, the system provides a multiple of security and key tracking services. Each electronic lock receives instruction from the central controller such as access for a particular key or cancellation of keys through the in-room transceiver. Historical key tracking allows tracking and efficiency management of staff. A single staff person can also be located by searching for the predetermined code for the desired staff person. Maintenance of each electronic lock is also simplified.