Abstract: A method and apparatus for access control is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a keypad unit, proximity sensor, a card reader interface circuit, and a control circuit. The keypad unit displays a plurality of randomly generated symbols on a keyface which includes a plurality of keys. The keypad unit generates a signal representing one of the plurality of randomly generated symbols when a corresponding key on the keyface is activated. The proximity sensor senses the information encoded in a card held near the keypad unit. The proximity sensor is hidden within the keypad unit. The card reader interface circuit is coupled to the proximity sensor for reading the encoded information from the card. The control circuit is coupled to the keypad unit and the card reader interface circuit to convert the signal or the encoded information into an identification code.

Abstract: A power controller for electric locks which draw large startup current surges which controls and manages the energy of a pair of storage batteries to reliably operate such electric locks and provide steady-state power to auxiliary system components both with AC power present and in the absence thereof, so long as the stored charge in the batteries is able, to thereafter maintain a steady source of power to the system as long as possible, and to be self-starting upon the return of AC power, all without ever placing the electric locks in a partially unlocked or "hung" state. The two storage batteries are normally maintained charged through an AC power source, and both cooperate to provide the surge power. On loss of AC power, both still provide surge power so long as one can maintain the steady state power, and thereafter the other battery alone provides surge power so long as possible.