Abstract: An electronic lockbox with a single sensor that can detect both the position of a key compartment component (or a movable key bin) and the presence of a removable key fob (attached to a building key). The key compartment includes a first magnet and the removable key fob includes a second magnet. The single sensor can detect the presence of neither magnet, the first magnet alone, or both the first and second magnet together. If neither magnet is detected, then the key compartment (movable bin) is open. If only the first magnet is detected, then the key compartment (movable bin) has been closed without the removable key fob. If both the first and second magnets are detected, then the key compartment (movable bin) is closed with the removable key fob inside the movable bin.

Abstract: Surface imaging apparatuses, surface analysis apparatuses, methods based on detection of secondary electrons or secondary ions that include a spatially scanned and DC or pulsed primary excitation source resulting in secondary electrons or secondary ions which are detected and provide the modulated signal for imaging of the sample; and dual polarity flood beams to effect neutralization of surface charge and surface potential variation.

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 includes a latching apparatus that 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 include latch pins which 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. During insertion of a latch pin into the rotatable barrel, a first interior protrusion is sufficiently wide such that after the first latch pin has been inserted into the barrel and has become latched, the first latch pin does not unlatch itself as the second latch pin is inserted and rotates the rotatable barrel during the second latch pin insertion.

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 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 includes a latching apparatus that 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 include latch pins which 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. During insertion of a latch pin into the rotatable barrel, the maximum torque imparted on a first spur gear by the torsion spring, at a maximum rotation angle of the rotatable barrel, is sufficient to rotate the barrel back to its neutral position after the latch pin has been fully inserted into the barrel, and is less than or equal to a back drive torque limit of a prime mover of the rotary actuator.

Abstract: A realty virtual application for agents and clients. Agents and clients enter information into the application on their personal devices, and this information is stored on a central database. The application runs algorithms to find properties based on client preferences, and presents them to the agent in a report. The agent then sends these properties to the client through the application, and the client may accept or deny potential showing times. The client may also send messages to the agent, or give feedback or rate the property through the application. The client may share the property with friends or family through the application.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox including a key bin having an embedded insert. The insert is embedded during a die cast process. The insert enhances the attack resistance of the lockbox from hammering, chiseling, and drilling attacks. The insert includes “3D features” that help with the casting process and attack resistance, including at least one through-hole, at least one slot, and at least one ridge. A housing portion is constructed over multiple drawing stages to increase its hardness and strength, thereby increasing resistance to prying attacks.

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 control system allows visiting agents (such a “showing agents” in a real estate sales situation) to make an appointment to visit a property that is protected by an electronic lockbox, using a time-sensitive authorizing credential that is provided by a central computer; and then, if that visiting agent is delayed because of an earlier appointment, the central computer can automatically create a new time-sensitive authorizing credential that is time-shifted, so that visiting agent can later visit that remote property and obtain access to that lockbox at the later, time-shifted appointment time. Another interested party (e.g., a homeowner) can decline that later, time-shifted appointment. The visiting agent can carry a smart phone with a GPS receiver, and the central computer can use his GPS coordinates to calculate his physical position, and calculate his travel time to the next lockbox location to automatically create the new, time-shifted appointment time.

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 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: A tape measure includes a housing having a wall defining an internal cavity and a tape port, a coilable measuring tape disposed within the internal housing and having a first end extendable out of the housing, and an end hook member including an attachment portion and a hook portion. The attachment portion is arranged to engage the first end of the tape to attach the end hook member to the tape. The hook portion extends in a direction normal to the attachment portion and includes a first face and a second face arranged to engage the workpiece. A finger guard extends from the housing, and is configured to engage the hook member, and a finger space is defined between the tape port and the finger guard and is arranged to receive a user's finger during operation of the tape measure such that the user's finger engages the measuring tape.

Abstract: An electronic lockbox control system allows visiting agents (such a “showing agents” in a real estate sales situation) to make an appointment to visit a property that is protected by an electronic lockbox, using a time-sensitive authorizing credential that is provided by a central computer; and then, if that visiting agent is delayed because of an earlier appointment, the central computer can automatically create a new time-sensitive authorizing credential that is time-shifted, so that visiting agent can later visit that remote property and obtain access to that lockbox at the later, time-shifted appointment time. Another interested party (e.g., a homeowner) can decline that later, time-shifted appointment. The visiting agent can carry a smart phone with a GPS receiver, and the central computer can use his GPS coordinates to calculate his physical position, and calculate his travel time to the next lockbox location to automatically create the new, time-shifted appointment time.

Abstract: A tape measure includes a housing having a wall defining an internal cavity and a tape port, a coilable measuring tape disposed within the internal housing and having a first end extendable out of the housing, and an end hook member including an attachment portion and a hook portion. The attachment portion is arranged to engage the first end of the tape to attach the end hook member to the tape. The hook portion extends in a direction normal to the attachment portion and includes a first face and a second face arranged to engage the workpiece. A finger guard extends from the housing, and is configured to engage the hook member, and a finger space is defined between the tape port and the finger guard and is arranged to receive a user's finger during operation of the tape measure such that the user's finger engages the measuring tape.

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.