Abstract: An access device is provided for a system that has a plurality of locks that are each configured to receive instructions and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the lock and a computer that is disposed at a remote location from the locks and that is connected to a primary wireless communication path. The access device includes at least one key configured for communicating with the computer via the primary wireless communication path and to communicate with the locks over a secondary wireless path. The at least one key is also configured to send a predefined text message for receipt by the computer and wherein the predefined text message provides an indication to the computer as to at least one other key whereto the predefined text message is to be sent.

Abstract: A key management system for controlling access to vehicle keys includes a key set, a key container and an electronic access device. The key set includes vehicle keys to a particular vehicle and a key tag associated with the vehicle keys having an electronically readable identifier. The key container has a key set storage area secured by an electronic lock and a circuit that detects when the key set is stored in the key set storage area. The access device is carried by a user to access the key container, and has a memory that is updated with at least the identifier of the key tag when the key container is successfully accessed.

Abstract: A decentralized key management system for controlling access to multiple vehicles among multiple users includes vehicle keys for the respective vehicles, individual locking key containers for the vehicles, electronic access devices for assignment to the users and a database. Each of the containers has a storage area within which a vehicle key or keys for one vehicle can be stored operable to unlock key containers if authorized. The access devices are operable to unlock the key containers if authorized. The access devices are programmable with information from the database such that an assigned access device is programmed with a specific user's access privileges for obtaining access to one or more of the vehicles in the system.

Abstract: A key management system for controlling access to vehicle keys includes a key set, a key container and an electronic access device. The key set includes vehicle keys to a particular vehicle and a key tag associated with the vehicle keys having an electronically readable identifier. The key container has a key set storage area secured by an electronic lock and a circuit that detects when the key set is stored in the key set storage area. The access device is carried by a user to access the key container, and has a memory that is updated with at least the identifier of the key tag when the key container is successfully accessed.

Abstract: A decentralized key management system for controlling access to multiple vehicles among multiple users includes vehicle keys for the respective vehicles, individual locking key containers for the vehicles, electronic access devices for assignment to the users and a database. Each of the containers has a storage area within which a vehicle key or keys for one vehicle can be stored operable to unlock key containers if authorized. The access devices are operable to unlock the key containers if authorized. The access devices are programmable with information from the database such that an assigned access device is programmed with a specific user's access privileges for obtaining access to one or more of the vehicles in the system.

Abstract: A key management system for controlling access to vehicle keys includes a key set, a key container and an electronic access device. The key set includes vehicle keys to a particular vehicle and a key tag associated with the vehicle keys having an electronically readable identifier. The key container has a key set storage area secured by an electronic lock and a circuit that detects when the key set is stored in the key set storage area. The access device is carried by a user to access the key container, and has a memory that is updated with at least the identifier of the key tag when the key container is successfully accessed.