Abstract: A lockbox includes a housing, a key storage area and a lockbox circuit. The key storage area is shaped to receive a stored key and is attached to or positioned within the housing. The key storage area is secured with a lock mechanism to prevent unauthorized access to the stored key. The lockbox circuit comprises a transceiver operable by a magnetically induced current generated by a closely positioned radio access device that can send and receive signals. The circuit is configured to unlock the key storage area upon determining that an access request is authorized to providing access to the stored key. Methods of operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved lockable container, which is configured to resist being pried open or being otherwise successfully attacked within predetermined time and tool set limits. Also, methods for manufacturing and/or assembling embodiments of the lockable container.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing one-time access to electronic locking devices for non-keyholders. The one-time access rights are delivered from a server to the electronic locking device in real-time, or in near-real time, over short and long-range wireless communication links in a manner that is secure and traceable. A handheld device is coupled with the electronic locking device via the short-range communication link, and is coupled with the server via a long-range wireless communication link.

Abstract: A key control system includes at least one premise, a lockbox capable of securing a key to the premise and at least one mobile telephone associated with a user and having a stored access device program capable of communicating an access request to the lockbox. The premise is subject to authorized access by others, such as the user, based on preferences of an approval party established with the system. If specified by these preferences, the mobile telephone automatically initiates a communication to a selected destination to request approval of the access request.

Abstract: An improved container configured to store a wireless-enabled device therein and also configured to prevent the wireless-enabled device from being activated by an external wireless signal.

Abstract: An improved lockable container, which is configured to resist being pried open or being otherwise successfully attacked within predetermined time and tool set limits. Also, methods for manufacturing and/or assembling embodiments of the lockable container.

Abstract: A key control system includes at least one premise, a lockbox capable of securing a key to the premise and at least one mobile telephone associated with a user and having a stored access device program capable of communicating an access request to the lockbox. The premise is subject to authorized access by others, such as the user, based on preferences of an approval party established with the system. If specified by these preferences, the mobile telephone automatically initiates a communication to a selected destination to request approval of the access request.

Abstract: An improved container configured to store a wireless-enabled device therein and also configured to prevent the wireless-enabled device from being activated by an external wireless signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing one-time access to electronic locking devices for non-keyholders. The one-time access rights are delivered from a server to the electronic locking device in real-time, or in near-real time, over short and long-range wireless communication links in a manner that is secure and traceable. A handheld device is coupled with the electronic locking device via the short-range communication link, and is coupled with the server via a long-range wireless communication link.

Abstract: A real estate security system is described wherein access to a lockbox, that houses a key, causes automatic notification to an owner/occupant associated with the property. Such a communication can be used to alert the owner/occupant that a real estate showing is started or completed, that a friend or family member arrived home safely, that a property management accessed the house, or that emergency personnel accessed the house. The lockbox can include additional features that cause notification to the owner, such as automated sensing of tampering with the lockbox, or depressing a button on the lockbox to generate a signal to the owner/occupant of the property.

Abstract: A lockbox includes a housing, a key storage area and a lockbox circuit. The key storage area is shaped to receive a stored key and is attached to or positioned within the housing. The key storage area is secured with a lock mechanism to prevent unauthorized access to the stored key. The lockbox circuit comprises a transceiver operable by a magnetically induced current generated by a closely positioned radio access device that can send and receive signals. The circuit is configured to unlock the key storage area upon determining that an access request is authorized to providing access to the stored key. Methods of operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical interface (84) for a PDA (80) allows the PDA to be positioned in an operative relationship relative to an electronic lock or electronic lockbox (82). The mechanical interface allows the PDA to be used as a key (80) to actuate the lock, by transmitting signals from the PDA to the lock. The PDA retains its normal functionality as a general purpose computer, and the interface can also form part of a link between the PDA and a remote computer (88) and/or database (92).

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: 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: A cover for an electronic device having a screen that includes a window and at least one device operating feature. The cover is coupleable with the electronic device such that the window of the cover overlies at least a portion of the screen and the electronic device is operable with the device operating feature of the cover.

Abstract: Various enhancements are provided to a pushbutton lock to enhance its security. One is the provision of button tips that are mounted on the ends of the button assemblies and spring-loaded to protrude from the face of the lock, regardless of whether the underlying button is “in” or “out.” By this arrangement, a bystander cannot readily see the button combination by the pattern of depressed buttons. This arrangement also reduces tactile feedback between the underlying button assembly and the externally available button tips, increasing resistance to pick attacks. A further enhancement is the provision of button bars between adjacent pairs of button tips. Whenever any of the button tips is manually depressed, the corresponding button bar is pressed into engagement with, and prevents movement of, a member that must be moved in order to unlock the lock.

Abstract: Various enhancements are provided to a pushbutton lock to enhance its security. One is the provision of button tips that are mounted on the ends of the button assemblies and spring-loaded to protrude from the face of the lock, regardless of whether the underlying button is "in" or "out." By this arrangement, a bystander cannot readily see the button combination by the pattern of depressed buttons. This arrangement also reduces tactile feedback between the underlying button assembly and the externally available button tips, increasing resistance to pick attacks. A further enhancement is the provision of button bars between adjacent pairs of button tips. Whenever any of the button tips is manually depressed, the corresponding button bar is pressed into engagement with, and prevents movement of, a member that must be moved in order to unlock the lock.

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: The latching components of the padlock are driven by a motor between positions for latching and releasing the padlock shackle. Power for the motor is provided by a source carried in an electronic key. An encoder element with associated optical elements provides position information to the control circuit carried inside of the padlock. The control circuit correlates the position information with the signal directing power to the motor so that the motor is precisely controlled for moving the latching elements between release and latch.

Abstract: Latching components of a padlock are driven by a motor between latched and released positions. An encoder element with associated optical elements provides position information to a control circuit. The control circuit correlates the position information with the signal directing power to the motor so that the motor is precisely controlled for moving the latching elements between release and latch. If the motor jams (sensed by overcurrent), it is operated briefly in alternating directions to try and dislodge the grit or ice causing the jam. The padlock shackle is latched into place by balls which are driven into recesses in the shackle legs. The use of plural balls on at least one side helps isolate the drive motor and gears from grit that may enter through the padlock's top shackle holes.