Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
340500730 | Lockbox | 25 |
20080246587 | ELECTRONIC LOCK BOX WITH TRANSPONDER BASED COMMUNICATIONS - An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing dwelling keys to a structure, and is typically mounted outside the dwelling structure. When properly instructed, usually with a coded message, the dwelling key can be accessed by opening the door to the secure compartment; such message can be manually entered on a keypad, or a programmed electronic key device can make the process more automatic. A lock box system uses a transponder at a dwelling base station (typically within the dwelling structure) to relay lock box status or access event information over a short range radio from the lock box to a remote central computer by using a more traditional communication system that is available within the dwelling. Additional sensors can be used to monitor the status of vandalism attempts. Furthermore, the lock box/transponder communications may be programmed so as to allow detection if the lock box is stolen. | 10-09-2008 |
20080252415 | RESTRICTED RANGE LOCKBOX, ACCESS DEVICE AND METHODS - 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. | 10-16-2008 |
20080258869 | Electronic Key-Management System - A device that is part of an electronic key-management system comprises an interface, and a key holder and key carrier device. The interface is capable of receiving a control signal from an external control system, such as a building access control system, a building security system, a building integration system, a building control system and by local manual control unit. The key holder device is capable of being responsive to the control signal received from the external management system by unsecuring a key associated with the key holder/carrier device. In one embodiment, the key associated with the key holder/carrier device comprises at least one wireless RF transponder capable of providing identification information associated with the key holder/carrier in response to an identification query. | 10-23-2008 |
20080309458 | ELECTRONIC LOCK BOX WITH TIME-RELATED DATA ENCRYPTION BASED ON USER-SELECTED PIN - An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing keys to a structure. A linear actuator moves in one direction opening the door to the secure compartment, and moves in the opposite direction releasing a shackle that holds the lock box to the structure. A lock box system uses an encryption algorithm to diversify user PIN data at a central computer, and stores that diversified information on a memory card for later use when the user attempts to access a lock box. The central computer and electronic lock box both keep track of system “epoch time,” and the memory card must be presented to the electronic lock box within a correct epoch time window for the diversified PIN data to be successfully decrypted and compared to the user's PIN data that is entered on a keypad of the electronic lock box. | 12-18-2008 |
20090027161 | Access Control System and Method for Controlling Access to a Monitored Element - The present invention provides an access control system for controlling access to equipment, the system comprises a storage location for storing a plurality of electronic access devices, each being associated with a particular piece of equipment. A control means is arranged to identify the user and to allow a selection from one or more access devices based on the user's identity. If the device selected requires a test for the physical state of the user, then the control means is configured to allow the device to be withdrawn only if the user satisfies certain predetermined conditions. | 01-29-2009 |
20090108990 | Electronic key system and motorcycle using the same - The present invention provides a battery-free electronic key used in motorcycles and improves security. | 04-30-2009 |
20090212907 | DRAWER CONTROL APPARATUS - A device for selectively controlling access to a plurality of secure areas includes a driver circuit including a plurality of drivers, and a plurality of access modules each assigned to a corresponding secure area of the plurality of secure areas. Each access module is operatively coupled to at least one actuator operative to grant or deny access to the corresponding secure area. Unused drivers provided to a first access module of the plurality of access modules are cascaded to a second access module of the plurality of access modules. | 08-27-2009 |
20090237207 | Secure Web Accessed Box - A web accessed security box includes a web server that can communicate with a web browser to control access and account for asset events that occur when the box is used. A personal identifier must be satisfied to open a drawer of the box. A latching system uses both an access solenoid for normal opening and closing in response to the personal identifier, and an emergency release solenoid having a separate power supply to open the box when the access solenoid is disabled. Several features make the box secure against weather and tampering. | 09-24-2009 |
20090243797 | System for storage shelving and methods of use thereof - The present invention relates to a system for product storage and methods of categorizing, storing, and delivering products to end users via the system, the system's components including a processor, a “smart shelving” device, boxes for insertion into and utilization by the “smart shelving” device, and ID readers. Through the present invention, products are able to be securely and more certainly delivered to the proper recipient of the products. | 10-01-2009 |
20100026452 | DEPOSIT BOX UNIT, LOGISTICS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE DEPOSIT BOX UNIT - There is provided a deposit box facility for depositing objects into and/or picking up objects from the deposit box facility. An exemplary deposit box facility comprises an audio playback device and a processor that is adapted to process audio data played back by the audio playback device. The processor may also be adapted to identify an object present in the deposit box facility on the basis of the information acquired from the audio data. The exemplary deposit box facility also comprises a device that is adapted to ascertain compartments of the deposit box facility in which there are no objects and to make a comparison of dimensions of the ascertained free compartments of the deposit box facility with object dimensions that have been received as part of the information acquired from the audio data. | 02-04-2010 |
20100085148 | DELIVERY CONTAINER - A lockable container ( | 04-08-2010 |
20100176919 | ONE-TIME ACCESS FOR ELECTRONIC LOCKING DEVICES - 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. | 07-15-2010 |
20100225441 | METHOD FOR USING AN ELECTRONIC LOCK BOX WITH A BIOMETRIC IDENTIFICATION DEVICE - An improved electronic lock box system is provided for more secure control over the accessibility of a secure compartment in the electronic lock box, which is typically used to store a dwelling key. The new system uses biometric identification sensors to determine if the correct, authorized user is attempting to access the secure compartment of the electronic lock box. In one embodiment, the biometric identification sensor uses thermal scanning to detect a person's fingerprint pattern. This is compared to previously stored (enrollment) biometric identification information/data, and if the “live” (observed) biometric identification information/data sufficiently correlates to the stored enrollment biometric identification information/data, access will be granted. | 09-09-2010 |
20110057774 | SECURITY SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for delivering goods and services involving use of locks that are programmed to permit limited entry under specified circumstances. A lock may be electronically programmed from a remote location in connection with an e-commerce transaction. | 03-10-2011 |
20110074543 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONIC ACCESS CONTROL - Apparatus and methodology for providing electronic access control are disclosed. In an exemplary configuration, a retrofittable electronic lock can be used to provide secure storage to an enclosure. A user interface and LCD visual display can be provided to permit convenient adjustment of system operational parameters. In certain embodiments, the electronic access control system includes master-slave control capabilities. In other embodiments, the electronic access control system includes inventory management capability. In still other embodiments, apparatus and methodologies provide the secure storage of the enclosure when the enclosure is being moved or otherwise transported from one location to another location. Various alternative arrangements may provide various alert features, as well as battery features which facilitate rapid replacement and/or reconfiguration. | 03-31-2011 |
20110109433 | METHOD FOR ACCESSING A LOCKED OBJECT - A method for accessing a locked object. A first SMS message addressed to a short code and requesting access to the locked object is received by an Approval Authority computer and/or short code from one of a locked object and a requestor's wireless communication device. The Approval Authority computer determines whether to grant the requested access, and sends, back to one of the locked object and the requestor's wireless communication device, one of an access code for the locked object and a SMS reply containing the access code. If the requested access is granted, the Approval Authority also initiates billing the requestor a predetermined fee for the access. | 05-12-2011 |
20110298584 | SECURING A CASH SAFE WITH A CIRCUIT - Disclosed embodiments relate to a method for opening a cash safe secured with a circuit. For example, the method may comprise receiving a key by a circuit connected to a locking mechanism for securing a cash safe closed and retrieving, by the circuit, a stored key. The method may further comprise comparing, by the circuit, the received key to the stored key, determining, by the circuit, whether to release the cash safe based on the comparison, and sending, by the circuit, a signal to release the locking mechanism securing the cash safe closed if determined to release the cash safe. | 12-08-2011 |
20120019360 | Vehicle Activity Module - Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining security and data gathering for a number of vehicles. The systems include a vehicle activity module for each of the vehicles. The vehicle activity module has a wireless transmitter, a storage device, at least one sensor for receiving event information from identification devices, such as RFID cards, keypads, magnetic ID cards, and the like, a releasable key container, and a processor for accessing and analyzing information. The VAMs are wirelessly connected to a computer system. The VAMs control access to the keys, monitor information relating to access, and store and transmit information relating to sales events, non-sales events, and intrusion events. The VAMs are capable of autonomous operation, without the need to access the computer system to verify event information. The VAMs further include signal attenuating mechanisms to facilitate use of “smart keys.” | 01-26-2012 |
20130063248 | INTERNAL LOCKING APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - An internal locking system is disclosed, which utilizes electro-mechanical locking devices to lock and unlock lockable openings. | 03-14-2013 |
20130082822 | NOTE VALIDATOR SECURITY - A smart safe include one or more note validators. Access to the note validators and internal workings of the smart safe is defined by an applicable level of security at the smart safe. The applicable level of security may be dependent on whether the smart safe is experiencing an error condition and/or the identification of a user trying to access the smart safe. By allowing some users limited access to the note validators, the users may be able to resolve some error conditions without compromising the integrity of notes stored within the smart safe and without relying on dedicated service personnel to resolve the error condition at the smart safe. | 04-04-2013 |
20130106572 | VEHICLE ACTIVITY MODULE | 05-02-2013 |
20130127594 | KEY MANAGEMENT BOX - A key management box includes a card reader configured to read ID for personal authentication, a data writing unit to write information on at least the ID read by the card reader in an electronic key, a data erasing unit configured to communication with the electronic key and disable the electronic key when the electronic key is determined to be a key on-lending, and a control substrate configured to determine that a lending mode is established when the card reader reads the ID and cause an electronic lock to permit opening/closing of a door and then activate the data writing unit, or configured to cause the electronic lock to permit opening/closing of the door when the data erasing unit determines that the electronic key is a key on-lending through communication with the electronic key while the card reader does not read ID. | 05-23-2013 |
20130293351 | Systems and Methods for Lock Access Control Management Using Social Networks - A system for managing accessing to a locking device is disclosed. A group of users can register with a social networking service and an access management application hosted by the social networking service. A first user can grant, to a second user connected to the first user, access to the locking device and contents thereof. The access management application can notify the second user of the access, and the second user can initialize a mobile application on a mobile device. The mobile application can synchronize with the access management application to verify credentials of the second user. The second user can use the mobile device to connect, via a short-range communication connection, to the locking device and open the locking device. | 11-07-2013 |
20140125454 | LOCKBOX STORAGE APPARATUS - A lockbox storage apparatus comprising a pair of side walls on each side of said lockbox storage apparatus, a door attached to a front portion of said lockbox storage apparatus, where said door is attached between said pair of side walls, a top panel affixed to a top portion of said lockbox storage apparatus, a lock attached to said door, where said lock secures said door against one of said pair of side wall, a back wall opposite to said door, where said back wall is attached between said pair of side walls, an inner panel fastened within said lockbox storage apparatus, where said inner panel rest against said back wall, a plurality of attachment means arranged against said inner panel, and a plurality of lockboxes hanging from said attachment means wherein said plurality of lockboxes include a key to enable a user to access a property. | 05-08-2014 |
20160180615 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING AND MAINTAINING BIOMETRIC SECURE SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES, AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS AND FACILITIES | 06-23-2016 |