Patent · US Expired

Universal apparatus for use with electronic and/or mechanical access control devices

US5775148A · kind A · utility

39Cited by
77References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 16, 1997
Grant dateJul 7, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 16, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T70/7876
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

An apparatus for use with electronic and/or mechanical access control devices includes a holder which receives a removable insert which may include an electronic module with a cover member securing the insert to the holder. The holder may take various forms and may be in the form of a key ring, photo I.D. card, etc. The holder may be a key blank for forming a key that operates mechanical locks, in which case the insert may be a dummy insert or it may include electronic components for operating various types of electronic access control devices. A method of upgrading a key for operating a mechanical lock to a key for also operating an electronic access device is provided and involves replacing the insert in the key with an insert containing electronic components. The electronic components may utilize various technologies such as proximity-based access control.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.