Knox Associates, Inc.

Tamara Hatzinger

Jason S Pedersen

Dominik Scheffler

Bryan Edward Pavlovic

John Kowalski

Timothy Sherack

Howard Needham

William James

An electronic key may include a partial capacitor comprising a capacitive metal plate in communication with a processor. The capacitive metal plate of the partial capacitor is configured to form a capacitor with a corresponding capacitive metal plate of a lock when brought into proximity with the metal plate of the lock. Data may be transferred from the key to the lock using a capacitor formed by combining the two metal plates, wherein a common ground is established between the metal plate of the key and the metal plate of the lock through a parasitic capacitance present between the key and lock circuitry. Audit trail data may be recorded based on usage of the key.

Electronic lock state detection systems and methods

A key retention device and a portable dock for the key retention device are disclosed. The key retention device includes a key holder and a base. The key holder is rotatably coupled to the base. The base includes pins that extend into a cavity of the key holder when the key holder is in a closed position and do not extend into the cavity when the key holder is in an open position. The base includes a finger that prevents users from inserting an electronic key into the key holder when the key holder is in the closed position. The key retention device can receive the portable dock and lock the key holder in the locked position when a user input is received. The user input can be provided to the key retention device to remove an electronic key from the portable dock or to remove the portable dock altogether.

Portable dock for electronic key retention devices

Growing community of inventors

Phoenix, AZ, United States of America

Tamara Hatzinger