Introducing the iKey: Apple's answer to the humble door key

Apple, the reknowned computer equipment maker and world changing technology company who brought out the sensational iPhone, has set it's sights on the humble door key.

The computer giant, that manufactures the iPod and iPhone, has plans to replace the traditional door key with a hi-tech alternative.

It is developing technology, already being nicknamed the "iKey", which will mean that rather than carrying around a bunch of keys, people will be able to use a single electronic device to unlock their car, front door and gain access to their office.

Users would simply have to enter a pin code and wave the device over an electronic pad fitted beside a door to open it.

The technology is revealed in a newly published patent application, which has generated speculation that the next model of the iPhone will contain this feature.

Apple filed the application with the US Patent Office. It states: "The device can communicate with an external device to open a lock. By way of example, the electronic device may be a model of an iPhone.

"The external device may be any suitable electronic device such as a portable media player, personal data assistant or electronic lock that may be used to access a door, car, house or other physical area."

According to the patent, Apple hopes to replace these cards and keyfobs by allowing the iPhone to be used instead to unlock doors to buildings and cars.

It would exploit a technology known as Near Field Communication, which allows electronic devices to transmit information between each other when in proximity.

In a home, householders would need to install electronic, computer controlled locks to their doors.

The iPhone would need to be registered with the locks so that they could communicate with each other.

By rotating the iPhone near the electronic lock, consumers then select their pin numbers on a dial displayed on the screen, as if entering a combination on a safe.

If the combination entered matched the one held by the electronic lock, the door would open.

If not, an alarm could be sounded or alerts sent to the householder to indicate someone was attempting to gain unauthorised entry.

The patent also proposes encrypting any information that passes between the iPhone and the computer-controlled lock to prevent hackers from "listening in".

The iPhone has become a huge success for Apple after combining their popular iPod with mobile phone technology, selling more than 40 million worldwide.

The iKey technology will take Apple one step further towards creating a ubiquitous mobile device that is the only thing people need to carry in their pockets.

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Trilogy - By Alarm Lock - Advanced Wireless Standalone Access Control

Alarm Lock Trilogy, a well known, high quality, superior access control solution for modern commercial premises, recently released their new advanced networking upgrade to their line of high class access control door locking solutions.

The benefits of this new addition to the product line, bring Alarm Lock Trilogy to the forefront of commercial access control solutions.

Known as Networx by Trilogy, Alarm Lock have all but solved the access control dilemnas of many and varied commercial applications.

This product is expertly designed to provide commercial properties with the most modern and easily accessed, managed and audited products of their kind available in todays market.

The ability to use the locks with a swipe card, physical key, numbered keypad or swipe + keypad, significantly increases the uses of this sensational new product.

The added ability of wired or wireless 802.11b/g protocols, enables controllers to modify, audit, control the keyless access to security entrances remotely by secured access via the internet.

There are multiple options available, tailored to the demanding requirements of everyone.

The products are Grade 1 quality and priced accordingly.

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Lost Master Keys?

Have you ever lost or misplaced your master key? Have you ever had your keys stolen? It can be a rather unnerving experience and a costly one at that.

One of the benefits of using a Bilock key system, includes the ability to replace the master key, without affecting any other keys in your system.

Of course, all your locks will still need to be altered, to remove that key from the system, but a properly constructed Bilock system, enables a painless and cost effective solution, minimizing the effect on other key holders (not master-keys).

Combined with the bump proof and virtually pick proof properties, Bilock also offers keys that cannot be duplicated or modified.

$ for $ there are few key systems that offer equivalent value for money, aesthetic appearance and security.

Galaxy - Taking Security To The Next Level

Australian Lock Company, inventors of the unique and ultra-secure bump proof and virtually pick proof key system Bilock, recently introduced this phenomenal advancement in locking system design.

Aptly named, Galaxy, it is the product of significant years of research and product development. It was developed in response to corporate and business demand for secured and safe work premises.

Manufactured using the very latest techniques and the highest quality materials, the Galaxy range provides a revolutionary approach to high security locking. With subtle technical improvements and considered design, Galaxy offers a host of previously unseen attributes to benefit both end users and locksmiths.

Distinctive Design features

The new and innovative Galaxy is designed and built for convenience and efficiency while maximising security.
Providing a greater depth of combinations than most other locks on the market, Galaxy's vast range of core options makes retrofitting existing locks simple and recombinating quick and easy.
Its streamlined design eliminates the need for tumbler pins and/or coded discs to create permutations. The unique simultaneous cutting of both key and codebar using a Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) machine increases production efficiency and reduces the likelihood of error and increases difficulty to duplicate.
Galaxy has incorporated a combination of 316 stainless steel and high speed steel to create a formidable lock. The versatile Galaxy key is super strong and offers wide-ranging colour options for quick and easy identification.

The patent life on the Galaxy extends to 2024. Australian Lock Company recognises the importance of patents to protect the client, agent and manufacturer from copying and therefore exposing the market to reduced security through inferior quality product. We are also protecting our Galaxy range with numerous Patent applications across the world.

Replacement of cylinders and keys

QUICK AND EASY TO RETROFIT AND RECOMBINATE

Galaxy boasts a myriad of advantages and benefits over other conventional locking devices on the market. Galaxy's uniqueness revolves around its ability to remove the centre core to change the programming of the lock, and that its factory built cylinders do not require pinning.

• Galaxy cylinders retrofit most new and existing applications.
• Galaxy cylinders use programmed holes on the codebar for coding.
• Galaxy reduces the cost of replacing cylinders as only the codebar needs replacing and offers the following advantages:
  • Reduced down time.
  • Reduced labour time.
  • Provides less opportunity for human error.

Security

SUPER STRONG, NOT EASILY REPLICATED AND PATENT PROTECTED

• Inbuilt security features are designed for anti picking, anti bumping and to ensure extreme resistance to malicious attack.
• Galaxy's additional locking pins and anti picking teeth on carriages prevent 'code hunting' while torque is applied.
• Galaxy is designed to resist impressioning.
• As Galaxy is only available through Authorised Dealers, the Galaxy key blank can only be reproduced by authorised Galaxy Dealers, offering additional security to the end-user.
• Stringent quality control and authentication procedures by factory technicians ensure manufacturing consistency of cylinders and keys.
• Cylinders and keys are Patent protected until February 2024.

Keys

STURDY COLOUR-CODED IMPRESSION-RESISTANT KEY

• Distinctively designed Galaxy operational keys are available in 21 colours.
• Keys carry authorised Galaxy Dealer details for easy reference and identification.
• If a system is designed correctly, when a master key is lost only the master key and code bars need to be replaced, not the entire range of keys within the system.
• Authorisation is required for additional keys. All keys are cut from code and not duplicated, and the key code is difficult to read from the key.
• Galaxy key strength exceeds Australian Standard. As they are made from stainless steel, keys offer increased wear resistance and the shorter design offers increased strength.
• Cylinder and keys have been cycle tested to 500,000 cycles regularly and with maintenance and lubrication can exceed 700,000.
• Galaxy offers a life-time guarantee on keys.

MADE FROM SUPER STRONG STAINLESS STEEL

Internal components are manufactured from Stainless and High Speed Steel.

• Keys are made from 316 stainless steel and most components are high quality Metal Injection Moulded (MIM).
• Side bars are anti drill and made from high speed steel.
• Cylinders have stainless steel face plate/cap.

The uniqueness of Galaxy revolves around its ability to remove the centre core to change the programming of the lock. Factory built cylinders do not require pinning and therefore offers more confidence for product installation and consistency.

Master Keying

SECURE AND SIMPLIFIED

The Galaxy Grand Master Key system's wide-ranging combinations with tightly controlled security and colour differentiation offers the end user unprecedented protection.
Superseding the traditional and more vulnerable 1 barrel keying systems usually found in today's marketplace, Galaxy has the capacity to carry 3 locks in 1. Inbuilt hidden codes offer further protection by deftly camouflaging the Galaxy master key within the system.

System Coding Capabilities
Access to our computerized master key generated systems allows authorised Galaxy dealers to build extremely complex and diverse Master Key systems to suit any requirement.Up to three separate security levels or locations can be secured using the same code and keys.
Expansion Potential
Galaxy's potential for expansion without having to change the existing system minimises further expense and disruption.
Galaxy has 3 key orientations available for placement of codes:
Left, Centre & Right

• Key blanks twist the Codebar to the desired orientation.
• Orientations are completely independent of each other.
• 3 dedicated key blanks.
• All 3 orientations can be programmed on the one Codebar at the same time.

Flexibility

• Retrofits most lock sets.
• Extensive product range.

Simplicity

• Quick replacement means time and cost savings for lost or stolen keys.
• Easy to use.
• Minimum maintenance.
• Coloured key heads for easy identification.

Security

• Restricted keying system by Authorised Galaxy Dealers only.
• Colour Coded Codebars available for Construction keying.

Durability

• 316 Stainless Steel key exceeds Australian Standards on key strength.

Tamper Resistance

• Tamper proof design of cylinder & key assures resistance to bumping, picking and impressioning.

Quality Assured

• Assembly of cylinders are 100% authenticated by factory technicians.

Legal Protection

• Cylinder and Key designs are backed by Patents which are valid until February 2024.

Lifetime Guarantee on Keys

• Internal components are manufactured from High Speed & Stainless Steel to maximise durability.

Australian designed, developed and manufactured

Galaxy stands out in the marketplace as an Australian designed, developed and manufactured product. Only the Metal Injection Moulded (MIM) components are manufactured for us by the world leaders in this field. Replacement of Cylinders and Keys

• Life time guarantee on keys, Super Strong 316 stainless steel exceeds Australian Standards for strength.
• Cylinder design guarantees resistance to bumping, picking and impressioning.
  
  
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Comparative Crime Statistics St Louis County Zip Codes 2009

Another way to view the local crime statistics is to use comparison software. Included in the graph here are comparative crime statistics for the Saint Louis, Missouri zip codes of 63141 & 63131.

The accuracy of this report may or may not be accurate and should be verified independently. I believe they are quoting 2009 statistics.

We intend to include more comparative zip codes in future posts, stay tuned.

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No problem! Thanks to Schlage...

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Use of Schlage LINK products, alleviates these concerns.....watch...