Patent ID: 7511602

Claim:
A method for operating a key-less fob comprising, operatively coupled, a keypad, processor, memory and transmitter, for remotely actuating a system responsive to RF signals from the transmitter, the method comprising: receiving multiple initial keystrokes from the keypad in an initial operating mode; during a fist timeout period associated with the initial operating mode, comparing the received initial keystrokes to a plurality of valid codes stored in the memory and, in response to the initial keystrokes matching a first one of the plurality of valid codes, directing the transmitter to actuate at least a portion of the system; and in response to a second keystrokes matching a second one of the plurality of valid codes different from the first one of the plurality of valid codes stored in the memory, switching the key-less fob from the initial operating mode to a command operating mode different from the initial operating mode where subsequent command keystrokes received after the initial keystrokes and prior to an expiration of a second timeout period each result in transmitting to the system a command adapted to remotely actuate at least a portion of the system, the command corresponding to the subsequent command keystroke, and being transmitted without repeating of the initial keystrokes during the second timeout period.