Patent ID: 6900741

Claim:
A method of identification and control of handling of keys, the method comprising the steps of: associating an identification and control device ( 3 ) with each desired key, each identification and control device ( 3 ) comprising a pin-like, hollow shell ( 26 ) with a device printed circuit card ( 42 ) and a chip ( 43 ) mounted therein, and the chip ( 43 ) having a unique code for each identification and control device ( 3 ), and each identification and control device ( 3 ) being insertable into a hole ( 23 ) in a local control unit ( 2 ), the control unit ( 2 ) being connected to a control center ( 4 ) into which an identification code of a user can be fed whereby the control center ( 4 ) transmits the identification code to the control unit ( 2 ); sending information from the device printed circuit card ( 42 ) and the chip ( 43 ) of the identification and control device ( 3 ) to the unit printed circuit card ( 18 ) of the control unit ( 2 ); registering and indicating, via the control center ( 4 ) and the control unit ( 2 ), respectively, removal and reinsertion of each respective identification and control device ( 3 ); mounting the control unit ( 2 ) in a key cabinet ( 50 ) locked by a code lock which requires a user to enter an identification code in order to open the key cabinet; upon the user entering a proper identification code, providing access to the key cabinet and forwarding a signal to the unit printed circuit card ( 18 ) of the control unit ( 2 ) to indicate, with a diode lamp ( 25 ), at least one of: each return key position for any removed identification and control device ( 3 ); each authorized key removal with a green light; and each nonauthorized key removal with a red light; when an authorized key is removed, sending a signal, via the unit printed circuit card ( 18 ), to the control center ( 4 ) having a central printed circuit card where such authorized key removal is registered and stored; when a non-authorized key is removed, sending an alarm signal, via the unit printed circuit card ( 18 ), to an alarm device; while access to the key cabinet is provided, registering all key activity of the key cabinet; illuminating a corresponding diode, upon a user returning a key and providing an identification code, to indicate where the key is to be returned; and indicating, via the control center ( 4 ), at least one of: an identify of the user removing a key; a removal time; a return time; a key cabinet ( 50 ) unlock time; a key cabinet ( 50 ) lock time; and a return of a key before a specific time.