Patent ID: 7375613

Claim:
A passive entry sensor system for use with a keyless access control system, comprising: a sensor comprising an electromagnetic radiation emitter for transmitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation and an electromagnetic radiation detector for detecting the electromagnetic radiation beam, said emitter and detector being located in an optical enclosure of said sensor, wherein at least a portion of said optical enclosure is locatable in a handle such that the sensor can detect at least a partial interruption or other change in transmission of the beam caused by a user actuating the handle to open a door; a power-up switch for actuation by a user to provide a signal to a control module to power up said system; and an independent optical locking switch comprising a shutter for intercepting the beam, said sensor being configured to detect at least a partial interruption or other change in transmission of the beam caused by actuation of the shutter; wherein said independent locking switch includes a switch member, for actuation by a user, operatively coupled or connected to said shutter and said power-up switch such that movement of said switch member to a first position moves said shutter to flag the sensor and such that movement of said switch member to a second position triggers said power-up switch.