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Servocell Develops Tactile Electronic Knob for Beloxx for Office Furniture and Doors
London, UK, 14th June 2005 - Servocell, the specialist in piezo actuator technologies, today announced that it has developed a new electronic knob for German lock manufacturer Beloxx, based on their idea. The new electronic knob allows in particular office furniture manufacturers to fit it on their products making them more secure. By integrating Tap-a-Key TM, a code component to increase security, the low powered electronic knob is perfect to replace existing handles or to be used as a new locking mechanism for office furniture and doors.
At the heart of the electronic knob is Servocell's Active Latch module based on its piezo actuator. The piezo technology inside the module allows much lower power consumption than conventional motors or solenoids. Integrated into the Active Latch is Tap-a-Key, a miniature circuit board that can be programmed with any code consisting of 1 to 8 digits. Tap-a-Key operates with only one simple standard push button switch and an LED. The usual bulky keypad for electronic locks is no longer necessary making the knob ideal for electronic office furniture solutions. The code can be reprogrammed at any time and the code is stored even if the power is disconnected.
The handling is easy. To open the lock press the switch, count the flashes and release the switch after the correct amount of flashes. A correct code is indicated by double flashes during 5 seconds. When the correct code is entered, Tap-a-Key is activated and stays active until it is reset by a timer. It is also possible to have more than one operating code. This is useful when more than one person will have access to the locked device or when one rapid code and several ordinary codes are needed.
"The combinations of Servocell's piezo actuator with Tap-a-Key is a great improvement for the security and simplicity of our electronic locks", says Matthias Blunck, managing director Beloxx. "The new knob can be used for our whole range locks, which means that our existing customers won't have to install new locks to make them electronic which saves a great amount of money".
"With the integration of Tap-a-Key into our Active Latch we were able to create a simple but very secure electronic locking solution for Beloxx", says Simon Powell, managing director Servocell.
About Beloxx
Beloxx GmbH & Co. KG is a young company, which was founded by a team of experienced and well acquainted owners of the company in the furniture market. Matthias Blunck and Peter Bock - owners of the company and managing directors - developed a product range, which can achieve a lot of advantages for the areas of office and utility furniture. Locking system manufacturer BURG realized the potential of the innovative owners very quickly and joined the new company.
Espagnolette locks, turn knobs, screw-on locks and cylinder cam locks based on important details/technology which becomes a clear advantage for the customers.
About Key Innovations
Key Innovations AB is a young company founded by four senior engineers from Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company develops high tech components and systems primary for use in security and surveillance systems. Tap-a-KeyTM is the company´s first product for use in the OEM market and adds extensive values to electronic devices, keyless switches and locks.
Posted on 14 June 2005
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