Bristol Research to Buy Keyless Lock Developer

A Costa Mesa computer company has agreed to acquire a small Laguna Hills firm that has developed a keyless locking system for automobiles, homes and offices.

Bristol Research Corp. said it has signed a letter of intent to purchase Universal Photonix for an undisclosed sum. Bristol said the purchase will be accomplished by distributing Bristol stock to Universal’s stockholders.

Universal has developed a “keyless entry device” called the Photon Security System that uses infrared light beams to open automobile door locks and other types of locks.

Bristol spokeswoman Monica Flores said the merger is part of an effort to expand from commercial into industrial markets for the computer products manufacturer.

Founded in August, 1987, Bristol employs 26 people. In announcing the acquisition of Universal, Bristol said it has broken off merger talks with General Display Corp., a maker of electronic signs.

Universal was founded in 1984 by Douglas A. Pinnow, an expert in fiber-optic technology who became intrigued with finding ways to put light-wave signal technology into consumer products. He developed a keyless locking system that uses a tiny transmitter to send a light beam that opens locks.

Universal officials could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Briggs & Stratton Corp., which supplies mechanical door locks to the U.S. auto industry, had owned a 40% share of Universal and invested $1 million to secure future marketing rights. But Flores said Universal has dropped its relationship with Briggs & Stratton and is now working instead with Motorola Inc. on the keyless locking system.