US3582890A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Credit key
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-12-01
•
Granted: 1971-06-01
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Expires: 1989-12-01
Abstract
Abstract A key which can be used in place of or together with a conventional credit card, together with the apparatus which can read information on the key. The key has a shank portion which is multisided, having a plurality of holes drilled through the shank portion along its longitudinal axis, the holes being normal to the axis. The key is adapted to be inserted in the apparatus which through the utilization of photocells and a light source can determine the location of the hole on each edge of the shank portion.
Inventors
- 👤 Leslie C Rivers
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 13:04
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F7/00; G07F7/08; E; E05; E05B; E05B49/00; E05B49/002; E05B49/006; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S283/00; Y10S283/904
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
50 words
A key capable of being read by a light source and photocells comprising: a top portion for holding said key, an elongated shank portion extending from said top, said shank portion being multisided, said shank portion having at least one hole drilled therethrough normal to the axis of said shank.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
50 words
A key capable of being read by a light source and photocells comprising: a top portion for holding said key, an elongated shank portion extending from said top, said shank portion being multisided, said shank portion having at least one hole drilled therethrough normal to the axis of said shank.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The key of claim 1 comprising: said shank portion having a plurality of holes therethrough at different levels along its axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The key of claim 1 wherein: each hole passes from an edge of said shank through the center axis thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The key of claim 3 wherein: each hole terminates on a flat side opposite the edge from which it begins.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
In combination: a key having an elongated shank portion extending from a top portion thereof, said shank portion being multisided, said shank portion having at least one hole drilled therethrough normal to the axis of said shank, and means for determining the location of the holes in said shank portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
In combination: a key having an elongated shank portion extending from a top portion thereof, said shank portion being multisided, said shank portion having at least one hole drilled therethrough normal to the axis of said shank, and means for determining the location of the holes in said shank portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The combination of claim 5 wherein said means for determining the location of said holes comprises: a light source for disposition on one side of saId shank portion, and a plurality of light receiving means for disposition opposite said light source for receiving light passing through said holes.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The combination of claim 6 wherein: said light receiving means is disposed adjacent the length of said shank portion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 7 wherein: the light receiving means can distinguish the location of a hole relative to the length of said shank.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 6 further comprising: means for rotating the key relative to and between said light source and said light receiving means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
The combination of claim 9 further comprising: means activating and deactivating said light source as said key is rotated such that said light source is on only when a desired hole to be determined is aligned therewith.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-05-31 | 1974-11-30 | 1975-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-05-31 | 1978-11-30 | 1979-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-05-31 | 1982-11-30 | 1983-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |