US3790957A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Key automated data collection, control and source information system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-11-24
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Granted: 1974-02-05
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Expires: 1992-11-24
Abstract
Abstract Key automated data collection, control and source information system comprising a key operated locking device, a message encoding unit, and connected to a master control. The key operated device includes a conventional lock type receptacle for receiving a key, having a unique digital code associated therewith. A secondary security locking device may be engageable with the key to prevent removal from the lock''s key receptacle. The message encoding unit senses the unique digital code and provides electrical signals representative thereof to a master control system. The master control system may be made responsive to the digital key code for recording and verification of the code, selective activation of the key operated device, and release of the key.
Inventors
- 👤 L Dukes
- 👤 W Witt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 15:32
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F7/00; G07F7/08; G06; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/38; G06Q20/40; G06Q20/403; G06Q20/4037; G07C; G07C9/00; G07C9/20; G07C9/27
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
Key operable identification and authorization apparatus comprising: a. key operable authorization means having a key receptacle and capable of being mounted with said key receptacle in alignment with the key receptacle of a conventional lock without imPairing the ordinary function of said lock, said key operable means being capable of existing in deactivated and activated states; b. key means insertable through said receptacle of said authorization means and into the key receptacle of said lock for transferring said key operable authorization means between its deactivated and activated states; c. digitally coded means mounted on the part of said key means which does not function to operate said lock; d. sensing means carried by said authorization means for noncontacting registration with said coded means; and e. control means connected to said key operable authorization means and to said sensing means and responsive to a signal from said sensing means to activate said key operable authorization means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
Key operable identification and authorization apparatus comprising: a. key operable authorization means having a key receptacle and capable of being mounted with said key receptacle in alignment with the key receptacle of a conventional lock without imPairing the ordinary function of said lock, said key operable means being capable of existing in deactivated and activated states; b. key means insertable through said receptacle of said authorization means and into the key receptacle of said lock for transferring said key operable authorization means between its deactivated and activated states; c. digitally coded means mounted on the part of said key means which does not function to operate said lock; d. sensing means carried by said authorization means for noncontacting registration with said coded means; and e. control means connected to said key operable authorization means and to said sensing means and responsive to a signal from said sensing means to activate said key operable authorization means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
74 words
Key identification and authorization apparatus as set forth in claim 1 comprising retainer means biased toward a first position engaging said key means for preventing removal of said key means from said authorization means, said retainer means being connected to a power source operable in response to a signal from said sensing means to overcome said biasing means and move said retainer means to a second position out of engagement with said key means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
Key identification and authorization apparatus as set forth in claim 2 in which said retainer means comprises an electrical solenoid activated by said power source to move said retainer means to said second position, said solenoid being deactivated on the removal of said key means from said receptacle means to resume said first position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
65 words
Key identification and authorization apparatus as set forth in claim 1 characterized in that said digitally coded means comprises a plurality of identification elements embedded in said non-operable part key means in a predetermined binary coded fashion to reflect particular identification data, said sensing means having detecting means responsive to said identification elements on said registration to transmit said identification data to said control means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
68 words
Key identification and authorization apparatus as set forth in claim 4 characterized in that said identification elements comprise a plurality of light transmission fibres arranged in said binary code arrangement, said sensing means comprising a light source and light sensitive logic circuitry, said light fibres providing a circuit through which light is transmitted from said light source to said logic circuitry according to the binary code arrangement thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
Key identification and authorization apparatus as set forth in claim 5 and further including an electrical solenoid biased away from said registration position but activated by said key means on engagement with said authorization means to move said light source and said logic circuitry into registration with said light fibres.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
Key identification and authorization apparatus as set forth in claim 4 in which said detecting means is connected to said control means through message generator means by which said identification data converted to information suitable for use by said control means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
Key identification and authorization apparatus as set forth in claim 7 in which said message generator means is connected to said sensing means via a status line for indicating the insertion of said key means into said receptacle means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
Key identification and authorization apparatus as set forth in claim 5 in which said logic circuitry is connected to said control means through message generator means by which said identification data is converted to information suitable for use by said control means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
66 words
Key identification and authorization apparatus as set forth in claim 7 in which said logic circuitry is connected to said message generator by a plurality of parallel lines, each line supplying a binary bit of said identification data, said message generator means comprising circuitry for converting said identification data to a plural bit serial message For transmission to said control means via a single input line.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-04 | 1977-08-06 | 1978-02-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-04 | 1981-08-06 | 1982-02-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-04 | 1985-08-06 | 1986-02-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |