US3921875A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Control device
Assignee: Hecon Corp
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Filing: 1972-05-12
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Granted: 1975-11-25
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Expires: 1992-05-12
Abstract
Abstract A control device of either the electromechanical or electronictype for limiting the time, distance or quantity production of a machine, or other apparatus, being monitored in accordance with the pre-set value set into the control device to control production quantities. For example, the control device will count up to the quantity allotted, and, subsequent thereto, will operate switch means to automatically shut off the production equipment being monitored until the control device is reset by authorized personnel. If desired, a ''''warning'''' signal may be emitted to indicate that the control quantity set in the control device is close to being exhausted. A device is also provided for automatic and rapid replenishment of the controlled quantity within the control device, which resetting may be performed only by authorized personnel.
Inventors
- 👤 Heinz Hengstler
- 👤 Robert M Groll
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 09:00
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06M; G06M3/00; G06M3/02; G06M3/021; G07; G07C; G07C3/00; G07C3/08; G07C3/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
353 words
Control means for preventing unauthorized use of a machine controlled by an electric power source and for limiting the amount of such authorized use comprising: a control device including first means coupled between the electric power source and the machine and being movable between a first position disconnecting said machine and said source and a second position for connecting said machine and said source; second means for normally maintaining said first means in said first position; normally deenergized third means for operating said first means to said second position when energized; said third means including a receptacle; an electrical key device mounted within a tamper-proof housing and having circuit establishing means keyed to be removably inserted into said receptacle for energizing said third means; first counter means mounted within said key device, said first counter means including altering means for changing the count of said counter means; settable means within said housing for presetting the counter means to any predetermined count; latch means on said housing for preventing access to said settable means; manually operable means in said housing accessible only upon operation of said latch means for substantially instantaneously resetting said first counter to the count set in said counter by said settable means; pulsing means in said control device for energizing said altering means when said machine is energized to record the amount of use of the machine; said circuit establishing means including sensing means for deenergizing said third means when a predetermined amount of use of the machine has been sensed; said first counter means comprising an electrolytic cell; said sensing means comprising means for sensing the state of said electrolytic cell; means external of said housing releaseably connected to said electrolytic cell for plating the cell by a predetermined amount; said settable means further including signal generAting means for generating a signal to be coupled to said cell; adjustable means connected to said signal generating means for controlling the time duration of said signal to control the amount of plating; said setting means further comprising a tamper-proof recording means for recording the amount of plating set into the cell.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
353 words
Control means for preventing unauthorized use of a machine controlled by an electric power source and for limiting the amount of such authorized use comprising: a control device including first means coupled between the electric power source and the machine and being movable between a first position disconnecting said machine and said source and a second position for connecting said machine and said source; second means for normally maintaining said first means in said first position; normally deenergized third means for operating said first means to said second position when energized; said third means including a receptacle; an electrical key device mounted within a tamper-proof housing and having circuit establishing means keyed to be removably inserted into said receptacle for energizing said third means; first counter means mounted within said key device, said first counter means including altering means for changing the count of said counter means; settable means within said housing for presetting the counter means to any predetermined count; latch means on said housing for preventing access to said settable means; manually operable means in said housing accessible only upon operation of said latch means for substantially instantaneously resetting said first counter to the count set in said counter by said settable means; pulsing means in said control device for energizing said altering means when said machine is energized to record the amount of use of the machine; said circuit establishing means including sensing means for deenergizing said third means when a predetermined amount of use of the machine has been sensed; said first counter means comprising an electrolytic cell; said sensing means comprising means for sensing the state of said electrolytic cell; means external of said housing releaseably connected to said electrolytic cell for plating the cell by a predetermined amount; said settable means further including signal generAting means for generating a signal to be coupled to said cell; adjustable means connected to said signal generating means for controlling the time duration of said signal to control the amount of plating; said setting means further comprising a tamper-proof recording means for recording the amount of plating set into the cell.
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) | 1978-11-24 | 1979-05-26 | 1979-11-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-24 | 1983-05-26 | 1983-11-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-24 | 1987-05-26 | 1987-11-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |