US4095872A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Security sealing system using fiber optics
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1977-01-13
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Granted: 1978-06-20
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Expires: 1997-01-13
Abstract
Abstract The invention is directed to a security device which detects tampering with secured closure. A fiber optic bundle is looped through a closure and secured at opposite ends of the bundle to a collar. After installation, light is passed through the fiber optics and they generate a particular pattern at a viewing end of the collar. If there is any tampering with the enclosure, the individual fiber optics will be disturbed or cut. Subsequent viewing of the fiber optics will generate a different viewing pattern indicating that tampering has occurred.
Inventors
- 👤 Lorin R. Stieff
- 👤 Charles L. Pruitt
- 👤 Reinhard R. Ulrich
- 👤 Frank S. Houck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 04:59
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F3/00; G09F3/02; G09F3/03; G09F3/0376; A; A45; A45C; A45C13/00; A45C13/18; A45C13/001; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/40; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T70/00; Y10T70/80; Y10T70/8027; Y10T70/8216; Y10T70/8243
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
A security seal for detecting tampering with a secured enclosure, the seal comprising: a length of fiber optic bundle for conducting light along individual fibers within the bundle; a collar fastening the free ends of the bundle together so that the individual fibers in one of the bundle ends become arbitrarily intermixed with the individual fibers in the other bundle end, with all of the fiber ends facing the same direction; and an opening formed in the collar to permit viewing of the intermixed fibers at their ends.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
A security seal for detecting tampering with a secured enclosure, the seal comprising: a length of fiber optic bundle for conducting light along individual fibers within the bundle; a collar fastening the free ends of the bundle together so that the individual fibers in one of the bundle ends become arbitrarily intermixed with the individual fibers in the other bundle end, with all of the fiber ends facing the same direction; and an opening formed in the collar to permit viewing of the intermixed fibers at their ends.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The subject matter set forth in claim 1 wherein the collar includes a flexible ferrule which exerts compressive forces against the intermixed fibers to sufficiently hold the fibers in the collar without physical damage thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The subject matter set forth in claim 2 wherein the collar includes mating threaded members which compress the ferrule when the members are fastened together.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The subject matter set forth in claim 1 together with viewing means positioned adjacent the collar opening for magnifying an image at the collar opening, which is unique for each particular seal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The subject matter set forth in claim 4 together with means associated with the viewing means for introducing light along the bundle which generates the unique image at the collar opening.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The subject matter set forth in claim 5 together with a camera positioned adjacent to the viewer for recording the image when desired.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The subject matter set forth in claim 6 wherein means are formed in the viewing means for receiving the collar therein and positioning the opening of the collar in an optical path with a lens of the camera.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The subject matter set forth in claim 5 together with a reticle attached to the viewing means for marking coordinates of light spots by individual fibers at the collar opening.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The subject matter set forth in claim 8 wherein the reticle can be rotated to align a coordinate marker with preselected light spots.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The subject matter set forth in claim 9 wherein the marker is a radial marker cooperating with a stationary polar angle indicator.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3854792A
Cited
US3999837A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-06-19 | 1981-12-19 | 1982-06-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-06-19 | 1985-12-19 | 1986-06-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-06-19 | 1989-12-19 | 1990-06-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |