US5111184A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tamper-proof device for detecting opening and closing of a secure container
Assignee: Aerojet Rocketdyne Inc
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Filing: 1991-02-25
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Granted: 1992-05-05
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Expires: 2011-02-25
Abstract
Abstract A tamper-proof device for detecting opening and closing events of a secure container is characterized by a fiber optic cable having a first portion connected with a fixed member of the container and a second portion connected with a movable locking member of the container so that the cable is bent or flexed when the container locking member is moved between open and closed positions. Light pulses are transmitted through the cable and variations in the pulses resulting from bending of the cable are detected to indicate opening and closing of the container.
Inventors
- 👤 Harley L. Heaton
- 👤 Michael R. Arneson
- 👤 Guy P. LaRocca
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 13:21
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B13/00; G08B13/02; G08B13/12; G08B13/126; G08B13/18; G08B13/181; G08B13/183; G08B13/186
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A tamper-proof device for detecting opening and closing events of a secure container, comprising (a) a fiber optic cable having a first portion connected with a fixed member of the container and a second portion connected with a movable locking member of the container, whereby said cable is deflected when the container locking member is moved between open and closed positions; (b) an optical source connected with one end of said cable for delivering a light signal to said cable; and (c) optical detector means connected with the other end of said cable for sensing variations in the light signal transmitted through the cable as a result of microbend losses due to deflection of said cable, whereby each opening and closing event of the container is detected.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
A tamper-proof device for detecting opening and closing events of a secure container, comprising (a) a fiber optic cable having a first portion connected with a fixed member of the container and a second portion connected with a movable locking member of the container, whereby said cable is deflected when the container locking member is moved between open and closed positions; (b) an optical source connected with one end of said cable for delivering a light signal to said cable; and (c) optical detector means connected with the other end of said cable for sensing variations in the light signal transmitted through the cable as a result of microbend losses due to deflection of said cable, whereby each opening and closing event of the container is detected.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device as defined in claim 1, wherein said optical source includes means for producing a pulsed light signal, thereby to conserve power.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device as defined in claim 2, wherein said pulsed light signal comprises two optical frequencies which are beat together.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device as defined in claim 1, and further comprising microcontroller means connected with said detector means, said microcontroller means being operable in response to an event.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device as defined in claim 4, wherein said microcontroller means includes timing means for timing each opening and closing event.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device as defined in claim 5, wherein said microcontroller means further includes memory means for storing the occurrence of events and the times thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device as defined in claim 6, and further comprising display means connected with said microcontroller mean for indicating events.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device as defined in claim 7, wherein said display means comprises a liquid crystal diode.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A device as defined in claim 7, and further comprising a fiber optic modem connected with said microcontroller for communicating therewith.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
A device as defined in claim 9, and further comprising an interface device connected with said modem via a fiber optic cable assembly for reading data from said memory means, for providing a password for access to said microcontroller, and for resetting said timing means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device as defined in claim 2, wherein said optical source comprises light emitting diode.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device as defined in claim 2, wherein said optical source comprises a laser.
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) | 1995-05-05 | 1995-11-04 | 1996-05-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-05-05 | 1999-11-04 | 2000-05-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-05-05 | 2003-11-04 | 2004-05-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |