US6300874B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Anti-theft computer security system
Assignee: Vanguard Products Group Inc
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Filing: 2000-11-10
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Granted: 2001-10-09
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Expires: 2020-11-10
Abstract
Abstract A computer anti-theft security system comprising a USB connector having a housing section and a contact connected to the housing section is disclosed. A cable is connected to the contact and extends through the housing section. The contact inserts into a USB port of a computer or peripheral and the cable is then connected to a central alarm monitoring unit. A sensor is disposed within the housing and connected to the cable as well. If the USB connector is disconnected from the computer or peripheral, or if the cable is cut, an alarm sounds from the central alarm monitoring unit.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard Rand
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 07:38
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B13/00; G08B13/02; G08B13/14; G08B13/1409; G08B13/1418
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
An anti-theft computer security system, comprising: a USB connector comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a contact extending from the housing and having two ground terminals for connecting to a USB port on an electronic device; (c) a sensor disposed within the housing and comprising a diode; a cable comprising a plurality of wires connected to the sensor and contact at one end and having a free end; and a central alarm monitoring unit connected to the free end of the cable, wherein the sensor is connected to two wires in the cable and to two ground terminals such that a circuit is completed when the connector is connected to an electronic device through a USB port, and wherein the circuit is broken when the connector is disconnected or the wire is cut, and wherein said central alarm monitoring unit detects the presence of the sensor and sends an alarm signal when the connector is disconnected from the electronic device or the cable is cut.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
An anti-theft computer security system, comprising: a USB connector comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a contact extending from the housing and having two ground terminals for connecting to a USB port on an electronic device; (c) a sensor disposed within the housing and comprising a diode; a cable comprising a plurality of wires connected to the sensor and contact at one end and having a free end; and a central alarm monitoring unit connected to the free end of the cable, wherein the sensor is connected to two wires in the cable and to two ground terminals such that a circuit is completed when the connector is connected to an electronic device through a USB port, and wherein the circuit is broken when the connector is disconnected or the wire is cut, and wherein said central alarm monitoring unit detects the presence of the sensor and sends an alarm signal when the connector is disconnected from the electronic device or the cable is cut.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
65 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein the cable has four wires and wherein sensor further comprises a bi-color LED connected to the two wires not connected to the diode, said LED glowing one color when the connector is connected to an electronic device and to the central alarm monitoring unit, and glowing another color when the connector is disconnected from the electronic device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system according to claim 1 , wherein one of the ground terminals is a shell.
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) | 2004-10-08 | 2005-04-09 | 2005-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-10-08 | 2009-04-09 | 2009-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-10-08 | 2013-04-09 | 2013-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |