US3641498A — Keys for electronic security apparatus

Claim 1

Independent Claim 263 words

A key for effecting operation of an electronic security apparatus by the application of a binary coded activating signal thereto, said key being adapted to contain a binary code permutation of circuits, said key comprising a plurality of electrically conductive members for engaging contacts of a key receiving means through which the permutation code may be applied to the electronic security apparatus, electrically changeable binary state memory means connected between said conductive members so as to be effective when activated to establish a binary coded permutation on the key, said memory means having first and second states for establishing said binary coded permutation of circuits, said memory means when in said first state establishing one binary coded permutation of circuits and when in said second state establishing another binary coded permutation of circuits, said memory means being changeable between said first and second states to establish the one and the other binary coded permutation of circuits, said key-receiving means being operably connected to a source of power for directing power from said contacts to at least one of said conductive members to energize said binary coded permutation of circuits and establish said binary coded permutation of circuits which is indicative of the state of said memory means, said binary coded permutation of circuits being operable when said memory means is in a predetermined one of said states to activate the electronic security apparatus, said binary coded permutation of circuits being ineffective to activate the electronic security apparatus when the memory means is in a state other than said predetermined one of said state.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 263 words

A key for effecting operation of an electronic security apparatus by the application of a binary coded activating signal thereto, said key being adapted to contain a binary code permutation of circuits, said key comprising a plurality of electrically conductive members for engaging contacts of a key receiving means through which the permutation code may be applied to the electronic security apparatus, electrically changeable binary state memory means connected between said conductive members so as to be effective when activated to establish a binary coded permutation on the key, said memory means having first and second states for establishing said binary coded permutation of circuits, said memory means when in said first state establishing one binary coded permutation of circuits and when in said second state establishing another binary coded permutation of circuits, said memory means being changeable between said first and second states to establish the one and the other binary coded permutation of circuits, said key-receiving means being operably connected to a source of power for directing power from said contacts to at least one of said conductive members to energize said binary coded permutation of circuits and establish said binary coded permutation of circuits which is indicative of the state of said memory means, said binary coded permutation of circuits being operable when said memory means is in a predetermined one of said states to activate the electronic security apparatus, said binary coded permutation of circuits being ineffective to activate the electronic security apparatus when the memory means is in a state other than said predetermined one of said state.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 32 words

A key as set forth in claim 1 including circuit means associated with said memory means on the key for the application of electric signals changing the state of said memory means.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 49 words

A key as set forth in claim 2, in which said key comprises an electrically nonconductive forward portion on which said electrically conductive members are mounted in position for engaging contacts of thE key-receiving means, and a portion concealing said memory means on a rearward portion of the key.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 66 words

A key as set forth in claim 2 in which said memory means comprise electronic components forming rows and columns of an integrated matrix, said columns of said matrix being connected to corresponding ones of said electrically conductive members, and further conductive members forming parts of said circuit means for placing each row of said matrix in circuit with a contact of the key receiving means.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 44 words

A key as set forth in claim 2, in which there is a further electrically conductive member for engaging a contact of the key-receiving means, said further member forming a part of said circuit means for the application of signals to said memory means.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 18 words

A key as set forth in claim 5 in which said memory means comprise a magnetic memory element.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 25 words

A key as set forth in claim 6, in which said magnetic memory element operatively associated with said circuit means and said first-mentioned conductive members.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 54 words

A key as set forth in claim 5 in which said memory means comprise one of said first-mentioned conductive members having a portion of relatively high-electrical resistance connected to said further conductive member whereby to be destroyed when a relatively large electric current is applied through said one conductive member and said further member.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 20 words

A key as set forth in claim 8, in which said portion of said one conductive member is a diode.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 153 words

A key as defined in claim 2 wherein said memory means comprises a magnetic core having two stable magnetic states and said circuit means for changing the state of said magnetic core includes means for establishing a magnetic field about said magnetic core to set said magnetic core in a desired one of said stable magnetic states and further including second circuit means for reading the state of said magnetic core including means for establishing a magnetic field which causes said magnetic core to be in a predetermined one of said states, said magnetic core remaining in said one state if said magnetic core is in said one state prior to the application of said magnetic field by said second circuit means and said magnetic core changing to said one state if said magnetic core is in the other state prior to the application of said magnetic field by said second circuit means.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 47 words

A key as defined in claim 10 wherein the application of said magnetic field by said second circuit means effects a destructive readout of the state of said magnetic core and sets said core to said one state regardless of the state said core was previously in.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 36 words

A key as defined in claim 11 further including means for resetting said magnetic core to the state said magnetic core was in prior to the application of said magnetic field by said second circuit means.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 206 words

A key adapted to contain binary code permutations of circuits to be connected to contacts of key receiving means for applying a predetermined code permutation to an electronic security apparatus to effect operation thereof comprises, an electrically nonconductive base member for the key, a plurality of electrically conductive members mounted in spaced relation to one another on said base member and having each a surface in position for engaging a contact of said key-receiving means, a plurality of electrically changeable memory elements having open circuit and closed circuit states and connected each between at least two of said electrically conductive members on the base member of the key, and circuit means associated with each memory element on the key for the application of electrical signals changing the state of that element between said open and closed circuit states so as to establish a binary code permutation of circuits on the key, said circuit means being operable to effect the establishment of said predetermined and other code permutation on said key, said key when having said other code permutation of circuits being ineffective to actuate said electronic sEcurity apparatus, said key when having said predetermined code permutation of circuits being effective to actuate said electronic security apparatus.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 206 words

A key adapted to contain binary code permutations of circuits to be connected to contacts of key receiving means for applying a predetermined code permutation to an electronic security apparatus to effect operation thereof comprises, an electrically nonconductive base member for the key, a plurality of electrically conductive members mounted in spaced relation to one another on said base member and having each a surface in position for engaging a contact of said key-receiving means, a plurality of electrically changeable memory elements having open circuit and closed circuit states and connected each between at least two of said electrically conductive members on the base member of the key, and circuit means associated with each memory element on the key for the application of electrical signals changing the state of that element between said open and closed circuit states so as to establish a binary code permutation of circuits on the key, said circuit means being operable to effect the establishment of said predetermined and other code permutation on said key, said key when having said other code permutation of circuits being ineffective to actuate said electronic sEcurity apparatus, said key when having said predetermined code permutation of circuits being effective to actuate said electronic security apparatus.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 78 words

A key as set forth in claim 13 in which said base member of the key is substantially flat, each of said electrically conductive members forming a strip extending longitudinally in position on a forward portion of the base member for engaging a contact of the key-receiving means, and a conductive strip extending transversely on a rearward portion of said base member and comprising a connection between each memory element and at least two of the longitudinal strips.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 44 words

A key as set forth in claim 13, in which each memory element comprises a circuit connected at one end to one of said electrically conductive members and at its opposed end in common with a corresponding circuit end of each other memory element.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 33 words

A key as set forth in claim 15, in which said electrically nonconductive base member is epoxyglass and said memory elements comprise a relatively narrow fusible portion of one of said conductive members.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 38 words

A key as set forth in claim 15, in which the key has a further electrically conductive member for placing the commonly connected circuit ends of said memory elements in circuit with a contact of the key-receiving means.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 54 words

A key as set forth in claim 13 in which said memory means comprise each a magnetic memory element, said memory element being operatively associated with said circuit means for changing the state of the element, and said circuit means comprising a conductor that is adapted to engage a contact of the key-receiving means.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 218 words

A key adapted to contain a binary code permutation of circuits to be connected with contacts of key-receiving means for applying the code permutation to an electronic security apparatus, said electronic security apparatus being actuatable in response to a predetermined code permutation being applied thereto and being nonactuatable upon the application of a code permutation other than said predetermined code permutation thereto, a substantially flat, electrically nonconductive base member, a plurality of electrically conductive strips mounted in spaced relation to one another on said base member, each of said strips extending longitudinally on a forward portion of said member and presenting a surface for engaging a contact of said key-receiving means, a conductive common strip extending transversely on a rearward portion of said base member, changeable means placing each longitudinally extending strip individually in closed circuit or alternately in open circuit relation to said common transverse strip, and means for changing said changeable means on said key so that the key may be selectively equipped with said predetermined binary code permutations of closed and open circuits for actuating said electronic security apparatus or with said other binary code permutations so as to prevent the actuation of said electronic security apparatus in response to engagement of said plurality of electrically conductive strips with said contacts of said key-receiving means.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 218 words

A key adapted to contain a binary code permutation of circuits to be connected with contacts of key-receiving means for applying the code permutation to an electronic security apparatus, said electronic security apparatus being actuatable in response to a predetermined code permutation being applied thereto and being nonactuatable upon the application of a code permutation other than said predetermined code permutation thereto, a substantially flat, electrically nonconductive base member, a plurality of electrically conductive strips mounted in spaced relation to one another on said base member, each of said strips extending longitudinally on a forward portion of said member and presenting a surface for engaging a contact of said key-receiving means, a conductive common strip extending transversely on a rearward portion of said base member, changeable means placing each longitudinally extending strip individually in closed circuit or alternately in open circuit relation to said common transverse strip, and means for changing said changeable means on said key so that the key may be selectively equipped with said predetermined binary code permutations of closed and open circuits for actuating said electronic security apparatus or with said other binary code permutations so as to prevent the actuation of said electronic security apparatus in response to engagement of said plurality of electrically conductive strips with said contacts of said key-receiving means.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 45 words

A key as set forth in claim 19 in which there are longitudinal strips and a common transverse strip on each opposed face of the base member so that the key may offer differing code permutations when applied in inverted positions to the key-receiving means.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 54 words

A key as set forth in claim 19 in which the key comprises a member enclosing said changeable means on said rearward portion of said base member, and said enclosing member having flap portion that is movable relatively to a position covering said electrically conductive strips on the forward portion of the base member.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 136 words

A key as set forth in claim 19 in which said changeable means comprise a plurality of memory elements electrically changeable between open circuit and closed circuit states, said key further including a conductive segmental strip extending transversely on a rearward portion of said base member, each of said memory elements having a circuit connected between a corresponding longitudinally extending strip and said common transverse strip and further having a circuit connected between segments of said segmental strip, and strip portions for placing said common and segmental strips in circuit with contacts of the key-receiving means, enabling signals supplied through the key-receiving means to change the state of said memory elements whereby to establish said predetermined binary code permutation that the key can reapply to the key-receiving means to effect actuation of said electronic security apparatus.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 154 words

A key for conveying a predetermined code to effect operation of a controlled device, said key having a plurality of electrically conductive members for engaging respective contacts of key-receiving means for conveying said predetermined code thereto to effect operation of the controlled device, a conductor in closed circuit relation to a portion of said conductive members and in open circuit relation to a further portion of said members whereby to offer a binary code permutation of circuits to said key receiving means, and a capacitor connected between said conductor and one of said conductive members, said capacitor providing a closed circuit path between said conductor and said one conductive member whereby AC current is applied therebetween to effect the application of said predetermined code to said key receiving means and providing an open circuit path to offer a code indication other than said predetermined code when DC current is applied through the conductive members.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 154 words

A key for conveying a predetermined code to effect operation of a controlled device, said key having a plurality of electrically conductive members for engaging respective contacts of key-receiving means for conveying said predetermined code thereto to effect operation of the controlled device, a conductor in closed circuit relation to a portion of said conductive members and in open circuit relation to a further portion of said members whereby to offer a binary code permutation of circuits to said key receiving means, and a capacitor connected between said conductor and one of said conductive members, said capacitor providing a closed circuit path between said conductor and said one conductive member whereby AC current is applied therebetween to effect the application of said predetermined code to said key receiving means and providing an open circuit path to offer a code indication other than said predetermined code when DC current is applied through the conductive members.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 140 words

A key for controlling an electronic security apparatus that is responsive to a predetermined binary code permutation, said key comprising an electrically nonconductive base member, a plurality of electrically conductive elements mounted in relative positions forming a binary code pattern on said base member which is indicative of said predetermined binary code permutation for controlling the security apparatus, each of said elements being shaped to form a closed electrical circuit, permitting the binary code pattern to be detected through the use of eddy currents that may be induced in each element upon the application of a changing magnetic field to said elements, said eddy currents producing a counter magnetic field which acts to oppose the changing magnetic field applied to said elements and enables the binary code pattern to be detected by sensing the magnitude of the applied magnetic field.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 140 words

A key for controlling an electronic security apparatus that is responsive to a predetermined binary code permutation, said key comprising an electrically nonconductive base member, a plurality of electrically conductive elements mounted in relative positions forming a binary code pattern on said base member which is indicative of said predetermined binary code permutation for controlling the security apparatus, each of said elements being shaped to form a closed electrical circuit, permitting the binary code pattern to be detected through the use of eddy currents that may be induced in each element upon the application of a changing magnetic field to said elements, said eddy currents producing a counter magnetic field which acts to oppose the changing magnetic field applied to said elements and enables the binary code pattern to be detected by sensing the magnitude of the applied magnetic field.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 225 words

In a key for applying a predetermined binary coded permutation of electrical signals to an electric security system to effect actuation of the system and having a plurality of contacts through which the signals are transmitted to the system, circuit means connected to certain contacts of said plurality of contacts on the key for establishing a relationship between said certain contacts that is effective to transmit the predetermined binary coded permutation of electric signals to effect actuation of the system, electrically changeable state control means forming a part of said circuit means for controlling the coded relationship established between said certain contacts by the circuit means, said control means having a first state for enabling the key to apply said predetermined binary coded permutation of electric signals to effect actuation of the electric security system and a second state which prevents said key from applying said predetermined binary coded permutation of electric signals, said control means when in said second state rendering said key inoperative to actuate said electric security system and circuit portions through which a potential will act when externally applied to a certain combination of said contacts to change the state of said control means to said first state to enable said plurality of contacts to apply said predetermined coded permutation of signals to said electric security system to effect actuation thereof.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 225 words

In a key for applying a predetermined binary coded permutation of electrical signals to an electric security system to effect actuation of the system and having a plurality of contacts through which the signals are transmitted to the system, circuit means connected to certain contacts of said plurality of contacts on the key for establishing a relationship between said certain contacts that is effective to transmit the predetermined binary coded permutation of electric signals to effect actuation of the system, electrically changeable state control means forming a part of said circuit means for controlling the coded relationship established between said certain contacts by the circuit means, said control means having a first state for enabling the key to apply said predetermined binary coded permutation of electric signals to effect actuation of the electric security system and a second state which prevents said key from applying said predetermined binary coded permutation of electric signals, said control means when in said second state rendering said key inoperative to actuate said electric security system and circuit portions through which a potential will act when externally applied to a certain combination of said contacts to change the state of said control means to said first state to enable said plurality of contacts to apply said predetermined coded permutation of signals to said electric security system to effect actuation thereof.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1975-02-07	1975-08-09	1976-02-08	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1979-02-07	1979-08-09	1980-02-08	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1983-02-07	1983-08-09	1984-02-08	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Keys for electronic security apparatus

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