Receptacle for electronic information key
AssigneeDatakey, Inc.
InventorWilliam P. Flies
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Receptacle for a key-like device containing an embedded micro-electronic circuit component with leads thereto extending to the surface of the key. The receptacle defines a keyway in which a plurality of contact heads spaced to correspond to the spacing of the leads on the key are positioned. The contact heads are supported by finger-like spring members which provide inwardly directed pressure against the contact heads when the key leads are brought into engagement with the contact heads. A flexible circuit surrounding the finger spring members and connected to the receptacle contact heads provides means for connecting the micro-electronic circuit in the key with a control circuit such as a computer.
Claims11
A receptacle defining a keyway for an insert portion of a key-like device having an inserted and a "locked" position within the receptacle, the key-like device further having a plurality of spaced transverse grooves on said insert portion and containing an electrical element embedded therein, the element including a plurality of electrical leads each of which is carried on the surface of one of each of said grooves, the receptacle comprising:
- a plurality of spaced electrically conductive contact heads protruding into said keyway and positioned therein for contacting a correspondingly spaced key lead upon insertion of said key insert portion into the receptacle and rotation of the key to the "locked" position;
- finger spring cylinder means surrounding said keyway and including a plurality of arcuate finger spring members so as to form a cylinder-like structure of opposing finger spring pairs, the ends of each finger spring pair being positioned in supporting engagement with one each of said contact heads and the contact heads being arranged in the keyway such that the contact heads are displaced outwardly and urge the supporting finger spring pairs radially outwardly when the key is rotated to the "locked" position;
- and,
- electrical connection means for connecting said receptacle to an operating electrical circuit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.