Data flow control unit
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for regulating data flow to a network comprising:
- a mechanical lock assembly that is activated by turning a key; and
an electronic circuit that senses a position of the key in the lock assembly to enable a flow of data information to a target network.
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Abstract
The present invention is generally an apparatus and method for regulating data flow of information based on a position of a key in a lock assembly. More particularly, an illustrative embodiment includes a mechanical lock that is activated by turning a key to an enabling or disabling position. Depending on a position of the key in the lock assembly, an electronic circuit enables a flow of data to a target network.
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Citations
55 Claims
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1. An apparatus for regulating data flow to a network comprising:
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a mechanical lock assembly that is activated by turning a key; and
an electronic circuit that senses a position of the key in the lock assembly to enable a flow of data information to a target network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A device for regulating data information transmitted through a communication link, the device comprising:
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a sensing unit that detects a position of a switch coupled to a lock assembly, the switch being activated by turning a key to a position in the lock assembly;
a memory device for storing data flow rules of the communication link; and
a communication controller that intercepts the data information transmitted through the communication link and, based on the data flow rules as selected by a position of the switch and a provided password, regulates a further flow of the data information through the communication link. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A method of limiting access to a network, the method comprising:
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sensing a position of a switch coupled to a lock assembly activated by turning a key; and
enabling a flow of data information to the network through a communication link based on a position of the switch. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43)
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44. A method for regulating data information transmitted through a communication link, the method comprising:
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intercepting data transmitted through the communication link;
determining a position of a key in a lock assembly;
accessing data flow rules stored in a memory device; and
transmitting the intercepted data information to a target address based on data flow rules in the memory device as selected by a position of the key in the lock assembly and a provided password. - View Dependent Claims (45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54)
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55. A method of limiting access to a network, the method comprising:
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means for sensing a position of a switch coupled to a lock assembly activated by turning a key; and
means for enabling a flow of data information to the network through a communication link based on a position of the switch.
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Specification