Biometric control of equipment

• US 20070055888A1
• Filed: 03/31/2005
• Published: 03/08/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Deadman Technologies LLC
• Original Assignee: Deadman Technologies LLC
• Inventors: Vaughan, Jack, Miller, Brian, Ladriere, Oscar
• Granted Patent: US 7,809,954 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/186
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/83 input devices, e.g. keyboards, mice or controllers thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/257 electronically G07C9/26 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/26 using a biometric sensor integrated in the pass
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/0357 For producing uniform flow
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/263 Plural sensors for single bypass or relief valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/2632 Sensors interconnected by timing or restrictive orifice
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/2642 Sensor rigid with valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7759 Responsive to change in rate of fluid flow

Abstract

An apparatus for allowing operation of equipment by an authorized operator comprises a biometric scanner 20 receiving a biometric input from an authorized operator, and transmitting an authorization signal as long as the biometric input is received from the authorized operator. The apparatus further includes an equipment control system 18 that allows the equipment to operate substantially only while the equipment control system receives the authorization signal from the biometric scanner 20, and that prevents the equipment from operating shortly after the authorization signal is no longer received from the biometric scanner.

Claims

1. An apparatus for allowing operation of equipment by an authorized operator, the apparatus comprising:

a biometric scanner, the biometric scanner transmitting an authorization signal while a biometric input is received from the authorized operator; and

an equipment control system allowing the equipment to operate while the equipment control system receives the authorization signal from the biometric scanner, the equipment control system preventing the equipment from operating shortly after the authorization signal is no longer received from the biometric scanner.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the equipment control system prevents the equipment from operating within ten seconds of the authorization signal being no longer received from the biometric scanner.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the authorization signal is a wireless signal.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the biometric scanner includes a fingerprint reader, the biometric input being an input fingerprint.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the biometric scanner further includes a memory, the biometric scanner identifying the biometric input as being from the authorized operator by comparing the biometric input with stored biometric data in the memory.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the equipment control system includes a deadman switch, the deadman switch being actuated while the equipment control system receives the authorization signal from the biometric scanner.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the equipment is a fueling system, actuation of the deadman switch allowing operation of the fueling system.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the deadman switch is an electrical deadman switch actuated by an electrical signal, the electrical signal being provided while the equipment control system receives the authorization signal from the biometric scanner.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the equipment control system is located in a fuel truck, and the equipment is a fueling system allowing transfer of fuel from the fuel truck to an airplane.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the fueling system stops operating within five seconds of the equipment control system no longer receiving the authorization signal.

11. A process for allowing operation of equipment by an authorized operator, the process comprising:

receiving a biometric input from an operator;

determining if the biometric input is from the authorized operator;

transmitting an authorization signal as long as the biometric input is provided by the authorized operator;

operating the equipment only while the authorization signal is transmitted; and

disabling the equipment shortly after the authorization signal is terminated.

12. The process of claim 11, wherein the process is a process for allowing operation of a fueling system at an airport by an authorized operator.

13. The process of claim 11, wherein disabling the equipment occurs with ten seconds of the authorization signal being terminated.