Validator-controlled apparatus
First Claim
1. Mechanism for controlling the use of a facility for a predetermined time period in response to receipt and authentication of a valid encoded plaque comprising:
- inspection and validator means operable to inspect an encoded plaque of paper currency and to provide an output signal in response to inspection and authentication of a plaque of paper currency;
electronic timer means activated by said output signal and operable to measure a plurality of time periods of different preselected duration;
a plurality of power operated components;
means connecting said timer means, said inspection and validator means and said power operated components in circuit for use for a respective one of said predetermined time periods upon receipt of an output signal from said plaque inspection and validator means; and
means for disabling said plaque inspection and validator means to receive another plaque during the decrement of an activated predetermined time period and including means for delaying the operation of said disabling means for a short period thereby to provide time for the insertion and processing of an additional plaque into said plaque inspection and validating means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Validator-controlled apparatus responsive to the inspection and validation of a plaque as genuine cooperating with a timer to control the power supply to and operation of a plurality of electrical components for one or consecutive predetermined periods. In an illustrative application of the apparatus, the validator inspects and authenticates a coded plaque of paper currency or a coded card as a prerequisite to the control and use of a room for a measured period of time equipped with one or more electrical components. One of the controlled components is a lock for the room door or barrier which re-locks after entrance of the patron or patrons and remains locked from its exterior but is manually releasable from the interior at any time. The apparatus includes provision for disabling the plaque validator and the door lock during the decrement of an existing predetermined time period.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. Mechanism for controlling the use of a facility for a predetermined time period in response to receipt and authentication of a valid encoded plaque comprising:
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inspection and validator means operable to inspect an encoded plaque of paper currency and to provide an output signal in response to inspection and authentication of a plaque of paper currency; electronic timer means activated by said output signal and operable to measure a plurality of time periods of different preselected duration; a plurality of power operated components;
means connecting said timer means, said inspection and validator means and said power operated components in circuit for use for a respective one of said predetermined time periods upon receipt of an output signal from said plaque inspection and validator means; andmeans for disabling said plaque inspection and validator means to receive another plaque during the decrement of an activated predetermined time period and including means for delaying the operation of said disabling means for a short period thereby to provide time for the insertion and processing of an additional plaque into said plaque inspection and validating means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification