Controlled access programmable event timer system

• US 4,769,765 A
• Filed: 11/10/1986
• Issued: 09/06/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 11/10/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David L. Green
• Original Assignee: David L. Green
• Inventors: Green, David L.
• Primary Examiner(s): RUGGIERO, JOSEPH F
• Application Number:
  US06/928,781
• Time in Patent Office: 666 Days
• Field of Search: 364/143, 364/144, 364/145, 364/569, 364/401, 340/309.15, 340/825.3, 340/825.31, 340/825.34, 235/380, 235/382, 235/382.5, 368/10, 315/360
• US Class Current: 700/16
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 15/006 for operating at a number of different times cigar or cigarette receptacles or boxes with means for limiting the frequency of smoking A24F15/005
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/24167 Encryption, password, user access privileges
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25256 Module is timer with variable time delay
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/127 Shopping or accessing services according to a time-limitation
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/215 the system having a variable access-code, e.g. varied as a function of time
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/23 by means of a password
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0014 for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00 meter-controlled dispensing of liquid, gas or electricity G07F15/00

Abstract

A control system is disclosed which can be attached to equipment such as appliances or automobiles, or built in as a part thereof. The control system includes an enabling/disabling device such as a relay in a circuit in the equipment. A time setting device is used to program a microprocessor with the times when the relay will open and close--thereby disabling and enabling the equipment. The time setting device can only be used to set the times by a person having an authentic authorization device such as a card or a key. The card is read by a card reader and the information obtained is compared by the microprocessor with the authentic information. In the case where a key is the authorization device, it is used to close a circuit to the microprocessor. A liquid crystal display is provided to display time information, and a rechargeable battery is included to prevent changing the time by unplugging the equipment.

Claims

1. A control system connectable to equipment for permitting the operation of the equipment only during times specified by an authorized person comprising:

enabling/disabling means connected to the equipment controlling operability of the equipment;

timer means connected to said enabling/disabling means for causing said enabling/disabling means to assume enable and disable positions at one or more designated times;

said timer means including time digit entry means for setting said designated times for operation and stopping of operation of the equipment; and

said timer means including a card reader for producing signals representing an authorization authentication code for preventing operation of said time setting means except by an authorized person.

2. A control system in accordance with claim 1 wherein:

said timer means includes a microprocessor connected to receive inputs from said card reader and said time setting means; and

said microprocessor is connected to said enabling/disabling means to provide signals directing said enabling/disabling means to assume enable and disable positions.

3. A control system in accordance with claim 2 further including:

display means for displaying time information connected to receive said time information from said microprocessor.

4. A control system in accordance with claim 3 further including:

a battery connected to supply power to said microprocessor, said time digit entry means and said display means.

5. A control system in accordance with claim 2 further including:

an override command input to said microprocessor to prevent disabling at the designated stopping time.

6. A control system in accordance with claim 3 further including:

a housing containing said card reader, said time digit entry means and said display means.

7. A control system in accordance with claim 3 wherein:

said display means is a liquid crystal display.

8. A control system connectable to equipment for permitting the operation of the equipment, which equipment includes a critical electric circuit, only during times specified by an authorized person as determined by an encoded card comprising:

a relay connected to open and close the critical electric circuit;

a microprocessor connected to said relay to cause said relay to open and close;

a time digit entry setting device connected to said microprocessor to deliver to said microprocessor times for opening and closing said relay;

card reader means for producing signals representing information encoded on a card;

said card reader means connected to said microprocessor to deliver to said microprocessor information encoded on a card;

said microprocessor being programmed to compare said card information from said card reader to an authentic authorized code and to accept time setting only when an authentic authorized code is contained on the card.

9. A control system in accordance with claim 8 further including:

display means connected to said microprocessor for displaying time information.

10. A control system in accordance with claim 9 further including:

a battery connected to provide power to said microprocessor, said display means and said time digit entry setting device.

11. A control system in accordance with claim 10 further including:

an override command input to said microprocessor to prevent opening of said relay at the time set for opening said relay.

12. A control system connectable to equipment for permitting the operation of the equipment which includes an 110 volt alternating current power line only during times specified by an authorized person as determined by an encoded card comprising:

a relay connected to open and close the power line in the equipment;

a microprocessor connected to said relay to cause said relay to open and close;

a time setting device having a keyboard for entering time digits connected to said microprocessor to deliver to said microprocessor times for opening and closing said relay;

a card reader connected to said microprocessor to deliver to said microprocessor information encoded on cards read by said card reader;

a liquid crystal display connected to said microprocessor receiving and displaying time information from said microprocessor;

a rechargeable battery connected to supply power to said microprocessor, said time setting device and said liquid crystal display;

a power supply connected to the power line to receive alternating current;

said power supply providing direct current to said relay, said card reader and said battery; and

said microprocessor being programmed to compare said card information from said card reader to an authentic authorized code and to accept time setting information only when an authentic authorized code is contained on the card.

13. A control system in accordance with claim 12 further including:

an overriding input connected to said microprocessor.

14. A control system in accordance with claim 12 further including:

a housing containing said card reader, said time setting device and said liquid crystal display.