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Cashless key and receptacle system

  • US 5,526,662 A
  • Filed: 12/28/1993
  • Issued: 06/18/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/28/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A combination key device and an electrical receptacle for the key device wherein the receptacle defines electrical contact surface areas for mating with corresponding contact surface areas defined by the key device, at least one clip defining the electrical contact surface areas of said receptacle, a receptacle body for supporting said clip, an axially extending keyway opening defined by said body, said clip consisting of a one-piece electrical conductor and comprising a transverse portion and a pair of legs extending outwardly from the transverse portion, at least one contact element defined by each of said legs and extending inwardly toward said body, openings defined by said body and communicating with said keyway opening for receiving said contact elements, and a contact band carried by said key device, insertion of said key device into said keyway opening bringing said contact band into electrical contact with at least one of said contact elements, receipt of said contact elements in said openings serving to hold said clip in a stationary position relative to said receptacle body whereby said clip is prevented from movement axially upon said insertion of said key device.

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