Cord tamper method and apparatus

• US 6,067,014 A
• Filed: 08/09/1996
• Issued: 05/23/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Edwin P. Wilson
• Original Assignee: Edwin P. Wilson
• Inventors: Wilson, Edwin P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GOINS, DAVETTA WOODS
• Application Number:
  US08/695,010
• Time in Patent Office: 1,383 Days
• Field of Search: 340/687, 340/652, 340/568, 340/571, 340/547, 340/540, 340/521, 340/531, 335/205, 439/344, 439/676, 379/438, 379/44, 379/437, 379/445, 361/654, 361/672, 324/419
• US Class Current: 340/540
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1409 for removal detection of electrical appliances by detecting their physical disconnection from an electrical system, e.g. using a switch incorporated in the plug connector
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/149 with electric, magnetic, capacitive switch actuation

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a security system. The system comprises a detector for producing an alarm signal. The system comprises a cord connected to the detector along which the alarm signal is transmitted. The system comprises a mechanism for securing the cord to a communication jack which produces an alarm when the cord is separated from the communication jack.

Claims

1. A tamper proof apparatus for connecting a communication line to a wall jack comprising:

a modular adaptor having a plug for engaging in communication with a receptacle of the wall jack and a first receptacle jack for engaging in communication with the communication line, said modular adaptor having an internal wiring connecting wires of the plug to wires of the first receptacle jack and a magnetically activated switch connected across two wires of the first receptacle jack; and

a magnet for attaching to the wall jack adjacent to the modular adaptor such that when the modular adaptor is engaged within the wall jack within influence of the magnet, the switch is closed and when the modular adaptor is removed from the phone jack, out of influence of the magnet, the switch opens.

2. A tamper proof apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the modular adaptor comprises a second receptacle jack for engaging in communication with a second communication line, said second receptacle jack having wires in communication with said internal wiring.

3. A tamper proof apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein said switch comprises a reed switch.

4. An apparatus for connecting an alarm system cord to a communication jack comprising:

a modular adaptor having a plug for engaging in communication with the communication jack and a first receptacle jack for engaging in communication with the alarm system cord; and

a tamper circuit mechanism for indicating if the plug is removed from the communication jack and if the alarm system cord is removed from the modular adaptor, said tamper circuit mechanism connected to said modular adaptor but sensing remotely if the plug is removed from the communication jack;

the tamper circuit mechanism comprises internal wiring connecting wires of the plug to wires of the first receptacle jack and a magnetically activated switch connected across two wires of the first receptacle jack; and

a magnet member for attaching to the wall jack adjacent to the modular adaptor such that when the modular adaptor is engaged within the wall jack within influence of the magnet the switch is closed and when the modular adaptor is removed from the phone jack, out of influence of the magnet, the switch opens.

5. An apparatus as described in claim 4 wherein the modular adaptor comprises a second receptacle jack for engaging in communication with a second communication line, said second receptacle jack having wires in communication with said internal wiring.