Anti-theft computer security system

• US 6,459,374 B1
• Filed: 08/14/2001
• Issued: 10/01/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Vanguard Products Group, Inc., DBA Vanguard Protex Global
• Original Assignee: Protex International Corporation (Vanguard Protex Global)
• Inventors: Dimonda, Dominick, DeConinck, Joseph, Rand, Richard
• Primary Examiner(s): La, Anh V
• Application Number:
  US09/929,498
• Time in Patent Office: 413 Days
• Field of Search: 340/568.1, 340/568.2, 340/571, 340/568.4, 340/568.3, 439/607, 439/610
• US Class Current: 340/568.2
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1418 Removal detected by failure in electrical connection between the appliance and a control centre, home control panel or a power supply

Abstract

A computer anti-theft security system comprises a USB connector having a housing section and a connector connected to the housing section. A cable is connected to the connector and extends through the housing section. The connector inserts into a USB port of a computer or peripheral and the cable is then connected to a central alarm monitoring unit. A sensor and electro-mechanical switch are disposed within the housing and connected to the cable as well. If the USB connector is disconnected from the computer or peripheral, thus opening the switch, or if the cable is cut, an alarm sounds from the central alarm monitoring unit.

Claims

1. An anti-theft computer security system for securing electronic devices, comprising:

a USB connector comprising;

(a) a housing;

(b) a connector extending from the housing for connecting to a USB port on an electronic device;

(c) a sensor disposed within the housing and comprising a diode;

(d) an electromechanical switch connected to the diode, said switch closing when said connector is connected to a USB port on the electronic devices being secured;

a cable comprising a plurality of wires connected to the sensor and connector at one end and having a free end; and

a central alarm monitoring unit connected to the free end of the cable,

wherein the sensor is connected to two wires in the cable and to said switch, such that a circuit is completed when the connector is connected to an electronic device through a USB port, which closes the switch, and wherein the switch is opened when the connector is disconnected or the wire is cut, and wherein said central alarm monitoring unit detects the presence of the sensor and sends an alarm signal when the connector is disconnected from the electronic device or the cable is cut.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the cable has four wires and wherein said sensor further comprises a bi-color LED connected to two of the wires, said LED glowing one color when the switch is closed and the connector is connected to an electronic device and to the central alarm monitoring unit, and glowing another color when the switch is opened via the connector being disconnected from the electronic device.

3. The system according to claim 2, further comprising an additional diode, wherein a series connection of said additional diode and a resistor is connected in parallel with the LED, wherein said sensor detects an operating condition of said LED when said switch is bypassed.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said sensor and said switch are mounted on a PC board.