Locking device for tools and equipment

• US 6,469,615 B1
• Filed: 10/26/1998
• Issued: 10/22/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/27/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Direct Source International, LLC
• Original Assignee: Darren J. Kady, Deborah A. Kady
• Inventors: Kady, Deborah A., Kady, Darren J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Zimmerman, Brian
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dalencourt, Yves
• Application Number:
  US09/178,837
• Time in Patent Office: 1,457 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.31, 340/5.42, 340/825.56, 340/309.15, 340/3.5, 340/825.69, 340/5.1
• US Class Current: 340/5.1
• CPC Class Codes: B25F 5/00 Details or components of portable power-driven tools not particularly related to the operations performed and not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/042 using digital processors G05B19/05 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 9/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/33 by means of a password

Abstract

The operating control device can be use on equipment such as hand tools, electronics or fuel pumps. An input device enables the input of user access codes and a readout panel monitors the equipment status. A control member is in communication with the input device, readout panel, power source, driver member and activation member to prevent operation of the equipment by requiring entry of a user code. The control device can include a programmable timer to communicate with the control member to enable the power to flow from the power source to the driver member for a predetermined period of time. A clock can track time and activate and deactivate the timer. The communication can be through electrical wires that can be encased in a solid material to make the control member and wires inaccessible. When used directly on a fuel pump, the control member prevents fuel from reaching the engine without the input of a proper user code. Alternatively, the control device can be a fuel line shutoff valve to prevent fuel from traveling along the line. A solenoid can be used in the shutoff valve to prevent flow of fuel from the gas tank to the driver. A locking driver for use on bicycles interacts with the axle connecting the peddles. A engagement disk, having multiple ports along its circumference, is unmovably affixed to the axle. A locking bar activation member engages and disengages a locking bar with the engagement disk to prevent rotation of the axle.

Claims

1. An operating control device for equipment having an exterior case, a power source, an internal activation member and a driver member, said control device having:

a predetermined user access code,

a user determined programmable activation time period, said programmable activation time period being entered subsequent to entry of said access code,

an input device, said input device being integral with said exterior case for entry of said predetermined user access code and said programmable activation time period;

a readout panel, said readout panel being visible at said exterior case and providing a status of said operating control device;

an internal control member, said control member being in direct communication with said input device, said power source, said driver member and said activation member,

wherein said internal control member prevents operation of said equipment by preventing power to transfer from said power source to said driver member without entry of said predetermined user code, entry of said user code enabling power to transfer from said power source to said activation member to said driver member to permit both continuous and intermittent operation of said equipment during said programmable activation time period and prevent operation of said equipment upon expiration of said programmable activation time period.

2. The operating control device of claim 1 further comprising a clock member, said clock member activating and deactivating said timer based on user input.

3. The operating control device of claim 1 wherein said communication is by electrical wires.

4. The operating control device of claim 1 wherein said control member and said wires are encased in a solid material, thereby making said control member and said wires inaccessible.

5. The operating control device of claim 1 wherein said equipment is a hand tool.

6. The operating control device of claim 1 wherein said equipment is electronic.

7. The operating control device of claim 1 wherein said equipment is a camera.

8. The operating control device of claim 1 further comprising an a locking device for said exterior case, said locking device preventing nonuser access to said control device.

9. The operating control device of claim 1 further comprising a solenoid, said solenoid connecting said activation member to said power source.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein said input device is activated by a self contained, portable remote unit, said portable remote unit containing an activation code, said activation code activating programming within said control member.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein said portable remote unit is a scanning touch key.

10. An operating control device for at least one piece of equipment, said equipment having an exterior case, a power source, an internal activation member and a drive member, said control device having:

an input device, said input device being integral with said exterior case and permitting input of a user access code;

a readout panel, said readout panel being visible at said exterior case and providing a status of said operating control device;

an internal control member, said control member being in direct communication with said input device, said power source, said driver member and said activation member,

a user programmable timer, said user programmable timer communicating with said control member and enabling power to flow from said power source to said driver member for a user determined period of time, said user determined period of time being enterable by said user at said input device subsequent to entry of said user code;

a clock member, said clock member activating and deactivating said programmable timer based on user input;

wherein said internal control member prevents operation of said equipment by preventing power to transfer from said power source to said driver member without entry of said user code, and entry of said user code permits power to transfer from said power source to said activation member to said driver member to permit both continuous and intermittant operation of said equipment for the duration of said user determined period of time, said user determined period of time being monitored by said programmable timer.