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Toll transponder with deactivation means

  • US 8,183,986 B2
  • Filed: 03/24/2005
  • Issued: 05/22/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/09/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A transponder system for use in conjunction with an interrogator of a toll highway comprising:

  • a. a transponder which comprises a transponder electronic circuitry which enables interaction with an optical switch, said circuitry being encased within an essentially closed casing, said transponder having two modes;

    I. an “

    active-responsive”

    mode during which the transponder is continuously in standby, while upon receipt of an interrogator signal it responds by sending an identification signal; and

    II. an “

    inactive-not responsive”

    mode during which the transponder does not respond to any interrogation signal;

    b. a non-electronically activated switch within the transponder casing having two states, a first state in which it causes the transponder to be in said “

    active-responsive”

    mode, and a second state in which it causes the transponder to be in said “

    inactive-not responsive”

    mode;

    c. a non-electronic hanging device for placement of the transponder therein, said hanging device being attached to a part of the vehicle where the transponder, when placed, is capable of receiving interrogating signals coming from a proximate interrogator; and

    d. a non-electronic activator at said hanging device for causing said non-electronically activated switch to transfer into said first state upon placement of the transponder within said non-electronic hanging device, thereby causing the transponder to be in said “

    active-responsive”

    mode, and for causing said non-electronically activated switch to transfer into said second state upon removal of the transponder from said non-electronic hanging device, thereby causing the transponder to transfer into said “

    inactive-not responsive”

    mode, therefore, the mere existence of said transponder casing within said hanging device provides to a vehicle driver a clear indication that the transponder is in the “

    active-responsive”

    mode, while absence of the transponder casing from said hanging device is a clear indication to the vehicle driver that the transponder is in said “

    inactive-non-responsive”

    mode,wherein the non-electronically activated switch is said optical switch located within the transponder, and wherein the non-electronic activator is an element made from an opaque material which is placed at the non-electronic hanging device at a location in which it interrupts the light path at the switch when the interrogator is placed within the non-electronic hanging device, andwherein if said casing is not fully closed, there exists an opening in said casing which at most allows said activator on said non-electronic hanging device to enter the interior of the casing in order to block a said light passage at said non-electronically activated switch.

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