Key combination with electronic memory identifier
First Claim
1. A key combination comprising:
- a memory identifier providing an electronically accessible identity for the key;
a holder retaining the identifier against a head of the key;
a mount structured to releasably grip the identifier to support the key and key holder;
the mount is also structured to read the electronic identity; and
the holder is structured to make any separation of the identifier and the key a tamper-evident event.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is a method of providing a compact, tamper-evident means of combining individual keys with unique electronic memory identifiers. The disclosure involves a holder that is manufactured to attach some form of electronic identification, such as a touch memory button, to the head of a key. Once attached, the assembly can be mounted and read electronically to continually account for the identification, presence, access rights, and removal or replacement of the assembly from storage. Application of the key holder would not require alteration of the key in any manner, and thus could occur when the individual keys are either ready for distribution or already distributed and in regular use. The key holder would preferably be tamper-evident and prevent removal of the touch memory button without destruction of the holder, and possibly even the key itself.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A key combination comprising:
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a memory identifier providing an electronically accessible identity for the key; a holder retaining the identifier against a head of the key; a mount structured to releasably grip the identifier to support the key and key holder; the mount is also structured to read the electronic identity; and the holder is structured to make any separation of the identifier and the key a tamper-evident event. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A key combination comprising:
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a memory identifier providing the key with an electronically readable identity; a holder retaining the identifier against a head of the key, the holder having opposite faces engaging opposite faces of the head of the key; the memory identifier protruding through a face of the holder; and the holder faces being structured to make any removal of the memory identifier from the key a tamper-evident event. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A key management system comprising:
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a memory device providing an electronically readable memory; the memory device being releasably mountable on a circuit board that reads the memory; a holder securing the memory device against a head of the key so that mounting the memory device also mounts the key; and the holder being structured to trap the memory device against a face of the key head and prevent removal of the memory device from the key without leaving evidence of tampering. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A key management system comprising:
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a memory device providing an electronically readable memory; a holder securing the memory device against a head of the key; a mount having a releasable grip on the memory device to support the memory device and the key in a mounted position; and the mount being arranged on a circuit board that electronically reads the memory device. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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Specification