Computer room security

• US 8,928,454 B2
• Filed: 04/06/2010
• Issued: 01/06/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 04/09/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Andrew Jimenez, Steven M. Brown, Timothy D. Holloway
• Original Assignee: Andrew Jimenez, Steven M. Brown, Timothy D. Holloway
• Inventors: Brown, Steven M., Jimenez, Andrew, Holloway, Timothy D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Benjamin C
• Assistant Examiner(s): PHAM, QUANG
• Application Number:
  US12/754,671
• Publication Number:
  US 20100259360A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,736 Days
• Field of Search: 340/5.2, 340/5.73, 340/426.28, 340/542, 340/568.1, 348/150, 235/383
• US Class Current: 340/5.2
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence

Abstract

This invention relates to a fastener system, in particular a system for improving computer room security, that reduces energy consumption. This invention provides a fastener system comprising at least one fastener for fastening a first element to a second element, the at least one fastener having a sensor to determine status of that fastener; a trigger box having an LED panel; a junction box capable of receiving and relaying authorization access; and an IP-connected control appliance with relay input/output for access control applications. This invention is particularly useful within server racks.

Claims

1. A fastener system comprising:

a fastener for fastening a first element to a second element, the fastener having a sensor to determine locked and unlocked status of the fastener;

a junction box;

a trigger box having an LED panel adapted to indicate the locked or unlocked status of the fastener;

said trigger box includes a button capable of unlocking the fastener after an authorized user access signal from the junction box is received and the button is depressed;

and

an IP-connected control appliance with relay input/output for access control applications;

the control appliance is capable of logging unlocking and locking of the fastener,

wherein the junction box is capable of receiving an authorized user access relay from the control appliance and;

(i) sending the authorized user access signal to the trigger box; and

(ii) communicating with the fastener;

wherein the trigger box is capable of receiving the authorized user access signal from the junction box;

wherein the LED panel is adapted to indicate receipt of the authorized user access signal from the junction box and is adapted to display a first color to indicate the locked status of the fastener, a second color to indicate the unlocked status of the fastener and a third color to indicate the receipt of the authorized user access signal; and

wherein the fastener includes material adapted to contract when activated.

2. The fastener system of claim 1 wherein the control appliance is connected to an RFID card reader.

3. A fastener system comprising:

a plurality of fasteners, each for fastening a first element to a second element, each fastener having a sensor to determine locked and unlocked status of the fastener;

a junction box;

a trigger box having an LED panel adapted to indicate the locked or unlocked status of each fastener;

the trigger box includes a button for each fastener, the button being capable of unlocking the fastener after an authorized user access signal from the junction box is received and the button is depressed; and

an IP-connected control appliance with relay input/output for access control applications;

said control appliance is capable of logging unlocking and locking of each fastener wherein the junction box is capable of receiving an authorized user access relay from the control appliance and;

(i) sending the authorized user access signal to the trigger box; and

(ii) communicating with each fastener;

wherein the trigger box is capable of receiving the authorized user access signal from the junction box;

wherein the LED panel is adapted to indicate receipt of the authorized user access signal from the junction box and is adapted to display a first color to indicate the locked status of each fastener, a second color to indicate the unlocked status of each fastener and a third color to indicate the receipt of the authorized user access signal;

and wherein each fastener includes material adapted to contract when activated.

4. The fastener system of claim 3 wherein the control appliance is connected to an RFID card reader.