Patent · US Expired

Computer system and method to disable same when network cable is removed

US6026492A · kind A · utility

31Cited by
19References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 6, 1997
Grant dateFeb 15, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 6, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06F2221/2143
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Described is a computer system which is coupled to a remote computer via a network cable. The computer system has a normally closed enclosure and is capable of securing data retained within the system against unauthorized access. The computer system includes an erasable memory element mounted within the enclosure for selective activation to active and inactive states and for receiving and storing a security password when in the active state. A manually operable option switch is mounted within the enclosure. The option switch is operatively connected with the erasable memory element and manually settable by a user of the computer system for setting the erasable memory element to the active and inactive states. A cable removal detector is coupled to the enclosure and is operatively connected with the erasable memory element for detecting a disconnection of the cable and for clearing any stored security password from the erasable memory element in response to any switching of the cable removal detector between a first state and a second state.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.