Tamper detection
US6515574B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 27, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 27, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T70/8216
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A tamper evidence device for a secure housing containing electronic circuits includes a zinc air cell and a bi-stable latch circuit connected to be powered by the cell. The zinc air cell requires a supply of oxygen for activation of the cell. Normally when the secure housing is intact and unbreached, a pad seals an aperture for ingress of oxygen to the cell and the cell does not generate any electrical power. However if the secure housing is opened or otherwise breached the pad is displaced and oxygen enters the cell and electrical power is generated to power the latch circuit and thereby set the bi-stable latch circuit to provide evidence of the breaching of the secure housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.