Retractable pin array identification apparatus and method
View Patent ↗An identification apparatus comprising an array of retractable conductive pins on a base component placed onto a primary device and in communication therewith. A set of shaped identifiers have a plurality of holes through which respective pins on the array of retractable pins pass, each identifier being uniquely configured with at least one distinct location containing a conductive plug or ‘cap’ fitted therein which blocks the passage therethrough of that particular pin thereby forcing said pin to retract into the base component to block further use of that pin by subsequently placed identifiers. Each retractable pin is in individual communication with the primary device such that, once one or more identifiers have been placed onto the pin array, the primary device can thereafter identify the placed identifiers so as to subsequently perform certain functions or other desired operations based on the type, configuration, and/or number of identifiers placed thereon.
1. A keying apparatus in communication with a primary device used for identification purposes prior to said primary device subsequently enabling additional functionality, said apparatus comprising:
a) a base component affixed to a housing, and having an array of holes through which a set of retractable conductive pins slidably traverse, said pins having a top end protruding through said base component and having a base end individually contacting spring tensioning means positioned within said housing, said tensioning means having a first end for exerting an upward force onto said pin base so as to continuously push said pins through said holes in said base component, said pins in communication with said primary device;
b) at least one identifier having a plurality of holes therethrough such that said base component's retractable pins pass through a subset of said identifier's holes aligned therewith and wherein said identifier has at least one of said holes plugged with conductive capping means which blocks that hole's respective pin from passing therethrough thereby forcing each blocked pin to retract through said base component into said housing and exerting a downward force when said identifier is fitted onto said pin array;
c) means for ensuring proper orientation and alignment of said identifier's holes with respect to said array of pins prior to said identifier being pressed onto said pin array;
d) means for communicating from said conductive capping means to said primary device a closed circuit status for each of said pins contacting each of said capping means; and
e) means for determining specific identifiers by assembling a set of detected array locations having said communicated closed circuit status for the respective pin and comparing said set of detected array locations and known identifiers stored in a database.
2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for ensuring proper orientation comprises at least one post affixed to said base component or said identifier and having at least one corresponding hole through the other of said base component or said identifier through which said post passes so as to properly orient said identifier with respect to said pin array prior to the proper placement thereon.
3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein at least one portion of said post is keyed and wherein said corresponding hole is also keyed so as to allow said keyed post to pass through said keyed hole in at least one correct orientation.
4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said identifier comprises electronic circuitry so as to enable the communication of additional information by said identifier to said primary device when said identifier is placed onto said pin array.
5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for determining specific identifiers comprises a Central Processing Unit (CPU) programmed to perform a comparison and identification.
6. A keying apparatus in communication with a primary device used for identification purposes prior to said primary device subsequently enabling additional functionality, said apparatus comprising:
a) a base component affixed to a housing, and having an array of holes through which a set of retractable conductive pins slidably traverse, said pins having a top end protruding through said base component and having a base end individually contacting spring tensioners positioned within said housing, said tensioners having a first end for exerting an upward force onto said pin base so as to continuously push said pins through said holes in said base component, said pins in communication with said primary device;
b) at least one identifier having a plurality of holes therethrough such that said base component's retractable pins pass through a subset of said identifier's holes aligned therewith and wherein said identifier has at least one of said holes plugged with a conductive cap which blocks that hole's respective pin from passing therethrough thereby forcing each blocked pin to retract through said base component into said housing and exerting a downward force when said identifier is fitted onto said pin array;
c) an alignment contact for ensuring proper orientation and alignment of said identifier's holes with respect to said array of pins prior to said identifier being pressed onto said pin array;
d) communication lines from said at least one conductive cap to said primary device for communicating a closed circuit status for each of said pins contacting each of said at least one conductive cap; and
e) a processor for determining specific identifiers by assembling a set of detected array locations having said communicated closed circuit status for the respective pin and comparing said set of detected array locations and known identifiers stored in a database.
7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said alignment contact comprises at least one post affixed to said base component or said identifier and having at least one corresponding hole through the other of said base component or said identifier through which said post passes so as to properly orient said identifier with respect to said pin array prior to the proper placement thereon.
8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein at least one portion of said post is keyed and wherein said corresponding hole is also keyed so as to allow said keyed post to pass through said keyed hole in at least one correct orientation.
9. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said identifier comprises electronic circuitry so as to enable the communication of additional information by said identifier to said primary device when said identifier is placed onto said pin array.
10. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said processor for determining specific identifiers comprises a Central Processing Unit (CPU) programmed to perform a comparison and identification.