IP Library Granted Patent US 10,311,662
Granted Patent B2
US 10,311,662 · App. 16/052,170 · Granted Jun 4, 2019

Systems and methods of using implanted or wearable micro electronic devices and for using a mobile device to communicate with and manage such micro electronic devices

Inventors: Todd Westby (Woodbury, MN); Eric Bloms (River Falls, WI); Sam Bengston (River Falls, WI); Patrick McMullan (Gilbert, AZ)
Assignee: T.W. Vending, Inc.
G07C9/00309A61B5/076H04B13/005G07C2009/00769
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 10,311,662
App. No.
16/052,170
Granted
Jun 4, 2019
Kind
B2
Abstract

A system, apparatus and method utilize a micro electronic device implanted in a person or group of persons, or wearable thereby, to manage a variety of activities, including unlocking a locked device. The method includes the steps of providing an RF microdevice having an electronic identification code and attaching the microdevice to a person. An RF lock system is provided to the subject locked device, including an electronically powered lock, an RF reader and a processor. The user brings the microdevice near the reader, whereby the reader communicates with the microdevice via RF signals, and the reader signals the processor to corroborate the identification code. If the processor corroborates the identification code, the processor signals the powered lock to actuate and unlock. If the processor does not corroborate the identification code, the powered lock remains unactuated and locked.

Claims (14)

1. A method of unlocking a locked device, comprising the steps of:

A. providing a radio frequency microdevice having an electronic identification code, wherein the radio frequency microdevice is a radio frequency identification chip having a housing, an antenna disposed inside the housing, a microprocessor disposed inside the housing and communicatively connected to the antenna, and a tuning capacitor disposed inside the housing and communicatively connected to the microprocessor, and wherein the electronic identification code is stored in or by the microprocessor;

B. attaching the radio frequency identification chip to a person, wherein the step of attaching is fixedly attaching the radio frequency identification chip to the person by implanting the radio frequency identification chip subcutaneously;

C. providing a radio frequency lock system, the radio frequency lock system including:

i. at least one electronically powered lock coupled to the locked device,

ii. at least one radio frequency reader disposed at a predetermined location on or near the at least one electronically powered lock, and

iii. at least one processor communicatively connected to the at least one electronically powered lock and to the at least one radio frequency reader, the at least one processor having means to corroborate the electronic identification code on the radio frequency identification chip; and

D. the person brings the radio frequency identification chip near the at least one radio frequency reader, whereby:

iv. the at least one radio frequency reader communicates with the radio frequency identification chip via radio frequency signals, and

v. the at least one radio frequency reader signals the at least one processor to corroborate the electronic identification code, and

(1) if the at least one processor corroborates the electronic identification code, the at least one processor signals the electronically powered lock to actuate and unlock, or

(2) if the at least one processor does not corroborate the electronic identification code, the electronically powered lock remains unactuated and locked.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the locked device is selected from a group of devices consisting of an exterior door of door of a dwelling or premises, an interior door of a secure facility such as an jail or prison, and a vehicle door.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein there is a single processor communicatively connected to a plurality of electronically powered locks, each electronically powered lock being disposed on a separate door of a dwelling or premises.

Assignments (3)
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 9, 2022
From: MGG INVESTMENT GROUP LP
To: T.W. VENDING INC.
Reel/Frame 062036/0772 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 3, 2021
From: T.W. VENDING INC.; THREE SQUARE MARKET, INC.
To: MGG INVESTMENT GROUP L.P., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 058281/0353 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Apr 3, 2019
From: WESTBY, TODD; BLOMS, ERIC; BENGSTON, SAM; MCMULLAN, PATRICK
To: T.W. VENDING, INC.
Reel/Frame 048788/0229 →
Continuity (4)
Provisional Application 62539698 · Aug 1, 2017
Provisional Application 62551455 · Aug 29, 2017
Provisional Application 62677257 · May 29, 2018
Related Publication 20190043291A1 · Feb 7, 2019
Cited By (2)
US 12,376,787 US 12,458,292