Abstract: Receptacle for a key-like device containing an embedded electronic circuit component with leads extending to the surface of the key to form contact areas thereon. The receptacle defines a keyway in which a plurality of contact pins are positioned and spaced to correspond to the spacing of the electrical contact areas on the key. The receptacle preferably includes a head protect sleeve which functions as a guard means for the contact pins therein. The receptacle is designed to be connected with a printed circuit board by means of staked contact pins which may be arranged in a variety of predetermined patterns on the circuit board facilitating electrical connection of the receptacle contact pins to a variety of standardized electrical connectors.

Abstract: Receptacle for a key-like device containing an embedded electronic circuit component with leads extending to the surface of the key to form contact areas thereon. The receptacle defines a keyway in which a plurality of contact pins are positioned and spaced to correspond to the spacing of the electrical contact areas on the key. The receptacle preferably includes a head protect sleeve which functions as a guard means for the contact pins therein. The receptacle is designed to be connected with a printed circuit board by means of staked contact pins which may be arranged in a variety of predetermined patterns on the circuit board facilitating electrical connection of the receptacle contact pins to a variety of standardized electrical connectors.

Abstract: Key-like portable information electronic devices and other electronic devices adapted to be inserted into mating electrical receptacles. The bodies of devices in their preferred embodiments are formed of plastic molded around a printed circuit substrate, the barrels of which, when positioned on edges of the board, are modified so as to function as electrical contacts.

Abstract: Guide arrangement for assuring predetermined orientation for electronic key relative to an electrical receptacle into which it is to be inserted.

Abstract: An improved electronic key for use in combination with an electrical receptacle adapted to receive the key wherein switch contacts on the key are designed for making electrical contact with corresponding receptacle contacts when the key is turned in the receptacle to an "on" position only after the other key contacts make electrical contact with the corresponding receptacle contacts. Conversely, the switch contacts are the first to break electrical contact when the key is turned past the "on" position in either direction.

Abstract: Receptacle for a key-like device containing an embedded micro-electronic circuit component with leads thereto extending to the surface of the key. The receptacle defines a keyway in which a plurality of contact heads spaced to correspond to the spacing of the leads on the key are positioned. The contact heads are supported by finger-like spring members which provide inwardly directed pressure against the contact heads when the key leads are brought into engagement with the contact heads. A flexible circuit surrounding the finger spring members and connected to the receptacle contact heads provides means for connecting the micro-electronic circuit in the key with a control circuit such as a computer.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in the functional design of electrical key-like devices and electrical receptacles for use in combination therewith. Electronic circuitry systems, such as computers and other operating circuits, interface with the key-like devices through the receptacle. The keys contain a microelectronic circuit element, e.g., a microelectronic circuit chip or die, having an electrical lead or leads exposed along the length of the key for contacting electrical leads in the receptacle when the key is inserted therein and rotated to a "locked" position. The keys are particularly designed to interface with a processor and program memory system, that is, a computer.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrical key-like devices, to electrical receptacles for use in combination therewith and to electronic circuitry systems, such as computers and other operating circuits, that interface with the key-like devices through the receptacle. The keys contain a microelectronic circuit element, eg., a microelectronic circuit chip or die, having an electrical lead or leads exposed along the length of the key for contacting electrical leads in the receptacle when the key is inserted therein and rotated to a "locked" position. The keys are particularly designed to interface with a processor and program memory system, that is, a computer.