Abstract: A method of determining trust in a supply item in an imaging device for verifying other supply items installed in the imaging device via an algorithm, wherein the imaging device has a plurality of installed supply items. The method comprises: sending challenge data and an indication of the algorithm to a candidate supply item, receiving a challenge response from the candidate supply item, and determining, by the controller, a status of the challenge response, the status being verified or unverified. When the controller determines that the received challenge response is a correct output of the algorithm when the challenge data is input to the algorithm, the status is determined as verified. Further, an imaging device configured to determine trust in a supply item installed in the imaging device for verifying other supply items installed in the imaging device via an algorithm.

Abstract: An imaging device comprising a controller, a prover supply item and a verifier supply item, where the imaging device is configured to authenticate the prover supply item by: sending a challenge response from the prover supply item to the verifier supply item, and determining a status of the challenge response. When the verifier supply item determines that the received challenge response is a correct output of an algorithm when challenge data is input to the algorithm, the status is determined as verified. A supply item configured to be operable as a prover supply item when installed in an imaging device. The prover supply item is configured to receive an indication of an algorithm to be performed and receive challenge data, perform the algorithm using the challenge data as input to determine a challenge response, and send the challenge response to a verifier supply item.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a supply item in an imaging device, wherein the supply item is designated as a prover supply item, and a second supply item installed in the imaging device is designated as a verifier supply item. The method comprises: receiving a challenge response from the prover supply item and determining a status of the challenge response. When the verifier supply item determines that the received challenge response is a correct output of an algorithm when challenge data is input to the algorithm, the status is determined as verified. The verifier supply item is disclosed, configured to receive a challenge response from a prover supply item installed in the imaging device, and determine a status of the challenge response. When the verifier supply item determines that the received challenge response is a correct output of an algorithm, the status is determined as verified.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a plurality of structures, such as ends of a sealing ring, with each end defining an aperture therein and with the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure. The apparatus comprises a locking pin with a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring. The locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member. The locking pin further comprises a shaft portion having the distal end. The apparatus further comprises a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion such that the first and second ends of the ring are connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing. The head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for securing a watt-hour electrical meter to a socket meter box. A locking ring comprises a divided annular band fitted with tab members configured to accept a variety of ring fasteners. The tab members support a variety of ring fastener and fastener receiver assemblies, and have complementary mating surfaces that substantially mate around the head of an installed meter so that the locking ring is tamper-resistant. The ring fastener and fastener receiver have a number of complementary apertures disposed to receive either wire seals or other locking mechanisms.