Mechanical Locking Device for Computer Ports and Portable Storage Devices

摘要

The present invention is directed to a mechanical locking device for securing computer Input/Output (I/O) ports that are in use and for securing unused computer I/O ports of an electronic device. The invention is also directed to a mechanical locking device which can be used to secure a portable locking flash memory device in a computer I/O port. The invention is also directed to physically blocking access to a computer I/O port. The mechanical locking device includes a locking mechanism configured for releasably locking the device within the computer I/O port. The mechanical locking device further includes a first actuator configured to move the locking mechanism between a locked condition and an unlocked condition, and a second actuator configured to prevent the locking mechanism from moving to the unlocked condition.

主权项

1. A mechanical locking device for a computer Input/Output (I/O) port, comprising:
a casing configured for mechanical insertion into the computer I/O port to physically block the computer I/O port; a mechanical locking mechanism disposed within the casing, the mechanical locking mechanism comprising: a locking element configured to engage the computer I/O port in a locked condition and to disengage from the computer I/O port in an unlocked condition; and a thermally activated first actuator configured to cause the locking element to move between the locked condition and the unlocked condition; and a thermally activated second actuator configured to prevent the locking element from moving to the unlocked condition due to the application of external heat.