The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 15, 2000
Filed:
Nov. 06, 1997
Daryl C Cromer, Cary, NC (US);
Howard J Locker, Cary, NC (US);
Ernest Nelson Mandese, Durham, NC (US);
James Peter Ward, Raleigh, NC (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
Described is a computer system which is coupled to a remote computer via a network cable. The computer system has a normally closed enclosure and is capable of securing data retained within the system against unauthorized access. The computer system includes an erasable memory element mounted within the enclosure for selective activation to active and inactive states and for receiving and storing a security password when in the active state. A manually operable option switch is mounted within the enclosure. The option switch is operatively connected with the erasable memory element and manually settable by a user of the computer system for setting the erasable memory element to the active and inactive states. A cable removal detector is coupled to the enclosure and is operatively connected with the erasable memory element for detecting a disconnection of the cable and for clearing any stored security password from the erasable memory element in response to any switching of the cable removal detector between a first state and a second state.