Patent ID: 6230273
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: G06F,G07G

Abstract:
An apparatus for disconnecting a power supply from a computer comprising:a power switch having on and off positions, wherein the power switch is vulnerable to being placed in the off position from the on position by a first person lacking authority to remove power;a key switch having authorized and unauthorized positions for use by a second person having authority to remove power;a control circuit which produces first and second signals;wherein the control circuit produces the first signal only if the power switch is in the off position and the key switch is in the authorized position;wherein the first signal causes the computer to execute a software program which prepares the computer for power removal by terminating execution of transaction application programs and saving transaction data to a permanent storage medium and which returns a third signal to the circuit when the software program has prepared the computer for power removal; andwherein the control circuit produces the second signal to disconnect the power supply in response to the third signal.