Patent ID: 8183986
Filing Date: 2012-05-22
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. A transponder system for use in conjunction with an interrogator of a toll highway comprising: a. a transponder which comprises a transponder electronic circuitry which enables interaction with an optical switch, said circuitry being encased within an essentially closed casing, said transponder having two modes: b. a non-electronically activated switch within the transponder casing having two states, a first state in which it causes the transponder to be in said “active-responsive” mode, and a second state in which it causes the transponder to be in said “inactive-not responsive” mode; c. a non-electronic hanging device for placement of the transponder therein, said hanging device being attached to a part of the vehicle where the transponder, when placed, is capable of receiving interrogating signals coming from a proximate interrogator; and d. a non-electronic activator at said hanging device for causing said non-electronically activated switch to transfer into said first state upon placement of the transponder within said non-electronic hanging device, thereby causing the transponder to be in said “active-responsive” mode, and for causing said non-electronically activated switch to transfer into said second state upon removal of the transponder from said non-electronic hanging device, thereby causing the transponder to transfer into said “inactive-not responsive” mode, therefore, the mere existence of said transponder casing within said hanging device provides to a vehicle driver a clear indication that the transponder is in the “active-responsive” mode, while absence of the transponder casing from said hanging device is a clear indication to the vehicle driver that the transponder is in said “inactive-non-responsive” mode, wherein the non-electronically activated switch is said optical switch located within the transponder, and wherein the non-electronic activator is an element made from an opaque material which is placed at the non-electronic hanging device at a location in which it interrupts the light path at the switch when the interrogator is placed within the non-electronic hanging device, and wherein if said casing is not fully closed, there exists an opening in said casing which at most allows said activator on said non-electronic hanging device to enter the interior of the casing in order to block a said light passage at said non-electronically activated switch.