Patent ID: 7167078

Claim:
A receptacle access control system comprising: a receptacle adapted for cooperative engagement with a plug having plug connectors; said receptacle having receptacle connectors adapted to engage with said plug connectors when said plug is engaged with said receptacle; said receptacle connectors communicating through a means for switching, with a means for transmission of electrical energy; said means for switching having a connected state wherein electrical energy is communicated to said receptacle connectors, said switching means having a disconnected state interrupting communication of said electrical energy to at least one of said receptacle connectors; a controller communicating with said means for switching, said controller changing said means for switching to either of said connected state or said disconnected state; means for broadcasting radio frequency energy; a transponder, said transponder having a static state and having an energized state when placed sufficiently adjacent to said means for broadcasting radio frequency energy; said transponder broadcasting an authorization radio signal only when in said energized state; and said controller having a means to receive said authorization radio signal, said controller changing said means for switching to said connected state for the duration of time said authorization radio signal is received, whereby communication of electrical energy is allowed from said receptacle through said plug only so long as said authorization radio signal is broadcast by said transponder located sufficiently adjacent to said controller for receipt by said controller.