Surface-micromachined counter-meshing gears discrimination device

This paper discusses the design, fabrication and testing of a surface micromachined Counter-Meshing Gears discrimination device which functions as a mechanically coded lock. A 24 bit code is input to unlock the device. Once unlocked, the device provides a path for an energy or information signal to pass through the device. The device is designed to immediately lock up if any portion of the 24 bit code is incorrect. The motivation for the development of this device is based on occurrences referred to as High Consequence Events. A High Consequence Even is an event where an inadvertent operation of a system could result in the catastrophic loss of life, property, or damage to the environment.

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