Patent ID: 6722172
Filing Date: 2004-04-20
Classification: E05B,Y10T

Abstract:
Apparatus for decoding a lock having a rotatably mounted cylindrical plug having an elongated key receiving slot interactive with a series of slideable members urged by identical coil springs orthogonally toward said slot and having different travel distances relative to flush fit with the cylindrical surface of said plug, said flush fit establishing a shear line which permits rotation of the plug, said springs undergoing linear compression by said key by an amount equal to said travel distance, and producing a resistive force proportionate to said travel distance, said apparatus comprising:a) a probe device having the general contour of a key expected to fit within said key receiving slot and having: 1) a straight shank elongated between forward and rearward extremities and bounded by opposed side surfaces and upper and lower edge surfaces, and terminating in a tip portion having an oblique ramp surface extending forwardly and downwardly from said upper edge surface, 2) a series of spaced apart force sensors associated with said upper edge surface, said sensors being capable of changing their electrical resistance in response to force applied thereto, 3) a head portion associated with the rearward extremity of said shank to facilitate manipulation of the probe device, and equipped with electrical terminals, and 4) electrical conductor means extending from each sensor to said electrical terminals, b) electronic monitoring and display means interactive with said sensors by way of said terminals and serving to indicate the combined force attributed to the effect of said spring and the weight of said slideable members for each slideable member of said series, and c) a source of low voltage direct current adapted to flow through said sensors and electronic monitoring and display means.