Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Lock or key
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-07
2002-07-09
Fulton, Christopher W. (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Lock or key
C033S552000, C070S460000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06415523
ABSTRACT:
I Clifford Eugene Wood (Locksmith and United States citizen) would like to introduce a new electronic device that will decode the grooves or notches in the shank of a key and display the complete code in digital format on the front faceplate of a hand-held, pocket-sized unit.
Digital—because the electrical internal components rely on a linear slide mechanism and digital circuitry to decode the grooves in the shank of a key that displays the complete code on the LED segment faceplate.
Key—because there is a need for Contractors and Locksmiths to use an up-to-date decoder that will visually display the complete code without re-gauging, losing or mixing up keys during the master or re-keying process.
Decoder—because this unit will instantaneously decode a key much faster than the present method of measuring each notch or groove independently.
The “Digital Key Decoder” will provide digital readout of the complete code from a predetermined manufactured key after inserted into the warded keyway. One-keyway prototype is available by request for your viewing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
My Patent search was derived from:
I visited the Patent Search Room at Crystal Plaza 3, IA01, 2021 Jefferson Davis Highway on Dec. 2, 1999 and searched “All Databases (USPT+EPAB+JPAB)” for cross references under the following:
1. Display decoders—39 in database
2. Digital key—346 in database
3. Locksmith—364 in database
4. Key decoders—100 in database
5. Electronic decoders—9 in database
6. Digital key decoder—0 in database
7. Digital decoders—76 in database
The following is the result of my findings from the field of search that may be related to my invention:
Automatic Key Identification System—4899391A—Feb. 6, 1990
Automatic Key Identification System—5127532—Jul. 7, 1992
Digital key system—4144523—Mar. 13, 1979
Digital electronic key and lock system—5691711—Nov. 25, 1997
Key decoder tool for use by locksmiths in determining the tumbler coding of locks—0391470—Mar. 3, 1998
The following is closer related to my invention:
Key Reading Method and Apparatus The “Key reading method and apparatus” is similar for decoding a key wherein the notches in the shank of the key are measured against a spring-biased movement. However, this unit does not display the complete electronic code of the key in an LED segment display on a faceplate.
Patent: U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,689
Issued: Sep. 15, 1992
Title: Key reading method and apparatus
Inventor(s): Roland; Max G., San Clemente, Calif.
Applicant(s): Maromatic Company, Inc., Mountain View, Calif.
Issued/Filed Dates: Sep. 15, 1992/Jan. 29, 1992 E1 (Expired)
Application Number: US1992000827766
IPC Class: G01B 011/24; G01D 005/32;
Class: Current: 033/539; Original: 033/539
Field of Search: 033/539 070/460,394
Key Decoding and Duplicating Apparatus and Method
The “Key decoding apparatus” uses a similar method for decoding a key wherein the notches in the shank of the key are coded to a predetermined coded depth. This unit does not display codes and intended for duplicating new keys (FIG.
18
).
Patent: U.S. Pat. No. 4,012,991
Issued: Mar. 22, 1977
Title: Key decoding and duplicating apparatus and method
Inventor(s): Uyeda; Tim M., South San Gabriel, Calif.
Applicant(s): Gartner; Klaus W., La Palma, Calif. and La Gard, Inc., Torrance, Calif.
Issued/Filed Dates: Mar. 22, 1977/Jun. 2, 1975 and May 23, 1978/Apr. 22, 1976
Application Number: US1975000582639 and US1976000679169
IPC Class: B23C 001/16; B23F 023/08; B21K 013/00 and G01B 003/28; G01B 005/20;
Class:
Current: 409/081; 033/539; 076/110; 409/084;
Original: 090/013.05; 033/174.F; 076/110; and
Current: 033/539; 033/836; 409/081;
Original: 033/174.F; 033/172.E; 090/013.05
Field of Search: 090/13.05 076/110 033/174F 029/76 C and 033/174 F,172 E 090/13.05
This invention relates to Contractors and Locksmiths, specifically to speed-up the process of master and re-keying locks. I found two units that decode the shank in a key, but do not display the entire code instantaneously, verbal and/or in electronic format.
1. The first unit is manufactured by HPC. This KEY DECODER is a manual pocketsize decoder for determining the depths of the shank in a key. The user must insert the correct card into the upper slot, then insert a matching key into the slot at the bottom right. The unit (called “D CODE A KEY”) will decode each notch in the shank of the key. Insert the key all the way in, a needle will register the depth of the shank in the key, and another needle will point to a number on the card above. This is the code for the first cut or groove in the key. Continue for each groove, until all are decoded for the final code reading. This unit will not measure in thousands of an inch and not intended for adjusting or setting up any key machine (see FIG.
18
).
2. The second unit is a manual “Key Decoding Gauge”. Many are manufactured in stainless steel and readily available. Kwikset, Schlage, Weiser, and Weslock are the most common in the Locksmith industry. This manual gauge works similar to the unit described above, but limited to the use of manually reading the key when it stops inside the slider gauge. Starting from the bow (part of key that is held) measure each groove by inserting the key into the gauge and slide the first groove until the key stops. The number above the key is the number of the code for that groove. Repeat this step for each groove until all are gauged. The combination of all measurements in sequential order, make up the code for the key (see
FIG. 14
a
(bottom) and
19
).
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This is a pocket sized electronic device that will decode and display a five-digit LED code from the shank of a pre-coded key. Primarily used for Contractors and Locksmiths, but not limited as such. Eliminates risk of forgetting key codes and having to re-gauge. Codes can be determined in minimal light (darkness). Greatly expedites work in any master and residential-keying jobs. Ends possibility of losing or mixing up keys by housing the key inside the unit.
OBJECTIVE
1. Speed-up re-keying time wasted on decoding keys the manual way.
2. Obtain key codes in total darkness.
ADVANTAGES
1. Easier/fun to use/Novelty item.
2. Instantly decodes a key when fully inserted into the proper keyway.
3. Quicker and easier to use than the manual slider gauge.
4. No external light needed at night to operate.
5. Expedites work in any or master-keying or construction jobs.
6. Call-in-a-code
1
7. Talking 5-2-1-3-4! And Bargraph models too!
8. Covers a variety of manufacturers throughout the industry. Not limited to home and padlocks, but includes high security locks as well.
9. Many novel items available.
Leather case, belt strap, wall adapter, printer interface, re-chargeable batteries, carrying case, handle, neck lanyard or belt hook, different color case and display colors, sizes, etc., easy to access locking battery compartment, interchangeable or multiple keyways to suit other manufacturers, memory—remembers all decoded keys and different color LED Plexiglas displays, permanent or snap in and out.
1
Call-in-a-code—Duplicate additional keys when the original cannot be removed from the site or location—cut keys by code on a key machine away from site or location from a licensed Locksmith. Not to violate any law.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
REFERENCE NUMBERS
10
Faceplate mounting hole
12
Cylinder hole
14
Red-Plexiglas
16
Faceplate
18
Display window
20
Cylinder mounting hole
22
Light Switch hole
26
“Light” Logo
28
“Digital Key Decoder” Logo
30
Vector board (top)
32
CA3161E Integrated Circuit chip a, b, c, d, e
36
LN514RA Segment display a, b, c, d, e
38
Vector board (middle)
40
16-pin IC socket-wire wrap
42
Vector board (bottom)
44
Display Module Bus connector
50
Vector board (top)
52
Vector board Mounting hole
54
1N4148 Silicon diodes
56
2N2222A PNP Transistors
58
Vector board (middle)
60
Vector board (bottom)
62
Logic Board edge connector a, b, c, d, e
64
Logic Board Bus connector
70
Cylinder Assembly
72
Warded keyway
74
Cylinder faceplate
76
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