Key identifier method and apparatus
US5351409A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 1992 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B3/14
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A key identifier enables an operator to select a key blank design functionally compatible with an unknown key by directing the operator to implement a primary classification step followed by a secondary classification step to sort an unknown key into a specified secondary classification category. The key identifier operator then implements a key blade matching procedure within the specified secondary classification category where the cross section of the blade of the unknown key is matched with a defined blade cross sectional configuration. When a match is obtained between the unknown key blade configuration and the known blade configuration, the known key blank design can be identified and a compatible key blank can be selected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.