Patent · US Active

Tool operated combination lock

US7712342B2 · kind B2 · utility

29Cited by
228References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 21, 2005
Grant dateMay 11, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 24, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T70/8622
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A process for opening a combination lock having a known opening sequence with a tool having a driven portion operable only upon receipt of an authorization, the process including associating the tool's driven portion with the lock such that the driven portion automatically calibrates with the lock irrespective of the initial position of the lock and authorizing the driven portion to proceed through the known lock opening sequence of a predetermined series of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations to unlock the lock. A method of opening a combination lock with a tool, the combination lock having an opening sequence consisting of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of a non finger manipulable lock opening component, the method including mating the tool with the lock opening component and operating the tool to rotate the lock opening component through a series of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations corresponding to the opening sequence to unlock the lock.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.