March 9, 1965
`
`W. R. G HAGGSTROM
`
`3,172,969
`KEY IDENTIFIER DEVICE AND SWITCH MEANS THEREFOR
`Filed Aug. 9, 1962
`
`4 Sheets-Sheet l
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`
`INVENTOR
`
`'Watter R. g. HaJJstrorn
`~~
`
`ATTORNEY
`
`KEYME EX. 1006, PAGE 1
`
`

`

`3,172,969
`March 9, 1965
`W. R. G HAGGSTROM
`KEY IDENTIFIE:R DEVICE AND SWITCH MEANS THEREFOR
`
`Filed Aug. 9, 1962
`
`4 Sheets-Sheet 2
`
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`
`INVENTOR
`Walte~Jl,j· Jla;Jys from
`1'1ttu/( } J~
`ATTORNEY
`
`KEYME EX. 1006, PAGE 2
`
`

`

`3,172,969
`March 9, 1965
`W.R. G. HAGGSTROM
`KEY IDENTIFIER DEVICE AND SWITCH MEANS THEREFOR
`
`Filed Aug. 9, 1962
`
`4 Sheets-Sheet 3
`
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`Watter X. <f .Ha~stro,n
`
`INVENTOR
`
`_BY -1v7 . u
`(_. ___ ~
`/fl(.U.(L ~ .AL~ /
`
`ATTORNFY
`
`KEYME EX. 1006, PAGE 3
`
`

`

`March 9, 1965
`3,172,969
`W.R. G. HAGGSTROM
`KEY IDENTIFIER DEVICE AND SWITCH MEANS THEREFOR
`
`Filed Aug. 9,· 1962
`
`4 Sheets-Sheet 4
`
`/14
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`/48
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`JOO
`
`INVENTOR
`Walter .E. 0. Jl_tUJ_qst-ron·z
`BY /1/k( ~
`ATTORNEY
`
`KEYME EX. 1006, PAGE 4
`
`

`

`United States Patent Office
`
`3,172,969
`Patented Mai·. 9, 1965
`
`1
`
`3,172,969
`KEY IDENTIFIER DEVICE AND SWITCH MEANS
`THEREFOR
`Waliter R. G. Haggstrom, Westminster, Mass., assignor to
`Independent Lock Company, Fitchburg, Mass,, a cor(cid:173)
`poration of Massachusetts
`Filed Aug. 9, 1962, Ser. No. 215,956
`11 Claims.
`(Cl. 200-61.59)
`
`This invention relates to a key device; more particu(cid:173)
`larly, to an identification device for automatically dis(cid:173)
`criminating between a selected group of keys and for
`completing a selected one of a plurality of circuits re(cid:173)
`sponsive to the characteristics of a key inserted into the
`device.
`Still more particularly, this invention relates to a device
`including a plurality of profiled template portions shift(cid:173)
`able toward and away from the milled side faces of a
`key blade, such profiled portions each being associated
`with a separate circuit, the profiled portions being vari(cid:173)
`ously configurated and including means for closing the
`circuit associated with the profiled portions which con(cid:173)
`form to the key inserted.
`The operation of preparing a duplicate key, when car(cid:173)
`ried out at the retail level, constitutes generally two
`distinct steps. The customer submits the key for which
`a duplicate is desired and as a first step the locksmith
`or clerk must select from a myriad of key blanks, the
`blank having a cross-section identically matching the
`cross-section of the submitted key. Heretofore the
`operation of selecting the matching key blank has been
`time-consuming and subject to human error. The normal
`mode of selecting such corresponding blank involves
`comparing the submitted key with the blanks in stock
`by utilizing such indicia as head shape and code number
`marked on the key blank, and finally and most accurately,
`comparison of the cross-section of the key.
`The selecting operation aforesaid, unless carried out by
`an experienced, skillful locksmith, often results in the
`selection of an improper blank which, when cut or bitted
`in accordance with the second step hereinafter set forth,
`will not enter or operate the plug of the lock for which
`it is intended.
`The problem of proper key blank selection has become
`increasingly serious in view of the current trend for 45
`establishments such as garages, shoe shine parlors, chain
`stores or the like, which organizations are not normally
`staffed by experienced locksmiths, to enter the key du(cid:173)
`plicating field.
`After the key blank has been selected, the second step
`in the manufacture of the duplicate key consists in cutting
`the key blank, through the use of any of a number of
`key cutting devices, to form thereon a tumbler operated
`bitted edge which matches the bitting of the pattern or
`original key.
`The present invention is directed to the first step afore(cid:173)
`said, namely, selecting the proper blank to match the
`key to be duplicated.
`In view of the large number of key blanks presently
`in use, it will be readily recognized that an automatic 60
`selector desirably should be capable of discriminating be(cid:173)
`tween a large number of different key blanks. The se(cid:173)
`lection problem is made more difficult by reason of the
`relatively small area available for sensing on the milled
`side faces of keys, such area being a maximum, in the
`longest keys commonly in use, of about 1 to 1 ¼ ".
`It is therefore an object of the invention to provide
`a key selector device arranged to select the proper key
`blank to match a key inserted into the device. A further
`object of the invention is to provide a sensing device
`for automatically selecting a key blank responsive to the
`
`15
`
`2
`sensed configuration or side profile of a key to be du(cid:173)
`plicated.
`Still a further object of th.is invention is to provide
`a selector device of the type described wherein a single
`5 device is capable of discrimiinating between a large
`number of differently cross-sectioned keys.
`Still a further object of the invention is to provide a
`discriminator device for selecting the proper blank to
`match a key, said device including a large number of
`10 side-by-side disposed profile sensing templates wherein
`each template is independently movable toward and
`away from a key to be sensed, and wherein means are
`provided for urging each template member independently
`against said key to be sensed.
`Still a further object of this invention is to provide a
`device of the class described wherein pairs of templates
`disposed to opposite sides of a key support are adapted
`to be shifted against the sides of a key inserted in said
`support, and wherein said templates include magnetically
`20 responsive iron-containing portions, said device develop(cid:173)
`ing a magnetic force adjacent said magnetically respon(cid:173)
`sive portions capable of moving said templates inde(cid:173)
`pendently toward said key.
`Still a further object of the invention is the provision
`25 of novel switching means operated by said template por(cid:173)
`tions, whereby a circuit may be completed to indicate, by
`means of a light or other indicator, the proper blank to
`be used in forming a duplicate key or, ,alternatively, the
`proper blank may be automatically dispensed, as from
`30 a vending machine or the like.
`Further objects of this invention include the provi(cid:173)
`sion of a novel circuit means including, as a conductive
`component, the blade of the key itself, and novel contact
`adjusting means for assuring completion of the circuit
`35 upon movement of a predetermined magnitude of the
`templates or sensors.
`To attain these objects and such further objects as may
`appear herein or be hereinafter pointed out, reference
`is made to the accompanying drawings, forming a part
`40 hereof, in which-
`FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a cabinet in which
`the selector device may be maintaine(,
`FIGURE 2 is a magnified section taken on the line
`2-2 of FIGURE 1;
`FIGURE 3 is a section taken on the line 3-3 of FIG(cid:173)
`URE 2;
`FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary section taken on the line
`4-4 of FIGURE 2;
`FIGURE 5 is a section taken on the line 5-5 of FIG-
`50 URE 3;
`FIGURE 6 is a section taken on the line 6-6 of FIG(cid:173)
`URE 3;
`FIGURE 7 is a section taken on the line 7-7 of FIG(cid:173)
`URE 5, in magnified form;
`FIGURE 8 is a section similar to FIGURE 7, sh.owing
`the position occupied by the parts in the use of a different
`key section;
`FIGURE 9 is a magnified view of an embodiment of
`the invention.
`In accordance with the invention, a cabinet C may be
`provided wherein the selector device may be located,
`access to the interior of said cabinet being had through
`key entry slot 10. The cabinet C includes a support
`member (not shown) wherein the selector device 12 may
`65 be fixedly maintained with the .front wall portion 14 of
`said device adjacent the front wall 16 of the cabinet mem(cid:173)
`ber.
`The device 12 ,includes a framework (not shown) of
`which the front wall 14 forms a part, on which frame-
`70 work there is fixedly mounted the key support seat 18,
`preferably of plastic or other non-conductive material,
`the upper, h.orizontaliy disposed surface 20 of which seat
`
`55
`
`KEYME EX. 1006, PAGE 5
`
`

`

`3,172,969
`
`10
`
`forms a support for the lower, unbitted edge E of a key
`or key blank.
`Spaced side guide portions 22, 22a, fixed to the frame,
`form side locating means for the lateral positioning of an
`rinserted key, see FIGURES 3 and 5.
`The key to be duplicated is, in the operative position
`of the device, maintained against the portions 22, 22a,
`by complemental clamp elements 24, 24a, formed on
`clamp arm 26, which is pivotally mounted on horizontally
`disposed trunnion member 28 carried by the device.
`The leading or outwardly directed surfaces of the por(cid:173)
`tions 22, 22a and 24, 24a, are preferably beveled to
`facilitate insertion of a key or key blank K into the key(cid:173)
`way, hereinafter referred to generally as 30, which is
`It will be 15
`defined by the locating portions aforesaid.
`understood that the clamp arm 26 is pivotal about trun(cid:173)
`nion 28, and thus, when the laterally disposed leg 32 is
`downwardly shifted, portions 24, 24a will be urged
`toward the portions 22, 22a, securely to hold the key
`within the keyway 30.
`Optionally but preferably, the uppermost edge E'
`of the key is contacted by a combined switching and hold
`down lever 34 which serves initially to locate the key,
`and likewise serves to actuate the clamping and sensing
`mechanism hereinafter to be described.
`The hold down lever 34, which may be generally in
`the form of an inverted L, as best seen in FIGURE 6,
`is mounted about a horizontal pivot 36 which passes
`through a bearing aperture 38 located at the junction of
`the arms 40, 42, forming the L-shaped member 34. The 30
`outermost edge 44 of the lever 34 is formed with an in(cid:173)
`clined cam portion 46. The lever 34 is normally urged
`to the dot and dash position shown in FIGURE 6 by
`spring 48 which tends to shift the arm 42 downwardly
`It will be recognized that 35
`to said dot and dash position.
`when a key K is inserted into the keyway slot 30, it will
`engage the cam surface 46, tending to rotate the lever
`34 clockwisely as viewed in FIGURE 6, whereupon the
`arm 42 will be raised to a position above the blade of
`the key and will tend to urge the lower face or edge of 4.0
`the key against the upper edge 20 of the key support
`seat 18.
`The arm 40 if the lever 34 may be provided with a
`terminal 50 which moves with said arm 40, and when
`elevated by insertion of the key K, is shifted forwardly 45
`into contact with fixed terminal 52, to activate the op(cid:173)
`erating mechanism next to be described.
`It will be understood that other forms of switching
`and/ or hold down elements for maintaining the key
`against the key support seat 18 and for energizing the 50
`clamp and sensing mechanism may be equally well em(cid:173)
`ployed.
`When the switch defined by terminals 50, 52 is closed,
`i.e. when the key has been inserted into the slot, a rotary
`solenoid 60 is energized. This solenoid is of known 55
`type and rather than providing the usual linear movement
`of the armature, operates to apply a rotary motion to
`shaft 62 on which is mounted gear member 64. Gear
`M is meshed in turn with gear 66, keyed to stub shaft
`68, rotatably carried between front wall 14 and rear wall 60
`Ha of the framework of the device. A further gear
`70 is fixed to stub shaft 68 in spaced relation to gear 66,
`the gear 711 being meshed with a vertically disposed rack
`member 72 which is slidably guided for vertical move(cid:173)
`ment against the rear wall Ha by one or more guide 65
`bracket members 74 made fast to the rear face 14a
`of the device. An upper gear member 76, keyed to shaft
`78, rotatably supported betvreen walls 14, Ha, is likewise
`meshed with the toothed rack member 72.
`Shafts 63 and 78 are provided, respectively, with longi- 70
`tudinally extending eccentric cam members SO and 82,
`which are keyed for rotation with the shafts aforesaid,
`extending substantially between the walls 14 and 14a.
`There are additionally provided lower and upper per(cid:173)
`manent magnet members 84 and 36, respectively, said 75
`
`4
`magnet members similarly being horizontally disposed and
`extending substantially between the walls ]-4 and 14a, the
`under faces SS and 90 of said permanent magnets rest(cid:173)
`ing atop the eccentric cam members 80 and 32, and the
`5 pole portions of said magnets being upwardly directed.
`The magnets 34, 36 are guided for vertical movement
`between slide brackets 92, 94 fixed to the wall 14, the
`ends of said magnets adjacent the wall 14a being likewise
`guided by brackets ( not shown) .
`The magnets are biased downwardly by coiled springs
`%, 98, the u:ider faces 90, 83 of the magnets being
`pressed against the eccentric cams 82 and 8®, respectively,
`The magnets are normally maintained in the "up" po(cid:173)
`sition, FIGURE 3, by the action of the eccentric cams
`which are normally in the position shown ,in said figure.
`However, upon energizing of the solenoid 60, shaft 62
`is rotated in a clockwise direction, as seen in FIGURE 4,
`inducing a counter-clockwise rotation of shaft 68, there(cid:173)
`by urging the rack slide 72 vertically downward through
`20 the engagement of gear 70, which is fixed to said shaft
`68, and the rack slide 72.
`The downwardly moving rack slide 72 causes a con(cid:173)
`comitant counter-clockwise rotation of the upper shaft
`78 through the engagment of the rack slide 72 and gear
`25 76. The movement of the shafts 68 and 78, the extent
`of which is governed by the extent of movement of the
`armature of the solenoid 60, shifts the eccentric cam
`in a manner to permit sprit,gs %, 98 to shift the magnets
`&6, 34 downwardly .from the position shown in FIGURE
`3 in solid lines, to the dot and dash position therein
`shown. As will hereafter become apparent, the down-
`ward movement of the magnets aforesaid will cause the
`sensors comprising the sensing mechanism, next to be
`described, and the clamp arm 26 to be shifted into op(cid:173)
`erative position.
`The device is provided with a pair of horizontally dis(cid:173)
`posed spaced trunnions 28 and 29 disposed, respectiv~ly,
`below and above the keyway 30. Upon the trunmon
`28 there is mounted a laminated construction consisting
`of a plurality of sensor levers 100, which are preferably
`of very thin sheet stock. A similar laminated construc-
`tion comprising a plurality of sensor levers 102 is piv(cid:173)
`otally mounted on the upper trunnion 29.
`As best seen in FIGURE 3, the levers 100 are generally
`L-shaped and are provided with bearing apertures 104
`at the junction of arms 106, llO!l, rotatably receiving the
`trunnion 28. Each arm 106, at its uppermost end 110,
`see FIGURE 7, is provided with a vertically directed
`edge 112 wJ:-Jch is formed to define a profile or template
`calculated intimately to interfit with the milled side
`profile of one of the keys which may be processed by the
`It will be understood that the edge 112 of each
`device.
`of the levers 100 is provided with a different profile por~
`tion, to accommodate itself to a different key.
`The upper levers :rnz are of similar construction and
`include horizontally disposed arms H4, 116, said levers
`:l.02 being pivoted on bearing apertures 118 rotatably
`mounted on trunnion 29. The arms 116 and levers 102
`are likewise provided with profiled, inwardly directed
`faces 12:0 which, like the faces 112 of levers :mo, are
`formed to provide templates interfitting the opposite side
`of the blade of a key positioned in the keyway 30.
`It will be understood that in accordance with the
`preferred form of the invention, the profile edges 112
`and 120, calculated to fit any particular key, are disposed
`opposite each other-that is to say, the lever 102 carry-
`ing a template matching the right side of a particular
`key, as viewed in FIGURE 7, is disposed vertically above
`the lever 1©0 carrying a template matching the left side
`of the same key.
`The trailing ends 122 of upper levers 102 are formed
`with downwardly directed contact portions 124-, it being
`understood that in the preferred illustrated embodiment,
`all of the levers are formed of an electrically conductive
`material. Similarly, the trailing ends 126 of arms 103,
`
`KEYME EX. 1006, PAGE 6
`
`

`

`3,172,969
`
`and lower levets 100 afo provided with dowri,vartlly di(cid:173)
`rected contact portions 128. Each of the levers 100 and
`102, intermediate the arms 108 and 114, respectively, is
`provided with an insert 130 of magnetically responsive
`material, such material being optionally but preferably 5
`formed of an epoxy cement or the like containing a
`quantity of pulverized ferrous materials suspended there(cid:173)
`in. The cementitious mass may be secured within dove(cid:173)
`tail shaped cutouts 132 formed on the under surfaces
`of said levers, the magnetically responsive portions of 10
`the upper levers 102 being disposed directly above the
`upper permanent magnet 86 and the corresponding por(cid:173)
`tions of the lower lever 100 being disposed adjacent the
`lower magnet 84.
`It will be understood that the insert and filling com- 15
`position may be eliminated if the levers are fabricated of
`a ferrous or other magnetically responsive material.
`However, in view of the susceptibility of such material
`to corrosion or rusting, and in further view of the de(cid:173)
`sire that the gauge or thickness of the levers be held to a 20
`minimum, the use of phosphor bronze levers having the
`magnetically responsive inserts aforesaid has been found
`desirable.
`To the framework between walls 14, 14a there are
`mounted upper and lower sets of contacts 140, 142, re- 25
`spectively.
`In view of the close grouping of the levers,
`it has been found preferable to make arms 108 and 114
`of said levers of varying lengths, whereby the contact
`portions are staggered, making more room available to
`make contact with the lower portions 124, 128 of the 30
`levers. Thus, for instance, as best shown in FIGURE 3,
`four horizontally spaced insulator rods 144a, 144b, 144c,
`J\44d, have their ends fixed between walls 14 and 14a.
`On these rods there are mounted conductor rings 1'!16,
`which rings are separated by annular insulating spacers 35
`148. The rings 146 have depending terminal tabs 150
`which, for ease of soldering, etc., optionally are of vary(cid:173)
`ing lengths to extend in staggered condition between the
`rods H4a, 144b, 144c, 144d.
`It will thus be seen that each of the conductor rings 40
`is insulated from each other conductor ring. Also, by
`reason of the staggered relationship of the under portions
`124 of the levers, contact between portion 124 of the
`upper levers and its associated terminal ring occurs at a
`point spaced from the contact between each other ring 45
`and lever. The arrangement aforesaid greatly facilitates
`wiring of the device, eliminates shorts between contact
`rings and increases the accuracy with which the device
`may operate.
`A similar construction is provided in connection with 50
`the lower levers wherein the terminal rings are num(cid:173)
`bered 152, the spacers 154 and the terminal tabs 156.
`The profiled faces 112 and 120 of levers 100 and 102,
`respectively, are provided adjacent their lowermost por(cid:173)
`tions with notches, respectively, 112a and 120a, FIG- 55
`URE 7. As best seen in said figure, these notches op(cid:173)
`erate upon shifting of the levers to their inwardmost
`limiting positions, to prevent any contact between an op(cid:173)
`posed pair of levers.
`The operation of the device is as follows:
`A key K for which a duplicate blank is sought is in(cid:173)
`serted by the operator into the keyway and thrust hori(cid:173)
`zontally into the device until one or the other of the
`shoulders S of the key bears against shoulder 19, FIG(cid:173)
`URE 6, of the key support seat 18, or shoulder 45 of the 85
`hold down lever 34 or both. The insertion of the key
`will raise the forward edge 44 of the said hold down lever
`in a manner previously disclosed, to close contacts 50, 52,
`thereby energizing the solenoid 60.
`In the manner pre(cid:173)
`viously noted, the rotary movement of the shaft 62 and 70
`gear 64 of solenoid 60 will drive gears 66 and 70, draw-
`ing down sliding rack member 72 which, in turn, rotates
`gear 76. The cams 80 and 82 will thus be rotated to
`permit springs 96, 98 to draw the magnets 84, 86 down(cid:173)
`wardly, as previously described. As the magnets 84, 86 75
`
`6
`are drawn downwardly, the attraction between said mag(cid:173)
`nets and the ferrous inserts 130 of the sensor levers urges
`the arms 114 and 108 of said levers downwardly, caus-
`ing a clockwise rotation of the lower levers 100 and the
`upper levers 102 about trunnions 28, 29, respectively.
`At the same time, the magnetic attractidn between the
`lower magnet 84 and the leg 32 of the clamp arm 26
`causes a clockwise rotation of this arm, urging the spaced
`holding portions 24, 24a of said arm against said key at
`spaced points, forcing the key against side guide portions
`22 and 22a, i.e. to the right as shown in FIGURE 5.
`Similarly, the clockwise movement imparted to levers
`100 and 102 causes the profile portions HZ and 120,
`respectively, to be shifted toward each other and against
`the milled side faces of the key.
`In FIGURE 7 there is pictured a pair of sensors cor(cid:173)
`responding to the key section of the key inserted in the
`device, FIGURE 8 showing the position of a different
`pair of sensor levers not matching the section of the key.
`FIGURE 8 demonstrates that the non-matching profile
`portions U.2, 120 abut the milled faces of the key K,
`the said abutting relation being such as to prevent a
`full clockwise movement of the levers, thereby main(cid:173)
`taining the contact portions 124, 128, respectively, spaced
`from the terminal rings 146, 152.
`In contrast, the matching faces 112, 120 shown in
`FIGURE 7 permit a close interfit with the keyway sec(cid:173)
`tion, allowing clockwise movement of the levers 100,
`102, respectively, of a predetermined amount sufficient
`to provide contact between the portion 124 and terminal
`ring 146, and the portion 128 and terminal ring 152.
`Where such contact is permitted, it will be recognized
`that a circuit is completed between terminal tab 156a
`and terminal tab 150a, such circuit including in the
`illustrated embodiment the levers and the key.
`It will be appreciated that the profiles or templates
`may be so formed that for any given selected key, only
`one pair of levers may be permitted to shift far enough
`to provide a completed circuit between a terminal of
`the upper group 140 and a terminal of the lower
`group 142.
`The circuit thus completed may be used to perform
`in any of a number of known functions, as will be read(cid:173)
`ily understood. For instance, a key display board hav(cid:173)
`ing a plurality of lights may be provided, the circuit com(cid:173)
`pleted being utilized to energize a selected one of the
`lights on the board lying adjacent a stack of key blanks
`matching the key inserted in the device. Similarly, the
`device may be used for releasing selectively, as in a
`vending machine, a blank corresponding to the inserted
`key as sensed by the device.
`It will be noted that the device may be used to proc-
`ess short lengthed keys since the shoulder portions 112a
`and 120a engaging against the side faces of the key
`seat 18 will prevent any conductive engagement between
`opposite sensor levers where a key is interposed between
`the levers. Thus, for example, if the inserted key does
`not extend rearwardly in the device to a point inter(cid:173)
`posed between the sensor levers adjacent the wall 14a,
`60 such innermost levers will be permitted to shift inwardly
`a distance sufficient to provide a connection between
`contacts of such levers and their corresponding terminal
`rings. However, since the template portions of these
`inner levers are prevented from touching each other
`and no key is interposed between these template por(cid:173)
`tions, the circuit therethrough will not be completed.
`Preferably, the trunnions 28, 29 are formed of insulat(cid:173)
`ing material, such as nylon, and spacers are disposed
`between adjacent sensor levers to isolate one from the
`other.
`It will be readily recognized that in certain instances
`it may be desirable, instead of employing permanently
`fixed terminal rings :1.46 and 152, to utilize spring con(cid:173)
`tact members to compensate for variations in the thick-
`
`KEYME EX. 1006, PAGE 7
`
`

`

`3,172,969
`
`7
`ness of the key K, or inaccuracies in the dimension of
`the sensors.
`Also, in FIGURE 9 there is shown an embodiment
`of the invention wherein individual adjustability of the
`terminal rings is provided. As shown in said FIGURE 5
`9, the generally circular rings 170 are provided with
`eccentrically located apertures 172, threaded over an in(cid:173)
`sulating rod 174. The rings 170 are separated by insu(cid:173)
`lating spacers 176, as described in the prior embodiment,
`and threaded means, such as nut 178, are provided clamp- 10
`ing the spacers and terminal rings tightly together.
`With this arrangement of contacts, it will be readily
`recognized that by a slight rotation of any of the ter(cid:173)
`minal rings 170, the uppermost contacting portion thereof
`may be raised or lowered, thus providing a precisely 15
`adjustable contacting height for engagement with the
`contact portions of the sensor levers.
`If desired, limit pins UH), 182 may be provided for
`controlling the throw or degree of counter-clockwise
`movement of the clamp arm 26.
`In the event that the inserted key does not correspond
`to any of the selected group of blanks adapted to be
`sensed by the device, it will be readily understood that
`indicator means may be provided for registering this fact,
`and in the event that the device is used in conjunction 25
`with a vending machine, the coin or coins inserted by
`the user may be returned.
`Preferably, the device when activated by the closing
`of contacts 50, 52 may be utilized to energize a time
`delay circuit, as is well known in the art. This circuit 30
`would be selected first to delay actuation of the sole(cid:173)
`noid 60 until time has elapsed to permit full insertion
`of the key K into the keyway 30. Likewise, after ener(cid:173)
`gizing of the solenoid, the time delay circuit would
`maintain the solenoid in such energized condition for 35
`a predetermined length of time sufficient to permit dis(cid:173)
`pensing of a key blank, if the device is used in conjunc(cid:173)
`tion with a vending machine, or activation of an indi(cid:173)
`cator light source, if the device is used in connection
`with a key identifying board, as previously noted.
`Solenoid 60 is provided with a spring member (not
`shown) adapted, upon de-energizing of the solenoid, to
`impart a reverse rotation to the shaft 62, to return the
`shaft to its initial position. The return rotation of the
`shaft 62 will, in turn, drive gears M, 66 and 70, thus 45
`driving sliding rack member 72 upwardly which, in turn,
`rotates gear 76, restoring cams 80 and 82 to a position
`wherein the latter have elevated magnets 84 and 86,
`thus restoring all the sensor levers and the clamp lever
`to the initial position, ready to sense another key blank. 50
`It will be readily apparent from the above, that vari(cid:173)
`ations within the spirit of the invention may be made.
`Thus, for instance, instead of utilizing a gear and rack
`arrangement for propelling the magnets which, in turn,
`actuate the various levers, a fixed electro-magnet may be 55
`employed, having its pole portions disposed beneath the
`magnetically responsive inserts 130.
`Also, it will be appreciated that other forms of levers
`than those illustrated may be employed, it being pre(cid:173)
`ferred, however, in view of the relatively small dis- 60
`tances travelled by the template portions of the levers,
`to provide a lever arrangement wherein the movement
`of the contact portions is magnified as compared with
`It is likewise
`the movement of the template portions.
`within the contemplation of the invention to employ slid- 65
`ing templates rather than levers.
`The disclosed key sensing or discriminating device
`provides an efficient and foolproof means for selecting
`and/ or dispensing a key blank whose profile or milling
`matches the milling of a key to be duplicated. The 70
`device is particularly well suited for use in key cutting
`establishments not employing skilled locksmiths, since
`it eliminates the discretion which has heretofore had
`to be exercised in selecting the proper blank for use in
`the production of a duplicate key.
`
`8
`The novel principles and designs incorporated in the
`key sensing device permit the use of very thin gauge·
`sensors, for instance in the neighborhood of .003 to .032.
`of an inch, thereby permitting a single unit or device
`to discriminate between a relatively large number of
`dissimilar keys.
`If desired, a plurality of said devices may be pro(cid:173)
`vided in a single vending or identifying unit, to multiply
`the number of different profiles which may be serviced by
`the device.
`Having thus described my invention and illustrated its
`use, what I claim is new and desire to secure by Letters
`Patent is:
`1. A key identifier device comprising, in combination,
`a key guide portion for holding a key so that the blade
`thereof occupies a predetermined area, a plurality of side(cid:173)
`by-side positioned template members having irregular
`depth sensing profiled portions independently shiftably
`supported in said device, a magnetically responsive por-
`20 tion connected with each said member, and means in said
`device adjacent said magnetically responsive portions for
`creating a magnetic field adjacent said magnetically re(cid:173)
`sponsive portions, thereby to shift said magnetically re-
`sponsive portions, movement of said portions causing a
`concomitant movement of the depth sensing profiled por(cid:173)
`tions into said predetermined area, and contact means
`coupled to said template members for actuating one of a
`plurality of circuits selectively in response to movement
`exceeding a predetermined amount of the depth sensing
`profiled portions of one of said template members into said
`area.
`2. A key identifier device comprising, key positioner
`means for holding the blade of a key so that the blade
`occupies a predetermined area, a stack of laminar side-by(cid:173)
`side disposed depth sensing template members shiftably
`mounted to be movable into said area, a magnetically re-
`sponsive portion connected with each said template mem(cid:173)
`ber, means independent of said key for creating a mag(cid:173)
`netic field intersecting said magnetically responsive por-
`40 tions, a contact portion coupled with each said template:
`member to move when said template member moves, con(cid:173)
`tact means normally spaced from said contact portions and'
`positioned to be engaged by said contact portions upon'
`movement of said template members of a selected magni(cid:173)
`tude, and a plurality of electrically powered mechanisms,.
`each connected in series with a contact portion and a
`contact means.
`3. A key identifier device comprising, key positioner
`means for holding a key to maintain the blade portion
`thereof in a predetermined area, a plurality of pairs of
`,rnovably mounted profiled template members, a member
`of each pair being positioned to the opposite side of said
`predetermined area than the other member of said pair,
`the profiled portions of said template members being
`spaced from said area but shiftable into said area, a con(cid:173)
`tact portion connected with each said template member, a
`plurality of electrical circuits corresponding in number to
`the number of pairs of template members, each said cir(cid:173)
`cuit including as a component the contacts of a pair of
`template members, a magnetically responsive portion cou(cid:173)
`pled to each said template member for movement
`therewith, means for creating a magnetic field effoctive to
`urge said template members into said area whereby,