# US 2017/0254112 A2 · Self-learning lock and lock assembly apparatus

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- Number: US 2017/0254112 A2
- Document ID: US20170254112A2
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A2
- Application number: 14/869,382
- Filed: 2015-09-29
- Published: 2017-09-07
- Earliest claimed: 2014-09-29
- Assignees: RB Distribution, Inc.
- Applicants: RB Distribution, Inc.
- Inventors: Marc MCCANN; Brandon GRAVER; Stephen R. IDE
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20170254112A2

## CPC

- E05B 19/0011: {Key decoders (general measuring of contours and curvatures G01B3/14, G01B5/20, G01B7/28)}
- E05B 27/0017: {Tumblers or pins}
- E05B 27/005: {with changeable combinations}
- E05B: LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS

## Abstract

A self-learning lock cylinder assembly or lock tumbler and tools capable of teaching the self-learning key configuration of a pre-existing key is disclosed. The individual performing the self-learning does not need to have prior locksmith experience. The individual performing the self-learning procedure can verify that the original key and copies of the original key function properly within the lock cylinder prior to final assembly and installation in the lock through a self-learning test housing. The pre-installation testing eliminates problems associated with an incorrectly assembled lock cylinder

## Claims

### Claim 1

A plug assembly that self learns an existing key topography, the plug assembly comprising:
a key receiving slot that receives an existing key having a predetermined topography;
a plurality of wafer receiving slots that intersect the key receiving slot;
a plurality of wafers dimensioned to be received within the wafer receiving slot, each of the wafers is generally rectangular and has a passage that is sized and aligned to define a key passage; and,
at least two movable learning segments attached to each wafer, and at least one biasing element associated with each wafer;
wherein the movable learning segments attached to each wafer are moved on the respective wafer to a position associated with the predetermined key topography.

### Claim 2

A self-learning lock tumbler comprising:
a tumbler body;
a slot in the tumbler body receives an existing lock key having a predetermined topography;
a plurality of wafer receiving slots that are generally arranged perpendicular to the slot;
a plurality of wafers that are received within the wafer receiving slots, each of the plurality of wafers is generally rectangular and the plurality of wafers defines a key receiving passage; and,
a plurality of movable learning segments that are mounted on each wafer of the plurality of wafers, and at least one biasing element;
wherein the movable learning segments associated with each wafer are positioned on the respective wafer according to the predetermined key topography.

### Claim 3

A kit for teaching a self-learning lock tumbler comprising:
a tumbler body;
a slot in the tumbler body that receives an existing lock key having a predetermined topography;
a plurality of wafer receiving slots that are generally arranged perpendicular to the slot;
a plurality of generally rectangular wafers that are received within the wafer receiving slots, each of the plurality of wafers includes a central passage and the central passages align in a through passage that receives an existing lock key;
at least two movable learning segments attached to each wafer, and at least one biasing element associated with each wafer; and,
a self-learning test housing;
whereby the movable learning segments associated with each wafer are positioned according to a predetermined key topography associated with an existing lock key and the wafer positioning accuracy is confirmed in the self-learning test housing.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The kit of claim 3 further comprising: a wafer-holding tool.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The kit of claim 4 further comprising: a wafer-setting tool.