Abstract: An apparatus for decoding locks having a series of parallel spring-urged slideable members includes a probe device having the general contour of a key expected to fit the lock. The probe device has a shank portion having straight upper and lower edges. A series of thin force sensors supplied with electrical current is attached to at least the upper edge of the shank in a spaced apart relationship corresponding to the spacing of the slideable members. When the probe device is inserted into the lock, the spring associated with each slideable member exerts a force upon the corresponding sensor which is proportionate to the requisite travel distance of the slideable member. Such force is converted by the sensor to an appropriate electrical output which is routed to an electronic monitor that displays the ascertained travel distance for each slideable member.

Abstract: An apparatus for decoding locks having a series of parallel spring-urged slideable members includes a probe device having the general contour of a key expected to fit the lock. The probe device has a shank portion having straight upper and lower edges. A series of thin force sensors supplied with electrical current is attached to at least the upper edge of the shank in a spaced apart relationship corresponding to the spacing of the slideable members. When the probe device is inserted into the lock, the spring associated with each slideable member exerts a force upon the corresponding sensor which is proportionate to the requisite travel distance of the slideable member. Such force is converted by the sensor to an appropriate electrical output which is routed to an electronic monitor that displays the ascertained travel distance for each slideable member.