公开(公告)号：GB2524254A

公开(公告)日：2015-09-23

申请号：GB201404763

申请日：2014-03-17

Applicant: IBM

Inventor： DAWSON ALAN BRACKEN ,  HUTCHISON GORDON DOUGLAS

IPC: G11B23/28 ,  G11B33/12

Abstract: A plurality of devices with associated lock mechanisms are managed. A device status corresponding to one of the locks is detected 304 and a service action is recommended 306 on the device requiring performance by an operator. A printable key pattern is provided 316 for printing the key, the key allowing the operator to lock and unlock the lock mechanism. The pattern may be a barcode and the lock may be an optical reader or the printer may be a 3D printer that can print a key or lock mechanism. The devices may be data storage devices in storage canisters in an array of canisters. The service action may be replacement of a drive and the lock prevents the incorrect storage canister being unseated by a user. The key may be for an attachment lock for attaching sub-units together in an assembly.

公开(公告)号：GB2521386A

公开(公告)日：2015-06-24

申请号：GB201322390

申请日：2013-12-18

Applicant: IBM

Inventor： DAWSON ALAN BRACKEN ,  HUTCHISON GORDON DOUGLAS

IPC: B29C67/00

Abstract: An apparatus to modify the surface of an object co-operable with a 3D printer comprising a head nozzle follower assembly 310 co-operable with a 3D printer head nozzle assembly 120. The follower assembly 310 operable to modify a surface of the material of a 3D object printed by the head nozzle assembly 120. The follower assembly 310 may follow the path of the head nozzle assembly 120 and may be mounted adjacent to it. The follower assembly 310 may move in the horizontal or vertical direction. The follower assembly 310 may cause the surface of the material to flow. The head nozzle assembly 120 may print using plastic. The follower assembly 310 may deliver a plastics flow inducing agent to the surface which may comprise plastics solvent vapour or a heated gas. The solvent vapour may be recovered after it has been delivered to the surface. The follower assembly 310 may comprise a laser (515 fig 5).

公开(公告)号：GB2526348A

公开(公告)日：2015-11-25

申请号：GB201409148

申请日：2014-05-22

Applicant: IBM

Inventor： HUTCHISON GORDON DOUGLAS ,  DAWSON ALAN BRACKEN

IPC: E05B19/00 ,  E05B17/00

Abstract: A method and system for producing a customised lock and matching key in which a user enters a personally selected alphanumeric input, such as a password or passphrase, or other personally memorable data, to an input processor. The alphanumeric input is converted by a deterministic transformation function/algorithm, such as a hashing function, to an alphanumeric output which corresponds to a key cutting code. A manufacturing apparatus makes a lock and key corresponding to this personally selected code. The invention also provides a method and system for reproducing a key. When the same personally selected alphanumeric code input is entered by the user/customer, the deterministic transformation function outputs the same key cutting code which is used to make a duplicate key. The duplicate key may be made by a 3D printer and the deterministic transformation function may be part of a network-provided service. The invention provides for key reproduction without the need to store a key cutting code, instead the key code is based on user selected memorable data.