Key duplication system with key blank orientation detection features
AssigneeThe Hillman Group, Inc.
InventorsMichael Schmidt, Byron Grice
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for duplicating keys are disclosed. A key duplication system receives a key blank into a key receiving module. The key receiving module includes opposable jaws that assist with alignment of the key blank within the module. The key receiving module also includes an end stop that engages the tip of the received key blank and is linearly displaced as the key blank is further inserted. The linear displacement of the end stop is compared to a known value corresponding to a length of the shank of the key blank, and if the displacement does not match the known value, the user is instructed to re-orient the key blank.
Claims15
A key blank receiving module for a key duplication system, comprising:
- a slot configured to receive a shank of a key blank;
- two opposing jaws configured to engage the received key blank, the two jaws including a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, the fixed jaw being shorter in length relative to the movable jaw;
- an end stop configured to receive a tip of the shank of the key blank as the tip is inserted through the slot, the end stop being capable of linear displacement via insertion of the key blank;
- a shield extending along a length of the end stop;
- and
- one or more sensors configured to detect the linear displacement of the end stop.
A key duplication system, comprising:
- a key blank receiving module, wherein the key blank receiving module comprises:
- a slot configured to receive only a shank of a key blank;
- two opposing jaws configured to engage the received key blank, the two jaws including a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, the fixed jaw being shorter in length relative to the movable jaw;
- an end stop configured to receive a tip of the shank of the key blank as the tip is inserted through the slot, the end stop being capable of linear displacement via insertion of the key blank;
- a shield extending along a length of the end stop;
- one or more sensors configured to detect the linear displacement of the end stop;
- and
- a display for displaying information to a user;
- and
- a controller configured to control the key receiving module and the display.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.