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US 4,666,351 AGranted
Apparatus and method for automatically making a duplicate key
OwnerRonald L. Marchalinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A key duplicating apparatus having automatic key clamping mechanisms for a master key and a key blank, a circular key follower and a key cutter mounted on a pivoting base that pivots and slides on a support shaft, and a mounting plate for mounting the clamping mechanisms and the support shaft. The apparatus is preferably automatically controlled by a microprocessing circuit. Also, the circular key follower is eccentrically mounted on a mounting shaft for adjustment of the depth of cutting of the key blank.
Claims4
A method for making a duplicate key, comprising the steps of:
- instructing a customer to insert a master key into first key clamping means;
- automatically clamping the master key when the master key is properly indexed within the first key clamping means;
- automatically dispensing a key blank from dispensing means after the master key is clamped;
- instructing the customer to insert the key blank into second key clamping means;
- automatically clamping the key blank when the key blank is properly indexed within the second key clamping means;
- automatically tracing the master key with key following means after both the master key and the key blank are clamped;
- cutting the key blank with key cutting means operably connected to the key following means to form a duplicate of the master key;
- and
- automatically releasing the master key and the duplicate of the master key after the key following means has completed the trace of the master key.
6 more elements
An apparatus for duplicating a key, comprising:
- means for instructing a customer to insert a master key into a first key slot;
- first key clamping means for automatically clamping the master key when the master key is properly indexed within the first key slot;
- key dispensing means for automatically dispensing a key blank after the master key is clamped1
- means for instructing the customer to insert the key blank into a second key slot;
- second key clamping means for automatically clamping the key blank when the key blank is properly indexed within the second key slot;
- key following means for automatically tracing the master key after both the master key and the key blank are clamped;
- key cutting means for cutting the key blank during the tracing of the master key to form a duplicate of the master key;
- and
- means for automatically releasing the master key and the duplicate of the master key after the tracing of the master key is completed.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.