Key duplication machine
AssigneeHy-Ko Products Company
InventorsMichael A. Bass, William R. Mutch, Richard W. Ryai, Sr., Chester O. D. Thompson, Robert E. Drake, Randall A. Porras
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a key duplication machine are described. In one embodiment, an assembly for duplicating a master key includes an optical imaging device, a logic, a clamping assembly, and a cutting member. The optical imaging device is capable of capturing an optical image of at least a portion of the master key. The logic is capable of determining a key pattern of the master key from the optical image of the master key. The clamping assembly is capable of clamping a key blank and the cutting member is capable of cutting a key pattern into said key blank.
Claims25
A key duplicating machine comprising:
- a front panel having a slot to receive a key therein, said slot comprising:
- a first side wall;
- and
- a second side wall, wherein said second side wall is movable with respect to said first side wall;
- a sensing device configured to capture data related to a master key;
- a lower gripper and an upper gripper configured to grip a key when it is held in said slot wherein said lower gripper is positioned below said upper gripper and biased toward said upper gripper;
- and
- a cutting member configured to cut a key pattern into a key blank.
A key duplicating machine comprising:
- an opening in said machine to receive a key therein;
- a sensing device configured to capture data related to a key inserted into said opening;
- a cutting member configured to cut a key pattern into a key blank;
- a positioning mechanism configured to move a key from a first position to a second position;
- and
- a logic configured to analyze said data to determine a position for engaging said positioning mechanism with said key.
A key duplicating machine comprising:
- a front panel having a slot to receive a key therein, said slot comprising:
- a first side wall;
- and
- a second side wall, wherein said second side wall is movable with respect to said first side wall;
- a sensing device configured to capture data related to a master key;
- a lower gripper and an upper gripper configured to grip a key when it is held in said slot wherein said upper gripper is positioned above said lower gripper and biased toward said lower gripper;
- and
- a cutting member configured to cut a key pattern into a key blank.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.