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.
Claims27
An identification system for duplicating keys, comprising:
- a retention mechanism configured to receive at least a portion of a master key;
- an optical imaging device configured to capture an optical image of at least a portion of a master key;
- an outer shell configured to house the retention mechanism and the imaging device, the shell having a slot formed therein to receive the master key;
- and
- at least one key positioner configured to engage said master key, the key positioner being linearly movable from a first location adjacent to the slot to a second location away from the slot.
An identification system for duplicating keys, comprising:
- a retention mechanism configured to receive at least a portion of a master key;
- at least one key positioner configured to engage said master key, while exposing a tip end of the master key;
- and
- an optical imaging device to record a tip view or substantially tip view of the master key.
An identification system for duplicating keys, comprising:
- an outer shell having a slot formed therein to receive a master key;
- a retention mechanism disposed within the housing and configured to receive at least a portion of a master key;
- an imaging system configured to measure a thickness of the master key after the master key has been received by the retention mechanism.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.