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
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims16
An assembly for validating a cut key with respect to a master key, said assembly comprising:
- an outer shell for housing at least one optical imaging device for capturing optical images of at least a portion of said cut key and at least a portion of said master key;
- a slot within the outer shell for receiving at least a portion of said cut key and a portion of said master key;
- and
- a logic for comparing said cut key pattern with respect to said master key pattern.
A method for validating a cut key with respect to a master key, said method comprising:
- providing a housing having an opening for receiving a master key and a cut key;
- retaining a master key within an imaging zone;
- capturing at least one optical image of at least a portion of said master key with an optical imaging device;
- retaining a cut key within said imaging zone;
- capturing at least one optical image of at least a portion of said cut key with said optical imaging device;
- providing logic to compare said cut key pattern with respect to said master key pattern;
- and
- comparing said cut key pattern with respect to said master key pattern.
An identification system for duplicating keys, comprising:
- an outer shell having a slot formed therein to receive a master key and a cut key;
- a retention mechanism disposed within the housing and configured to receive at least a portion of said master key and said cut key;
- an imaging system configured to measure the thickness of a master key pattern and said cut key after the master key or cut key has been received by the retention mechanism;
- a logic for comparing a thickness of a cut key pattern with respect to said master key pattern.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.