Patents by Inventor William R. Mutch

William R. Mutch has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11842554
    Abstract: A high security key scanning system and method is provided. The scanning system may comprise a sensing device configured to determine information and characteristics of a master high security key, and a digital logic to analyze the information and characteristics of the master key. The sensing device may be configured to capture information about the geometry of features cut into the surface of the master key. The logic may analyze the information related to that geometry and compare it to known characteristics of that style of high security key in order to determine the data needed to replicate the features on a new high security key blank. The system may be configured to capture the surface geometry using a camera or other imaging device. The system may utilize object coating techniques, illumination techniques, filtering techniques, image processing techniques, and feature extraction techniques to capture the desired features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: HY-KO PRODUCTS COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: William R. Mutch, Thomas F. Fiore, Randall A. Porras, Chester O. D. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20220343715
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system for providing assistance when operating a key duplicating machine or when programming a new vehicle key. An application operating on a mobile device receives information regarding the vehicle and key application and will then assists the user while programming the key associated with the vehicle. In some examples, a key duplicating machine receives input from the user and passes data to the application in order to provide better and more specific assistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: William R. Mutch, Michael A. Bass, Justin A. Gill, Randall A. Porras, Ernest J. Mantkowski, Ann M. Ross, Petro S. Spurrier
  • Publication number: 20220339717
    Abstract: A key duplication system is described herein. A key duplicating machine includes a front panel having a slot to receive a key therein. The key duplicating machine also includes a sensing device configured to capture data related to a master key and a cutting member configured to cut a key pattern into a key blank. Additionally, the key duplicating machine includes a display to provide an interactive interface. The interactive interface renders audiovisual instructions based on a mode of the key duplicating machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: William R. Mutch, Michael A. Bass, Justin A. Gill, Randall A. Porras, Ernest J. Mantkowski, Ann M. Ross, Petro S. Spurrier
  • Patent number: 11334234
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying objects possessing minute but significant details is described. At its core, the system includes a user interface, means for comparatively identifying the object and means for displaying results. Notably, because the system does not rely upon highly specialized or complex equipment, the invention is expected to have particular applicability in a wide variety of every-day situations. Moreover, the system is explicitly designed for user friendliness, so as to eliminate that need for extensive training for any prospective user of the system. The system should have particular applicability in key blank identification and key duplication processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: HY-KO PRODUCTS COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Bass, Richard W. Ryai, Michael B. Hanish, Chester O. D. Thompson, William R. Mutch, David E. Shaner, Joseph M. Work
  • Publication number: 20220139065
    Abstract: A key identification system is provided. The key identification system comprises an imaging system to capture an image of a master key, and a logic to analyze the captured image. The imaging system may be capture an image of a groove in the master key from an angle between perpendicular and parallel to the blade of said master key. The logic analyzes the captured image to compare characteristics of the groove with groove characteristics of known key blanks to determine the likelihood of a match between the master key and a known key blank. The key identification system may further compensate for displacement or orientation of the master key with respect to the imaging system when analyzing characteristics of the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Chester O.D. Thompson, William R. Mutch
  • Publication number: 20220139139
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method for duplicating a master key for a vehicle. The system includes determining that a first device is communicating with a t/r device, the t/r device including an antenna for communicating with the master key. A cloning application associated with said t/r device may be operating on the first device. The t/r device may retrieve security information from said master key. The cloning application may communicate the security information for said master key to said central network system. The central network system may generate duplicate security information. The central network system may communicate the duplicate security information to the cloning application. The cloning application may transmit the duplicate security information to the t/r device to program a duplicate master key with the duplicate security information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: William R. Mutch, Justin A. Gill, Thomas F. Fiore, Randall A. Porras, Benjamin Iwasevic
  • Patent number: 11227455
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method for duplicating a master key for a vehicle. The system includes determining that a first device is communicating with a t/r device, the t/r device including an antenna for communicating with the master key. A cloning application associated with said t/r device may be operating on the first device. The t/r device may retrieve security information from said master key. The cloning application may communicate the security information for said master key to said central network system. The central network system may generate duplicate security information. The central network system may communicate the duplicate security information to the cloning application. The cloning application may transmit the duplicate security information to the t/r device to program a duplicate master key with the duplicate security information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: HY-KO PRODUCTS COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: William R. Mutch, Justin A. Gill, Thomas F. Fiore, Randall A. Porras, Benjamin Iwasevic
  • Patent number: 11227181
    Abstract: A key identification system is provided. The key identification system comprises an imaging system to capture an image of a master key, and a logic to analyze the captured image. The imaging system may be capture an image of a groove in the master key from an angle between perpendicular and parallel to the blade of said master key. The logic analyzes the captured image to compare characteristics of the groove with groove characteristics of known key blanks to determine the likelihood of a match between the master key and a known key blank. The key identification system may further compensate for displacement or orientation of the master key with respect to the imaging system when analyzing characteristics of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: HY-KO PRODUCTS COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Chester O. D. Thompson, William R. Mutch
  • Publication number: 20210260672
    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. A second logic may be implemented for assembling one or more data points related to one or more key cutting parameters to allow for the creation and implantation of at least one automatic tuning function to provide for one or more subsequent fine tuning adjustments to a key cutting pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: William R. Mutch, Randall A. Porras
  • Publication number: 20210256292
    Abstract: A high security key scanning system and method is provided. The scanning system may comprise a sensing device configured to determine information and characteristics of a master high security key, and a digital logic to analyze the information and characteristics of the master key. The sensing device may be configured to capture information about the geometry of features cut into the surface of the master key. The logic may analyze the information related to that geometry and compare it to known characteristics of that style of high security key in order to determine the data needed to replicate the features on a new high security key blank. The system may be configured to capture the surface geometry using a camera or other imaging device. The system may utilize object coating techniques, illumination techniques, filtering techniques, image processing techniques, and feature extraction techniques to capture the desired features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: William R. Mutch, Thomas F. Fiore, Randall A. Porras, Chester O.D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10956772
    Abstract: A high security key scanning system and method is provided. The scanning system may comprise a sensing device configured to determine information and characteristics of a master high security key, and a digital logic to analyze the information and characteristics of the master key. The sensing device may be configured to capture information about the geometry of features cut into the surface of the master key. The logic may analyze the information related to that geometry and compare it to known characteristics of that style of high security key in order to determine the data needed to replicate the features on a new high security key blank. The system may be configured to capture the surface geometry using a camera or other imaging device. The system may utilize object coating techniques, illumination techniques, filtering techniques, image processing techniques, and feature extraction techniques to capture the desired features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: HY-KO PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventors: William R. Mutch, Thomas F. Fiore, Randall A. Porras, Chester O. D. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20200104035
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying objects possessing minute but significant details is described. At its core, the system includes a user interface, means for comparatively identifying the object and means for displaying results. Notably, because the system does not rely upon highly specialized or complex equipment, the invention is expected to have particular applicability in a wide variety of every-day situations. Moreover, the system is explicitly designed for user friendliness, so as to eliminate that need for extensive training for any prospective user of the system. The system should have particular applicability in key blank identification and key duplication processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Publication date: April 2, 2020
    Inventors: Michael A. Bass, Richard W. Ryai, Michael B. Hanish, Chester O.D. Thompson, William R. Mutch, David E. Shaner, Joseph M. Work
  • Publication number: 20200016668
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Michael A. Bass, William R. Mutch, Richard W. Ryai, SR., Chester O.D. Thompson, Robert E. Drake, Randall A. Porras
  • Patent number: 10503384
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying objects possessing minute but significant details is described. At its core, the system includes a user interface, means for comparatively identifying the object and means for displaying results. Notably, because the system does not rely upon highly specialized or complex equipment, the invention is expected to have particular applicability in a wide variety of every-day situations. Moreover, the system is explicitly designed for user friendliness, so as to eliminate that need for extensive training for any prospective user of the system. The system should have particular applicability in key blank identification and key duplication processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: OBJECT IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
    Inventors: Michael A. Bass, Richard W. Ryai, Michael B. Hanish, Chester O. D. Thompson, William R. Mutch, David E. Shaner, Joseph M. Work
  • Patent number: 10421133
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Hy-Ko Products Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Bass, William R. Mutch, Richard W. Ryai, Sr., Chester O. D. Thompson, Robert E. Drake, Randall A. Porras
  • Publication number: 20190287332
    Abstract: Provided is a system and method for duplicating a master key for a vehicle. The system includes determining that a first device is communicating with a t/r device, the t/r device including an antenna for communicating with the master key. A cloning application associated with said t/r device may be operating on the first device. The t/r device may retrieve security information from said master key. The cloning application may communicate the security information for said master key to said central network system. The central network system may generate duplicate security information. The central network system may communicate the duplicate security information to the cloning application. The cloning application may transmit the duplicate security information to the t/r device to program a duplicate master key with the duplicate security information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: William R. Mutch, Justin A. Gill, Thomas F. Fiore, Randall A. Porras, Benjamin Iwasavic
  • Publication number: 20180307825
    Abstract: A secure system for replication of a personal access device to function with a vehicle having an immobilizer system, the system including a console configured to receive information selected from one or more of the categories of vehicle identity data, customer identity data and processor identity data and having a communication link. A processor tool having processor and a communication link. A communication link between said console and said processor tool configured to communicate selected data to the tool. A logic configured to communicate selected portions of said input data and a secure memory configured to store selected portions of said data and transmit confirmation of such storage to enable operation of said processor tool. The features can be distributed in a network or embodied in a single unitary device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Timothy J. O'Hearn, William R. Mutch
  • Publication number: 20180207733
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: William R. Mutch, Randall A. Porras, Thomas F. Fiore
  • Publication number: 20180204089
    Abstract: A key identification system is provided. The key identification system comprises an imaging system to capture an image of a master key, and a logic to analyze the captured image. The imaging system may be capture an image of a groove in the master key from an angle between perpendicular and parallel to the blade of said master key. The logic analyzes the captured image to compare characteristics of the groove with groove characteristics of known key blanks to determine the likelihood of a match between the master key and a known key blank. The key identification system may further compensate for displacement or orientation of the master key with respect to the imaging system when analyzing characteristics of the groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Chester O.D. Thompson, William R. Mutch
  • Patent number: D923542
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: HY-KO PRODUCTS COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: John Edward Zonza, Jr., William R. Mutch