Abstract: An automatic key duplicating machine is disclosed. A master key identification module includes at least one key blade cross-section detector with a plurality of sliding elements, the master key identification module being configured to determine a key type for a master key based at least in part on engagement of the plurality of sliding elements with a blade profile of the master key. A key extraction module is configured to retrieve a key blank of an identified key type. A key cutting module is configured to cut the key blank in accordance with a tooth pattern of the master key.

Abstract: A tool has a gauge for disclosing if an edge of an object has sufficient clearance depth to allow an edge guard to be properly installed on the edge and a correction tool for correcting insufficient clearance depth by displacing interfering material on the edge so that sufficient clearance depth for properly installing an edge guard on the edge is achieved.

Abstract: A key duplication system may include a housing, a key blank receiving aperture, a cutter and a clamp adjacent to the receiving aperture, wherein the key blank is guided to a predetermined position in relation to the cutter through engagement of a carrier with the housing. A method of aligning a key blank blade with a key blank carrier in relation to a cutter may include guiding a key blade into a cutting position through contact with a key blade receiving aperture, securing at least a portion of the carrier with a clamp, cutting a key bit pattern into the key blank blade and releasing the key blank.

Abstract: Implementations of key blank carriers or key blanks with a standard reference features may include alignment features on a key blank head, key blank tip, a key blank carrier coupled to a key blank sleeve and/or a key blank sleeve, and any feature directly attached to any portion of the key that may be used for referencing in the key duplication system, or any combination of these. The standard reference features may allow any key blank brand model to interface with the machine so as to consistently align each key, regardless of its make and model, for cutting in a universally configured key blank clamp that is clamped to reduce the movement of the key blank during duplication cutting.

Abstract: A key blank selector has a base, a template and a clamp. The base defines a chamber and a platform having a recess communicating with the chamber. The template is soft and pliable corresponds to and is detachably mounted in the recess of the platform. The clamp is detachably mounted around the platform of the base to hold and position the template in the recess and has an opening formed corresponding to the chamber of the base. A mother key is positioned perpendicularly on and force applied to pierce through the template and form a figure corresponding to a cross sectional profile of the mother key in the template; therefore, facilitating key blank selection and preventing misjudgment.

Abstract: A fully automatic key duplicating machine. A master key alignment module is movably disposed into and out of proximity with a master key clamping module, the master key being aligned by the alignment module within the master key clamping module. A master key identification module is disposed in fixed relation to the master key clamping module and identifies a type of key secured in the master key clamping module. A central positioning base is provided automatically movable into and out of engagement with the key cutting module and optionally the alignment module, adapted to move the master key alignment module into proximity with the master key clamping module and adapted to secure a key blank to be cut at the key cutting module in accordance with the tooth pattern of a clamped master key.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing and a catheter having a proximal end seated within the housing and a distal end positioned to an exterior thereof. The catheter distal end has an arcuate shape, assisting the user to scan an internal plug cavity, and a cylindrical cross-section provided with a suitable diameter such that the catheter can be probed through a lock plug without contacting pin pairs. A mechanism is included for detecting a point where the pins come together and line up with a shear line. LEDs are coupled to the detecting mechanism and are illuminated when the catheter is displaced along the lower and upper pin pairs. A mechanism is included for automatically adjusting the catheter's position as the point of each of pin pair is detected. A mechanism is included for displaying numeric values on the housing that correspond to the points identified by the detecting mechanism.

Abstract: A precision electronic apparatus and method for decodes a lock key, wherein the coded key is inserted into the warded keyway. Simultaneously, this engages a toggle switch and rod. The rod engages a spring-loaded linear switch for each groove. The spring-loaded switch selects only one linear trace on the circuit board. Each circuit board converts the selected linear trace into a binary code. The toggle switch conducts the electronic circuitry and the binary codes are decoded for each notch in the shank of the key. The combined digits result as the complete key code on the LED segment display on the front faceplate.

Abstract: A jig (11) for removable fitment along the edge of a door (19) which provides a suitable combination of guides and stops to allow the location and operation of suitable cutting tools such as drills or routers. The jig comprises a pair of parallel guide plates (26) the distance between which is adjustable for removable fitment to opposing surfaces of the door. Guide holes (30, 31, 32) are located in the guide plates through which a drill or other suitable tool may be inserted. The jig has guide means (12) associated therewith for allowing location of a suitable tool at the edge of the door for making a cylindrical hole or for machining a mortise therein for receiving the body of a mortise lock or a rebate for receiving the face plate of the lock mechanism. A guide block (50) to facilitate accurate drilling is also disclosed.

Abstract: A key identifier enables an operator to select a key blank design functionally compatible with an unknown key by directing the operator to implement a primary classification step followed by a secondary classification step to sort an unknown key into a specified secondary classification category. The key identifier operator then implements a key blade matching procedure within the specified secondary classification category where the cross section of the blade of the unknown key is matched with a defined blade cross sectional configuration. When a match is obtained between the unknown key blade configuration and the known blade configuration, the known key blank design can be identified and a compatible key blank can be selected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading a key to determine the depth of its notches. A frame is moveable towards and away from the key, this frame having a reading pin and a plurality of contact pins thereon, all of those pins being spring biased towards the key and moveable against the spring, away from the key. A reader body is fixed on the reading pin and has a plurality of recesses, one recess associated with each contact pin, each recess being of a different depth. Once the reading pin engages a key notch, the contact pins continue to move a certain distance. The depth of the notch is dependent on the number of contact pins which have engaged the bottoms of their respective recesses on the reader body. Each such contact closes an electrical connection so that the depth of the notch is dependent on the number of contact pins which have contacted the bottoms of their respective recesses.

Abstract: A device for quickly and accurately determining the depth of cuts in a key, and for other depth determinations associated therewith. This device has a fixed anvil member having a flat top surface, as a reference surface, with a transverse slot to accept a second edge of doubly-cut key. A tip member having a selected configuration is biased toward this reference or "zero position" surface. Deviation of the tip member away from this reference surface is displayed in a visual manner on a dial indicator, a digital readout indicator or the like. The dimensioning of all the cuts of a key can be performed in seconds to accuracies of about 0.0005 inch. The cuts to be dimensioned can be in edges of the key or in flat side surfaces. Also, the pins of a lock tumbler can also be dimensioned with the embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: For use in combination with a pin-tumbler lock cylinder of the type having a key plug nested within a control cylinder which in turn is nested within a main body cylinder and including a plurality of bores extending through the key plug, the control cylinder and the main body cylinder with a pin-tumbler located in each of the bores, a measuring device for determining the pin-tumbler size for preparing a control key includes a body having a cylinder mating face and a probe which extends from the cylinder mating face. The cylinder mating face is mated against the outside of the main body cylinder with the probe positioned within the bore. When the interface between the driver pin and the control pin is located at the shear line between the control cylinder and the main body cylinder, the length of the probe which is accepted within the bore is an indication of the cut necessary for preparing a control key for the lock.