Patents by Inventor Chester O. D. Thompson

Chester O. D. Thompson 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
  • 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
  • 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: 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: 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: 9934448
    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: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Hy-Ko Products Company
    Inventors: Chester O. D. Thompson, William R. Mutch
  • Publication number: 20180067636
    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: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    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: 20180046881
    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: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: William R. Mutch, Thomas F. Fiore, Randall A. Porras, Chester O.D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9815126
    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: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    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
  • Patent number: 9818041
    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: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: HY-KO PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventors: William R. Mutch, Thomas F. Fiore, Randall A. Porras, Chester O. D. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20170193327
    Abstract: A key identification system is provided. The key identification system comprises a sensing device configured to extract bitting information from a master key, and a logic configured to analyze the image. The sensing device may be configured to capture information about the bittings of the master key, such as an image of the bittings. The logic analyzes information about the bittings of the master key and compares it with bitting characteristics of known key blanks to determine the likelihood of a match between the master key and a known key blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Chester O.D. Thompson, William R. Mutch, Randall A. Porras
  • Patent number: 9687920
    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: June 27, 2017
    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
  • Patent number: 9656332
    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: May 23, 2017
    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: 20170061240
    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: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Chester O.D. Thompson, William R. Mutch