Abstract: A key cutting machine includes a cutter wheel, a key follower and a key positioning fixture for retaining a master key and a key blank in defined positions. Longitudinal and lateral displacement elements displace the cutter wheel and the key blank relative to each other. First and second electronic position sensors generate cutter wheel longitudinal and lateral position signals which electrically define the position of the cutter wheel relative to the key blank blade. A mode control system selectively operates the key cutting machine in either an analog mode where the bit notch pattern of a master key is mechanically traced and duplicated in the key blade blank or in a digital mode in which an electronically defined bit notch pattern is electrically duplicated in the key blank blade without reference to or tracing the master key bit notch pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the simultaneous duplication of both the bit notch pattern and shoulder position of a master key onto a key blank. The key blank is longitudinally and laterally aligned relative to a key cutter. A master key is longitudinally and laterally aligned relative to a key follower. The key follower is then longitudinally and laterally displaced relative to the master key to trace the contour of the key master. The key cutter is simultaneously displaced relative to the key blank in an identical manner to reproduce the traced contour of the master key on the key blank and to longitudinally reposition the key blank shoulder to coincide with the relative longitudinal location of the master key shoulder by cutting away a portion of the shank to reduce the length of the shank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the simultaneous duplication of both the bit notch pattern and shoulder position of a master key onto a key blank. The key blank is longitudinally and laterally aligned relative to a key cutter. A master key is longitudinally and laterally aligned relative to a key follower. The key follower is then longitudinally and laterally displaced relative to the master key to trace the contour of the key master. The key cutter is simultaneously displaced relative to the key blank in an identical manner to reproduce the traced contour of the master key on the key blank and to longitudinally reposition the key blank shoulder to coincide with the relative longitudinal location of the master key shoulder by cutting away a portion of the shank to reduce the length of the shank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the simultaneous duplication of both the bit notch pattern and shoulder position of a master key onto a key blank. The key blank is longitudinally and laterally aligned relative to a key cutter. A master key is longitudinally and laterally aligned relative to a key follower. The key follower is then longitudinally and laterally displaced relative to the master key to trace the contour of the key master. The key cutter is simultaneously displaced relative to the key blank in an identical manner to reproduce the traced contour of the master key on the key blank and to longitudinally reposition the key blank shoulder to coincide with the relative longitudinal location of the master key shoulder by cutting away a portion of the shank to reduce the length of the shank.

Abstract: A code selectable key duplicating system is adapted to function with a key cutting machine having a key follower for engaging and tracing the contour of a bit notch pattern formed in the blade of a master key and a key cutter coupled to the key follower to reproduce the traced bit notch pattern of the master key in the blade of a key blank. The code selectable duplicating system includes a bit notch simulator which is divided into a selectable series of n adjacent notch segments to form a surface contour creating a simulated bit notch pattern corresponding to the bit notch pattern designated by a coded sequence. An alignment fixture positions the notch pattern simulator relative to the key follower enabling the key follower to trace the simulated bit notch pattern such that the key cutter reproduces the simulated bit notch pattern in the blade of the key blank.

Abstract: A universal key blank incorporates special geometry enabling it to be used as a blank for duplicating a variety of related but geometrically dissimilar keys. The universal key blank functions with a lock having a lock entrance slot with opposing sides and first and second opposed key interface ribs protruding from the sides of the slot with relative vertical alignment to rib geometry configured to engage first and second grooves formed in opposing sides of the blade of the universal key blank. A novel method duplicates keys by measuring and reproducing a reference distance defined by the spacing between the bit notch pattern and the key reference surface forming the first groove of the master key.