Abstract: The invention relates to operator assisted methods for making keys including automatically extracting key attributes from an object key, comparing the key attributes of the object key to known manufacturer's key attributes stored in memory of a data processing unit to identify a corresponding key blank, and verbally announcing to an operator the identity of the corresponding key blank so that the operator can secure the corresponding key blank in a clamp for cutting. In this process, the verbal announcement may comprise voice identification and a visual display. The invention relates to an improved key making machine that automatically extracts characteristics of an object key without human intervention. The position and alignment of the object key is automatically determined, key characteristics extracted and compared with known key manufacturers' information stored in memory, an appropriate key blank is identified, cut and dispensed to the customer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of semi-automatically transferring a dye sublimation print to a polymer coated article. Process steps include efficiently applying a combination heater and pressure applicator to a dye sublimation print and the outer surface of the polymer coated article for a preselected period of time and automatically withdraws the combination heater and pressure applicator, to avoid overheating, upon reaching the preselected period of time.

Abstract: A railroad safety system for use at an intersection of a roadway and a railroad track, that comprises a sensor for detecting a hazardous situation and a voice alarm for giving a voice command to warm drivers and pedestrians of the hazardous situation.

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 key positioning fixture facilitates the accurate duplication of double-sided key on a key cutting machine and includes a first key alignment element having an upper clamping element with a first clamping surface and a lower clamping element with a second clamping surface. A position control element engages the upper and lower clamping elements to control the spacing between the clamping surfaces to align the centerline of the key with the centerline of the first key alignment element. A second key alignment element engages the first and second sides of the key blade to maintain the key in a fixed position.

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 flat plastic key suitable for replacing a corresponding metal key having a key alignment groove disposed in a side of the key is configured to actuate a rotary cylinder lock having a rectangular lock entrance slot. The plastic key includes a head, a shank and a bit. The shortened key alignment groove extends along the side of the key creating a decreased key thickness adjacent to the groove. The shortened groove terminates in the key shank at a groove termination point to define a groove length less than the corresponding groove length of the metal key to thereby increase the volume and strength of the plastic key shank relative to the volume and strength of an exact plastic duplicate of the metal key shank to increase the strength of the plastic key and its capacity to transfer the input torque to the sidewalls of the lock entrance slot.

Abstract: A flat plastic key is designed to actuate a rotary cylinder lock having lock tumblers, an elongated key receptable for receiving the key and a rotary lock face including a rectangular lock entrance slot with spaced apart sidwalls. The key and the lock include alignable longitudinal axes. The plastic key includes a head for receiving a lock actuating input torque within a force input area. The key also includes a shank having a first end surface joined to the end surface of the head and a spaced apart second end surface. The shank is designed to extend through the lock entrance slot of the lock face. When fully inserted, the resulting area of overlap between the sides of the fully inserted key shank and the lock entrance slot define a shank torque transfer surface where torque is transferred from the shank to the sidewalls of the lock entrance slot. The key also includes a solid plastic bit and a rigid metal insert.