Abstract: A key cutting machine having a vacuum port connected to the housing and capable of removeably connecting a vacuum tube thereto so that when the vacuum tube is connected to the vacuum port the vacuum tube is capable of collecting key shavings created during a key cutting operation and, when the vacuum tube is disconnected from vacuum port, the vacuum tube can be used to collect key shavings on or surrounding the key cutting machine. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described.

Abstract: A key duplication system employs a modular key duplication attachment in combination with a high-speed, rotary powered tool and a profiled abrasive cutter. The attachment comprises a base, a carriage assembly movable relative to the base, a profiled stylus secured to the base, a first clamping vise for retaining a specimen key at a fixed (i.e., stationary) position relative to the carriage assembly and a second clamping vise for retaining a key blank at a fixed position relative to the carriage assembly. When so-retained, a bottom flat surface of the specimen key and a bottom flat surface of the key blank rest in a common working plane and the tip of each key is separated by a first distance. The cutter and stylus are aligned and secured to the base such that movement of the carriage, relative to the base, simultaneously brings them both into contact with appropriate surfaces of the key blank and the specimen key, respectively.

Abstract: A key cutting machine having a vacuum port connected to the housing and capable of removeably connecting a vacuum tube thereto so that when the vacuum tube is connected to the vacuum port the vacuum tube is capable of collecting key shavings created during a key cutting operation and, when the vacuum tube is disconnected from vacuum port, the vacuum tube can be used to collect key shavings on or surrounding the key cutting machine. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described.

Abstract: A key cutting machine is provided for cutting a key blank from a master key. The key cutting machine comprises a first cutting member that rotates about a substantially horizontal axis for cutting a key pattern on a key blank and a second cutting member that rotates about a substantially vertical axis for cutting a key pattern on a key blank. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described.

Abstract: A locating system and method for accurately positioning key blanks with respect to a key cutter where the key head is clamped between opposing jaws with the key blade working edges projecting therefrom, the key head is provided with shaped recesses having at least a partially specifically shaped edge wall and wherein at least one jaw member is provided with a projection having a correspondingly shaped sidewall, the pin being positioned with respect to the clamp such that when the key blank head is abutted against the pin with the key blank edge configuration mating to the pin sidewall configuration, the key blade will project from the jaw in a proper position for engagement by either the bitting follower or bitting cutter respectively.

Abstract: A key cutting machine is provided for cutting a key blank from a master key. The key cutting machine comprises a first cutting member that rotates about a substantially horizontal axis for cutting a key pattern on a key blank and a second cutting member that rotates about a substantially vertical axis for cutting a key pattern on a key blank. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described.

Abstract: A portable, mechanically operated, key-duplicating machine that relies on a punch-cutting system that selectively punches out the particular notches or “bittings” of a key blank in response to the details of an adjacent and aligned master key. The duplicating machine comprises a frame having cutting end and an alignment end. The frame defines a longitudinal axis. A carriage is movable along the longitudinal axis and includes a transverse axis. A key clamping assembly has a first key clamp for holding the key blank and a second key clamp for holding the master key. The key assembly is selectively slidable along the transverse axis. A cutting assembly is located at the cutting end and includes a punch-type cutter pin that is adapted to selectively cut pre-shaped notches from the held key blank. The cutter pin includes a guide section that aligns with the notch-profile of the held master key.

Abstract: A pulse generation means that generates a pulse each time an XY movable member moves linearly by a certain amount relative to a base is provided. A workpiece and a light and dark pattern member are provided on the base. A tool, a light and dark pattern scanning sensor that scans the light and dark pattern and outputs a scanning signal, and a cutting means that moves the tool with respect to the workpiece in a cutting depth direction, orthogonal to the linear motion direction, are provided on the XY movable member. While the XY movable member moves relative to the base, the tool is moved by the cutting means in accordance with a logical AND operation performed on the scanning signal from the light and dark pattern scanning sensor and the pulse from the pulse generation means to perform machining.

Abstract: A key cutting machine having a vacuum port connected to the housing and capable of removeably connecting a vacuum tube thereto so that when the vacuum tube is connected to the vacuum port the vacuum tube is capable of collecting key shavings created during a key cutting operation and, when the vacuum tube is disconnected from vacuum port, the vacuum tube can be used to collect key shavings on or surrounding the key cutting machine. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described.

Abstract: A key duplication system employs a modular key duplication attachment in combination with a high-speed, rotary powered tool and a profiled abrasive cutter. The attachment comprises a base, a carriage assembly movable relative to the base, a profiled stylus secured to the carriage, a first clamping vise for retaining a specimen key at a fixed (i.e., stationary) position relative to the base and a second clamping vise for retaining a key blank at a fixed position relative to the base. When so-retained, a bottom flat surface of the specimen key and a bottom flat surface of the key blank rest in a common plane and the tip of each key is separated by a first distance. The cutter and stylus are aligned such that movement of the carriage, relative to the base, simultaneously brings them both into contact with appropriate surfaces of the key blank and the specimen key, respectively.

Abstract: A versatile adjustable stylus for key duplicating machine comprising an arm laterally secured at one end on the periphery of a cylindrical body, and laterally movably arranged at the other end on an engagement base secured on a substrate of the key duplicating machine in accordance with the different duplicating distances between the duplicating cutter and the original keys to be duplicated; a retractable spring-loaded tracer movably engaged in one end of the cylindrical body, for pre-tracing the depths of the key teeth of an original key; and a regulating grip angularly movably engaged in the other end of the cylindrical body, for regulating the retractable movement amount of the retractable spring-loaded tracer.

Abstract: A clamp for a key cutting machine includes a base portion having opposing shoulders defining an accommodation. A pair of jaws is housed in the accommodation of the base portion for holding a key blank for cutting thereof. At least one of the jaws is movable relative to the other one of the jaws. An adjustable locator device is disposed on at least one of the base portion and the pair of jaws for bringing the key blank into a cutting position. Opposed plates close open ends of the accommodation. One of the plates includes a key insertion aperture for insertion of the key blank between the pair of jaws to identify the key blank as a correct match and prevent the key blank from tipping over.

Abstract: A clamping device for key duplicating machine with dual pivoted joint comprising a pair of left and right symmetrical cross grooves formed on the front side of a substrate, and aligned one with the other, for securing a pair of left and right vises, in order to enable the same pair of vises to clamp different types of keys by turning and changing from one of the two confronting side edges of the vises to the other; and two pivoted joints provided on the back side of the substrate, for rotating the pair of left and right vises to a different angular position, and for effecting duplication of the different types of keys.

Abstract: An improved spring tracer for duplicating machine for punched and laser keys comprising a longitudinal spindle suspended from an end of a synchronous lateral lever having the other end laterally connected to a longitudinal shaft for a duplicating tool in parallel with the longitudinal spindle, which can be longitudinally slidably secured on a body portion in accordance with a common longitudinal axis of the longitudinal spindle; a spring-loaded tracer engaged in the inner lower end of the longitudinal spindle for biasing a tracer stylus against an original punched or laser key by means of the spring force for tracing the depths of the key teeth of the original punched key in accordance with the said common longitudinal axis; and a regulating sleeve rotatably secured at the outer lower end of the longitudinal spindle for regulating the elevation of the spring-loaded tracer in accordance with the said common longitudinal axis, in order that a regulating action, a securing action and a biasing action can be effe

Abstract: A key cutting machine for the cutting of keys includes a spindle adapted to be driven rotatably about an axis thereof. The spindle has an axially extending throughbore. A milling cutter is selectively mountable in the throughbore for corotation therewith. A carriage for supporting a clamp assembly is movable relative to the spindle in a plane that is orthogonal relative to the axis. A key blank is clamped in the clamp assembly for cutting by the milling cutter. A securing mechanism is disposed on the spindle for rigidly mounting the milling cutter to the spindle when the milling cutter is positioned adjacent a first spindle end. A stem is selectively receivable in the throughbore by axial insertion into a second spindle end to position the milling cutter adjacent the first spindle end. The stem is removable from the throughbore after the milling cutter is rigidly mounted to the spindle by the securing mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a key blank relative to a key cutter. The apparatus includes a frame having an axis. A carriage assembly is attached to the frame and arranged for movement in a generally axial direction and a generally transverse direction relative to the axis. A key blank holder is attached to the carriage assembly. A drive assembly coupled to the carriage assembly is selectively operable to move the carriage assembly in a generally transverse direction. A bias assembly is selectively operable to bias the carriage assembly toward the key cutter.

Abstract: A method to identify a key profile, comprising: illuminating with two laminar beams emitted by two laser light sources said two sides of said shank of a key driven to move axially relative to said beams, reading with two video cameras, fixed relative to said sources and having their optical axis inclined to said planes in which said light beams lie, said two light profiles formed by said laminar beams striking said two surfaces of said shank of said keys, digitizing said optical images read in this manner, to obtain two sequences of signals representative of said profiles of said two lateral surface portions of said key, as instantaneously illuminated by said laminar beams and read by said video cameras, reconstructing from said signals, by means of a processor unit, a signal representative of the entire key profile, and comparing said thus reconstructed signal with said signal representative of profiles stored in said processor unit to obtain data identifying said profile of said read key.

Abstract: In a method of producing a key blank from a workpiece (6) using at least one tool, in particular a milling cutter (3′) of a milling device, profiles are incorporated in the workpiece (6) as grooves (2.1′-2.5′), recesses or the like, predetermined, copied or sensed profiles (2.1-2.5) being converted into profiles (2.1′-2.5′) in accordance with the geometry of the tool(s) used, in particular of the milling cutter(s) used.

Abstract: An improved spring tracer for duplicating machine for punched and laser keys comprising a longitudinal spindle suspended from an end of a synchronous lateral lever having the other end laterally connected to a longitudinal shaft for a duplicating tool in parallel with the longitudinal spindle, which can be longitudinally slidably secured on a body portion in accordance with a common longitudinal axis of the longitudinal spindle; a spring-loaded tracer engaged in the inner lower end of the longitudinal spindle for biasing a tracer stylus against an original punched or laser key by means of the spring force for tracing the depths of the key teeth of the original punched key in accordance with the said common longitudinal axis; and a regulating sleeve rotatably secured at the outer lower end of the longitudinal spindle for regulating the elevation of the spring-loaded tracer in accordance with the said common longitudinal axis, in order that a regulating action, a securing action and a biasing action can be effe

Abstract: After making measurements of a key, the measurements are converted into a compact format which can be read back at a later date or at a different location by apparatus capable of accurately reproducing the original key. The data may be stored on, for example, a sticker, paper strip, or magnetic swipe card. When the duplicate key is required, the data are read from the storage medium and transmitted to a suitable key duplication device to produce a reproduction key.

Abstract: An improved clamp for key duplicating machines, comprising a pair of jaws able to approach each other and define at least one seat for clamping a key, and a gauge associable with said seat to define a correct position of said key, wherein with said gauge there is slidingly associated a counteracting element which interferes with said seat when said gauge is in its operating condition and forms a support for a tip of said key housed in said seat.

Abstract: A key duplicating machine includes a housing and an electrical motor mounted therewithin. Two rotatable machining heads are powered by the motor for forming key cuts on a key blank. A key blank clamping assembly securely and removably mounts a key blank during engagement thereof with the machining heads. A key blank translation assembly selectably positions the key blank clamping assembly such that a key blank mounted thereon is brought into desired engagement with the machining heads. A user controllable tumbler disk assembly operatively associated with the machining heads selectably determines the depth of the key cuts formed thereby on a key blank mounted on the key blank clamping assembly. The key blank translation assembly includes a guide wire disposed below the machining heads such that debris from formation of the key cuts does not tend to collect thereon and interfere with translation of the key blanking clamping assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a bitting pattern of a key comprising a housing used for optically outlining at least the profile of the blade of the key so as to form an image. The image is digitized and information created therefrom, including information about the width of the blade of the key at a plurality of selected longitudinal positions along the length to include the width of the blade at the location of at least one cut of the bitting pattern. The information about the bitting pattern of the key digitized can then be used to cut the bitting patten into a key blank. Alternatively, the information can be compared to stored information and the detected width of the blade adjusted at a location of at least one cut to be one of a plurality of predetermined widths from the manufacturer, thereby creating a regenerated bitting pattern of the key.

Abstract: An improved clamp for key duplicating machines, comprising a pair of jaws able to approach each other and define at least one seat for clamping a key, and a gauge associable with said seat to define a correct position of said key, wherein with said gauge there is slidingly associated a counteracting element which interferes with said seat when said gauge is in its operating condition and forms a support for a tip of said key housed in said seat.

Abstract: A key cutting machine for cutting a notch pattern on a key blank is disclosed. The key cutting machine comprises a pair of cutting heads and a clamp mechanism. Each cutting head includes a cutting wheel having an edge and an alignment structure mounted behind the cutting wheel. Each alignment structure has a key guide portion aligned tangent to the edge of a corresponding cutting wheel to engage and position a key blank laterally. The clamp mechanism is positioned between the cutting heads and is configured to hold the key blank stationary.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for measuring an original key, a line of the light is focused onto the key surface in a direction perpendicular to the key surface. A camera, or other type of detector is disposed to receive light deflected by the key at an oblique angle. The keyway and keycode of the key can be determined from the deflected pattern of light.

Abstract: After making measurements of a key, the measurements are converted into a compact format which can be read back at a later date or at a different location by apparatus capable of accurately reproducing the original key. The data may be stored on, for example, a sticker, paper strip, or magnetic swipe card. When the duplicate key is required, the data are read from the storage medium and transmitted to a suitable key duplication device to produce a reproduction key.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a bitting pattern of a key comprising a housing used for optically outlining at least the profile of the blade of the key so as to form an image. The image is digitized and information created therefrom, including information about the width of the blade of the key at a plurality of selected longitudinal positions along the length to include the width of the blade at the location of at least one cut of the bitting pattern. The information about the bitting pattern of the key digitized can then be used to cut the bitting patten into a key blank. Alternatively, the information can be compared to stored information and the detected width of the blade adjusted at a location of at least one cut to be one of a plurality of predetermined widths from the manufacturer, thereby creating a regenerated bitting pattern of the key.

Abstract: Determining of the starting and end positions of the machining programme of a gear making machine with respect to the axial position of the workpiece (11, 18) by means of a laser light line (14) projected at right angles to the workpiece axis, the position of which light line relative to the reference point of the tool (5, 17) is known. By mutual displacement parallel to the workpiece axis, the light line (14) and one or both of the workpiece end faces (16) are brought to coincide. The axial positions thus obtained are transmitted to the machine control system. The determining of the axial tool position takes place analogously by the projection of a laser light line onto the circumference surface of the tool (5, 17) at right angles to the tool axis.

Abstract: Shadow image acquisition device for the purpose of further digital key identification. Proposed device acquires a shadow image of a cross-section of a key by sending light rays along the groves and indentations of the key shank towards the screen. Captured cross-sectional images will be picked up by a digital scanner and stored in the computer memory for further identification, comparison and database storage. The computer uses specially designed Shadow Image Recognition software to match the captured shadow images to the stored images. When a match is made the operator is notified by means of visual output.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for duplicating an original key, the keyway and keycode of the original key are measured and duplicated in a preform. The preform used in the duplication process need not include any keyway or keycode prior to the duplication process and, therefore, a single type of preform may be used in generating duplicates of many different types of keys. The apparatus may be automated to take the measurements of the original key and to cut the duplicate key, thus reducing the possibility of producing a nonfunctional duplicate.

Abstract: 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 for supporting angled or chevron-shaped keys or key blanks during cutting of bit surfaces in the blade portions thereof. The angled key blank is supported at the intermediate horizontal ledge portion thereof such that the upper portion of the key which is to be cut is oriented in a horizontal manner so as to be properly engaged by the cutting mechanism. The apparatus may include a plurality of lower vice jaws each of which is configured to support a particular angled key blank, or it may include a plurality of detachable inserts that form part of a modular system which allows a single lower vice jaw to detachably receive any of various inserts, thereby permitting the jaw to support various angled key blanks. A support member also is provided which may be utilized on preexisting vice jaws of a key cutting machine to permit the machine to be modified so as to properly support and cut bit surfaces into the upper portion of an angled key blank.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable key cutter assembly. It consists of a cutter housing assembly including a drive shaft for receiving a portable power source. A carriage assembly is provided that is separate from and freely movable relative to the cutter housing assembly. The carriage includes spaced clamping assemblies that support a key and a key blank to be cut into a duplicate of the key when the key is engaged by a tracer point and the key blank is simultaneously engaged by the cutter.

Abstract: A key cutting machine for cutting keys by code has a vise jaw for securely holding a key with a groove of the key aligned with respect to the vise jaw and with at least one of a tip of the key and a shoulder of the key positioned at a predetermined position with respect to the vise jaw, a key cutter, a position detector for detecting a blank edge of the key held by the vise jaw, a movement system for moving the key cutter and the vise jaw relative to one another to cut the key; and a controller for controlling the movement system to carry out a predetermined sequence of movements according to code information. The code information is referenced with respect to a blank edge of a side of the key to be cut, and the predetermined sequence of movements being referenced to the detected blank edge position. A key is cut with the key held in the vise jaw with a groove of the key aligned with respect to the vise jaw without needing to align the key with respect to a keyrest.

Abstract: A milling apparatus for forming a key bit includes a base, and a key holding member positioned in front of the base. The key holding member includes an upper clamping plate and a lower clamping plate, which are adapted to clamp a key blank therebetween. A carrier is mounted movably on the base. A hollow body is mounted slidably on the carrier, and has an interior chamber and a concave front face unit which is formed with a cross groove. The cross groove has a vertical section and a horizontal section which is adapted to be aligned with the key blank that is clamped between the upper and lower clamping plates of the key holding member. A milling cutter is mounted rotatably within the interior chamber in the hollow body, and extends into the vertical section of the cross groove in the front face unit of the hollow body.

Abstract: A key duplicating machine and the method of operating the machine wherein one or more key cutters move linearly along an axis perpendicular to the rotation of the key cutters. The linear movement enables the cutters to precisely cut a single sided or double sided key blank to a profile corresponding to the key to be duplicated. In addition, the key to be duplicated and the key blank are clamped together in a single operation in one clamping unit with one clamping force.

Abstract: A key duplicating machine comprising a rotating cutting tool directly secured on an output shaft of a driving motor; a duplicating stylus secured on a rack means secured on a substrate; a pair of clamping devices for clamping a key blank and a key sample, secured on a rectangular base releasably secured on an upper slide slidably secured on a lower slide slidably secured on said substrate; a compression spring arranged between said upper slide and a rear wall of said lower slide for constantly forcing said key blank to move toward and touch said rotating cutting tool for effecting a steady key cutting.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for duplicating an original key, the keyway and keycode of the original key are measured and duplicated in a preform. The preform used in the duplication process need not include any keyway or keycode prior to the duplication process and, therefore, a single type of preform may be used in generating duplicates of many different types of keys. The apparatus may be automated to take the measurements of the original key and to cut the duplicate key, thus reducing the possibility of producing a nonfunctional duplicate.

Abstract: A duplicating machine for punched and laser keys. The machine has on a base two clamps moving simultaneously in a horizontal plane for an original key to be duplicated and for a key blank to be cut, and a carriage moving vertically relative to the clamps and supporting by means of self-centering chucks, a feeler above the original key and a cutter above the blank key, the height of the feeler above its clamp being adjustable independently of the cutter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a key making machine that automatically extracts characteristics of an object key without human intervention. An object key is automatically aligned, key characteristics extracted and compared with known key manufacturers' information stored in memory, an appropriate key blank in a robotically accessible inventory is selected, cut, deburred, and automatically dispensed to the customer.

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: An apparatus and method for supporting angled or chevron-shaped keys or key blanks during cutting of bit surfaces in the blade portions thereof. The angled key blank is supported at the intermediate horizontal ledge portion thereof such that the upper portion of the key which is to be cut is oriented in a horizontal manner so as to be properly engaged by the cutting mechanism. The apparatus may include a plurality of lower vice jaws each of which is configured to support a particular angled key blank, or it may include a plurality of detachable inserts that form part of a modular system which allows a single lower vice jaw to detachably receive any of various inserts, thereby permitting the jaw to support various angled key blanks. A support member also is provided which may be utilized on preexisting vice jaws of a key cutting machine to permit the machine to be modified so as to properly support and cut bit surfaces into the upper portion of an angled key blank.

Abstract: A key duplicating machine having a key clamping assembly for supporting a key blank and a customer key to be duplicated, a key cutter assembly having a cutter wheel for cutting a pattern on the supported key blank and a follower for tracing a tooth patter on the supported customer key, a housing having a front wall, a top wall and a chip collection drawer lcoated below the front and top walls, the key clamping assembly being mounted on the front wall and the key cutter assembly being mounted on the top wall such that no obstructions exist between the key cutter assembly and the chip collection drawer located below the top wall, so that chips formed from a key cutting operation by the key cutter assembly fall unimpeded to the chip collection drawer, and surfaces which may collect the chips are minimized.

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 cylinder lock-key-combination includes a lock cylinder, a cylinder housing (2) and a cylinder plug (3) provided with a key slot (3a) and a row of tumblers (5). The tumblers (5) and associated key (4) present mutually adapted engaging and receiving members which function to forcibly guide movement of the tumblers in two opposite axial directions as the key is inserted into the lock. For instance, the pin tumblers (5) include a circular flange (5a) and a side surface of the key (4) includes a groove (4b) which extends along the length of the key and whose width varies so as to accommodate the flanges of the rotatable or twistable tumblers. Alternatively, the tumblers are provided with a groove or a waisted portion and the key is provided on a side surface thereof with a rail which engages in the groove or waisted portion.

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: A key duplicating machine and the method of operating the machine wherein one or more key cutters move linearly along an axis perpendicular to the rotation of the key cutters. The linear movement enables the cutters to precisely cut a single sided or double sided key blank to a profile corresponding to the key to be duplicated. In addition, the key to be duplicated and the key blank are clamped together in a single operation in one clamping unit with one clamping force.

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-duplicating machine for security keys usable in cylinder locks with a bolt operable by a plug and with a plurality of pins operable axially and rotataby by a cut key inserted into said plug to release it and enable it to rotate. The machine comprises a cutter (6), a clamp (14) for a key (8) to be cut, and means for causing said clamp (14) and said cutter (6) to undergo mutual movement resulting in said key being cut in accordance with a predetermined code.