Abstract: A fabrication system is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The fabrication system may have a housing with a slot configured to receive a key blank, and a receiving unit configured to accept a shank of the key blank at the slot. The receiving unit may be configured to mechanically align the shank as it is inserted by a user. The fabrication system may also have a clamp movable between an open position and a closed position, and an actuator. The actuator may be configured to move the receiving unit and the key blank to the clamp, and to move the receiving unit away from the key blank after the clamp has moved to the closed position.

Abstract: A method for replicating a transponder key is disclosed. A first device reads a transponder code from a transponder key; captures bitting characteristics of the transponder key; and transmits the transponder code and the bitting characteristic of the transponder key to a remote location. An internet compatible device receives the transmitted transponder data and communicates it to a transponder duplication device at the remote location.

Abstract: A computer program, method, and system for locksmithing. The computer program, method, and system receive vehicle information, obtain a key code for a lock based on the vehicle information, decrypt the key code to determine key specification data, and provide the key specification data to a user, such that a duplicate key corresponding to the lock can be formed.

Abstract: A computer program, method, and system for locksmithing. The computer program, method, and system receive vehicle information, obtain a key code for a lock based on the vehicle information, decrypt the key code to determine key specification data, and provide the key specification data to a user, such that a duplicate key corresponding to the lock can be formed.

Abstract: A device for capturing at least three views of an object with a camera includes a housing having a cavity. A slot in the housing communicates with the cavity and is adapted to accept an object. A plurality of mirrors in the cavity reflects at least three views of the object towards the camera, allowing the camera to capture an image of the views. A system for capturing multiple views of an object includes a housing having a cavity. A slot in the housing communicates with the cavity and is adapted to receive an object. A camera, a light source, and a plurality of mirrors in the cavity reflect at least three views of the object towards the camera, allowing the camera to capture an image three views.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method for duplicating a key including receiving a key identification code indicative of key cuts in an original key, and duplicating the original key by forming key cuts in a duplicate key in response to the key identification code, wherein authorization to form the key cuts is restricted by means of a verification code that must be passed before forming the key cuts is permissible. The authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted in various ways, such as to a group of users, a geographic location of a user, or a group of key blanks. The authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted as a function of a physical characteristic of the original key. As another alternative, authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted as a function of whether the original key is a master key or a slave key.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A method for duplicating a key including receiving a key identification code indicative of key cuts in an original key, and duplicating the original key by forming key cuts in a duplicate key in response to the key identification code, wherein authorization to form the key cuts is restricted by means of a verification code that must be passed before forming the key cuts is permissible. The authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted in various ways, such as to a group of users, a geographic location of a user, or a group of key blanks. The authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted as a function of a physical characteristic of the original key. As another alternative, authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted as a function of whether the original key is a master key or a slave key.

Abstract: A setup jig for a router bit for setting the desired depth of the router bit includes a profile member having a plurality of outwardly extending projections wherein each projection is shaped with a profile that corresponds to a different router bit shape. The second component of the setup jig is a support member that is constructed and arranged and cooperating with the profile member so as to enable the controlled axial movement of the profile member relative to the support member. The profile member is internally threaded and the support member is externally threaded and the selected pitch is set so as to axially move the profile member 1/32 of an inch for each 45 degrees of rotation of the profile member relative to the support member.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: A key code cutting device includes a base, a milling tool, a carriage mounted on the base and movable along a first transverse direction, a work table mounted on the carriage and movable along a second transverse direction, a key holding member mounted on the work table and having a clamp member that is adapted to hold a key blank and that is rotatable about an axis, an urging member for urging the carriage to move along the first transverse direction, a key coding member for adjusting cutting positions of the key blank along the first transverse direction, and a locking member for locking the clamp member against angular movement about the axis.

Abstract: A crankshaft miller is constructed by providing two cutter units movably in a longitudinal direction of a work between a pair of work heads provided on a bed and supporting both ends of the work. A cutter for machining a main journal and a first resting device are provided in one of the pair of cutter units. A pitch of the cutter for machining a main journal and the first resting device is selected such that when a counterweight is machined by the cutter for machining a main journal, a main journal which is located adjacent a counterweight forming a pair with the counterweight is clamped by the first resting device. A cutter for machining a pin journal and a second resting device are provided in the other of the pair of cutter. A pitch of the cutter for machining a pin journal and the second resting device is selected such that when a pin journal is machined by means of the cutter for machining a pin journal, the main journal adjacent the pin journal is clamped by the second resting device.

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 code key cutting apparatus for cutting keys according to the majority of key-lock manufacturers codes as to the location, depth and shape of notches cut into a key blank. The apparatus includes a notch location mechanism and a depth location mechanism, each having a carriage coupled to an indexing dial to indicate the extent of travel of the carriage. The indexing dial is positionable without moving the carriage thus enabling the indexing mechanism to be initialized according to any lock manufacture specifications. In addition, the apparatus includes a notch tracing mechanism to cut a variety of notch shapes into a key blank without changing the cutting blade.

Abstract: This invention relates to the method for producing a coded reference key for use in the locksmithing trade. The method comprises cutting a key blank at a first coded depth and at a first shank position, to create a partial silhouette of a reference key. Upon cutting a number of such partial reference key silhouettes at a number of positions and common depths, a set of partial reference key silhouettes can be created. When a locksmith is required to reproduce a reference key which has certain depth cuts at certain positions, he merely assembles the appropriate pre-cut partial reference keys, thereby creating the required complete silhouette. This complete reference key silhouette may then be duplicated by using a standard reference key duplicating machine.

Abstract: A cam feed attachment and a quick space attachment for a code key and key card coded cutting machine enabling a fifty percent time saving in cutting code or master keys with much less effort and with as high a degree of precision. A thread advancing key moving shaft, collar and turn wheel assembly is replaced by a rotational shaft mounting a compound quick action cam manually rotated by a lever mounted on an adjustably position locked cap. The compound quick action cam key moving assembly quickly moves the key clamp vise from the retracted position where the key is clamped in the advanceable machine key vise to a shallow cam drive portion for manual key advancement for key notch cutting to specific card indicated key notch depth cuttings. The pivotally mounted advanceable machine key vise member is extended through a double range where one or the other of two cam sides of the shallow cam drive portion may be used with the manual rotational direction of control reversed one from the other.

Abstract: A key duplicating apparatus is disclosed which includes a base and platform supporting a reciprocating carriage assembly and a pivotally mounted housing. The carriage assembly has a key securement means which secures a blank key and a template key in alignment for positioning, respectively, with a notch cutting means and a notch depth indicating means, so that a template key may be duplicated by cutting notches of a predetermined depth and position into the shank portion of the blank key.The duplicate key may be cut by use of the template key as a pattern, with a guide cam affixed to the indicating means aligned with a cutter wheel affixed to the notch cutting means. Alternatively, the guide cam may have indicia about its circumference, which may be used to "dial" and decode a manufacturer's code for the purpose of creating a duplicated key. As the guide cam is rotated, the invention may be used to cut a duplicate key from the notch pattern presented in the code.

Abstract: A machine for coding or duplicating a pattern of bits onto a key blank employs a locator block which forms reference slots for receiving a key to be duplicated. A template having a matrix of openings which correspond to possible pre-established bit locations is positioned in registration with the key receiving slots. A depth gauge is employed so that a guide selectively seated in a bit defining cut-out of the pattern key indicates the correct incremental depth of the bit to be duplicated. A cutter having a preestablished relationship to the depth gauge guide is employed to obtain the correct cutting depths for the key blank bits.

Abstract: A machine for cutting flat keys having extending tumbler-receiving recesses includes a mount for a key blade blank, a mount for a cutter, mechanism mounting the blank mount and the cutter mount for movement relative to each other for cutting a longitudinal tumbler-receiving recess in a blade blank mounted on the blank mount with a cutter mounted on the cutter mount, and mechanism mounting the blank mount and the cutter mount for adjustment of their relative positions to adjust the position of the cutter transversely with respect to the blade blank, whereby a plurality of tumbler-receiving recesses may be cut in the blank thereacross. A holder for the blade blank is pivotally mounted on the blank mount for 180-degree rotation about the longitudinal axis of the blank, whereby the recesses may be cut in opposite sides of the blank.

Abstract: A kit and method for constructing a temporary key template from a key code of a lock having pin tumblers is disclosed. The temporary key template is used as a master in order to make a permanent duplicate key having appropriate serrations from a suitable uncut key. The kit includes a converter blank key having an elongate bar in which a plurality of apertures are provided. These apertures are spaced at predetermined distances from one another which correspond to the respective distances between the pin tumblers of the lock. A plurality of different pins are provided which are adapted to be inserted into any of the apertures so that a predetermined upper portion of the pin extends above the elongate bar. The particular pin need for an aperture is determined by the key code so that by filling the appropriate apertures with appropriate pins, a temporary key template is constructed which is easily duplicated on a conventional key duplicating machine.

Abstract: A device for precisely measuring the depths of cuts of a Mercedes Benz key at the critical depth locations which determine the unique characteristics of each such key. In a first embodiment for measuring a single shelf key, the key is measured by a projecting probe of a circular gauge, by moving the key via a slide plate. The slide plate is incremented by a rack-and-pinion arrangement, the rack forming part of one side edge surface of the slide plate. A stop member cooperates with cut-outs formed in the other side edge surface of the slide plate for holding the slide plate, and therefore the key, at each of the critical locations where depth of cut is to be measured. In the second embodiment, a double shelf key may be measured by the use of a pair of oppositely disposed and aligned probe tips of a pair of circular measuring gauges.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reproducing coded keys adapted to machines for reproducing keys by scanning and comprising a rotary cutter and a follower adapted to be displaced simultaneously in two orthogonal directions, wherein said device comprises a support, a first carriage mounted to move with respect to the support, a second carriage mobile with respect to the first and bearing a bar provided with a single notch whose shape is that of the notches of the key to be reproduced, the two carriages being mobile respectively in the longitudinal direction of the bar and in the direction of the depth of the notch thereof, means for immobilizing one of the carriages in one of several marked positions each corresponding to one of the possible locations for the notches of the key to be reproduced, and means for immobilizing the other carriage in one of several marked positions each corresponding to one of the possible depths for these notches.

Abstract: A mechanism for machining an object, such as a key blank, to a desired shape at a plurality of successive positions in an axial direction of the object, includes a holder for the object. The holder is axially movable by means of a transfer mechanism with a rotatable shaft. There is a feeder member connected to the rotatable shaft and cooperating with a clutch device axially stationary relatively to the holder. Cooperating guiding surfaces are arranged to transmit to the holder an axial movement during a limited turning of the rotatable shaft. This turning is only a small portion of a full turn of the rotatable shaft. The machining of the object takes place as a continuous guided operation during such a turning of the rotatable shaft which is separate from the turning thereof causing the holder to move axially.

Abstract: A key forming machine including a machine frame, key cutting means mounted on the machine frame and operable to cut bittings of preselected location and depth into a key blank to form a key, and a carriage assembly adapted to carry a key blank and mounted on the machine frame for movement for presentation of the key blank to the key cutting means. First and second indexing mechanisms ar mounted on the machine frame and operable to move the carriage assembly, for presentation of a carried key blank to the key cutting means, to indexed positions respectively corresponding to preselected bitting locations and bitting depths. The indexing mechanisms each include an interengageable cam element and follower element, each cam element defining at least one series of discrete land portions representative of the indexed positions of the carriage assembly.

Abstract: A machine for cutting a contoured edge into a key blank according to a predetermined guide surface. The key blank is mounted in a vise located at one end of a fixture which has means for establishing the guide surface at a second end. The fixture is journaled on a stationary shaft for pivoting about and horizontally sliding along the shaft. A cutting wheel is journaled for rotation on an arbor and is arranged to be engaged by the key blank as the fixture is moved. A stationary stylus is arranged to contact the guide surface to control the pivoting movement of the fixture. A spring urges the fixture to pivot in one direction to cause the stylus to contact the guide surface and the cutting wheel to cut into the key blank in accordance with the guide surface as the fixture slides horizontally along the shaft. The guide surface comprises a series of rotatable disks aligned on a shaft which have successive steps of different depths formed on a portion of the periphery of each disk.

Abstract: A system for testing key duplicating machines to determine the accuracy thereof. This system is provided with a pair of identical detector plates each of which are intended for alignment positioning of the key and key blank within the two vises of the key duplicating machine. Portions of the detector plates which are to be in contact with the vises are provided with an insulating surface, and portions of the remainder of the detector plates are electrically conductive and are exposed for contact. An electrical circuit is provided which attaches to these detector plates such that electrical continuity can be determined visually when the guide member of the key duplicating machine contacts the detector plate held in the appropriate vise.

Abstract: A tubular key blank is received in a rotatable, indexable chuck. The chuck is positioned below a selectively actuatable milling tool that is movable vertically and horizontally to mill grooves at designated positions in the key blank.

Abstract: A machine for cutting a tubular key from a tubular key blank. The tubular key blank is mounted on a stanchion and is rotatable in respect thereto. Also, the tubular key blank is movable a limited lineal distance in respect to the stanchion. A key ejector assembly is connected with the key blank supporting mechanism to manually eject the key after the key has been cut. A cutter is mounted on a mounting assembly which is lineally movable in two directions (perpendicular to each other) in respect to the base. Measurement means in the form of a plurality of dial indicators are mounted between the base and the mounting assembly to accurately ascertain the extent of movement of the mounting assembly in respect to the tubular key blank. A decoder mechanism is mounted on the base which is to be used to measure the length of grooves already cut within a tubular key permitting that key to be duplicated within the tubular key blank mounted within the key supporting structure.

Abstract: A machine for the manufacturing of tubular keys wherein the tubular key to be cut is tightly supported within a support means which includes the use of a pivotable indexing plate which will precisely pivot the key to any desired pivotal location. The key is to be lineally movable upon a base in a direction transverse to the longitudinal center axis of the key. A measuring indicator is provided to accurately determine the amount of lineal movement of the key in the transverse direction. A motor driven rotatable cutter is also mounted for lineal movement on the base. The lineal movement of the cutter is parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the key. Another measuring indicator is employed to accurately measure the extent of movement of the cutter with respect to the key. The cutter is capable of being driven at various rotational speeds.

Abstract: A key cutting machine formed of a non-movable, horizontal shaft and an L-shaped lever centrally journalled upon the shaft for sliding and pivoting movement. A vise mounted upon the end of the horizontal part of the lever holds a key blank. A stylus mounted upon the vertical end of the lever contacts and moves upon a guide surface. This causes the lever to pivot, to conform to the shape of the guide surface, as it moves in the direction of the shaft. A cutter blade mounted above the vise engages and cuts the blank in accordance with the lever movement. The guide surface is formed by a series of disks which are axially aligned about a horizontal axis that is parallel to the shaft axis. The adjacent disks are arranged in face-to-face contact with each other and are relatively rotatable about their respective axes.

Abstract: A key cutter is provided that includes a machine for cutting keys for most pin tumbler or disc tumbler locks. The machine is not a duplicator but is a machine for cutting keys by the code or number. The machine includes a base, turret assembly, and an electric motor for operating or driving a cutting wheel.

Abstract: A machine for cutting a key blank edge into a duplicate, predetermined key edge shape, which shape is identified by a code. The blank is clamped within a vise mounted upon one end of an elongated lever which has a stylus mounted upon its opposite end and is centrally journalled upon a fixed shaft for sliding movement along the shaft and for rocking about the shaft. A guide is positioned adjacent the stylus so that as the lever is moved along the shaft, the stylus contacts and moves upon the guide surface in a path parallel to the shaft. The guide surface is formed by clamping together in face to face relationship, a number of substantially identical, narrow, elongated, thin blades, each having a guide edge which is formed with successive steps of predetermined depth and length.