Axxess Entry Technologies

Other

The Hillman Group, Inc.

Axxess Technologies, Inc.

George L Heredia

Robert E Almblad

Michael A Mueller

Mike A Mueller

John S Campbell

Bradley D Carlson

Peter G Piatkowski

A system for identifying the key blank corresponding to a master key is provided. The system includes a first luminous surface and a second luminous surface. The second luminous surface is disposed opposite the first luminous surface such that the master key is disposable therebetween. The first and second luminous surfaces are operable to generate an image of the master key. A receiver is provided to capture the image of the master key. The system also includes a control having a memory that stores information on a plurality of key blanks. The control is operable to identify the key blank corresponding to the master key based on the image captured by the receiver.

Key identification system

A system and method for identifying a key blank from a master key is provided. The system includes a housing, a first source of uniform light fixed relative to the housing, and a second source of uniform light fixed relative to the housing and disposed at an angle relative to the first source of uniform light. A reflecting device is proviced that has a reflective surface and a transparent surface. The reflecting surface is configured to reflect light generated by the second source of uniform light towards the first source of uniform light such that when a master key is disposed in the housing, the first source of uniform light generates a profile image of the master key and the second source of uniform light illuminates a surface of the master key. A receiver is operable to capture an image of the master key through the transparent surface of the reflecting device.

A method and system for identifying a key blank corresponding to a master key is provided. The system includes a housing. A first source of uniform light is fixed relative to the housing. A second source of uniform light is fixed relative to the housing and is disposed opposite the first source of uniform light such that the master key is disposable therebetween. The first and second sources of uniform light are operable to generate an image of the master key. A receiver captures the image of the master key. A control having a memory configured to store information on a plurality of key blanks identifies the key blank corresponding to the master key based on the captured image.

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.

Key cutting machine with key tracing and electronic code cutting

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.

Method and apparatus for aligning and cutting single-sided and

Method and apparatus for aligning and cutting single-sided and double

A key identifier enables an operator to select a key blank design functionally compatible with an unknown key by directing the operator to implement a primary classification step followed by a secondary classification step to sort an unknown key into a specified secondary classification category. The key identifier operator then implements a key blade matching procedure within the specified secondary classification category where the cross section of the blade of the unknown key is matched with a defined blade cross sectional configuration. When a match is obtained between the unknown key blade configuration and the known blade configuration, the known key blank design can be identified and a compatible key blank can be selected.

Key identifier method and apparatus

Method and apparatus for duplicating keys using tip-referenced alignment

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.

Key cutting machine with a code selectable key duplicating system

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.

Growing community of inventors

Paradise Valley, AZ, United States of America

George L Heredia