Method and apparatus for duplicating keys using tip-referenced alignment between key blank and master key
US5314274A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 1991 |
| Grant date | May 24, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 30, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T409/30112
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.