United States Patent
`
`1191
`
`1111
`
`3,978,764
`
`Sept. 7, 1976
`Patriquin
`__________________________________..____————-——————————
`
`1451
`
`1541 AUTOMATIC KEY DUPLICATING
`APPARATUS
`
`[75]
`
`Inventor: George P. Patriquin, Gardner,gMass.
`
`[73] Assignce: Hudson Lock. Inc., Hudson, Mass.
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Nov. 29. 1974
`
`[21] Appl. No.1 528.222
`Related US. Application Data
`
`[62] Division of Ser. No. 394.500. Sept. 5. 1973. Pat. No.
`3.865.01 l.
`
`[52] US. Cl................................. 90/13.05; 269/228
`[51]
`Int. Cl.2 ............................................ 323C 1/!6
`[58] Field of Search..................... 90/1305; 269/228
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`UNlTED STATES PATENTS
`
`2.467.575
`3,442.174‘
`3.602.092
`3.834.688
`
`4/1949
`Stolove et a1. ..................... 90/1305
`
`5/1969 Weiner ct a1. .......... 90/13.05
`
`Richens ...................... 90/ l 3.05
`8/1971
`Richens et al. ................ 90/1105 X
`9/1974
`
`Primary Examiner—Othell M. Simpson
`Assistant Examiner—Z. R. Belinsky
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—John E. Toupal
`
`‘
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`Disclosed is a key making machine with a sample vise
`
`for receiving and retaining a sample key to be dupli-
`cated and a blank vise for receiving and retaining a
`key blank. When the sample key is positioned prop-
`erly a path of electrical conduction is provided
`through it. A similar conductive path is established
`through the key blank when it is properly positioned.
`A series circuit through the key and blank prevents
`operation of the machine if the sample key or key
`blank is not properly positioned. During each cycle of
`operation, a support table completes one cycle of re-
`ciprocating linear motion. Toggles responsive to the
`motion of the table close the Vises shortly after the
`table begins to move. Positioning towers near the Vises
`support slidably mounted rigid fingers that project
`toward the Vises to aid in the positioning of the key
`and the blank. Following closure of the Vises, the tow-
`ers respond to the motion of the table and move to a
`standby position to facilitate the cutting operation.
`Tower motion is linear and transverse to both table
`motion and finger projection. A cutter motor
`is
`mounted on the table with its shaft parallel .to the di—
`rection of table motion. A coupling system couples the
`cutter motor to a cutter wheel and allows the axle of
`the wheel to move in a circular path about a drive
`shaft that is parallel to the cutter motor shaft. Motion
`of the cutter wheel with respect to the cutter motor is
`in response to a stylus that scans the bitted‘pattern of
`the sample key as the table reciprocates.
`
`6 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures
`
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 1
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 1
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`

`

`US. Patent
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`Sept. 7, 1976
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`Sheetlofll
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`3,978,764
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 2
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 2
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`US. Patent
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`Sept. 7, 1976
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`Sheet20f11
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`3,978,764
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`DEPOSIT
`CO IN
`
`PUSH BUTTON UNTIL
`LIGHT GOES OUT.
`RELEASE.
`
`7
`ULwLOON
`DOOR UNTIL %
`LiGHT GOES OUT
`
`RAISE DOOR,
`REMOVE
`BOTH KEYS
`
`IN THIS SLOT
`
`PLACE THE R
`
`KEY BLANK
`IN THIS SLOT
`
`51 PLAOE
`
`YOURKEY
`
`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 3
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 3
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`U.S. Patent
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`Sept. 7, 1976
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`I Sheet30f11
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`3,978,764
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 4
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 4
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Sept. 7, 1976
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`Sheet4of11
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`3,978,764
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 5
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`US. Patent
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`Sept. 7, 1976
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`Sheet 5 of 11
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`3,978,764
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 6
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 6
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`US. Patent
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`Sept. 7, 1976
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`Sheet 6 of 11
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`3,978,764
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 7
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 7
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 8
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Sept. 7, 1976
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`Sheet 8 of 11
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`3,978,764
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 9
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Sept. 7, 1976
`
`'Sheet9of11
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`3,978,764
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`\2I I
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 10
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 10
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Sept. 7, 1976
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`‘Sheet 100f11
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`3,978,764
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`KEYME-EX. 1009, PAGE 12
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 12
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`

`

`1
`
`3,978,764 _
`
`AUTOMATIC KEY DUPLICATING APPARATUS
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
`
`This invention is a division of my co-pending U.S.
`Application Ser. No. 394,500 filed Sept. 5, 1973, now
`US. Pat. No. 3,865,01 l, entitled “Automatic Key Du-
`plicating Apparatus”.
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to key duplicating machines
`and, more particularly, to automatic key duplicating
`machines amenable to coin controlled operation.
`Several
`forms of key duplicating machines are
`known. The most widely used of these machines are
`quite simple and greatly rely on the skill of the machine
`operator during the duplication process. Clearly such
`machines are not automatic and are not suitable for
`operation in customer controlled or coin operated ap-
`plications.
`-
`Previous attempts have been made to automate key
`making machines. However,
`the added number of
`working parts previously required to render the ma-
`chines automatic and eliminate the need for a skilled
`operator made most prior automatic models too expen-
`sive to be widely accepted and so complex as to be
`prone to breakdown. Furthermore, most known auto-
`matic key duplicating machines were not sufficiently
`“foolproof” in the hands of an unskilled operator. For
`example, many prior models relied on a certain degree
`of dexterity and care on the part of an operator to
`properly position the sample key and key blank. Often,
`however, a customer of a self-service machine was
`unable or too inattentive to provide proper positioning
`with the result that the “duplicate” key provided was
`dysfunctional.
`Other prior machines worked as laboratory models
`but were not suited for actual public operation. For
`example, sample keys that were of an unusual thickness
`or slightly bent could not be accommodated.
`The object of this invention, therefore, is to provide
`a reliable automatic key making machine that can be
`successfully operated by inattentive or unskilled per-
`sons and can be manufactured at a low cost.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention is characterized by an automatic key
`duplicating machine including a sample vise forreceiv-
`ing and retaining a sample key and a blank vise for
`receiving and retaining a key blank. A stylus responsive
`cutter is mounted on a movable support table that is in
`turn mounted on a linear track so that the support table
`reciprocates one dimensionally during the cutting cy~
`cle. Clamping apparatus is provided to close the Vises
`upon the initiation of a cutting cycle and a positioning
`system is included to aid in properly positioning the
`sample key and key blank in the Vises prior to the acti-
`vation of the clamping system. The positioning system
`is removed from the vicinity of the vises following
`clamping. Both the clamping apparatus and the posi-
`tioning system are mechanically controlled by the
`movement of the support table. The entire machine is
`therefore of simple construction and inexpensive to
`manufacture. FurthermOre, the electrical control cir-
`cuitry is substantially simplified and the number of
`parts is greatly reduced so that breakdowns are less of
`a problem than in prior automatic key duplicating ma-
`chines. However, inasmuch as the scanning movement
`
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`2
`of the cutter and stylus combination, the removal of the
`positioning system and the clamping of the Vises all
`occur in response to motion of the support, positive
`synchronization thereamong is assured. The subject
`key duplicating machine is readily usable as a coin
`operation key duplicating machine because no opera-
`tor skill is required and the machine is extremely effi-
`cient and reliable in operation.
`A feature of the invention is a coupling system that
`coupled the stylus and the cutter to the moving support
`table so that the stylus and cutter move in a direction
`other than the direction of the one dimensional motion
`of the table. The coupling system includes an axle and
`the stylus and cutter follow circular paths therearound.
`A cutter motor is mounted on the support table. A
`cutter drive shaft coupled to the cutter motor supports
`a drive pulley with the center of the pulley aligned with
`the center point of the axle. A cutter arm extending
`from the axle supports a cutter wheel and a cutter
`pulley in driving engagement. A drive belt couples the
`drive pulley and the cutter pulley for rotating the cutter
`wheel in response to the cutter motor. As the cutter
`wheel and the cutter pulley follow circular paths about
`the axle, the separation between the cutter pulley and
`the drive pulley remains constant and thus the drive
`belt tension remains constant. A stylus arm couples the
`cutter wheel and the stylus so that the cutting point at
`which the wheel intersects the key blank is at the same
`radius from the center point of the axle as is the contact
`point of the stylus. Consequently, motion of the stylus,
`as it scans the sample key during the reciprocating
`motion of the table, is precisely duplicated by the cut-
`ter wheel and thus the bitted pattern of the sample key
`is duplicated in the key blank. Inasmuch as the cutter
`motor is firmly mounted on the support and moves one
`dimensionally therewith, all that moves in response to
`the stylus is the stylus itself and the cutter wheel and
`cutter pulley assembly and the associated mounting
`components. Consequently, the stylus responsive sys-
`tem is of very low mass and a bias spring which is in-
`cluded to urge the stylus against the sample key can be
`of a low spring constant. The low mass system provides
`many benefits. Among these are reduced stylus wear,
`lower displacement forces exerted on the sample key
`and key blank during scanning and more rapid and
`arcuate stylus response.
`Another feature of the invention is the inclusion of a
`
`toggle system within the clamping apparatus. One tog~
`gle is included for each vise. The knuckle of each tog-
`gle is coupled to the moving support and each toggle
`moves one of the jaws of the associated vise. Thus, jaw
`motion begins immediately upon initiation of support
`table motion. Consequently, positive synchronized
`coupling is provided and a firm vise closure is provided
`due to the mechanical advantage provided by a toggle.
`In practice, it has been found that support motion of
`less than one quarter of an inch is sufficient to close the
`Vises when utilizinga toggle system.
`Still another feature of the invention is the inclusion
`
`of a compensation system in the toggle system to com-
`pensate for varying thicknesses in sample keys and key
`blanks. The compensation system includes compres-
`sion springs coupling the toggle knuckles to the mov-
`able support table. The initial support motion closes
`the Vises. Further support table motion necessary to
`complete the cutting cycle causes a change inthe spac-
`ing between the support table and the toggle knuckles.
`This overtravel is absorbed by the compression springs
`
`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 13
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 13
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`3,978,764
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`4
`drive shaft. The clutch includes a slippage system to
`slip and prevent the engagement of the pinion and the
`rotating drive shaft in the event that resistance to such
`engagement is encountered. A clutch control system
`comprises a withdrawal latch that selectively latches
`the positioning towers in place. Thus, when the with—
`drawal latch is activated, the selective clutch will not
`engage the pinion and the drive shaft. A withdrawal
`latch release is mounted on the movable support table
`and engages the withdrawal latch shortly after suffi-
`cient table motion has occurred to firmly clamp the
`vises closed. Thus, the latch is released and the clutch
`engages the pinion and the rotating drive shaft after the
`vises are closed. When the towers have receded fully
`they abut the end of the tracks provided for them and
`resistance is again sensed by the clutch and the engage-
`ment between the pinion and the drive shaft is broken.
`The rotating drive shaft reverses direction during the
`second half of the cutting cycle as will be described
`more fully below. Upon the reversal, the engagement of
`the pinion and the drive shaft will move the positioning
`towers up to the active position. However, a blocking
`member on the support table prevents motion of the
`towers until the cycle is nearly complete. Only at this
`time does the clutch engage the pinion and the drive
`shaft to return the positioning towers to the active
`position. Thus, positive control of tower movement is
`provided wherein the tower movement is responsive to
`the position of the movable support table.
`The slippage system in the clutch comprises two
`concentric facing clutch discs that are movable with
`respect to each other. One disc is coupled to the pinion
`and the other is coupled to the rotating drive shaft. A
`detent defined by one of the discs is periodically
`aligned with a shaft passing through the other disc. The
`shaft retains a spring loaded ball. Thus, when the shaft
`and the detent are aligned the ball is received by the
`detent. If little torque between the discs is provided the
`ball remains in the detent and the discs rotate together.
`That is the case when the towers are free to move.
`
`3
`and provides increased vise closure force. Further-
`more, the compensation system compriSes a bias sys—
`tem that holds the springs substantially compressed
`even when the toggle is not activated. Thus, immedi-
`ately upon the impression of a force against the toggle
`knuckles by the compression springs a high force is
`provided and thus high initial closure pressure is pro—
`vided in the vises.
`Yet another feature of the invention is the inclusion
`
`of an enabling circuit for preventing the operation of
`the system until a key and a key blank are properly
`situated in their respective vises. A sample key heel
`stop within the sample vise includes two electrically
`conductive heel contact portions that are in electrical
`contact with the key only when the sample key heel is
`firmly against the heel stop. In addition, a sample key
`shoulder stop includes an electrically conductive shoul-
`der contact portion that is in electrical contact with the
`sample key only when the sample key shoulder is firmly
`pressed thereagainst. Initiation of machine operation
`requires that the heel stops and the shoulder stop be
`electrically connected. This electrical interconnection
`is provided by a sample key when it is properly placed
`in the vise. Corresponding contacts associated with the
`blank vise provide a similar set of contacts that is
`closed by proper insertion of a key blank. A series
`enabling circuit insures that both keys are in place prior
`to machine operation. Furthermore, the key duplicat-
`ing machine itself is enclosed within a protective cabi-
`net and access to the two vises is provided only through
`a movable safety gate. An interlock switch, provided in
`conjunction with the safety gate, is activated only when
`the gate is closed. The interlock switch is coupled in
`series with the enabling circuit. Thus, the apparatus can
`only function when the key and the blank are properly
`positioned'in their respective vises and the safety gate is
`closed. Thus, dysfunctional duplicate keys are pre-
`vented and operators are protected inasmuch as the
`apparatus cannot be started with the safety gate open.
`Thus, a highly reliable and safe machine is provided for
`use by unskilled persons.
`'
`Another feature of the invention is the inclusion of a
`
`positioning system. The positioning system includes a
`movable tower disposed adjacent each vise. Projecting
`from each tower is a plurality of slidably mounted posi-
`tioning fingers that are biased to project toward the vise
`opening. The fingers urge the heel of the key or key
`blank against the respective heel stop and thus help
`assure proper positioning prior to actuation of the
`clamping system. Inasmuch as the positioning fingers
`cover the bitted edge of the sample key and the corre-
`sponding edge of the key blank it is necessary that they
`be removed to a passive position prior to cutting. Con-
`sequently, removal takes place shortly after the actua-
`tion of the clamping system. A rotating drive shaft
`supplies power to reciprocate the support table. The
`positioning towers are coupled to a rack and the drive
`shaft is selectively coupled by a clutch to a pinion that
`operates in conjunction with the rack. When the pinion
`is coupled to the drive shaft the towers are rapidly
`drawn from the vises.- Consequently, the positioning
`system assures accurate positioning of the key and
`blank inasmuch as the fingers can adapt to the con-
`toured bitted edge of the sample key and rapid removal
`of the positioning towers is provided prior to the cut—
`ting process.
`Yet another feature of the invention is the selective
`
`clutch utilized for coupling the pinion to the rotating
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`However, when the towers cannot move, as for exam-
`ple during the period when the blocking member en-
`gages the towers, a substantial resistance to the rotation
`of the disc coupled to the pinion is presented. In that
`event, the disc coupled to the rotating drive shaft con-
`tinues to rotate and the spring loaded ball moves from
`the detent and follows a circular path around the sta-
`tionary facing disc. Thus, an inexpensive reliable clutch
`is provided to couple the pinion to the rotating drive
`shaft wherein the coupling is entirely dependent upon
`the position of the reciprocating support table. 4
`Still another feature of the' invention is the inclusion
`
`of adjustable bearing pads for leveling and to compen-
`sate for wear between the moving support table and the
`track that guides the support. The adjustable bearing
`pads are formed of oilite bronze. Thus, a bearing is
`automatically provided between the track and support.
`The bronze abuts against an adjustable set screw so that
`its position is adjustable and thus the support can be
`readily leveled and compensation made for wear. Tol-
`erances during the manufacture of the machine are less
`critical inasmuch as the final position of the support
`table with respect to the track is determined by the
`adjustment of the bearing pads rather than by the ma-
`chined surfaces.
`
`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 14
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`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 14
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`

`

`DESCRII’TION OF THE DRAWINGS .
`These and other features and objects of the present
`invention will becomemore apparent upon a perusal of
`the following description taken'1n conjunction with the
`accompanying figures wherein.
`FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a cabinet that'ls used to
`house and protect the remaining components of the
`subject coin operated key duplicating apparatus.
`FIG. 2 is a detail view of the control panel of the
`cabinet1n FIG. 1;
`FIG. 31s a view of a key with the parts thereof identi-
`fied;
`FIG. 41s an elevation view of the mechanism of the
`key duplicatingapparatus;
`FIG 5'1s a plan view of the subject duplicating appa-
`ratus;
`FIG 6 is a detail view of an adjustable bearing pad
`utilized1n the apparatus depicted1n FIGS. 4 and 5;
`FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the lines 7—7
`in FIG. 5 showing the bias spring and toggle apparatus
`utilized to control the vises in the key duplicating appa-
`ratus;
`FIG. 815 a sectional view taken along lines 8—8'1n
`.25
`FIG. 7 showing a detail of the vise apparatus,
`FIG. 9 is a detail elevation view of the vise apparatus;
`FIG. 10 is a sectional view of.an alternate bias spring
`apparatus;
`FIG 11 is a sectional elevational view taken along
`the lines 11— 11 in FIG. 5 and shows the mechanism
`utilized for raising and lowering the positioning towers.
`FIG. 12 is a partially sectioned view of the selective ‘
`clutch apparatus utilized in conjunction-with.the appa—
`ratus depicted1n FIG. 11;
`--
`FIG 13'1s a detail elevation view showing the juxta-
`position of the cutter wheel, blank vise and blank posi-
`tioning tower in the preferred embodiment; _.
`FIG. 14 is a plan view of a guide plate that guides the
`motion of the vises and positioning towers;
`.
`FIG. 15'1sa detail view showing the blank positioning
`tower in its withdrawn position;
`FIG 1613 an isometric view of an alternate,position-
`ing tower;
`,
`'
`FIG 1713 an elevationview of one side of the plate
`that supports the stylus and cutter wheel;
`,
`FIG 18 shows the other side of the plate depicted1n
`FIG. 17;
`,_
`FIG. 19'15 an isometric view of the upper jaw of one
`' of the vises showing theelectrically conductive contact ,
`'50
`portions therein;
`' FIG. 20 shows the heel stop on a positioning.tower
`and the electrically conductive contact portion therein;
`FIG 21'1s a detail viewof the mounting system of the y,
`safety gate;
`FIG. 22 is a plan view of the safety gate mounting;
`and
`.
`FIG 231s a schematic diagram of the electrical cir-
`cuitry utilized to control the subject apparatus
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`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`
`'60
`
`Referring first to FIG. 1 there is shown a coin oper-
`ated key duplicating machine 21 ,in a housing 22 of the
`conventional vending machine. variety. A control panel
`portion 23 is disposed near the upper portion of the
`housing 22.
`.
`Shownin FIG. 2'1s a- detail view of the control panel
`23. A panel 24'1n theupper left hand corner includes a
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`coin slot-'25 and instructions to deposit a coin therein.
`Instructions on the panel 24 and the panels to be subse-
`quently described will; in practice, be more complete
`than shown in FIG. 2. Abbreviated messages are shown
`to preserve clarity. It is, of course, the deposit of a
`proper coin that initiates operation of the internal ma-
`chinery to be described below. In the‘lower central
`portion of the control panel 23 is an opening 26 cov-
`ered .by a slidable transparent safety gate 27 that has a
`handle 28 on its upper portion. The gate .27 slides in an
`upward direction to uncover the opening 26 when the
`handle is moved upwardly in a slot 29 defined by the
`panel 23. Although the gate 27 is shown in the lower
`position, it normally rests in the upper position thus
`exposing two openings and two keyways within the
`opening26. Thus, the gate 27 can be assumed to be in
`the open position when a coin is deposited in the slot
`25.
`When a coin is deposited1n the slot 25, a light simul-
`taneously illuminates two panels 31 instructing the
`customer to place a key blank1n one slot1n the opening
`26 and to place his key to be duplicated in the other
`opening. The panels 31, like the panels to be described
`subsequently, are translucent and lettered on the back
`side. Thus they can only be read when a rear light
`source is energized. When the key and blank are prop-
`erly positioned a light 23 in another panel 33 is illumi:
`nated. The instructionson the panel 33 instruct the
`customer to pull the gate 27 down until the light 32 is
`extinguished. A switch (described below) is actuated
`when the gate 27 is at the bottom of its motion and the
`duplication operation is initiated As will be explained
`below, at an intermediate point in the machine opera-
`tion, the maéhine stops and a light 34'1n another panel
`35'1s illuminated. The light 34'is built into appush but-
`ton switch 34a. The panel 35 instructs the customer to
`push the. button 34a until the light 34 is extinguished.
`Actuating the button 34a restarts the machinery. Atthe
`completion of the key duplicating cycle, the machine,
`in a manner described below, stops and a light: illumi-
`nates another panel 36. The panel 36 instructs the
`operator to raise the gate 27 and remove both keys.
`Other switches, to be described. below, are actuated
`when the gate 27 is placed in its uppermost‘position
`and thus the internal ”machinery that will be described
`below is reset for another cycle.
`Referring now to FIG. 3 there15 shown akey with the
`various parts thereof identified. The bow, or handle,
`provides a convenient place for gripping the key and
`the .heel and the shoulders provide reference surfaces
`to regulate the position of the key as it is inserted into
`a keyhole. Keys are supplied with either one or, two
`shoulders. Wards or-grooves running longitudinally in a
`key are used as guides when the key is inserted into a
`keyhole. The nose with thesloped edge and point aids
`in initial displacement‘of the lock tumblers as the key is
`inserted into a lock. Finally, the bittededge contains
`'the “combination” of the key and controls the tum:
`blers. ItIS of course, the object of the subject apparatus
`to automatically duplicate any given bitted edge.
`Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5 there'is shown a key
`duplicating apparatus 41 on a base 42. The apparatus
`41'1s within the housing 22. A sample vise 43 receives
`and retains a sample key to be duplicated. A sample
`positioning tower 44 aids in the proper positioning'of
`the sample key in the vise 43. Both the vise 43 and the
`tower ,44 are described'in greater detail below. Simi-
`larly, a key blank vise 45 receives and retains a key
`
`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 15
`
`KEYME EX. 1009, PAGE 15
`
`

`

`3,978,764
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`7
`blank to be cut and a blank positioning tower 46 aids in
`the positioning of the blank in the blank vise 45. The
`vises 43 and 45 are behind the two small openings in
`the opening 26 (FIG. 2). Two tracks 47 and 48 support
`a movable support table 49. Four screws 51 passing
`through slots 52 in the table 49 affix it to the tracks 47
`and 48 and restrict the motion of the table thereon to
`one dimension. The table 49 is leveled and wear in the
`
`tracks 47 and 48 is compensated for by means of level-
`ing adjustments 53. A detail of one of the wear and
`leveling adjustments 53 is shown in FIG. 6. The sup-
`porting contact between the table 49 and the track 47
`is supplied by an oilite bronze bearing pad 54 set in a
`cavity 55 in the table. The height of the table 49 is
`adjustable by a set screw 56. It will be appreciated that
`foreign matter on the tracks 47 and 48 will be wiped
`aside by the pads 54 rather than ground in. This wiping
`action is particularly effective due to the open con~
`struction of the apparatus. The pads 54 ride on the flat
`upper surface of the tracks 47 and 48 rather than in a
`V groove or the like.
`A cutter apparatus 61 including a cutter wheel 62 is
`mounted on the table 49. Operatively coupled to the
`cutter is a stylus 63. The cutter wheel 62 is disposed
`near the blank vise 45 and the stylus 63 is disposed near
`the sample vise 43. A cutter motor 64 is supported by
`four pillars 65 on the table 49. The motor shaft 66 is
`parallel to the direction of motion of the table 49. The
`cutter 61 will be described in detail below.
`When the table 49 is in the extreme left position (as
`viewed in FIGS. 4 and 5) a switch actuator 67 affixed to
`the table 49 actuates a button 68 of a reset microswitch
`69. Another button 71 of the switch 69 is responsive to
`a solenoid 72. Similarly, another switch 73 includes
`buttons 74 and 75 responsive to a table mounted actua-
`tor 76 and a solenoid 77 respectively. It will be appreci-
`ated that the table 49 must move substantially to the
`right as viewed in FIG. 4 in order that the button 74 be
`actuated. Inasmuch as the actuators 67 and 76 are
`secured to the table 49 by adjustment screws 78 the
`precise table positions at which the buttons 68 and 74
`are actuated is adjustable. The functions of the
`switches 69 and 73 will be described below.
`A reversible main motor 81 is mounted on a vertical
`support 82 and is coupled to a drive shaft 83 that termi—
`nates at one end in a flange 84 in the base 42. The drive
`shaft 83 supports and drives a worm gear 85. A drive
`gear 86 is secured to a rotating drive shaft 87 spanning
`between and rotatable in two anchor blocks 88 and 89
`on either end of the base 42. It will be appreciated that
`one end of the rotating drive shaft 87 comprises a
`threaded acme screw 91 and the other end comprises a
`non-threaded shaft 92. A plate 93 affixed to the sup-
`port table 49 supports a nut 94 that is meshed with the
`acme screw portion 91. Thus, as the motor 81 rotates
`the drive shaft 83, the gear 86 and the acme screw
`portion 91 turn. Consequently, the nut 94 causes mo-
`tion of the table 49.
`A more detailed description of the operation of the
`apparatus 41 will be given below, but a basic under—
`standing of operation will be helpful at this time. A
`sample key to be duplicated is inserted into the sample
`vise 43. A key blank is inserted in the blank vise 45.
`When this is done, the motors 64 and 81 are started.
`The cutter wheel 62 is driven by the cutter motor 64
`and is responsive to the position of the stylus 63. The
`table 49 moves to the right as viewed in FIGS. 4 and 5
`in response to rotation of the acme screw 91. Upon the
`
`8
`initiation of table motion the vise clamps the key and
`the blank and the towers 44 and 46 recede. As the table
`49 moves, the stylus 63 traces the bitted pattern on the
`sample key. The cutter wheel 62, responding to the
`position ofthe stylus 63, duplicates the bitted pattern in
`the key blank. When the table 49 reaches the extreme
`right hand position the switch 73 is actuated to stop the
`motor 81. The motor 81 is reversed and table 49 re-
`tracts to the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The cycle
`is then completed and the Vises 43 and 45 release ‘both
`keys.
`Next, the Vises 43 and 45 and the methods of clamp-
`ing the key and key blank therein will be described.
`Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 the sample key vise 43
`is shown in detail. The blank vise 45 is identical and
`thus need not be described. An upper immovable jaw
`101 extends upwardly from the base 42 through a guide
`plate 102 supported by vertical supports 103, only one
`of which is visible in FIG. 7. Near the upper end of the
`upper jaw 10] a transverse portion 104 provides an
`L-shaped cross section as best shown in FIG. 8. How-
`ever, below the guide plate 102 the transverse portion
`104 terminates and the upper jaw 101 becomes a flat
`bar of metal. (This is best seen in FIG. 11). The jaw
`block 105 is set in the corner of the upper end of the
`jaw 101. A movable lower jaw 106 is vertically slidable
`but horizontally held in position by the combined ef-
`fects of the corner provided by the L-shaped upper jaw
`101 and the tight fit between the lower jaw 106 and the
`opening in the guide plate 102. The lower end of the
`slidable lower jaw 106 is pivotally coupled to an upper
`toggle arm 107 that is coupled at a toggle knuckle 108
`to a lower toggle arm 109 that is pivotally coupled to
`the base 42. The arms 107 and 109 form a toggle 111
`that is part of a clamp system that also includes a spring
`compensator 1.12.
`The toggle knuckle 108 is coupled to the compensa—
`tor 112 by a rod 113. A compensating spring 114 is
`retained within a cylinder 115. A plunger portion 116
`at one end of the rod 1 13 acts on one end of the spring
`114. The other end of the spring 114 is acted on by an
`adjustable bias screw 117 in a threaded end of ‘the
`cylinder 115. The cylinder 115 is affixed to the lower
`side of the movable support table 49 by a coupling 1.18.
`It will be appreciated that as the table 49 moves to
`the right (as viewed in FIG. 7) the cylinder 11.5 is
`moved to the right and thus force is exerted on the
`plunger portion 116 and the rod 113. As the toggle
`knuckle 108 is moved to the right, the lower jaw 106 is
`forced in an upward direction and the vise 43 is closed.
`When the vise 43 is closed and the lower jaw 106 can
`move no farther, further motion of the table 49 is com-
`pensated for by compression of the compensation
`spring 114 as the plunger portion 116 moves toward
`the interior of the cylinder 115. The adjustable bias
`screw 117 is set so that the spring 114 is constantly
`compressed. The effect of precompressing the spring
`114 is that once the free travel of the lower jaw 106 is
`ended by its contact with the block 105, a substantial
`force is immediately imposed upon the plunger portion
`116. Thus, the vise 43 exerts a substantial force imme-
`diately upon closing. The components of the clamping
`system are preferably adjusted so that a table motion of
`approximately one—eight of an inch will effect closure
`of the vise. It will be further appreciated that the clo-
`sure force of the vise 43 is a constantly developing
`force and increases as the support table 49 moves to
`the right. A separate toggle an