Self service key duplicating machine with automatic key model identification system
AssigneeThe Hillman Group, Inc.
InventorsDaniel Freeman, Ari Freeman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An automatic key duplicating machine is disclosed. A master key identification module includes at least one key blade cross-section detector with a plurality of sliding elements, the master key identification module being configured to determine a key type for a master key based at least in part on engagement of the plurality of sliding elements with a blade profile of the master key. A key extraction module is configured to retrieve a key blank of an identified key type. A key cutting module is configured to cut the key blank in accordance with a tooth pattern of the master key.
Claims23
A key duplicating machine, comprising:
- a housing;
- an insertion slot associated with the housing configured to allow insertion of only the blade of a master key, the insertion slot configured to receive the master key having any of a plurality of cross-sectional profiles;
- a key identification system comprising one or more optical scanning devices, wherein the one or more optical scanning devices are configured to detect a cross-sectional profile of the blade of the master key;
- a magazine storing a plurality of key blanks;
- a blank loading system configured to select a key blank from the magazine whose cross-sectional profile matches the detected cross-sectional profile of the master key;
- a key cutting system configured to cut the selected key blank to duplicate a key tooth pattern of the master key;
- and
- one or more vacuum sources within the housing configured to selectively provide vacuum pressure within the housing.
A key duplicating machine, comprising:
- a housing;
- an insertion slot associated with the housing configured to allow insertion of only the blade of a master key, the insertion slot configured to receive the master key having any of a plurality of cross-sectional profiles;
- a key identification system comprising one or more optical scanning devices, wherein the one or more optical scanning devices are configured to detect a plurality of key parameters including at least a cross-sectional profile of the blade of the master key and a key tooth pattern of the master key, and are further configured to utilize the detected plurality of key parameters to identify a matching key blank;
- a magazine storing a plurality of key blanks;
- a blank loading system configured to select a key blank from the magazine identified as a matching key blank;
- and
- a key cutting system configured to cut the selected key blank to duplicate a key tooth pattern of the master key.
A key duplicating machine, comprising:
- a housing;
- an insertion slot associated with the housing configured to allow insertion of only the blade of a master key, the insertion slot configured to receive the master key having any of a plurality of cross-sectional profiles;
- a key identification system comprising one or more optical scanning devices, wherein the one or more optical scanning devices are configured to detect a plurality of key parameters including:
- (a) at least a thickness and/or a length parameter of the blade of the master key;
- and
- (b) a key tooth pattern of the master key, and
- wherein the one or more optical scanning devices are further configured to utilize the detected plurality of key parameters to identify a matching key blank;
- a magazine storing a plurality of key blanks;
- a blank loading system configured to select a key blank from the magazine identified as a matching key blank;
- and
- a key cutting system configured to cut the selected key blank to duplicate a key tooth pattern of the master key.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.