Key duplication machine
AssigneeHy-Ko Products Company
InventorsWilliam R. Mutch, Randall A. Porras, Thomas F. Fiore
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims27
A method for identifying a key, the method comprising:
- providing a machine having an outer shell with an opening positioned about a key load position for receiving a key;
- providing an antenna positioned on the machine for communicating with a transponder on the key;
- and
- providing the machine with an imaging system for capturing data related to said key at said key load position.
A method for identifying and duplicating a key, the method comprising:
- providing a key duplication machine having an outer shell with at least one opening positioned about at least one key load position for receiving a master key or a key blank;
- providing an imaging system within the key duplication machine for capturing data related to said master key or key blank at the at least one key load position;
- providing an antenna positioned on the machine for communicating with a transponder on the master key or key blank;
- and
- providing a cutting member within the key duplication machine for cutting a key blank.
A method for identifying a key, the method comprising:
- providing a machine having an outer shell with an opening positioned about a key load position for receiving a key;
- providing an antenna positioned on the machine for communicating with a transponder on the key;
- providing the machine with an imaging system for capturing data related to said key at said key load position;
- and
- providing a user interface on the machine for displaying a list of actions to a user.
An identification system for duplicating keys, comprising:
- a retention mechanism configured to receive a master key;
- an optical imaging device configured to capture an image of the master key;
- an antenna for communicating with a transponder on the master key;
- wherein said retention mechanism and said optical imaging device are incorporated into a single apparatus;
- and
- wherein the apparatus includes an outer shell with an opening positioned about a key load position to receive said master key.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.