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US 9,914,179 B2Granted
Self service key duplicating machine with automatic key model identification system
AssigneeMinute Key Inc.
InventorsDaniel Freeman, Ari Freeman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of duplicating a key includes receiving a master key in a key duplicating machine. The machine automatically detects a cross sectional profile of the master key. The machine automatically determines, based on the detected cross sectional profile, a type and model of the master key. The machine automatically selects a key blank that matches the type and model of the master key, and then automatically cuts the selected key blank to duplicate a key tooth pattern of the master key.
Claims18
A method of duplicating a key, comprising:
- storing, by a key duplicating machine, key blanks of different cross-sectional profiles;
- receiving a master key in the key duplicating machine;
- automatically detecting, by the key duplicating machine, a cross-sectional profile of the master key;
- automatically selecting, by the key duplicating machine, from among the different stored key blanks, a key blank whose cross-sectional profile matches the automatically-detected cross-sectional profile of the master key;
- and
- automatically cutting, by the key duplicating machine, the selected key blank to duplicate a key tooth pattern of the master key.
3 more elements
A method of duplicating a key, comprising:
- receiving a master key in a key duplicating machine;
- automatically detecting, by the key duplicating machine, a cross-sectional profile of the master key by the key duplicating machine attempting to close a pair of sliding elements, having a profile of a particular type of key, around a blade of the master key, and determining that the master key is of the particular type based on the sliding elements successfully closing around the blade;
- automatically determining, by the key duplicating machine, a type of the master key based on the detected cross-sectional profile of the master key;
- automatically selecting, by the key duplicating machine, a key blank that matches the type of the master key;
- and
- automatically cutting, by the key duplicating machine, the selected key blank to duplicate a key tooth pattern of the master key.
3 more elements
A method of duplicating a key, comprising:
- receiving a master key in a key duplicating machine;
- automatically detecting, by the key duplicating machine, a blade length of the master key by a blade length sensor of the key duplicating machine abutting a distal end of a master key;
- automatically detecting, by the key duplicating machine, a cross-sectional profile of the master key;
- automatically determining, by the key duplicating machine, a type of the master key based on the detected cross-sectional profile of the master key;
- automatically selecting, by the key duplicating machine, a key blank that matches the type of the master key;
- and
- automatically cutting, by the key duplicating machine, the selected key blank to duplicate a key tooth pattern of the master key.
4 more elements
A method of duplicating a key, comprising:
- receiving a master key in a key duplicating machine;
- automatically detecting, by the key duplicating machine, a blade length of the master key including detecting a location of a shoulder of the master key;
- automatically detecting, by the key duplicating machine, a cross-sectional profile of the master key;
- automatically determining, by the key duplicating machine, a type of the master key based on the detected cross-sectional profile of the master key;
- automatically selecting, by the key duplicating machine, a key blank that matches the type of the master key;
- and
- automatically cutting, by the key duplicating machine, the selected key blank to duplicate a key tooth pattern of the master key.
4 more elements
A key duplicating machine comprising:
- a storage housing configured to store key blanks of different cross-sectional profiles;
- a blade cross-section detector configured to automatically detect a cross-sectional profile of a master key;
- a blank loading system configured to automatically select, from among the different stored key blanks, a key blank whose cross-sectional profile matches the automatically-detected cross-sectional profile of the master key;
- and
- a key cutting system configured to cut the selected key blank to duplicate a key tooth pattern of the master key.
2 more elements
A key duplicating machine comprising:
- a blade cross-section detector configured to detect a cross-sectional profile of a master key based on the blade cross-section detector attempting to close a pair of sliding elements, having a profile of a particular type of key, around a blade of the master key, and determining that the master key is of the particular type based on the sliding elements successfully closing around the blade;
- a master key identification system configured to determine a type of the master key based on the detected cross-sectional profile of the master key;
- a blank loading system configured to select a key blank that matches the type of the master key;
- and
- a key cutting system configured to cut the selected key blank to duplicate a key tooth pattern of the master key.
2 more elements
A key duplicating machine comprising:
- a blade length sensor configured to detect a blade length of a master key by the blade length sensor abutting a distal end of a master key;
- a blade cross-section detector configured to detect a cross-sectional profile of the master key;
- a master key identification system configured to determine a type of the master key based on the detected cross-sectional profile of the master key;
- a blank loading system configured to select a key blank that matches the type of the master key;
- and
- a key cutting system configured to cut the selected key blank to duplicate a key tooth pattern of the master key.
3 more elements
A key duplicating machine comprising:
- a blade length sensor configured to detect a blade length of a master key including detecting a location of a shoulder of the master key;
- a blade cross-section detector configured to detect a cross-sectional profile of the master key;
- a master key identification system configured to determine a type of the master key based on the detected cross-sectional profile of the master key;
- a blank loading system configured to select a key blank that matches the type of the master key;
- and
- a key cutting system configured to cut the selected key blank to duplicate a key tooth pattern of the master key.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.