Self service key duplicating machine with automatic key model identification system

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10646935-B2
Application number	US-201815889678-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Feb 6, 2018
Priority date	Nov 28, 2006
Publication date	May 12, 2020
Grant date	May 12, 2020

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.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. An automatic key duplicating machine, comprising:
a master key identification module including at least one key blade cross-section detector with a plurality of sliding elements configured to slide in a thickness direction of the master key, the master key identification module being configured to determine a key type for a master key based at least on engagement of the plurality of sliding elements with at least one side of a blade profile of the master key;
a key extraction module configured to retrieve a key blank of an identified key type; and
a key cutting module configured to cut the key blank in accordance with a tooth pattern of the master key.

2. The automatic key duplicating machine of claim 1 , wherein the master key identification module further includes a blade length sensor configured to determine a length of the master key, wherein the key type for the master key is also determined based on the length.

3. The automatic key duplicating machine of claim 1 , further comprising:
a master key clamping module configured to receive and secure the master key.

4. The automatic key duplicating machine of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sliding elements include a plurality of sliding element pairs, each of the plurality of sliding element pairs having a profile corresponding to a different key type.

5. A method of automatically duplicating a master key, comprising:
moving a plurality of sliding elements in a thickness direction of the master key such that the elements engage with a blade of the master key;
determining a key type for the master key based at least on engagement of the plurality of sliding elements with at least one side of a blade profile of the master key;
retrieving a key blank of an identified key type; and
cutting the key blank in accordance with a tooth pattern of the master key.

6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising:
determining a length of the master key, wherein the key type for the master key is also determined based on the length.

7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the plurality of sliding elements include a plurality of sliding element pairs, each of the plurality of sliding element pairs having a profile corresponding to a different key type.

Assignees

• Hillman Group Inc

Inventors

• Freeman Daniel
• Freeman Ari

Classifications

• B23C3/355

  Holders for the template keys · CPC title

• B23C3/35 Primary

  Milling grooves in keys · CPC title

• Y10T409/306048

  with means to advance work or product · CPC title

• Y10T409/300952

  to cut lock key · CPC title

• Y10T409/301064

  Complete cycle · CPC title