Abstract: A kiosk-based system provides enhanced processes for replicating or copying keys including automotive keys and including transponder keys requiring programming. A set of user interfaces guides users through master key identifying, key blank selecting, master key scanning and duplicate key cutting processes as well as programming programmable keys. The invention provides a Quick Reference redundancy to add an additional layer of accuracy to avoid errors in selecting key blanks and in cutting selected key blanks. The system creates a copy or duplicate of a master key based on a captured image of the master key and stored key data.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of replicating or copying keys. More specifically, the present invention relates to creating a copy of a master key based on a captured image of the master key by using a laser scanning of the master key and decoding the master key based on the captured image. The present invention identifies a set of target key information based on the image of the master key to provide for the cutting of a duplicate key blade copy using a key scanning and cutting system located at a retail or end location. Additional key information may also be captured along with the image of the master key.

Abstract: A high security key scanning system and method is provided. The scanning system may comprise a sensing device configured to determine information and characteristics of a master high security key, and a digital logic to analyze the information and characteristics of the master key. The sensing device may be configured to capture information about the geometry of features cut into the surface of the master key. The logic may analyze the information related to that geometry and compare it to known characteristics of that style of high security key in order to determine the data needed to replicate the features on a new high security key blank. The system may be configured to capture the surface geometry using a camera or other imaging device. The system may utilize object coating techniques, illumination techniques, filtering techniques, image processing techniques, and feature extraction techniques to capture the desired features.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for decoding an angle-cut key are provided. A probe is positioned at a first position relative to the angle-cut key. A first depth reading is performed on the angle-cut key. The probe is displaced to a plurality of subsequent positions and performing a plurality of subsequent depth readings on the angle-cut key. A key map of the angle-cut key is generated based on comparisons performed on a set of depth readings, the set of depth readings comprising the first depth reading and the plurality of subsequent depth readings. A signal indicative of the key map is output.

Abstract: A key processing machine is described comprising an automatic cutter change device, a key shape learning device, a clamp component and a base. The automatic cutter change device comprises a frame structure, a cutter head, a rotary disc and a first motor unit. The rotary disc is fitted with a plurality of chambers used to accommodate the said cutter head. The cutter head is installed in the said chambers. The rotary disc and the first motor unit are installed on the said frame structure, and the said first motor unit drives the said rotary disc to rotate and further drive the cutter head on the said rotary disc to rotate. The automatic cutter change device or the key shape learning device matches the clamp component to put the original key and the key blank for processing in the clamp component, saving human resources and increasing working efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying objects possessing minute but significant details is described. At its core, the system includes a user interface, means for comparatively identifying the object and means for displaying results. Notably, because the system does not rely upon highly specialized or complex equipment, the invention is expected to have particular applicability in a wide variety of every-day situations. Moreover, the system is explicitly designed for user friendliness, so as to eliminate that need for extensive training for any prospective user of the system. The system should have particular applicability in key blank identification and key duplication processes.

Abstract: Key cutting apparatus for cutting a new key to replicate an existing key. The apparatus comprising a reader determining the type of key blank to be cut and the required shape for the blank to be cut to. A plurality of magazines for retaining a supply of a number of different types of key blanks are provided. A key cutter is provided for cutting a new key from a blank in response to the measured shape of the existing key. A key carrying arrangement is provided to fetch a required key blank from a respective magazine and take the required key blank to the key cutter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for duplicating keys are disclosed. A key duplication system receives a key blank into a key receiving module. The key receiving module includes opposable jaws that assist with alignment of the key blank within the module. The key receiving module also includes an end stop that engages the tip of the received key blank and is linearly displaced as the key blank is further inserted. The linear displacement of the end stop is compared to a known value corresponding to a length of the shank of the key blank, and if the displacement does not match the known value, the user is instructed to re-orient the key blank.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying objects possessing minute but significant details is described. At its core, the system includes a user interface, means for comparatively identifying the object and means for displaying results. Notably, because the system does not rely upon highly specialized or complex equipment, the invention is expected to have particular applicability in a wide variety of every-day situations. Moreover, the system is explicitly designed for user friendliness, so as to eliminate that need for extensive training for any prospective user of the system. The system should have particular applicability in key blank identification and key duplication processes.

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.

Abstract: A key identification system is provided. The key identification system comprises a sensing device configured to extract bitting information from a master key, and a logic configured to analyze the image. The sensing device may be configured to capture information about the bittings of the master key, such as an image of the bittings. The logic analyzes information about the bittings of the master key and compares it with bitting characteristics of known key blanks to determine the likelihood of a match between the master key and a known key blank.

Abstract: A key cutting machine includes a housing, carriage, key clamp, and motor to drive the carriage. The key cutting machine may include a vacuum removably attached to the housing. The key cutting machine may be selected between manual, automatic, and semi-automatic user modes. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described.

Abstract: A key identification system is provided. The key identification system comprises an imaging system to capture an image of a master key, and a logic to analyze the captured image. The imaging system may be capture an image of a groove in the master key from an angle between perpendicular and parallel to the blade of said master key. The logic analyzes the captured image to compare characteristics of the groove with groove characteristics of known key blanks to determine the likelihood of a match between the master key and a known key blank. The key identification system may further compensate for displacement or orientation of the master key with respect to the imaging system when analyzing characteristics of the groove.

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.

Abstract: A key duplication system comprising a key duplication housing wherein at least one key receiving aperture on a first side of the housing sized to receive a key blade and at least one key clamp adjacent to the at least one key receiving aperture, the clamp comprising a first clamp arm with a surface topography corresponding to a first key blade surface topography and a second clamp arm with a surface topography corresponding to a second key blade different from the first key blade.

Abstract: A method for profiling the broad sides of a flat key, a key blank being clamped in a clamping device so that the broad side of the key blank is exposed. Guide grooves and variation grooves which are complementary to the longitudinal sectional profile of the cutter teeth are milled into the broad side by advance in the longitudinal direction of the key, in one work operation, using a milling cutter that has cutter teeth on its peripheral surface and rotates about a cutter shaft. To produce undercut grooves, the axis of the cutter shaft is inclined at an angle of inclination relative to the longitudinal center plane of the key, ribs of the cutter teeth producing an undercut guide wall using at least one rib.

Abstract: A method for profiling broad sides of a flat reversible key. A key blank is clamped to expose the first broad side of the key blank and complementary grooves and ribs are milled using a milling cutter with cutter teeth by advance in the longitudinal direction of the key relative to the longitudinal section profile of the cutter teeth. The key blank is then clamped in a position turned by 180° about the longitudinal center axis of the key so that the second broad side of the blank is exposed, and complementary grooves and ribs are milled into the broad side with milling cutter, by advance in the longitudinal direction of the key. The cutter shaft axes is inclined at an angle of inclination (?) relative to the longitudinal center plane of the key, at least one cutter tooth rib of the cutter teeth producing an undercut guide wall.

Abstract: An integrated key duplication machine includes a machine-based key identification module and a key cutting module. The key identification module is configured to identify a second master key while the key cutting module cuts a key blank corresponding to a first master key. A key blank corresponding to the second master key can be cut on either the integrated machine or a stand-alone machine having only key cutting capabilities.

Abstract: A key identification system is provided. The key identification system comprises an imaging system to capture an image of a master key, and a logic to analyze the captured image. The imaging system may be capture an image of a groove in the master key from an angle between perpendicular and parallel to the blade of said master key. The logic analyzes the captured image to compare characteristics of the groove with groove characteristics of known key blanks to determine the likelihood of a match between the master key and a known key blank. The key identification system may further compensate for displacement or orientation of the master key with respect to the imaging system when analyzing characteristics of the groove.

Abstract: A self-service, fully-automatic kiosk for duplicating keys includes a kiosk housing having a customer interface for receiving payment from a customer for the purchase of at least one duplicate of the customer's key. A key analysis system within the housing analyzes the blade of a key inserted in the key-receiving entry to determine whether the inserted key matches one of a group of preselected key types and, if so, which preselected key type is matched. A key blank extraction system extracts from a magazine within the kiosk a key blank for the preselected key type matched by the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry. Then a key duplicating system within the kiosk replicates the tooth pattern of the blade of the key inserted in the key-receiving entry, on the blade of the extracted key blank. The kiosk includes a processor coupled to sensors and controllable devices within the kiosk and to a communications port for communicating with a remote central server.

Abstract: A key identification system is provided. The key identification system comprises a sensing device configured to extract bitting information from a master key, and a logic configured to analyze the image. The sensing device may be configured to capture information about the bittings of the master key, such as an image of the bittings. The logic analyzes information about the bittings of the master key and compares it with bitting characteristics of known key blanks to determine the likelihood of a match between the master key and a known key blank.

Abstract: A key cutting machine has multiple modes of operation, including an automatic mode of operation wherein a clamp mechanism configured to hold a key blank is held without manual assistance in a position engaged with a key cutting element and a motor controls a movement of the clamp mechanism, a semi-automatic mode of operation wherein the clamp mechanism is held without manual assistance in a position engaged with the key cutting element and the motor does not control a movement of the clamp mechanism, and a manual mode of operation wherein the clamp mechanism is manually held in a position engaged with the key cutting element and the motor does not control a movement of the clamp mechanism. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described.

Abstract: A gun drill having excellent cutting efficiency, having high deep-hole drilling efficiency, and having a prolonged blade service life has a cutter head having a coolant discharge port communicating with a coolant supplying path at the distal end face at the distal end of a hollow shank portion having a cutting chip discharge groove, whose section along the lengthwise direction is V-shaped, on the outer surface and having the interior thereof made into a coolant supplying path, wherein a blade portion of the cutter head is made of cemented carbide alloy, and at the same time, the guide pads and that are brought into sliding contact with the inner circumference of a cutting bore are composed of a dissimilar material having higher hardness than the cemented carbide alloy.

Abstract: A fully automatic key duplicating machine. A master key alignment module is movably disposed into and out of proximity with a master key clamping module, the master key being aligned by the alignment module within the master key clamping module. A master key identification module is disposed in fixed relation to the master key clamping module and identifies a type of key secured in the master key clamping module. A central positioning base is provided automatically movable into and out of engagement with the key cutting module and optionally the alignment module, adapted to move the master key alignment module into proximity with the master key clamping module and adapted to secure a key blank to be cut at the key cutting module in accordance with the tooth pattern of a clamped master key.

Abstract: A clamping device for key duplicating machine with dual pivoted joint comprising a pair of left and right symmetrical cross grooves formed on the front side of a substrate, and aligned one with the other, for securing a pair of left and right vises, in order to enable the same pair of vises to clamp different types of keys by turning and changing from one of the two confronting side edges of the vises to the other; and two pivoted joints provided on the back side of the substrate, for rotating the pair of left and right vises to a different angular position, and for effecting duplication of the different types of keys.

Abstract: A rotational machining and quality assurance method for thermally extruded linings of turbomachinery are provided. First, a harder top coating is removed by turning, then the lining is finish-turned to size. During the finish-turning, defined turning parameters are maintained and a cutting force characteristic is quantitatively detected and stored. The force characteristic is compared with predetermined limit values, and, depending on the result of the comparison, the lining is approved for use or is produced again.

Abstract: The invention relates to a key decode apparatus for helping to automatically extracting and measurement depths and spacings of cuts an object key and decodes when duplicating an original key. A key holder is provided forming shadow image of a key side view by positioning the original key vertically along its longitudinal axis with the key's flat sides in vertical plane, position an object key between video camera and luminescent light strip. The video camera gets the shadow image of the key side view and sends it to a computer that stores the shadow image in memory that may measure depths and spacings of key cuts and compares with known original key manufacturers information in memory, decodes and sends it to be displayed and can be used in cutting machine for duplicating the key.

Abstract: A key code cutting device includes a base, a milling tool, a carriage mounted on the base and movable along a first transverse direction, a work table mounted on the carriage and movable along a second transverse direction, a key holding member mounted on the work table and having a clamp member that is adapted to hold a key blank and that is rotatable about an axis, an urging member for urging the carriage to move along the first transverse direction, a key coding member for adjusting cutting positions of the key blank along the first transverse direction, and a locking member for locking the clamp member against angular movement about the axis.

Abstract: A key code cutting device includes a base, a milling tool, a carriage mounted on the base and movable along a first transverse direction, a work table mounted on the carriage and movable along a second transverse direction, a key holding member mounted on the work table and having a clamp member that is adapted to hold a key blank and that is rotatable about an axis, an urging member for urging the carriage to move along the first transverse direction, a key coding member for adjusting cutting positions of the key blank along the first transverse direction, and a locking member for locking the clamp member against angular movement about the axis.

Abstract: A portable machine for processing keys, which uses computer-controlled sensors and servo motors to control the position of a bevel scale and the position of a cutting depth scale, so as to accurately control the feeding of a reamer in processing a blank into a key.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for duplicating an original key, the keyway and keycode of the original key are measured and duplicated in a preform. The preform used in the duplication process need not include any keyway or keycode prior to the duplication process and, therefore, a single type of preform may be used in generating duplicates of many different types of keys. The apparatus may be automated to take the measurements of the original key and to cut the duplicate key, thus reducing the possibility of producing a nonfunctional duplicate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved key making machine that automatically extracts characteristics of an object key without human intervention. The position and alignment of the object key is automatically determined, key characteristics extracted and compared with known key manufacturers' information stored in memory, an appropriate key blank is identified, cut and dispensed to the customer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable key cutter assembly. It consists of a cutter housing assembly including a drive shaft for receiving a portable power source. A carriage assembly is provided that is separate from and freely movable relative to the cutter housing assembly. The carriage includes spaced clamping assemblies that support a key and a key blank to be cut into a duplicate of the key when the key is engaged by a tracer point and the key blank is simultaneously engaged by the cutter.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for duplicating an original key, the keyway and keycode of the original key are measured and duplicated in a preform. The preform used in the duplication process need not include any keyway or keycode prior to the duplication process and, therefore, a single type of preform may be used in generating duplicates of many different types of keys. The apparatus may be automated to take the measurements of the original key and to cut the duplicate key, thus reducing the possibility of producing a nonfunctional duplicate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a key making machine that automatically extracts characteristics of an object key without human intervention. An object key is automatically aligned, key characteristics extracted and compared with known key manufacturers' information stored in memory, an appropriate key blank in a robotically accessible inventory is selected, cut, deburred, and automatically dispensed to the customer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a programmable semiautomatic portable key cutting machine. More particularly, this invention pertains to a portable key cutting machine which semi-automatically cuts key blanks in accordance with key blank manufacturers' key profile information which is stored in a programmable memory. We have invented a portable semi-automatic computer code key machine with a built-in user definable master key system. The system can be used in the field and operated on 12 volts or 110 volts to create without key patterns or duplicate keys simulated key manufacturers' originals which are programmed in a computer which is part of the machine. A built-in data base of all known manufacturers, spaces and depths. In addition, the user of the machine can add new key specifications as they become available from the manufacturer.

Abstract: A key cutting machine includes a cutter wheel, a key follower and a key positioning fixture for retaining a master key and a key blank in defined positions. Longitudinal and lateral displacement elements displace the cutter wheel and the key blank relative to each other. First and second electronic position sensors generate cutter wheel longitudinal and lateral position signals which electrically define the position of the cutter wheel relative to the key blank blade. A mode control system selectively operates the key cutting machine in either an analog mode where the bit notch pattern of a master key is mechanically traced and duplicated in the key blade blank or in a digital mode in which an electronically defined bit notch pattern is electrically duplicated in the key blank blade without reference to or tracing the master key bit notch pattern.

Abstract: A key positioning fixture facilitates the accurate duplication of double-sided key on a key cutting machine and includes a first key alignment element having an upper clamping element with a first clamping surface and a lower clamping element with a second clamping surface. A position control element engages the upper and lower clamping elements to control the spacing between the clamping surfaces to align the centerline of the key with the centerline of the first key alignment element. A second key alignment element engages the first and second sides of the key blade to maintain the key in a fixed position.

Abstract: A key duplicating machine which automatically liens the original and blank keys, clamping the keys in alignment with the appropriate clamping pressure, cuts double-sided keys in a single pass, prevents operation of the machine without the presence of the original and blank keys in the machine and which is capable of accepting virtually any type of key shape for duplication. The invention includes a single-sided key duplicating module having a motor driven cutter wheel which is slidably mounted on a travel table that, in turn, is slidably mounted on a base plate. The travel table includes a motor driven stacked cam assembly which engages fixed cam followers in the base plate, so when rotated, the cam assembly, travel table and cutter wheels are moved first in a cutting pass, then in a return pass with respect to the original and blank keys. The cam assembly also includes a cam follower which displaces the cutting wheel sidewardly away from the blank key on the return pass.

Abstract: A machine (1) for multiple key cutting comprises a box-like structure (2) which contains a motor for the actuation of a cutter (3) and/or a brush (4). The box-like structure (2) also comprises a clamp (5) for fixing a coded key and a tracer; a support is oscillatably associated with the box-like Structure (2). The support has a first station for the multiple loading of keys to be cut and a second station for removing, conveying and locking the position of a single key to be cut. The second station furthermore allows unloading a single key after it has been cut, and movement of the first or second station with respect to the box-like structure (2). The machine allows one to rapidly obtain numerous identical copies starting from a single coded key.

Abstract: A key cutting machine having manual and automatic modes of operation includes a shaft, a pivotal carriage on the shaft with clamps for a master key and a blank key, the master key facing a tracer bar and the blank key facing a cutter. A spring acts between the carriage and the shaft and a latch system, operated by a trigger selectively locks the carriage and shaft for common rotation for a manual key cutting operation in which the force of the spring is disengaged from the carriage or unlocks the carriage and shaft so that the carriage is urged by the spring to bring the master key into contact with the tracer bar and the blank key into contact with the cutting. A drive system axially moves the shaft and the carriage therewith past the tracer bar and the cutter in the automatic key cutting operation.

Abstract: A optical profile reader, particularly for key duplicating machines, incorporationg a photoemitter (16) positioned on one side of the profile (11) to be read, and a photodetector (21) facing the photoemitter (16), but on the opposite side of the profile to be read. Stepper motors (5, 8) are included for causing the profile (11) to be read to move orthogonal to the direction of a light beam striking the profile to be read. An electronic circuit controlled by the output signal of the photodetector (21) is also provided. The electronic circuit uses a threshold discriminator (25) set at a value between the values corresponding to the maximum and minimum illumination states of the photodector (21). The threshold discrimination circuit (25) also controls the operation of the stepper motors (5, 8).

Abstract: A key cutting apparatus for reproducing a pattern key onto a key blank while reproducing the pattern key without the copying errors and wear conventionally found on pattern keys. The cutting apparatus comprises a frame, a space adjusting portion movably attached to the frame, a depth adjusting portion movably attached to the space adjusting portion, and a cutter. A depth code plate and a space code plate are removably fitted to the space adjusting portion.

Abstract: A key duplicating apparatus having automatic key clamping mechanisms for a master key and a key blank, a circular key follower and a key cutter mounted on a pivoting base that pivots and slides on a support shaft, and a mounting plate for mounting the clamping mechanisms and the support shaft. The apparatus is preferably automatically controlled by a microprocessing circuit. Also, the circular key follower is eccentrically mounted on a mounting shaft for adjustment of the depth of cutting of the key blank.

Abstract: A key duplicating apparatus having automatic key clamping mechanisms for a master key and a key blank, a circular key follower and a key cutter mounted on a pivoting base that pivots and slides on a support shaft, and a mounting plate for mounting the clamping mechanisms and the support shaft. The apparatus is preferably automatically controlled by a microprocessing circuit. Also, the circular key follower is eccentrically mounted on a mounting shaft for adjustment of the depth of cutting of the key blank.

Abstract: An automatic key cutting machine having a key carriage can be pivotably moved by means of a torsion spring, and can be moved leftward and rightward along a guide rod by means of a reversible motor as well as a pair of microswitches in order to effect the key cutting automatically. A snap lock is provided on the key carriage for enabling the latter to be locked in such a position that the key blank is moved away from the milling cutter for the convenience of releasing the key sample or securing the key blank on the key carriage.

Abstract: The machine comprises a milling cutter of the so-called cup type whereto a manually movable bracket is articulated. The bracket has journalled thereon a stand having the reference key clamps mounted thereon and the clamps for the key blank to be milled. The keys lay in two respective parallel planes extending perpendicularly to the bracket articulation axis and containing the cutter rotation axis and the contact point of a feeler arranged to sense the reference key profile, respectively.

Abstract: A key forming machine including a machine frame, key cutting means mounted on the machine frame and operable to cut bittings of preselected location and depth into a key blank to form a key, and a carriage assembly adapted to carry a key blank and mounted on the machine frame for movement for presentation of the key blank to the key cutting means. First and second indexing mechanisms ar mounted on the machine frame and operable to move the carriage assembly, for presentation of a carried key blank to the key cutting means, to indexed positions respectively corresponding to preselected bitting locations and bitting depths. The indexing mechanisms each include an interengageable cam element and follower element, each cam element defining at least one series of discrete land portions representative of the indexed positions of the carriage assembly.