Self service key duplicating machine with automatic key model identification system

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.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A key duplicating machine, comprising:
 a housing;   an insertion slot in the housing, the insertion slot configured to receive a blade of a key having any of a plurality of cross-sectional profiles;   at least one scanning device configured to detect a cross-sectional profile of the blade;   a blank loading system configured to select a key blank from a plurality of key blanks, the selected key blank having a cross-sectional profile that matches the detected cross-sectional profile of the key; and   a cutting wheel configured to cut the selected key blank to duplicate a key tooth pattern of the key.   
     
     
         9 . The key duplicating machine of  claim 8 , further comprising a cleaning wheel configured to celan the selected key blank. 
     
     
         10 . The key duplicating machine of  claim 8 , including at least one vacuum source configured to substantially remove debris from the selected key blank. 
     
     
         11 . The key duplicating machine of  claim 8 , wherein the scanning device is further configured to detect that the key is fully inserted into the insertion slot. 
     
     
         12 . The key duplicating machine of  claim 8 , wherein the scanning device is configured to identify a type of the key based on the cross-sectional profile of the blade of the key detected by the scanning device. 
     
     
         13 . The key duplicating machine of  claim 8 , further including a length sensor to detect a length parameter of the blade of the key. 
     
     
         14 . The key duplicating machine of  claim 13 , wherein the scanning device is further configured to utilize the detected length parameter to identify the model of the key. 
     
     
         15 . The key duplicating machine of  claim 8 , wherein the scanning device is further configured to determine the key tooth pattern of the key. 
     
     
         16 . The key duplicating machine of  claim 8 , further including a magazine configured to store the plurality of key blanks. 
     
     
         17 . A key duplicating machine, comprising:
 a housing;   an insertion slot in the housing, the insertion slot configured to receive a blade of a master key having any of a plurality of cross-sectional profiles;   at least one scanning device configured to:
 detect a plurality of key parameters including at least a cross-sectional profile of the blade and a key tooth pattern of the master key; and 
 identify a key blank based on the detected key parameters; 
   a magazine storing a plurality of key blanks;   a blank loading system configured to select the identified key blank from the magazine; and   a key cutting system configured to cut the selected key blank to duplicate the key tooth pattern of the master key.   
     
     
         18 . The key duplicating machine of  claim 17 , further including a cut key cleaner configured to engage the key blank and remove material from the key blank. 
     
     
         19 . The key duplicating machine of  claim 17 , further comprising one or more vacuum sources within the housing configured to selectively provide vacuum pressure within the housing. 
     
     
         20 . The key duplicating machine of  claim 19 , wherein the one or more vacuum sources are further configured to substantially remove debris from cutting of the key blank from the housing. 
     
     
         21 . The key duplicating machine of  claim 17 , wherein the scanning device is further configured to detect that the master key is fully inserted into the insertion slot. 
     
     
         22 . The key duplicating machine of  claim 17 , wherein at least one of the detected plurality of key parameters is a length parameter of the blade of the master key. 
     
     
         23 . The key duplicating machine of  claim 22 , wherein the key identification system is further configured to utilize the detected length parameter to identify the model of the master key.