Key duplication machine
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.
1. A key duplicating machine comprising:
a key insertion position to receive a key;
a non-contact sensing device configured to capture data related to a master key at said key insertion position;
a positioning mechanism configured to move said key blank from said key insertion position to a key clamping position prior to the cutting member cutting the key;
a cutting member configured to cut a key pattern into a key blank at said key lead clamping position.
2. The machine of claim 1 , wherein said non-contact sensing device includes an imaging device.
3. The machine of claim 2 , wherein said imaging device is a camera.
4. The machine of claim 2 , wherein said data includes an image of at least a portion of said key blank.
5. The machine of claim 4 , wherein said image is a digital image.
6. The machine of claim 1 further comprising a logic configured to determine a set of one or more key blanks that correspond to said master key based on said data related to said master key.
7. The machine of claim 1 , wherein said data related to a master key includes data related to a key pattern of said master key.
8. The machine of claim 1 , wherein said non-contact sensing device includes a laser.
9. The machine of claim 1 , wherein said cutting member is a cutting wheel.
10. The machine of claim 1 wherein said positioning mechanism includes positioner fingers.
11. The machine of claim 10 wherein said positioner fingers are configured to align the key blank.
12. A key duplicating machine comprising:
an opening in said machine to receive a key therein;
a sensing device configured to capture data related to a master key inserted into said opening;
a positioning mechanism configured to move the key blank from said opening to a clamping position; and
a cutting member configured to cut a key pattern into a key blank positioned at said clamping position.
13. The machine of claim 12 , wherein said sensing device is a non-contact sensing device.
14. The machine of claim 13 , wherein said non-contact sensing device includes an imaging device.
15. The machine of claim 14 , wherein said imaging device is a camera.
16. The machine of claim 14 , wherein said data includes an image of at least a portion of said key blank.
17. The machine of claim 16 , wherein said image is a digital image.
18. The machine of claim 12 further comprising a logic configured to determine a set of one or more key blanks that correspond to said master key based on said data related to said master key.
19. The machine of claim 12 , wherein said data related to a master key includes data related to a key pattern of said master key.
20. The machine of claim 13 , wherein said non-contact sensing device includes a laser.
21. The machine of claim 12 , wherein said cutting member is a cutting wheel.
22. The machine of claim 12 wherein said positioning mechanism includes positioner fingers.
23. The machine of claim 22 wherein said positioner fingers align the key blank.