There are several different ways this problem may be addressed. . In some embodiments of this particular implementation or any other embodiment or implementation disclosed herein, the system may comprise a master key identification feedback system. Once the key groves and key shape are verified, the master key and the key blank are placed in a key cutting machine such that the master key faces a stylus or a tracer bar and the key blank faces a cutting wheel. In some particular implementations, two different pivoting components are used, one to pivot the support 133 to move the key blank cutter 128 between and closer to each of key blank receiving apertures 130, 132, and a different pivot, similar to that used in conventional key cutting machines. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. In this particular implementation, a consumer approaches the key duplication system 60 and inserts the consumer's master key into one of the two master key receiving apertures 62, 64. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. A key model identification and feedback system includes a key identification housing, a master key receiving aperture, a master key identifier, a processor in communication with the master key identifier, and a feedback module. In some implementations, the keys are cut prior to being vended. An overview for a process of enabling a consumer to cut its own duplicate key is illustrated in FIG. For this example, it is assumed that the key cutting machine associated with the particular master key identification system is not configured to cut auto key blanks. The consumer is informed by the user interface that the master key is an auto key and possibly that the key is for a 2010 Camaro. 5 illustrates a surface view of a left clamp 30 of the clamp of FIG. FIG. The key blade clamp forward edges 48, 50 may also be tapered, for example as shown in FIG. Provisional Patent Applications: 61/411,401 to Mueller et al. The feedback module is configured to receive data from a processor that is in communication with the master key identifier. No. Having at least two master key receiving apertures each designated to receive a particular key brand alleviates the need for a database to store key brand information. removed and only specific parts illustrated for simplicity; FIG. Alternatively, or additionally, the consumer may request the data to be electronically transmitted, such as by email or text message, to the consumer or a location of the consumer's choice, or stored in association with a login account of the consumer associated with the key identification system. Many additional components and assembly procedures known in the art consistent with the intended key duplication systems and/or assembly procedures for key duplication systems will become apparent from this disclosure. Multiple key blank receiving apertures may be used, for example, to allow each key blank receiving aperture 130 or 132 to be specifically designed for a particular key blank cross-sectional shape. The key duplication system may be configured to dispense a selected available key blank matching the model of the master key when a user selects the available key blank. Because of the information on the ticket, the sales associate can quickly ascertain which key blank model is needed. 13/183,982 to Mueller et al. entitled Key Duplication Packaging and Standard Reference Features, which was filed Jul. This application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. By way of a non limiting example, the perimeter shape 46 of at least one key receiving aperture 44 may be partially defined by a surface shape of at least one key clamp element wherein one of the clamp elements with a profile corresponding to the surface topography of a particular key may be positioned in the way of key receiving aperture to allow only a key with a single matching profile to be inserted. Particular implementations of the key cutting machine with a standard reference features may include a key blank cutter to cut a key blank carried within a key blank carrier or not within a key blank carrier, a key blank receiving aperture and a key blank carrier clamp to align a key blank or key blank carrier by holding at least a portion of the key or the blank carrier within the key cutting machine housing in a predetermined position with respect to the key blank cutter. 5, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. In particular implementations, whether used as a master key clamp or a key blank clamp, the clamp may be provided with additional key sensors located along the keyway groove guides of one or both sides of the clamp. A system display 116 may be included in the system 110 to communicate instructions to the consumer or to direct the consumer to seek assistance if the key includes a Do Not Duplicate message. The consumer, either at the user interface or later through a web site accessed from another location such as the consumer's home, may later custom design a duplicate key from the options at the web site and request that the custom key be mailed to the consumer or to a store of the consumer's choosing. In places where the description above refers to particular implementations of key duplication system, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other key duplication system or system portion. According to a first aspect, a master key model identification and feedback system may comprise a key identification housing, a master key receiving aperture on the housing, sized to receive a master key, a master key identifier adjacent to the master key receiving aperture and configured to capture physical characteristics of the master key, and a processor, in communication with the master key identifier, the processor configured to access a database defining a plurality of known key models, compare the physical characteristics of the master key with physical characteristics of the known key models in the database to identify a model of the master key, and communicate the model of the master key to a feedback module coupled to the key identification housing, wherein the feedback module, responsive to the communication from the processor, outputs an indication of the model of the master key and directions to a location remote from the key identification housing where a key blank having the same model of the master key is available for duplicating the master key. entitled Key Duplication Machine Cutting System, which was filed on Nov. 12, 2010, 61/497,468 to Hagen et al. Particular implementations may be configured for engaging and simple, secure clamping of the blade keyway grooves for any two different key types by changing the respective left or right clamp surface to a different surface topography. In the non-limiting example of FIG. If the key fits into the key receiving aperture, the key brand has been identified as being able to be duplicated at the machine. The presently disclosed implementations are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. The implementations listed in this disclosure, and many others, will become readily apparent from this disclosure. For example, often an overwhelming portion of commonly duplicated keys corresponds to only a few key models. In some implementations, a feedback module is coupled to the key identification housing. 8 illustrates a particular implementation the key duplication system 126 wherein the at least one key blank cutter 128 is positioned among the at least two key blank receiving apertures 130, 132. In particular implementations of the key duplication housing 126, the at least one key blank cutter may furthermore remove added features 136 on a key blank 138. As illustrated in FIG. In a particular implementation, a mechanical arm or other automation within the key blank duplication machine housing 231 automatically moves key blanks from a vending system storage to a cutting position and a key cutter cuts a key blank with the identified key pattern from a corresponding master key. Particular embodiments and implementations may comprise one or more of the following. 15, 2011, and also claims the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. 5 is a perspective view of a key clamp surface with an optional sensor; FIG. This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. Providing a key duplication system operatively associated with the key identification housing and housing a plurality of available key blanks of known key models. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a key cutting machine with portions of the housing removed and the front panel made see-through to show internal components of the machine; FIG. If the master key model can be identified, the processor accesses a database defining which known key models are available at a key blank dispensing/vending machine either coupled to or situated near the key duplication system. 15, 2011, and claims the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. No. FIG. Because particular embodiments of the disclosed key duplication systems are configured to receive two different key types in the same key receiving aperture, there is a chance that a user may insert a master key of a first type and accidentally select a key blank of a second type. The identification system then prints the referral ticket for the consumer with relevant master key identification information to inform the store employee of what is needed to create the duplicate key. In other embodiments, a camera is used, which captures an image of the key. 7A is a perspective view of a key duplication system comprising a key scanner; FIG. Any printer known in the art is suitable for use with this system, though a conventional retail cash register receipt printer is particularly suited to this application due to its inexpensive cost, small size and familiarity to retail workers. A recent key duplication system described in International Application Number PCT/US2007/024522 to Freeman, et al. Using the same key, blank cutter 128, the system is also configured to move the key blank cutter 128 toward the other key blank receiving aperture to cut a different key from a different manufacturer. entitled Key Blank and Carrier Adapted for Positioning a Key Blank in a Cutter During Bit Cutting, which was filed on Jul. 9-11. In such cases, the consumer may place their master key in the master key identification system and have it identified, select on the user display that the consumer wants to create a custom key, and receive the referral ticket with the identification data included on the ticket or in association with a reference number on the ticket. 3. For example, a visual display monitor 240 or a wired or wireless communication device may be used in some implementations. to pivot the key blank cutter 128 in relation to the key blank, and the support 133, for use after the key blank cutter 128 is in position adjacent a key blank receiving aperture 130, 132 and is cutting a particular key blank in a particular key blank receiving aperture. No. titled Fully Automatic Key Duplicating Machine with Automatic Key Model identification System sought to reduce the need for the operation skills of a trained worker by automatically identifying master keys and automatically cutting and dispensing a duplicate key from a limited selection of keys within the key duplication system. 6 is a view of a key duplication system and related key vending display for a two-key vending kiosk; FIG. Furthermore, at least one key blank receiving aperture 8 is located on the housing (same side for this particular implementation, though not required for all implementations), and at least one key blank clamp 10 is located adjacent to the least one key blank receiving aperture. 2004-2022 FreePatentsOnline.com. It is known to use methods such as tracer bars, stylus, or other types of mechanical arms to trace a master key bit pattern. In some implementations, at least some unavailable key blank models are available at a nearby location. FIG. The key identification system either asks the consumer questions to assist in identification of the key or simply identifies the master key. The master key identifier sends identification data to the processor (e.g. This process can be accomplished before, during or after the scanner 114 or a related component identifying the master key bit pattern 124 and its type for duplication. & Terms of Use. Thus, even when the claims recite a means for performing the function of . The master key identifier may comprise a scanner that captures the physical characteristics of the master key. 15, 2010, the disclosures of all of which are hereby incorporated. The information is printed on the referral ticket and dispensed to the consumer at the master key identification system with instructions on where the consumer should take the referral ticket to get the key duplicated. data representing physical characteristics, such as dimensions, patterns, or other parameters indicative of a particular key model either received from the master key identifier or from data input by the operator or a combination of both). In some particular implementations, though not required, additional sensors may be included to assist in identification of a key type or verification that a particular key type is inserted. 15, 2011, 61/411,148 to Mueller et al. 4B is a view of a key receiving aperture of a key cutting system showing portions of the key clamp of FIG. In particular embodiments of the scanner 114, the digital reader may also be configured to verify whether a duplicate key was cut accurately by the consumer placing the duplicate key in the master key receiving aperture 112 after the key blank is cut into a duplicate key. Because the keyway groove guides of the clamp surface engage the keyway groove of the expected key type, one or more sensors placed within the keyway groove guide can be positioned to only be activated if the expected is inserted.
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hillman key identification