Automated key duplication system and method

US9468982B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• THE HILLMAN GROUP, INC. · US

Inventors

• Michael Mueller · Fort Lauderdale, US
• George Lynn Hagen · Flagstaff, US
• Scott Basham · Chandler, US
• Mark Leslie Tarter · Mesa, US
• Ryan Hamblin · Apache Junction, US
• Carl Ito · Scottsdale, US
• Kenneth C. Booth · Mesa, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 12, 2013
• Grant date: Oct 18, 2016
• Expiry date: Apr 3, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T409/301064
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An automated key duplication system that includes a system housing, a key identification system, a key cutting system, a key blank storage system, a key blank transfer assembly, and a duplicated key retrieval opening is disclosed. The key identification system may be housed at least partially within the system housing and is configured to identify a master key. The key blank storage system comprises a plurality of rods configured to removably couple to a plurality of key carriers. The key blank transfer assembly is housed within the housing is configured to remove one key carrier of the plurality of key carriers from the key blank storage system with the key retrieving apparatus and transport the one key carrier and the key blank coupled thereto from the key blank storage to the key cutting system. The duplicated key retrieval opening is positioned on the housing to receive the one key blank after the one key blank has been cut.