The present disclosure provides mates keys and mates key bows having respective mating surfaces disposed on respective bows, as well as sets of keys configured to physically mate with one another by way of respective mating surfaces defined on respective bows of the keys. Each of the mates keys comprises a blade portion, which may be bitted to match a given lock, and a bow portion attached to the blade portion which can be mated to a bow portion of another mates key. When physically mated, the bow portions of two or more keys are physically fitted together to form a visual based on respective visuals on the mates key bows.

A master key for use in luggage screening by Government entities such as the TSA in this country or comparable organizations in other countries, or private entities authorized to screen travelers' luggage, such as at airports. The master keys are provided with facilities to enhance security and make it more difficult to misuse the keys, and may be a part of an overall system that includes components remote from the keys but interacting with them to improve security.

A system for identifying a key to a lock. The system uses a simple scanner. Within the scanner, a plate is illuminated by at least one LED. Opposite the plate is positioned a matrix of photodetectors. The plate and the matrix of photodetectors are separated by a slot that is sized to receive the key. The matrix of photodetectors generates an electronic signal that is indicative of light from the plate that passes across the key in the slot. A memory is provided that stores known key signals. A processor is provided that compares the newly generated electronic signal to the known key signals in the memory to find a match. A display is provided for displaying information about which the key signals from memory is a match. In this manner, a person can identify the key.

A system for identifying a key to a lock. The system uses a simple scanner. Within the scanner, a plate is illuminated by at least one LED. Opposite the plate is positioned a matrix of photodetectors. The plate and the matrix of photodetectors are separated by a slot that is sized to receive the key. The matrix of photodetectors generates an electronic signal that is indicative of light from the plate that passes across the key in the slot. A memory is provided that stores known key signals. A processor is provided that compares the newly generated electronic signal to the known key signals in the memory to find a match. A display is provided for displaying information about which the key signals from memory is a match. In this manner, a person can identify the key.

A lockable wagering chip container is disclosed which includes a case, a drawer, and a lock mechanism. The case includes a case top, a case bottom, two case sides, and two case ends. The case top includes a through-hole and at least one of the two case ends is open. The drawer includes a drawer top, a drawer bottom, two drawer sides, and two drawer ends. The drawer bottom, two drawer sides, and two drawer ends partially enclose a drawer interior configured to hold a plurality of chips; the drawer top is open. At least one of the drawer ends includes a chip slot configured to accept a chip inserted when the drawer is in a closed position. The lock mechanism is positioned within the case and configured to secure the drawer in the closed position until the lock mechanism is released by a key inserted into the through-hole.

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a key that allows key number information to be changed or added and that allows key information to be easily read. A key 1 has a key body 2 and key information 3 displayed on the surface of the key body 2. The key information 3 is a two-dimensional code 30 that can be read by a reading device. The two-dimensional code 30 is preferably displayed on a flat surface of the key body. The key body 2 has a tip end 2a that can be inserted into a lock and a base end 2b on the side opposite the tip end 2a; and the two-dimensional code 30 is preferably located on the base end 2b side and displayed on a flat base end surface 23 that extends in a direction Z that intersects the direction connecting the tip end 2a and the base end 2b.

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a key that allows key number information to be changed or added and that allows key information to be easily read. A key 1 has a key body 2 and key information 3 displayed on the surface of the key body 2. The key information 3 is a two-dimensional code 30 that can be read by a reading device. The two-dimensional code 30 is preferably displayed on a flat surface of the key body. The key body 2 has a tip end 2a that can be inserted into a lock and a base end 2b on the side opposite the tip end 2a; and the two-dimensional code 30 is preferably located on the base end 2b side and displayed on a flat base end surface 23 that extends in a direction Z that intersects the direction connecting the tip end 2a and the base end 2b.