The invention relates to a reset mechanism of the key duplication device which comprises a reset apparatus, a spindle and a body, wherein the spindle is inserted into the body and is rotatably connected to the body. Between workspace and a loading area, the body is repeatedly moveable along the spindle. The reset mechanism comprises an elastic member connected with the body. Elastic forces of the elastic member always act on the body and move the body toward the workspace. After the body is rotated to the loading area against the elastic forces of the elastic member, when a withdrawal force exceeds the elastic forces, the body automatically returns to the workspace under the influence of the elastic forces. The fewer and easier operating steps the more efficient work of the reset mechanism is, and the mechanism more conforms to the ergonomics design.

A key identification system that includes a key identification system housing, a key clamp, a key ring support tray, and two digital identifiers is disclosed. The key identification system housing may include a key receiving aperture extending through housing and sized to receive at least some of a key blade of a key. The key clamp is positioned adjacent to the key receiving aperture and allows the system to maintain the key blade in a fixed position within the key identification system housing when the key is inserted into the key receiving aperture. The key ring support tray is typically coupled to the key identification system housing below the key receiving aperture. The two digital identifiers are positioned within the key identification system housing and designed to capture key blade information.

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.

A machine is disclosed for use in duplicating features of an existing key within a key blank. The machine may have an identification module configured to capture data associated with the features of the existing key, a fabrication module configured to cut the features in the key blank based on the data, a user input device, and a controller in communication with the identification module, the fabrication module, and the user input device. The controller may be configured to regulate operation of the identification module and the fabrication module, and to receive input from a user via the user input device. The input may be indicative of the user being a first type of user or a second type of user. The controller may also be configured to selectively implement one of a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation based on the input.

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.

A clamp is disclosed for a key making machine. The clamp may have an anvil, and a door movable toward the anvil to sandwich a key blank therebetween. The clamp may also have a gate pivotally connected to the door and configured to engage the key blank.

A key-duplicating system comprises a network that includes a multiplicity of kiosks at a multiplicity of different locations, each of the kiosks having a customer interface and a processor coupled to the customer interface. A remote central server coupled to the kiosks is adapted to receive, from the kiosks, information identifying master keys to be duplicated. A key analysis module uses the information identifying master keys to be duplicated to derive information required to produce duplicates of the identified master keys, and a key duplicating module uses that information to produce duplicates of said identified master keys.

A machine is disclosed for use in duplicating features of an existing key within a key blank. The machine may have an identification module configured to capture data associated with the features of the existing key, a fabrication module configured to cut the features in the key blank based on the data, a user input device, and a controller in communication with the identification module, the fabrication module, and the user input device. The controller may be configured to regulate operation of the identification module and the fabrication module, and to receive input from a user via the user input device. The input may be indicative of the user being a first type of user or a second type of user. The controller may also be configured to selectively implement one of a first mode of operation or a second mode of operation based on the input.

A clamp is disclosed for a key making machine. The clamp may have an anvil, and a door movable toward the anvil to sandwich a key blank therebetween. The clamp may also have a gate pivotally connected to the door and configured to engage the key blank.

An identification module is disclosed for use in a key making machine. The identification module may have a key receiving assembly configured to receive only a shank of an existing key. The identification module may also have a tip guide, configured to receive a tip of the shank of the existing key. The tip guide may have a slot that exposes a tip end of the shank. The identification module may also have an imaging assembly configured to capture an image of the tip end through the slot.