Patent Publication Number: US-11642744-B2

Title: Identification module for key making machine

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation application under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/743,360, filed Jan. 15, 2020, pending, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/557,145, filed Aug. 30, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,577,830, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/421,013, filed May 23, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,400,474, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/711,748, filed Sep. 21, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,301,844, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/263,595, filed Apr. 28, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,797,163, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/866,603 entitled MODULAR KEY DUPLICATION SYSTEM USING COMMON KEY BLANKS filed on Aug. 16, 2013, and from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/904,810 entitled KEY ASSEMBLY AND DUPLICATION MACHINE filed on Nov. 15, 2013, the contents of all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure is directed to an identification module and, more particularly, to an identification module for a key making machine. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Key making machines are used to create new keys or copies of existing keys. In conventional machines, a key blank is selected that corresponds with the intended use of the new key or with the existing key. The key blank is then mounted in a clamp, and cutting wheels are moved to cut a pattern of notches within the key blank that correspond with a desired pattern of notches. The key blank selection process, the clamping process, and/or the cutting process may be implemented manually or automatically. Manual processes, however, tend to introduce errors that result in miscuts of the key blank. 
     An exemplary automated key duplication machine is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2012/0243957 of Drake et al. that published on Sep. 27, 2012 (“the &#39;957 publication”). In particular, the &#39;957 publication discloses a key duplication machine having a key blank identification system and a key fabrication system incorporated into a single apparatus. The key blank identification system uses an optical imaging device to capture a silhouette of an inserted master key when backlighting is turned on. The silhouette is measured to determine a depth, angle, and position of each tooth in the master key, and to determine if the master key includes a pattern on one side or on both sides. A comparison of these features with features stored in memory leads to determining and selecting of a key blank used to duplicate the master key. The selected key blank is then completely inserted into the machine without regard to orientation, and the key blank is validated to ensure that the proper key blank was retrieved by the user. Validation is performed by taking an image of the key blank with the optical imaging device, and comparing features of the key blank (size and shape of shoulders, length, width, single side or dual side, number of steps, etc.) to known features of the proper key blank. The image of the key blank is also used to determine alignment of the key blank. The key blank is then repositioned by opposing fingers based on the image, and another image is taken to confirm alignment. Once the key blank is properly aligned, the key blank is moved onto a fixed bottom member, and a top member is pressed down along a length of the key blank to clamp the key blank in place. Two cutting wheels located at opposing edges of the key blank are then independently moved and operated to cut notches in the key blank corresponding to the notches in the master key. After cutting of the notches, another image of the key blank is taken to compare the newly cut key with the master key. 
     Although the duplication machine of the &#39;957 publication may improve the key making process, it may still be less than optimal. In particular, the duplication machine of the &#39;957 publication requires numerous images to be captured throughout the identification and cutting processes, and numerous comparisons to be made. The excessive number of images and comparisons can increase a time of the process, increase computing requirements, and introduce opportunities for error. In addition, the independent nature of the cutting wheels and use of alignment fingers further increases complexity of the machine and the likelihood for miscuts. And the configuration of the cutting wheels could result in shortened life of the duplication machine. Further, the duplication machine of the &#39;957 publication requires the entire key blank to be inserted into the machine and the entire length of the key blank to be clamped, which can be difficult to achieve properly given the variety of different key blank heads. The motion of the cutting wheels may also be limited due to the clamping configuration of the &#39;957 publication. 
     The disclosed identification module is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an identification module for a key making machine. The identification module may include a key receiving assembly configured to receive only a shank of an existing key. The identification module further may further include a tip guide configured to receive a tip of the shank of the existing key, the tip guide having a slot that exposes a tip end of the shank. The identification module may also include an imaging assembly configured to capture an image of the tip end through the slot. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of imaging an existing key. The method may include receiving from a user only a shank of the existing key into a key receiving assembly, and guiding a tip end of the shank to a desired location with a tip guide. The method may further include capturing a backlight image of a tip end of the shank with a camera through a slot in the tip guide that exposes the tip end of the shank. 
     Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  are front view illustrations of three different exemplary disclosed key assemblies; 
         FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  are front and side view illustrations of an exemplary disclosed key blade that forms a portion of the key assembly of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  are front, back, and side view illustrations of an exemplary disclosed head that receives the key blade of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C  to form the key assembly of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  4    is a front view illustration of an exemplary disclosed duplication machine that can be used in conjunction with the key blade of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C ; 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded view illustration of an exemplary disclosed identification module that may form a portion of the duplication machine of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  are side and top view illustrations of an exemplary disclosed key receiving assembly that may form a portion of the identification module of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is an isometric illustration of an exemplary disclosed fabrication module that may form a portion of the duplication machine of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a top view illustration of an exemplary disclosed dispensing system that may form a portion of the fabrication module of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional end view illustration of the dispensing system of  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  are isometric illustrations of exemplary disclosed cutting system that may form a portion of the fabrication module of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIGS.  11 A and  11 B  are isometric illustrations of an exemplary disclosed receiving unit that forms a portion of the cutting system of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is an isometric illustration of another exemplary disclosed cutting system that may form a portion of the fabrication module of  FIG.  7   ; and 
         FIG.  13    is a top view illustration of exemplary disclosed accessories that may be associated with the key assemblies of  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS.  1 A- 1 C  illustrate three different exemplary key assemblies  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c , which will collectively be referred to as key assembly  10  in this disclosure. Each key assembly  10  may be used as a means for gaining access to a variety of different secure applications, for example to automotive applications (e.g., door and ignition locks), to residential applications (e.g., dead bolt and handle locks), and to commercial applications (e.g., equipment and facility locks). Each key assembly  10  may generally include a blade  12 , and a head  14  that is connected to blade  12 . As shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , head  14  is a separate component or subassembly of components that is connected to blade  12  after formation of desired features within blade  12 . It is contemplated that head  14  may be fixedly or removably connected to blade  12 , as desired. When head  14  is connected to blade  12 , one end or both ends (both ends shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C ) of blade  12  may protrude a distance from head  14 . Head  14  may serve as a handle through which a user generates torque within blade  12 , causing an associated lock to turn and open or close. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , each of key assemblies  10   a - 10   c  may be a different type of key assembly. In particular, key assembly  10   a  may have a single edge-cut form (shown in  FIG.  1 A ); key assembly  10   b  may have a dual edge-cut form (shown in  FIG.  1 B ); and key assembly  10   c  may have a milled form (shown in  FIG.  1 C ). In general, key assembly  10   a , having the single edge-cut form, may include blade  12  with a single relatively thinner lengthwise outer edge  46  that is configured to be notched in a particular pattern (shown in phantom lines as notches  49 ) corresponding to the lock intended to receive blade  12 , and a single relatively thicker opposing outer edge  48  that does not include notches  49 . Key assembly  10   b  with the dual edge-cut form may have two opposing outer edges  46  that are notched and thinner relative to a thicker center section  50 . Center sections  50  within blades  12  of both the single and dual edge-cut key assemblies  10   a ,  10   b  may include one or more channels  52  formed therein, such that an endwise cross-section of each assembly has a general zigzag shape. Key assembly  10   c , having the milled form, may include relatively thicker square outer edges  51 , with a planar center section  50  of about the same thickness (i.e., a cross-section of the milled form may be generally rectangular). Center section  50  of the milled key assembly  10   c  generally has an internal pattern of notches  49  that is milled within center section  50  and located away from edges  51 , the pattern being variable and corresponding to the lock intended to receive blade  12 . 
     An exemplary blade  12  for single edge-cut key assembly  10   a  is shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C . As shown in these figures, blade  12  may include a head portion  16 , and a shank  18  that is integrally formed with head portion  16 . Head portion  16  may join shank  18  at a transition region  20 . In the disclosed embodiment, blade  12  is formed from aluminum, brass, bronze, or another metal alloy through a stamping process and may or may not be painted or otherwise plated with a colored film. It is contemplated, however, that another material and/or process may be utilized to form blade  12 , if desired. 
     Head portion  16  of blade  12  may have geometry designed to interact with corresponding geometry of head  14  (referring to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C ). In particular, as shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C , head portion  16  may be generally plate-like, having a substantially uniform thickness t along its length l from a square shaped base end  22  within transition region  20  to a rounded tip end  24 . In the disclosed embodiment, thickness t between opposing primary surfaces  26 ,  28  may be about 0.075-0.1 inches (e.g., about 0.08 inches) and length l may be about 1.25-1.5 inches (e.g., about 1.33 inches). Head portion  16  may also have a generally uniform width w between opposing side surfaces  30 ,  32  of about 0.4-0.5 inches (e.g., about 0.486 inches). These specific dimensions may be selected to produce a slip fit of head portion  16  within an internal cavity of head  14 . Head portion  16  may be engaged on its two primary faces  26 ,  28  and its two substantially perpendicular side surfaces  30 ,  32  when slidingly received within head  14 . 
     Each head portion  16  may also have geometry designed to inhibit removal of blade  12  from head  14 . In particular, one or more recesses  34  may be formed within side surfaces  30 ,  32  and configured to receive corresponding locking features of head  14 . Recesses  34  may have opposing ends  36 ,  38  that are angled outward and configured to engage or provide clearance for the locking features, respectively. It is contemplated that the angular orientation of ends  36 ,  38  may be the same or different, as desired. A pair of shoulders  40  may protrude from side surfaces  30 ,  32 , at a common location between recesses  34  and base end  22 . Shoulders  40  may be located a particular distance away from recesses  34  and function as end stops for head  14  during assembly (see  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C ). In some embodiments, a shape, size, and/or position of shoulders  40  may also be used to determine an identity of blade  12  and/or to locate blade  12  during a cutting process, if desired. 
     In some embodiments, an accessory engagement feature (e.g., an eyelet)  41  may be formed at tip end  24  and configured to engage a separately purchased accessory (e.g., a key ring). In these same embodiments, eyelet  41  may function as an additional or alternative locating feature used during cutting of shank  18 , if desired. For example, a center of eyelet  41  may be precisely located a distance d from shoulders  40  and/or from base end  22  (e.g., about 0.7-0.8 inches from shoulders  40 ). Although tip end  24  is shown as having a generally curved outer periphery that enhances rigidity of head portion  16 , it is contemplated that head portion  16  could alternatively have an angled or square outer periphery if desired. 
     One or more identification indices may be formed within or otherwise applied to (e.g., printed onto, stamped into, or adhered to) head portion  16  and used to identify blade  12  as a particular one of a plurality of known types of key blades. In the disclosed example, two indices are shown, including a first index  42  and a second index  44 . Indices  42 ,  44  may take any form known in the art for relaying information regarding the identity of blade  12 , and indices  42 ,  44  may be the same or different. For example, index  42  may be a type of index readable by a key duplication technician and still visible after head  14  is assembled to blade  12 . In the same example, index  44  may be a type of index that is machine readable and visible only before and/or during cutting of shank  18  (i.e., index  44  may be located at a center of where head  14  is to be installed). Examples of different types of indices include alpha-numeric symbols (see index  42  in  FIGS.  1 A- 2 A ), bar codes (see index  44  in  FIGS.  1 A- 2 A ), data matrices, QR codes, etc. Although the depicted blade  12  includes indices  42 ,  44  located at only one side (i.e. only at primary surface  26 ), it is contemplated that indices  42 ,  44  could be located at both sides and/or at other positions, if desired. As will be explained in more detail below, index  42  may be used for manual selection and/or manual identity confirmation of a particular key blade  12 , while index  44  may be used to complete a sales transaction and/or to automatically confirm identity and automatically make notches  49  in blade  12  within a fabrication module. 
     In some embodiments, shank  18  may have a thickness different than a thickness of head portion  16 . In these embodiments, a step  54  (shown only in  FIG.  2 C ) may be located at transition region  20 . This step may be the result of a first type of blade  12  having either its head portion  16  or its shank  18  milled thinner after formation through the stamping process discussed above. That is, blades  12  may need to have a common thickness at head portion  16  to properly receive a common head  14 , but blades  12  of different key types may have shanks  18  with a thickness that is the same or different (i.e., thicker or thinner). In situations where shank  18  is required to be thicker than the common head portion thickness, all of blade  12  may be stamped from a thicker material and then head portion  16  may be machined thinner to the common thickness. In contrast, in situations where shank  18  is required to be thinner than the common head portion thickness, all of blade  12  may be stamped from material having the common head thickness, but then shank  18  may be machined thinner. In other words, after stamping of different blades  12 , some blades (e.g., the most commonly used blades  12 ) may be ready for notching and/or milling without further change, while other blades  12  may need to have their head portions  16  or their shanks  18  machined to be thinner, depending on the requirements of the corresponding locks. But in general, head portions  16  may have the same thickness when formation of blade  12  is complete. It is contemplated that, in some applications, a length of blade  12  may also need to be shortened during the duplication process. 
     Head  14 , in the embodiments of  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , is a subassembly of two substantially identical head components  14   a  oriented in opposition to each other. As shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C , each head component  14   a  may include a primary surface  56  and a side surface  58  that is substantially perpendicular to primary surface  56 . When two head components  14   a  are placed together in opposite orientation relative to each other (i.e., with primary surfaces  56  facing each other and side surfaces  58  facing each other), a cavity  60  (shown only in  FIG.  3 C ) may be formed that is configured to slidingly receive head portion  16  of blade  12 . One or more connecting features may be associated with each head component  14   a  and configured to engage corresponding features in the mating head component  14   a , thereby maintaining connection between head components  14   a . For example, one or more pins  62  may protrude at one edge of primary interior surface  56  and be received within one or more corresponding bores  64  located at an opposing edge of primary interior surface  56 . Accordingly, when two head components  14   a  are pressed together, four pins  62  (one located at each corner of primary surface  58 ) may enter four bores  64 . In some embodiments, removal of pins  62  from bores  64  may be inhibited to thereby prevent unintended disassembly of head  14 . Pins  62  may be inhibited from removable by way of an interference fit, an adhesive, or another mechanism known in the art. 
     In other embodiments, head  14  is a single-piece integral component having many features in common with the two head components  14   a  described above. In these embodiments, the single-piece head  14  includes two primary surfaces  56 , and two side surface  58  that are substantially perpendicular to primary surfaces  56  to form cavity  60 . In this arrangement, no subassembly is required and no corresponding connecting features (i.e., pins  62  or bores  64 ) are formed within head  14 . 
     In either of the two-piece or single-piece embodiments of head  14 , a first end  66  of head  14  may be slid over tip end  24  of blade  12  and pushed toward shank  18 . Two steps  68  may be formed at first end  66  (e.g., one step  68  within each head component  14   a ) and configured to engage shoulder  40  of blade  12  (see  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C ), thereby positioning head  14  at a desired location along blade  12 . Two tangs  70  may be located at a second end  72  of head  14  (e.g., one tang  70  within each head component  14   a ) and configured to deflect out of the way of blade  12  (i.e., out of cavity  60 ) during insertion and then return to a normal position (shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C ) within recesses  34  of blade  12 , thereby inhibiting removal of head  14  from blade  12 . Each tang  70  may have a proximal end near a center of head  14 , and a distal end that protrudes toward second end  72  at an inward angle. The angle of recess end  36  (referring to  FIG.  2 A ) may allow for a secure seating of tang  70  without binding (see  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C ), while the angle of recess end  38  may provide clearance for the inward intrusion of tang  70 . In this configuration, the only way that head  14  could be removed from blade  12  would be to cause buckling of tangs  70 , which would require significant force. In some embodiments, there may not be sufficient space within cavity  60  for tangs  70  to buckle, making removal of head  14  even more difficult, if not impossible, without destruction of head  14 . 
     In the disclosed embodiment, head  14  is injection molded from a plastic material. Accordingly, head  14  (e.g., each head component  14   a ) may have features that facilitate this fabrication method and/or material. For example, a pocket  74  may be formed at a location between bores  64  (if bores  64  are present). Pocket  74  may help to keep all walls of head  14  at about the same thickness, thereby reducing the formation of voids or uneven surfaces during molding. It is contemplated that pocket  74  may be omitted, if desired. It is also contemplated that head  14  could be fabricated from other materials and/or through other processes. 
     Head  14  may also include features that improve use of key assembly  10 . For example, head  14  may include one or more friction-enhancing features, such as raised bumps  76  at an outer surface  78 . These features may help to reduce the likelihood of a customer&#39;s hand slipping during use of key assembly  10 . Head  14  may also have a smooth, rounded periphery that helps to reduce snagging. Head  14  may be fabricated in a variety of colors and/or shapes. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates an exemplary key making machine  100  that can be used to create within key blade  12  a new bitting pattern or a copied bitting pattern of an existing key, prior to insertion of blade  12  into head  14 . Machine  100  may be generally modular and include, among other things, at least one identification module  102 , and at least one fabrication module  104  in communication with one or more identification modules  102 . Each identification module  102  may be configured to detect, identify, and/or measure distinguishing characteristics of the existing key inserted therein. Each fabrication module  104  may be configured to retrieve or otherwise receive a particular blade  12  or a conventional key blank associated with the identified master key, to machine the key blade  12  to match a desired profile (e.g., of the existing key), and to dispense blade  12  after fabrication is complete. Identification module  102  may be positioned near (e.g., adjacent and facing in the same or another direction as) fabrication module  104  or remote from fabrication module  104 . Alternatively, identification module  102  and fabrication module  104  may be co-located within a common housing. Identification module  102  may communicate with fabrication module  104  via wired and/or wireless means. Data associated with the duplication process may be communicated to and from one or both of identification and fabrication modules  102 ,  104 , as necessary. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , identification module  102  may include a housing  106  that at least partially encloses a customer interface  108 , a key receiving assembly  110 , and an imaging system  112 . Customer interface  108  may be configured to receive instructions from a customer regarding a desired duplication process, receive payment from the customer for completion of the duplication process, and/or provide status information and options to the customer regarding an ongoing duplication process. Key receiving assembly  110  may be configured to receive an existing key in a particular orientation (e.g., lying horizontally with the shank thereof pointed inward toward the module) and at a particular location. Imaging system  112  may be configured to generate images of the existing key (or portions thereof) after it is received within key receiving assembly  110 , and to direct information associated with the images to fabrication module  104  (referring to  FIG.  4   ). 
     Customer interface  108  may allow the customer to input instructions, make selections, and/or answer questions regarding a desired duplication event. The instructions may include, for example, a number of duplicate blades to be produced, a desired pick up time, a customer&#39;s name, a desired delivery address, blade identification information, etc. The selections may be associated with a desired graphic design to be formed into or otherwise applied to head  14  (e.g., to be printed onto a separately purchased key head at an adjacent and connected printer—not shown), a desired color of the duplicate key&#39;s head, a desired key head shape to be used with the duplicate key, a desire for duplication information to be stored for future reference, etc. The questions may include for example, a make, model, and/or year of an associated car that the master key corresponds with; a type and/or brand of lock to which the master key belongs; and whether the master key is a transponder key. The instructions, selections, and/or questions, as well as corresponding responses, may be communicated visually, audibly, and/or tactilely, as desired. For example, customer interface  108  may include a display screen (e.g., a touch screen), a key board, a mouse, a light pen, a speaker, and/or a microphone that both communicates information to the customer as well as receives input from the customer. Information received via customer interface  108  may be directed to fabrication module  104  for further processing, and fabrication module  104  may provide queues and/or responses to the customer via interface  108 . It is contemplated that other interface devices may also be used. 
     In some embodiments, customer interface  108  may also include a means for receiving payment from the customer. These means may include, for example, a coin operated mechanism, a bill receiver, a credit card reader, and/or a receipt reader (e.g., a barcode reader configured to recognize a previous payment having already been received at another location and/or time). The means for receiving payment may be located anywhere within housing  106  of identification module  102 , and be capable of directing signals associated with the payment to fabrication module  104  or elsewhere for further processing. 
     An exemplary embodiment of key receiving assembly  110  is shown in  FIGS.  5 ,  6 A, and  6 B . As is shown in these figures, an opening (e.g., a transversely elongated slot)  114  may be formed in a front panel of housing  106  to provide customer access to key receiving assembly  110 , a fixed head guide  115  may be positioned at opening  114 , and a movable tip guide  116  may be positioned behind head guide  115 . Each of these components may cooperate to receive the existing key as it is inserted by a user shank-first through opening  114 . Transverse sides  118  (shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6 B ) of head guide  115  may be beveled inward toward a general center such that, as the existing key is inserted, the head of the existing key may engage sides  118  and be urged toward the center (i.e., toward greater alignment with tip guide  116 ). The existing key may be inserted until the head of the master key engages both sides  118  to about the same degree. In most applications, this engagement should result in the existing key being lengthwise aligned with tip guide  116  within a desired angle of about 0-10°, and more specifically within about 0-4°. Tip guide  116  may slide along a rail  119 , from opening  114  inward to a desired imaging position. Tip guide  116  may be manually moved by the customer through insertion of the existing key, although it is contemplated that in some applications an additional actuator (not shown) may be used to draw in and/or position the existing key, if desired. 
     In situations where the existing key is nonconventional (e.g., includes blade  12  but not head  14 ), extra care may be required during insertion of the existing key into key receiving assembly  110 . In particular, without head  14 , more care may be required to insert blade  12  in a centered manner such that blade  12  is generally aligned with tip guide  116  (i.e., since no head may be available to engage the beveled sides  18  of head guide  115 ). In some applications, a temporary head (not shown) may be selectively coupled with blade  12  for use with key receiving assembly  10 , and thereafter removed. In other applications, an additional guide insert may need to be connected to key receiving assembly  110  to properly align blade  12  with tip guide  116 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B , tip guide  116  may include a cup-like recess  120  configured to receive a tip of the existing key when the shank of the key is inserted through opening  116 . Although shown as being generally curved (e.g., with a radius and/or depth that inhibits skewing of the key shank to angles greater than about 10°), it is contemplated that recess  120  could take another shape (e.g., a cone, square, or rectangular shape), if desired. Tip guide  116  may be tilted downward toward the shank of the master key during insertion to reduce a likelihood of the master key slipping out of recess  120 . In one example, tip guide  116  may be tilted downward at an angle α in the range of about 2-3°. A slot  122  may be located at a transverse center of recess  120 , at an end opposite rail  119 . Slot  122  may form a window into recess  120 . A biasing element (e.g., a spring, a cylinder, an elastomeric band, etc.—not shown) may be connected to tip guide  116  and configured to bias tip guide  116  toward opening  114  in housing  106 , thereby further helping to retain the tip of the existing key within recess  120 . 
     The window formed by slot  122 , as will be described in more detail below, may provide access for light from imaging system  112  to pass through recess  120  (see  FIG.  5   ) and form a shadow outline (i.e., a silhouette) of the existing key at a receiver located at an opposing side of tip guide  116 . In one embodiment, an end of recess  120  may be sloped at the window to correspond with an incident angle of the light, so as to not block the light as it passes through recess  120 . It is contemplated that key receiving assembly  110  may be oriented in different ways, so as to receive a generally horizontal key (i.e., a key inserted by the customer in an orientation where the primary flat surfaces are generally horizontal) or a generally vertical key. Accordingly, the light may pass through the window and recess  120  to the receiver in a top-to-bottom direction, in a bottom-to-top direction, in a left-to-right direction, and/or in a right-to-left direction, depending on the configuration of the particular identification module  102 . 
     In some applications, a transponder sensor  124  may be associated with key receiving assembly  110  (e.g., cloning coils may be mounted to housing  106  at or around slot opening  114 —see  FIG.  6 B ). Transponder sensor  124  may be used to detect the presence of a transponder within the head of the existing key upon insertion into tip guide  116 . Data associated with a detected transponder may be directed to fabrication module  104  (referring to  FIG.  4   ) for further processing. It is contemplated that transponder sensor  124  could alternatively be located together with fabrication module  104 , if desired. 
     Returning to  FIG.  5   , imaging system  112  may be a vision-based system employing one or more sources of visible and/or invisible light, and the receiver discussed above. The receiver may be, for example, a camera  126  that is located to any side of the master key during operation. Camera  126  may be configured to capture images of the existing key, while the light sources are selectively turned on and off. For example, imaging system  112  may include one or more “back lights”  128  configured to shine directly or indirectly toward the existing key from a side opposite (e.g., from below) camera  126 . Camera  126 , at this time, may capture the silhouette image of the existing key showing an exterior edge outline of the key and a location of reference features of the key (e.g., of shoulders of the key and/or of the tip seen through slot  122  of tip guide  116 —see  FIG.  6 B ). In another example, imaging system  112  may include one or more “side lights”  130  configured to shine light onto the existing key, one at a time, from an oblique side angle. During activation of each side light  130 , camera  126  may be used to generate an image of the existing key showing an interior edge outline of notches  49  milled into the flat planar of the blades center section  50  (referring to  FIG.  2 C ). 
     In some applications, imaging assembly  112  may also or alternatively include a laser  131  configured to scan the existing key (e.g., one or more critical sections of blade  12 ) while camera  126  generates one or more transverse stripe images of channels  52 . If multiple stripe images are generated, the images may then be compiled into one or more comprehensive images of channels  52  within the existing master key. Signals generated by laser  131  within identification module  102  may be used to further identify blade  12  and/or be directed to fabrication module  104  for further processing. 
     In addition to determining the bitting profile of the existing master key and the geometry of channels  52  within the key, it can be important to also measure a thickness of the existing master key. And this may be done in a number of different ways. For example, laser  131  (or a different laser—not shown) could create a stripe image across a particular portion of the existing master key (e.g., across shoulders  40  and/or shank  18 ) and also across a reference feature (not shown) built into key receiving assembly  110  (e.g., into head guide  115 , tip guide  116 , or another portion of assembly  110 ). The thickness of the existing master key could then be determined by comparing the laser stripe thickness on the reference feature with the laser stripe thickness on the existing master key. In another example, the same or another laser (e.g., the laser of a fixed laser micrometer or similar photo device) could be placed at a side of key receiving assembly  110  to generate a laser beam directed over a cross-section of the existing master key. A receiver located opposite the laser may be configured to receive the laser beam and determine, based on blockage of a portion of the beam by the existing master key, the thickness of the key. In yet another example, the thickness of the existing master key may be measured via a commercially available linear variable differential transformer (LVDT—not shown). In a final example, one or more mirrors (not shown) may be situated to allow camera  126  to capture a side profile of the existing master key at the same time (or at a different time) that camera  126  captures the backlight image described above. Other ways of determining the thickness of the existing master key may also be possible. Signals indicative of the master key thickness may then be used to further identify blade  12  and/or be directed to fabrication module  104  for further processing. 
     It should be noted that, in some applications, a particular existing key may have geometry (e.g., a bitting profile, channel geometry, and/or side-mill pattern) that differs from side-to-side. In these applications, it may be necessary for the existing key to be withdrawn after imaging of the first side, and then re-inserted through slot  114  for imaging of the second side. Both images may then be directed to fabrication module  104  for use in separately cutting the two sides of an associated blade  12 . Alternatively, a single imaging process may capture both sides of blade  12  to avoid the need to withdraw and reintroduce blade  12  into identification module  102 . 
     During some key making processes, it may be possible for contaminates to be introduced into imaging module  102 . For example, lint, dirt, and debris can be stuck to the existing key when inserted through opening  114 , and it might be possible for these contaminates to fall off of the existing key while the key is inside imaging module  102 . If the contaminates were to fall onto portions of imaging system  112  (e.g., onto back light  128 ), the image subsequently captured of the existing key could be distorted. For this reason, imaging module may be equipped with a contaminate containment device  129  configured to capture the dislodged material and block the material from back light  128 ). In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  5   , contaminate containment device  129  may include a plate or cover fabricated from a translucent material (e.g., from polycarbonate acrylic or glass) that is positioned vertically between key receiving assembly  115  and back light  128 . Contaminate containment device  129  may be removable from imaging module for cleaning purposes. For example, contaminate containment device  129  may be slid out of imaging module  102  via a slot  133 , wiped clean, and replaced. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of fabrication module  104 . As can be seen in this figure, fabrication module  104  may itself be modular, and include an associate interface  132 , a dispensing system  134 , a manual inventory system  136 , and one or more fabrication systems  138  stored within a common housing  140 . Associate interface  132  may be configured to receive instruction from an operator of key making machine  100  (e.g., from a store associate or other user) regarding a desired key making process and confirmation of payment received from the customer for completion of the process, and to provide status information and/or options to the associate regarding an ongoing process. Dispensing system  134  may contain and selectively dispense blank key blades  12  (i.e., key blades  12  not yet having notches  49  or channels  52  cut into them) and conventional key blanks (i.e., key blanks having a uniquely shaped head portion not intended to receive head  14 ) for use in the key making process. Manual inventory system  136  may also contain blank key blades  12  and/or conventional key blanks for use in the process. However, the blank key blades  12  and conventional key blanks contained within manual inventory system  136  may generally be different than the blank key blades  12  and conventional key blanks contained within dispensing system  134 . The blank key blades  12  and conventional key blanks within manual inventory system  136  may be manually retrieved by the store associate. For the purposes of describing fabrication module  104 , both key blades  12  and conventional key blanks will be generically referred to as “key blanks” in this disclosure. Fabrication system(s)  138  may selectively be used to make desired patterns of bitting notches  49  within the key blanks based on identification data received from identification module  102  (referring to  FIG.  4   ). 
     Fabrication system(s)  138  may generally be isolated from the other systems of fabrication module  104  (e.g., separated from associate interface  132 , dispensing system  134 , and manual inventory system  136  by way of walls within housing  140 ), such that debris generated from the associated cutting processes does not contaminate the other systems. In fact, in some embodiments, fabrication system(s)  138  may be completely separate from associate interface  132 , dispensing system  134 , and/or manual inventory system  136 . For example, fabrication system(s)  138  could be stand-alone modules, or connected to only associate interface  132 . In either of these configurations, dispensing system  134  may be omitted if desired. 
     Associate interface  132  may allow the associate to input instructions, make selections, and/or answer questions regarding a desired duplication event. The instructions may include, for example, a number of duplicate blades to be produced, a desired pick up time, a desired delivery address, blade identification information, etc. The questions may include for example, a make, model, and/or year of an associated car that the duplicate key is to be associated with; a type and/or brand of lock to which the key will belong; and whether the duplicate key is to be a transponder key. The instructions, selections, and/or questions may be communicated visually, audibly, and/or tactilely, as desired. For example, associate interface  132  may include a display screen (e.g., a touch screen), a key board, a mouse, a light pen, a speaker, and/or a microphone that both communicates information to the associate as well as receives input from the associate. Information received via associate interface  132  may be directed to dispensing and fabrication systems  136 ,  138  for further processing, and these systems may provide queues and/or responses to the associate via interface  132 . It is contemplated that other interface devices may also be used. 
     In the disclosed embodiment, associate interface  132  may be physically connected to dispensing system  134  and configured to be periodically removed from housing  140 . For example, associate interface  132  may be rigidly mounted to a front of dispensing system  134 , and dispensing system  134  may ride on a sliding drawer mechanism  141 . In this configuration, the associate may slide associate interface  132  and dispensing system  134  together from housing  140  by pulling on associate interface  132 . This access may allow the associate to service and/or restock dispensing system  134 , while also conserving space within housing  140 . It is contemplated that associate interface  132  and/or dispensing system  134  could be mounted within housing  140  in another manner, if desired. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  7 - 9   , dispensing system  134  may include, among other things, a plurality of different chutes  142 , a common actuator  144  associated with the different chutes  142 , one or more receptacles  146 , and one or more ramps  148  leading from actuator  144  to receptacle(s)  146 . Each chute  142  may be configured to hold a plurality of a particular type of key blank (e.g., either a blank blade  12  or a conventional key blank) and a particular color, style, and/or size of key blank (e.g., blade # 66 , blade # 67 , or blade # 68 —referring to  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C ). Actuator  144  may be configured to push a selected key blank from the bottom of a stack of blanks stored within a particular chute  142  and onto ramp  148 . After being pushed onto ramp  148 , the blanks may slide under the force of gravity, head-first, into receptacle  146 . It is contemplated that ramp  148  could be replaced with a conveyor belt or other transport mechanism, if desired. 
     Chutes  142  may be arranged within dispensing system  134  into one or more different rows, each row containing any number of the same or different chutes  142  and being associated with the same actuator  144 . For example, the embodiment of  FIG.  8    shows chutes  142  arranged into two rows at opposing sides of actuator  144 , with at least two different types of chutes  142  in each row (e.g., chutes  142  associated with blank blades  12  and chutes  142  associated with conventional key blanks). Chutes  142  may be configured to hold only the head portion  16  of each blade  12  or a conventional key head, with the shanks  16  extending outward through a longitudinal slot  150 . In general, all chutes  142  associated with blades  12  may have the same configuration and size, as all blades  12  have the same configuration and size of head portion  16 . It is contemplated, however, that each chute  142  associated with a conventional key blank could have a different size, if desired, to accommodate the unique head configurations of conventional keys. It is also contemplated that each chute  142  could be provided with an insert (e.g., a plastic molded insert) that is custom fit on its interior to a particular conventional key blank and includes a common exterior, such that a universal chute  142  could be utilized for all key blanks. 
     Chutes  142  may be angled such that shanks  16  extend away from the front of dispensing system  134  (i.e., away from associate interface  132  and receptacles  146 ). With this configuration, as individual blanks are pushed out of their respective chutes  142  along the direction of their shanks by actuator  144 , the blanks may land inside ramps  148  with their heads or head portions pointing toward the front of dispensing system  134 . In this manner, the blanks may slide head-first into receptacles  146  for convenient retrieval by the store associate. 
     As shown in  FIG.  9   , each chute  142  may include a horizontal opening  152  at a lower most point that is configured to allow only the first blank in a corresponding stack of blanks to be pushed out of the particular chute  142 , while the remaining blanks are prevented from being dislodged. An end wall  153  may cap off a lower end of chute  142  to inhibit the blanks from falling completely through chute  142 . Actuator  144  may include a finger  154  configured to slide through a slot formed within end wall  153  and through horizontal opening  152  to engage only the head of a desired blank. As finger  154  moves outward along the shank direction of the desired blank, the blank will eventually be pushed out of horizontal opening  152  of chute  142  and fall into ramp  148  (referring to  FIG.  7   ). In some embodiments, chute  142  is a single piece component, wherein end wall  153  is integral with the side walls of chute  142 . In other embodiments, however, chute  142  only includes extruded side walls, and end wall  153  is fabricated as a separate component and subsequently connected to the side walls. Other configurations may also be possible. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  8  and  9   , actuator  144  may be equipped with multiple motors configured to move finger  154  in at least two directions. For example, actuator  144  may include a first motor  156  and a second motor  158 . First motor  156  may be located at an end of dispensing system  134  opposite associate interface  132  and configured to turn a lead screw  160  connected to a carriage  162 . Carriage  162  may be mounted to slide on one or more rails  164  that extend in a length direction of dispensing system  134 , as lead screw  160  is turned to draw in or push away carriage  162 . The rotation of first motor  156  may be controlled to selectively cause finger  154 , which may be supported by carriage  162 , to align with a particular chute  142 . Once aligned with the particular chute  142 , second motor  158  may be selectively rotated to turn an additional lead screw  165  that connects carriage  162  to finger  154 . The rotation of second motor  158  may cause finger  154  to push desired key blanks from the particular chute  142  onto ramp  148 . The displaced key blank may then slide down ramp  148  and into receptacle  146 . In the disclosed embodiment of  FIG.  7   , two receptacles  146  are shown, one associated with each row of chutes  142 . It is contemplated, however, that both rows of chutes could alternatively discharge keys into a common receptacle  146 , if desired. 
     In the disclosed embodiment, dispensing system  134  holds about thirty different types of key blanks within different chutes  142 , with about one-hundred key blanks of each type in each chute  142 . It has been found that this configuration can generally accommodate 80-90% of the demand for duplicated keys. It is contemplated, however, that multiple chutes  142  could alternatively house the same types of key blanks (e.g., the most commonly requested key blanks), if desired. In general, the chutes  142  located closest to the front of dispensing system  134  may contain the blanks in highest demand. In this manner, actuator  144  may need to move finger  154  a shorter distance for most duplication events, which may increase the speed at which keys can be duplicated. In addition, these chutes  142  may be easier to load than chutes  142  located further to the back of dispensing system  134 . Dispensing system  134 , once filled with three-thousand keys ( 30  chutes with  100  blanks per chute) may be relatively heavy. And when dispensing system  134  is withdrawn from the housing of fabrication module  104 , a moment may be created that tends to cause fabrication module  104  to tip forward. In order to prevent tipping of fabrication module  104 , fabrication module  104  may be designed to be substantially balanced when dispensing system  134  is pulled out and completely filled (i.e., a weight of fabrication module  104  may create a counter-moment that substantially balances the moment created by dispensing system  134 ). 
     Manual inventory system  136  (referring to  FIG.  7   ) may be configured to house key blanks that are less commonly demanded by a customer of duplication machine  100 . In the disclosed embodiment, manual inventory system  136  may include any number of drawers  166  configured to hold different key blanks (i.e., blank key blades  12  and/or conventional key blanks). One or more of drawers  166  may be divided into different sections, each section holding a different type of blank. In one application, fabrication module  104  (i.e., associate interface  132 ) may direct the store associate to a particular key blank within drawers  166 . For example, based on the identity of the master key inserted into identification module  102 , a visual indicator (e.g., a light—see  FIG.  4   )  168  may activate to direct the associate to a particular drawer  166  containing the desired key blank. In some instances, additional indicators may be located inside of drawers  166 , functioning to direct the associate to a particular key blank therein. In an alternative application, the location and identity of the desired key blank may be shown on associate interface  132 . For example, an image of the different drawers  166  may be shown, with the particular drawer  166  holding the desired key blank being illuminated or highlighted. In addition, a map or grid image of an interior of the particular drawer  166  could also be shown, with the exact location of the desired key blank within the particular drawer  166  being indicated. Associate interface  132  may also be able to inform the associate of the unique identifying index  42  visible on the desired key blank. Other means of directing the associate to a particular drawer  166  and/or to a particular location within the drawer  166  may be utilized, if desired. In addition, other means of storing the less-used key blanks could be implemented. 
     After retrieving a dispensed key blank from either receptacle  146  or from a particular one of drawers  166 , the key blank may be inserted into one of fabrication systems  138  for formation of notches  49  therein. In the disclosed embodiment, fabrication module  104  has two different fabrication systems  138 , including a wheel fabrication system  138   a  and a milling system  138   b . It is contemplated, however, that fabrication module  104  could alternatively include only wheel fabrication systems  138   a , only milling systems  138   b , or only a single system of either type, as desired. 
     Depending on the identification of the existing key inserted into identification module  102 , associate interface  132  may instruct the associate to insert the desired key blank into a particular one of wheel cutting and milling systems  138   a ,  138   b . For example, if the desired key blank corresponds with an edge cut key (single or double), associate interface  132  may instruct the associate to insert the key blank into wheel fabrication system  138   a . And in contrast, if the desired key blank corresponds with a milled key, associate interface  132  may instruct the associate to insert the key blank into milling system  138   b . This instruction may be visual, for example shown on associate interface  132  and/or through illumination of lights  170  associated with each fabrication system  138  (see  FIG.  4   ). A chip removal drawer  172  may be paired with each fabrication system  138  (e.g., located below) and provide a way to manually remove chips and debris generated by the duplication process. 
     An exemplary wheel fabrication system  138   a  is shown in  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B . Wheel fabrication system  138   a  may include, among other things, a receiving unit  174 , one or more cutting wheels  176  mounted to a base platform  178  by way of a movable overhead gantry  179 , and an identity confirmation unit  180 . The key blank retrieved by the associate may be inserted through an opening  300  in a front panel  183  of fabrication module  104  (see  FIG.  4   ) and into receiving unit  174 . While being received by receiving unit  174  (e.g., while shank  18  is passing through opening  300 ), identity confirmation unit  180  may identify the received key blank and confirm that it is the desired type of key blank corresponding to the master key inserted into identification module  102 . After identity confirmation by unit  180  and placement by receiving unit  174  of the key blank at a desired location, cutting wheel(s)  176  and gantry  179  may be selectively activated to produce desired features within the key blank. 
     Receiving unit  174  may have any configuration known in the art for receiving, clamping, and/or positioning the desired key blank relative to cutting wheels  176 . In one embodiment shown in  FIGS.  10 B,  11 A, and  11 B , receiving unit  174  includes jaws  175  (referring to  FIGS.  11 A and  11 B ) that are spring-biased toward each other to sandwich the key blank there between, and a clamp  181  (referring to  FIG.  10 B ) movable from an open position to a closed position to secure the key blank once positioned. Jaws  175  may have positioning features, for example a side shelf configured to engage edge  48  of shank  18  (referring to  FIG.  2 A ) and mechanically push shank  18  into alignment against a base member  189 , an end stop  185  configured to engage the distal tip of shank  18 , and/or features  187  configured to engage base end  22  and/or shoulders  40  of head portion  16  when the key blank is completely inserted. In some embodiments, a sensor may be associated with end stop  185  (e.g., end stop  185  may be the plunger of a potentiometer) and end stop  185  may be movable as the key blank is inserted. In this way, a length of the key blank may be measured as the key blank is inserted, the length being subsequently used as a way to confirm identity and/or proper placement of the key blank. It is contemplated, however, that end stop  185  and/or the sensor associated with end stop  185  may be omitted, if desired. For example, fabrication system  138   a  could be configured to only cut notches  49  into key blanks having a known length and, in these situations, it may not be necessary to measure the length of the key blank. 
     Jaws  175  may be connected to an actuator  182  (e.g., to a motor/lead screw arrangement—see  FIG.  11 A ) that is configured to move jaws  175  and the key blank in/out through opening  300 , and side-to-side relative to the rest of wheel fabrication system  138   a . Actuator  182  may, itself, be mounted to gantry  179  (referring to  FIG.  10 A ) such that movement of gantry  179  results in further movement (left/right and in/out) of the key blank relative to identity confirmation unit  180  and clamp  181 . Once the key blank has been placed at a desired cutting location, clamp  181  may be actuated to clamp down on only head portion  16 . Thereafter, jaws  175  may be completely withdrawn from the key blank by actuator  182 , exposing shank  18  to cutting wheels  176 . 
     In the disclosed embodiment shown in  FIG.  10 B , clamp  181  includes a vertically elongated member (also known as an anvil)  184  that is selectively moved downward by a motor  186  to press the key blank against a support  188 . In this embodiment, motor  186  includes a cam lobe  193  connected to a shaft thereof and positioned within an opening  195  of anvil  184 . As motor  186  rotates, the shape of cam lobe  193  may cause anvil  184  to raise or lower, thereby clamping or releasing the key blank. Anvil  184  may be spring biased toward a closed position, for example by way of lever assemblies  191  connected to opposing sides of anvil  80 , and moved toward the open position by motor  186 . One or more sensors  197  may be associated with clamp  181  to monitor the position of anvil  184  and/or motor  186 , as desired. 
     The placement of the key blank prior to clamping may be controlled based on, among other things, an image of head portion  16  (referring to  FIG.  2 A ) captured by identity confirmation unit  180 . In particular, as the key blank is drawn into wheel fabrication system  138   a , particular features of the key blank may be imaged, recognized, measured, and compared to an expected location of those features. For example, a location of base end  22  (e.g., a gap between base end  22  and the outer end surface of jaws  175 ) and/or shoulders  40  of head portion  16  may be recognized by identity confirmation unit  180  and compared to the expected location of those features. And actuator  182  and gantry  179  may be caused to continue to move the key blank until the measured location is about equal to the expected location. If the difference between the measured and expected locations is too great and/or a time spent attempting to reduce the difference is too great, associate interface  132  may instruct the associate to manually reposition the key blank. 
     Additionally or alternatively, identity confirmation unit  180  may search for index  44  so as to confirm and/or drive placement of the key blank prior to clamping. Specifically, because index  44  may be located at only one side of head portion  16 , detection of index  44  may provide confirmation unit  180  with the orientation of the key blank as it was inserted. That is, if no index is detected, confirmation unit  180  may determine that the key blank was inserted upside down. And if index  44  is detected, confirmation unit  180  may conclude that the key blank was inserted properly. Accordingly, identity confirmation unit  180  may determine that the orientation of the key blank, as inserted by the associate, is correct based on whether index  44  is recognized. And after recognition, identity confirmation unit  180  may compare the data linked with index  44  to expected data associated with the desired key blank. If index  44  is not found and/or the data associated with index  44  does not correspond with the expected data of the desired key blank, then associate interface  132  may alert the associate that the key blank has been inserted upside down and/or that an incorrect key blank has been inserted. Thereafter, actuator  182  may be caused to push the key blank back out through opening  300 . 
     Once index  44  has been detected, the identity of the inserted key blank confirmed, and the image thereof captured or otherwise deciphered, identity confirmation unit  180  may selectively affect operations of fabrication system  138   a  based on the identity. In particular, confirmation unit may trigger unique positioning of the key blank, unique operation of clamp  181 , unique operation of cutting wheels  176 , and/or other unique operations of fabrication system  138   a  based on the identity. For example, for a first type of key blank (e.g., for a first size, shape, and/or material) inserted into fabrication system  138   a , the key blank may need to be placed at a first position relative to anvil  184  prior to clamping, anvil  184  may need to press on the key blank with a first force, cutting wheels  176  may need to spin at a first speed, and/or the feed rate of cutting wheels  176  may need to be set at a first feed rate. And for a second type of key blank, the key blank may need to be placed at a second position relative to anvil  184 , anvil  184  may need to press on the key blank with a second force, cutting wheels  176  may need to spin at a second speed, and/or cutting wheels  176  may need to be set at a second feed rate. 
     Identity confirmation unit  180  may be substantially isolated from debris generated during cutting of the key blanks. Specifically, identity confirmation unit  180  may be located at a side of front panel  183  opposite cutting wheels  176 , such that identity confirmation unit  180  may be substantially sealed off from the cutting and milling processes. This isolation may help to prevent the relatively delicate components of identity confirmation unit  180  from being contaminated with debris. In addition, this location may help the identity confirmation process to continue while head  16  of the key blank remains outside of front panel  183  during insertion of shank  18 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  10 A , cutting wheels  176  may be rigidly mounted to each other a horizontal distance apart by way of a yoke  190  (e.g., cutting wheels  176  may hang from yoke  190 ), and movable relative to base platform  178  by way of gantry  179 . Gantry  179  may include, among other things, two sets of parallel guide rails  192 ,  194  that provide for movement of cutting wheels  176  in two directions, referred to as the X- and Y-directions, respectively. Guide rails  194  may be fixedly connected to base platform  178 , while guide rails  192  may be mounted to a carriage  196  that rides on guide rails  194 . Yoke  190  may be supported by carriage  196 . One or more motors (not shown) may be connected to carriage  196  and yoke  190  by way of one or more lead screws  200 , and selectively actuated to cause movement of carriage  196  and yoke  190  along the respective guide rails  192 ,  194 . A separate motor  202  may be connected to selectively drive each cutting wheel  176 , and both motors  202  may be mounted to slide with yoke  190  along guide rails  192 . Actuator  182  associated with jaws  175  may also be rigidly connected to yoke  190  and/or carriage  196 . 
     Wheel fabrication system  138   a  may be used to make notches  49  in one or both edges of blade  12  (see  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B ). During cutting of notches  49 , one of motors  202  is selectively activated at a time, lead screw  200  is driven to move cutting wheel  176  into and out of shank  18  along its length. The amount of movement in the X-direction at a given position in the Y-direction may be controlled based on the pattern of existing notches  49  measured in the master key by identification module  102 . For a singled edge-cut key, only one of motors  202  may be activated to rotate a single cutting wheel  176  at one side of blade  12 . For a dual edge-cut key, both motors  202  may be selectively activated to rotate both cutting wheels  176 . However, during cutting of a dual edge cut key, only one of motors  202  may be used at a time to make notches  49 . In other words, a first of motors  202  and cutting wheels  176  may be used (i.e., moved in and out of the X-direction while traversing the length of shank  18  along the Y-direction) to make notches  49  in a first beveled edge  46 , and then a second of motors  202  and cutting wheels  176  may be used to make the same or different notches  49  in a second beveled edge  46 . 
     It is contemplated that motors  202  and cutting wheels  176  may be used in an alternating manner to produce single edge-cut keys. In particular, if the same motor  202  and cutting wheel  176  were always used to produce all single edge-cut keys, that motor  202  and cutting wheel  176  would wear out much quicker than the remaining motor  202  and cutting wheel  176 . Accordingly, the use of motors  202  and cutting wheels  176  may be alternated between production of single edge-cut keys, thereby ensuring substantially equal wear of motors  202  and cutting wheels  176 . 
     It is also contemplated that some fabrications systems  138   a  may have only one cutting wheel  176 , while other fabrication systems  138   a  may include the two cutting wheels  176  described above. In particular, some systems may be designed to cut only a single edge into a key blank, while other systems may be designed to cut dual edges. In fact, it may be possible for a single fabrication module  104  to include both types of systems. For example, a particular fabrication module  104  could include one or more fabrication system  138   a  configured to cut single edges located together with one or more fabrication system  138   a  configured to cut dual edges; multiple single edge systems  138   a  only; or multiple dual edge systems only. Any configuration may be possible. 
     An exemplary milling system  138   b  is shown in  FIG.  12   . Like wheel fabrication system  138   a , milling system  138   b  may also include receiving unit  174 , gantry  179  connected to base platform  178 , and identity confirmation unit  180 . However, in contrast to wheel fabrication system  138   a , milling system  138   b  may have a single milling head  204  connected to yoke  190  and driven by a single motor  202 , instead of two cutting wheels  176  driven by separate motors  202 . In this configuration, milling head  204  may be selectively moved along guide rails  192 ,  194  in the X- and Y-directions during milling of notches  49  within center portion  50  of blade  12 . In addition, a cutting bit  206  held within milling head  204  may be selectively raised and lowered in a Z-direction to vary a depth of notches  49 , if desired. After identity confirmation by unit  180  and placement of the key blank at a desired location by receiving unit  174 , milling head  204  and gantry  179  may be selectively activated to produce desired features within the key blank. 
     In some embodiments, the master key that the customer wishes to duplicate may be embedded with a transponder that enables activation of an associated lock (e.g., an ignition lock in a vehicle). In these situations, it may be desirable to code a new duplicate key (i.e., a new key have a blade notched by duplication machine  100 ) to match the master key with the same transponder code to ensure that the duplicate key functions in the same manner as the master key. As described above, the transponder code in the master key can be detected and read at sensor  124  within identification module  102 . And after cutting notches  49  into shank  18  of the appropriate key blank, the same code may be cloned within the transponder of the new key at a cloning pocket  207 . In the disclosed embodiment, cloning pocket  207  is shown in  FIG.  4    as being located within the front panel of fabrication module  104 . However, it is contemplated that cloning pocket  207  could alternatively be located within identification module  102  or separate from both of identification and fabrication modules  102 ,  104 . It is also contemplated that transponder sensor  124  and cloning pocket  207  could be combined at a single location, if desired. 
       FIG.  13    shows alternative uses of head  14 . In particular it may be profitable to design head  14  to receive items other than just blade  12 . For example, accessory items such as a bottle opener  301 , a money clip  302 , a portable media drive  304 , a purse hook  306 , a key ring  308 , and a refrigerator magnet  310  may be fabricated with geometry similar to the geometry of head portion  16  such that these items can accept and lock together with head  14  described above. It is contemplated that these accessory items may be purchased along with head  14  and blade  12  at duplication machine  100 , or elsewhere within the store hosting duplication machine  100 . In one embodiment, head  14  may even be customized at duplication machine  100 , for example head  14  may be printed on, etched, milled, applied with an adhesive backing, etc. to bear a desired shape, symbol, logo, and/or image. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The disclosed key duplication machine  100  may be utilized to duplicate a single edge-cut key, a dual edge-cut key, and a side-milled key from the blank blade  12  of the disclosed key assembly  10  or from a conventional key blank. The disclosed duplication machine  100  may be easy to use and produce a reduced number of mis-cuts. An exemplary operation of the disclosed key duplication machine  100  will now be described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 13   . 
     To begin the duplication process, a customer or sales associate may insert an existing key of any configuration through slot  114  of identification module  102 . In some embodiments, this action may be the very first action taken in the process and, by initiating this action, wake (i.e., trigger activation of) the associated machine  100 . For example, a sensor may be associated with tip guide  116  and configured to generate a signal based on initiation of guide movement, duration of movement, and/or cessation of movement, this signal then being used to wake machine  100  and/or trigger imaging assembly to capture images of the existing key. In other embodiments, however, the customer and/or associate could alternatively make selections associated with and/or make payment for an intended duplication process via customer interface  108  located at identification module  102 , thereby waking machine  100  (e.g., the machine could be triggered by insertion of a credit card into the machine). 
     As the existing key is inserted through slot  114  into identification module  102 , the head of the existing key may engage head guide  115  (if the existing key has a head) while the tip of the existing key engages tip guide  116 . At this time, movement of the existing key in through slot  114  may cause the tip of the existing key to push tip guide  116  away from the slot  114 . This motion may continue until the head of the existing key engages beveled sides  118  of head guide  115  by about the same amount. This engagement may cause the head of the existing aster key to align with tip guide  116  in preparation for imaging. 
     After the shank of the existing key is inserted into identification module  102 , imaging system  112  may be triggered to capture one or more images of only the shank of the existing key. The images, as described above, may include a backlight image, one or more sidelight images, and a laser scan image. These images may show a location of the tip of the key, a profile of the shank, and a location of shoulders at a base of the key&#39;s head (if shoulders are present). 
     In some embodiments, once the existing key is fully inserted into the identification module  102 , the transponder sensor  124  may be triggered to detect the presence of a transponder within the head of the existing key. It is contemplated that this action may be taken before image capturing, simultaneously with image capturing, and/or after image capturing, as desired. This detection may also include, in some applications, capturing of transponder data. The transponder data may include, among other things, an identification code; a make, model, serial number, etc. of the transponder; and/or other information known in the art. The transponder detection and/or data may be used at any point throughout the fabrication process to manually, semi-autonomously, and/or autonomously program a universal transponder located within a head  14  for use with the newly-cut key blank. 
     Based on the backlight image (i.e., based on the silhouette of the master key), it may be determined if the existing key is an edge-cut key, a side-mill key, or in some embodiments simply a key that cannot be duplicated with machine  100 . In one example, these determinations may be made based on the edge profile of the existing key, as captured in the backlight image. Specifically, if the edge profile is a straight profile, then it may be classified as a side-mill key. Otherwise, it may be classified as an edge cut key. In another example, the master key may be identified as a particular one of a plurality of known keys (e.g., key # 66 ) and, based on the identification, reference a lookup map stored in memory to determine the class of key (edge-cut or side-mill) that it is and if it can be duplicated by machine  100 . The backlight image, when the existing key is an edge cut key, may also be used to measure a profile of the bitting edge(s) of the key. It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the step of determining the type of key inserted into identification module  102  may be omitted, and duplication machine  100  may be capable of cutting only one type of key (e.g., only edge cut keys). 
     When it is determined that the existing master key is an edge-cut key, the laser scan image may be used to identify and/or measure the channel profile of the master key (i.e., the shapes, sizes, and/or locations of channels  52 ) in a manner known in the art. In some embodiments, capturing of the laser scan image may only be made after determination that the existing master key is an edge-cut key. In other embodiments, the laser scan image may always be captured. 
     When it is determined that the existing master key is a side-mill key, the sidelight images may be used together to determine the side-mill profile of the existing key. In particular, each side light may be selectively turned on, one at a time, to capture an inner edge profile of notches  49  at center portion  50  (referring to  FIG.  1 C ). Specifically, by shining the side light across the surface of center portion  50 , a shadow may be created within the notched area and the edge of the notched area opposite the particular side light  130  should be illuminated. By capturing an image at this time, a pattern at a surface of center portion  50  along notches  49  becomes visible. When this is done twice, once with each different side light  130 , two separate notch pattern images can be created. The two separate images may then be combined into one comprehensive profile of the inner notch geometry of the side-mill key that can be measured and subsequently reproduced within the corresponding key blank. As with the laser-scan image described above, it is contemplated that the sidelight images may always be captured by identification module  102  or only captured in response to classification of the existing key as a side-mill key. 
     Dispensing system  134  may then be triggered to dispense an appropriate key blank or, alternatively, an associate may be instructed (e.g., via associate interface  132 ) to retrieve the appropriate key blank from manual inventory system  136 . When dispensed automatically, the key blank may be retrieved from receptacle  146  by the associate. In either situation, the associate may then insert the retrieved key blank into the appropriate one of openings  300  in front panel  183  of fabrication module  104  (see  FIG.  4   ). The associate may be instructed as to which opening  300  (i.e., which system  138   a  or  138   b ) should be used through associate interface  132  and/or via lights  170 . 
     As shank  18  of the appropriate key blank is being inserted by the associate into jaws  175  of the desired fabrication system  138  (either wheel fabrication system  138   a  or milling system  138   b ), the key blank may be mechanically aligned by the insertion, and the identity and orientation of the key blank simultaneously confirmed. The identity and orientation may be confirmed through recognition and interpretation of index  44  by confirmation unit  180  as shank  18  passes through slot  300  into jaws  175 . If an inconsistency is detected at this point in time, the process may be prematurely halted. 
     It is contemplated that the identity of the key blank inserted into fabrication system  138  may be confirmed without use of index  44 , if desired. For example, it may be possible to determine the identity of some key blanks based on characteristics of their heads (e.g., an outer profile, an eyelet shape, etc.). It is also contemplated that these characteristics could be used in conjunction with index  44  and/or the measured length of shank  18  (i.e., the length measured via end stop  185  of the potentiometer), if desired. 
     Once the correct key blank has been properly placed within jaws  175  and the identity and orientation confirmed, actuator  182  may move the key blank into a desired position relative to clamp  181  and the corresponding fabrication device(s) (i.e., cutting wheels  176  and/or milling head  204 ). Thereafter, motor  186  may release anvil  184 , allowing anvil  184  to clamp down on only the head of the key blank. Once the key blank has been clamped in place, actuator  182  may withdraw jaws  175  from the now cantilevered key blank, thereby completely exposing shank  18 . The fabrication process may then begin. 
     The fabrication process may include an edge-cutting process performed within wheel fabrication system  138   a  or a side-milling process performed within milling system  138   b . In some instances, multiple surfaces of a particular key blank may be cut without the key blank having to be repositioned. In other instances, the key blank may need to be repositioned (e.g., flipped over) partway through the process so that additional surfaces may be cut. The repositioning may be performed manually. Once the cutting process has been completed, the key blank may be pushed back through opening  300  and manually retrieved by the associate. 
     In instances where blade  12  has been cut (as opposed to a conventional key blank), a separately purchased key head  14  may be applied by hand (i.e., without tooling) to head portion  16  of blade  12 . In some applications, head  14  may first be customized. For example, a customer may be able to design, upload, and/or select a particular graphic to be printed (e.g., printed onto an adhesive film that is subsequently applied to the head), etched, sublimated, and/or molded into head  14 . This customization may be performed via customer interface  108  at identification module  102 , if desired. In addition, in circumstance where the existing key is a transponder key, a transponder head may be programed with the corresponding data before being connected to blade  12 . This programming may take place within transponder pocket  206  described above. 
     Head  14 , in most instances, may not be removed after being joined to blade  12 . This may help to prevent unintentional disengagement during use of key assembly  10 . It is contemplated, however, that this functionality may only be available with particular heads  14  (e.g., with heads that do not have expensive transponders, as it may be desirable to swap transponder heads between different blades  12  in mis-cut situations). Heads  14  (including transponders, if applicable) may be dispensed separately from blade  12  at the point of sale, or together from the same system and/or module. The customer or associate may assemble head  14  to blade after completion of the cutting process. Little or no skill may be required to properly push head  14  into place head portion-first over blade  12 . In the disclosed embodiments, head  14  can be affixed at the point of sale without tools or glue. 
     It is contemplated that data associated with a particular duplication event may be stored for later use, if desired. For example, after completion of a first duplication event, the customer may desire that the associated identification of blade  12  and profile measurements of the existing master key be stored. Then at a later time, with or without the master key, the customer may be able to retrieve this stored data and then complete a second duplication event. It is also contemplated that the data associated with the first duplication event may be communicated to the customer, allowing the customer to store the data for use in the second event, if desired. This information could be communicated via a printout, an email, a text, etc. 
     Index  44  may be used to enable a sales transaction, in addition to facilitating cutting of the key blank to match the master key (i.e., in addition to confirming proper blank selection, proper orientation, and fabrication system parameter set up). In particular, information relating to the sales transaction (e.g., price, inventory, etc.) may be linked to the barcode of index  44 . And before, during, or after the cutting process is complete, the associate may scan the barcode and use the information to charge a customer a corresponding fee. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed key making machine. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed key making machine. For example, it is contemplated that dispensing system  134  may be separated from fabrication module  104 , if desired. In these embodiments, dispensing system  134  may be a standalone module or completely omitted. That is, retrieval of the desired key blank could be a completely manual process wherein the blank is selected by the associated from a display rack or other location. In another example, instead of duplication machine having two separate modules (i.e., the identification module and the fabrication module), it is contemplated that all components of these modules could be located within a common housing. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.