AU2002368541B2

AU2002368541B2 - A universal key making device

Info

Publication number: AU2002368541B2
Application number: AU2002368541A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jay M. Almblad; Robert E. Almblad; John Blin; Paul Jurczak
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-30
Filing date: 2002-08-30
Publication date: 2007-12-13
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-30
Also published as: JP2006510832A; EP1542822A2; WO2002101180A2; WO2002101180A3; WO2002101180A9; WO2002101180A8; AU2002368541A1

Description

t TECHNICAL FIELD This invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for key making.

More particularly, the invention is a universal key making machine that makes the 4 popular types of keys (the "main keys') in the world on a single machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION t For hundreds of years prior to 1844 nearly all locks used a skeleton type key, 00 which is also called a bit or double bit key. These keys are still popular in many parts Sof the world. The machine that makes bit keys uses a flat cutting wheel to cut the square notches typical in these keys and the machine has not changed in principle for LO hundreds of years except for being powered by an electric motor when that became available.

In 1844, Linus Yale Sr. patented a new lock based on movable pins that held the bolt in place until they were raised by a small flat key with shaped notches. By the middle of the 20 th century this pin tumbler lock and its convenient small flat key were very popular and in fact became the world's standard for cars, homes and padlocks around the world. Often this key is referred to as a "Yale type key" or "blade key". It is the key that people around the world are most familiar with.

To duplicate a "Yale type key" it required a new kind of key making machine which used a shaped trace cutting wheel to match the shaped notches instead of the flat "slotting" wheel on a bit key machine that cut square notches. This resulted in two different machines to cut the two types of keys. This began a tradition of creating a new type of key cutting machine for each new type of lock.

In the late 1970 and the early 1980's a movement began, by European insurance companies and car manufacturers, to improve locking systems by creating Cnew types of locks and their corresponding new types of keys because cars equipped Swith "Yale type" keys were being picked or by-passed and stolen in the west and shipped to a ready market in the formerly closed satellite countries of the USSR.

As car manufacturers installed these new types of locks in their cars, a corresponding proliferation of matching new key cutting machines where sold to 00 IN locksmiths shops. These types of security keys also extended to the house and small lock market. In the end, a typical locksmith shops went from 2 different types of key cutting machines (bit keys and Yale type keys) in 1950 to 20 or more machines by the beginning of the 2002.

L o Each of these 20 machines can be more or less automatic, and/or they can cut by code or cut by trace cutting. However, there are 4 main basic classes of key machines which cut a particular class of key and no other class without changing cutting wheels or reconfiguring the fixturing mechanism on the machine. Regardless of how automatic a machine is or whether it makes keys by code or by trace cutting, it can make only one class or type of key and not the other three types.

The four main classes of keys are as follows: 1) Cylinder keys or V cut keys are keys cut on one edge or on two edges like a Ford automobile key. These keys use trace cutting wheels for trace cutting a key, as on Silca Bravo Super at: http://www.silca.it/download/brochure/eng/KeyMachines/bravogbDO1 .pdf, or Silca Unocode key cutting machines for electronic code cutting at: in -3- N http://www.silca.it/download/brochure/eng/KevMachines/399gbDO1 .pdf, or these keys can be cut using a form cutting wheel, like on an Silca Formula X or HPC code cutting machines.

2) Bit keys. Also called square notched, mortice keys, lever keys, or skeleton keys, and including double bit keys. To cut these keys you need a slotter wheel 00 (or simply a slotter) like the Silca Tech 3 Europa at: Shttp://www.silca.it/download/brochure/eng/KeyMachines/techgbD01.pdf.

3) Special multi angle keys, also called square notch with angle keys, include Tibbe, Abloy, Ford Chubb, and Ford FO 19 keys. These keys are made on L 0 machines such as the Silca Delta 2000 MC Multi Copy at: http://www.silca.it/download/brochure/eng/KevMachines/delmcgbD1 .pdf 4) Laser keys, also called side milled keys, end mill keys, or milled keys, including dimple keys which can be cut on the same machine by changing the cutting tool from a flat milling tool to a round end milling tool that just plunges into the key to make a dimple as opposed to a winding groove like on Mercedes keys and tubular keys which use an end miller cutter and a different fixture. These types of machines use various end mill tools or dimple tools as on a Silca Q u a t t r o c o de at: http://www.silca.it/download/brochure/eng/KevMachines/ 4 codegbD01.pdf.

Alternative technology to the present invention is available in the form of the foregoing specialized key making machines, each with its own specialized cutting wheels and fixtures. There has been, until now, no key cutting device that could cut -4any two of these classes of keys in a single machine. To alleviate this problem, and others which will become apparent from the disclosure which follows, the present

O

\invention conveniently provides a universal key making machine that makes the 4 popular types of keys (the "main keys') in the world on a single machine.

The citation of the foregoing publications is not an admission that any 00 particular publication constitutes prior art, or that any publication alone or in ,I conjunction with others, renders unpatentable any pending claim of the present cI application. None ofthe cited publications is believed to detract from the patentability of the claimed invention.

ADVANTAGES OF EMBODIMENTS OF THIS INVENTION The keymachine art has taught us that each lock manufacturerhas adopted one of 4 main basic types of locks and corresponding keys to open that lock. The types are: 1) Cylinder keys sometimes referred to as V cut keys, 2) Bit keys sometimes referred to as Square notched keys, 3) Special multi-angled keys sometimes referred to as Square notch with angle keys, and 4) Laser keys sometimes referred to as end milled keys.

Various lock manufacturers mass produce these 4 types of locks and at the same time mass produce a corresponding matching set of 2 or more original keys for each lock on a large, industrial,, high speed biting machine costing upwards of $100,000. These are dedicated machines that are set up to make not only that specific type of key, but also a single key profile and specific blank with a rubber handle for -n instance. These industrial machines typically produce an original, code cut key at the rate of 10 or more per minute.

After these locks and keys are put in the market place and sold to retail customers in such applications as cars, houses, offices, small locks, etc.. any additional duplicate keys needed by the customer have to be made on a smaller, key duplication 00 INO machine that duplicates each individual key one at a time in 1 to 5 minutes. Various Skey machine manufacturers have built specific small key duplication machines for each of these 4 types of keys. Within each of these 4 types of key machines there are automatic options available that correspondingly cost more or less depending on how 1 0 automatic the operation is. But, regardless of how automatic the machine is, it will still only cut the one type of key it was designed for. Another option, within the 4 types of key machines, is the ability to cut by code, which can also be more or less automatic with correspondingly higher and lower prices. But, regardless of such options, the machines still only cut the one type of key the machine was designed for.

For example a 4 End mill machine that is fully automatic and cuts by code is sold by the Silca division of ILCO UNICAN for over $20,000. But, a manual End Mill machine that cuts by code is only $5,000. While a manual End Mill machine that does not cut by code is only $2,000. But regardless of price or options, each machine only cuts its own type of key. So, for each of the 4 types of key machines, there are many options and a wide range of prices. But, each machine only makes it own type of key.

Today 100's of thousands of these machines are found in locksmith shops and the like.

The advantage of one or more embodiments of the present invention is that it can automatically cut any two or more of the four types of keys without changing a cutting wheel, changing the fixturing manner of clamping) or changing key cutting machines O altogether.

The advantages of a universal, all in one machine is that it is easy to use and replaces 20 or more models of key cutting machines that are difficult to learn because each has its own set of instructions. With one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is a one time learning process that covers all four types of keys.

00 IND Also, having many machines instead of one makes it difficult to maintain because each machine has to be calibrated periodicially on an individual basis. With one Sor more embodiments of the present invention, a single machine is calibrated once, but makes all the four types of keys.

Also, retail floor space is expensive and so another advantage is that this one machine replaces many machines using less of the valuable retail floor space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention provides: a key making device comprising: means for clamping every preselected key from a group of keys to secure a clamped key for cutting; said group of keys includes cylinder keys, bit keys, laser keys, and special multi-angled keys; and means for cutting the clamped key to make an operative key for opening a lock corresponding to the clamped key.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a key making device comprising: a. means for clamping any preselected key having a blade from a group of keys to secure a clamped key for cutting, i. said group of keys includes cylinder keys, bit keys, laser keys, and multi-angled keys, ii. said means for clamping comprises a clamp having a pair of opposing jaws and wherein the opposing jaws operatively engage one of any preselected key, iii. said means for clamping includes means for clamping a multi-angled key to be cut, (9991441):PRW 7 said means for clamping a multi-angled key being independently moveable relative to the means for cutting, said means for 0 clamping being independent of means for supporting areas of the o multi-angled key blade that are proximate portions of the blade N 5 that are cut during the cutting procedure, and iv. said means for clamping includes means for clamping a mill cut key with a blade to be cut on both sides, 00d said means for clamping being independently moveable relative to 00 IDthe means for cutting to position the blade to be cut on both sides 0 of the blade without re-clamping, whereby, the blade can be cut on both sides without reclamping the mill cut key during key cutting; b. means for supporting the blade of any of the cylinder keys, bit keys, and laser keys during a cutting procedure is i. independently moveable relative to the means for cutting, and ii. independently moveable relative to the means for clamping during the cutting procedure; and c. means for cutting the clamped key, i. said means for cutting comprises a slotter, a circular trace cutting wheel, and an end mill cutter, said means for cutting includes the slotter for cutting a multiangled key, said means for cutting includes the end mill cutter for cutting a mill cut key, said means for cutting includes at least one of the slotter and the circular trace cutting wheel for cutting a bit key, and said means for cutting includes at least one of the slotter and the circular trace cutting wheel for cutting a cylinder key.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a key making device comprising: a. means for cutting a key having an elongated blade with opposing broad sides extending from a head to a tip of said blade; and b. means for supporting the blade during a cutting procedure, i. said means for supporting having a first surface for contacting a first broad side of the blade and a second surface for contacting a second broad side of the blade, (999144_1):PRW 7a ii. said means for supporting being moveable to one of a first position in which the first surface is in contact with the first broad side of the blade while a first area on the opposing broad side of the blade is being cut and a second position in which the second surface is in contact with the second broad side of the blade while a second area on the opposing broad side of the blade is being cut, iii. said means for supporting being independently moveable relative to the means for cutting, whereby, a blade having a first area to be cut and a second area to be cut can be supported on a first broad side of the blade by the means for supporting disposed in a first position while the first area of the blade is being cut and on a second broad side of the blade by the means for supporting disposed in a second position while the second area is being cut.

In a fourth aspect the present invention provides a key making device comprising: a. means for clamping a key to be cut, i. said clamped key having an elongated blade with opposing broad sides and opposing edges extending from a head to a tip of said blade, each of said opposing broad sides having a pair of longitudinal borders, each of said borders being connected to one of the opposing edges; and b. means for supporting only one of the opposing broad sides and opposing edges of the blade at a time during a cutting procedure, i. said means for supporting being independently moveable relative to the means for clamping.

In a fifth aspect the present invention provides a key making device comprising: a. means for cutting a multi-angled key, i. said multi-angled key having an elongated blade extending from a head to a tip with a plurality of longitudinally adjacent segments located progressively along the length thereof proceeding from the head to the tip, a first of said longitudinally adjacent segments extending from the head being independent of surfaces that are cut during a cutting procedure, a second of said longitudinally adjacent segments having surfaces that can be cut during the cutting procedure to make an operative key for opening a multi-angled lock, and a third of said longitudinally adjacent segments comprising the tip; and (999144_1):PRW b. means for clamping a multi-angled key to be cut, Si. said means for clamping being independently moveable relative to the means for cutting, and O ii. said means for clamping being independent of means for supporting the second and third of said longitudinal segments of the multi-angled key blade during the cutting procedure.

In a sixth aspect the present invention provides a key making device tt comprising: 00 Sa. means for clamping includes means for clamping a mill cut key, S 10o i. said mill cut key having an elongated blade with opposing broad sides extending from a head to a tip of said blade; and b. means for cutting includes means for cutting a mill cut key on both opposing broad sides, i. said means for clamping being independently moveable relative to the means for cutting to position the blade to be cut on both opposing broad sides of the blade without re-clamping, whereby, the blade can be cut on both opposing broad sides without re-clamping the mill cut key during key cutting.

In a seventh aspect the present invention provides a key making device comprising: a. means for clamping every preselected key from a group of keys to secure a clamped key for cutting independent of re-fixturing the preselected key, said group of keys includes bit keys and at least one of cylinder keys, special multi-angled keys, and laser keys; and b. means for cutting the clamped key to make an operative key for opening a lock corresponding to the clamped key.

In an eighth aspect the present invention provides a key making device comprising: a. means for cutting a bit portion of a bit key having a blade with a shank and a bit portion, i. said means for cutting a bit key being independent of means for supporting the bit portion of the blade during the cutting procedure; and b. means for clamping the shank of the bit key to be cut, i. said means for clamping being independently moveable relative to the means for cutting, and ii. said means for clamping being independent of means for supporting the bit portion of the blade during the cutting procedure.

(999144_1):PRW

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SBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Preferred embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein: 00 1 Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the universal cutting device of the present invention showing the means for cutting any preselected key from a plurality of main classes of keys showing the means for cutting having a slotter, a circular cutting wheel and mill cutter with supporting anvils on each side of the circular cutting wheel, respectively supporting cuts on either edge of the blade of the key, and with independently movable anvils supporting the laser key which is cut by the end mill cutter; Fig. 2 is a detailed fragmentary perspective view of the universal cutting device of the present invention showing a laser key being supported by an anvil and having a groove cut therein by an end mill cutter; E-9- Fig. 3 is a illustration of the use ofa slotter to cut a blade of a multi-angled key for making cutting contact with the blade and the slotter at a plurality of discrete tangential locations; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a multi-angled key being tn 5 positioned by the means for clamping to be cut by the slotter; 00 oO Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of the movable means for clamping; SFig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of a bit key being positioned to be cut by the slotter; Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a cylinder key being positioned to be cut by the circular cutting wheel; and Fig. 8 is a block diagram of the electronically related components of the key making device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The preferred embodiments depicted in the drawing comprise a single key making device with means for clamping any of a group of keys, and means for cutting any preselected key from the plurality of the main classes of keys, with the group of keys having a plurality of the main classes of keys and the main classes of keys including any two or more cylinder keys, bit keys, laser keys, and special multi-angled keys Without departing from the generality of the invention disclosed herein and without limiting the scope of the invention, the discussion that follows, will refer to the invention as depicted in the drawing.

CThe preferred embodiments of the apparatus depicted in Figs. 1-8 of the drawing comprise a key making device comprising means for clamping 5 any of a group of keys, and means for cutting 4 any preselected key from the plurality of the main classes of keys. The group of keys has a plurality of the main classes of keys.

t- 5 The main classes of keys includes any two or more cylinder keys 18, bit keys 16, laser 00 Mfl keys 14 and special multi-angled keys 12.

SPreferably, the means for cutting 4 includes produces a control signal 22 indicative of a first cut from a first of one of any preselected key from the plurality of the main classes of keys, and cutting a first corresponding cut in another of the one of any preselected key from the plurality of the main classes of keys using the control signal 22 indicative of the first cut, as shown in Fig. 8.

The means for clamping 5 may comprise a clamp (or jaw) 6 have a pair of opposing jaws, as best seen in Fig. 5. The preselected key may have a blade 7 and the opposingj aws operatively engage the blade 7 of any preselected key from the plurality of the main classes of keys.

Preferably, the means for cutting 4 comprises at least two of a slotter 1, a circular cutting wheel 2, and an end mill cutter 8.

The key making device of this important invention may further have means for supporting the blade 7 of a key, particularly the blade 7 of a laser key, during a cutting procedure. Uniquely, the means for supporting 9 is independently moveable relative to the means for cutting 4. Additionally, the means for supporting 9 may be independently moveable relative to the means for clamping 5 during the cutting procedure.

tn -11c, The means for cutting 4 of the present invention may further include means for cutting a multi-angled key which has a blade 7. The means for cutting a multi-angled key is free of the means for supporting 9 the blade during the cutting procedure.

Furthermore, the means for clamping 5 includes means for clamping a multi-angled key to be cut which is independently moveable relative to the means for cutting 4.

00 IDAdditionally, the means for clamping 5 may further comprise means for Sclamping a mill cut key with a blade 7 to be cut on both sides. The means for cutting 4 will includes means for cutting a mill cut key, and the means for clamping 5 is independently moveable relative to the means for cutting 4. As can be appreciated when viewing Fig. 2, the blade 7 can be cut on both sides without re-fixturing the mill cut key in the means for clamping A preferred embodiment of the key making device comprises means for clamping 5 any of a group of keys, means for supporting the blade of any of the cylinder keys 18, bit keys 16, and laser keys 14 during a cutting procedure, and means for cutting 4 the preselected key from the plurality of the main classes of keys. The group of keys has a plurality of the main classes of keys with each of the keys having a blade 7. The main classes of keys includes any two or more cylinder keys, bit keys, laser keys, and multi-angled keys.

The means for clamping 5 further includes means for clamping a mill cut key with a blade 7 to be cut on both side and is independently moveable relative to the means for cutting 4. In this way, the blade 7 can be cut on both sides without refixturing the mill cut key in the means for clamping -12- I The means for supporting 9 the blade 7 of any of the cylinder keys, bit keys, and laser keys during a cutting procedure is independently moveable relative to the means for cutting 4, and independently moveable relative to the means for clamping during the cutting procedure, as shown in Fig. 2. Additionally, the means for cutting t 5 4 the preselected key from the plurality of the main classes of keys comprises at least 00 ¢qtwo of a slotter 1, a circular cutting wheel 3, and an end mill cutter 8. The means for O cutting 4 includes means for cutting a multi-angled key that is independent of means for supporting the blade during the cutting procedure, as shown in Fig. 4, and the means for cutting 4 includes means for cutting a mill cut key.

L O Preferably, the means for cutting 4 includes producing a control signal indicative of a first cut of a first of one of any preselected key from the plurality of the main classes of keys, and cutting a first complementary cut in another of the one of any preselected key from the plurality of the main classes of keys using the control signal indicative of the first cut.

Another embodiment of the key making device comprises means for cutting 4 a key having a blade 7, and means for supporting the blade during a cutting procedure. The means for supporting is independently moveable relative to the means for cutting 4, so that a blade 7 having a first area to be cut and a second area to be cut can be supported on a first side of the blade 7 by the means for supporting disposed in a first position while the first area of the blade 7 is being cut and on a second side of the blade by the means for supporting disposed in a second position while the second area is being cut, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. It will be appreciated that the laser -13- C key can be cut with grooves on the top and bottom of the blade by the bottom and the top of the end mill cutter, respectively.

Furthermore, the means for supporting 9 may comprise an anvil 2. Preferably, the anvil has a first surface transverse to a first contact surface of the means for cutting t 5 4 and a second surface transverse to a second contact surface of the means for cutting 00 44. And the anvil may have a first surface normal to a first contact surface of the means for cutting 4 and a second surface normal to a second contact surface of the means for cutting 4. In one preferred embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1-2, the anvil has a framelike shape 2a with an inner contact surface 2b.

Another embodiment of the key making device comprises means for clamping a key to be cut, with the key having a blade 7, and means for supporting 9 the blade 7. The means for supporting 9 is independently moveable relative to the means for clamping 5 during a cutting procedure.

As shown in Fig. 1, the means for cutting 4 may comprise a cutting wheel 3.

As shown in Figs. 1, 3-4 and 6, the means for cutting 4 may comprise a slotter 1. Each of a plurality of multi-angled cuts can be made to the blade 7 of the multiangled key by making cutting contact between the blade 7 and the slotter at one of a plurality of discrete tangential locations along the periphery of the slotter 1, as illustrated in Fig. 3.

Additionally, the key making device may comprise an anvil 2a) and the means for cutting 4 may include a cutting tool. The anvil 2a is independently moveable relative to both the means for clamping 5 and the cutting tool the end mill cutter as shown in Fig. 1.

E4 -14- While this invention has been described in connection with the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his invention, the preferred embodiments described and shown are for purposes of illustration only, and are not to be construed as constituting any limitations of the invention. Modifications will be t 5 obvious to those skilled in the art, and all modifications that do not depart from the 00 ¢3spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the appended Sclaims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is base, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present L 0o invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scop of the present invention.

My invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combinations of some or all of them herein disclosed and claimed and it is distinguished from the prior art in these particular combinations of some or all of its structures for the functions specified.

Claims

1. A key making device comprising: c. means for clamping every preselected key from a group of keys to secure a clamped key for cutting, i. said group of keys includes cylinder keys, bit keys, laser keys, 00 ION and special multi-angled keys; and 0d. means for cutting the clamped key to make an operative key for opening a lock corresponding to the clamped key.

2. The key making device of claim 1, wherein the means for cutting includes means for producing a control signal indicative of a cut of any preselected key, and cutting a corresponding cut in another of said one of any preselected key using the control signal indicative of the cut.

3. The key making device of claim 1, wherein the means for cutting comprises a slotter, a circular cutting wheel, and an end mill cutter.

4. The key making device of claim 1, wherein the clamped key has an elongated blade with opposing broad sides and opposing edges extending from a head to a tip of said blade, each of said opposing broad sides having a pair of longitudinal borders, each of said borders being connected to one of the opposing edges, and further comprising means for supporting only one of the opposing broad sides and opposing edges of the blade at a time during a cutting procedure, said means for supporting being independently moveable relative to the means for cutting. tn -16- The key making device of claim 1, wherein a. the means for clamping includes means for clamping a mill cut key, i. said mill cut key having an elongated blade with opposing broad sides extending from a head to a tip of said blade; and b. the means for cutting includes means for cutting a mill cut key on both 00 INO opposing broad sides, ",N i. said means for clamping being independently moveable relative to the means for cutting, whereby, the blade can be cut on both opposing broad sides without re-fixturing the mill cut key in the means for clamping.

6. A key making device comprising: a. means for clamping any preselected key having a blade from a group of keys to secure a clamped key for cutting, i. said group of keys includes cylinder keys, bit keys, laser keys, and multi-angled keys, ii. said means for clamping comprises a clamp having a pair of opposing jaws and wherein the opposing jaws operatively engage one of any preselected key, iii. said means for clamping includes means for clamping a multi- angled key to be cut, said means for clamping a multi-angled key being independently moveable relative to the means for cutting, f -17- S(2) said means for clamping being independent of means for supporting areas of the multi-angled key blade that are proximate portions of the blade that are cut during the cutting procedure, and iv. said means for clamping includes means for clamping a mill 00 IDcut key with a blade to be cut on both sides, said means for clamping being independently moveable relative to the means for cutting to position the blade to be cut on both sides of the blade without re-clamping, whereby, the blade can be cut on both sides without re- clamping the mill cut key during key cutting; b. means for supporting the blade of any of the cylinder keys, bit keys, and laser keys during a cutting procedure is i. independently moveable relative to the means for cutting, and ii. independently moveable relative to the means for clamping during the cutting procedure; and c. means for cutting the clamped key, i. said means for cutting comprises a slotter, a circular trace cutting wheel, and an end mill cutter, said the means for cutting includes the slotter for cutting a multi-angled key, n -18- S(2) said means for cutting includes the end mill cutter for cutting a mill cut key, said means for cutting includes at least one of the slotter and the circular trace cutting wheel for cutting a bit key, and 00 S(4) said means for cutting includes at least one of the ",N slotter and the circular trace cutting wheel for cutting a cylinder key.

7. A key making device comprising: a. means for cutting a key having an elongated blade with opposing broad sides extending from a head to a tip of said blade; and b. means for supporting the blade during a cutting procedure, i. said means for supporting having a first surface for contacting a first broad side of the blade and a second surface for contacting a second broad side of the blade, ii. said means for supporting being moveable to one of a first position in which the first surface is in contact with the first broad side of the blade while a first area on the opposing broad side of the blade is being cut and a second position in which the second surface is in contact with the second broad side of the blade while a second area on the opposing broad side of the blade is being cut, t' -19- ci iii. said means for supporting being independently moveable relative to the means for cutting, whereby, a blade having a first area to be cut and a second area to be cut can be supported on a first broad side of the blade by the means for supporting disposed in a first position while the first area of the blade is being 00 INO cut and on a second broad side of the blade by the means for supporting ¢c, disposed in a second position while the second area is being cut.

8. A key making device comprising: a. means for clamping a key to be cut, i. said clamped key having an elongated blade with opposing broad sides and opposing edges extending from a head to a tip of said blade, each of said opposing broad sides having a pair of longitudinal borders, each of said borders being connected to one of the opposing edges; and b. means for supporting only one of the opposing broad sides and opposing edges of the blade at a time during a cutting procedure, i. said means for supporting being independently moveable relative to the means for clamping.

9. A key making device comprising: a. means for cutting a multi-angled key, i. said multi-angled key having an elongated blade extending from a head to a tip with a plurality of longitudinally adjacent segments located progressively along the length thereof g proceeding from the head to the tip, a first of said longitudinally adjacent segments extending from the head being independent of surfaces that are cut during a cutting procedure, a second of said longitudinally adjacent segments n 5 having surfaces that can be cut during the cutting procedure to 00 INDmake an operative key for opening a multi-angled lock, and a Sthird of said longitudinally adjacent segments comprising the tip; and b. means for clamping a multi-angled key to be cut, i. said means for clamping being independently moveable relative to the means for cutting, and ii. said means for clamping being independent of means for supporting the second and third of said longitudinal segments of the multi-angled key blade during the cutting procedure.

10. The key making device of claim 9, wherein the means for cutting includes producing a control signal indicative of a cut of a first multi-angled key, and cutting a complementary cut in another of said first multi-angled key using the control signal indicative of the cut, the means for cutting comprises a slotter, and wherein each of a plurality of multi-angled cuts can be made to the blade of the multi-angled key by making cutting contact between the blade and the slotter at one of a plurality of discrete tangential locations along the periphery of the slotter. O 11. A key making device comprising: a. means for clamping includes means for clamping a mill cut key, i. said mill cut key having an elongated blade with opposing broad sides extending from a head to a tip of said blade; and b. means for cutting includes means for cutting a mill cut key on both opposing 00 IDbroad sides, i. said means for clamping being independently moveable relative to the Smeans for cutting to position the blade to be cut on both opposing broad sides of the blade without re-clamping, whereby, the blade can be cut on both opposing broad sides without re-clamping the mill cut key during key cutting.

12. A key making device comprising: a. means for clamping every preselected key from a group of keys to secure a clamped key for cutting independent of re-fixturing the preselected key, said group of keys includes bit keys and at least one of cylinder keys, special multi-angled keys, and laser keys; and b. means for cutting the clamped key to make an operative key for opening a lock corresponding to the clamped key.

13. A key making device comprising: 2s a. means for cutting a bit portion of a bit key having a blade with a shank and a bit portion, (999144_):PRW i. said means for cutting a bit key being independent of means for supporting the bit portion of the blade during the cutting 0 procedure; and O c 5 b. means for clamping the shank of the bit key to be cut, i. said means for clamping being independently moveable relative to the means for cutting, and 00 ii. said means for clamping being independent of means for supporting the bit portion of the blade during the cutting procedure.

14. A key making device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated 26 October, 2007 Robert E. Almblad Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON FERGUSON [R:\LIBLLI 6622.doc:gxt