Key cutting machine

Abstract

A key cutting machine includes a housing, carriage, key clamp, and motor to drive the carriage. The key cutting machine may include a vacuum removably attached to the housing. The key cutting machine may be selected between manual, automatic, and semi-automatic user modes. Additional improvements or features of a key cutting machine are also described.

1 . A key cutting machine comprising:
 a housing;   a carriage supported on said housing;   a key clamp connected to said carriage;   a key cutting element located at least partially within said housing; and   a motor connected to and capable of driving said carriage.   
     
     
         2 . The key cutting machine of  claim 1  further comprising a vacuum port, wherein said vacuum port includes a quick-disconnect element permitting selectable connection and disconnection of said vacuum tube. 
     
     
         3 . The key cutting machine of  claim 2  wherein said quick-disconnect element comprises at least one aperture for receiving at least one connection element associated with said vacuum tube. 
     
     
         4 . The key cutting machine of  claim 2  wherein said quick-disconnect element comprises at least one protrusion capable of being received within at least one aperture associated with said vacuum tube. 
     
     
         5 . The key cutting machine of  claim 1  further comprising at least one power supply outlet integral therewith for electrically connecting an external electrical device thereto. 
     
     
         6 . The key cutting machine of  claim 5  wherein said power supply outlet is activated only when said key cutting element is activated. 
     
     
         7 . The key cutting machine of  claim 6  wherein said external electrical device is a vacuum device having a vacuum tube capable of removable connection to said vacuum port. 
     
     
         8 . A key cutting machine comprising:
 a housing having a vacuum port;   a key cutting element located at least partially within said housing;   a vacuum device;   a tube connected to said vacuum device and removeably connected to said vacuum port, so that when said tube is connected to said vacuum port, said vacuum device is capable of collecting key shavings created during the key cutting operation and, when said tube is disconnected from said vacuum port, said tube can be used to collect key shavings in an area generally surrounding said key cutting machine.   
     
     
         9 . The key cutting machine of  claim 8  wherein said vacuum port includes a quick-disconnect element permitting reliable connection and disconnection of said vacuum tube. 
     
     
         10 . The key cutting machine of  claim 9  wherein said quick-disconnect element comprises at least one aperture for receiving at least one connection element associated with said vacuum tube. 
     
     
         11 . A key cutting machine comprising:
 a housing;   a carriage supported on said housing;   a key clamp connected to said carriage;   a key cutting element located at least partially within said housing; and   a motor connected to and capable of driving said carriage.   
     
     
         12 . The key cutting machine of  claim 10  further comprising a vacuum port, wherein said vacuum port includes a quick-disconnect element permitting selectable connection and disconnection of said vacuum tube. 
     
     
         13 . The key cutting machine of  claim 12  wherein said quick-disconnect element comprises at least one aperture for receiving at least one connection element associated with said vacuum tube. 
     
     
         14 . The key cutting machine of  claim 12  wherein said quick-disconnect element comprises at least one protrusion capable of being received within at least one aperture associated with said vacuum tube. 
     
     
         15 . The key cutting machine of  claim 11  further comprising at least one power supply outlet integral therewith for electrically connecting an external electrical device thereto. 
     
     
         16 . The key cutting machine of  claim 15  wherein said power supply outlet is activated only when said key cutting element is activated. 
     
     
         17 . The key cutting machine of  claim 16  wherein said external electrical device is a vacuum device having a vacuum tube capable of removable connection to said vacuum port.