Master- And Change-key Patents (Class 70/340)
  • Patent number: 11149471
    Abstract: A padlock is disclosed comprising an electronic circuitry and such that the padlock may be opened via a near field communication network such as Bluetooth™ or via other electronic interfaces such as an integrated fingerprint scanner. In one embodiment the padlock is capable of receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals from nearby sensor nodes containing information regarding temperature, humidity, moisture, speed, vibration, liquid level, concentration of gases and other sensing devices for use in a system for monitoring, tracking, tracing, alarms, access management, access recording, authenticity and integrity of goods, documents or other valued objects in storage or transit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: RYNAN TECHNOLOGIES PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: My T. Nguyen, Cuong Q. Hong, Luong V. Truong, Hien H. Nguyen, Brian D. Nguyen, Christina M. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11136786
    Abstract: A lock assembly for a door includes a lock mechanism moveable between an extended position wherein the door is locked and a retracted position wherein the door is unlocked such that the door may be opened and closed. The lock assembly also includes first and second lock cylinders operably connected to the lock mechanism such that actuation thereof causes the lock mechanism to move to the retracted position, the lock cylinders each including a first keyhole. A tamper resistant member is moveable between a protected position in which the keyhole of the second cylinder is inaccessible and an unprotected position in which the keyhole of the second cylinder is accessible, such that a tool is required in order to move the tamper resistant member from the protected position to the unprotected position, the tool adapted to be stored separately from the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Accurate Lock & Hardware Co. LLC
    Inventors: Francis Colligan, Jeffrey J. Graveline
  • Patent number: 10846842
    Abstract: A key identification system that includes a key identification system housing, a key clamp, a key ring support tray, and two digital identifiers is disclosed. The key identification system housing may include a key receiving aperture extending through housing and sized to receive at least some of a key blade of a key. The key clamp is positioned adjacent to the key receiving aperture and allows the system to maintain the key blade in a fixed position within the key identification system housing when the key is inserted into the key receiving aperture. The key ring support tray is typically coupled to the key identification system housing below the key receiving aperture. The two digital identifiers are positioned within the key identification system housing and designed to capture key blade information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: The Hillman Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Mueller, George Lynn Hagen, Scott Basham, Ryan Hamblin, Carl Ito, Kenneth C. Booth
  • Patent number: 10659525
    Abstract: Systems and methods involving processing and/or mirroring data in real time involving one or more mobile devices and a plurality of NFC-connected interactive posters are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exemplary computer-implemented method may comprise: connecting a user mobile computing device to a server as well as coupling the device to a plurality of interactive posters via NFC; receiving user selections made on the interactive posters; processing content data related to the posters based on the user selections and/or other information; generating a GUI comprising interactive simulations corresponding to respective posters and/or statistics related to selections made on the posters; tracking, in real time, a specific experience of a user interacting with the posters; and transmitting, in real-time, data regarding the specific experience to the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Capital One Services, LLC
    Inventors: Amanda Harrington Legge, Sunil Shah, Apurva Shah
  • Patent number: 10280646
    Abstract: A pick-resistant pin tumbler lock having a first stage in which the pins may move but the plug cannot rotate, and a second stage in which the plug may rotate but the pins cannot move. Pin movement inhibitors prevent further movement of the pins once sufficient rearward force is applied to the lock, and a rotation inhibitor prevents rotation of the plug until after the sufficient rearward force is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Iris Business Intelligence Inc.
    Inventor: Spencer Purves McLennan
  • Patent number: 9567771
    Abstract: A cylinder lock assembly includes a plug rotatable in a cylinder lock body. The plug includes chambers, each of which has a chamber depth axis. A plurality of thin, planar plug locking elements are received in the chambers. Each plug locking element has a key cut interface probe for interfacing with a key cut formed on a key. Each plug locking element is arranged to move along the chamber depth axis and does not rotate about the chamber depth axis. Each key cut interface probe has a predetermined orientation with respect to the chamber depth axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Moshe Dolev
  • Patent number: 8925360
    Abstract: A rotating disk lock mechanism that includes a lock housing containing a plurality of rotatable disks. Each disk having a central aperture and being positioned in a stack such that the central apertures form a keyway. At least one of the disks includes a reduced central aperture with a diameter that is substantially less than a diameter of at least another one of the central apertures. The combination of the lock mechanism is determined in part by the number of disks with reduced central apertures and their placement in the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Inner-Tite Corp.
    Inventor: Anthony John Agbay
  • Patent number: 8893536
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body, a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body and an operation error preventing unit. The cylinder body has a plurality of upper pin holes and an accommodating hole. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of assembled rack components and a position block disposed within the plug body. The plug body has an outside wall, a keyhole, a plurality of lower pin holes and a first hole in communication with the outside wall and the keyhole. The assembled rack components are disposed at each of the lower pin holes of the plug body respectively. The operation error preventing unit comprises a first movable member disposed at the accommodating hole of the cylinder body and a second movable member disposed at the first hole of the plug body, and the first movable member may contact against the second movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8656747
    Abstract: A kit for a master keying system includes a plurality of replacement master racks. A rack removal key is provided for insertion into a keyway. The rack removal key has a first cut defining a first lift amount. A rack removal tool is provided for insertion into the keyway. The rack removal tool has a second cut defining a second lift amount, wherein the second lift amount is greater than the first lift amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kwikset Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 8621902
    Abstract: A master key system and method for a reprogrammable lock cylinder with at least one first master pin and one second master pin. The first and second master pins have different bitting configurations. The master key system includes at least a first array of change key cuts corresponding to an input key bitting array and sequence of progression and at least two master key cuts corresponding to the input key bitting array and sequence of progression and each of the change key cuts. The system further comprises at least one master pin matrix including a master pin sequence for each change key cut and at least one rekey matrix including a rekey cut for each change key. Each master pin sequence represents a sequence of master pins configured to achieve the respective change key cut and the at least two master key cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Sajil John Mathachan
  • Patent number: 8561444
    Abstract: A programmable cylinder lock includes a stator and a cylindrical rotor, mounted therein for rotation around its own axis and having a keyhole, a number of key followers movable along their own longitudinal and transversal directions, intended to cooperate with a key inserted into the keyhole, a number of locking pins movable along their own longitudinal direction, the key followers and locking pins forming together a number of pairs and having toothings cooperating to define the lock codification, the rotor including a stop bar cooperating with a longitudinal groove of the stator and having projections cooperating with notches of the locking pins to immobilize them when the stop bar engages them, and a change bar slidingly coupled with the key followers to normally keep them engaged with the locking pins and to disengage them therefrom when the change bar provides a lock programming position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Rielda Serrature s.r.l.
    Inventor: Alberto Loreti
  • Patent number: 8511121
    Abstract: A key holding device includes a key cylinder capable of retaining an auxiliary key which is a vehicle key that is not a master key. A rotor is rotatably arranged in the key cylinder. The auxiliary key is insertable into the rotor. A tumbler is rotatable with the rotor in the key cylinder. The tumbler holds the auxiliary key in a manner irremovable from the key cylinder in accordance with the rotational position of the rotor. A key lock mechanism is capable of locking the rotor in a state in which the tumbler holds the auxiliary key in a manner irremovable from the key cylinder. A control unit selectively switches the rotor between a locked state and an unlocked state by controlling the key lock mechanism so as to permit removal of the auxiliary key when the rotor is in the unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tsuruta
  • Publication number: 20130192320
    Abstract: A lock system is disclosed. The lock system includes a lock and one or more keys. The lock includes a plurality of tumblers configured for interaction with associated key features. A tumbler includes at least two sections and defines at least two contact points. One contact point is configured to interact with a feature included on either of an operator key or a master key, while the other contact point is configured to interact with a feature included on a separate key. A key according to the present disclosure includes features configured to interact with a contact point on each tumbler, such as with only one of the two contact points. One of the keys may include channels defined on surfaces thereof. Such channels accommodate the set of contact points that the features of such key are not interacting with, allowing access to and interaction with the appropriate set of contact points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: COMPX INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: CompX International Inc.
  • Patent number: 8448484
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a plurality of first rack components, a plurality of second rack components and a guide bar having a first surface engaged with the first rack components. The second rack components are movable via contacting against a first matched key which is inserted in a first direction. The guide bar has a second surface, a first side, a second side, and a tool-receiving portion recessed into the first side. The tool-receiving portion is parallel to the first direction, and the first rack components are actuated by the guide bar via acting force applied by the rekeying tool accommodated in the tool-receiving portion therefore enabling the first rack components to move in a transverse direction relative to the first direction and disengaging the first rack components from the second rack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8347675
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending an existing simplex or multiplex lock-and-key system that includes a family of first keys each having a first profile and of a corresponding plurality of first locks each operable by a first key and each having a first keyway configured for accepting the first key profile. Second keys of a new family are defined with a core section corresponding to the first key profile and a narrowed projection extending from the bottom of the core section. Corresponding second locks have a second keyway profile defined as the compliment of the second key profile, thus including a complimentary core section and a foot recess extending from the bottom of the second keyway core section. The second locks accept a second key positioned at the second keyway baseline to normally lift the lock pin stacks and operate the second lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Dorma Door Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Lloyd Seliber
  • Patent number: 8347678
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder assembly includes at least one lock cylinder and a mortise lock adapter. Each lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A locking bar is disposed in the cylinder body for movement transverse to, and rotationally about, the longitudinal axis. A plug assembly having a tool receiving aperture is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A plurality of pins and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. A first member is moveable in response to application of a force by a tool received through the aperture to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of pins. The mortise lock adapter includes a housing configured for receiving the cylinder body of the lock cylinder. A mortise lock actuator is coupled to the plug assembly of the lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 8336348
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methodology are provided for key operated pin tumbler locks, some of which may incorporate a removable core pin tumbler lock. A selected tumbler of a type commonly used in pin tumbler locks is configured along with a driver pin to control operation of a retainer that, when rotated by use of a control key inserted in the lock, allows alternate selective removal and replacement of the core assembly in the lock. Also, or separate therefrom, one or more tumbler holes may be formed or drilled in a manner so as to prevent engagement of a tumbler with the bite of a key. Presently disclosed structures and associated methodology help to reduce any susceptibility to unauthorized techniques practiced against the lock, such as unintentional activation of the tumblers by unauthorized persons through use of a key with so-called “bumping” techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: CompX International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Dalton, Jr., Glyn A. Finch, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120186310
    Abstract: A lock system is provided having a lock housing and a lock barrel, a keeper shoulder, at least one full positioner shoulder, and a positioner shoulder. A lock plug is received in the barrel for rotation between locked and unlocked positions, a keyway and tumblers. The tumblers may include a key tumbler, a positioner tumbler and a keeper tumbler. The lock plug is rotatable between a first rotary position and a second rotary position. A control key is received into the keyway to retract the lock tumbler and the keeper tumbler. Included is a partial positioner shoulder, and includes a cutout portion. Removal of the lock plug from the lock barrel requires insertion of the control key in the keyway in the first rotary position and rotation of the control key and the lock plug to the second rotary position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Bruce Bacon
  • Patent number: 8161783
    Abstract: A quickly rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a position block disposed at the plug body, a first rack group and a second rack group. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis vertical to the longitudinal axis and a rekeying tool opening. The first rack group has a plurality of first rack components. The second rack group may push the position block to move and has a plurality of second rack components in engagement with the first rack components and at least one tool-receiving portion pushed by the rekeying tool. The second rack components can move along transverse axis of the plug body to release engagement with the first rack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8151611
    Abstract: A key-removable lock core that is retained in a core receptacle by a retaining lug, and which can operated by an operating key to align the pins of the pin chambers for shear at the operating shear line, and to allow the key plug to be rotated, and which employs a control tool with the operating key for manipulating the pins into alignment for shear at the control shear line, to allow the sleeve and the key plug together to be rotated, to move the retaining lug on the sleeve between a projected position in which the lug is engaged behind a rearward-facing shoulder in the core receptacle to retain the core in the receptacle, and a retracted position within the profile of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: JaNaKa Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Publication number: 20120060571
    Abstract: A dual key bi-step lock having a shell and a cylindrical plug in the shell. The plug has a primary keyway and a secondary keyway and at least one set of primary pin stack and at least one set of secondary pin stack between the shell and the plug, respectively coupling with the primary and the secondary keys. a longitudinal stage is formed on a cylindrical surface of the plug. An involute side face extending from the stage to the cylindrical surface of the plug. The primary key is able to dive the plug to a position of first step open at which the stage is stopped by the key pin of the secondary pin stack. The secondary pin stack is unlocked by the secondary key and the plug is able to be further driven to a position of second step open by the primary and the secondary keys from the first step open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: NINGBO YONGFA GROUP CO., LTD.,
    Inventors: Yongyao Yu, Jun Hu, Zhongwei Cao
  • Patent number: 8099988
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a plug assembly and a lock cylinder. The plug assembly includes a plug body, a plurality of key followers, a plurality of racks, and a rack carrier that carriers the plurality of racks. The rack carrier is moveable relative to the plug body between a proximal end and a distal end. A cam follower extends outwardly from the rack carrier. The lock cylinder body includes a cylinder wall with the plug assembly rotatably disposed therein, and has a cam track configured on the cylinder wall at an interior surface to guide the cam follower of the plug assembly. The cam track has a ramp portion configured to longitudinally displace the cam follower and the rack carrier as the plug assembly is rotated relative to the lock cylinder body to facilitate selective disengagement of the plurality of racks from the plurality of key followers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventor: Graham J. Wheatland
  • Patent number: 8056378
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body, a plug, an adjusting block and a plurality of rack component assemblies. The plug disposed within the cylinder body has a trench and a plurality of rack component runners communicating with the trench. The adjusting block disposed at the trench has an arc sidewall, a plurality of leading slots corresponding to the rack component runners one by one and a position groove recessed from the arc sidewall. The position groove has a notch portion and a groove inner portion, wherein a depth of the groove inner portion is larger than a depth of the notch portion. Each of the rack component assemblies comprises a first rack component disposed at the rack component runner and a second rack component capable of engaging with the first rack component. Each of the first rack components has a rib portion located at the leading slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8033150
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A plug assembly is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotatable between a first position and a second position, the plug assembly having a lock face with a tool receiving aperture. A plurality of key followers and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. The plurality of racks is selectively engageable with the plurality of key followers. A first member is coupled to the plurality of racks. The first member is moveable in response to application of a force against the first member by a tool received through the tool receiving aperture. The first member is configured to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of key followers in response to the movement of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7980106
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of pin assemblies and a guide bar. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a tool-receiving hole. Each of the pin assemblies is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The guide bar is coupled to the plug body and has a plurality of pin runners for engaging with the first rack components and a tool-receiving portion exposed by the tool-receiving hole. The guide bar is capable of moving along transverse axis-direction of the plug body to disengage the first rack components from the second rack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7980104
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body, a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body and at least one adjusting member. The cylinder body has an inside wall, the plug assembly comprises a plug body having a plurality of pin holes and an opening, a plurality of assembled pins disposed within the pin holes of the plug body and a position block disposed in the plug body. Each of the assembled pins comprises a first rack component having an aligning cavity and a second rack component engaged with the first rack component. The position block has a plurality of pin runners served for disposing the first rack components and a tool-receiving hole corresponding to the opening. The adjusting member is movably disposed within one of the pin holes of the plug body and contacts against at least one first rack component and the inside wall of the cylinder body thereby forming a position difference between the tool-receiving hole and the aligning cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 7958759
    Abstract: A key-removable lock core that is retained in a core receptacle by a retaining lug, and which can operated by an operating key to align the pins of the pin chambers for shear at the operating shear line, and to allow the key plug to be rotated, and which employs a control tool with the operating key for manipulating the pins into alignment for shear at the control shear line, to allow the sleeve and the key plug together to be rotated, to move the retaining lug on the sleeve between a projected position in which the lug is engaged behind a rearward-facing shoulder in the core receptacle to retain the core in the receptacle, and a retracted position within the profile of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: JaNaKa Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Patent number: 7937976
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of assembled pins and a position block. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis vertical to the longitudinal axis, a keyhole and a first through hole. Each of the assembled pins is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The position block disposed at the plug body has a plurality of pin runners used for disposing the first rack components, a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole and a tool-contacting surface located within the second through hole. The position block can move along the transverse axis-direction of the plug body to make each of the first rack components reengage with each of the second rack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7878036
    Abstract: A lock cylinder having a keyway includes a first plurality of guide channels. A plurality of cup-shaped pins is movably disposed within the first plurality of guide channels. Each cup-shaped pin of the plurality of cup-shaped pins extends across the keyway. Each cup-shaped pin of the plurality of cup-shaped pins has an engagement protrusion. The first plurality of guide channels conform to the shape of the plurality of cup-shaped pins to allow movement of the plurality of cup-shaped pins in a first direction while restraining movement transverse to the first direction. A plurality of biasing springs is positioned to bias the plurality of cup-shaped pins in a direction toward the keyway. A plurality of racks is movably disposed in a second plurality of guide channels. Each rack of the plurality of racks has at least one engagement groove to selectively receive the engagement protrusion of a respective cup-shaped pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7836739
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder structure comprises a shell, a plug assembly and a plurality of pin groups. The shell has a hollow cylindrical portion and defines a central axis. The plug assembly is disposed within the hollow cylindrical portion of the shell and comprises a plug body and a sliding block. The plug body has a front section, a driving portion, a middle section connecting the front section and the driving portion, a coupling cavity recessed from the front section and the middle section and a plurality of lower pin holes formed in the middle section and communicating with the coupling cavity. The sliding block, which is disposed at the coupling cavity of the plug body and able to move parallel to the central axis of the shell, has a plurality of pin-sliding grooves and a keyhole communicating with the pin-sliding grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lien-Hsi Huang, Ping-Hung Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20100288002
    Abstract: A lock apparatus includes an unlocker. The unlocker unlocks when a coincidence condition is satisfied between: one or at least two registration keys including a master key; and an input key. An adder adds, as the registration key, a desired key when a key adding manipulation is performed in an unlocked state. A controller determines whether or not the unlocking by the unlocker results from a coincidence between the master key and the input key, and starts the adder corresponding to a positive determination result while stops the adder corresponding to a negative determination result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoko Takeuchi, Takashi Moriyasu
  • Patent number: 7788956
    Abstract: A lock system includes keys, key blanks, keyways, and lock cylinders, and the keys or key blanks have opposite sides formed with grooves for cooperating with a conforming keyway. More particularly, the sides of the key or key blank have a portion grooved for registration, another portion grooved for top-level hierarchical master keying, and two other portions, one on each side of the blade, for further master key variations and different combinations. One of the two further sections being curvilinear and the other rectangular or angular cuts. The conforming keyway of the lock includes ridges and grooves corresponding to the grooves and ridges, respectively, of the key or key blank. Instruments other than keys or key blanks may be used to enter the grooves and ridges of the keyway to operate the lock without the use of a precisely configured key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter H. Field, Steve Poff
  • Publication number: 20100206025
    Abstract: A master key lock includes a lock cylinder having a keyway for receiving a key, a sleeve about the cylinder, a plurality of wafer tumblers, a master key and means for axially moving the sleeve relative to the cylinder when the master key is inserted into the keyway. A system that uses the master key lock includes a lock case wherein the sleeve is disposed between the cylinder and the lock case, the sleeve being axially movable within the case. The sleeve comprises a plurality of transversely disposed slots for engaging the plurality of wafer tumblers such that the lock is unlocked by insertion of a key or a master key. The invention also provides for a method of using the master key lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Lucas Boesel, Joshua J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7712344
    Abstract: The invention relates to a key-changeable lock including a lock housing and a lock cylinder provided within the lock housing. The lock cylinder includes a shell for the lock cylinder, a locking hole into which a key can be inserted and a locking block mounted on the shell. A sliding block and a toothed piece are provided in the shell. The locking block is abutted against the sliding block. Several toothed slides are slidably provided within the sliding block. The locking block can be located at two working positions. At a first working position, the locking block is not held in the block groove and the teeth of the toothed piece engage with those of the toothed slide. At a second working position, the locking block is held in the block groove and the teeth of the toothed piece disengage from those of the toothed slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: AOBA Security Technology Pte, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yang Shen
  • Patent number: 7703311
    Abstract: A key system including a key for use with a barrel lock having a rotating locking mechanism. The key includes a grip portion and a shank portion operatively attached to the grip portion. The shank portion includes at least one cam surface for rotatably engaging the rotating locking mechanism to permit rotation of the mechanism in one of a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, but not the other direction, to lock the barrel lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Inner-Tite Corp.
    Inventor: Anthony John Agbay
  • Patent number: 7628048
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of assembled pins, a position block and a rotating member. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a first through hole. Each of the assembled pins is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The position block is disposed at the plug body and has a plurality of pin runners for disposing the first rack components and a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7624606
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of pin assemblies and a guide bar. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a tool-receiving hole. Each of the pin assemblies is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The guide bar is coupled to the plug body and has a plurality of pin runners for engaging with the first rack components and a tool-receiving portion exposed by the tool-receiving hole. The guide bar is capable of moving along transverse axis-direction of the plug body to disengage the first rack components from the second rack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20090272159
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending an existing simplex or multiplex lock-and-key system that includes a family of first keys each having a first profile and of a corresponding plurality of first locks each operable by a first key and each having a first keyway configured for accepting the first key profile. Second keys of a new family are defined with a core section corresponding to the first key profile and a narrowed projection extending from the bottom of the core section. Corresponding second locks have a second keyway profile defined as the compliment of the second key profile, thus including a complimentary core section and a foot recess extending from the bottom of the second keyway core section. The second locks accept a second key positioned at the second keyway baseline to normally lift the lock pin stacks and operate the second lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: Dorma Door Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Lloyd Seliber
  • Patent number: 7571629
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending an existing simplex or multiplex lock-and-key system that includes a family of first keys each having a first profile and of a corresponding plurality of first locks each operable by a first key and each having a first keyway configured for accepting the first key profile. Second keys of a new family are defined with a core section corresponding to the first key profile and a narrowed projection extending from the bottom of the core section. Corresponding second locks have a second keyway profile defined as the compliment of the second key profile, thus including a complimentary core section and a foot recess extending from the bottom of the second keyway core section. The second locks accept a second key positioned at the second keyway baseline to normally lift the lock pin stacks and operate the second lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Dorma Door Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Lloyd Seliber
  • Patent number: 7552608
    Abstract: A lock system includes keys, key blanks, keyways, and lock cylinders, and the keys or key blanks have opposite sides formed with grooves for cooperating with a conforming keyway. More particularly, the sides of the key or key blank have a portion grooved for registration, another portion grooved for top-level hierarchical master keying, and two other portions, one on each side of the blade, for further master key variations and different combinations. One of the two further sections being curvilinear and the other rectangular or angular cuts. The conforming keyway of the lock includes ridges and grooves corresponding to the grooves and ridges, respectively, of the key or key blank. Instruments other than keys or key blanks may be used to enter the grooves and ridges of the keyway to operate the lock without the use of a precisely configured key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter H. Field, Steve Poff
  • Patent number: 7533550
    Abstract: A changeable lock assembly suitable for re-keying a lock without disassembly of the lock. The assembly includes a housing having a bore therein, and a plug rotatably mounted in the bore. The plug includes a longitudinal axis and a keyway. The keyway is adapted to receive at least a first user key and a second user key. The lock further includes a change member movable within the lock between a first position to a second position. The change member can move solely in response to operation of the second key. Thus, when the change member is in the first position, the first key operates the lock, and when the change member is in the second position, the first key does not operate the lock. The lock assembly can also employ a change tool that, when inserted into a change slot, can move a change ball from the second position back to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: EZ Change Lock Company
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Patent number: 7526935
    Abstract: This invention is to provide a method for rekeying a rekeyable lock cylinder. The first step of entire rekeying process is to insert a first user key into a keyhole of a sliding block of a plug assembly and turn the first user key to rotate the plug assembly, then a thrust is added to the first user key to move the sliding block of the plug assembly, thereby disengaging a plurality of upper locking pieces and a plurality of lower locking pieces within a plurality of lower pin sets. Next, after pulling out the first user key from the keyhole, a second user key is inserted into the keyhole of the sliding block and turned to restore the sliding block as to reengage the upper locking pieces and the lower locking pieces. Finally, the second user key is pulled out to complete the entire rekeying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lien-Hsi Huang, Ping-Hung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7520150
    Abstract: A lock includes a casing, an indicator movably received in the casing between a first position and a second position and a core received in the casing and so configured in such a way that a private key and a general key are able to activate the core. The movement of the indicator from the first position to the second position is in response to a status where the general key is applied to activate the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Chun Te Yu
  • Patent number: 7448240
    Abstract: A lock assembly has a housing, a lock cylinder, an adjusting block and an adjusting assembly. The adjusting block is slidably on the lock cylinder and has a wedge side facing the lock cylinder and a plurality of first wedge elements formed on the wedge side. The adjusting assembly is mounted in the lock cylinder and has multiple adjustable rack assemblies mounted in the lock cylinder. Each rack assembly has a rack element and an adjusting base. The rack element selectively abuts with a corresponding one of the lock pins and has a second wedge element selectively engaging one of the first wedge elements on the adjusting block. The adjusting base selectively engages the rack element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7448239
    Abstract: A lock assembly has a housing, a lock cylinder, an adjusting block and multiple rack assemblies. The adjusting block is slidably received in the lock cylinder and has a wedge side facing the lock cylinder and a plurality of first wedge elements formed on the wedge side. The rack assemblies are slidably received respectively in the lock cylinder. Each rack assembly has a rack element, an adjusting base and a resilient member arranged between the rack element and the adjusting base. Each rack element and each adjusting base have a plurality teeth formed thereon and detachably engaged each other respectively. Each rack element has a second wedge element that is selectively engaged or disengaged from one of the first wedge elements on the adjusting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20080271505
    Abstract: A kit for a master keying system includes a plurality of replacement master racks. A rack removal key is provided for insertion into a keyway. The rack removal key has a first cut defining a first lift amount. A rack removal tool is provided for insertion into the keyway. The rack removal tool has a second cut defining a second lift amount, wherein the second lift amount is greater than the first lift amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7434431
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A locking bar is disposed in the cylinder body for movement transverse to, and rotationally about, the longitudinal axis. A plug assembly is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotateable between a first position and a second position. The plug assembly has a lock face with a tool receiving aperture. A plurality of pins and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. The plurality of racks is selectively engageable with the plurality of pins. A first member coupled to the plurality of racks is moveable in response to application of a force against the first member by a tool received through the tool receiving aperture. The first member is configured to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of pins in response to the movement of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7424815
    Abstract: A reprogrammable lock comprises a rotor (2) mounted rotatably inside a stator (1). In the rotor (2) are mounted key reading plates (3) to read the coding profile (8b, 9b) of a user/programming key (8, 9), locking plates (4) that can couple with the key reading plates (3) and are adapted to block rotation of the rotor (2) with respect to the stator (1), two lateral inserts (6) integral with the locking plates (4) and provided with an arched surface (6b) adapted to slide on the inner surface of the stator (1), and a rotation stopping plate (10) free from the locking plates (4) to block rotation of the rotor (2) with respect to the stator (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Giussani Techniques S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco Pagnoncelli
  • Patent number: 7412860
    Abstract: A key blank or key has a rectangular parallel metal shaped blade which has side edges formed with grooves for cooperating with a complementary shaped keyway; the sides of the blank having a portion grooved for registration, another portion grooved for top-level hierarchical master keying, and two other portions, one on each side of the blade, for further master key variations and different combinations. One of the two further sections being curvilinear and the other rectangular or angular cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter H. Field, Steve Poff
  • Patent number: 7340929
    Abstract: A lock apparatus able to be installed in a structure comprising an outer sleeve having a plurality of outer rows extending transversely therethrough and radially therearound and a first bore extending though substantially a center thereof. An inner sleeve having a second bore extending through substantially a center thereof and is releasably connected within the first bore. The inner sleeve includes a plurality of inner rows extending therethrough wherein each respective inner row is aligned with a respective one of the plurality of outer rows. A plurality of user selectable pin sets is positioned within the plurality of outer and inner rows. A lock core for receiving a key therein is releasably connected within the second bore and includes a core pin set wherein a respective one of the plurality of user selectable pin sets is aligned with the core pin set creating an active pin formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Efthemois Christopoulos