Abstract: A self-learning lock cylinder assembly or lock tumbler and tools capable of teaching the self-learning key configuration of a pre-existing key is disclosed. The assembly does not require disassembly and re-assembly of internal components by a skilled user. The individual performing the self-learning procedure sets the assembly by a simple rotation motion. The individual performing the self-learning procedure can verify that the original key and copies of the original key function properly within the lock cylinder prior to final assembly.

Abstract: A cylinder lock assembly includes a lock cylinder inserted into a cylindrical chamber of a lock housing, the lock cylinder being formed with plate mounting slots, a latch slot, and a main key slot; primary locking plates inserted in the respective plate mounting slots, each of the primary locking plates being formed with a secondary plate recess, a first key slot, and a first latch groove; secondary locking plates inserted in the respective secondary plate recesses, each of the secondary locking plates being formed with a second key slot and a second latch groove, springs being provided between the primary locking plates and the lock cylinder and between the secondary locking plates and the lock cylinder respectively; and a latch inserted into the latch slot, a latch return spring being provided between the latch and the lock cylinder.

Abstract: Lock assemblies having cylinders with interchangeable cores are provided. In one embodiment a lock assembly comprises a cylinder including a keyway and a core. Also, the lock assembly includes a first driver operatively connected to the cylinder. In particular, key cuts of the core are changeable without removing the cylinder from the driver.

Abstract: A sealed push button latch. It includes a housing with an upper cavity and a lower cavity and a rim which provides a seal contact seat. The lower cavity has a latch opening formed therein at a first side thereof, and at least one drain/return clip aperture formed at a second side thereof. A push button with a keyed lock is slidably received in the upper cavity. A biasing device biases the push button to a closed position. A seal positioned on the push button provides sealing between the seal contact seat of the rim of the housing and the push button. A locking latch is slidably positioned in the lower cavity, and is slidably movable between a protruding position through the latch opening, and a retracted position, wherein pushing the push button down into the housing retracts the locking latch into the lower cavity.

Abstract: A rotary output member that is a motor vehicle door catch and a rotary input member of a mechanism that is a motor vehicle door lock is disclosed. The arrangement includes a movement transmitting device that is inserted between the two rotary members, the transmission shaft of the two ends of which, together with the rotary output and input members, form articulated universal joints allowing some degree of axial misalignment. Each end of the shaft is ball shaped, collaborating with a complementary rotary member part. The ball at the door catch end of the transmission shaft is a faceted ball, the number of facets of which is defined according to the angle between the door catch and the door lock.

Abstract: An anti-break lock includes a body and two rods respectively extend from two ends of the body. Two rings extend radially from the body. The body has a passage which communicates with one of the rings and the ring is engaged with an engaging block. The engaging block has a recess in which a pad is received. The passage has a resilient member and a stop pin received therein and the stop pin has a first shoulder and a second shoulder formed in two ends thereof. A contact portion extends from the second shoulder. The body has a room which communicates with the passage. A resilient piece and an engaging member are received in the room. When the lock is damaged, the contact portion is inserted into the recess and stopped by the engaging member so that it cannot move back to its initial position. The lock cannot be unlocked.

Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder and a padlock with a rekeyable lock cylinder are provided. The lock cylinder includes a cylindrical core formed to receive a key and an outer casing formed around the core. A keying opening is formed within the casing wall, the keying opening allowing access to pin openings formed within the core to receive selected pins. In one embodiment, the cylinder core may be provided with one or more reconfiguration channels. Pins and springs mounted in openings formed in a spring holder connected to the casing can be removed through the one or more reconfiguration channels when the reconfiguration channels in the core align with assembly openings in the casing and the pin openings in the spring holder, thereby allowing the adaptation of the number of pins mounted in the lock cylinder to the number of cuts provided in the key.

Abstract: The door lock apparatus of the invention includes: a latch mechanism; a lock mechanism having a link 35 that can move the latch mechanism to an unlock position and a lock position, and a lock plate 50 that moves the link 35; a key-operation-force transfer mechanism (55, 61, 68) that transfers an operation force of a key cylinder 58 to the lock plate 50 of the lock mechanism; and a housing (11, 21) in which at least the lock mechanism and the key-operation-force transfer mechanism are accommodated. The door lock apparatus further includes positioning means (15b, 66) that positions the key-operation-force transfer mechanism (55, 61, 68) in a neutral state corresponding to a neutral position of the key cylinder 58 with respect to the housing (11, 21).

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 a spring operable to axially move 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. A method of using the master key lock is also disclosed.

Abstract: A padlock includes a lock housing, a U-shaped lock hoop and a lock cylinder in order selectively to lock the lock hoop to the lock housing, wherein the lock cylinder has a cylinder axis and is secured to the lock housing by means of a securing element. The securing element is displaceably supported at the lock cylinder and is resiliently supported transversely to the cylinder axis, wherein the securing element engages into a securing opening at an inner side of the lock housing to secure the lock cylinder to the lock housing.

Abstract: A padlock for adjusting to a length of a lock cylinder includes a padlock housing and a shackle having an unlocked position and a locked position within the padlock housing. A central bore is disposed in a bottom of the padlock housing having a depth longer than the length of the lock cylinder for accepting the lock cylinder within the padlock housing. An adaptable cam is adjustably joinable to a distal end of the lock cylinder for adjusting for a difference between the depth and the length, and for rotatable engagement of the shackle to enable the shackle to move between the locked position and the unlocked position. A lock cap is joinable to an open end of the central bore for retaining the adaptable cam and the lock cylinder within the central bore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lock assembly which includes a lock body. The lock body is adapted to receive a lock barrel. The lock barrel has a plurality of passages. Each of the passages is in communication at one end with the lock body and open at the other end. The lock assembly also includes at least one wafer and a lower pin part. The wafer is received in one of the passages. The lower pin part is received in at least one of the remainder of the passages. The wafer has a column. One end of the column is adapted to include a key engaging surface whilst the other end is adapted to rest on a wall of the lock body. The lock barrel has a key slot which is in communication with the passages. The key slot is adapted to receive a key with a low cut adapted to correspond to the key engaging surface. The column is so configured as to provide a gap between the key engaging surface and the low cut when the key is a bump key.

Abstract: A preassembled cam lock assembly comprising is disclosed which includes a housing defining a throughbore configured to receive an interchangeable lock core. A tail piece is fixedly secured on a rear face of the housing. The tail piece defines a stepped bore including an arc-shaped cutout. Each end of the arc-shaped cutout defines a stop surface. A cam driver is configured to be rotatably retained in the stepped bore of the tail piece. The cam driver includes a first end defining an arc shaped lost motion slot and a second end adapted to engage a cam. The cam driver has a plurality of spaced bores which are dimensioned to receive a driver pin which is movably positioned within the cutout of the tail piece between the stop surfaces. A cam is secured to the second end of the cam driver adjacent the tail piece.

Abstract: A pin tumbler lock having a housing with a series of holes running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical bore in the housing. The holes are bored through the housing, and a first end of each hole opens to one of each of the chambers in the housing, between the first and second ends of the corresponding chamber, and a second end of each hole opens to the outside of said housing. A tool having a body comprising a tumbler-lock-housing receiving cavity, for receiving the housing therein, wherein the body comprises a first and second series of channels for creating the holes in a conventional pin tumbler lock housing.

Abstract: A lock cylinder for a door including an opening, and operable to interact with a latch bolt assembly. The lock cylinder includes a housing that has a cavity, and a plug assembly that has a casing and a plug housed in the casing and rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The plug is operable to interact with the latch bolt assembly, and the casing is disposed within the cavity. The lock cylinder also includes a spin ring member that at least partially encloses the housing, and an adapter that is configured to be installed in the opening of the door and that includes a spin ring interface engaged with the spin ring member. The adapter further includes a shield portion extendable into the opening of the door, and the spin ring interface and the shield portion are formed as a single piece.

Abstract: A lock driving mechanism for use in a lock has an inner driving member having an inner panel, and an outer driving member attached to the inner panel and having an outer panel. The inner panel has an inner surface from which a lock core driver extends and connects to a lock core assembly of the lock and an outer surface on which an inner driver and an outer driver are formed. The outer panel has an inner surface on which an inner limiting protrusion and an outer limiting protrusion are formed, and an outer surface from which a latch driver extends to connect with a latch bolt of the lock. When a key inserted into the lock core assembly rotates, the inner and outer driver rotate, synchronously push the inner and outer bump, respectively, to make the key and latch driver rotate smoothly to drive the latch bolt to lock or unlock a door.

Abstract: The present application relates to lock assemblies that provide a secondary coupling point, utilizing an anti-rotation pin or extended tailpiece leg or other method, which rotationally couples the tailpiece to the cylinder plug, thereby preventing rotation of the tailpiece independently of the cylinder plug. Therefore, a tailpiece within a bolt cam or other actuator used to withdraw a bolt or unlock a lockset cannot be rotated after the tailpiece connector connecting the tailpiece to the cylinder plug has been forcibly removed, severed, or destroyed.

Abstract: A recodeable lock includes a housing, a cylinder plug, a plurality of wafer tumblers, and a sidebar coupled with the cylinder plug. The sidebar is assembled with a plurality of code blocks and a codebar releasably securing the code blocks to the sidebar. A liftbar is disposed in the housing radially outward of the cylinder plug and is configured to selectively engage a radially outward extending appendage of the codebar when the cylinder plug and sidebar are rotated to a recoding orientation, to release the code blocks from the sidebar. The housing includes a circumferential track axially positioned to receive the appendage of the codebar to permit greater than 180 degree rotation of the cylinder plug and sidebar with respect to the housing.

Abstract: An electromechanical cylinder lock includes an outer lock shell and a rotatable lock barrel located therein which is controlled by dual locking features. A side bar or fence selectively blocks and permits rotation of the barrel with respect to the shell in response to insertion of a key into a keyway in the barrel. A slider bar is movable between a blocking position in which the side bar is prevented from permitting rotation of the barrel, and an unblocking position in which the side bar permits rotation of the barrel. Alternately, a blocking mechanism is provided to block motion of tumbler pins in the cylinder lock. A shape memory alloy actuator, such as a wire made of NITINOL disposed in the barrel is activated by an electric current in response to determination by an electronic control device whether an attempt to open the lock is authorized. Thermal interlock protection from external heating of the lock is also provided.

Abstract: A turnbuckle lock for use on a thin-walled door includes a locking tongue and actuating mechanism that are formed as one piece with one another. An inner seal disposed between the housing and actuating mechanism is formed by being sprayed onto the housing. The actuating member and the housing member enclosing the actuating mechanism are permanently connected to each other, and the inner seal is placed inside at least one free space formed on the actuating mechanism. The inner seal and outer seal also may be formed as a one-piece element. By the permanent connection of the housing and the component made up of the actuating mechanism and the locking tongue, it is ensured that the locking tongue cannot be detached from the actuating mechanism, so that the locking function of the turnbuckle lock is always provided.

Abstract: A lock set with a quick changeability has a plug, a cylinder, a seat, a ring and a sliding cover. The plug is mounted in the cylinder and has multiple first holes in rows wherein multiple lower pins are inserted. The cylinder has a chamber radially defined therein wherein the plug is inserted, and a lug formed in a top end thereof. Multiple second holes in rows are respectively defined in the lug and multiple upper pins and springs are inserted into the second holes. Multiple openings in rows are respectively defined in a lower inner wall of the cylinder wherein upper pins and springs are inserted into the second holes. The sliding cover abuts the lower inner wall of the chamber and has multiple orifices in rows defined therein. Hence, it is easy for a user to change a corresponding key.

Abstract: A retainer clip is used for retaining a lock plug within a bore of a lock housing. The retainer clip includes a generally arcuate body disposeable about the plug outer surface and having a radial retention surface positionable generally against a housing end surface so as to prevent axial displacement of the plug along the bore. Two projections are each disposed proximal to a separate end of the body, each projection being disposeable within a separate plug opening when the body is disposed on the plug to retain the clip engaged therewith. The clip body has a hinge, a first arm portion extending between the hinge and one free end and a second arm portion extending between the hinge and the other end. The hinge is configured so that the two arm portions are deflectable generally about the hinge to move with respect to each other during installation and removal.

Abstract: A lid device of a double-sided auxiliary lock comprises an inner annular wall, an outer annular wall and a plurality of engaging portions. The engaging portions are equi-spaced on the outer annular wall. A double-sided auxiliary lock has an interior auxiliary lock assembly and a plurality of positioning elements. The interior auxiliary lock assembly has a locking core provided with an outer annular recess, a plurality of via holes, an inner annular groove, and a keyway. The inner annular groove is communicated to the keyway. The inner annular wall is corresponding to the inner annular groove of the locking core. The engaging portions are engaged to the outer annular recess of the locking core. Thereby, the lid can cover the positioning elements. In assembly, the lid has at least one engaging portion to be positioned correspondingly to the keyway. Thereby, detaching the cover, the disengagement of the engaging portions from the outer annular recess can be operated through the keyway.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus to hold a lock core of a supplemental lock includes an inner housing, a lock coupler, a latch bolt coupler, a restitution element and a cover. The inner housing has a lock core chamber. The lock coupler is rotatably mounted in the lock core chamber and includes a rotatable outer disk coupler and two lock coupling arms. The outer disk coupler has a flat edge. The lock coupling arms connect to the lock core that rotates the outer disk coupler. The latch bolt coupler is rotated by the lock coupler and includes a latch coupling arm and a longitudinal tab. The restitution element is mounted around the latch coupling arm. The cover is attached to the rear of the inner housing. Consequently, the flat edge abuts the longitudinal tab that rotates the latch coupling arm when the outer disk coupler is rotated.

Abstract: A lid device of a double-sided auxiliary lock, the lid device includes an inner annular wall, an outer annular wall and engaging portions. The engaging portions are equi-spaced on the outer annular wall. A double-sided auxiliary lock has an interior auxiliary lock assembly and positioning elements. The interior auxiliary lock assembly has a locking core provided with an outer annular recess, holes, an inner annular groove and a keyway. The inner annular groove is communicated to the keyway. The inner annular wall is corresponding to the inner annular groove of the locking core. The engaging portions are engaged to the outer annular recess of the locking core. The lid can cover the positioning elements. The lid has at least one engaging portion to be positioned correspondingly to the keyway. By detaching the cover, the disengagement of the engaging portions from the outer annular recess can be operated through the keyway.

Abstract: A lock has an outer housing, which has an outer slot at an interior side. An inner housing is received in the outer housing for rotation and has an inner slot and a driving section. Three locking plates are received in the inner housing, each of which has and a recesses at a periphery thereof. A movable pin is moved to be received either in the inner and outer slots or in the inner slot and the recesses. A first tumbler pin is provided at the outer housing and has an end received either in the annular slot or in the position slot. The inner housing is reciprocated between a first position, in which the position pin is moved to a position slot to restrain the inner housing from rotation, and a second position, in which the position pin is moved to an annular slot to release the inner housing.

Abstract: A casing structure for a cotter-pin type lock core is consisted of a semi-cylindrical casing which defines a longitudinal axis. The semi-cylindrical casing includes a first sidewall, a first side edge, at least one first engaging portion, a second sidewall, a second side edge and at least one second engaging portion. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are extended from the first side edge and the second side edge respectively, and adapted to engage with the lock core. The first side edge and the second side edge are opposite and define a maximum diameter. And the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion define a width that is slightly smaller than the maximum diameter defined by the first side edge and the second side edge.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for converting locks between key-retaining and non-key-retaining functions by means of a function-determinative lock actuator are disclosed. The disclosure teaches lock sub-assemblies that utilize a function-determinative actuator and a cooperating rotator bolt to transfer motion from a lock cylinder to a lock release mechanism. The function-determinative actuators can include movable portions that selectively determine the lock function by adjustment of the movable portion. Alternatively, changing the structure of, selectively adding portions to and/or removing portions from the actuator can determine the lock function. The disclosure also teaches dual-function locks that incorporate the above-noted lock sub-assemblies. Methods of converting lock functions using a function-determinative actuator are also disclosed.

Abstract: A removable core lock and key device comprises a cylinder housing (3), a cylinder core (10) accommodated in said cylinder housing, and an essentially cylindrical plug (20) rotatably arranged in the core. A blocking pin (28) is provided in the core and is movable between an extended position, wherein it engages a recess in the cylinder housing, and a retracted position. An actuator element (26a, 26c) is controlled by at least one control pin tumbler. With a control key in the lock, the control pin tumbler displaces the actuator element so that it moves the blocking pin with the rotation of said plug. With a user key in said key slot, said pin tumbler is disengaged from the actuator element and the plug is free to rotate. In other positions the control pin tumbler blocks rotation of the plug and actuator element. A simple yet reliable and secure removable core arrangement is provided.

Abstract: A lock cylinder retainer comprises an annular portion and a rectangular portion extending from the annular portion. The annular portion is configured to engage a lock cylinder core and the rectangular portion is configured to engage a pin housing associated with the cylinder core. The annular portion includes a front edge and a flange extending radially inwardly from the front edge and the rectangular portion includes a front surface, a pair of parallel side surfaces and a top surface. The front, top and side surfaces cooperate to partially enclose the pin housing.

Abstract: A cylinder assembly for a door lock has a housing, a cylinder, an actuating tongue and a cap. The cylinder is securely held on the housing with a fastener and rotatably received in a through hole in the housing. A recess is defined in one end of the cylinder. A curved channel is defined in a face defining the recess. A connecting portion is formed on the first end of the tongue and is rotatably received in the recess in the cylinder. A protrusion protrudes from the first end of the actuating tongue and extends into the curved channel in the cylinder. The cap is mounted around the actuating tongue and secured to the second end of the cylinder. Accordingly, the cylinder can be easily assembled to or disassembled from the housing by means of attaching or removing the fastener.

Abstract: A method and means for releasably connecting the body of an electrical component such as a switch assembly to a support housing that surrounds at least a portion of the body of the switch assembly, for example the tubular body of a key operated lock adapted to operate a switch when a key is turned in the lock. A specially configured spring clip has resilient legs that extend through slots formed in opposite sides of the support housing and into engagement with formations provided on opposite sides of the body of the electrical component not only to maintain a connection between the body and the support housing but also to bias the electrical component into engagement with at least one stop formation defined by the support housing to ensure that the electrical component is properly positioned relative to the support housing.

Abstract: A security replacement cam to prevent the unauthorized removal of a lock cylinder from the lock case. The lock cylinder has an activation cam rotatable by a keyed cylinder plug having a cam surface extension that engages a locking means in the locked case. Security cam replaces the original cam and has a locking mechanism cam surface and a secondary oppositely disposed security cam extension surface that extends beyond the lock cylinder when in locked position. This prevents the lock cylinder from being removed from the case thus blocking access to the lock mechanism by unauthorized users.

Abstract: A locking mechanism having a housing with an aperture having at least one notch and providing access to a latching mechanism for a cylindrical lockset having a barrel section with an outwardly projecting tab which may be inserted through the aperture and to engage the latching mechanism being rotatable to engage the tab with the inner surface of the housing inhibiting removal of the lockset. A set screw mounted on the housing is incorporated to prevent rotation of the lockset by engaging a groove in the barrel section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the installation of interchangeable core lock caps that replace the prior art individual cap installation techniques with one that, with in a single highly repeatable operation, punches the caps for a plurality of pin chambers from a strip of appropriate metal and frictionally fits them into the plurality of pin chambers. The method and apparatus of the present invention reduce the possibility of misalignment of the caps with the pin chambers to virtually zero and eliminate entirely the need to handle the small caps. These advantages are achieved by: 1) placing a lock core having pin chambers in a fixture below a slanted die having apertures registered with the pin chambers; 2) placing a strip of metal in a fixed position over the die; and 3) through a mechanical plunger linked to a plurality of punches, driving the plurality of punches sequentially through the metal strip to form punched metal caps.

Abstract: A removable core cylinder assembly which utilizes a plurality of modular parts to create a key-removable interchangeable core which will fit all existing interchangeable core locks of this kind.

Abstract: An all-in one tool usable by the locksmith in servicing of interchangeable core locks, for lock pin removal and decoding, and lock core repinning and recapping. The tool comprises a body having a central core receiving channel extending therethrough; a plurality of cylindrical bores extending through the body and perpendicularly intersecting the core receiving channel; and a receptacle receiving channel in the body located below and in communication with the core receiving channel; and a removable pin receiving receptacle slidably received in the receptacle receiving channel. The pin receiving receptacle has a plurality of pin receiving pockets extending perpendicularly from the core receiving channel of the body generally in alignment with the cylindrical bores. The pin receiving receptacle may take either of two forms: a hinged form that opens like a book to reveal the captured lock pins, or a solid block form that contains slots in which the captured pins are visible.

Abstract: A cylinder-type lock for a motor vehicle door, having a lock housing and a plug lever, intend for control by the plug and able to move along a wall of the housing. An orifice is provided in the wall of the housing and another orifice is provided in the plug lever; the two orifices face one another when the lever is in an appropriate position for mounting. A wedge interacts with the two orifices in order to immobilize the lever with respect to the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of locking the type of lock which has a cylinder constituted by a static body or barrel and by a rotatory body or core, equipped with a multiplicity of radial assemblies or key sequences. The lock contains at least one pair of tumblers mounted against a common impeller spring. The lock sequences of which each operate in relation to respective indentations formed by the tooth-like cutting of the active edge of a key blade. The cylinder for six or five key sequences all of which are spring-loaded. The key corresponding to the cylinder and having corresponding indentations. A removable plug or stop which is selectively placed or removed with respect to the opening at back, is situated farther to the rear of the channel for insertion of the key into the rotatable body or core. The position of the removable plug or stop being such as to displace a step or an amplitude of the distance between the axes of two successive key sequences.

Abstract: A key cylinder to be attached to an outer panel for a vehicle is provided. The key cylinder includes a cylinder body and a casing for accommodating the cylinder body therein. The casing has a drain hole formed at a lower portion thereof for discharging the water out of the casing and first and second swelling formed to project from a side wall thereof. Above the drain hole, the first swelling is formed so as to incline to an axial direction of the key cylinder. The lower end of the first swelling extends up to a lower part of the casing, apart from one end of the drain hole In the axial direction of the key cylinder. In operation, the water climbing down the side wall of the casing is guided by the first swelling and brought into the lower end of the first swelling. Consequently, without flowing up to the drain hole, the water can be prevented from sticking on the periphery of the drain hole.

Abstract: A lead-in device is used during installation of a rim-type lock cylinder having a tailpiece in an exit mechanism including a cam having a tailpiece receiving aperture. The lead-in device includes a converging tunnel having an exit aperture sized to match the tailpiece receiving aperture and an entrance aperture that is larger than the exit aperture. The lead-in device also includes a pair of arms positioned to be inserted into the cam aperture to hold the exit aperture in registry with the cam aperture and to maintain the entrance aperture at a predetermined distance from the cam. When the arms are positioned in the cam aperture and the exit aperture is in registry with the cam aperture, the converging tunnel guides a tailpiece inserted into the entrance aperture through the exit aperture and into the cam aperture to engage the cam.

Abstract: A directional control and time delay interlock for making a key operable rotatable tumbler lock substantially pick-proof. When the proper key is inserted the core of the lock is rotatable in a first direction for elevating a biased pawl from locking engagement with a cam surface carried by the rotatable portion of the lock. The distal end of a pawl engaging an indentation in the rotatable portion of the lock prevents initial rotation of the rotatable portion of the lock in a second direction opposite to the first direction of rotation. After rotation in the first direction of rotation, the distal end of the pawl is elevated away from the rotational portion of the lock freeing its engagement with the rotatable portion of the lock. With the pawl elevated, the rotational portion of the lock can be quickly rotated in the second direction past the pawl before the distal end of the pawl returns under a slight bias to the surface of the rotatable portion of the lock.

Abstract: A lock cylinder which can be actuated from one side by a knob and from the opposite side by a key, has a locking-member hub and a cylinder core which has tumblers adapted to be positioned by the key. A free passage is provided between a coupling member and a locking-member hub so that the coupling member entrains the locking-member hub only in one direction of rotation and can be freely turned back from the entrainment end position.

Abstract: An electronic key and lock system, particularly useful for solenoid-operated locks employs a key that can operate electronically and mechanically. The key is mechanically polarized with its blade forming a first electrical contact and a separate second contact which is flush or raised relative to the blade. Each of the key and the cylinder employs respective light emitting and light receiving IR devices for communications between the electronics in the key and communications within the lock. The lock includes a solenoid-operated electronic cylinder.

Abstract: The lock cylinder with an external housing accommodates, on its rear face, a closure element acting upon a mortise lock or the like and with an exchangeably inserted core unit the casing of which contains housing pins as tumblers and a cylinder core equipped with a key channel, said cylinder core also receiving core pins as tumblers and being connected merely in a plug-in manner to coupling pins which issue from said closure element and project freely into a socket in said external housing serving for insertion of said core unit, wherein engagement of said coupling pins extends only over a rear region, which is free from key channels, of said cylinder core.

Abstract: The lock cylinder with an external housing accommodates, on its rear face, a closure element acting upon a mortise lock or the like and with an exchangeably inserted core unit the casing of which contains housing pins as tumblers and a cylinder core equipped with a key channel, said cylinder core also receiving core pins as tumblers and being connected merely in a plug-in manner to coupling pins which issue from said closure element and project freely into a socket in said external housing serving for insertion of said core unit, wherein engagement of said coupling pins extends only over a rear region, which is free from key channels, of said cylinder core.

Abstract: A core assembly is provided for use in a lock cylinder formed to include an axially extending core-receiving chamber of figure-8 cross-section providing upper and lower chamber portions. A throw member extending into the lower chamber portion is provided for actuating a lock assembly. The core assembly includes a plug member configured to fit in the upper chamber portion, and an actuator member configured to rotate freely in the lower chamber portion. The actuator member includes means for operably engaging the actuating means so that the lock assembly is actuable upon rotation of the actuator member in the lower chamber portion and an assembly for ejecting the plug member from the upper chamber portion in response to withdrawal of the actuator member from the lower chamber portion.

Abstract: The electromagnetic locking apparatus functions on a lock cylinder with a rotor, to whose end is fitted in rotation-restrained manner a driver and a stator surrounding the rotor. It is positioned with respect to the lock cylinder and a control part engageable with the apparatus. The apparatus is characterized in that the locking means (20, 28) have an electromagnet part (20) with a two-part tie rod (401/402) with a return spring (45) acting on one tie rod part and a probe (28) connected to the other tie rod part (402).

Abstract: An improvement in a side bar wafer lock, specifically an improvement in the spring retainer of such a lock, and a method of using the spring retainer in the lock are provided. The improved spring retainer of the invention is provided with barbs on the legs thereof such that when the spring retainer is inserted into the slots of the plug of the wafer lock, the barbs bite into the relatively soft metal of the plug to prevent the dislodging of the spring retainer. The method of the invention comprises the steps of forcing the spring retainer into slots in the plug and causing the barbs on the spring retainer to bite into the relatively soft metal of the plug, as opposed to the prior art method of swaging the plug.

Abstract: An actuating structure is provided for a switch lock having a barrel with a plug which is key actuated for rotation therein. An actuator interconnects the rotatable plug with a rotatable shaft of the switch and cooperates with a rotatable stop plate connected to a return spring. Specifically, an actuator lug and a stop plate surface which engage upon rotation of the plug in one direction to turn the switch momentarily from the first position to a second position against the action of the spring. The actuator also rotates in the opposite direction independently of the stop plate to turn the switch from the first to a third position.