Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for starting and for locking/unlocking a motor vehicle, of the type comprising: a key (11) carrying at least one control for locking/unlocking the vehicle, a support (12) designed to accommodate the key in an appropriate housing (13) and to detect the presence of this key in the housing, and an element for starting/stopping the vehicle engine, the device being characterized in that the starting/stopping element is a bistable button (15) formed on the support (12), the said button (15) furthermore constituting a structure for immobilizing the key (11) in the housing (13) when the vehicle is in operation.

Abstract: An integrated keyslot makes it possible to secure a door key immediately after locking a door. Upon leaving the premises and locking the door, the key is deposited in the keyslot. In an embodiment, a chute connects the keyslot to a receptacle on the interior surface of the door, which retains the key until it can be retrieved by the owner. The method and system described herein are believed to be advantageous in providing greater security to premises. As an example, maintenance personnel could be given a key with which they could visit a home to perform repairs. Immediately upon leaving, they would lock the door and deposit the key in the integrated keyslot, thus protecting the owner against loss or theft of the key.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the lock cylinder of a rekeyable padlock. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a rekeyable padlock is provided with a lock cylinder formed within. The lock cylinder includes a cylindrical core formed to receive a key and an outer casing formed around the core. A viewing opening is formed within the casing wall, the viewing opening allowing access to pin openings formed within the core to receive selected pins. The viewing opening is shaped such that it provides a viewing area larger than the pin openings, thereby allowing greater visibility when the pins are placed within the pin openings. The advantages of this viewing opening include greater ease in placing the pins into the pin openings and easier detection when a selected pin is the wrong length and does not sit flush within the lock cylinder core.

Abstract: A lock apparatus includes: a control unit carrying out transmission and reception of an electronic signal between the electronic key and the control unfit so as to perform ID verification; a rotating member disposed rotatably inside a casing; a lock actuator receiving a lock release signal from the control unit so as to release a lock on the rotating member to the casing; a key insertion hole disposed to the rotating member; a slider hole going through the rotating member; a slider inserted into the slider hole and disposed such that its inner end is protruded into the key insertion hole; and a check lever supported rotatably and in which one end thereof is an operating portion activating the transmission and reception of the control unit and the other end makes contact with the outer end face of the slider.

Abstract: A lock apparatus of the invention capable of being locked/unlocked by an electronic key, comprises: an electronic key having a circuit chip generating an electronic signal, and an insertion portion provided at an end thereof and comprised of a pair of opposing flat portions and slope portions on both sides so as to be formed in a tapered flat shape; and a rotating member having an insertion hole opening at an end face thereof and in which the insertion portion of the electronic key is to be inserted, an opening portion of the key insertion hole having a rectangular sectional shape corresponding to a cross section of the insertion portion and being larger than an end of the insertion portion, and an interior of the key insertion hole being formed in a tapered flat shape corresponding to the tapered flat shape of the insertion portion and having a slant wall as a side face.

Abstract: A customer key actuated lock includes a retention mechanism which prevents counterrotation of the customer key plug subsequent to rotation from the locked position toward the unlocked position and further includes a release mechanism to disengage the retention mechanism.

Abstract: A fuel filler assembly, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a filler, and a cap for closing a mouth of the filler and provided internally with a cylinder rotated by means of an operating key is disclosed. A reversible locking arrangement is provided for reversibly locking relative rotation of the cylinder with respect to the cap to selectively assume, when the cap is fitted closing the filler, a first operating position permitting relative rotation of the cylinder with respect to the cap and, hence, withdrawal of the operating key, and, when the cap is detached from the filler, a second operating position preventing relative rotation of the cylinder with respect to the cap and, hence, withdrawal of the operating key from the cylinder.

Abstract: A key retaining device that secures the functional section of the key while leaving the non functional section exposed for easy identification. The device is able to lock individual keys on a large key chain without interference with the non locked keys. The key can only be removed with the use of a master key. The device's simple and inexpensive design includes only five components: namely a housing to enclose the key, two deformable substrates, a unique set screw, and a master key. There is a bore inside the housing that runs longitudinally within the housing. The bore has a threaded section that contains the screw and a non-threaded section that contains the two deformable substrates. There is a blind slot at the base of the housing which runs from one side of the housing to the non-threaded section of the bore. The functional section of the key is placed through the blind slot, into the non-threaded section of bore, and between the two deformable substrates.

Abstract: An apparatus having two barrel and tumbler locks which are longitudinally overlapped and conjoined to operate in combination with each other. When the first lock is moved to an open position it becomes frozen with the key snagged therein. The second lock is used to unfreeze and release the key from the first lock. Both locks are of the type having a barrel and tumbler. The first lock has a barrel having a ramped circumferential groove segment having a shallow end portion. A groove wafer extends from the tumbler into this groove. The second release lock has a circumferential groove segment in its barrel similarly having a groove wafer extending from the tumbler into this groove.

Abstract: A way of controlling access to golf cart starter keys, (referred herein as user-keys) is described. A specially coded and specially shaped key, the user-key is given to a golf cart renter once an appropriate rental fee has been paid. In order to start the golf cart, the renter must insert the user-key into a control unit, which is located in the dashboard. When the user-key is properly inserted, the golf cart starts. Furthermore, the user-key is locked inside the control unit and can no longer be removed by the renter, thereby preventing the renters from misappropriating the user-key. When the renter completes the round of golf, he returns the golf cart, along with the unremovable user-key, to the golf club. Only the specially coded removal key in the golf club's possession can remove the user-key from the control unit.

Abstract: A dual-function lock in accordance with the invention has an axis-defining lock sub-assembly including first and second axially aligned rotator members having confronting first end faces and oppositely facing second end faces. The sub-assembly has a lost-motion recess and an anchor recess on one confronting face and one recess-engaging member extending from another confronting face to permit lock function selection by placing the recess-engaging member into a particular recess. Alternative dual-function lock sub-assemblies include a unitary rotator bolt and a companion actuator. The rotator bolt has a release-mechanism-engaging portion and an actuator-engaging portion. While a first section of the actuator-engaging portion permits limited lost-motion between the rotator bolt and a companion actuator, a second section prevents lost-motion. The lock function can be selectively determined by placing the companion actuator into the desired first or second section of the actuator-engaging portion.

Abstract: A blank for use in fabricating a key for a cylinder lock having a camming projection extending outwardly from a first side of the blade portion of the blank and a recess in the opposite side of the blade portion. The projection and recess are simultaneously formed in a punching operation and have at least one different geometrical parameter whereby the camming projection is not complementary to the recess and/or has a different orientation than the recess.

Abstract: A novel lock system utilizes a cylinder lock and a companion key with a projection extending from one side thereof to improve security. The cylinder lock comprises a shell, a core which is rotatably mounted within the shell and a plurality of pin tumbler stacks normally prevent movement between the shell member and the core. Shear lines are defined between the shell and the core, and also within each tumbler stack. The core also includes an outer surface, a longitudinal keyway and a cut-out which is normally offset from, but alignable with, at least one of the tumbler stacks. A plate member is disposed within the cut-out for movement between a first position, wherein the plate member acts as an extension of the core surface to prevent a tumbler stack from entering the cut-out and a second position, wherein the plate member does not prevent a tumbler stack from entering the cut-out.

Abstract: A key control device comprises an access key and lock, and a stored key and lock. The access lock operably receives the access key and is keyed such that when the access key is inserted into the access lock, it becomes movable between an access key release state and an access key capture state. The stored lock operably receives the stored key and is keyed such that when the stored key is received by the stored lock it becomes movable between a stored key release state and a stored key capture state. Only one key can be removed at any given time from either lock and such removal locks the other key against removal so that it is retained by the key control device. The access and stored lock are totally independent and not interconnected in any way.

Abstract: A key management device, comprising a housing member; an access key; a mechanism for locking a key ring to the housing member and releasing the access key when the locking mechanism is in a first position, and for locking the access key to the housing member and releasing the key ring when the locking mechanism is in a second position; wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first member which is movable between the first position in which the key ring is locked to the housing by the first member and the second position in which the key ring is unlocked therefrom, and a second member which is connected to the first member, wherein when the locking mechanism is in the first position the second member releases the access key from the housing member and when the first member is in the second position the second member locks the access key to the housing; and wherein the access key is slidingly received by the housing member and engages with the first member such that insertion of the access key within the hous

Abstract: A key having profile features which include a shaped indentation on a first side of the blade and an aligned projection on the opposite side of the blade cooperates with a cylinder lock with unauthorized key trapping capability. The lock has an auxiliary locking pin which cooperates with the key indentation and a movable plate member which cooperates with the key projection. Both the indentation and projection must be present and properly sized and shaped for a properly bitted key to operate the lock.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a lock system including a lock and a key, including: a lock housing; a rotatable member disposed in the housing, rotation of which rotatable member selectively effects locking and unlocking of the lock; blocking apparatus operatively connected to the rotatable member to prevent unlocking of the lock except upon receipt of an electrical unlocking signal; key apparatus having an end insertable in the housing and into an end of the rotatable member for rotation of the rotatable member; and apparatus to permit a portion of the rotatable member to rotate without damage to any elements of the lock if rotation of the rotatable member is attempted without receipt of the electrical unlocking signal.

Abstract: A novel lock system utilizes a cylinder lock and a companion key with a projection extending from one side thereof to improve security. The cylinder lock comprises a shell, a core which is rotatably mounted within the shell and a plurality of pin tumbler stacks normally prevent movement between the shell member and the core. Shear lines are defined between the shell and the core, and also within each tumbler stack. The core also includes an outer surface, a longitudinal keyway and a cut-out which is normally offset from, but alignable with, at least one of the tumbler stacks. A plate member is disposed within the cut-out for movement between a first position, wherein the plate member acts as an extension of the core surface to prevent a tumbler stack from entering the cut-out and a second position, wherein the plate member does not prevent a tumbler stack from entering the cut-out.

Abstract: An exit door has a security device comprising a flexible member, e.g. a chain, for connecting two locking devices which may be fixed on a door and doorway or on double doors. The first locking device is operable by a first key removable only when the locking device is activated and a second key removable only when the locking device is deactivated. One end of the flexible member is fixed to the second key and the other end is fixed to the second locking device, which is operable by the second key, being removable from the second locking device only when it is activated, and by a third key removable only when the second locking device is deactivated. The security devices are members of a series of such security devices in which the third key of each security device serves as the first key of the next security device in the series. The last key in the series is essential to operation of a control unit permitting use of a building provided with the exit door.

Abstract: A lock device includes a body having a lock core mounted therein and a first hole. A casing is securely mounted around the body. The casing includes a second hole in alignment with the first hole of the body. A first side of the casing includes a rectangular slot defined therein and a side slot in communication with the rectangular slot. A hollow guiding member is securely attached to a second side of the casing and has a through hole in alignment with the first and second holes. The guiding member includes a non-linear guiding slot defined in a periphery thereof, the non-linear guiding slot including a section which extends in a direction having an angle with a longitudinal axis of the first and second holes. A latch rod extends through the first and second holes.

Abstract: An arrangement for locking the ignition key of a motor vehicle using the selector lever of an automatic transmission includes a locking element which engages via a guide nose in a guideway on the selector lever. The locking element is connected with an ignition lock by way of a cable pull. An intermediate element, which can be loaded in a pressure direction by a pressure rod in the selector lever acts upon an upper edge of the locking element constructed as a lever. This permits a mechanical locking using only one swivellable locking element. The mechanical locking is secure with respect to misuse.

Abstract: An apparatus for alternately retaining a selected one of a pair of keys and releasing the other one of the pair of keys is provided. The retained key cannot be released until the other key is again disposed in a retained position. The apparatus includes a base plate having a pair of key receptacles, a slider assembly slidably mounted on the base plate, a visitor key having a pinion gear and a home key. The slider assembly includes a pair of key retaining slots for respectively retaining each key and a rack for driving engagement by the visitor key pinion gear for effecting sliding movement of the slider assembly in response to rotation of the visitor key pinion gear. A conventional key can be secured to the home key to control use of the conventional key through the selected release and retention of the visitor key and the home key.

Abstract: A safety, insurance and alarm mechanical lock contains an external lock portion, a multicylinder type lock cylinder portion, and a lock body portion engaging with the lock cylinder portion. The lock cylinder portion comprises a front part including an external cylinder, a middle cylinder and an internal cylinder and a back part including a back external cylinder and a back internal cylinder. A self-locking control mechanism is provided between the front and back lock cylinders which can automatically perform self-locking and alarming when destroying act applied to the lock cylinder from outside takes place. The lock body portion is provided with an internal lock mechanism. Furthermore, in accordance with the various requirement, it can also be provided with an anti-invading mechanism, an alarm mechanism sensing the deformation of the door. The lock of the present invention has overcome many disadvantages of the prior lock and give a great deal of safety to users.

Abstract: A lock includes a plurality of rod-shaped elements which are connected at their ends by pivots, which lock is closable into a loop by a security lock. The pivots include movable parts which are housed within a protective casing. Each rod-shaped element is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the casings.

Abstract: A padlock body is formed with a pair of bores which can receive short and long legs of a U-shaped shackle. The long leg has a free end spaced from a relatively deep notch and is formed between the free end and the notch with a relatively shallow circumferential groove and is further formed with a flat extending from a floor of the relatively shallow groove to the respective notch. Respective balls are displaceable between a locked position projecting radially far into the respective bores and engaging in the respective notches of both legs and an unlocked position with only the ball of the bore of the long leg projecting radially a little into the respective bore. A locking element in the body operated by a cylinder has an outer surface bearing radially on the balls and formed with relatively shallow recesses and, offset angularly from one of the shallow recesses, with a relatively deep recess.

Abstract: A key control device comprises a primary key, a primary lock, a secondary key, a secondary lock, and a mechanical drive. The primary lock operably receives the primary key and is keyed such that when the primary key is inserted into the primary lock, it becomes movable between a primary key release state and a primary key capture state. The secondary lock operably receives the secondary key and is keyed such that when the secondary key is received by the secondary lock it becomes movable between a secondary key release state and a secondary key capture state. The mechanical drive interconnects the primary and secondary locks such that when the primary lock moves from its primary key release state to its primary key capture state, the secondary lock simultaneously moves from its secondary key capture state to its secondary key release state and vice versa.

Abstract: A pin-tumbler lock and method of use thereof has an inside cylinder and conventional outside cylinder. The inside cylinder operates with a pin-tumbler key but cannot be operated by the key that operates the outside cylinder. The pin-tumbler key is retained automatically in the inside cylinder once inserted but can be manually released by using an appropriate tool. The inside cylinder retains the pin-tumbler key because the pins become misaligned when the pin-tumbler key is inserted. Previous locks can be a fire hazard or can be burglarized too easily.

Abstract: A flat lock set has a flat lock having a cylinder, a tumbler, several rings and springs and a key having several stepped blades each having several shoulders. The cylinder is mounted in a door and has four groups of ribs formed therein. Each group includes several separate ribs defining several passages extending perpendicular to a length of the cylinder. The cylinder has a first end defining a first opening and a second end integrating with a ring defining a second opening. The tumbler has a disk integrating with a key receiver integrating with a latch carrier. The key carrier is separated into several prongs. The rings each have two ears formed along an outer rim thereof and several arms formed along an inner rim thereof. When the rings and springs are alternatively mounted on the first sections of the prongs, the arms formed on the rings are sited between the prongs.

Abstract: A door lockset 20 includes a front loaded cylinder lock 75 which is assembled with an insert 64 within a knob 62. Cylinder lock 75 includes a locking bar 104 which is biased toward a central opening 83 formed through a body 76 of the lock. A plug 80 is located within opening 83 and is rotatable therein. A removal key 108 is formed with a slot 240 which is alignable with a plug slot 109 when the key is inserted into a key slot 113 of the plug. Plug 80 is thereafter rotated within opening 83 to align locking bar 104 with plug slot 109 and key slot 240 whereby the bar moves into the slots under the biasing action of a spring 106. Cylinder lock 75 can then be removed from the front of insert 64 and knob 62. A reverse process is followed to load cylinder lock 75 into opening 238 and to retain the lock with insert 64.

Abstract: A lock with locking function released by inserting a key card with a magnetized region, in which the end edge (8') of the key card (8) drives a slide (25) which is released by the magnetic tumbler pins (31). There is at least one member which is displaceable by the movement of the slide, one end of the member scanning a profile of the key card (8). The member comprises a pin (62) which is tapered on both ends, the pin being displaceable parallel to the tumbler pins (31) in a borehole (61) in the slide (25) within a region which is free of the magnetic tumbler pins (31).

Abstract: A cylinder lock, especially suitable for motor vehicle doors, has a locking cylinder and a key, whereby the locking cylinder includes at least one cylinder housing with at least one blocking channel and one cylinder core with tumblers, each of which is movable about its own axis. At least one protruding cam or a recess is provided on the key or on the tumblers for transmitting the linear key motion in the key channel into a motion of each tumbler about its own axis.

Abstract: A key switch assembly, which can reliably eliminate swinging of the key end and erroneous operation due to incomplete insertion of a key. A guide extends rearward of a lock cylinder received in a lock body and parallel to a switch juxtaposition. One side of the guide is aligned to an extension of a key groove surface and is provided with an axial positioning ridge for engagement with an axial positioning groove formed in a side of the key. A restricting front face of a guide disk secured to the lock body is held in contact with the rear face of the lock cylinder. The guide disk is provided with a restricting notch, the radius of curvature of an arcuate edge of which is made smaller than the radius of rotation of the key. The key has an edge provided with an escapement groove, into which the arcuate edge escapes when the key inserted to a predetermined depth is turned, and the guide has its stem provided with an escapement groove, which is engaged by the arcuate edge.

Abstract: A locking device consisting of key (2) and locking cylinder (1), in particular for the actuation of electric microswitches on keyboards, telephone or the like, has a locking cylinder housing (5) and a cylinder core (11) arranged for rotation in the bore thereof and cooperating with tumblers (16). The key (2), which has a stepped-down key shaft (35) is insertable into the cylinder core which has a head plate (12), coming after a specific rotation to rest against stops of the locking cylinder housing (5). In order to obtain a simplified construction with increased security and small structural length, there is a free space between the head plate (12) of the cylinder core (11) arranged on the front side of the locking cylinder (1) and the head end (14) of the locking cylinder housing (5). Into the free space the key-shaft shoulder (37) enters, and one or more stops of the locking cylinder housing (5), are arranged at different distances from an axis of rotation of the core.

Abstract: A padlock with removable cylinder mechanism offers the user a choice of two distinct manners of operation or "functions"--a Key Retaining function and a Non-Key Retaining function. This dual function capability in a single unit is achieved by a rotator bolt bored to allow placement of a pattern of pins. A series of pins, which when installed in the rotator bolt in a specified pattern, causes the function selection to be accomplished. A re-keyable padlock which accepts widely available, standard dimensioned, generic key operated lock cylinders allowing the keying of this padlock to be adapted to the wide range of keying systems used in locks found in residential, commercial and other uses as required for security and convenience. The use of standard dimensioned cylinders in the padlock is accomplished by a cylinder retainer, tailpiece stop and rotator bolt which adapts the generic cylinder to padlock use.

Abstract: A safety device is disclosed for converting the inside cylinder of a double cylinder deadbolt assembly to one which captivates a key inserted into the assembly to permit it to rotate to operate the deadbolt. The device prevents removal of the inside key under normal circumstances. This is accomplished by a base member, which is attached to the face of the inside cylinder or cylinder lock assembly. The base member has a circular opening in it, defined by an inwardly-turned shoulder. A key-holding member is rotatably captured between the shoulder of the base member and the face of the cylinder lock assembly, when it is secured to the face of the lock assembly, to permit insertion and rotation of a key in the lock assembly. The key-holding member includes a device for securing the key against removal from it when the assembly is in place. No modification of the cylinder lock assembly is necessary.

Abstract: A lock assembly has a lock body and a flexible key. The lock body includes at least two plug pieces having confronting faces with longitudinal curved grooves. The plug pieces cooperatively form a cylindrical plug. The curved grooves are complementary so as to form a longitudinal curved keyway with a cross-section that is shaped to have an upright first portion and a cross-wise second portion. A first set of tumbler members is provided on the cylindrical plug and extends in the direction of the upright first portion. A second set of tumbler members is provided on the cylindrical plug and extends in the direction of the cross-wise second portion. The flexible key is adapted to be received in the curved keyway and is useful for actuating the tumbler members. The flexible key includes a chain of successively hinged knuckles.

Abstract: Theft of a bicycle is discouraged by a locking mechanism in the front headstem that controllably engages the handlebar-attached headstem with the front fork or disengages the headstem and fork for free relative rotation. A shaft attached to the fork and a sleeve attached to the handlebar clamp are connected at a locking junction which is rotatable as a whole in the front journal of the frame. A key operated cam moves a locking roller radially outwardly of the shaft to engage a receptacle in the sleeve for engagement or allows the roller to retract into an aperture for disengagement. The shaft and sleeve have complementary conical tapers axially positioned by a split conical bushing. A cylinder lock operates the cam via a key having a substantially tubular configuration with a uniquely configured axial end for positioning lock pins against axial spring pressure.

Abstract: A lock operable by a key between a locked condition and an open condition, the lock having a fastener for releasably securing the lock to an object, the fastener being movable between a retracted position wherein the lock is in the open condition and an extended position, a spring for biasing the fastener to the retracted position and an enclosure having an opening adapted to allow the insertion and removal of the key from the lock when the lock is in the locked condition and to prevent the removal of the key from the lock when the lock is in an unlocked condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for alternately retaining a selected one of a pair of keys and releasing the other one of the pair of keys is provided. The retained key cannot be released until the other key is again disposed in a retained position. The apparatus includes a base plate having a pair of key receptacles, a slider member slidably mounted on the base plate, a visitor key having a pinion gear and a home key. The slider member includes a pair of key retaining slots for respectively retaining each key and a rack for driving engagement by the visitor key pinion gear for effecting sliding movement of the slider member in response to rotation of the visitor key pinion gear. A conventional key can be secured to the home key to control use of the conventional key through the selected release and retention of the visitor key and the home key.

Abstract: A cylinder lock system employing a key having a projection extending from each opposing parallel edge of the key blade, the projections respectively operating an auxiliary pin tumbler stack and cooperating with a groove in the lock shell to retain the key in the lock after plug rotation from the key insertion position. The key retaining projection also cooperates with the driver pin of the auxiliary pin tumbler stack to prevent key trapping, i.e., the presence and size of the retaining projections keeps the auxiliary driver pin from engaging the keyway. The cooperation between the key retaining projection and the auxiliary driver pin is permitted by providing the lock with two shear lines, located on different diameters, which are simultaneously operable by a single key.

Abstract: An actuator for a lock is provided with a operating handle which may be easily removed through the use of a special key and may also be reinstalled without the use of the special key or tools. The actuator may be "rekeyed" as necessary to maintain security and removal of the handle will lock the actuator.

Abstract: The cylinder lock of the present disclosure includes a cylinder housing having either two or three rows of cylinder holes therein. The cylinder holes are in communication with an elongated cylindrical bore in which is inserted a cylindrical plug having a single row of plug holes. The plug can be rotated to each of the two or three rows of cylinder holes in order to permit the exchange of various pins within the cylinder holes and thereby permit the recording of the lock. One modification of the invention utilizes a notch adjacent one of the plug holes for permitting the key to rotate in one direction, but for preventing the key from rotating in another direction. A further modification utilizes an enlarged pin in one of the rows of cylinder holes so as to permit an access key to unlock the lock once, but preventing the access key from unlocking the lock a second time.

Abstract: A security mechanism for use in a telephone paystation upper housing consisting of a specialized latching mechanism which operates when a non-legal key combination is utilized to gain access to a paystation upper housing to inhibit unlocking of the upper housing and to inhibit the removal of key utilized to gain access to the upper housing. The mechanism is available in kit form and may be added to existing paystations without major modification thereto.

Abstract: A keyless entry system comprises a locking key holder having a key lock pin, an actuator for operating the key lock pin, and a controller which detects a unique identification code of the authorized user and a preset identification code and outputs an activating signal for operating vehicular devices, such as a door lock and/or the actuator. The key may be safely kept in the locking key holder and cannot be removed therefrom unless the unique code has been received. Thus, the necessity for the user to carry a mechanical key is eliminated.

Abstract: This invention is a system for controlling the use of keys and other items which allows only one item to be removed from a plurality of available items and an indicator of who made the selection. The present invention has particular application where a plurality of different people, such as salesmen, have access to a plurality of different items, such as keys. This control is accomplished through the provision of an unlocking means which cannot be relocked until the article contained therein has been replaced.

Abstract: A security device is disclosed which mounts to a king pin of a trailer to prevent unauthorized coupling of the trailer to a tractor. The security device includes a locking device which functions as a deadbolt. Within the locking device are contained a key actuated lock cylinder, a cam actuator and bearing balls which are moved by the actuator to lock the locking device in place and thereby lock the security device to the king pin. The exterior end of the locking device has a small 90.degree. opening through which the key for the locking cylinder is inserted and which permits limited rotation of the key for locking and unlocking the lock cylinder while preventing withdrawal of the key except when the lock cylinder is locked. This provides a positive indication as to whether the locking device is locked or not.

Abstract: A key retaining device for capturing and selectively locking therein a portion of the working section of a key. When the key is locked in the device, its handle section is visible so that the presence of the key can be instantly determined without the unlocking of the apparatus, yet the key cannot be removed from the device until unlocked with a master key. Retention of the key within the housing is accomplished by a clamping mechanism employing a longitudinally sliding member having a wedge-like member which is urged toward the working section of the key upon the sliding member moving in a first longitudinal direction. The sliding member is moved by a bolt couled to a lock by a master key and which is rotated by the master key, and a nut which is held in a transverse slot of the slideable member.

Abstract: A master key board device for the retention, protection, and control of keys. The device is preferably wall mountable, having a face plate containing slots for a desired number of keys. Each key slot has an associated locking device which is controlled by a universal key. The locking device carries an arm which engages specially modified keys to retain them in the key board, and releases them to persons having the proper universal key, but retains the universal key, so that keys can be removed from only one slot by each universal key.

Abstract: A cylinder lock (1) has a normal locking mode (12 o'clock position) and a service locking mode (10 o'clock position). When the cylinder plug (3) is left in the service mode of the lock, with the aid of a standard key, the lock can be turned with the aid of a service key (9). The service key is latched against withdrawal in the normal mode of the lock, by means of an intermediate pin (7') of larger diameter than a corresponding upper pin (4) in the normal mode of the lock. The intermediate pin can be received in a widened part (3b') of a corresponding pin-channel (3a') in the cylinder plug, but is unable to enter the pin channel (2a) of the cylinder housing of smaller diameter, hence latching the service key (9). Subsequent to using the service key (9), the cylinder is returned to the normal locking mode (12 o'clock position) with the aid of the standard key, whereafter the lock can only be opened with the aid of the standard key.

Abstract: A lock for operation by a magnetic key has some locking elements which are moved circumferentially from locking to releasing positions by the key and further locking elements which are moved axially by the key from locking to releasing positions.