Abstract: A locking device including a plurality of small, discrete elements and means for confining the elements in a string. Further included are primary and secondary biasing means at opposite ends of the string for biasing the elements into a contiguous series with each adjacent pair meeting at a junction. The locking device also has a plurality of actuator means. Each of the actuator means in an unlocked state is poised adjacent a junction, and is movable from the unlocked state to a locked state in which it is interjected into its adjacent junction for shifting the remainder of the elements against the force of the biasing means to misalign all of the remaining junctions with respect to their associated actuators and prevent the remaining actuators from moving to the locked state. The biasing means returns all the elements to the contiguous series when the actuator means in the locked state is returned to the unlocked state.

Abstract: A self-assembling locking device including a shell unit with a longitudinal bore, a retaining rim at the front end, and a mounting hole at the rear end. The shell unit further includes means for securing it in a panel aperture which is larger than the shell unit and smaller than the rim. Also included is a plug unit for assembly into the longitudinal bore through the mounting hole. The locking device further includes retaining means for interlocking the plug and shell units and preventing withdrawal of the plug unit form the shell unit through the mounting hole. There is also included means for rotating the plug unit between first and second operative positions.

Abstract: A locking system for a stack of drawers in a filing cabinet comprising a single track of discrete studs or "bullets" in a string at the rear of the cabinet, and a bracket at the rear of each drawer energizing an actuator on the track to place it in locking condition relative to the slugs for all other drawers when one drawer is moved towards open position.