Abstract: A method for duplicating a key including receiving a key identification code indicative of key cuts in an original key, and duplicating the original key by forming key cuts in a duplicate key in response to the key identification code, wherein authorization to form the key cuts is restricted by means of a verification code that must be passed before forming the key cuts is permissible. The authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted in various ways, such as to a group of users, a geographic location of a user, or a group of key blanks. The authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted as a function of a physical characteristic of the original key. As another alternative, authorization to form the key cuts may be restricted as a function of whether the original key is a master key or a slave key.

Abstract: A key blank including a generally elongate shaft portion defining first and second generally flat oppositely directed side surfaces, joined by edge surfaces, at least one of the first and second side surfaces cuttable to form key cuts that define a key combination surface, and at least one key combination element movably disposed in the elongate shaft portion and adapted for touching a lock combination element disposed in a cylinder lock plug, wherein the at least one key combination element has inherent energy for applying an urging force against the lock combination element. A key formed from the key blank and lock therefore are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multipoint lock including a locking mechanism adapted to selectively retract and extend at least one locking element relative to an elongate housing, wherein the locking mechanism includes an arm pivotally attached to a lock actuator and constrained to travel in a channel formed in a linkage device linked to the at least one locking element, and wherein in a first position of the lock actuator, the arm is at a first limit of travel in the channel and is pivoted in a first angular direction with respect to the lock actuator so as to be geometrically locked at the first limit of travel.

Abstract: A multipoint lock (10) including a locking mechanism (16) adapted to selectively retract and extend at least one locking element (12) relative to an elongate housing (14), wherein the locking mechanism includes an arm (30) pivotally attached to a lock actuator (20) and constrained to travel in a channel formed in a linkage device (32) linked to the at least one locking element, and wherein in a first position of the lock actuator, the arm is at a first limit of travel in the channel and is pivoted in a first angular direction with respect to the lock actuator so as to be geometrically locked at the first limit of travel.

Abstract: A firearm lock and a firearm locking method including a key-operated lock, which is lockingly engageable with an interior portion of a firing chamber of a firearm. The lock comprises: a cylinder lock body including a plug rotatable therewithin; an inner multiply grooved generally circular cylindrical portion fixed to or integrally formed with a first end of the lock body; and an outer circular cylindrical portion correspondingly multiply grooved generally circular cylindrical portion, fixed to or integrally formed with the plug for rotation therewith between a locked orientation, wherein grooves on the inner cylindrical portion are arranged out of phase with corresponding grooves on the outer cylindrical portion, and an unlocked orientation, wherein the grooves on the inner and outer cylindrical portions are mutually aligned.

Abstract: An anti-picking cylinder lock including a lock body, a plug defining a keyway, a plurality of telescopic body pin assemblies, each of the telescopic body pin assemblies including an outer body pin and an inner body pin and a plurality of telescopic plug pin assemblies, each of the telescopic plug pin assemblies including an outer plug pin and an inner plug pin, wherein at least one of the outer plug pins and the outer body pins is formed with at least one inner facing recess configured and arranged such that, upon an attempted picking of the lock, a portion of at least one of the inner plug pins and the inner body pins tends to engage the at least one recess, thus causing at least one of the inner plug pins and the inner body pins to move together in at least one direction.

Abstract: A firearm lock and a firearm locking method including a key-operated lock, which is lockingly engageable with an interior portion of a firing chamber of a firearm. The lock comprises: a cylinder lock body including a plug rotatable therewithin; an inner multiply grooved generally circular cylindrical portion fixed to or integrally formed with a first end of said lock body; and an outer circular cylindrical portion correspondingly multiply grooved generally circular cylindrical portion, fixed to or integrally formed with the plug for rotation therewith between a locked orientation, wherein grooves on the inner cylindrical portion are arranged out of phase with corresponding grooves on said outer cylindrical portion, and an unlocked orientation, wherein the grooves on the inner and outer cylindrical portions are mutually aligned.

Abstract: An adjustable deadbolt assembly including a deadbolt, a cylinder-connecting portion formed with mounting provisions for mounting thereto, a lock cylinder, an actuator formed with a hub connectable to a lock cylinder, the hub being journaled in the cylinder-connecting portion and a link bar that connects the actuator to the deadbolt at at least one of a plurality of attachment points formed on at least one of the deadbolt and the link bar. A method for adjusting an adjustable deadbolt assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A key duplicating machine includes a housing and an electrical motor mounted therewithin. Two rotatable machining heads are powered by the motor for forming key cuts on a key blank. A key blank clamping assembly securely and removably mounts a key blank during engagement thereof with the machining heads. A key blank translation assembly selectably positions the key blank clamping assembly such that a key blank mounted thereon is brought into desired engagement with the machining heads. A user controllable tumbler disk assembly operatively associated with the machining heads selectably determines the depth of the key cuts formed thereby on a key blank mounted on the key blank clamping assembly. The key blank translation assembly includes a guide wire disposed below the machining heads such that debris from formation of the key cuts does not tend to collect thereon and interfere with translation of the key blanking clamping assembly.

Abstract: A lock (10) comprising a lock body (12) defining a top surface (14) and a bottom surface (16), the lock body (12) having a bore (18) formed therein extending from the top surface (14) to a location spaced from the bottom surface (16), a key-operated lock cylinder (20) located in the bore (18) and having a keyway opening (22) facing the bottom surface (16), a key entry aperture (24) being formed in the bottom surface (16) for permitting insertion of a key therethrough into engagement with the keyway opening (22) of the cylinder (20) and being sized so as not to permit the cylinder (20) to pass therethrough, a shackle (26), a locking mechanism located in the lock body (12) and being operated by the lock cylinder (20) for locking the shackle (26), characterized by a multifunctional lock top protector element (60) mounted onto the top surface (14) of the lock body (12), the multifunctional lock top protector element (60) being apertured to accommodate the shackle (26) and to surround at least a portion thereof, t