Abstract: Battery power in an electronic lock system is conserved by delaying application of energy to the unlocking mechanism until a movable member, used to open the lock system, is moved.

Abstract: An electronic lock system is provided with a "lockout list" that identifies keys that are to be prevented from opening system locks. Date coded lockout lists are carried in the memories of both the system's locks and keys. When a lock and key engage, the date codes of the lock and key lists are compared to determine which list is that most up-to-date. This list is then transferred into the other unit, overwirting that unit's stale list. Subsequent interactions of either of these units with other locks and keys will further spread the most timely lockout list data. By this arrangement, new lockout lists can be disseminated throughout a lock system simply by loading them into one or more keys. As these keys are used with locks, and those locks used with other keys, the list will spread throughout the system. A variety of other operational features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lock mechanism having a mechanical combination lock and an electronic lock, wherein the mechanical combination lock serves for effecting a fail safe entry in case of failure of the electronic lock. More specifically, the lock mechanism includes a mechanical combination lock having a bolt-retracting linkage which is tripped by inward movement of a dial into a first operative relationship with a driver on the drive spindle. An electronic latch prevents bolt retraction by this bolt-retracting linkage when in the first operative positive until the electronic latch has been operated. However, when the tumblers of the lock have been aligned and a gate bar enters the tumblers, the bolt-retraction linkage is caused to assume a second operative relationship with the driver so as to permit bolt retraction despite the latching effect of the electronic lock.

Abstract: A comprehensive real estate lockbox system is disclosed which provides a variety of operational features. Some of these features include the ability to: record all accesses to all lockboxes; transfer all or part of such records from the lockboxes to a supervising real estate agency or board; organize and review such records; facilitate operation of lockboxes that are mounted in awkward or poorly lit locations; limit lockbox accesses to preselected agents, agencies or boards; reprogram lockboxes in the field; monitor redundantly the status of the lockbox battery; record diagnostic information on each operation of a lockbox or key; render keys inoperative on predetermined dates; disable unauthorized keys; grant agents from remote real estate boards permission to open certain lockboxes, and; grant different keys different privileges.

Abstract: Real estate lockbox and key designs are disclosed which provide a variety of operational features. Also disclosed is a comprehensive system that allows real estate boards and agencies to efficiently manage their lockbox operations. Features provided by the system include the ability to record all accesses to all lockboxes; transfer all or part of such records from the lockboxes to the real estate agency or board; organize and review such records at the agency or board offices; disable operation of various lockboxes during certain hours of the day; facilitate operation of lockboxes that are mounted in awkward or poorly lit locations; limit lockbox accesses to preselected agents, agencies or boards; and record diagnostic information with each operation of a lockbox or key.

Abstract: A lock in which a closure structure carries a cammable latch bolt which is spring urged toward a latching position. Stops are provided on the latch bolt and on a member carrying the latch bolt to normally prevent retracting movement of the latch bolt under inertia forces. The latch bolt is mounted for movement in a direction to displace the stops out of a registering position to permit camming of the latch bolt toward a releasing position during closing movement of the closing structure.

Abstract: A peripheral key for a tumbler lock, the key being transversely curved concentrically with the axis of the lock, and having an L-shaped groove to pass a sentry lug on a lock. The L-shaped groove has a longitudinal leg opening longitudinally at the free end of the lock, and a lateral leg communicating with the inboard end of the longitudinal leg and opening laterally to enable the sentry lug to pass along and out of the L-shaped groove to free the key for further operative movement. A tumbler lock having code discs and actuating discs, and a pusher plate having a lost-motion connection with a mounting plug to pick up the plug after predetermined movement of a curved peripheral key. A key as first described above, together with a lock having a sentry lug for accommodating insertion of the key into the lock.

Abstract: A two-stage tumbler lock wherein there are two sets of discs, one set being actuatable by a key to free the second set for unlocking movement under the influence of the key. The invention also contemplates a lock designed to receive a peripheral key to cause the above operations.The invention further contemplates a dog leg key particularly a peripheral dog leg key for effecting the above operations.The invention still further contemplates a lock having a peripherally located reset member which makes picking most difficult. A further feature of the lock and its key is that the two coact to perform their intended functions in a manner such that the key cannot be withdrawn from the lock until it is returned to the position it first assumed when inserted into the lock.Another feature of the invention is a disc lock in which the discs have spaced lugs defining the extent of disc movement in regard to a locking member.

Abstract: A safe having a base plate to be covered by a hingedly mounted hood which can be locked in place by a lock carried by the hood, wherein the locking element carried by the hood not only fits under a retainer element on the base plate but also fits in a slot in the hood.

Abstract: A key box in which an inaccessible interior latch secures a drawer in place. An exposed lock can be operated to release the latch. A tumbler lock has forward and rearward tumbler receiving notches of different depths to make picking of the lock more difficult.