Abstract: A lock assembly includes a cylinder portion having an open end which receives a key. The assembly further includes a stem portion operatively connected to the cylinder portion and torsion spring operatively attached to the first and second lock portions, wherein the stem portion is capable of biased rotational movement independent of the cylinder portion. The lock assembly also includes at least one locking ball received atop the stem portion, the at least one locking ball being extendable and retractable from at least one slot in a housing of the lock assembly. A compression spring received about the stem portion biases the at least one locking ball towards a distal end of the stem. During installation into a lock receptacle, the locking ball is urged radially against the stem, causing the stem to rotate against the bias of the torsion spring, as well as urged axially rearward within the slot against the bias of the compression spring.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes a cylinder portion having an open end which receives a key. The assembly further includes a stem portion operatively connected to the cylinder portion and torsion spring operatively attached to the first and second lock portions, wherein the stem portion is capable of biased rotational movement independent of the cylinder portion. The lock assembly also includes at least one locking ball received atop the stem portion, the at least one locking ball being extendable and retractable from at least one slot in a housing of the lock assembly. A compression spring received about the stem portion biases the at least one locking ball towards a distal end of the stem. During installation into a lock receptacle, the locking ball is urged radially against the stem, causing the stem to rotate against the bias of the torsion spring, as well as urged axially rearward within the slot against the bias of the compression spring.

Abstract: A rotating disk lock mechanism that includes a lock housing containing a plurality of rotatable disks. Each disk having a central aperture and being positioned in a stack such that the central apertures form a keyway. At least one of the disks includes a reduced central aperture with a diameter that is substantially less than a diameter of at least another one of the central apertures. The combination of the lock mechanism is determined in part by the number of disks with reduced central apertures and their placement in the stack.

Abstract: A key mechanism that includes a key having a shank portion and a grip portion secured to the shank portion. The mechanism further includes a frame with the key being rotatably secured within the frame such that the shank portion protrudes from a first end of the frame. The grip portion of the key may be accessed and rotated to rotate the shank portion while the key is in the frame allowing one-handed operation of the key mechanism.

Abstract: A rotating disk lock mechanism that includes a lock housing containing a plurality of rotatable disks. Each disk having a central aperture and being positioned in a stack such that the central apertures form a keyway. At least one of the disks includes a reduced central aperture with a diameter that is substantially less than a diameter of at least another one of the central apertures. The combination of the lock mechanism is determined in part by the number of disks with reduced central apertures and their placement in the stack.

Abstract: A key mechanism that includes a key having a shank portion and a grip portion secured to the shank portion. The mechanism further includes a frame with the key being rotatably secured within the frame such that the shank portion protrudes from a first end of the frame. The grip portion of the key may be accessed and rotated to rotate the shank portion while the key is in the frame allowing one-handed operation of the key mechanism.

Abstract: A curb box lock that includes a body portion and a plurality of slidably extendable claws within the body portion. The claws being extendable from the body portion to selectively engage side walls of a curb box. The lock also includes an adjustment mechanism operatively connected to the claws and the body portion. The adjustment mechanism selectively extends the claws such that the claws can be maintained in engagement with the side walls at all times when the lock is deployed within a curb box to prevent removal of the lock.

Abstract: A lock assembly including a first lock portion having an open end which receives a key. The assembly further includes a second lock portion operatively connected to the first lock portion and a spring operatively attached to the first and second lock portions. Wherein one of the first and second lock portions is capable of biased rotational movement independent of the other of the first and second lock portions.

Abstract: A key system including a key for use with a barrel lock having a rotating locking mechanism. The key includes a grip portion and a shank portion operatively attached to the grip portion. The shank portion includes at least one cam surface for rotatably engaging the rotating locking mechanism to permit rotation of the mechanism in one of a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, but not the other direction, to lock the barrel lock.

Abstract: A universal box lock for securing a meter box including a first clamping means, a second clamping means operatively connected to the first clamping means. The second clamping means being movable relative to the first clamping means. The box lock also includes a biasing means for urging the second clamping means toward the first clamping means to secure the box lock to a wall of a meter box placed between the first and second clamping means. Moreover, the box lock includes a body portion, which selectively engages and secures the first and second clamping means to a meter box wall. The first clamping means includes an aperture configured to allow a portion of the second clamping means to extend through the aperture facilitating the attachment of the inventive box lock to a side wall or a bottom wall of a meter box.

Abstract: A curb box lock that includes a body portion and a plurality of slidably extendable claws within the body portion. The claws being extendable from the body portion to selectively engage side walls of a curb box. The lock also includes an adjustment mechanism operatively connected to the claws and the body portion. The adjustment mechanism selectively extends the claws such that the claws can be maintained in engagement with the side walls at all times when the lock is deployed within a curb box to prevent removal of the lock.

Abstract: A lock assembly including a first lock portion having an open end which receives a key. The assembly further includes a second lock portion operatively connected to the first lock portion and a biasing means operatively attached to the first and second lock portions. Wherein one of the first and second lock portions is capable of biased rotational movement independent of the other of the first and second lock portions.