Patents by Inventor Gerald B. Chong

Gerald B. Chong has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8881567
    Abstract: A reset fixture for a rekeyable lock cylinder includes a housing with a central recess for receiving a cylinder body. A first opening communicating with the central recess is defined in the housing for receiving a reset tool. A second opening communicating with the central recess is defined in the housing for receiving a bracing bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kwikset Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald B. Chong, Steven Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8656747
    Abstract: A kit for a master keying system includes a plurality of replacement master racks. A rack removal key is provided for insertion into a keyway. The rack removal key has a first cut defining a first lift amount. A rack removal tool is provided for insertion into the keyway. The rack removal tool has a second cut defining a second lift amount, wherein the second lift amount is greater than the first lift amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kwikset Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 8347678
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder assembly includes at least one lock cylinder and a mortise lock adapter. Each lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A locking bar is disposed in the cylinder body for movement transverse to, and rotationally about, the longitudinal axis. A plug assembly having a tool receiving aperture is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A plurality of pins and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. A first member is moveable in response to application of a force by a tool received through the aperture to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of pins. The mortise lock adapter includes a housing configured for receiving the cylinder body of the lock cylinder. A mortise lock actuator is coupled to the plug assembly of the lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 8033150
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A plug assembly is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotatable between a first position and a second position, the plug assembly having a lock face with a tool receiving aperture. A plurality of key followers and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. The plurality of racks is selectively engageable with the plurality of key followers. A first member is coupled to the plurality of racks. The first member is moveable in response to application of a force against the first member by a tool received through the tool receiving aperture. The first member is configured to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of key followers in response to the movement of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7900491
    Abstract: A lock cylinder has a reset condition wherein the lock cylinder can be put into a “learn” mode. In the “learn” mode, the original key can be removed and replaced by replacement key and, when the replacement key is removed, the lock cylinder 10 is rekeyed to the new key. The original key no longer operates the rekeyed lock cylinder 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7878036
    Abstract: A lock cylinder having a keyway includes a first plurality of guide channels. A plurality of cup-shaped pins is movably disposed within the first plurality of guide channels. Each cup-shaped pin of the plurality of cup-shaped pins extends across the keyway. Each cup-shaped pin of the plurality of cup-shaped pins has an engagement protrusion. The first plurality of guide channels conform to the shape of the plurality of cup-shaped pins to allow movement of the plurality of cup-shaped pins in a first direction while restraining movement transverse to the first direction. A plurality of biasing springs is positioned to bias the plurality of cup-shaped pins in a direction toward the keyway. A plurality of racks is movably disposed in a second plurality of guide channels. Each rack of the plurality of racks has at least one engagement groove to selectively receive the engagement protrusion of a respective cup-shaped pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Publication number: 20100236307
    Abstract: A lock cylinder having a keyway includes a first plurality of guide channels. A plurality of cup-shaped pins is movably disposed within the first plurality of guide channels. Each cup-shaped pin of the plurality of cup-shaped pins extends across the keyway. Each cup-shaped pin of the plurality of cup-shaped pins has an engagement protrusion. The first plurality of guide channels conform to the shape of the plurality of cup-shaped pins to allow movement of the plurality of cup-shaped pins in a first direction while restraining movement transverse to the first direction. A plurality of biasing springs is positioned to bias the plurality of cup-shaped pins in a direction toward the keyway. A plurality of racks is movably disposed in a second plurality of guide channels. Each rack of the plurality of racks has at least one engagement groove to selectively receive the engagement protrusion of a respective cup-shaped pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Publication number: 20100037666
    Abstract: A lock cylinder has a reset condition wherein the lock cylinder can be put into a “learn” mode. In the “learn” mode, the original key can be removed and replaced by replacement key and, when the replacement key is removed, the lock cylinder 10 is rekeyed to the new key. The original key no longer operates the rekeyed lock cylinder 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Gerald B. Chong
  • Publication number: 20090031774
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A plug assembly is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotateable between a first position and a second position, the plug assembly having a lock face with a tool receiving aperture. A plurality of key followers and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. The plurality of racks is selectively engageable with the plurality of key followers. A first member is coupled to the plurality of racks. The first member is moveable in response to application of a force against the first member by a tool received through the tool receiving aperture. The first member is configured to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of key followers in response to the movement of the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Publication number: 20080271505
    Abstract: A kit for a master keying system includes a plurality of replacement master racks. A rack removal key is provided for insertion into a keyway. The rack removal key has a first cut defining a first lift amount. A rack removal tool is provided for insertion into the keyway. The rack removal tool has a second cut defining a second lift amount, wherein the second lift amount is greater than the first lift amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7434431
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A locking bar is disposed in the cylinder body for movement transverse to, and rotationally about, the longitudinal axis. A plug assembly is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotateable between a first position and a second position. The plug assembly has a lock face with a tool receiving aperture. A plurality of pins and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. The plurality of racks is selectively engageable with the plurality of pins. A first member coupled to the plurality of racks is moveable in response to application of a force against the first member by a tool received through the tool receiving aperture. The first member is configured to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of pins in response to the movement of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Publication number: 20080236224
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder assembly includes at least one lock cylinder and a mortise lock adapter. Each lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A locking bar is disposed in the cylinder body for movement transverse to, and rotationally about, the longitudinal axis. A plug assembly having a tool receiving aperture is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A plurality of pins and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. A first member is moveable in response to application of a force by a tool received through the aperture to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of pins. The mortise lock adapter includes a housing configured for receiving the cylinder body of the lock cylinder. A mortise lock actuator is coupled to the plug assembly of the lock cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7322219
    Abstract: A keying system includes a cylinder body. A plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body includes a plug body and a carrier sub-assembly disposed adjacent the plug body. The carrier sub-assembly is moveable parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder body between a first position and a second position. The plug assembly includes a plurality of pins and a plurality of racks for selectively engaging the plurality of pins. Each rack of the plurality of racks has a first locking bar-receiving groove along a neutral axis and at least a second locking bar-receiving groove spaced from the neutral axis, wherein a spacing of the second locking bar-receiving groove from the neutral axis of a first rack of the plurality of racks is different from a spacing of the second locking bar-receiving groove from the neutral axis of at least one other of the plurality of racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7308811
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a lock keying system comprising: a lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating the plurality of pins; and a rack alignment tool receiving aperture defined by the lock cylinder; and a rack alignment tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position the corresponding one of the plurality of racks, the first predetermined position common to each of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to the base plate, wherein the rack alignment tool is adapted to restrain a carrie
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steve Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7234331
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a plug body and carrier sub-assembly disposed therein. The plug body includes a plurality of spring-loaded pins and the carrier assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the pins to operate the lock cylinder. The racks and pins move in a transverse direction, in response to insertion of a first valid key into the lock cylinder, to unlock the lock cylinder. The carrier moves in a longitudinal direction, in response to insertion of a tool in a tool-receiving aperture, from an operating position to a rekeying position. In the rekeying position, the racks are disengaged from the pins and a second valid key can replace the first valid key. Rotation of the plug body from the rekeying position with the second valid key in the lock cylinder obsoletes the first valid key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong, Richard J. Veltman
  • Patent number: 7213429
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a plug body and carrier sub-assembly disposed therein. The plug body includes a plurality of spring-loaded pins and the carrier assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the pins to operate the lock cylinder. The racks and pins move in a transverse direction, in response to insertion of a first valid key into the lock cylinder, to unlock the lock cylinder. The carrier moves in a longitudinal direction, in response to insertion of a tool in a tool-receiving aperture, from an operating position to a rekeying position. In the rekeying position, the racks are disengaged from the pins and a second valid key can replace the first valid key. Rotation of the plug body from the rekeying position with the second valid key in the lock cylinder obsoletes the first valid key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7117701
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a lock keying system comprising: a lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating the plurality of pins; and a rack alignment tool receiving aperture defined by the lock cylinder; and a rack alignment tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position the corresponding one of the plurality of racks, the first predetermined position common to each of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to the base plate, wherein the rack alignment tool is adapted to restrain a carrie
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steve Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7114357
    Abstract: A keying system, method and kit, wherein a plurality of replacement master racks are installed in a movable carrier assembly of a cylinder lock with the aid of a rack removal key and a rack removal tool configured for insertion into a keyway. The rack removal key has a first cut defining a first lift amount, and the rack removal tool has a second cut defining a second lift amount, the second lift amount being greater than the first lift amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7104098
    Abstract: A lock assembly for a keyed knob includes an insert, a cylinder assembly and a retainer. The insert is inserted into the knob after the retainer is attached thereto. The insert is inserted from the rear of the knob and attached thereto. The cylinder assembly is then inserted into the front of the insert until the retainer engages the cylinder assembly to secure the cylinder assembly into the insert. The cylinder assembly is readily removed by pressing on a step portion of the retainer with a tool inserted through the rear of the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Oscar Romero, Steve Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 6959569
    Abstract: A re-keyable lock cylinder includes a plug body and a carrier sub-assembly disposed adjacent the plug body. The plug assembly includes a plurality of planar wafers and the carrier sub assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the wafers in a face-to-face teeth arrangement. The racks disengage from the wafers to separate the teeth in response to movement of the carrier such that the lock cylinder is in a re-keyable condition when the racks are disengaged from the wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Walter Strader, Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong