Abstract: A pin tumbler cylinder lock includes a shell, a plug, and at least first and second tumbler pins and first and second driver pins. At least the first driver pin extends into a corresponding plug channel when the plug is in a locked condition, such that rotation of the plug with respect to the shell is blocked. The lock is configured such that at least the first driver pin is separated from the first tumbler pin by a gap when the plug is in the locked condition. When the first and second tumbler pins are raised without the proper key and the gap between the first tumbler pin and the first driver pin is eliminated, the second tumbler pin extends across the shear line and into the corresponding shell channel.

Abstract: A pin tumbler cylinder lock includes a shell, a plug, and at least first and second tumbler pins and first and second driver pins. At least the first driver pin extends into a corresponding plug channel when the plug is in a locked condition, such that rotation of the plug with respect to the shell is blocked. The lock is configured such that at least the first driver pin is separated from the first tumbler pin by a gap when the plug is in the locked condition. When the first and second tumbler pins are raised without the proper key and the gap between the first tumbler pin and the first driver pin is eliminated, the second tumbler pin extends across the shear line and into the corresponding shell channel.

Abstract: A pin tumbler cylinder lock includes a shell, a plug, and at least first and second tumbler pins and first and second driver pins. At least the first driver pin extends into a corresponding plug channel when the plug is in a locked condition, such that rotation of the plug with respect to the shell is blocked. The lock is configured such that at least the first driver pin is separated from the first tumbler pin by a gap when the plug is in the locked condition. When the first and second tumbler pins are raised without the proper key and the gap between the first tumbler pin and the first driver pin is eliminated, the second tumbler pin extends across the shear line and into the corresponding shell channel.

Abstract: A lock is provided with a housing, a shackle movably coupled to the housing, and a locking arrangement movable between a locked state and an unlocked state. The lock includes a receiver arranged to receive a remote input signal including at least one authorization code. The lock includes a logic applying arrangement programmed to selectively store at least one access code responsive to a corresponding authorization code received by the receiver and to energize the locking arrangement to move from the locked state to the unlocked state when an authorization code received by the receiver corresponds with one of a set of stored access codes. The locking arrangement is configured to secure the shackle within the housing when the locking arrangement is in the locked state, and the locking arrangement is configured to allow the shackle to move relative to the housing when the locking arrangement is in the unlocked state.

Abstract: A pin tumbler cylinder lock includes a shell, a plug, and at least first and second tumbler pins and first and second driver pins. At least the first driver pin extends into a corresponding plug channel when the plug is in a locked condition, such that rotation of the plug with respect to the shell is blocked. The lock is configured such that at least the first driver pin is separated from the first tumbler pin by a gap when the plug is in the locked condition. When the first and second tumbler pins are raised without the proper key and the gap between the first tumbler pin and the first driver pin is eliminated, the second tumbler pin extends across the shear line and into the corresponding shell channel.

Abstract: A lock includes two independently operating locking mechanism, one locking mechanism operating electronically and one locking mechanism operating mechanically. The lock may include a device for receiving and decoding an electronic unlock signal and a memory source for storing multiple unique unlock signals. The electronic signal may be generated from a remote source or on the lock itself. The lock also may include a button that allows unique unlock signals to be added or deleted from the lock memory.

Abstract: A lock including an illuminating device which is actuated by the rotation of a lock dial produces an illumination event. The illumination event provides sufficient light on the lock such as to allow easier operation of the lock in areas of inadequate light. The lock may include a piezo device which creates electrical current to light one or more light emitting diodes for a predetermined duration of time.

Abstract: A radio frequency (“RF”) electronic lock and a method of its operation are described. Also described is a programming key which may be used in connection with such a lock. It has several embodiments, including without limitations a mortise cylinder lock, a padlock, and a lever lock.

Abstract: A system for controlling access to a securable area. The system includes a transmitter, a receiver, a logic circuit, an energy storing device, and a locking mechanism. The transmitter remotely transmits a signal that is selectively received by the receiver. The receiver includes an active and an inactive state. The logic circuit is in communication with the receiver and includes an active and an inactive state. The logic circuit is in communication with the energy storing device, which is in communication with the locking mechanism. When the receiver receives the signal from the transmitter, the locking mechanism selectively allows access to the securable area.

Abstract: A lockout device includes an inner housing and an outer housing. The inner housing has an upper end portion, a lower end portion, an arcuate outer portion extending between the upper and lower end portions, and a central bearing portion extending outward from at least one of the upper and lower end portions. The outer housing has an upper end portion, a lower end portion, an arcuate outer portion extending between the upper and lower end portions, and a central opening disposed on at least one of the upper and lower end portions and sized to receive and bear against the central bearing portion of the inner housing for telescopic rotation of the inner housing with respect to the outer housing. The outer housing is sized to at least partially receive the inner housing when the inner and outer housing are rotated to an open position.

Abstract: This invention and disclosure are directed to apparatus and methods for securing a lock from being unlocked by an unauthorized method or mechanism. Apparatus and methods are disclosed herein regarding positioning of shackles and latch members of locking mechanisms. In one embodiment of the invention apparatus and methods incorporate a spring to bias a shackle within a lock. The biasing of the shackle positions a latch member in such a manner to offer greater security against unauthorized opening of a lock.

Abstract: A telescoping lockout device for encasing a gate valve, electrical connection, or similar apparatus, for the purpose of preventing unauthorized access and tampering with the apparatus. The lockout device is comprised of two nested half cylinders attached to one another through T slot that provides for telescoping of the device between an open position, where one half cylinder is nested within the other, and a closed position, where the half cylinders form a cylinder. The T slot provides a rail on one half cylinder that inserts into a track on the other half cylinder. At the ends of the T slot track and rail is an interlock. The lockout device also has locking tabs that, when the lockout device is placed in the closed position, provide overlapping locking openings into which a lock, such as a padlock, can be inserted.

Abstract: A lock is provided with a housing, a shackle movably coupled to the housing, and a locking arrangement movable between a locked state and an unlocked state. The lock includes a receiver arranged to receive a remote input signal including at least one authorization code. The lock includes a logic applying arrangement programmed to selectively store at least one access code responsive to a corresponding authorization code received by the receiver and to energize the locking arrangement to move from the locked state to the unlocked state when an authorization code received by the receiver corresponds with one of a set of stored access codes. The locking arrangement is configured to secure the shackle within the housing when the locking arrangement is in the locked state, and the locking arrangement is configured to allow the shackle to move relative to the housing when the locking arrangement is in the unlocked state.

Abstract: A lock includes two independently operating locking mechanism, one locking mechanism operating electronically and one locking mechanism operating mechanically. The lock may include a device for receiving and decoding an electronic unlock signal and a memory source for storing multiple unique unlock signals. The electronic signal may be generated from a remote source or on the lock itself. The lock also may include a button that allows unique unlock signals to be added or deleted from the lock memory.

Abstract: A lock including an illuminating device which is actuated by the rotation of a lock dial produces an illumination event. The illumination event provides sufficient light on the lock such as to allow easier operation of the lock in areas of inadequate light. The lock may include a piezo device which creates electrical current to light one or more light emitting diodes for a predetermined duration of time.

Abstract: A deadbolt which can be used with current door hardware to lock and unlock a door. The deadbolt can be operated by two independent locking mechanisms, such as a key cylinder or a three digit, right-left-right, combination dial. The two locking mechanisms are independent to maintain the integrity of the deadbolt lock.

Abstract: A cable lock that is locked and unlocked through the movement of a set of combination dials. The combination dials are used to provide a proper combination. Upon entry of the proper combination, a knob is used to actuate a lever which releases a locking clamp. A cable is passed through a cable passageway and secured therein when the locking clamp is released. The cable lock may include an unlocked position, a locked position, and a cinch position. Additionally, the lock may include a rest feature to allow the proper combination to be reset.

Abstract: A telescoping lockout device for encasing a gate valve, electrical connection, or similar apparatus, for the purpose of preventing unauthorized access and tampering with the apparatus. The lockout device is comprised of two nested half cylinders attached to one another through T slot that provides for telescoping of the device between an open position, where one half cylinder is nested within the other, and a closed position, where the half cylinders form a cylinder. The T slot provides a rail on one half cylinder that inserts into a track on the other half cylinder. At the ends of the T slot track and rail is an interlock. The lockout device also has locking tabs that, when the lockout device is placed in the closed position, provide overlapping locking openings into which a lock, such as a padlock, can be inserted.

Abstract: A cable locking mechanism for use in a variety of cable locks that includes one or more locking clamps, a lever arm, a spring that biases the locking clamps, and an actuation means that engages the lever arm. When a cable is inserted into a cable passageway of a cable lock, the locking clamps secure the cable and prevent it withdrawal from the lock body. To remove the cable, the actuation means is deployed to move the lever arm, which engages and displaces the locking clamps along a sloped surface. The displacement of the locking clamps widens the cable passageway, thereby allowing the cable to move freely in and out of the lock body.