Abstract: A system allows the remote entry of pin data to manufacture a customized lock cylinder assembly. A remote computer communicates with a cylinder manufacturing system (or website) to upload user-selected pin data. The pin data may be stored for future reorders or additional orders. A pinning machine receives the pin data and automatically selects pins to manufacture a customized lock cylinder assembly. The lock cylinder assembly may be completed in seconds and shipped to the user thereby eliminating the need for manual lock customization. In addition, key code data may be provided to a key manufacturing system to automatically manufacture keys corresponding to the customized lock cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A system allows the remote entry of pin data to manufacture a customized lock cylinder assembly. A remote computer communicates with a cylinder manufacturing system (or website) to upload user-selected pin data. The pin data may be stored for future reorders or additional orders. A pinning machine receives the pin data and automatically selects pins to manufacture a customized lock cylinder assembly. The lock cylinder assembly may be completed in seconds and shipped to the user thereby eliminating the need for manual lock customization. In addition, key code data may be provided to a key manufacturing system to automatically manufacture keys corresponding to the customized lock cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A lock and key mechanism reduces exposure to lock picking by including an extension into a key slot to receive and conceal tapered end portions of key pins. The only portions of key pins exposed in a key slot are cylindrical portions that are difficult to move from a resting position. A key includes a beveled leading edge and a spring-loaded pin activation element at the leading edge of the key. As the key is inserted into the key slot, the spring-loaded pin activation element is compressed to permit entry into the key slot. As the pin activation element reaches a pin, an aperture in the extension allows the spring-loaded pin activation element to move toward the key pin and move the key pin from its resting position. In this activated position, the tapered end portion of the key pin is exposed for further activation by the beveled leading edge of the key. The process is repeated until the pin activation element engages and activates each successive key pin and allows full insertion of the key.

Abstract: A lock mechanism includes a cover plate positionable over a plurality of pin chambers in a cylinder housing wherein one or more of the pin chambers include an internal threaded portion. The lock mechanism includes one or more pin assembly caps that are operative to secure the cover plate to the cylinder housing of the lock by threadably engaging with threaded pin chambers. The pin assembly caps include an internal cavity sized to receive at least a portion of a pin assembly, such that threaded pin chambers and unthreaded pin chambers have substantially the same dimensions without substantially increasing the dimensions required for the lock mechanism. The pin assembly caps include a socket (e.g., a hex socket, a Phillips-type socket, or the like) that allow users to selectively remove and secure the cover plate to the cylinder housing common tools.

Abstract: A lock mechanism includes a cover plate positionable over a plurality of pin chambers in a cylinder housing wherein one or more of the pin chambers include an internal threaded portion. The lock mechanism includes one or more pin assembly caps that are operative to secure the cover plate to the cylinder housing of the lock by threadably engaging with threaded pin chambers. The pin assembly caps include an internal cavity sized to receive at least a portion of a pin assembly, such that threaded pin chambers and unthreaded pin chambers have substantially the same dimensions without substantially increasing the dimensions required for the lock mechanism. The pin assembly caps include a socket (e.g., a hex socket, a Phillips-type socket, or the like) that allow users to selectively remove and secure the cover plate to the cylinder housing common tools.

Abstract: A lock and key mechanism reduces exposure to lock picking by including an extension into a key slot to receive and conceal tapered end portions of key pins. The only portions of key pins exposed in a key slot are cylindrical portions that are difficult to move from a resting position. A key includes a beveled leading edge and a spring-loaded pin activation element at the leading edge of the key. As the key is inserted into the key slot, the spring-loaded pin activation element is compressed to permit entry into the key slot. As the pin activation element reaches a pin, an aperture in the extension allows the spring-loaded pin activation element to move toward the key pin and move the key pin from its resting position. In this activated position, the tapered end portion of the key pin is exposed for further activation by the beveled leading edge of the key. The process is repeated until the pin activation element engages and activates each successive key pin and allows full insertion of the key.