Abstract: A machine for making identical tubular keys from a sample includes a decoder having a gage means mounted on the base of the machine for measuring the axial length of a bite in the sample. The decoder serves to position a first stop means for engagement by the blank to be cut so that the bite cut in the blank by a cutter will be of the same axial length as the bite in the sample. For proper positioning of the stop means, the decoder includes a rotatable cam disk having opposite edges shaped as inverted mirror images of each other. With this shape, the disk may be turned on a support until one of the edges engages the gage means. Once so positioned, the opposite edge of the disk locates the stop means for engagement by the blank at an axial position for cutting the same length of bite in the blank as the length of the bite in the sample being measured by the gage means.

Abstract: A resettable axial pin tumbler lock having a spindle rotatably mounted in a barrel with the spindle and barrel forming a "lock" radial interface and a plurality of cooperating axial wells for receiving axial pins. A plurality of driver pins are disposed in the wells in the barrel and spring biased across the "lock" interface into the wells of the spindle to lock the spindle against rotation in the barrel. A reset ring is rotatably mounted in the barrel with the reset ring and the spindle forming a "reset" radial interface and a plurality of cooperating axial wells for receiving axial pins. A plurality of reset pins are disposed in the wells in the spindle and reset ring in axial alignment and engagement with the driver pins so that the spring bias on the driver pins also applies a biasing force to the reset pins.

Abstract: A maximum security padlock of the type having a monolithic lock body or case with a plurality of shackle and lock-receiving bores therein is made of a compressed and sintered powder metal alloy of an austenitic stainless steel. As a consequence of this unique material, the lock body is readily made with most or all of the bores formed in compressing the powder metal. While the resulting sintered lock body is relatively, substantially, softer than a conventional lock body and the shackle, when an attempt is made to saw or otherwise cut through the body the stainless steel work-hardens to resist and slow down further cutting. Improvements in the lock mechanism augment the characteristics provided by powder metal fabrication.