Patents by Inventor Steven Armstrong

Steven Armstrong 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: 7156432
    Abstract: A handle set includes an operator having a retention slot. A chassis is provided for mounting the operator. The chassis includes a sleeve having a bore, and an opening extending through the sleeve to the bore. An operator catch cartridge assembly is configured for mounting to the chassis via the opening. The operator catch cartridge assembly includes a housing defining a guide channel. An operator catch is positioned in the guide channel for sliding engagement with the housing. A biasing member biases the operator catch with respect to the housing. The operator catch engages the retention slot in the operator when the operator is received over the sleeve of the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Emily Karleen Meredith Sledge, Steven Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20060277956
    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: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald 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: 7007528
    Abstract: A re-keyable lockset that employs pairs of first and second pins. Coupling of the first and second pins to one another defines a key profile for a mating key. A second key with a different key profile may be installed to the lockset when the first and second pins are uncoupled from one another. Thereafter, the first and second pins may be re-coupled to one another to define the key profile of a new mating key. A method for re-keying a lockset is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Gerald Chong, Steven Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20050258654
    Abstract: A handle set includes an operator having a retention slot. A chassis is provided for mounting the operator. The chassis includes a sleeve having a bore, and an opening extending through the sleeve to the bore. An operator catch cartridge assembly is configured for mounting to the chassis via the opening. The operator catch cartridge assembly includes a housing defining a guide channel. An operator catch is positioned in the guide channel for sliding engagement with the housing. A biasing member biases the operator catch with respect to the housing. The operator catch engages the retention slot in the operator when the operator is received over the sleeve of the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Publication date: November 24, 2005
    Inventors: Emily Karleen Sledge, Steven Armstrong
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20050217330
    Abstract: A re-keyable lockset that employs pairs of first and second pins. Coupling of the first and second pins to one another defines a key profile for a mating key. A second key with a different key profile may be installed to the lockset when the first and second pins are uncoupled from one another. Thereafter, the first and second pins may be re-coupled to one another to define the key profile of a new mating key. A method for re-keying a lockset is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventors: Gerald Chong, Steven Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20050155399
    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: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Publication date: July 21, 2005
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald Chong, Richard Veltman
  • Publication number: 20050103073
    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: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald Chong
  • Patent number: 6860131
    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: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Publication number: 20050016234
    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: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventors: Walter Strader, Steven Armstrong, Gerald Chong
  • Publication number: 20050011242
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: January 20, 2005
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald Chong
  • Patent number: 6745602
    Abstract: The present mechanism provides a quick install lockset mechanism having a semi-permanent mechanical connection between an interior lock assembly and an exterior lock assembly. The exterior lock assembly includes a pair of threaded fasteners extending through a preformed hole in a door, and the interior lock assembly includes a rose liner configured to rotatably engage the fasteners to connect the interior and exterior lock assemblies. The interior lock assembly rose liner includes a pair of raised contoured portions having openings for receiving the fasteners and ramps for guiding the fasteners to the openings. In addition, the interior lock assembly includes a knob insert and a turnpiece guide. The knob insert is disposed in the knob and the turnpiece guide is removably disposed in the knob insert. A turnpiece is disposed in the turnpiece guide and is thereby aligned with an operating member extending from a lock cylinder in the exterior lock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Frank Nakasone, Steven Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20040060333
    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: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 6598440
    Abstract: A lockset mechanism having a semi-permanent mechanical connection between the interior and exterior components thereof is provided. The lockset mechanism includes an exterior cylinder assembly releasably coupled to a mounting plate, an interior cylinder assembly having a locking blade interdisposed between the mounting plate and the interior cylinder assembly for providing a semi-permanent mechanical connection. The locking blade is rotatably positionable from an unlocked position wherein the interior cylinder assembly is uncoupled from the mounting plate to a locked position wherein the interior cylinder assembly is coupled to the mounting plate upon rotation of a knob assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Steven Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6532629
    Abstract: A quick install dummy doorknob or lever comprises an exterior knob sub-assembly, an interior rose liner coupled to the exterior knob assembly, a knob catch, a retainer spring, and an interior knob. The knob catch is disposed inside the interior rose liner and includes a tooth for engaging the interior knob. The interior rose liner engages a pair of screws extending from the exterior knob sub-assembly. Rotation of the interior rose liner relative to the screws places the screws into retaining apertures in the interior liner, whereupon the screws can be tightened to hold the interior rose liner in position. The interior knob is inserted into a recess formed in the interior rose liner and engages the tooth on the knob catch through a slot formed in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Steven Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20020088084
    Abstract: A quick install dummy doorknob or lever comprises an exterior knob subassembly, an interior rose liner coupled to the exterior knob assembly, a knob catch, a retainer spring, and an interior knob. The knob catch is disposed inside the interior rose liner and includes a tooth for engaging the interior knob. The interior rose liner engages a pair of screws extending from the exterior knob subassembly. Rotation of the interior rose liner relative to the screws places the screws into retaining apertures in the interior liner, whereupon the screws can be tightened to hold the interior rose liner in position. The interior knob is inserted into a recess formed in the interior rose liner and engages the tooth on the knob catch through a slot formed in the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Steven Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20020059696
    Abstract: The present invention provides a quick install lockset mechanism having a semipermanent mechanical connection between an interior lock assembly and an exterior lock assembly. The exterior lock assembly includes a pair of threaded fasteners extending through a preformed hole in a door, and the interior lock assembly includes a rose liner configured to rotatably engage the fasteners to connect the interior and exterior lock assemblies. The interior lock assembly rose liner includes a pair of raised contoured portions having openings for receiving the fasteners and ramps for guiding the fasteners to the openings. In addition, the interior lock assembly includes a knob insert and a turnpiece guide. The knob insert is disposed in the knob and the turnpiece guide is removably disposed in the knob insert. A turnpiece is disposed in the turnpiece guide and is thereby aligned with an operating member extending from a lock cylinder in the exterior lock assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Frank Nakasone, Steven Armstrong
  • Patent number: D436933
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Armstrong
  • Patent number: D431027
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Armstrong