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).

  • 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: 5857365
    Abstract: An electronically operated lock has a latch mechanism which is operable by a rotatable spindle. The spindle can be rotated manually either by an inside turn lever or a key operated outside plug or rotated electronically. A pinion is secured to the spindle and a slider supported for vertical displacement has a vertical rack which cooperates with the pinion. The slider has vertically separated upper and lower control surfaces and a rotatable wheel gear has an eccentric axially extending finger located intermediate the upper and lower control surfaces. The wheel gear is driven by a single direction motor through gearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Armstrong
  • Patent number: 5810402
    Abstract: An interconnected lock is disclosed which can be used in applications which have differing center distances. A rack is located between the lower operator assembly and the upper deadbolt for engaging a pinion which will release the deadbolt. This pinion can be vertically located at a position to receive the drive spindle of the deadbolt. A second pinion which is secured to the turn lever for the deadbolt is secured to the faceplate. These pinions cooperate with adjacent width portions of the rack enabling the faceplate to operate with different center distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Armstrong
  • Patent number: 5797286
    Abstract: A lockset having a bezel surrounding the cylinder lock which can be rotated when the door is unlocked to relock the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: 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