Plug Patents (Class 70/375)
  • Patent number: 10900257
    Abstract: A method for mutually controlling and unlocking a dual plug in a lock includes: unlocking a code of a first plug first, the first plug restricting unlocking of a second plug, the second plug restricting rotating of the first plug before the code of the first plug is unlocked. after unlocking the code of the first plug, the first plug translating to a second position from a first position using a preset position difference, the first plug being unable to rotate during the translation; after moving the first plug to the second position, the first plug releasing a restriction on the second plug, the second plug still restricting the rotating of the first plug; and unlocking the code of the second plug, the first plug and the second plug being able to rotate synchronously so as to unlock the lock after unlocking the code of the second plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventor: Kapan Chu
  • Patent number: 10287800
    Abstract: A lock comprises: a body with a housing comprising a first and a second portion mutually adjacent along an longitudinal development direction corresponding to an insertion direction of a key; a first rotor with a further housing, rotationally housed within the first portion of the housing of the body; a second rotor comprising a first portion rotationally housed within the second portion of the housing of the body; a second portion rotationally housed within the further housing of the first rotor. The second rotor, inserting the key, translates along the longitudinal development direction of the body with respect to the first rotor and, by a first rotation portion of the key, rotates with respect to the first rotor, passing from disengaging to engaging the first rotor, wherein the first rotor and the second rotor, by a second portion of rotation of the key, integrally translate to actuate the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Federico Dagnino
  • Patent number: 9422744
    Abstract: A burglarproof primary-secondary row sheet lock includes an outer cylinder in which a cylindrical chamber that receives the insertion of a plug and a latch trough are formed. The plug includes row sheet receiving slots, a latch opening, a key way, and a lock bolt. The secondary row sheets each have a side edge in which a first latch notch is formed. The primary row sheets are each formed with a secondary row sheet channel and a second latch notch. The primary row sheets are set in the row sheet receiving slots and the secondary row sheets are received in the secondary row sheet channels. The closure plates cover the row sheet receiving slots with sheet return springs arranged between the closure plates and the primary and secondary row sheets. The latch is received in the latch opening and latch return springs are arranged between the plug and the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: XIAMEN MAKE SECURITY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shaolian Lin
  • Patent number: 9038427
    Abstract: A lock cylinder includes a housing and first and second key plugs rotatably received in the housing about an axis. The first and second key plugs are axially spaced in the housing and each includes a keyway for insertion of a corresponding key. The keyways of the first and second key plugs are aligned with each other along the axis. The lock cylinder further includes a blocking core fixedly mounted in the housing and between the first and second key plugs along the axis. The blocking core includes a through-hole aligned with the keyways of the first and second key plugs along the axis. The lock cylinder can effectively prevent an illegal picking tool from inserting into the keyways of the first and second key plugs and from turning the key plugs, thereby providing an enhanced anti-theft effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Li-Szu Shen
  • Patent number: 9010163
    Abstract: A lock assembly is provided that includes: a lock cylinder having a bore disposed therein and at least one pocket located adjacent the periphery of the bore; a plug including a cassette slot; a plunger that fits in the plug; a locking tab having a slot disposed therein; the slot of the locking tab receives a portion of the plunger; a cassette having a key slot configured to receive a key; the cassette includes a tool slot configured to receive a tool to selectively engage the plunger to selectively move at least a portion of the locking tab into and out of the pocket; when a portion of the locking tab is located in the pocket the locking tab does not block the cassette from being removed from the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Kwikset Corporation
    Inventor: Oscar Romero
  • Patent number: 8973417
    Abstract: An electronic small format interchangeable core (“SFIC”) lock is configured so that core locking features are electronically controlled, and keys can be electronically programmed to operate either as a normal user key able to open the lock or as a control key able to open the lock and to remove the SFIC cores. The same key will operate as a normal access key or as a control key, depending on how the key is programmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventors: James Bench, Lance Schoell, Doug Trent, David Smith
  • Patent number: 8899083
    Abstract: A lock (100) is described, comprising: a body (1) suitable for defining a housing (2) having a main development direction (D) along a direction of insertion (I) of the key; a first rotor (30) suitable for being rotationally housed inside said housing (2) of such a body (1) around the main development direction (D) of such a body (1), said first rotor (30) being suitable for defining a further housing to receive a second rotor (40) that can rotate inside said first rotor (30) around the main development direction (D) of such a body (1). The lock (100) is characterized in that said second rotor (40) can be rotated by the key between a position of disengagement and a position of engagement with said first rotor (30), in said position of engagement said first rotor (30) and said second rotor (40) being suitable for translating as a unit along the main development direction (D) of the body (1) to reach a position in which the lock (100) is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Federico Dagnino
  • Patent number: 8881567
    Abstract: A reset fixture for a rekeyable lock cylinder includes a housing with a central recess for receiving a cylinder body. A first opening communicating with the central recess is defined in the housing for receiving a reset tool. A second opening communicating with the central recess is defined in the housing for receiving a bracing bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Kwikset Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald B. Chong, Steven Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8826710
    Abstract: A method of re-keying a lock cylinder. The method includes providing a housing including outer pins, a plug rotatably engaged within the housing and having a key slot and inner pins configured to align with the outer pins, and an engagement member inserted into the plug as a separate piece such that the engagement member engages one or more originally engaged inner pins to space each of the engaged inner pins a distance from a pin resting surface defined by the key slot. The method also includes modifying the engagement member, and inserting the modified engagement member into the plug so that the engagement member engages one or more newly engaged inner pins different from the originally engaged inner pins to space each of the newly engaged inner pins a distance from the pin resting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: William J. Dickhans, Paul O. Gardner, Misty G. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8820127
    Abstract: A pin-tumbler locking mechanism comprising a lock-core with an elongated key slot and a series of bores arranged in a plane of the key slot for a corresponding series of driver pins of various lengths slidably received in the bores. The lock-core is normally supported in lock casing. A corresponding series of spring-supported key pins is seated in a series of bores coaxially with the driver pins so that normally at least some of the key pins are adapted to push respective driver pins to project into the key slot each by a different extent according to the respective lengths thereof; a key comprising alternately teeth and notches so that when inserted into the key slot, the driver pin ends contacting the key pins become flushed with planar surface to allow a sliding movement of the lock-core within the lock casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Meir Avganim
  • Patent number: 8756963
    Abstract: A sealed push button latch. It includes a housing with an upper cavity and a lower cavity and a rim which provides a seal contact seat. The lower cavity has a latch opening formed therein at a first side thereof, and at least one drain/return clip aperture formed at a second side thereof. A push button with a keyed lock is slidably received in the upper cavity. A biasing device biases the push button to a closed position. A seal positioned on the push button provides sealing between the seal contact seat of the rim of the housing and the push button. A locking latch is slidably positioned in the lower cavity, and is slidably movable between a protruding position through the latch opening, and a retracted position, wherein pushing the push button down into the housing retracts the locking latch into the lower cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: S.P.E.P. Acquisition Corp.
    Inventor: Tam Le
  • Patent number: 8689595
    Abstract: The invention relates to a disc tumbler cylinder lock and a key for it. The key according to the invention comprises a groove that is transverse to the key shank. The groove comprises a bottom section and side sections that are transverse to the bottom section between the bottom section and the outer surface of the key shank. The bottom section of the groove is the key's main driving surface used to transfer turning force to the disc tumbler cylinder lock. This reduces wear on the O-surfaces of the key because the O-surfaces do not transfer the majority or any of the key turning force to the disc tumbler cylinder lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Abloy Oy
    Inventor: Kaarlo Martikainen
  • Publication number: 20140020440
    Abstract: A plug assembly for use in a key-operated lock, having a cylindrical key plug that can rotatable between a key insertion position and a control position, the key plug having a keyway and tumbler bores, an axial groove into the periphery displaced tangentially from the tumbler bores, a curved trough extending radially inwardly from the carriage groove, a control tooling slot formed radially inwardly from the curved trough. A carriage is moveable axially within the carriage groove, and has an outer surface proximate with the cylindrical periphery of the key plug. The carriage has radially-formed retainer bores that align tangentially with the tumbler bores when the carriage is in a position to accept lock configuration change balls. A separate change tooling blade can be inserted into the control tooling slot to raise any change balls within the retainer bores out through an outer opening the retainer bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Rodrick A. HERDMAN
  • Patent number: 8584495
    Abstract: An exchangeable cylinder lock includes a plug shell connected to a pin chest. A locking pin is disposed in a radial pin hole in the pin chest and is biased to protrude from an aperture in a cover plate and to engage a lock housing. The locking pin is depressable to retract for disengaging from the lock housing. A locking ring is disposed around the plug proximate to the locking pin, and has at least one indentation. When the plug is rotated using a right key, the locking ring can be rotated to align the indentation with the locking pin so as to permit depression of the locking pin, or to move the indentation away from the locking pin so as to prevent depression of the locking pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Tong Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Shyang Chiou, Kuang-I Liao
  • Patent number: 8336346
    Abstract: A lock includes a stationary key mass having a first key mass bore and a keyway, and a movable spring mass including a first spring mass bore. A first spring mass pin is mounted in the first spring mass bore, and a first key mass pin is mounted in the first key mass bore for reciprocation between a locked position immobilizing the spring mass and an unlocked position unconstraining motion in at least one direction. The unlocked position is a function of the presence of a matching key in the keyway. Multiple key mass and spring mass pins can be used, some or all of which can have stepped configurations, and corresponding single-bladed or multi-bladed keys, or multiple keys, can be used. The keys can be straight or curved in any of various planes, or they can be straight but flexible to match curved keyways. Curves can be unidirectional or compound. Relative motion between the key mass and spring mass can be in a plane or along straight line or circular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Gordon B. J. Mah and Yu-Chen Mah Family Trust
    Inventor: Gordon B. J. Mah
  • Patent number: 8336349
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lock assembly for enabling use of a key-in-knob lock cylinder assembly in different types of lock assemblies. The method includes providing a key-in-knob lock assembly having a key-in-knob housing and a plug rotatably engaged within the key-in-knob housing, providing an interchangeable core lock assembly having an interchangeable core housing, and inserting the key-in-knob housing into the interchangeable core housing such that the key-in-knob housing is universally exchangeable between the key-in-knob lock assembly and the interchangeable core lock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: Lohithaswa Thimmappa, Evan E. Evans, Vinod Kumar Rajan, Aravinda Mahabaleshwara, Ravindra K. Pandey, Roger Kanaan
  • Patent number: 8312749
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: GMS Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Yueh-Ming Tong
  • Patent number: 8186193
    Abstract: A lock cylinder structure comprises a cylinder body, a plug disposed within the cylinder body, a pin assembly and a key positioning assembly. The cylinder body has a plurality of upper pin holes and an accommodating hole. The plug has an outside wall, a keyhole, a plurality of lower pin holes and a through hole in communication with the outside wall and the keyhole. The pin assembly comprises a plurality of upper pins disposed within the upper pin holes and a plurality of lower pins disposed within the lower pin holes. The key positioning assembly comprises a first movable member disposed at the accommodating hole of the cylinder body and a second movable member disposed at the through hole of the plug. The second movable member contacts against the first movable member and has a push-receiving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8146395
    Abstract: An anti-theft lock with plate tumblers includes two axial grooves (18) which are disposed at diametrically opposite locations on an inner wall of the lock (1) and an annular groove (10) which has a rectangular cross section and is provided on the inner wall of the lock (1) adjacent an end proximal to a key slot (21). A round controlling plate (8), of which the diameter is same as that of the core (2), is disposed between the lock cover (9) and the lock core (2). A key slot (15), which is narrower than the key slot (21) in the lock core (2), is provided in the round controlling plate (8). Two V-shaped grooves (16) are provided on the inner sidewall of the round controlling plate (8) and correspond to two ends of the key slot (15). Two swallowtail grooves (20), in which a brake shaft (4) is mounted, are provided on the lock core (2), Multiple tooth grooves (17), which are engaged with the brake position teeth (14), are disposed on the outer walls of the two ends of the plate tumblers (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Pingdingshan Dahan Lock Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Changluo Zhu, Mu Lin
  • Patent number: 8127579
    Abstract: A lock assembly includes a universal core assembly, which provides multiple engagement features to permit the core assembly to be mounted into various lock housings. A torque blade or a spindle assembly is received within a rear segment of the lock core to engage one of the engagement members depending upon the desire lock within which the core is to be mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Eugenio Mannella
  • Patent number: 8091393
    Abstract: A cylinder lock assembly includes a cylinder body and a plug assembly which is manufactured in a multiple of pieces to facilitate casting of each plug piece in a single operation. The plug assembly includes a plug body with a plug insert opening to receive a plug insert. The plug insert opening is generally L-shaped in cross-section to receive the plug insert which is correspondingly shaped. The plug insert includes a plug outer portion which defines an arcuate outer surface which corresponds with the outer circumference of the plug body when the plug insert is mounted therein. A plug pin chamber portion extends generally transverse to the plug outer portion to define a multiple of tumbler pin chambers which extend through the plug outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Gerry Damikolas, Diane Sipes
  • Patent number: 8074480
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder with fool-proof function at least comprises a cylinder body, a plug, a limit member, a sliding block and a drive member. The plug disposed within the cylinder body has a trench, a plurality of first rack component runners communicating with the trench and a first through hole also communicating with the trench. The limit member is disposed within the first through hole and the sliding block is disposed within the trench. The sliding block has a plurality of second rack component runners respectively corresponding to each of the first rack component runners, a keyhole communicating with the second rack component runners and a second through hole communicating with the keyhole. The second through hole corresponds to the first through hole of the plug. The drive member is disposed within the second through hole and one end of the limit member contacts against the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lien-Hsi Huang, Ping-Hung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8028554
    Abstract: A cylinder lock device including: a body housing having a bore, with a direction of elongation defining an axial direction for the device; a rotatable cylindrical plug in the bore, the plug having an axially extending key slot from at least one end of the plug; a plurality of driver pins configurable substantially perpendicular to the key slot and located within the body housing and substantially outside of the plug; a plurality of tumbler pins corresponding to and positionable substantially collinear with each one of the plurality of driver pins and substantially inside the plug, the tumbler pins displaceable by a key to bias the driver pins to enable rotation of the plug, the driver pins adapted to displace the respective tumbler pins; and a displacement mechanism being deployed within the body housing and adapted to displace the plurality of driver pins thereby selectively enabling rotation of the plug when no key is present in the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Essence Security International Ltd.
    Inventor: Haim Amir
  • Patent number: 7980105
    Abstract: A wafer-type tumbler cylinder comprises a sleeve, a cylinder, a plurality of first and second wafers, some springs and some U-shaped fixtures. The wafer-type tumbler cylinder is an integral cylindrical shaft having indentations, fixing slots and riveting plates made in a consistent operation. After the placement of every pair of first and second wafers and one shared spring into the cylindrical shaft, the riveting plates are pressed into a horizontal position to secure the wafers and spring; furthermore, all the indentations, first and second wafers, springs and riveting plates are installed on one side, or on both sides of the cylindrical shaft. The improved structure of riveting plates, U-shaped fixtures and shared spring for every pair of first and second wafers enables the key to move forward and backward smoothly, and also enables the users to lock and unlock easily and successfully.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Cheng-Ju Yang
  • Publication number: 20110154871
    Abstract: A lock cylinder structure comprises a cylinder body, a plug disposed within the cylinder body, a pin assembly and a key positioning assembly. The cylinder body has a plurality of upper pin holes and an accommodating hole. The plug has an outside wall, a keyhole, a plurality of lower pin holes and a through hole in communication with the outside wall and the keyhole. The pin assembly comprises a plurality of upper pins disposed within the upper pin holes and a plurality of lower pins disposed within the lower pin holes. The key positioning assembly comprises a first movable member disposed at the accommodating hole of the cylinder body and a second movable member disposed at the through hole of the plug. The second movable member contacts against the first movable member and has a push-receiving surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Chao-Ming HUANG, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20110072869
    Abstract: A cylinder lock assembly includes a cylinder body and a plug assembly which is manufactured in a multiple of pieces to facilitate casting of each plug piece in a single operation. The plug assembly includes a plug body with a plug insert opening to receive a plug insert. The plug insert opening is generally L-shaped in cross-section to receive the plug insert which is correspondingly shaped. The plug insert includes a plug outer portion which defines an arcuate outer surface which corresponds with the outer circumference of the plug body when the plug insert is mounted therein. A plug pin chamber portion extends generally transverse to the plug outer portion to define a multiple of tumbler pin chambers which extend through the plug outer portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Gerry Damikolas, Diane Sipes
  • Patent number: 7905124
    Abstract: A pin tumbler lock having a housing with a series of holes running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical bore in the housing. The holes are bored through the housing, and a first end of each hole opens to one of each of the chambers in the housing, between the first and second ends of the corresponding chamber, and a second end of each hole opens to the outside of said housing. A tool having a body comprising a tumbler-lock-housing receiving cavity, for receiving the housing therein, wherein the body comprises a first and second series of channels for creating the holes in a conventional pin tumbler lock housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Rahamim Komemi
  • Patent number: 7895866
    Abstract: A cylinder lock assembly includes a cylinder body and a plug assembly which is manufactured in a multiple of pieces to facilitate casting of each plug piece in a single operation. The plug assembly includes a plug body with a plug insert opening to receive a plug insert. The plug insert opening is generally L-shaped in cross-section to receive the plug insert which is correspondingly shaped. The plug insert includes a plug outer portion which defines an arcuate outer surface which corresponds with the outer circumference of the plug body when the plug insert is mounted therein. A plug pin chamber portion extends generally transverse to the plug outer portion to define a multiple of tumbler pin chambers which extend through the plug outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Gerry Damikolas, Diane Sipes
  • Patent number: 7895865
    Abstract: The present application relates to lock assemblies that provide a secondary coupling point, utilizing an anti-rotation pin or extended tailpiece leg or other method, which rotationally couples the tailpiece to the cylinder plug, thereby preventing rotation of the tailpiece independently of the cylinder plug. Therefore, a tailpiece within a bolt cam or other actuator used to withdraw a bolt or unlock a lockset cannot be rotated after the tailpiece connector connecting the tailpiece to the cylinder plug has been forcibly removed, severed, or destroyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Medeco Security Locks, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Hartman, Mark Benzie, Dan Boadwine, Clyde T. Roberson, Doug Trent, Peter H. Field
  • Publication number: 20110011139
    Abstract: A recodeable lock includes a housing, a cylinder plug, a plurality of wafer tumblers, and a sidebar coupled with the cylinder plug. The sidebar is assembled with a plurality of code blocks and a codebar releasably securing the code blocks to the sidebar. A liftbar is disposed in the housing radially outward of the cylinder plug and is configured to selectively engage a radially outward extending appendage of the codebar when the cylinder plug and sidebar are rotated to a recoding orientation, to release the code blocks from the sidebar. The housing includes a circumferential track axially positioned to receive the appendage of the codebar to permit greater than 180 degree rotation of the cylinder plug and sidebar with respect to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: MASTER LOCK COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Jesse A. Marcelle, Dean A. Paulson
  • Publication number: 20100300161
    Abstract: A keyed cylinder assembly (10) includes a keyed cylinder (3) mounted in a door lock (1) and including a hollow body (31) and a cylinder plug (32) rotatably received in the hollow body (31). The cylinder plug (32) includes an annular groove (327) formed in an outer periphery (320) thereof. The keyed cylinder (3) further includes an arresting member (37) received in the hollow body (31) and having an inner end (371) received in the annular groove (327). The keyed cylinder assembly further includes a first key (4) insertable into a keyway (323) of the cylinder plug (32) to operate both a latch bolt (12) and a deadbolt (13) of the door lock (1). The keyed cylinder assembly (10) further includes a second key (5) insertable into the keyway (323) of the cylinder plug (32) to operate the latch bolt (12) only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Chung-Liang Lin
  • Patent number: 7762111
    Abstract: A cylinder lock assembly includes a cylinder body and a plug assembly which is manufactured in a multiple of pieces to facilitate casting of each plug piece in a single operation. The plug assembly includes a plug body with a plug insert opening to receive a plug insert. The plug insert opening is generally L-shaped in cross-section to receive the plug insert which is correspondingly shaped. The plug insert includes a plug outer portion which defines an arcuate outer surface which corresponds with the outer circumference of the plug body when the plug insert is mounted therein. A plug pin chamber portion extends generally transverse to the plug outer portion to define a multiple of tumbler pin chambers which extend through the plug outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Gerry Damikolas, Diane Sipes
  • Patent number: 7716958
    Abstract: An insert type of cylinder cabinet cam lock permits use of Schlage-compatible deadbolt cylinders in a cabinet door and/or drawer cam lock. A bifurcated, housing is provided that journals a cam driver adapted for operational interconnection with the Schlage-compatible standard deadbolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Lock, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Martin
  • Patent number: 7690231
    Abstract: An electromechanical cylinder lock includes an outer lock shell and a rotatable lock barrel located therein which is controlled by dual locking features. A side bar or fence selectively blocks and permits rotation of the barrel with respect to the shell in response to insertion of a key into a keyway in the barrel. A slider bar is movable between a blocking position in which the side bar is prevented from permitting rotation of the barrel, and an unblocking position in which the side bar permits rotation of the barrel. Alternately, a blocking mechanism is provided to block motion of tumbler pins in the cylinder lock. A shape memory alloy actuator, such as a wire made of NITINOL disposed in the barrel is activated by an electric current in response to determination by an electronic control device whether an attempt to open the lock is authorized. Thermal interlock protection from external heating of the lock is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Medeco Security Lock, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Field, Duncan Kerr
  • Patent number: 7685852
    Abstract: A tool for loading pin stack elements into a pin tumbler lock includes a cylindrical shank of diameter similar to the diameter of the lock plug, a loading groove extending along at least a shank portion corresponding to the length of the set of pin chambers and intersecting with the shank axis; a set of parallel loading bores formed in the shank, extending between the loading groove and the outer surface of the shank, each loading bore dimensioned to contain pin stack elements, the loading bores further having a spacing along the shank in a direction parallel to its axis equal to the spacing of the chambers; and a loader element mounted within the loading groove in adjustable positioning with respect to the loading bores, operative for selectable transfer of a pin stack element from each loading bore to a chamber in axial registration therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Rahamim Komemi
  • Patent number: 7685853
    Abstract: A device for re-keying a lock that frees the locksmith from having to handle individual tumblers. A magazine is provided for each tumbler in the lock. Each magazine is numbered or coded to indicate the size of the tumblers within. The magazines fit into the top of a housing that temporarily holds the plug portion of the lock to be re-keyed. Upon alignment of the magazines with their corresponding holes in the plug, the tumblers fall into place and the lock has effectively been re-keyed. The plug is then removed from the housing and ready to be placed back in its original lock assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald F. Burkart
  • Publication number: 20100031716
    Abstract: A lock core and key blank are disclosed. The disclosed lock core includes a core body, a core sleeve, a core plug, and a side pin assembly including a side pin, a region pin, and a spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Diana Teixeira
  • Publication number: 20100018266
    Abstract: A cylinder lock assembly includes a cylinder body and a plug assembly which is manufactured in a multiple of pieces to facilitate casting of each plug piece in a single operation. The plug assembly includes a plug body with a plug insert opening to receive a plug insert. The plug insert opening is generally L-shaped in cross-section to receive the plug insert which is correspondingly shaped. The plug insert includes a plug outer portion which defines an arcuate outer surface which corresponds with the outer circumference of the plug body when the plug insert is mounted therein. A plug pin chamber portion extends generally transverse to the plug outer portion to define a multiple of tumbler pin chambers which extend through the plug outer portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Gerry Damikolas, Diane Sipes
  • Patent number: 7640773
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a portion of a lock may include a stationary member having a bore, where the stationary member can be mountable to an object. The portion of the lock can also include a movable member positioned at least partially within the bore and movable relative to the bore in an unlocking direction during a normal unlocking operation. A deformable portion can be positioned adjacent an interface between the stationary member and the movable member. The deformable portion permits the movable member to move in the unlocking direction during a normal unlocking operation and is deformable to prevent movement of the movable member relative to the stationary member when subjected to excessive force applied in an attempt to move the movable member in the unlocking direction in other than a normal unlocking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: GE Security, Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk L. Bellamy, Jon Marc Luebeck
  • Patent number: 7637131
    Abstract: A cylinder lock device including: a body housing having a bore having a first end and a second end, with a direction of elongation defining an axial direction for the device; a rotatable cylindrical plug in the bore, the plug having an axially extending key slot from the first end; a plurality of tumbler pins deployed at least partially within the plug and displaceable by a key to enable rotation of the plug; and an opening mechanism comprising a shaft connected to a key emulator and wherein the key emulator is translatable into the key slot from within the body housing, the key emulator shaped to match and engage the plurality of tumbler pins, and adapted to displace the plurality of tumbler pins, thereby selectively enabling rotation of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Essence Security International Ltd.
    Inventor: Haim Amir
  • Patent number: 7634929
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder core (1) which can be mounted in a rotatable manner in a locking device, in particular of a storage compartment or of a glove compartment of a motor vehicle, and has a head region (6), which has a key channel (2) into which a key can be introduced, and a retaining region (7), which adjoins the head region (6) and is formed with a control means (8) which, when the cylinder core (1) is rotated about its axis of rotation (11), moves an arresting means, which is arranged in the locking device, for a closing and/or opening operation. The invention provides for the cylinder core (1) to have at least two material bodies (6, 7, 8), wherein a first material body (6, 7) is configured with the head region (6), which contains a first plastic, and a second material body (7, 8) is designed with the control means (8), which contains a second plastic, the second plastic having a higher strength than the first plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: HUF Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Kuhnke, Armin Geurden, Dirk Jacob
  • Patent number: 7530246
    Abstract: A wafer-type tumbler cylinder comprises a sleeve, a cylinder, some wafers and some springs. A shaft of the cylinder includes a first and a second semicircular columnar body. The first semicircular columnar body includes a front flange, a rear drive section and a U-shaped indentation at the inner lateral surface that provides for insertion into the second semicircular columnar body. On the first and second semicircular columnar bodies, one or more slots are disposed to fasten with the wafers. A relatively wider rectangular notch is disposed between the inner sides of every two slots, which are respectively installed with a wafer; only one spring is positioned in the wider rectangular notch, thereby serving as a shared spring for every two wafers. The material cost of a spring is saved; besides, it's able to prevent from prying effectively because a burglar cannot pry two wafers supported by a shared spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Cheng-Ju Yang
  • Publication number: 20080289379
    Abstract: A self-locking removable plug cylinder lock not requiring a key for the lock to be inserted into a latch aperture and secured in a locked position is provided. The lock includes a cylindrical tumbler-key plug and a locking pin positioned in a generally normal direction to an axial axis of the tumbler-key plug. The locking pin is operable to move in a generally radial inward direction without the use of a key when the plug lock is inserted into a latch aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Chateau Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Martin
  • Patent number: 7428836
    Abstract: A door lock includes a support seat having a recess for mounting a driven member, a control knob including a drive member rotatably mounted in the support seat to rotate the driven member and a rotation member to rotate the drive member and having an outer wall formed with an annular groove and a locking groove, and a locking pin mounted in the support seat and having a locking end selectively extended into the annular groove or the locking groove of the rotation member of the control knob. Thus, the door lock has a dead locking function to lock the door from inside to prevent the door from being unlocked from outside by a key or other tool so as to protect the user's safety inside of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventors: Zhen-Lin Yang, Sheng-Jan Yang, Mu-Gui Yang
  • Patent number: 7350382
    Abstract: A turnbuckle lock for use on a thin-walled door includes a locking tongue and actuating mechanism that are formed as one piece with one another. An inner seal disposed between the housing and actuating mechanism is formed by being sprayed onto the housing. The actuating member and the housing member enclosing the actuating mechanism are permanently connected to each other, and the inner seal is placed inside at least one free space formed on the actuating mechanism. The inner seal and outer seal also may be formed as a one-piece element. By the permanent connection of the housing and the component made up of the actuating mechanism and the locking tongue, it is ensured that the locking tongue cannot be detached from the actuating mechanism, so that the locking function of the turnbuckle lock is always provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: EMKA Beschlagteile GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rainer Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 7234330
    Abstract: A lock with an improved configuration comprises a housing and a cylindrical member mounted in the housing. A lock core is mounted in the cylindrical member. The lock is characterized in that the cylindrical member comprises either nine or eleven pin recesses at the front end, a disc and an engaging post having a dodecagonal section are mounted at the front end of the lock core, and the disc comprises nine through passages and three openings of different depths. Based on the configuration of the lock, the key to be inserted into the lock must have a dodecagonal inner passage to match the dodecagonal section of the engaging post of the lock. Because of the three openings of different depths, a thief cannot use specialized tools to explore the lock and unlock the lock. The number of codes of the lock is increased to keep the lock from being easily unlocked. The owner's property and privacy of are thus protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Camlock Systems, Ltd
    Inventor: Bao Hsin Tseng
  • Patent number: 7194876
    Abstract: A lock plug comprising a top end having a key way etched out of a solid wall, the key way leading to an interior of the lock plug housing a locking mechanism; and, a break away wall bordering a cavity carved out from the solid wall on a side of the key way, the break away wall forming a side of the key way. The locking mechanism in a lock plug usually employs the wafer technology and in this case, the interior of the lock plug includes a wafer cavity having wafers designed according to a particular key code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Western Hardware Company
    Inventors: Gayle E. Pacheco, Frank Glover, Tom Gulley
  • Patent number: 7146833
    Abstract: The description relates to a closing cylinder for closure devices comprising a cylindrical closing housing which can be received in a fixed manner in an opening formed by a handle, closure device or the like, a closing core (18) is rotatably mounted in this closing housing and is axially supported at one of its ends on the housing edge by an edge projection (20) and carries or forms a drive at its other end for a bolt or closure (124), wherein, according to the invention, the drive (124) is held at the end of the closing core (118) in a positive engagement so as to be exchangeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Dieter Ramsauer
  • Patent number: 7100408
    Abstract: A lock assembly includes a housing, a core assembly and a retainer. The housing includes a housing retainer groove located generally transverse to an axis defined by a bore through the housing, which corresponds with a core retainer groove. When the core assembly is mounted within the bore, the retainer grooves are aligned. The retainer is inserted into the grooves such that a bridge portion of the retainer is engaged by an engagement feature to secure the retainer and thereby mount the core assembly into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventor: Franklin T. Nakasone
  • Patent number: 7100409
    Abstract: The present invention provides a burglarproof lock core structure which forms a curved passage between a key slot of a plug and a lower pin chamber, such that at least a bending concave surface offsetting the center of the key slot is formed at one side, and cone apexes of a plurality of lower pins are extended out of the lower pin chamber and aligned in the wall edge of the key slot. Moreover, a control valve with a cone apex is located at the other end corresponding to the bending surface inside the key slot, such that a key with curvature corresponding to the passage and notches corresponding to the cone apexes is required to open the lock, thereby having the effect of high security of burglarproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Tsao-Chia Chang