Abstract: A rekeyable cylinder (1) comprising a stator (2) provided with a substantially cylindrical receptacle (3) for a rotor (4). The rotor (4) and the stator (2) are affected by channels (5) for at least one respective pin, movable so that it can slide in them in contrast to respective elastic means. The simultaneous arrangement of the pins partly in the rotor (4) and partly in the stator (2) determines the locking of the rotor (4), and the alignment of a terminal edge of the pins with the interface surface between stator (2) and rotor (4), obtained through the insertion of an adapted key (7) with a contoured profile into an opening (6) of the rotor (4) that faces the channels (5), determines the free rotation of the rotor (4) with respect to the stator (2).

Abstract: A key mechanism comprises a rack and an external force key member, the lower part of the rack disposed with a transmission pinion on one side and ratchet means on the other side. The ratchet means comprises a first ratchet and a second ratchet arranged consecutively to one another from the top down. The rack is provided with a first step and a second step arranged consecutively to one another from the top down. An elastic retaining member is mounted on the ratchet-side of the rack, and a rack returning spring and key returning spring are respectively mounted on the rack and the external force key member. The elastic retaining member is brought into clamp connection with the first or second ratchet in the lower part under the press action on the external force key member. The key mechanism increases the range of possible password settings of the code lock.

Abstract: A cylinder lock includes elongated elliptical-shaped accommodation holes for accommodating auxiliary tumblers formed on an inner cylinder, and a set/reset member which is capable of freely sliding in the inner cylinder and which is pushed by two control members each having a respective stroke length, so that the auxiliary tumblers are interposed between upper tumblers and lower tumbler and moved aside from between the upper and lower tumblers, thereby enabling changing of keys for locking and unlocking the cylinder lock. Minutely, for the setting operation, the set/reset member is pushed into by a short stroke to cause the auxiliary tumblers to be accommodated into the accommodation holes and moved along the accommodation holes and held there. For the reset operation, the set/reset member is pushed into by along stroke to move the auxiliary tumblers to the side of the upper tumbler bores of the outer cylinder.

Abstract: A locking device for securing a structure comprising an inner body having an inner surface for attachment to the structure, an outer cover located circumferentially about the inner body, the outer cover freely rotating around the inner body in its securing configuration and a key for insertion into an opening in the outer body. First and second magnets are located in spaced apart first and second cavities within the key such that the magnets are oriented with the south pole of the first magnet and the north pole of the second magnet facing in the same direction. The magnets act on a pin within the body of the lock such that, in a first embodiment, when the key is removed from the lock body the pin is magnetically held away from contact with the inner body resulting in a free turning, locked configuration.

Abstract: A key-operated cylinder lock for operating a bolt or a latch, that can be programmed for use with one of a plurality of user keys without disassembling the lock or replacing the tumblers, with reduction or elimination of incidental or accidental re-keying of the lock. The lock has a rotating plug having one or more retainer cavities formed into the periphery, and lock configuration change balls, movable within the lock between a first position within a driver chamber and a second position within a corresponding retainer cavity when the plug is in a programming position. The positioning of the change balls within either the pin chambers or the retainer cavities determines the key configuration that can operate the lock. The lock employs a means for isolating selectively the retainer cavities from the corresponding driver chambers when the plug is in the programming position, to prevent incidental or accidental movement of the change members from the driver chamber into the retainer cavities.

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.

Abstract: A key-operated lock that can be programmed for use with one of a plurality of user keys without disassembling the lock or replacing the tumblers, that employs a programming key and an integral change tool to effect the lock programming. The lock can be configured to permit or to prevent use of the user key to program or reconfigure the lock. The lock is typically manually latched or bolted into a locked configuration. The integral change tooling simplifies the lock programming operation, and avoids the need for carrying a separate change tool.

Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a plug body with a keyway opening along a longitudinal axis and a multiple of channels transverse to the axis. A rekeying feature located adjacent to the keyway opening.

Abstract: A key-operated cylinder lock for operating a bolt or a latch, that can be programmed for use with one of a plurality of user keys without disassembling the lock or replacing the tumblers, with reduction or elimination of incidental or accidental re-keying of the lock. The lock has a rotating plug having one or more retainer cavities formed into the periphery, and lock configuration change balls, movable within the lock between a first position within a driver chamber and a second position within a corresponding retainer cavity when the plug is in a programming position. The positioning of the change balls within either the pin chambers or the retainer cavities determines the key configuration that can operate the lock. The lock employs a means for isolating selectively the retainer cavities from the corresponding driver chambers when the plug is in the programming position, to prevent incidental or accidental movement of the change members from the driver chamber into the retainer cavities.

Abstract: A master key system and method for a reprogrammable lock cylinder with at least one first master pin and one second master pin. The first and second master pins have different bitting configurations. The master key system includes at least a first array of change key cuts corresponding to an input key bitting array and sequence of progression and at least two master key cuts corresponding to the input key bitting array and sequence of progression and each of the change key cuts. The system further comprises at least one master pin matrix including a master pin sequence for each change key cut and at least one rekey matrix including a rekey cut for each change key. Each master pin sequence represents a sequence of master pins configured to achieve the respective change key cut and the at least two master key cuts.

Abstract: A lock and key set in which the lock includes a cylinder rotatable in a barrel which barrel is rotatable to actuate the latch wherein the cylinder incorporates a laterally spring biased bar which includes slots or projections adapted to engage with corresponding slots or projections on the keys so that the bar can be aligned in one of three positions in which its ends are within the diameter of the cylinder or one of each end of the bar projects beyond the cylinder to engage with the barrel. This is applicable to pin tumbler locks and locks of the type in which a latch means is actued by movement of actuating members through associated slots in latch elements there being two sets of latch elements such that when the slots in each set of elements are aligned, the actuating members can pass through. One set of latch elements are positioned by a setting key and the other set are positioned by a corresponding access key.

Abstract: A changeable lock assembly suitable for re-keying a lock without disassembly of the lock. The assembly includes a housing having a bore therein, and a plug rotatably mounted in the bore. The plug includes a longitudinal axis and a keyway. The keyway is adapted to receive at least a first user key and a second user key. The lock further includes a change member movable within the lock between a first position to a second position. The change member can move solely in response to operation of the second key. Thus, when the change member is in the first position, the first key operates the lock, and when the change member is in the second position, the first key does not operate the lock. The lock assembly can also employ a change tool that, when inserted into a change slot, can move a change ball from the second position back to the first position.

Abstract: A cylinder lock has a first tumbler, a second tumbler and a third tumbler all received in a hollow cylindrical housing. The first tumbler is selectively rotatable relative to the second tumbler and the second tumbler together with the first tumbler is selectively rotatable to the third tumbler. By pressing downward the actuating pin, a rearrangement between first tumbler pins and second tumbler pins by relative rotation of the first tumbler to the second tumbler adapts to a different key.

Abstract: In a locking system constituted by a housing, a slider provided in the housing and including magnetic lock pins, and a pair of plates provided in the housing so that a magnetic card key can be inserted between the plates, a lock setting changing unit is configured such that a disc rotatable to change magnetic lock setting is inserted into at least one circular recess portion of a slider, the disc is provided with engagement means for preventing a setting tool from being relieved in the middle of changing the magnetic lock setting, the setting tool is inserted into a center hole of the rotatable disc, and after the disc is rotated by the setting tool so that the magnetic lock setting can be changed into a new magnetic lock setting position, the setting tool is allowed to be relieved from the disc.

Abstract: A lock has a flat key having a flat blade extending along a key axis and having an axially extending edge formed to each side of a central axially extending key plane with a pair of axially extending inner edge surfaces flanking the key plane and each formed with a plurality of bits offset transversely at different spacings from the key axis. The bits on one side of the key plane are offset axially to the bits on the other side of the key plane as described above. A barrel having an inner surface centered on a lock axis holds a plug rotatable about the lock axis in the barrel, bisected by a plug plane including the lock axis, and formed with an axially extending and open key hole adapted to receive the key with the axes coaxial and the planes coplanar. A respective set of axially spaced tumblers is dis-placeable in the plug to each side of the plug plane parallel to the plug plane. The tumblers of one of the sets engage the key in the hole at locations offset axially from the tumblers of the other set.

Abstract: The present apparatus provides an adjustable key-type spring pin lock cylinder. The spring pin lock cylinder includes a lock core (1), a first core sleeve (2), and a second core sleeve (3). At the rear section of the lock core, two depressions, each with a countersink on one side, are made. Two steel balls (4) are respectively placed into the depressions. On the rear cover (5) of the lock, there are two through-holes in which the press rods (6) and the springs (7) are placed. By turning the adjusting lever (10) on the supporting stand (9), either key may be selected to open the lock or only one of the two keys can open the lock.

Abstract: A lock system has lock cylinders (5) in which the rotor (9) is lodged as usual in the cylinder housing, (11) as well as lock cylinders (6) in which the rotor (10) is rotated through 180.degree. about its longitudinal axis relative to the other rotors (9). The security keys for the lock system are flat keys and not turning keys and, in the event that these are priority keys, have two completely independent key codes. The invention also provides a further possibility for increasing the number of variations of the lock and thus for increasing its security.

Abstract: A barrel lock includes a circumferential axial pin tumbler arrangement housed in the barrel. A removable pilot post is disposed among the tumblers and has key-guides which register with mating key-guides on an actuating key. To change the lock combination, the lock can be reassembled with the pilot post located in a new rotational orientation relative to the tumbler arrangement. A particular application includes locking merchandise compartments in vending machines, for example.

Abstract: A cylinder lock is capable of providing a changeable keyway by means of elongated warding members which are insertable into a keyway access slot which has a cross-sectional configuration larger than for a desired key. There may be one or more warding members which are insertable into the plug and extend the length of the keyway access lot to define the cross-sectional area of a desired key.

Abstract: A key holding system comprises one or more locks responsive to key codes stored by a programmable key to enable the selective operation of that lock. The key is programmed by a key programmer carried by the key holder or installed in a vehicle. A database of key codes related to individual locks is maintained at a remote station and the code required by the key to operate a particular lock is communicated, subject to any required validation, e.g., as to the identity of the key holder, to the key programmer. Various methods of increasing security of the system are disclosed.

Abstract: A lock apparatus includes a lock provided with a cylindrical plug having a set of blind holes angularly spaced from the set of pinways in the plug. A longitudinal slot through the center of the blind holes accepts a programming member that lifts one or more master pins out of the blind holes and into housing pinways when the lock is unlocked with a master key and the plug is rotated into a rekeying position to align the blind holes with the housing pinways. The programming member has a hole or notch near its front end to facilitate removal when the lock is unlocked and the plug is in the rekeying position. The programming member may be in the form of a set blade or a set rod, and may be reversible end-to-end to provide additional rekeying combinations.

Abstract: An adjustable and encodible lock for room doors, safe deposit boxes or the like, under utilization of two separate lock structures includes two separate sets of tumblers possibly arranged vertically one above each other; a main slide coupled to an existing lock cylinder or to the common lock or latch or both, the main slide has two follower pins (13b and 13c); the upper tumbler system may be aligned with a cylinder axis of an existing lock; the lower tumbler system is then axially aligned with a latch handle and a lock disk for locking and unlocking the main slide; two control slides (21, 22) are respectively associated with the separate two lock and tumbler sets and are respectively provided with cutouts (21c, 22c) for engagements with the two follower pins; a first one of the tumbler set is provided for being operated by a customer key, the other one of the sets is provided for operation by a management key; each tumbler of the first set has funnel shaped control cutouts; and an intermediate slide is provid

Abstract: A lock apparatus includes a lock provided with a cylindrical plug having a keyway widened to form a slot adjacent the bottom surface of the plug for receiving a master pin from a top pinway of the lock. The slot has shoulders at the opposite ends thereof to prevent removal of the master pin from the lock. If the lock has been assembled, the plug is removed to facilitate forming the slot, removing any ribs that are at the bottom of the keyway and inserting a master pin between the driver pin and the tumbler pin in a first one of the pinways.A transfer key has bittings for positioning the master pin in the top portion of the first pinway with the bottom of the master pin aligned with the shear interface. A transfer tool is slidable relative to the transfer key on the side thereof opposite to the bittings and has a cut for receiving the master pin from the first pinway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder lock including a number of locking discs (4) turnable by means of the key (8) of the lock and separated from each other by intermediate discs (5) and provided with a key opening (6) and with a peripheral notch (7), and a locking bar (3) which, when the lock is in the locking position, prevents turning of the set of discs and force transmission from the key (8).

Abstract: A key operated lock having a handle member slidably and rotatably operating within a rose member secured in a door, the rose having a bore therethrough in which a lock cylinder is rotatably mounted but restrained against axial displacement and has an axially displaceable and rotatably mounted latch actuator operably engageable with the handle by a key insertable into the handle transversely to the rotational axis. The lock cylinder has fixed wards extending toward the handle and key member which in the proper position of the key are in alignment with holes in the key which permit interlocking of the handle via the key with the lock cylinder for simultaneous rotation.

Abstract: This device comprises a housing having a circular keyway, and a key having a cylindrical light-transmissive shank insertable into the keyway to energize a lamp, which directs light longitudinally along the shank and radially outwardly through a plurality of openings in the annular wall of the shank and onto a plurality of light pipes which are secured in openings formed in the key housing to open on the keyway at axially and angularly spaced points therealong. The opposite ends of the light pipes confront upon light-sensitive elements which form part of an electrical control circuit that produces an output which unlocks the device, when all of the light sensitive elements are energized, but which energizes an alarm if less or more than all of the light sensitive elements are energized.

Abstract: A lock particularly for safe doors, of the multiple rotatable tumbler type, but adapted to be operated by a key, the "combination" of the lock being set by the key proper and being alterable at will by changing the relative arrangement of its bits.A key with changeable bits for use with the said lock is also described.

Abstract: A mechanical magnetic key operated door lock structure particularly adapted for use in hotel locksets. An occupancy indicator is incorporated in the lock structure to indicate that the lockset is locked from the inside, thus insuring privacy for the hotel guest. In addition, means operable from outside the lock structure is provided for changing the combination of the lock so that a newly arriving guest may be provided with a key having a different combination from that used by the previous guest.

Abstract: A lock system has an elongated key provided with a plurality of permanent magnets spaced axially and angularly apart along the key in a predetermined magnet array. A cylinder having no moving parts defines a passage generally complementary to this key and provided with a plurality of magnetic-field detectors at least some of which are arrayed to be in line with the magnets of the key when it is inserted into the passage. An electronic circuit is connected to these detectors and to an electrically operable latch and is programmed to open the latch when those detectors that are in line with the permanent magnets change state in a manner indicating that they are juxtaposed with the respective magnets, but not when one or more detectors out of line with the magnet array are similarly subjected to a magnetic field.

Abstract: In a magnetic lock of the type having at least one tumbler pin pivotally supported on a mounting plate and a locking plate having an opening arranged to receive one end of the tumbler pin when an opposite end of such pin is attracted by a permanent magnet device carried by a key, the improvement wherein the opposite end of the tumbler pin is formed with a transversely enlarged head portion and the mounting plate is formed with abutment devices arranged to engage with the head portion to insure that the one end of the tumbler pin accurately "points" towards the opening of the locking plate.