Automatically Key Set Combinations Patents (Class 70/383)
  • Patent number: 12104404
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder with a cylinder body and a plug assembly. The lock cylinder includes a plurality of key followers and a corresponding plurality of racks disposed in the plug assembly. Disengaging the racks from the key followers allows rekeying of the lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: ASSA ABLOY Americas Residential Inc.
    Inventor: Hanna Farag
  • Patent number: 12006728
    Abstract: An anti-theft structure composed of a lock core composed of a lock core seat, a lock core shell, a push plate provided in a slide groove of the lock core shell, lock plates and washers alternately superimposedly provided in the lock core shell, a limiting plate and a positioning plate disposed on the lock core shell and placed in the lock core seat together with the shell, a latch lever, a brake bolt plate provided in an accommodating groove of the lock core seat, a compression spring provided in a groove of the lock core seat and pushing against the brake bolt plate, a positioning baffle provided in an accommodating chamber of the lock core seat and located at a bottom of the lock core shell, and a retaining ring embedded in a ring groove of the lock core seat; and a key provided with a ring groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Inventor: Yu-Pin Lin
  • Patent number: 10024079
    Abstract: A plug assembly including a plug, a sidebar movably mounted on the plug, and a plurality rack pins seated in the plug. The sidebar is biased to an outer position in which the sidebar extends beyond an outer surface, of the plug. Each rack pin is a single-piece unitary structure including a key-following leg and a sidebar-engaging leg. The sidebar engaging leg includes at least one true, gate and a plurality of false gates. When a true gate of each rack pin is aligned with the sidebar, the sidebar is free to move radially inward to an inner position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Brian E. Walls, Jason C. Clifford, Scott D. Welsby
  • Patent number: 9988828
    Abstract: A rekeyable master keyable lock includes a plurality of key followers, a plurality of user racks and a plurality of master racks. One user rack and one master rack are associated with each key follower and are configured to be selectively disengaged from, and reengaged with, the key follower. When the user racks are disenggaged from the key follower, the valid user key can be replaced with a new user key. Reengaging the user racks with the key followers rekeys the lock cylinder to the new user key and invalidates the original user key. Similar functionality applies to rekeying the master key. Either the user key or the master key can be rekeyed without rekeying the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark W. Emory
  • Patent number: 9758987
    Abstract: A self-learning lock cylinder assembly or lock tumbler and tools capable of teaching the self-learning key configuration of a pre-existing key is disclosed. The individual performing the self-learning does not need to have prior locksmith experience. The individual performing the self-learning procedure can verify that the original key and copies of the original key function properly within the lock cylinder prior to final assembly and installation in the lock through a self-learning test housing. The pre-installation testing eliminates problems associated with an incorrectly assembled lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: RB Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc McCann, Brandon Graver, Stephen R. Ide
  • Patent number: 9260884
    Abstract: A lock cylinder includes a cylinder housing with a upper pin hole set and a replacing opening, a cylinder body with a lower pin hole set, a upper locking pin set, a second locking pin set and a clip member. The cylinder body is movably disposed inside the cylinder housing. The upper locking pin set is disposed inside the upper pin hole set for engaging the cylinder housing and the cylinder body. The second locking pin set is disposed inside the lower pin hole set for disengaging the cylinder housing from the cylinder body. The clip member constrains the cylinder body from sliding on the cylinder housing in a first position, and does not constrains the cylinder body from sliding on the cylinder housing in a second position. The cylinder body slides to a replacing position for replacing the second locking pin set via the replacing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsung-Yu Li, Shih-Min Lu
  • Patent number: 9003845
    Abstract: Lock assembly and method of coding and recoding locks. Some embodiments of a lock include a housing, a lock cylinder, a plurality of tumblers, a plurality of codebars, and a sidebar. Some embodiments of a lock include a housing, a lock cylinder, a plurality of tumblers, a plurality of code blocks, a sidebar, and a codebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Lucas J. Boesel, Larry R. Grimmer
  • Patent number: 8893536
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body, a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body and an operation error preventing unit. The cylinder body has a plurality of upper pin holes and an accommodating hole. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of assembled rack components and a position block disposed within the plug body. The plug body has an outside wall, a keyhole, a plurality of lower pin holes and a first hole in communication with the outside wall and the keyhole. The assembled rack components are disposed at each of the lower pin holes of the plug body respectively. The operation error preventing unit comprises a first movable member disposed at the accommodating hole of the cylinder body and a second movable member disposed at the first hole of the plug body, and the first movable member may contact against the second movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • 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: 8794042
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Smartloc Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Patent number: 8770000
    Abstract: A lock with a programming device, includes a stator, a rotor rotatably inserted therein, a keyhole, a longitudinal groove, a set of key followers and a set of locking pins which, under control of a change bar, can be mutually engaged for normal operation and disengaged in a change condition, and can be moved or blocked under control of a stop bar provided with springs which stress the stop bar outwards. The change bar is arranged to keep or assume, even in the change condition, a position in which it retains the engagement among at least some of the key followers and locking pins. A change element displaces the change bar to the position in which it disengages all the key followers from the locking pins, when the user intends to proceed with the change of the key. A device for preventing a faulty programming is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Rielda Serrature s.r.l.
    Inventor: Alberto Loreti
  • Patent number: 8739587
    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 locking bar generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, the locking bar having an extension. A slide movably mounted to an end section of the plug body, the slide having a slot which selectively permits passage of the extension during a rekeying procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Kwikset Corporation
    Inventor: Henry Chen
  • Patent number: 8707746
    Abstract: A lock includes a housing having an axial space and multiple radial top pin holes. Multiple through holes are defined through the housing and located corresponding to the space. A core is located in the space and has multiple radial bottom pin holes which communicate with the top pin holes respectively. A key hole is defined in the first end of the core and a connection member is connected to the second end of the core. The key hole communicates with the bottom pin holes. The housing has a connection portion located corresponding to the connection member. The through holes are located alternatively to the bottom pin holes. When the bottom pin holes are rotated to the through holes and the core moves axially, the connection member is connected to the connection portion. The through holes communicate with the bottom pin holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Federal Lock Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tien-Kao Liu
  • Patent number: 8661865
    Abstract: A programmable cylinder lock includes a stator and a cylindrical rotor mounted therein, having a keyhole and including inside the rotor key followers movable along the longitudinal and transversal directions, and locking pins movable along the longitudinal direction, the followers and locking pins forming together a number of pairs and having toothings for mutually cooperating to define the lock codification, the rotor including a stop bar cooperating with a longitudinal groove of the stator and cooperating with the locking pins, and a change bar slidingly coupled with the followers to keep them engaged with the pins and disengage them therefrom when the bar provides a lock programming position. The bar has projections facing the keyhole, and the use key has corresponding recesses to face the projections when correctly inserted in the lock, whereas the change key has a longitudinal groove extending in a position corresponding to the use key recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rielda Serrature s.r.l.
    Inventor: Alberto Loreti
  • Patent number: 8661863
    Abstract: A programmable cylinder lock includes a stator and a cylindrical rotor, mounted therein for rotation around its own axis, has a keyhole, and comprising inside the rotor key followers movable along the longitudinal and transversal directions, and locking pins movable along the longitudinal direction, the followers and locking pins forming together a number of pairs and having toothings for mutually cooperating to define the lock codification, the rotor including a stop bar cooperating with a longitudinal groove of the stator and cooperating with the pins to immobilize them, and a change bar slidingly coupled with the followers to keep them engaged with the pins and to disengage them therefrom when the bar provides a lock programming position. The followers have a projection which engages a side surface of the key and, at the contact of a normal use key, prevents the transversal displacement of the key and the change bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rielda Serrature S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alberto Loreti
  • Patent number: 8656747
    Abstract: A kit for a master keying system includes a plurality of replacement master racks. A rack removal key is provided for insertion into a keyway. The rack removal key has a first cut defining a first lift amount. A rack removal tool is provided for insertion into the keyway. The rack removal tool has a second cut defining a second lift amount, wherein the second lift amount is greater than the first lift amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kwikset Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 8646298
    Abstract: A key for opening multiple axial pin locks has a base member with an indexing element and a number of lock pins, configured to match the keyways of the locks. The key has a microprocessor with access to information on the pin configuration for each lock to be opened, and the lock pins are selectively positioned along the base member to match the configuration of a key for a particular lock in response to the user entering an identification code for that lock. The lock pins can slidably engage recessed tracks in the base member, which serve to direct the lock pins parallel to an axis of the base member. A pin latching mechanism can be provided to secure the lock pins in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Peter J. Lessels
  • Patent number: 8561444
    Abstract: A programmable cylinder lock includes a stator and a cylindrical rotor, mounted therein for rotation around its own axis and having a keyhole, a number of key followers movable along their own longitudinal and transversal directions, intended to cooperate with a key inserted into the keyhole, a number of locking pins movable along their own longitudinal direction, the key followers and locking pins forming together a number of pairs and having toothings cooperating to define the lock codification, the rotor including a stop bar cooperating with a longitudinal groove of the stator and having projections cooperating with notches of the locking pins to immobilize them when the stop bar engages them, and a change bar slidingly coupled with the key followers to normally keep them engaged with the locking pins and to disengage them therefrom when the change bar provides a lock programming position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Rielda Serrature s.r.l.
    Inventor: Alberto Loreti
  • Patent number: 8490446
    Abstract: A programmable lock cylinder assembly including a lock housing and a cylinder plug including a keyway extending therein. At least one locking member is moveable in the cylinder plug between a locked position wherein the cylinder plug is rotationally locked relative to the housing and an unlocked position wherein the cylinder plug is rotational relative to the housing. A plurality of pin sets are positioned in the cylinder plug. Each pin set includes a keyway pin component and a locking pin component and is positioned such that a portion of each keyway pin component extends across the keyway. The pin components are selectively engagable. A re-combinating member is engaged with one of the components of each pin set and is moveable between a first position wherein the keyway pin components are engaged with the locking pin components and a second position wherein the keyway pin components are disengaged from the locking pin components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company
    Inventors: Ajeya S. Rao, Mahesh Vithalrao Grampurohit
  • Patent number: 8448484
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a plurality of first rack components, a plurality of second rack components and a guide bar having a first surface engaged with the first rack components. The second rack components are movable via contacting against a first matched key which is inserted in a first direction. The guide bar has a second surface, a first side, a second side, and a tool-receiving portion recessed into the first side. The tool-receiving portion is parallel to the first direction, and the first rack components are actuated by the guide bar via acting force applied by the rekeying tool accommodated in the tool-receiving portion therefore enabling the first rack components to move in a transverse direction relative to the first direction and disengaging the first rack components from the second rack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8438890
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Goal Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsunori Miyake
  • Patent number: 8424349
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Jesse A. Marcelle, Dean A. Paulson
  • Patent number: 8347678
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder assembly includes at least one lock cylinder and a mortise lock adapter. Each lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A locking bar is disposed in the cylinder body for movement transverse to, and rotationally about, the longitudinal axis. A plug assembly having a tool receiving aperture is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A plurality of pins and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. A first member is moveable in response to application of a force by a tool received through the aperture to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of pins. The mortise lock adapter includes a housing configured for receiving the cylinder body of the lock cylinder. A mortise lock actuator is coupled to the plug assembly of the lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 8316676
    Abstract: A re-keyable cylinder lock has a control member to permit or restrict transverse movement of a re-keying unit. The control member is movable axially between first and second positions and transversely to a third position from the second position. In the third position, the re-keying unit moves transversely and disengages from first tumbler pieces. A limit member is provided to prevent the control member from moving axially when no right key is inserted into a plug. A security arm is connected to the control member and is breakable so that destructive forces cannot reach the control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Tong Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Liang Chiang, Ju-Lin Yang, Cheng-Chung Liu, Kun-Chen Lee, Song-Gen Shyu, Ching-Chuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 8291735
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a lock cylinder body having an interior void and a plug assembly rotatably disposed in the lock cylinder body. The plug assembly includes a plug body having a keyway. A plurality of racks is movably disposed relative to the plug body. A plurality of key followers is positioned across the keyway and is moveably disposed relative to the plug body. Each key follower is configured to engage a respective rack of the plurality of racks. A key follower rotation member is drivably engaged with each key follower of the plurality of key followers. The key follower rotation member is selectively movable to rotate each key follower of the plurality of key followers to thereby disengage each key follower of the plurality of key followers from the respective rack of the plurality of racks to facilitate a keying of the rekeyable lock cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventor: Gerry Damikolas
  • Patent number: 8161783
    Abstract: A quickly rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a position block disposed at the plug body, a first rack group and a second rack group. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis vertical to the longitudinal axis and a rekeying tool opening. The first rack group has a plurality of first rack components. The second rack group may push the position block to move and has a plurality of second rack components in engagement with the first rack components and at least one tool-receiving portion pushed by the rekeying tool. The second rack components can move along transverse axis of the plug body to release engagement with the first rack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8151611
    Abstract: A key-removable lock core that is retained in a core receptacle by a retaining lug, and which can operated by an operating key to align the pins of the pin chambers for shear at the operating shear line, and to allow the key plug to be rotated, and which employs a control tool with the operating key for manipulating the pins into alignment for shear at the control shear line, to allow the sleeve and the key plug together to be rotated, to move the retaining lug on the sleeve between a projected position in which the lug is engaged behind a rearward-facing shoulder in the core receptacle to retain the core in the receptacle, and a retracted position within the profile of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: JaNaKa Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Patent number: 8117876
    Abstract: A programmable lock cylinder assembly comprising a lock housing and a cylinder plug mounted for rotation within the housing. A set of rack pins are positioned in the cylinder plug and moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A set of tongue pins are positioned in the cylinder plug and extend across the keyway. Each tongue pin is selectively engagable with a respective rack pin. A re-combinating member is engaged with the tongue pins and moveable between a first position wherein the tongue pins are engaged with the rack pins and a second position wherein the tongue pins are disengaged from the rack pins. A reset actuator is positioned within the cylinder plug and moveable between an engaged position wherein the re-combinating member position is locked relative to the cylinder plug and a non-engaged position wherein the re-combinating member position is moveable relative to the cylinder plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Schlage Lock Company LLC
    Inventor: Sajil John Mathachan
  • Patent number: 8109122
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: JaNaKa Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Patent number: 8099988
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a plug assembly and a lock cylinder. The plug assembly includes a plug body, a plurality of key followers, a plurality of racks, and a rack carrier that carriers the plurality of racks. The rack carrier is moveable relative to the plug body between a proximal end and a distal end. A cam follower extends outwardly from the rack carrier. The lock cylinder body includes a cylinder wall with the plug assembly rotatably disposed therein, and has a cam track configured on the cylinder wall at an interior surface to guide the cam follower of the plug assembly. The cam track has a ramp portion configured to longitudinally displace the cam follower and the rack carrier as the plug assembly is rotated relative to the lock cylinder body to facilitate selective disengagement of the plurality of racks from the plurality of key followers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventor: Graham J. Wheatland
  • Patent number: 8096155
    Abstract: A lock cylinder is provided and includes an outer cylinder having a bore, an inner cylinder rotatably disposed within the bore, and a pin assembly disposed within the inner and outer cylinders. The pin assembly is operable to selectively lock the inner cylinder relative to the outer cylinder. The pin assembly includes an upper shear cylinder positionable relative to the outer cylinder and a lower shear cylinder positionable relative to the inner cylinder. The upper and lower shear cylinders are movable to define a first shear line therebetween. In addition, the pin assembly includes an upper pin slidable within the upper shear cylinder and a lower pin slidable within the lower shear cylinder, whereby the upper and lower pins define a second shear line therebetween. The lock cylinder is positionable from a locked position to an unlocked position when the first shear line is aligned with the second shear line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Alston E. Williams
  • 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: 8056378
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body, a plug, an adjusting block and a plurality of rack component assemblies. The plug disposed within the cylinder body has a trench and a plurality of rack component runners communicating with the trench. The adjusting block disposed at the trench has an arc sidewall, a plurality of leading slots corresponding to the rack component runners one by one and a position groove recessed from the arc sidewall. The position groove has a notch portion and a groove inner portion, wherein a depth of the groove inner portion is larger than a depth of the notch portion. Each of the rack component assemblies comprises a first rack component disposed at the rack component runner and a second rack component capable of engaging with the first rack component. Each of the first rack components has a rib portion located at the leading slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8033150
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a longitudinal axis. A plug assembly is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotatable between a first position and a second position, the plug assembly having a lock face with a tool receiving aperture. A plurality of key followers and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. The plurality of racks is selectively engageable with the plurality of key followers. A first member is coupled to the plurality of racks. The first member is moveable in response to application of a force against the first member by a tool received through the tool receiving aperture. The first member is configured to simultaneously disengage all of the plurality of racks from the plurality of key followers in response to the movement of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7980106
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of pin assemblies and a guide bar. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a tool-receiving hole. Each of the pin assemblies is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The guide bar is coupled to the plug body and has a plurality of pin runners for engaging with the first rack components and a tool-receiving portion exposed by the tool-receiving hole. The guide bar is capable of moving along transverse axis-direction of the plug body to disengage the first rack components from the second rack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7980104
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body, a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body and at least one adjusting member. The cylinder body has an inside wall, the plug assembly comprises a plug body having a plurality of pin holes and an opening, a plurality of assembled pins disposed within the pin holes of the plug body and a position block disposed in the plug body. Each of the assembled pins comprises a first rack component having an aligning cavity and a second rack component engaged with the first rack component. The position block has a plurality of pin runners served for disposing the first rack components and a tool-receiving hole corresponding to the opening. The adjusting member is movably disposed within one of the pin holes of the plug body and contacts against at least one first rack component and the inside wall of the cylinder body thereby forming a position difference between the tool-receiving hole and the aligning cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 7975518
    Abstract: A re-keyable cylinder lock includes a plug inserted into a lock housing and having a plurality of radial holes connected to a key hole. The lock housing has a first engaging element provided in an inner surface thereof. A limit unit has a second engaging element and is inserted into one of the radial holes located at a predetermined depth of the key hole. The first engaging element engages the second engaging element to limit the plug from rotating when a replacement key which is inserted into the key hole for re-keying does not reach a predetermined depth of the key hole. Incomplete re-keying can therefore be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Tong Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Liang Chiang, Ju-Lin Yang, Rong-Faa Wu, Ching-Chuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 7958759
    Abstract: A key-removable lock core that is retained in a core receptacle by a retaining lug, and which can operated by an operating key to align the pins of the pin chambers for shear at the operating shear line, and to allow the key plug to be rotated, and which employs a control tool with the operating key for manipulating the pins into alignment for shear at the control shear line, to allow the sleeve and the key plug together to be rotated, to move the retaining lug on the sleeve between a projected position in which the lug is engaged behind a rearward-facing shoulder in the core receptacle to retain the core in the receptacle, and a retracted position within the profile of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: JaNaKa Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Patent number: 7937976
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of assembled pins and a position block. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis vertical to the longitudinal axis, a keyhole and a first through hole. Each of the assembled pins is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The position block disposed at the plug body has a plurality of pin runners used for disposing the first rack components, a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole and a tool-contacting surface located within the second through hole. The position block can move along the transverse axis-direction of the plug body to make each of the first rack components reengage with each of the second rack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7905125
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: JaNaKa Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Patent number: 7900491
    Abstract: A lock cylinder has a reset condition wherein the lock cylinder can be put into a “learn” mode. In the “learn” mode, the original key can be removed and replaced by replacement key and, when the replacement key is removed, the lock cylinder 10 is rekeyed to the new key. The original key no longer operates the rekeyed lock cylinder 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7878036
    Abstract: A lock cylinder having a keyway includes a first plurality of guide channels. A plurality of cup-shaped pins is movably disposed within the first plurality of guide channels. Each cup-shaped pin of the plurality of cup-shaped pins extends across the keyway. Each cup-shaped pin of the plurality of cup-shaped pins has an engagement protrusion. The first plurality of guide channels conform to the shape of the plurality of cup-shaped pins to allow movement of the plurality of cup-shaped pins in a first direction while restraining movement transverse to the first direction. A plurality of biasing springs is positioned to bias the plurality of cup-shaped pins in a direction toward the keyway. A plurality of racks is movably disposed in a second plurality of guide channels. Each rack of the plurality of racks has at least one engagement groove to selectively receive the engagement protrusion of a respective cup-shaped pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7874191
    Abstract: A cylinder lock includes a lock housing receiving a plug assembly that has a key hole, tumbler pieces having respective toothed parts, and a re-keying unit. The re-keying unit has rotatable gear wheels engaged releasably with the respective toothed parts to reposition the respective tumbler pieces. The gear wheels disengage from the respective tooth parts by moving transversely of a longitudinal axis of the lock housing. Re-keying methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Tong Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Liang Chiang, Ju-Lin Yang, Po-Yang Chen, Kun-Chen Lee, Rong-Faa Wu, Ching Chuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 7836739
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder structure comprises a shell, a plug assembly and a plurality of pin groups. The shell has a hollow cylindrical portion and defines a central axis. The plug assembly is disposed within the hollow cylindrical portion of the shell and comprises a plug body and a sliding block. The plug body has a front section, a driving portion, a middle section connecting the front section and the driving portion, a coupling cavity recessed from the front section and the middle section and a plurality of lower pin holes formed in the middle section and communicating with the coupling cavity. The sliding block, which is disposed at the coupling cavity of the plug body and able to move parallel to the central axis of the shell, has a plurality of pin-sliding grooves and a keyhole communicating with the pin-sliding grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lien-Hsi Huang, Ping-Hung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7634930
    Abstract: Lock assembly and method of coding and recoding locks. Some embodiments of a lock include a housing, a lock cylinder, a plurality of tumblers, a plurality of codebars, and a sidebar. Some embodiments of a lock include a housing, a lock cylinder, a plurality of tumblers, a plurality of code blocks, a sidebar, and a codebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: STRATTEC Security Corporation
    Inventors: Lucas J. Boesel, Larry R. Grimmer
  • Patent number: 7628048
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of assembled pins, a position block and a rotating member. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a first through hole. Each of the assembled pins is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The position block is disposed at the plug body and has a plurality of pin runners for disposing the first rack components and a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7624606
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of pin assemblies and a guide bar. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a tool-receiving hole. Each of the pin assemblies is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The guide bar is coupled to the plug body and has a plurality of pin runners for engaging with the first rack components and a tool-receiving portion exposed by the tool-receiving hole. The guide bar is capable of moving along transverse axis-direction of the plug body to disengage the first rack components from the second rack components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20090277239
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: SAJIL JOHN MATHACHAN
  • Patent number: 7584635
    Abstract: A multifunctional lock comprises a lock shell (1), a lock bar (3), movable tooth pieces (4), a support (5) for sliding blocks, sliding blocks (6) and a guide slot unit (8) for the insertion of a key. Wherein, an elastic element is provided between the lock bar and the support, the sliding blocks at least partially extend into the keyway of the unit. When the lock is unlocked, a projection of the unit has two operating positions, in one of which the projection is received into the cut of the shell and the upper teeth of the tooth pieces disengage from the bottom teeth of the sliding blocks, in another it is out of the cut and the upper teeth engage with the bottom teeth. The key of the lock can be changed many times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Malafon Electronic (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Vincent Gan, Yang Shen
  • Publication number: 20090217720
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman