Automatically Key Set Combinations Patents (Class 70/383)
  • Patent number: 7533550
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: EZ Change Lock Company
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Patent number: 7526935
    Abstract: This invention is to provide a method for rekeying a rekeyable lock cylinder. The first step of entire rekeying process is to insert a first user key into a keyhole of a sliding block of a plug assembly and turn the first user key to rotate the plug assembly, then a thrust is added to the first user key to move the sliding block of the plug assembly, thereby disengaging a plurality of upper locking pieces and a plurality of lower locking pieces within a plurality of lower pin sets. Next, after pulling out the first user key from the keyhole, a second user key is inserted into the keyhole of the sliding block and turned to restore the sliding block as to reengage the upper locking pieces and the lower locking pieces. Finally, the second user key is pulled out to complete the entire rekeying process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lien-Hsi Huang, Ping-Hung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7448239
    Abstract: A lock assembly has a housing, a lock cylinder, an adjusting block and multiple rack assemblies. The adjusting block is slidably received in the lock cylinder and has a wedge side facing the lock cylinder and a plurality of first wedge elements formed on the wedge side. The rack assemblies are slidably received respectively in the lock cylinder. Each rack assembly has a rack element, an adjusting base and a resilient member arranged between the rack element and the adjusting base. Each rack element and each adjusting base have a plurality teeth formed thereon and detachably engaged each other respectively. Each rack element has a second wedge element that is selectively engaged or disengaged from one of the first wedge elements on the adjusting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7448240
    Abstract: A lock assembly has a housing, a lock cylinder, an adjusting block and an adjusting assembly. The adjusting block is slidably on the lock cylinder and has a wedge side facing the lock cylinder and a plurality of first wedge elements formed on the wedge side. The adjusting assembly is mounted in the lock cylinder and has multiple adjustable rack assemblies mounted in the lock cylinder. Each rack assembly has a rack element and an adjusting base. The rack element selectively abuts with a corresponding one of the lock pins and has a second wedge element selectively engaging one of the first wedge elements on the adjusting block. The adjusting base selectively engages the rack element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Taiwan Fu Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Huang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 7434431
    Abstract: A rekeyable 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 is disposed in the cylinder body and is rotateable between a first position and a second position. The plug assembly has a lock face with a tool receiving aperture. A plurality of pins and a corresponding plurality of racks are disposed in the plug assembly. The plurality of racks is selectively engageable with the plurality of pins. A first member coupled to the plurality of racks 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 pins in response to the movement of the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7424815
    Abstract: A reprogrammable lock comprises a rotor (2) mounted rotatably inside a stator (1). In the rotor (2) are mounted key reading plates (3) to read the coding profile (8b, 9b) of a user/programming key (8, 9), locking plates (4) that can couple with the key reading plates (3) and are adapted to block rotation of the rotor (2) with respect to the stator (1), two lateral inserts (6) integral with the locking plates (4) and provided with an arched surface (6b) adapted to slide on the inner surface of the stator (1), and a rotation stopping plate (10) free from the locking plates (4) to block rotation of the rotor (2) with respect to the stator (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Giussani Techniques S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco Pagnoncelli
  • Patent number: 7322219
    Abstract: A keying system includes a cylinder body. A plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body includes a plug body and a carrier sub-assembly disposed adjacent the plug body. The carrier sub-assembly is moveable parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder body between a first position and a second position. The plug assembly includes a plurality of pins and a plurality of racks for selectively engaging the plurality of pins. Each rack of the plurality of racks has a first locking bar-receiving groove along a neutral axis and at least a second locking bar-receiving groove spaced from the neutral axis, wherein a spacing of the second locking bar-receiving groove from the neutral axis of a first rack of the plurality of racks is different from a spacing of the second locking bar-receiving groove from the neutral axis of at least one other of the plurality of racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7308811
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a lock keying system comprising: a lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating the plurality of pins; and a rack alignment tool receiving aperture defined by the lock cylinder; and a rack alignment tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position the corresponding one of the plurality of racks, the first predetermined position common to each of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to the base plate, wherein the rack alignment tool is adapted to restrain a carrie
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steve Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7290418
    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. The lock operates with a user key so that the lock plug turns only in one direction to unlatch or unbolt, and can not operate or rotate in the opposite direction. The lock also cannot be programmed or reconfigured with an operable user key. The lock is typically manually latched or bolted into a locked configuration. The lock is configured to permit rotation in the opposite direction only when using a programming key, which can reconfigure or program the lock for use with another user key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: EZ Change Lock Company, LLC
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Patent number: 7234331
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a plug body and carrier sub-assembly disposed therein. The plug body includes a plurality of spring-loaded pins and the carrier assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the pins to operate the lock cylinder. The racks and pins move in a transverse direction, in response to insertion of a first valid key into the lock cylinder, to unlock the lock cylinder. The carrier moves in a longitudinal direction, in response to insertion of a tool in a tool-receiving aperture, from an operating position to a rekeying position. In the rekeying position, the racks are disengaged from the pins and a second valid key can replace the first valid key. Rotation of the plug body from the rekeying position with the second valid key in the lock cylinder obsoletes the first valid key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong, Richard J. Veltman
  • Patent number: 7213429
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a plug body and carrier sub-assembly disposed therein. The plug body includes a plurality of spring-loaded pins and the carrier assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the pins to operate the lock cylinder. The racks and pins move in a transverse direction, in response to insertion of a first valid key into the lock cylinder, to unlock the lock cylinder. The carrier moves in a longitudinal direction, in response to insertion of a tool in a tool-receiving aperture, from an operating position to a rekeying position. In the rekeying position, the racks are disengaged from the pins and a second valid key can replace the first valid key. Rotation of the plug body from the rekeying position with the second valid key in the lock cylinder obsoletes the first valid key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7181937
    Abstract: The locking cylinder has a basic code which can be changed using at least one change key (17, 17?). A rotor (3) is mounted in a cylinder housing (2a, 2b) and has a keyway (4) into which a shank of a standard key which is provided with control surfaces 18 can be pushed in order to position the tumblers which are arranged in three first rows (A, B, C). Further tumblers have coding elements (13) which are arranged in further bores in the cylinder housing (2a, 2b) in a programming position of the rotor (3). The change key (17, 17?) interacts with three further rows (D, E, F) of tumblers in the programming position, these tumblers being arranged in slides. These further rows (D, E, F) each contain tumblers having coding elements (C). The locking cylinder can be produced with a smaller outside diameter and be installed in a particularly cost-effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Keso AG
    Inventor: Ernst Keller
  • Patent number: 7162901
    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: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventor: Alston E. Williams
  • Patent number: 7117701
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a lock keying system comprising: a lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating the plurality of pins; and a rack alignment tool receiving aperture defined by the lock cylinder; and a rack alignment tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position the corresponding one of the plurality of racks, the first predetermined position common to each of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to the base plate, wherein the rack alignment tool is adapted to restrain a carrie
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steve Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7114357
    Abstract: A keying system, method and kit, wherein a plurality of replacement master racks are installed in a movable carrier assembly of a cylinder lock with the aid of a rack removal key and a rack removal tool configured for insertion into a keyway. The rack removal key has a first cut defining a first lift amount, and the rack removal tool has a second cut defining a second lift amount, the second lift amount being greater than the first lift amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 7007528
    Abstract: A re-keyable lockset that employs pairs of first and second pins. Coupling of the first and second pins to one another defines a key profile for a mating key. A second key with a different key profile may be installed to the lockset when the first and second pins are uncoupled from one another. Thereafter, the first and second pins may be re-coupled to one another to define the key profile of a new mating key. A method for re-keying a lockset is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Gerald Chong, Steven Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6968717
    Abstract: A cylinder lock utilizing an unlocking code to set at any desired time after the cylinder lock has been assembled and which, before the setting of the unlocking code, allows the rotor to be rotated for the purpose of inproving the efficiency of the automotive assembly work. The cylinder lock includes a rotor in which tumblers are installed, is rotatably inserted in a cylinder case, the tumblers following a code forming portion of an inserted key plate to form a lock-side unlocking code that matches a key-side unlocking code defined by the code forming portion. The tumblers are put in a state where the lock-side unlocking code is formed, in response to an identification portion formed in the key plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Alpha Corporation
    Inventors: Kohji Suzuki, Yuichi Yoshizawa, Takeshi Fukasawa, Tatsuya Kurosawa
  • Patent number: 6959569
    Abstract: A re-keyable lock cylinder includes a plug body and a carrier sub-assembly disposed adjacent the plug body. The plug assembly includes a plurality of planar wafers and the carrier sub assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the wafers in a face-to-face teeth arrangement. The racks disengage from the wafers to separate the teeth in response to movement of the carrier such that the lock cylinder is in a re-keyable condition when the racks are disengaged from the wafers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Walter Strader, Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 6935146
    Abstract: A lock assembly has a housing, a cylinder, a main adjusting pin assembly, a sub-adjusting pin assembly and multiple locking pin assemblies. The housing has multiple sets of pin holes, two main adjusting holes and two sub-adjusting holes. The three holes of the sets of pin holes are respectively referred to as a changing position, an open position and a lock position of the lock assembly. The cylinder is rotatably received in housing and has a main adjusting hole, a main adjusting cavity, a sub-adjusting hole, a sub-adjusting cavity and multiple pin holes. The adjusting pin assemblies are mounted respectively in the main adjusting holes and the sub-adjusting holes in the housing and the cylinder to selectively block the rotation interface of the lock assembly. The locking pin assemblies are mounted respectively in the pin holes. Accordingly, the lock assembly is changeable to fit with different keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Vance Lock Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Vance Lin
  • Patent number: 6871520
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a rekeying system comprising: a rekeyable lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating the plurality of pins; and a rekeying tool receiving aperture defined by the rekeyable lock cylinder; and a rekeying tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position the corresponding one of the plurality of racks, the first predetermined position common to each of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steve Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 6862909
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a lock keying system comprising: a lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in the cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating the plurality of pins; and a rack alignment tool receiving aperture defined by the lock cylinder; and a rack alignment tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position the corresponding one of the plurality of racks, the first predetermined position common to each of the plurality of racks, each prong from the plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to the base plate, wherein the rack alignment tool is adapted to restrain a carrie
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steve Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 6860131
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a plug body and carrier sub-assembly disposed therein. The plug body includes a plurality of spring-loaded pins and the carrier assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the pins to operate the lock cylinder. The racks and pins move in a transverse direction, in response to insertion of a first valid key into the lock cylinder, to unlock the lock cylinder. The carrier moves in a longitudinal direction, in response to insertion of a tool in a tool-receiving aperture, from an operating position to a rekeying position. In the rekeying position, the racks are disengaged from the pins and a second valid key can replace the first valid key. Rotation of the plug body from the rekeying position with the second valid key in the lock cylinder obsoletes the first valid key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 6776017
    Abstract: An adaptable lock 10 assembly and a method of using the lock 10 assembly in order to reprogram a lock 10 to accept a key different from the key which originally operated the lock 10. The lock 10 assembly includes a housing 12 with a bore 14 disposed through the housing 12 and a plug 16 rotatably mounted in the bore 14. The plug 16 includes at least one radial slot 18 which is disposed in the plug 16 along the circumference of the plug 16. The plug 16 further includes a longitudinal slot used as a keyway 22 which is adapted to receive a key. The assembly further includes first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 which are disposed in the radial slot 18 and are capable of being in an engaged or disengaged relationship. The distal ends of the first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 extend into the keyway 22 to provide a pattern of ridges along the longitudinal inner walls of the keyway 22. When the first and second radial tumblers 30, 32 are engaged in a first position, a first key 24 fits the lock 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: EZ Change Lock Company, LLC
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Patent number: 6755063
    Abstract: In a side bar cylinder lock with a variable key code, plug (6) engages within casing (1) at two opposite portions in preventing plug (6) from rotating in locking state. This improves the lock in resistance to attack. Plug (6) has holes (8) each receiving a tumbler plate (11) and variable tumbler (14) side by side therein. When plug (6) is rotated to have a bulged portion (21) of said bar holder (19) abut against concave portion (2) of casing (1), spring (25) forces end portion (26) of plate (11) to enter receiving hole (9) of plug (6), and forces a bulged portion (21) of holder (19) to engage with concave portion (2) of casing (1), whereby engaging portion (13) of plate (11) is disengaged from an engaged portion (15) of variable tumbler (14). After such disengagement, variable tumbler (14) is rotated through an angle to change the key code to a new one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Takigen Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Takadama
  • Publication number: 20040060333
    Abstract: A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylinder body with a plug body and carrier sub-assembly disposed therein. The plug body includes a plurality of spring-loaded pins and the carrier assembly includes a plurality of racks for engaging the pins to operate the lock cylinder. The racks and pins move in a transverse direction, in response to insertion of a first valid key into the lock cylinder, to unlock the lock cylinder. The carrier moves in a longitudinal direction, in response to insertion of a tool in a tool-receiving aperture, from an operating position to a rekeying position. In the rekeying position, the racks are disengaged from the pins and a second valid key can replace the first valid key. Rotation of the plug body from the rekeying position with the second valid key in the lock cylinder obsoletes the first valid key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Steven Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Publication number: 20040060331
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a rekeying system comprising: a rekeyable lock cylinder comprising: a cylinder body; a plug assembly disposed in said cylinder body and comprising a plurality of pins and a one-to-one corresponding plurality of racks for relocating said plurality of pins; and a rekeying tool receiving aperture defined by said rekeyable lock cylinder; and a rekeying tool comprising: a base plate; and a plurality of spaced elongated prongs, each prong from said plurality of prongs comprising a first longitudinal end adapted to engage a corresponding one of said plurality of racks, each prong from said plurality of prongs dimensioned lengthwise to relocate to a first predetermined position said corresponding one of said plurality of racks, said first predetermined position common to each of said plurality of racks, each prong from said plurality of prongs comprising a second longitudinal end connected to said base plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Steve Armstrong, Gerald B. Chong
  • Patent number: 6474121
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Keiden Sangyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyo Sakai, Osamu Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6389859
    Abstract: A master/valet lock and keyset provides a means of permitting limited one-time entry after locking a door to individuals possessing a valet key. In an embodiment, the mechanism relies on the use of a special master key to access a secondary lock cylinder, by means of which the full range of lock positions is allowed. Using the valet key, only the primary lock cylinder is accessed, restricting the range of positions to allow the user to unlock and relock the lock just once. This system may provide a means to allow occasional entry without granting unlimited access to the premises. For example, maintenance personnel could be given a valet key with which they could visit a home to perform repairs. The homeowner would be secure in the knowledge that the key could not be used to enter the home a second time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corp.
    Inventors: Michael A. Paolini, Viktors Berstis
  • Patent number: 6263713
    Abstract: A lock and a method for manufacturing the lock. The lock comprises a shell having an interior cavity, a plug received in the interior cavity rotatably and axially slidably therein and defining a keyway configured to receive a preselected key, and a tumbler insertable in the plug. The tumbler has a plug portion disposed at a first axial location within the plug and resiliently biased outwardly toward a locked radial position and associated with the keyway such that the preselected key inserted in the keyway locates the tumbler in an unlock position and a shell portion disposed at a second axial location in the shell wherein the second axial location is axially spaced from the first axial location. The shell, the plug and the tumblers are configured such that the tumblers are sheared between the plug and the shell when the plug and the shell are forced axially toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventor: Steven Albert Fantl
  • Patent number: 6196038
    Abstract: A tumbler lock with an additional rotor locking member includes a rotor rotating in a stator bore. The lock includes a slide movable transversely to the key channel, the slide including a key passage orifice and a projection co-operating with a stator housing in a position locking the rotor rotation and elastically returned in the locking position by an elastic return, the slide having at least a notch co-operating with a key member so as to drive the slide transversely towards a position unlocking the rotor rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Ronis
    Inventor: Claude Chappoux
  • Patent number: 5839309
    Abstract: A holding device for padlocks having lock housings of different sizes. The holding device includes guides for positioning the padlocks so that a shell-plug assembly disposed within the lock housing is maintained at a prescribed location. The holding device is attached to a shearing apparatus for shearing assembly pins in the shell-plug assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Steven Albert Fantl, Robert Douglas Weis
  • Patent number: 5819569
    Abstract: A lock with changeable warding positions wherein a rotationally indexable warding member selectively enables one of a multiple of keys for operation of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Rodrick A. Herdman
  • Patent number: 5799519
    Abstract: A lock for use with a lock code setting key and a new lock code setting key, and having (a) a first cylindrical tube with a first radially extending slot for receiving a first biasing element and a first locking element, (b) a driving element having an axially extending key hole and a radially extending peripheral hole for receiving a second locking element, and (c) a second cylindrical tube arranged between the first cylindrical tube and the driving element and having a radially extending through hole for receiving a third locking element and a radially extending positioning hole for receiving a second biasing element and a fourth locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Yao-shiung Hsiao
  • Patent number: 5791181
    Abstract: A novel locking system of the type which has very useful properties and at the same time can be produced cost-effectively, and is therefore suitable to be a mass-produced product, particularly for use in motor vehicles and building fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Valeo GmbH & Co. Schliessysteme KG
    Inventors: Alfred Sperber, Bernd Sperber
  • Patent number: 5775143
    Abstract: A resettable double-bit lock is disclosed, with a bolt having a resetting blade and a plurality of studded disks supported therein. The studded disks are adjacent a plurality of tumblers, the tumblers being supported pivotally around a mandrel and arranged by a double-bit key. A resetting swivel is supported on the bottom surface of the housing for the lock, with the resetting swivel being actuated by a bit of a resetting key and displacing thereby a resetting lock device. The resetting lock device includes a nose which releases a locking angle, the latter of which folding over into an opening position under a biassing force, which is preferably created by a spring. The locking angle further includes an arm so that when the bolt of the lock is pulled backwards, the resetting blade runs against the arm of the locking angle and releases the plurality of studded disks contained within the resetting blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Mauer GmbH
    Inventor: Gunter Mauer
  • Patent number: 5752400
    Abstract: A universal lock and key assembly in which the lock is re-keyable and the key is also changeable. The key has an elongated left side member, an elongated right side member, and an elongated central member. A plurality of key teeth are captured between the shank portions of the left and right side members. The key teeth are interchangeable so that any desired sequence can be arranged to give a predetermined profile to the key. The universal lock has a combination top pin housing and tubular sleeve assembly having a top pin housing and a tubular sleeve portion. A bottom pin cylinder is removably received in the tubular sleeve portion and its bottom pins can be removed and replaced in an order that mates with the key teeth of the key assembly. The structure of the system allows an individual to change both the configuration of the key and also the mating structure within the lock so that it will be operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Kwon W Kim
  • Patent number: 5735153
    Abstract: A turnable lock operable with driver and tumbler pins when positioned by a key at a shear line in which shearable assembly pins are assembled in the lock and thereafter sheared to form such driver and tumbler pins for operation thereon. Each assembly pin is selectively weakened at a plurality of locations which correspond with notched depth heights of the family of keys capable of insertion in the keyhole. Such weakening is controlled so that pin shearing can be accomplished by application of rotational or linear forces applied to any part of the lock except the key. When linear forces are used the tumbler or plug may be indexed to employ a driver pin as a plug lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Robert Harold Hanneman, James George Wagner, Steven A. Fantl
  • Patent number: 5697239
    Abstract: A turnable lock operable with driver and tumbler pins when positioned by a key at a shear line in which shearable assembly pins are assembled in the lock and thereafter sheared to form such driver and tumbler pins for operation thereon. Each assembly pin is selectively weakened at a plurality of locations which correspond with notched depth heights of the family of keys capable of insertion in the keyhole. Such weakening is controlled so that pin shearing can be accomplished by application of rotational or linear forces applied to any part of the lock except the key. When linear forces are used the tumbler or plug may be indexed to employ a driver pin as a plug lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Master Lock Company
    Inventors: Robert Harold Hanneman, James George Wagner, Steven A. Fantl
  • Patent number: 5502990
    Abstract: In a recodable lever tumbler lock such as used with a safety deposit box lock, a coding device (17) and a recoding pin of particular configuration are caused to interact with remaining components of the lock mechanism of more conventional construction. When the lock is activated to its normal retracted position, one end of the coding device functions as a stop abutment and engages a waist portion on the recoding pin whereby another part of the coding device engages a hook means provided on the periphery of a dog (7) included in the lock, and the dog can be rotated only through about 150.degree. with the ordinary key. When the lock is to be recoded so as to work with a different key, the lock is first activated to its locking mode with the door open, and the recoding pin is moved to a second end position by manual manipulation. In this second end position, the end (17e) of the coding device is prevented from entering a waist on the pin and therewith enables the dog to be rotated through 180.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Sargent & Greenleaf
    Inventor: Jorma Hirvi
  • Patent number: 5388437
    Abstract: In a magnetic key operated lock, a slide member carries a plurality of wheels in which are mounted magnetic pins. The position of the pins forms part of a code of the lock. The wheels are caused to rotate by insertion of a code changing key, which has a code for unlocking the lock, and moving the slide member. As the slide member moves, one of the pins which is repelled by the particular code changing key abuts a stop, which thus causes the respective wheel, and so the other wheels, to rotate. By having wheels of two different diameters, the smaller wheels can be made to rotate more than once before a code is repeated. The stops are formed by pressing a tang from a stationary wall in the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Bruce S. Sedley
  • Patent number: 5343724
    Abstract: In a locking apparatus that utilizes bores and blocking pins along with key cards and code cards to unlock the lock, a master card key is employed with holes in all of the master card bores and balls are used instead of blocking pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Trioving a.s.
    Inventor: Tor Sornes
  • Patent number: 5325690
    Abstract: A lock which is rekeyable or programmable to operate with a different key from the exterior thereof without disassembling it or removing it from a lock assembly in which it is assembled is disclosed. The lock may be rekeyed through the keyway so that the lock appears from the exterior thereof to be a conventional lock, or from the end opposite the keyway from the interior of a door, or from a side of the lock which requires disassembly of the lock from its lock assembly. The lock includes structure defining a movable shear line that can be adjusted from the exterior of the lock without disassembling the lock itself. Such structure may comprise a rotatable cam and a pin tumbler and an axially adjustable set screw. Security of the lock is improved by selectively restricting or blocking access to the rekeying of the lock in the interior thereof with a gate or shutter, or various combinations of gates or shutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Richard S. Adler
    Inventors: Richard S. Adler, Paul F. Morris, Karl D. Kirk, John Milich, Gerard M. Perichon
  • Patent number: 5305623
    Abstract: A key-operated, combination changing, lock comprising a lock box, a slidable bolt and at least one bolt-retaining slider movable transversally across the bolt to retain the bolt in a resting and locking position, a bolt-locking arrangement being provided to hold the bolt once in the locking position. The bolt-locking arrangement comprising more than one locking plates capable of being actuated by at least one step of the key and being also capable of changing the combination of the lock when closed by a key different to the one used to lately open the lock. A key is also provided to operate the combination changing lock, having at least one bit step to actuate over the bolt-locking arrangement of the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Endel Kello
  • Patent number: 5267459
    Abstract: In a magnetic key operated lock, a slide member carries a plurality of wheels in which are mounted magnetic pins. The position of the pins forms part of a code of the lock. The wheels are caused to rotate by insertion of a code changing key, which has a code for unlocking the lock, and moving the slide member. As the slide member moves, one of the pins which is repelled by the particular code changing key abuts a stop, which thus causes the respective wheel, and so the other wheels, to rotate. By having wheels of two different diameters, the smaller wheels can be made to rotate more than once before a code is repeated. The stops are formed by pressing a tang from a stationary wall in the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Bruce S. Sedley
  • Patent number: 5074135
    Abstract: The invention refers to a system for the use of locks of hotel room doors, lockers of bathhouses or similar facilities, having a central delivery station located in the region of an entrance station of the hotel, bathhouse or the like for the issuance of locking elements (keys) each of which fits a given lock of the different doors, lockers or the like, and a locking-element return device which is located in the region of an exit station and scans the locking element and evaluates it, for instance, with respect to a change for use, said return device being connected for data to the delivery station, and in order to obtain optimum handling, it proposes that the locking element bear an additional code (for instance a bar code) in order to trace its path of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Schulte-Schlagbaum Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Armin Eisermann
  • Patent number: 5072604
    Abstract: A closure system consists of lock and several keys in which the closing of the lock, determined by mechanically or magnetically controllable tumblers, is variable in such a manner that a closure code of the lock which corresponds initially to the coding of the first key can be varied by rearrangement of at least one tumbler element (28) within the lock, in response to the coding of a successor key. This negates need for a tool or hand knob. Displacement of the tumbler element (28) be effected by means of the corresponding successor key (36) in the manner that successor keys (36) are divided into a first region (A) associated exclusively with a closure code of the tumblers and a second supplementation region E which enters into action when the first region agrees with the closure code of the tumblers. This shifts the tumbler element (28) into the position acted on by the supplementation region of the next successor key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Schulte-Schlagbaum Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Armin Eisermann
  • Patent number: 5000019
    Abstract: The cylinder lock of the present disclosure includes a cylinder housing having either two or three rows of cylinder holes therein. The cylinder holes are in communication with an elongated cylindrical bore in which is inserted a cylindrical plug having a single row of plug holes. The plug can be rotated to each of the two or three rows of cylinder holes in order to permit the exchange of various pins within the cylinder holes and thereby permit the recording of the lock. One modification of the invention utilizes a notch adjacent one of the plug holes for permitting the key to rotate in one direction, but for preventing the key from rotating in another direction. A further modification utilizes an enlarged pin in one of the rows of cylinder holes so as to permit an access key to unlock the lock once, but preventing the access key from unlocking the lock a second time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: Merle L. Foster
  • Patent number: 4966021
    Abstract: A reprogrammable lock assembly of the wafer tumbler type which includes a plurality of wafer-type tumblers and cooperating followers mounted in a cylindrical plug and housing. The tumblers are movable radially in the plug to project beyond the plug into restricted pockets in the housing to maintain the lock in a locked position. A driver and adapter disposed in the opposite axial end of the housing from the key hole. The driver and adapter prevent rotation for unlocking unless a key having the proper length is inserted. In addition, the key must have the proper configuration to draw all of the tumblers within the confines of the plug in order to rotate the plug for reprogramming or unlocking of the door. The lock assembly is operated with a reprogramming key and a use key. A reprogramming key is used to rotate the plug to a resetting position which allows the tumblers to separate from the followers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Masco Building Products Corp.
    Inventor: Nigel Boag
  • Patent number: 4942749
    Abstract: This invention describes a lock where each of several tumblers is shaped as a disc and each has gear teeth along parts of its periphery. The teeth mesh with two partial racks that are formed on two side bars. These side bar operate in a manner similar to side bars in many popular locks of to-day. These tumblers are set or re-set into positions by a double bitted key that passes thru a central opening in each tumbler. By rolling the tumblers along the racks on the side bars the lock can be opened or closed. The key can be changed by merely opening the lock with one key and closing it with another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Inventor: Jacob Rabinow
  • Patent number: 4912953
    Abstract: A cylinder lock is adapted to be re-keyed by a change key which, as an incident to turning a plug in a cylinder, shifts a shuttle transversely of the cylinder. The shuttle carries three sets of drive and master pins which may be selectively brought into active position relative to the plug by shifting the shuttle transversely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: National Lock Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald C. Wobig