Abstract: A key blank including a generally elongate shaft portion defining a key combination surface adapted to have formed thereon key cuts which define a key combination, the key blank including a movable pin element retained within the elongate shaft portion, the movable pin element being displaceable in a single direction, outwardly from the key combination surface.

Abstract: A key, a timer and a signal emitter are integrally produced as one single item. The key with a timer and an emitter can facilitate a person to carry these items in one piece and make the use of the same with readiness.

Abstract: A key plate structure for an automobile includes a key plate and a key head. The key plate is composed of a head part and a key part while the key head is composed of a casing part made of hard synthetic resin and an outer cover made of soft synthetic resin. The casing part encloses the head part and a part of the key part of the key plate. The outer cover operates to cover the casing part entirely, provided with an opening through which a part of the key part projects outwardly. The casing part has an electronic part installed on one side thereof and adjacent to the key plate. The outer cover has flanges formed on a periphery of the opening while the casing part has projecting rims formed on one edge thereof. In operation, the flanges of the outer cover are urged and fixed on the surfaces of said key plate, respectively, by the projecting rims.

Abstract: A signal transmitter for transmitting control signals is fitted to a key element so that signals can be transmitted to an operating device with which the key is used. Illustrative is the fitting of an automobile ignition key to a fob housing in which the signal transmitter is carried. The head part of an ignition key is subjected to a punching operation to shear off a first portion of the head part leaving a remaining head part portion with wings disposed laterally at opposite sides of the key shank part. Holes are drilled in the remaining head part portion and the remaining head part portion is received in an anchorage in the housing with the key shank extending through a notch in the housing. The remaining head part is then secured to the housing with screws passing through the lateral wing openings and into anchorage posts formed in the housing.

Abstract: A key blank including a generally elongate shaft portion defining a key combination surface adapted to have formed thereon key cuts which define a key combination, the key blank including a movable pin element retained within the elongate shaft portion, the movable pin element being displaceable in a single direction, outwardly from the key combination surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with electronic and/or mechanical access control devices includes a holder which receives a removable insert which may include an electronic module with a cover member securing the insert to the holder. The holder may take various forms and may be in the form of a key ring, photo I.D. card, etc. The holder may be a key blank for forming a key that operates mechanical locks, in which case the insert may be a dummy insert or it may include electronic components for operating various types of electronic access control devices. A method of upgrading a key for operating a mechanical lock to a key for also operating an electronic access device is provided and involves replacing the insert in the key with an insert containing electronic components. The electronic components may utilize various technologies such as proximity-based access control.

Abstract: A system of non-reproducible locking key and cylinder for said key, which being a flat-blade type key (1) has installed a lengthwise swinging member (6) with the capacity of realizing two combined rotary movements of limited width, which are: a first perpendicular transverse movement at the bottom of said flat blade (1), a second angular sweep rotary movement which takes place in the direction of the width of said blade, movements which are produced respectively with relation to a first (7a, 7b) and second (8) axes. The swinging member (6) being located in a sectorial window (9) which runs through the thickness of the key, forming radial lateral sidewalls (9c) which extend divergently between a relatively narrower front wall (9b) located adjacent the entering end of key (1), and a relatively wider arched rear wall (9c) in opposition thereto.

Abstract: An electronic-component-integrated key has a head and a key plate. The head has an inside case portion, an outer sheath portion to be fixed to the inside case portion from outside, and a recessed portion that is formed in the inside case portion and arranged on the side of serrations of a key plate, not on the side of a head portion 1a of the key plate, so as to be substantially in parallel with the key plate. An electronic component is held within the recessed portion by a holder, and an abutment portion of the inside case portion is partially exposed to the outer surface of an opening formed in the outer sheath portion. During the process of manufacturing the electronic-component-integrated key, the following steps are taken when the key plate is arranged within a cavity of a mold.

Abstract: A key (10) is provided that includes a key body (12) having a forked end. The forked end comprises a first tine (14) and a second tine (16). A transponder (20) is disposed between the first tine (14) and the second tine (16). The transponder (20) is operable to generate signals. An air coil antenna (18) is coupled to the key body (12) proximate the forked end and is electrically coupled to the transponder (20). The air coil antenna (18) is operable to transmit signals generated by the transponder (20).

Abstract: A key structure with illumination function including a grip housing composed of a first and a second casing, a key plate enclosed in the grip housing and having a key head extending out of the grip housing, a cell disposed beside the key plate and a light emitting diode having two terminals extending to two electrodes of the cell. By depressing a depression button, the terminals of the light emitting diode are electrically connected with the cell to form a closed circuit so that the light emitting diode can emit a light beam to illuminate the circumference of the key hole. Accordingly, in a dim place, a user can easily use the key to unlock the lock.

Abstract: A key and cylinder lock unit, in which a key contains a shank provided with a pattern and with at least one movable member positioned at the front end thereof, the lock having a plug housed within a cylinder and provided with a plurality of substantially radial pins formed in two parts movable along corresponding radial channels provided partly in the plug and partly in the cylinder and, by way of springs, maintained with one end in the longitudinal seat provided in the plug for the insertion of the shank of the key. The plug contains along the seat a longitudinal groove closed at the key introduction end and housing the tapered end of all the pins, which completely traverse said seat.

Abstract: A rekeyable look includes at least one chamber housing a tumbler pin stack having a master pin disposed between the driver pin and the bottom pin. The bitting of a change code key inserted in the keyway displaces the tumbler pin stack containing the master pin such that the interface between the master pin and the bottom pin is placed on the shear line defined by the cylinder shell and plug. Rotation of the change code key aligns a first slot on the change code key with the master pin wherein the master pin is received by the first slot. The master pin is carried with the change code key on removal of the key from the keyway. A replacement master pin disposed in the first slot is inserted into the keyway with the change code key. Rotation of the change code key aligns the replacement master pin with the drive pin.

Abstract: A key operating mechanism is embodied in an elongate housing having an axially disposed shaft defining a helical groove. A shaft end is provided with a key to which rotation is imparted by an actuator slidably disposed on the shaft. A drive member of the actuator cooperates with the helical groove in the shaft to impart rotation to the latter and may serve as a detent to prevent actuator movement. Spring elements, oppositely disposed from the actuator, serve to return the actuator to a neutral or static position wherefrom rotation in either direction may be imparted to the shaft. A thumb operated control button of the actuator slides within a housing defined slot during operation of the mechanism.

Abstract: The apparatus immobilizes a wheel of a vehicle. A chock is connected to a facing bar. Also connected to the facing bar, spaced away from the chock is an engaging bar. The engaging bar has a first, generally elongated straight section and a second section that is shorter than the first straight section, and that is joined to one end of the first section such that the angle between the first section and a portion of the second section is between -45.degree. and +45.degree., preferably 0.degree.. The engaging bar is attached to the facing bar, such that the first straight section is generally perpendicular to the facing bar, the engaging bar is movable along its first section relative to the facing bar and the second section is rotatable around an axis coaxial with the first section. A lock locks the engaging bar at a desired position relative to the facing bar.

Abstract: A plastic key extension cover having an extending handle. The cover is mounted on the key to be turned either by a friction fit or by inserting a member through the key's ring hole and a complementary cover hole. When the handle is pulled towards a user, the in-place key turns in its keyhole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisting in the operation of a key in a lock. A leverage extender is provided having a base member comprising a pair of opposed ends secured to a pair of opposed sides and a pair of opposed tops secured respectively to the opposed ends and the opposed sides such that a longitudinal aperture is formed therebetween. A handle member is secured to one of the opposed sides, comprising an angular disposition relative to a plane of the base and having handle sides thereof parallel to the opposed sides. At least one set screw aperture is disposed in one of the opposed sides and is adapted to threadably receiving a set screw. A set screw member is threadably disposed in the set screw aperture. The apparatus is secured to flanges of a lock cylinder and a key is passed between the top members of the leverage extender and into the lock cylinder. Force is then applied to the handle member to operate the lock cylinder.

Abstract: Electronic identification device, notably a key, intended to be used with an electronic lock and comprising in a conducting body (16) two recesses (8,10) arranged facing each other and separated by an intermediate wall (14), an opening (12) being provided in the intermediate wall between the two recesses. Two conducting elements (22,28) are arranged in the two recesses and in the opening, these two elements being electrically and mechanically connected to each other with the aid of a stud (26) driven into a blind hole (34) respectively associated with the two conducting elements (22,28). The electronic unit (2) is electrically connected to the body (16) and to the two conducting elements (22,28) with the aid of conducting pads (48,50) arranged on a sheet (38) placed in one of the two recesses (8) between one plate (24) and the intermediate wall (14). The conducting elements (22,28) are electrically insulated from the conducting body (16).

Abstract: A lock condition indicator device which is adapted for affixation to a key for a cylinder lock has a substantially circular movable means adapted to be retained in juxtaposition to a head portion of the key, but rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the key when an engaging means on the circumference of the movable means encounters an obstructing means on an outer surface of the lock, resulting in the movable means being rotated into one of a plurality of indicator positions.

Abstract: An axial pin tumbler lock comprises a housing, an outer tumbler pin seat, a plurality of outer tumbler pins, an inner tumbler pin seat, and a plurality of inner tumbler pins. The smallest distance between the center of the outer tumbler pin seat and the outer edge of at least one of the outer tumbler pins is greater than the radius of the first axial hole of the housing, so as to enable the outer tumbler pin in question to be concealed by a shoulder located between the first axial hole and the second axial hole of the housing.

Abstract: A safety lock and key includes a cylindrical stator and rotor having conventional spring-loaded moving rotor pins and moving stator pins. A first rotor pin/stator pin combination is at substantially 45 degrees to a first face of the key while a second rotor pin/stator pin combination is substantially perpendicular to a second face of the key on the opposite side. The centerlines of the rotor pin/stator pin combinations pass through the center of rotation of the rotor. A housing in the key contains a moving element and emerges from the first face of the key inclined at the same angle as the first rotor pin/stator pin combination. The housing also emerges from the second face of the key through a tapered bore that receives the second rotor pin/stator pin combination. A tapered head of the second rotor pin engages a rear portion of the moving element in the housing, thus engaging the moving element with the first rotor pin/stator pin combination.

Abstract: A key blank including a generally elongate shaft portion defining a key combination surface adapted to have formed thereon key cuts which define a key combination, the key blank including a movable pin element retained within the elongate shaft portion, the movable pin element being displaceable in a single direction, outwardly from the key combination surface.

Abstract: A lock assembly includes a lock shell, at least first and second key plugs, at least first and second tumbler means, and a key for operating the first and second tumbler means. The lock shell has a front end, a rear end, and an accommodation hole extending from the front end to the rear end. The first and second key plugs are aligned axially and are mounted rotatably within the accommodation hole of the lock shell. The first and second key plugs respectively have first and second key ways. The first and second tumbler means are used for positioning respectively the first and second key plugs against the lock shell when the lock assembly is in a locked position. The key can operate the first and second tumbler means so as to rotate the first and second key plugs simultaneously.

Abstract: There is disclosed a lock and key assembly comprising a lock assembly including a lock body having cylindrical portions, a cylinder retained in the lock body and mounted for rotative movement in the lock body, the cylinder having a head portion having a keyway therein, and a shank portion extending from the head portion and adapted to activate a lock mechanism upon rotation of the shank portion, and a key shell assembly comprising a tubular grip portion, a piston disposed in the grip portion, a key extending from the piston and adapted to enter the keyway, the piston being rotatably movable in the grip portion to turn the key in the keyway and thereby turn the cylinder to cause activation of the lock mechanism, the key shell assembly grip portion being engageable with the lock assembly lock body to hold the lock body against rotative movement during the rotative movement of the cylinder.

Abstract: A key locking indicator device usable with a key of conventional design for tactile and visual indication of whether the device was last used to look or unlock the look operated by the key. The device is of simple construction, embodies a minimum number of moving parts, and is easy to use.

Abstract: A key assembly for mounting an electronic component in the head of the key. The electronic component is mounted in either an opening such as a bore or recess formed in the key head, or a carrier connected to the heel end of the key shank. In the former case, a closure member such as a plug or adhesively backed panel member is employed to close off the opening. In the latter case, the carrier is encapsulated within a plastic key head.

Abstract: A cylinder lock having a key insertion hole or clearance formed between a casing and a key guide member. A key for the cylinder lock is provided with a thin cylindrical member which is to be inserted into the annular key insertion hole when the key is inserted into the cylinder lock. The cylindrical member is filled at its first end section with a part of a key shank. A slider is slidably disposed inside the cylindrical member and normally located inside the second end section of the cylindrical member. The slider is formed at its tip end with a fitting projection which is to be fitted in a guiding depression formed at the tip end face of the key guide member. The key insertion hole is formed narrow or thin, corresponding to the thin cylindrical member of the key, thereby preventing a picking tool from being inserted through the narrow key insertion hole into the cylinder lock.

Abstract: In order to increase the value of a key, in particular a flat key, e.g. a car key, the head of the key is manufactured of noble metal and releasably connected to the shaft 1 of the key. For connecting the shaft 1 to the head 2 a snap-locking mechanism is employed, which is brought about by pins 8 adapted to be inserted through holes of the head 2 and the shaft 1 and a clamping plate 6 which is insertable into the head 2. The technical effect of the key, which is adapted to be assembled, resides in the fact that when the vehicle is changed the head may be interchanged for a key of a different vehicle type or a different lock. It is also possible for the noble metal to be reused for other purposes.

Abstract: A security combination key is provided, which consists of a hollow housing having a removable cover plate. An elongated guide member having an open track therein and a ward groove on a side thereof, extends from one side of the hollow housing. A plurality of blades having serrations extend in parallel relationships from within the hollow housing into the track of the guide member with the serrations exposed in the track. An apparatus is for sliding the blades in the track of the guide member, to form various combinations with the serrations to match up with pin tumblers in specific locks. A device is for locking the blades in a stationary position in the track of the guide member. The guide member having the ward groove can be inserted into a keyway having a compatible set of ward ridges in a cylinder of the lock, allowing the serrations of the blades to properly position the pin tumblers to permit operation of the lock.

Abstract: A security lock for doors of dwellings, gates and the like comprises a pump-type locking mechanism for operating a bolt, and a double-bit locking mechanism for locking the pump mechanism in its locking condition. The lock preferably has both a key which can operate only the pump mechanism and a key which can operate both mechanisms. A cover made of plastics material is associated with the key and can be fitted onto the operative portion of the key in order to protect its teeth against dirt and against the risk of breakage as a result of the key being dropped.

Abstract: A side bar lock decoder has a pair of guide plates laminarly arranged between a pair of side plates. Key portions of the plates have notches spaced for alignment with the lock wafers. Narrow passages between the guide plates extend from each of the notches to the edges of the base portions of the plates at approximately normal fingertip positions when the base portions are hand held. Wires slidably disposed in each of the passages extend from an outer end of each of the notches beyond the grip edges. One end of the wires abuts one of the wafers when the wafers and the notches are aligned. Springs, bias each of the wires toward a threshold reference position within the notches. Plungers, one connected to each of the wires, extend beyond the grip edges, are independently biased away from their respective edges by the springs. One or more housings secured to the laminar plates have at least one chamber therein for guiding the movement of each of the plungers during manipulation.

Abstract: A universal lock and key assembly in which the lock is re-keyable and the key is also changeable. The key has a shank portion having a longitudinally extending tooth slot in its top surface. A plurality of teeth have their bottom ends inserted into the tooth slot in any desired sequence to give a predetermined profile to the teeth of the key. The bottom pin cylinder of the lock has mating bottom pins for each of the respective teeth. These are then arranged in a coordinated sequence in the bottom pin cylinder of the lock. 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 it will be operable.

Abstract: A cylinder lock, especially suitable for motor vehicle doors, has a locking cylinder and a key, whereby the locking cylinder includes at least one cylinder housing with at least one blocking channel and one cylinder core with tumblers, each of which is movable about its own axis. At least one protruding cam or a recess is provided on the key or on the tumblers for transmitting the linear key motion in the key channel into a motion of each tumbler about its own axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining lengths of locking elements in locks including a key head and wires maintained on the key head and extendable into the lock cylinder for measuring lengths of the lock pins. The distance that the wires will go into the depth of lock can be used to determine the depth of the furrows or the cuts of the needed key. The advantage of this invention is that one can duplicate a key which has been lost, without damaging the lock, or moving it out of the door. In addition to that this mechanism is also used as a "lock-picker" in order that one can lock or unlock a door when the keys have been lost. The invention operates in two different ways and for two different purposes. The first one is to duplicate a key which has been lost. The second one is to lock or unlock a door for different reasons, e.g. when the key has been lost, or when it is still inside the car or the house while the door is still locked.

Abstract: The cylinder lock and key comprises at least two auxiliary pins which are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the key slot and have an end which protrudes into the slot. The opposite ends of the two auxiliary pins cooperate with respective auxiliary tumbler pins which are actuated by springs and are suitable for being actuated in the position for rotation of the plug by a lever articulated in an opening of the shank of the key when the key is fully inserted in the lock.

Abstract: A key assembly for vehicle anti-theft security system includes a mechanical key having a through aperture for receiving a resistor pellet which is inserted in the aperture and mechanically secured by swaging or staking the key material adjacent the aperture to force key material into engagement with the outer perimeter of the resistor pellet.

Abstract: A bitted substantially rigid extension adapter is provided which may be applied to an existing operating key thereby forming a control key assembly. The extension adapter is provided with fasteners for secure attachment to an operating key. The extension adapter may be made of metal. The bitted portion of the adapter may activate one or more control tumblers in a removable locking core housed within a locking mechanism. The adapter and key, when combined, may be used to remove the locking core from the mechanism.

Abstract: A key having a gripping portion made of synthetic resin and a metal made base end portion is provided with an insertion portion covered with a synthetic resin. The insertion portion is made thin, and the gripping portion made of synthetic resin covers the corresponding insertion portion. A reinforcement portion having a thickness which is the same as that of the blade portion, but having a width which is wider than the width of the blade portion is provided at a middle portion between the insertion portion and the blade portion on which key serrations are formed. The key is not bulky in size and can not be damaged even after repeated uses.

Abstract: A flat plastic key is designed to actuate a rotary cylinder lock having lock tumblers, an elongated key receptable for receiving the key and a rotary lock face including a rectangular lock entrance slot with spaced apart sidwalls. The key and the lock include alignable longitudinal axes. The plastic key includes a head for receiving a lock actuating input torque within a force input area. The key also includes a shank having a first end surface joined to the end surface of the head and a spaced apart second end surface. The shank is designed to extend through the lock entrance slot of the lock face. When fully inserted, the resulting area of overlap between the sides of the fully inserted key shank and the lock entrance slot define a shank torque transfer surface where torque is transferred from the shank to the sidewalls of the lock entrance slot. The key also includes a solid plastic bit and a rigid metal insert.

Abstract: An actuator for a lock is provided with a operating handle which may be easily removed through the use of a special key and may also be reinstalled without the use of the special key or tools. The actuator may be "rekeyed" as necessary to maintain security and removal of the handle will lock the actuator.

Abstract: A hybrid key for operating both electronic and mechanical locks has the electrical components in a separate and removable housing which is normally secured to the bow portion of the key blade but may be removed, the disclosed means for securing the electrical housing to the key bow is via a configuration including grooves in the housing, a hook portion on the key bow, and holes through the housing and bow at a single point for rivet securing means.

Abstract: A cylinder lock includes a cylindrical housing connected with a circular insert at its bottom to receive therein a movable barrel and a fixed barrel. A plurality of lock pin assemblies are set in a plurality of pin holes vertically through the movable lock barrel to control the connection of the movable lock barrel with the fixed lock barrel by use of the various stepped pins of an authorized key. The stepped pins can be detached from the key for keeping separately.

Abstract: A key using a synthetic resin bow which is connected to a metal key body having a blade section to which serrations are to be formed for use and an inserting section which is thinner than the blade section; the bow is formed into the thickness within 0.9 to 1.3 times that of the blade section.

Abstract: The electronic key has a drive head and a turning blade for inserting in a rotor of a lock. The key has an intermediate zone, on the edges of which there are retractile contacts charged by springs in corresponding housings. These retractile contacts are joined to conducting plates that come through the head from the electronic circuit integrated in the drive head itself. On the insertion and turn of the key in the lock these retractile contacts enter into connection with fixed contacts of the corresponding electronic circuit of the lock that are included in the interior wall of an annular extension of the stator in front of the rotor of the lock.

Abstract: A flat turning key (2) has a mechanically coded key bit (7) and an additional electronic information carrier (9), as well as a contact part (12) with contact points (8) located at the rear part of the key bit (7). In the cylinder lock (1) are arranged further electronic components (41) connected with a current source that cooperate with the information carrier (9) via the contact points (8) on the key (2). In the region of the contact part (12) of the cylinder lock (1) contact elements (55) arranged in a guiding element (50) establish an electric contact between the key (2) and the lock (1) when the key (2) is turned in the lock (1). The contact elements (55), the electronic components (41) and a microswitch (42) are connected with a common support or printed circuitboard (14) and detachably secured together with the guiding element (50) in the stator housing (3).

Abstract: A key device including a key main body for actuating a mechanical lock device, a knob fixedly secured to the base end of the key main body, and an electronic circuit incorporated in the knob of the key device, wherein: the electronic circuit is carried by a flexible printed circuit board which is folded around an edge of the base end of the key main body and at least partly cover the two major surfaces of the base end. Thus, even when the size of the base end of the key main body is increased so as to improve the resistance of the knob against the force which tends to pry open the knob due to the twisting torque acting upon the key main body during use, through such efficient utilization of the internal space of the knob, the circuity can be fitted into the knob without increasing its size. Furthermore, the base end of the key main body serves as a heat sink and a firm support for the circuit and the accessory component parts.

Abstract: The invention comprises a two part key which replaces a conventional key in a conventional lock cylinder for purpose of temporary use wherein one of the parts is a plastic or similar material insert which replaces a portion of the conventional key and a short conplementary key which permits operation of the lock in conjunction with the insert. The insert being secured in the cylinder by means of the cylinder locking pins and being removable only by means of a special installation and extraction tool.

Abstract: A key device which comprises a base (11) having seven substantially circular apertures (12,13,14,15, 16,17,18) therein. Each aperture (12-18) is adapted to receive a respective element (12a-18a). The base (11) and the elements (12a-18a) are made from a non-electrically conductive material. Each of the elements (12a-18a) has seven predetermined locations on sites (21-27) adapted for the receipt of a metal pin. Thus the electrical characteristic of each site (21-27) may be altered by the presence or absence of the metal pin. A key device can be assembled by a user having a particular combination of pins present. The combination of the pins present together with the orientation of the key device when presented to a detector means, which is adapted and programmed to determine the presence or absence of a pin at each site, may be used to actuate, for example, a lock.

Abstract: A lock arrangement for a vehicle spare wheel hoist and storage construction including a lock member mounted on the input shaft of a winch and having a curvilinear groove therein, an elongated plastic tube having one end mounted on the lock member by a spring clip and the other end extending through an aperture in the frame of the vehicle, and an elongated shaft having a key mounted therein for insertion through the elongated plastic tube and into mating engagement with the curvilinear groove for turning the input shaft of the winch.

Abstract: A plunger type lock has an elongate shank or housing with an enlarged head at one end and at least one lock element movable to project from the housing to engage a grooved or recessed member and lock the same to the housing and to retract into the housing to release the grooved or recessed member, a plunger movable in the housing by a special key to control the position of the lock element and an immovable security rod extending through the plunger and axially substantially to the end of the housing through which the key enters. Due to the presence of the security rod, a special key is required to operate the lock.

Abstract: A lock with hidden pins which is characterized by an outer sleeve, a pivot in the inner sleeve, a short tube, and an outer covering for the outer sleeve. The keyhole is positioned in the pivot, and the short tube and the pivot can be aligned. The head and the stem of the key can be disassembled.