Abstract: A key 10 and lock 20 are disclosed for use and can be identified by knocking-out area 17 or breaking of tab 14 for identification of what numbered, lettered or Braille key goes with what lock.

Abstract: An improved combination key and transporter assembly is provided whereby the head of the key includes an elongated slot that passes through the head. A carrier is molded into the slot disposed in the key head which includes a hollow interior bound by a plurality of tabs for frictionally retaining a transponder in the carrier. After the transponder is inserted into the carrier, the key head, carrier and transponder are inserted into a mold and an outer sheath is molded around the head, carrier and transponder. The resulting assembly has a slim profile and may be mounted onto a standard sized key chain or key holder. The assembly may be manufactured using an automated process without hand sub-assembly steps.

Abstract: A flat metal key has a groove-shaped recess in the narrow side of the bow for receiving a transponder as a code transmitter, a ferrite coil and a line connecting the ferrite coil with the code transmitter.

Abstract: The key has a head (2) provided with a window (3) enabling to see a portion (5) of the surface of the cylinder of the body (4) of the key. Two grooves (16) extend each one over one half of the circumference of the body (4), they are mutually offset by 180 degrees and ended by bores (7). In the service position, pins (12) are urged towards the bottom of the bores (7) by a resilient member (13). When the torque applied to the head (2) of the key increases, the pins (12) are expelled from the bores (7) and the head of the key can rotate by 180 degrees relatively to its shank (1), thus showing the opposite portion of the body (4) through the window (3).

Abstract: An electronic interlock system for a tumblerless lock which utilizes radio frequency identification to enable system operation. The interlock system includes a reader which powers an antenna to generate an electromagnetic field which in turn energizes a small transponder mounted in the key. The transponder transmits a unique identification code back to the reader via the antenna where it is decoded, and if valid enables system operation, but if invalid prevents operation. The antenna is mounted at the forward end of the lock assembly. A unique key retention system and cylinder anti-rotation lock system is also disclosed.

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 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 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 key holder is provided for holding, for example, a pair of keys and associating them with the corresponding lock during transport of an article incorporating the lock. The key holder comprises a shank portion insertable into the lock, and a key-carrier portion connected to one end of the shank portion and preferably adapted to hold the pair of keys in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of extent of the shank portion. The key holder is, for example, of one-piece construction and made of a resilient plastics material.

Abstract: A keyholder and tumer haw a body in which a key is held for turning in a lock. The holder has deployable wings and a chain for holding additional keys. The key is held in a central compartment of the holder by the urging of a key stop projection. The projection assists in holding the key head during operation.

Abstract: In a data carrier (10) suitable for always taking along with oneself, personal data of the user such as name, date of birth, blood group, size, particular traits such as permanent medication needs, allergies or the like, are recorded on a spring steel strip (11) that may be wound into a flat, can-like case (12) like that of a measuring tape. The letters and numbers of which the information (14) recorded on the spring steel strip (11) is composed are cut into the strip as recesses with the contour of the letters and numbers by a laser cutting process. The case (12) may be designed as the head of the ignition key of a vehicle, the key bit (23) being fixedly inserted into a block-like extension (22) of the case (12).

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 key and clip combination useful for securing a spare key in a wallet or purse and for key identification. The clip is low profile and prevents the wallet or purse from becoming bulky. The clip may also include apertures for exposing the hole within the key used for placing the key on a key chain or key peg.

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 device facilitating turning a key in a keyhole of a lock consists of an elongated housing having distal and proximal ends. A receiving, unrestricted opening is formed within a housing and extends between the distal and proximal ends substantially along a longitudinal axis of the housing. At least one key is pivotally arranged at the proximal end of the housing. In operation, the key is transverse to the housing and the key is turned in the keyhole of the lock by a force applied to the housing. An area of application of this turning force is distributed along and restricted by the receiving opening.

Abstract: In a locking system comprising a lock unit and a key unit, each of which has an induction coil for transmitting power and data, the induction coil on the lock side is mounted by via a coil carrier on a lock body in the lock unit. Between the induction coil on the lock side and the lock body, there is a screening body which magnetically screens off the lock body from the induction coil on the lock side.

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 device includes a signal processing device for generating a signal containing specific information, a key plate having a stem and fitting device for fitting the signal processing device and the stem, the fitting device provided with the stem and the signal processing device, the fitting device of the signal processing device being formed while preliminarily resin-molding.

Abstract: A key case for holding a key, the key having a head portion via which the key may be gripped by a user and a blade portion which is insertable into a lock, the key case comprising: a body portion having a wall which surrounds an interior space, a longitudinal axis and an open end traversed by the longitudinal axis; a holder plate having a recess for retaining the key in a manner to prevent relative rotation between the key and the holder plate; and a pivot assembly supporting the holder plate on the body for movement between a first position in which the holder plate covers the open end and the key blade extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a second position in which the open end is uncovered.

Abstract: An electronic touch key for operating an electronic lock in an electronic lockset, includes a handle having front and rear surfaces; an electronic touch button mounted to the front surface of the handle; and a device, mounted to the rear surface of the handle, for providing a tactile signal to the user by oil-canning when the electronic touch button has been touched to a lock with the proper force.

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 round and flat molded device not readily identifiable as a handcuff key, which can be hidden under a wrist watch or behind a standard shirt button of a law enforcement officer or security person and which can be silently retrieved and utilized by bending the key portion partially out of the surrounding molded support ring structure with the use of the thumb, index finger and middle finger.

Abstract: A key lock device for use in vehicle engine ignition comprising signal transmitting/receiving coils provided on a key and a key cylinder respectively for transmitting and receiving radiowave signals between each other upon insertion of the key into the key cylinder, to judge the authenticity of the key, wherein the coiled antenna is wound coaxially around the key cylinder, and the coils provided on the key is housed integrally in the grip portion of the key so as to situate coaxially with the coiled antenna wound around the key cylinder when a key shank is inserted into the key cylinder. A holding member is formed integrally to the inside of a grip portion of the key, and the coiled antenna provided on the key is housed in the holding member. The coiled antenna wound around the key cylinder is insert-molded in the cover member coaxially with a key-inserting axial line.

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: The invention relates to an electromechanical lock arrangement including a lock body (1), which is provided with a cylinder lock mechanism (3) having a key channel (17) and a turnable lock cylinder (16), a dead bolt (2) movable back and forth by means of the cylinder lock mechanism (3), electrically operable latch means (7) for controlling the operation of the dead bolt (2) and a logic unit (8) for controlling said electrically operable latch means (7). The arrangement includes further a key unit (4) having a mechanical key member (4a) for operating the cylinder lock mechanism (3) as well as means for supplying electric power and means for sending a coded electrical signal into said logic unit (8). At the reception of a correct code the logic unit (8) is arranged to switch current to said electrically operable latch means (7) so that they allow said dead bolt (2) to be moved from its protruding locking position into its withdrawn releasing position in the lock body (1).

Abstract: An easy start adapter secured to the actuator of an automotive vehicle ignition switch and steering shaft lock. The adapter is in the form of a pair of clamp members adapted to be securely clamped to the diametrically opposed projecting wings or lugs utilized on existing steering column mounted ignition switches which operate the ignition circuit and also actuate the vehicle starter motor and lock and unlock the steering control shaft within the steering column. The clamp is provided with an elongated lever arm rigidly and adjustably secured thereto oriented generally in perpendicular relation to the rotational axis of the ignition key and lock cylinder which receives the ignition key in order to enable a vehicle operator to apply the necessary force to the ignition switch actuator to start the vehicle even though the vehicle operator has physical conditions that would not enable actuation of the ignition switch by conventionally engaging the usually provided ignition key diametrically opposed wings or lugs.

Abstract: A locking/unlocking state confirming device includes a drive magnet formed of at least a pair of permanent magnets and a key provided with a key bow. A magnet holding chamber is formed within the key bow. An indicator magnet within the chamber is magnetized in a direction at a right angle relative to a center axis thereof and has first and second outer peripheral surfaces painted different colors. A viewing window is open to the chamber at at least one side surface of the key bow. A holding plate is disposed within the key bow at a location rearwardly of the magnet holding chamber.

Abstract: Housing (1, 20) for lodging conventional flat keys or keys of a special kind (2, 2a, 2b'-2b", 2c, 2d), in a safe but removable way. The laminar housing (1, 20) is realized by elastically flexible plastic material s of a type and form like a rectangular "credit card", and it is provided with a central opening (5, 21) whose peripheral edge (10, 22) defines a space for lodging a key or more superimposed keys. At the site of the opening (5, 21), elastic seizing elements (7--7) may project out of the housing (1, 20) acting on the lateral fins of the heads (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) or on the stems (4, 4a, 4c, 4d) of the keys.

Abstract: An improved key holder case with easy access feature is provided, which consists of a housing for carrying at least one key therein. A structure is for easy accessing at least one key from the housing, so that at least one key will extend out from the housing to allow a person to utilize at least one key in a lock.

Abstract: An electronic lock cylinder comprises a housing (1) with a cylinder core (9) disposed rotatably therein and lockable by a key (15) via mechanical tumblers (21). Electronic control circuits (45, 47) capable of being coupled inductively via coupling coils (43, 49) for the transmission of coding information, are associated with the lock cylinder and the key (15). The coupling coil (43) of the lock cylinder, and the electronic components included in the lock cylinder and a mounting (51), are combined into a structural unit which is removably attached to a front face of the lock cylinder. This permits separate assembly of the mechanical components and of the electronic components of the lock cylinder.

Abstract: A key adaptor includes a substantially rigid body member having structure for pivotable connection to a bow portion of a key so that the key is pivotable between a closed position, wherein the key is substantially aligned with the body member, and an open position wherein the key is pivoted to an angle with the body member so that the body serves as a handle for turning the key when the key is inserted into a lock. The structure for pivotable connection to the key provides a firm positioning of the key relative to the body member in a desired position.

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: 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: The present invention relates to a magnetic card lock with key card which can be inserted into an insertion shaft with gripping opening, the key card being first insertable up to a first stop position, and in which position the key code is requested, and thereupon displaceable by an actuation distance up into the second stop position; in order to obtain a solution which is particularly easily manipulated, it proposes that the broad surface of the key card on its end facing away from the direction of insertion have a visibly differentiated first partial surface (100) which fills up the surface of the gripping opening (107) and is visible in the second stop position.

Abstract: An electronic key and lock system, particularly useful for solenoid-operated locks employs a key that can operate electronically and mechanically. The key is mechanically polarized with its blade forming a first electrical contact and a separate second contact which is flush or raised relative to the blade. Each of the key and the cylinder employs respective light emitting and light receiving IR devices for communications between the electronics in the key and communications within the lock. The lock includes a solenoid-operated electronic cylinder.

Abstract: A flat key for or a lock which is coded mechanically as well as electronically, includes a flat basic shaped part (11) consisting of metal, with a shank section (9) and a bow section (13). A circuit chip (23), fitted with structural parts (25) of an electronic circuit, is in a recess (21) in the bow section, formed by an integral bottom (19) of the basic shaped part (11) and sealed by a casting compound (29). Housing shells (15, 17) surrounding the bow section (13) are on facing flat sides of the bow section (13). The housing shell (15) lying over the recess (21) is bonded to the bow section (13). The other housing shell (17) bears a U-shaped rib (43) by which it engages behind the bonded housing shell (15).

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a key cylinder device which is simple in structure and is able to positively detect the presence or absence of the key. In a key cylinder device, a key cylinder body incorporates a rotor having a key inserting inlet, and a shutter made of a magnetic material is swingably mounted in the rotor to open and close the key inserting inlet, the shutter being urged by a spring to close the key inserting inlet. When the shutter is held closed, the magnetic force of a permanent magnet acts on a normally closed lead switch to hold the switch open. When the shutter is swung open by the key being inserted into the key inserting inlet, it covers the permanent magnet, thus interrupting the action of the magnetic force of the permanent magnet on the lead switch. As a result, the reed switch closes.

Abstract: A cylinder lock assembly includes a core, a key plug mounted for rotation in the core, and a key. The key plug is formed to include a keyway and a plurality of tumbler pin bores opening into the keyway. The key has a bow and a blade appended to the bow. The blade includes a bitted portion and includes a stop shoulder at the tip of the blade for positioning the bitted portion in alignment with the tumbler pin bores. A separate drive member is provided on the key for rotating the key plug relative to the core to actuate the cylinder lock assembly. The drive member is located between the bitted portion and the bow and is configured to cooperate with a bottom portion of the key blade to provide the primary torque or force for rotating the key plug in response to turning of the key in the cylinder lock assembly so that the bitted portion and an offset portion of the blade not carry substantial torque transmission load between the key and the key plug to rotate the key plug in the core.

Abstract: A device for opening security packages used to protect audio-visual media from being stolen is disclosed. The security package opening device includes a base which assists with proper positioning of the security package to be opened. It also includes a slidable opening mechanism which, when slid forward, automatically causes key elements to enter the locking means of the security package. The opening mechanism then opens the security package permitting the contents of the security package to be removed.

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 key holder in which a key may be fastened, includes an elongated handle for providing the user with a mechanical advantage in operating key locks. The key is retained in the holder by means of a pin inserted in the key ring hole in the bow of the key. The key is clamped in the body of the holder by a set screw operating on a clamping plate located in the key receiving opening of the body of the holder. The handle may be fixed in the body or made slidable for the convenience of the user.

Abstract: This relates to a key cover for covering the head of a key. In one embodiment, the key cover is formed in two pieces, a cover member and a plug. In a second embodiment, the cover member and plug are pivotally connected. The cover member is provided with a cavity for receiving the key head with the blade of the key passing through a slot in the underside of the cover member. A plug is then readily insertable into the top of a cavity in overlying relation to the key head disposed within the cavity of the cover member and locked in place with the cover member. The interlock between the plug and the cover member is one wherein the plug cannot be readily removed unless the cover, for all practical purposes, is locked in place on the key. This permits the key cover to be individually applied to a key without materially disassociating the key from its respective lock.

Abstract: A lock assembly has a lock body and a flexible key. The lock body includes at least two plug pieces having confronting faces with longitudinal curved grooves. The plug pieces cooperatively form a cylindrical plug. The curved grooves are complementary so as to form a longitudinal curved keyway with a cross-section that is shaped to have an upright first portion and a cross-wise second portion. A first set of tumbler members is provided on the cylindrical plug and extends in the direction of the upright first portion. A second set of tumbler members is provided on the cylindrical plug and extends in the direction of the cross-wise second portion. The flexible key is adapted to be received in the curved keyway and is useful for actuating the tumbler members. The flexible key includes a chain of successively hinged knuckles.

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 lock assembly includes a lock body having tumbler members and a curved keyway, and a flexible key to be received in the curved keyway and having key bit projections for actuating the tumbler members. The flexible key has a degree of stiffness sufficient enough to allow said key to be inserted into said curved keyway.

Abstract: Theft of a bicycle is discouraged by a locking mechanism in the front headstem that controllably engages the handlebar-attached headstem with the front fork or disengages the headstem and fork for free relative rotation. A shaft attached to the fork and a sleeve attached to the handlebar clamp are connected at a locking junction which is rotatable as a whole in the front journal of the frame. A key operated cam moves a locking roller radially outwardly of the shaft to engage a receptacle in the sleeve for engagement or allows the roller to retract into an aperture for disengagement. The shaft and sleeve have complementary conical tapers axially positioned by a split conical bushing. A cylinder lock operates the cam via a key having a substantially tubular configuration with a uniquely configured axial end for positioning lock pins against axial spring pressure.

Abstract: This relates to a key cover for covering the head of a key. The key cover is formed in two pieces, a cover member and a plug. The cover member is provided with a cavity for receiving the key head with the blade of the key passing through a slot in the underside of the cover member. A plug is then readily insertable into the top of a cavity in overlying relation to the key head disposed within the cavity of the cover member and locked in place with the cover member. The interlock between the plug and the cover member is one wherein the plug cannot be readily removed unless the cover, for all practical purposes, is locked in place on the key. This permits the key cover to be individually applied to a key without materially disassociating the key from its respective lock.