Abstract: A key blade having a longitudinal axis (A) of insertion and comprising an elongated, wave-like generally longitudinally extending code pattern (38) for cooperation with a row (23) of elevationally and rotationally movable locking tumblers (23a-23e) of a rotary cylinder type lock (18). Each of the locking tumblers is provided with a transversely projecting finger which engages with the code pattern (38) when the key blade is inserted into the lock. The code pattern (38) includes a number of concavity locations (40-44) which are displaced longitudinally and transversely so as to correspond to specific rotational and elevational positions of the locking tumblers which will permit releasing of the lock.

Abstract: A lock has an outer casing and a lock cylinder rotatably mounted therein and having a coaxial keyway of round cross section plus several rows of radial bores to accommodate the tumblers and their springs, and also has a key which has notches on its outside profile for the engagement with the tumbler. The key has an equilateral polygonal bit cross section which matches the cross section of the keyhole in the front wall of the lock casing as well as a coaxial opening in the lock cylinder bottom, these cross sections of the keyhole and bottom opening being angularly offset from one another. The tip of the key bit has ramp surfaces corresponding to the rows of the tumblers, ascending toward the handle of the key and terminating each at one polygon face for the purpose of raising the tumblers, and the rows of notches are disposed between the polygon faces.

Abstract: A key is an assembly of a thermoplastic handle and a blade, which are formed separately from each other. The blade is substantially flat, and includes on each of its opposite sides a plurality of parallel longitudinal lands having forwardly-facing bittings thereon, and a plurality of parallel longitudinal grooves which alternate with the lands and space them apart. The bittings serve to engage transverse rows of axially reciprocatable tumblers in a cylinder lock, and the grooves receive lock wards therein, while the distal end of the blade engages the lock to determine the depth of insertion of the key blade. The blade also is provided with a capture pin opening, and with a proximal end structure which cooperates with the handle in assembling the key. The blade is made from a length of bar stock which is rolled in order to form lands and grooves on the sides of a flat strip.

Abstract: A cylinder lock of the type having twisting tumblers operated by a bitted key having at least one skew-cut bit provided with a side bar which is symmetrical with regard to a radius through a center of the key plug perpendicular to the plane of the key so that the side bar intersects not only slots in the twisting tumblers, but the profile of the key. The key has slots in its side face which extend perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A vehicle and assembly locking and wrenching apparatus is provided by replacement nuts each having an incised front face and arcuate sides parallel to the face, surrounded by cylindrical, annular rings that prevent the gripping and turning of the nuts. Provision is also made for a coupling having a fitting that possesses projected walls complementary to the channels incised on the faces of the nuts, such that upon insertion of a fitting into a nut, engagement is provided for the attachment or removal of the nut by turning. A vehicle-and-assembly locked mode is created when removable assemblies are attached with the replacement fasteners, the coupling is attached to a U-shaped lock around the end opposite to the cylindrical locking mechanism for the U-shaped lock, and the U-shaped lock is locked around the vehicle and a stationary object.

Abstract: A key comprises a key body provided with at least one translatably movable plunger able to be displaced in a housing provided in the key, the plunger being intended to co-operate with a positioning member provided in the recess of a rotor so as to project from its recess and to push a movable pin of the rotor into a position permitting rotation of the barrel rotor relative to the stator. The key comprises in its head a constricted zone, and the recess of the movable plunger is provided in this constricted zone.

Abstract: A new lock center combined with a cylindrical barrel for use in a padlock. The padlock is provided with a key having a plurality of arc-shaped teeth which can engage a corresponding number and shape of slots in the lock center. Two resiliently retained pins located in aligned vertical pin holes in the barrel and lock center prevent relative rotation of the lock center and barrel. However, by inserting and rotating the key in the lock center, the arc-shaped teeth of the key engage the pins and align the line of contact between the two pins with the line of contact between the lock center and the cylindrical barrel, thereby permitting the lock center to rotate relative to the barrel. Upon rotation of the lock center, the thinner shoulder of the upper part of the lock center is rotated between two steel balls, which then can roll out of contact with the lock shackle toward the thinner shoulder and permit the shackle to be open by spring pressure.

Abstract: A key for a lock-key system, particularly for a hierarchal lock system, is provided which has an invariable basic profile and a variation or system profile in which the invariable basic profile is allocated to the region of the key facing carrying the classification notches and has at least two profiled formations which cross the centerline of the key. The variation or system profile is allocated to the key region adjacent to the key spine. Variations are provided in the system profile by longitudinal incisions having a rectangular cross-section.

Abstract: A twisting tumbler lock with dual locking function has tumbler points at tumbler positions selectively offset forwardly or rearwardly and selectively rotatable to different angular positions to create an enormous number of keying combinations. A key according to the invention includes one or more bits which are offset forwardly or rearwardly of a corresponding tumbler axis.

Abstract: A picking tool adapted to open a cylinder lock of the axial pin tumbler type having its tumblers arranged in a coplanar configuration, includes a planar torquing core insertable into the lock keyway in a longitudinal direction, a plurality of longitudinal guideway channels formed on opposing faces of the core, and respective tumbler probes longitudinally reciprocable in the channels. A holder, which acts as a handle for manipulating the picking tool, also serves as a housing surrounding the core and the probes. The holder is formed with a pair of radial openings in opposite sides thereof which receive respective brake segments for exerting a frictional drag on the probes. An adjustable hoop clamp surrounds the brake segments for manually adjusting the frictional drag, so that the proper tumbler displacement action can be achieved. Setscrews are threaded into the body of the holder for clamping the probes in their final tumbler-displacing positions.

Abstract: Disclosed are cylinder lock arrangements which include a rotatable cylinder plug provided with recesses for guiding in axial direction blocking bars which cooperate with the cylinder housing to prevent in a blocking position thereof the rotation of the plug. The blocking bars are formed with blind bores which in a releasing axial position of the bars communicate with a key channel. The blind bores accommodate segmented pin tumblers which are controlled by control recesses on a lateral wall of a key so that upon the insertion of a correct key the separation planes of the segments of the pin tumblers coincide with the separation plane between the blocking bar and the clyinder plug. The key for the lock of this invention has a profile defined by alternating longitudinal ribs and longitudinal grooves whereby the crest regions of the ribs are formed with the control recesses arranged at different levels in accordance with the segments of the pin tumblers.

Abstract: A lock and key system is provided wherein the flat sides of the keys are equipped with locking ribs projecting beyond the normal profile and provided with indentations (depressions) over their course, i.e., are equipped with height-modulated locking ribs. In order to achieve an additional scope of variation which adds to the variations presently available in locked key systems, based on locks having identical bore patterns, the auxiliary locking ribs of the keys of the individual locks are provided with a differing distribution of elevations and depressions and, interacting with these locking rib designs are a number of species of sensing pins. A first species of pins serve to sense elevations, a second species of pins serve to sense depressions and a third species of pins is provided at those locations of the locks at which the individual key comprises an elevation, but the superordinated or master key for the actuation of locks combined into a system comprises a rib depression at the same location.

Abstract: A cylinder lock assembly which includes a hollow lock body and a barrel rotatably mounted in the lock body having a keyway extending longitudinally from one end thereof.There is also provided a plurality of tumbler pin bores located in the barrel arranged in one or more rows. Each tumbler pin bore communicates with the keyway.There is also provided a plurality of tumbler pins provided in one or more rows wherein each tumbler pin is located in an associated tumbler pin bore.There is also provided a multiplicity of individual or separate locking pins arranged in one or more rows which engage with an adjacent row of tumbler pins transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tumbler pins to retain the barrel in a locked position preventing rotational movement of the barrel relative to the lock body.

Abstract: A peripheral key for a tumbler lock, the key being transversely curved concentrically with the axis of the lock, and having an L-shaped groove to pass a sentry lug on a lock. The L-shaped groove has a longitudinal leg opening longitudinally at the free end of the lock, and a lateral leg communicating with the inboard end of the longitudinal leg and opening laterally to enable the sentry lug to pass along and out of the L-shaped groove to free the key for further operative movement. A tumbler lock having code discs and actuating discs, and a pusher plate having a lost-motion connection with a mounting plug to pick up the plug after predetermined movement of a curved peripheral key. A key as first described above, together with a lock having a sentry lug for accommodating insertion of the key into the lock.

Abstract: A tool for operating the bolt mechanism of a cylinder lock without the use of a key. The tool comprises a slender steel rod provided on its end with at least one hingedly pivotable knuckle member or portion constantly urged by spring bias means to a pivoted position at a right angle to the axis of the shank. The tool is inserted through the plug key slot until the jointed knuckle member or portion projects beyond the end of the key slot and is automatically extended to a 90.degree.-angle such as to operate the bolt mechanism in the same manner as the conventional lock cam.

Abstract: A closure device has a cylinder core turnable in a housing and a key insertable into a key channel in the core. A ball provided in a circumferential groove in the inner wall of the housing cooperates with an edge portion of the key. A pin is arranged in the same plane and 180.degree. away from the ball.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant lock assembly includes a pair of cooperating keyway guard plates, each of which has a keyway formed therethrough. The guard plates are laterally displaceable relative to one another for movement between an open position, in which the keyways thereof are substantially aligned to allow for passage of at least a portion of a key shank therethrough, and a closed position, in which the keyway of one of the guard plates is at least partially blocked by the other of the guard plates. A uniquely-configured key is also disclosed for use in combination with such guard plates.

Abstract: A cylinder lock having a generally cylindrical barrel with a barrel body within which are slidably located a plurality of locking pins which intersect the keyway in the cylinder lock to thereby engage a key located in the keyway. The locking pins are arranged in two sets which extend generally longitudinally of the body with the locking pins secured within the body to prevent rotation about the axis of movement of the pins.

Abstract: A lock and key set comprises two cylinder locks (1,2) each having a cylinder (3,3'), a barrel (4,4') rotatable in the cylinder, and a set of tumblers (9,9') radially movable in the cylinder into and out of engagement with the cylinder, and a key (20) having a bit (21) which can be inserted into the barrels of both locks and provided with two sets (23,24) of cam surfaces (22). The sets of tumblers (9,9') in each lock are movable by a respective one of the sets of cam surfaces in response to rotation of the key bit in clockwise and anticlockwise directions, so that when the two locks are incorporated in doors on opposite sides of a vehicle, they are actuated with opposite movements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a screw lock, characterized in that the screw key screws into a keyway, and the slots on the top ring screw of the screw key provide a convex-concave match with switch points in the cylinder. The screw key is then pushed in and turns the cylinder to effect locking and unlocking. The keyway of this invention is adapted to accept the spiral screw shape, and accordingly, the form and the mechanism of the switch points are not seen. Thus, the form and mechanism of the switch points in the cylinder is unknown. Also, conventional keys or wires cannot be inserted into the spiral screw hole. In case other keys are inserted into the keyway, the set points in the cylinder prevent the key form being further pushed in and prevent turning of the cylinder to effect unlocking.

Abstract: Lock and key device with the lock comprising a barrel for driving at least one bolt, rotatably mounted in a fixed hollow shaft and containing fittings the cooperation of which with wing couples formed on the key in its operational portion unblocks the barrel relative to the shaft as to a rotary movement when the key is completely driven-in, means being provided in the lock and on the key for limiting the driving-in of the key inside the lock to the unblocking position of the fittings, a longitudinal undeceiver of the key cooperating with a barrel slot, distinguishing a wing couple from another wing couple for the introduction in a correct position of the key inside the lock.

Abstract: A cylindrical type lock has a rotatable cylinder within a lock body wherein the cylinder has a stacked array of a plurality of nested and alternating tumbler wheels and spacer discs mounted in a subassembly with the cylinder to the lock body, the spacer discs are held stationary by tab projections which extend radially outwardly into a longitudinal groove in the cylinder into which they slip fit on assembly along with the tumbler wheels in stacked array into the cylinder, the wheels and discs being formed with identical annular projections on one side and mating annular recesses on opposite sides so that the wheels and discs nest in interfitting relation in the stacked array within the cylinder to be operated by an associated key which has a plurality of spaced segmented disc-like coded webs and blank webs which are adapted to align with the tumbler wheels and spacer discs respectively when the key is inserted into the lock and rotated.

Abstract: A cylinder lock has a housing with a rotatably insertable cylinder having a key passage for an insertable flat key whose front part has locking notches associated with cylinder pins arranged in openings of the cylinder for retaining the cylinder pins. The flat key is provided at both its lateral sides with longitudinal grooves for receiving longitudinal ribs provided on the lateral sides of the key passage for the lateral profile variation. The longitudinal grooves on both lateral faces of the flat key lie with their bottom faces on lines which extend parallel to and at a distance from one another. The parallel lines extending at a distance from one another are arcuate at least in one partial region, and the convexly protruding central part of one arcuate line extend at least close to a straight line connecting the end points of the second arcuate line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a master-key piston lock comprising a cylindrical rotor pivoting in a bore of a stator, the said stator comprising radial holes opening into the said bore and in each of which there slides a stator piston spring-loaded towards the said bore, the said rotor comprising an axial key passage into which there open radial holes open at their other extremities at the peripheral surface of the rotor, a right circular-cylindrical rotor piston sliding in each of the said radial holes of the rotor and a key equipped with coded notches co-operating each with the inner extremity of one of the said stator pistons in such manner that the outer extremity of each of the rotor pistons is flush with the peripheral surface of the rotor.The rotor pistons comprise a shoulder with which there can co-operate the notches of a master key.

Abstract: A two-stage tumbler lock wherein there are two sets of discs, one set being actuatable by a key to free the second set for unlocking movement under the influence of the key. The invention also contemplates a lock designed to receive a peripheral key to cause the above operations.The invention further contemplates a dog leg key particularly a peripheral dog leg key for effecting the above operations.The invention still further contemplates a lock having a peripherally located reset member which makes picking most difficult. A further feature of the lock and its key is that the two coact to perform their intended functions in a manner such that the key cannot be withdrawn from the lock until it is returned to the position it first assumed when inserted into the lock.Another feature of the invention is a disc lock in which the discs have spaced lugs defining the extent of disc movement in regard to a locking member.

Abstract: A key kit for opening tumbler locks has a key member with a shaft insertable into a tumbler lock, the shaft having a series of longitudinally-spaced recesses into which the tumblers in the lock can respectively enter. A foil of impressionable material is removably positionable on the shaft over the recesses, and a tumbler displacing member is insertable into the lock with the shaft and foil to displace the tumblers without the tumblers engaging the foil. The tumbler displacing member being removable from the lock after the shaft and foil have been inserted therein to enable the key member to be manipulated to cause the tumblers to make impressions in the foil corresponding to the key shape required to open the lock.

Abstract: A cylinder lock with a cylinder core rotatable in a housing, a side bar in a recess extending axially in a peripheral part of the cylinder core and biassed outwardly to engage a recess in the housing which is shaped to retract the side bar upon turning the cylinder core, the side bar having a number of lugs which must engage in waisted portions of locking pins of a row thereof guided in bores in the cylinder core to permit retraction of the side bar. The waisted portions of the pins are identically positioned with respect to ends thereof, and the lugs are differently positioned on the side bar, the side bar having guide portions which extend between the locking pins when the side bar is retracted and which engage guide surfaces to resist any tendency for the side bar to become misaligned or jammed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder-lock having a flat key comprising a shank having at least one profile longitudinal groove extending from the end thereof to accommodate a rib in the key-channel of the cylinder-lock, said shank including fixed key bits adapted to index pin-tumblers in the cylinder-lock, said key including in the area of the wide side of the shank an additional movable key bit, said movable key bit being adapted to be controlled by a shoulder in the key-channel such that when the key is inserted it induces an auxiliary tumbler into a position which allows the cylinder core of the lock to be rotated.

Abstract: A tubular wheel type key lock operable by a key, comprising a lock case, a plurality of peripherally gated tumbler wheels supported for rotation about a common axis. Each tumbler wheel include center hub portions and rim portions encircling the hub portions. Supporting formations are interposed between successive adjacent pairs of tumbler wheels defining spacers to rotatably support the tumbler wheels about a common center axis. A control cam mechanism is rotatable by a key and has means to link with a fence lever for retracting a bolt at a predetermined position of the tumbler wheels.

Abstract: A lock system has a master-only lock which can be opened only by a master key and a subordinate lock which can be opened by a subordinate key and a master key. The master-key slot of the master-only lock is formed with a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending and inwardly projecting guide ridges and a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending and inwardly open variable recesses interleaved with and parallel to the guide ridges. The master key is complementarily shaped. The subordinate lock has guide ridges and variable recesses identical to that of the master-only lock, and in addition is formed with further variable recesses in which fit corresponding further ridges on the subordinate key. Thus, the subordinate key is of larger cross-sectional area than the master key so that it cannot fit into the master lock.

Abstract: A lock assembly has a tubular secondary lock housing having an inner wall generally centered on an axis and formed with an axially extending and inwardly open groove. A core plug is rotatable in this housing and has a central axially extending and open key-receiving passage. Axially spaced tumblers are exposed at this passage in the plug and are diametrally displaceable therein along a diametral plane between outer positions projecting radially beyond the outer surface and inner positions lying radially within the outer surface. These tumblers are only displaceable into the outer positions when they are radially aligned with the groove and when they are in the outer position and engaged in the groove they block the core from rotating in the housing. The tumblers have respective control edges subdivided at the diametral plane into first edge regions and second edge regions which are out of line with each other.

Abstract: The combination of a cylinder lock and key, wherein the key comprises a blade with a longitudinally extending edge portion at one side of the blade provided with a coded surface for engaging the ends of a row of locking pins in the cylinder core of the lock. The coded surface has code portions which engage a segment of the end of each pin spaced from the center thereof, and transition portions for guiding the pins between adjacent code portions and which are of concavely curved cross-sectional shape to provide for arcuate engagement with the pins, the code portions and transition portions of the coded surface being open to the side of the key blade and spaced from the other side thereof. The coded surface is produced by moving a rotary cutting tool relative to the key blank with substantially the same movement as the pins undergo relative to the key as the latter is inserted into and removed from the cylinder of the lock.

Abstract: A lock with a stator and a rotor having a key slot or channel for receiving a flat key has four tumbler rows with pin tumblers, the rows extending in the axial direction of the rotor. The planes containing two of the tumbler rows are inclined by identical angles on opposite sides of the median longitudinal plane of the key and intersect a narrow edge surface of the key adjacent the corners so that the recesses in the key to receive the pin tumblers open on both the narrow side and the flat side key, making it possible to reduce the constructional size of cylinder lock.

Abstract: A key for use in a hierarchal lock system with an elongated body and selectively spaced notches cut on an elongated edge of the body. Two rows of discontinuous rib members are attached to each side of the elongated body of the key.

Abstract: In rotary cylinder locks with spring-loaded, two-piece tumbler pins which are disposed radially to the lock cylinder and which interact with recesses 9, 10, 11 arranged in the side surfaces of flat keys 4, some of the recesses 10, 11 are disposed in steps. In this manner, one recess (for instance 10) shows differing control surfaces 10a, 10b, 10c, which can interact with differently disposed inner pins. By omitting some control surfaces (for instance 10a), auxiliary or single keys can be created, which can only position part of all inner pins of the same group. In this manner the number of differing locking possibilities of such locks can be multiplied.

Abstract: An improved locking mechanism is provided with a fixed outer cylinder and at least two side-by-side rows of resiliently urged pins disposed in a staggered relation therein. A face plate contains a nonrotatable key slot in angular disorientation to the pins and a key is provided with a plurality of biased grooves forming inclined planes to depress the pins as the key, imposed in an inner cylinder, are rotated together through the plane of the pins. The inner cylinder is connected to a bolt actuating linkage in a conventional manner. A pin bar having a plurality of reversely biased grooves forming inclined planes in the same profile as the key is disposed in a longitudinally extending channel in the inner cylinder. The face plate is formed of an anti-drill metal secured to an intermediate housing by crimping in a peripheral area which is inaccessible between the intermediate and an outer housing.

Abstract: A key blank in which the upper edge surface of the blade has a longitudinal groove dividing that surface into two laterally spaced parts, and a relatively narrow waist is formed in the blade upper portion by progressive narrowing of the blade width downwardly from and adjacent the upper edge surface. The blade is basically a flat parallel sided member and the waisting is created by two substantially symmetrical grooves. Each part of the upper edge surface on each side of the longitudinal groove slopes downwardly and outwardly so as to be substantially normal to the flat sloping surface of the adjacent waisting groove. A key formed from the blank described has bittings cut in the upper edge surface and each bitting is cut on an angle so that the base of each resulting valley part slopes at substantially the same angle as a part of the upper edge surface. Alternate valley base surfaces may slope in opposite directions.

Abstract: A plunger type lock construction in which the key receiving face thereof is spaced a critical distance from a portion of a reciprocable plunger which is within the lock body and which is engaged by the key to release locking members extending from the lock body. The lock body has shaped means at its key receiving face which prevents insertion of a key to the proper, lock operating depth in the lock if the end of the key which faces the key receiving face is not shaped so as to receive the shaped means on the lock body. Each lock may have a differently shaped means so that a key which will fit one lock will not fit another lock, but a master key may be provided which will fit all or only a plurality, of such locks.

Abstract: A key-operated device, for example for controlling access to switch gear or potentially dangerous machinery, has a rotary motion with an axially inserted key but departs from the usual barrel lock construction which is sensitive to foreign matter. Instead it has a faceplate in front of a stationary body with a cylindrical member rotatable in it and having a recess for the key and circumferentially spaced notches in a flange close behind the plate and prevented from direct access through the keyhole by a fixed axially extending wall on the back of the plate but accessible by appropriate lugs on the key when the latter is inserted. The rotatable member is connected through a spindle to a switch, valve or latch or other actuated device.

Abstract: A key for a safety lock having two grooves on each flat side with pairs of identical grooves being located symmetrically opposed about the central axis of the key profile. The grooves (2,3) and the tumbler cams are fashioned in pairs with different dimensions, for the purpose of increasing the number of possible combinations. Thus, both the width and/or depth of a groove may be constant or variable.

Abstract: A lock with plate-shaped tumblers opened or closed by a cylindrical key bar composed of a cylindrical key bar having annular extending grooves corresponding to the tumblers, cylindrical plug, lock body, protecting ring, protecting plate and several plate-shaped tumblers having square or oval holes therethrough arranged in single row, double rows or cross rows. The tumblers are arranged within the plug by single row, double row or cross row. When the lock is in the closed state, the tumblers are spring biased into a first set of obstructing grooves in the lock body. When the key bar is first inserted into the lock through the tumbler holes, the tumblers are pushed into a second set of grooves in the lock opposing the first set. When the key is turned, the tumblers fall into the corresponding grooves and upon further turning the sides of the grooves engage the tumblers turning the plug and opening the lock.

Abstract: A locking mechanism having at least one but preferably two locking bolts movably supported for guided linear movement in a housing between locked and unlocked positions. Where two locking bolts are employed, each locking bolt moves in a direction opposite from the other. The locking mechanism is characterized in that each locking bolt is comprised by at least two superposed bolt parts which are linearly movable along the longitudinal axis of the bolt relative to each other and are provided on the corresponding longitudinal edges with a plurality of spaced matching teeth having an angle of 10.degree.-80.degree.. A key is provided for guided linear movement through a keyhole perpendicular to the bolt parts and having teeth matching those in the bolt parts formed in at least one of its side edges and where two oppositely moving bolts are provided, the key has matching teeth formed in each of the side edges thereof.

Abstract: A double deadbolt lock having a housing in which two latch bolts are mounted for reciprocal movement between an extended locking position and a retracted unlocked position. The bolts are in transverse alignment so as to have an elongated face on one opposite an elongated face on another. Each of the two opposite faces has a pattern of alternate, allochirally arranged lands and grooves extending obliquely away from one end of the bolts toward the other end. The housing has a keyhole extending therethrough in alignment with the said opposite faces of the bolts. The key for locking and unlocking the bolts has a shaft having a cross-sectional size and shape corresponding to the size and shape of the hole. Opposite edges of the shaft have alternate lands and grooves complementary respectively to corresponding lands and grooves of the latch bolts.

Abstract: A lock for a railroad switch or the like, which comprises a housing having a socket at one end and an elongated shackle having an enlargement on one end and a recess on the other end for cooperating with locking members in the housing so as to be received in locking engagement therein. The operating member for the locking member is a rotatable and axially movable plunger. Springs are provided to bias the plunger in rotation to the locking position and forwardly. Pin and groove guide means is provided to maintain the plunger in the unlocking position and to allow the plunger to rotate to the locking position when the plunger is moved axially by insertion of the end of the shackle into the housing.

Abstract: A lock system has a master-only lock which can be opened only by a master key and a subordinate lock which can be opened by a subordinate key and a master key. The master-key slot of the master-only lock is formed with a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending and inwardly projecting guide ridges and a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending and inwardly open variable recesses interleaved with and parallel to the guide ridges. The master key is complementarily shaped. The subordinate lock has guide ridges and variable recesses identical to that of the master-only lock, and in addition is formed with further variable recesses in which fit corresponding further ridges on the subordinate key. Thus, the subordinate key is of larger cross-sectional area than the master key so that it cannot fit into the master lock.

Abstract: A lock system comprising (1) a first standard size pin tumbler lock mechanism, such as is used, for example, in an exterior apartment door; (2) a second pin-tumbler lock mechanism substantially smaller in size than the first lock, such as is used for securing an apartment house mailbox; and (3) a key having conventional handle and shank portions and a set of notches and projections extending along one longitudinal edge of the shank portion such that the key, when inserted into the barrel of the standard lock mechanism, will render it operable, and such that the key, when inserted into the barrel of the smaller lock mechanism, will also render it operable.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided having a rotatable inner cylinder concentric with a fixed conventionally sized outer cylinder and coplanar resiliently urged coplanar pins. A face plate contains a nonrotatable slot to accept a substantially conventionally sized key at a 90 degree angle from the plane of the pins. The key is provided with grooves cut on a forward bias to depress the pins as the key and inner cylinder together are rotated through the plane of the pins. The inner cylinder is connected to bolt actuating linkage in the customary manner. A pin bar having reverse bias grooves in the same profile as the key is inserted into radial channels provided therefor during assembly of the lock, said pin bar permitting locking without the presence of the key. The key slot may contain a barrier bisecting the key slot to prevent unauthorized access to the pins, with a correspondence cleft in the key to fit around the barrier.

Abstract: A lock for a railroad switch or the like, which comprises a housing providing a socket at one end and an elongated shackle having an enlargement on one end and a recess on the other end for cooperating with locking balls in the housing socket to be received in locking engagement therein, in which the operating means for the locking balls in the housing is a rotatable member having an enlarged head disposed in a recess at the end of the housing opposite the socket end, the interior of said recess being cylindrical, the periphery of the enlarged head being sufficiently out of round to enable it to be rotated by a tool having a suitably shaped recess, yet not sufficiently out of round to be readily apparent from visual observation.

Abstract: A key, for use with a rotary cylinder lock of the type having a rectangular key slot and tumbler pins protruding into one or both wide sides of the slot, has a blade with permutations of recesses of different depths (step values) to receive the pins. The recesses are elongated in the direction of blade insertion. At least one of the recesses is located so that its associated pin engages the recess at the end of the recess when the blade is fully inserted so that, after rotation is started, movement of the blade in the longitudinal direction is positively limited.

Abstract: A cylinder lock with a key plug rotatably mounted in the cylinder shell is described. The key plug has a plurality of tumblers that are set by the V bits of a key inserted in the key plug. The key is cut at three different levels and cut at three different angles. Each tumbler in the key plug may be positioned by the properly bitted key reciprocally to clear the shear line and also positioned rotationally to allow the fence to be cammed out of engagement with the cylinder shell. The key plug may then be rotated.A side bar cylinder lock is also described with the same key cut at three different levels and cut at three different angles. The tumblers are positioned reciprocally and rotationally by the properly bitted key to allow the fence to be cammed out of engagement with the cylinder shell. The key plug may then be rotated.