Abstract: A key plate includes a key plate body that extends longitudinally and has a grip portion and a keyhole insertion portion connected to the grip portion. The keyhole insertion portion includes a flat surface with a generally U-shaped groove formed into the flat surface. The generally U-shaped groove has a longitudinally-extending first cord groove, a longitudinally-extending second cord groove and a transversely-extending connecting groove that is disposed adjacent the grip portion and interconnects the first cord groove and the second cord groove. A method for manufacturing the key plate is also described.

Abstract: By operationally mounting a plurality of wafers or plates forming tumblers in an independent, separate, substantially closed container, and cooperatively mounting the plate tumbler container with a cylinder forming member, a unique cylinder lock system is attained which is easily and inexpensively manufactured, as well as quickly and easily re-keyed whenever desired. In the preferred embodiment, all of the plate tumblers which are desired for the particular lock construction are mounted in the substantially closed container, with each plate tumbler having the requisite spring means associated therewith. In addition, the plate tumbler holding container incorporates one aperture for each plate tumbler which allows the slot engaging fin of each tumbler to extend outwardly from the container for locking and unlocking association with the housing.

Abstract: A lock and a method for manufacturing the lock. The lock comprises a shell having an interior cavity, a plug received in the interior cavity rotatably and axially slidably therein and defining a keyway configured to receive a preselected key, and a tumbler insertable in the plug. The tumbler has a plug portion disposed at a first axial location within the plug and resiliently biased outwardly toward a locked radial position and associated with the keyway such that the preselected key inserted in the keyway locates the tumbler in an unlock position and a shell portion disposed at a second axial location in the shell wherein the second axial location is axially spaced from the first axial location. The shell, the plug and the tumblers are configured such that the tumblers are sheared between the plug and the shell when the plug and the shell are forced axially toward each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a key actuated cam lock. The cam lock has a corrosion resistant metal cap. A weather resistant plug cap is rotatably mounted in the corrosion resistant metal cap. The weather resistant plug cap has an opening permitting the entry of the key. A plug body is located adjacent to the plug cap. The plug body has a key entering end and a cam actuating end, and a plurality of spring biased disc tumblers engaging the key when the key is inserted into the plug body. The cam lock also has a lock housing so that the plug body is rotatably positioned within the lock housing. The lock housing has at least one limit stop disposed thereon. The plug body has an internal O-ring providing a weather resistant seal located near the cam actuating end of the plug housing. The O-ring is disposed between the cam actuating end of the plug body and the lock housing.

Abstract: A tumbler lock with an additional rotor locking member includes a rotor rotating in a stator bore. The lock includes a slide movable transversely to the key channel, the slide including a key passage orifice and a projection co-operating with a stator housing in a position locking the rotor rotation and elastically returned in the locking position by an elastic return, the slide having at least a notch co-operating with a key member so as to drive the slide transversely towards a position unlocking the rotor rotation.

Abstract: A dual cam, reversible key includes first and second patterns of notches in first and second edges of the shank of the key on a common side of the key shank of the key, providing a dual cam key. The patterns of notches are formed to have complementary symmetry and to make the width of the shank constant along at least the portion of the shank that includes the notches. The first pattern of notches is identical with the second pattern of notches insomuch as they are "parallels" to each other. The key operates tumblers each of which has an opening defining a pair of staggered generally rectangular windows, each of the windows defining cam surfaces for accommodating the dual cam, reversible key. Also disclosed is a method for making the dual cam, reversible key.

Abstract: A dual cam, reversible key includes first and second patterns of notches in first and second edges of the shank of the key on a common side of the key shank of the key, providing a dual cam key. The patterns of notches are formed to have complementary symmetry and to make the width of the shank constant along at least the portion of the shank that includes the notches. The first pattern of notches is identical with the second pattern of notches insomuch as they are "parallel" to each other. The key operates tumblers each of which has an opening defining a pair of staggered generally rectangular windows, each of the windows defining cam surfaces for accommodating the dual cam, reversible key. Also disclosed is a method for making the dual cam, reversible key.

Abstract: A tamperproof lock includes a housing of a cylindrical construction, and a lock body located in the cylindrical housing. The lock body is rotatably located in the housing such that the lock body can be turned by a key which is inserted thereinto. As the lock body is turned a predetermined angle by the key, the lock body is disengaged with the housing.

Abstract: The cylinder lock comprises blocking tumblers which are guided parallel to the broad sides of the key channel. On the broad sides (13, 14) of the flat key (2) guide grooves (15, 16) are disposed which cooperate with carriers on the blocking tumblers. The grooves (15, 16) on the key (2) comprise several function regions, wherein a subregion (51) of the groove comprises an expanded groove width. The tumblers whose carriers engage these expanded groove regions (51) are equipped with additional positioning elements. This configuration prevents the unauthorized opening of a lock according to the invention with a key (2) with duplicated guide grooves (15, 16).

Abstract: A reciprocating combinating tumbler for a lock plug assembly which includes a flat body portion and a bent-over (or enlarged) end portion is provided for use with a lock plug barrel having a generally cylindrical outer periphery, a longitudinal axis, a keyway slot formed substantially along the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of spaced-apart cavities formed substantially perpendicular to the keyway slot. In use, the tumbler reciprocates between an extended position wherein the bent-over end portion is spaced radially outwardly of the outer periphery of the lock plug barrel and protrudes into a longitudinal spline formed in the aperture of a housing, and a retracted position wherein the bent-over end portion is spaced radially inwardly of the outer periphery of the barrel and does not protrudes into the longitudinal spline.

Abstract: On a cylinder lock (1) tumblers (10) are disposed which extend parallel to the broad side (8, 9) of the lock channel (6). The ends of these tumblers (10) block between the rotor (3) and the stator (4). On the rear side (17), facing away from the key channel (6), of the tumblers (10) are disposed additional codings. These codings cooperate with additional two-part blocking elements (20). These blocking elements (20) are displaceable at right angles to the lock axis and block in addition in the region of the shear line (32) between rotor (3) and stator (4). Therewith additional blocking combinations are possible and the security of the lock against unauthorized opening is increased.

Abstract: A lock piece is provided in the inner part of a tumbler. Size of a clearance formed between the side of a lock groove engaging portion of the lock piece and the side of a lock groove is determined to be smaller than size of a clearance formed between the side of a lock condition holding portion of the tumbler and the side of a lock groove. When the key is inserted being given a torque in the rotating direction, the lock groove engaging portion is engaged with the side of the lock groove, and the lock condition holding portion of the tumbler is maintained to be separate from the side of the lock groove. Due to the foregoing, the lock condition holding portion is prevented from being caught on the side of the lock groove.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a locking device with a locking cylinder which is formed of a cylinder guide and a cylinder core which is rotatably supported therein. When the key is withdrawn, the cylinder core is locked with the cylinder guide via spring-loaded tumblers. The cylinder guide is rotatably supported in the housing, but is fixed with respect to rotation therein via a catch when the key is rotated. When the key is inserted, the rotation of the cylinder core is transmitted, via a radially spring-loaded and radially displaceable radial slide, to a driver performing the locking functions in the lock. The catch has a push-rod by means of which the spring-loaded radial slide can be controlled so that the transmission of torque to the driver is interrupted when the locking cylinder is forcibly rotated.

Abstract: In a key switch system for a vehicle, a plurality of tumblers 6 and a pair of cylinder pins engaging tumbler engagement grooves 1.sub.2 in an outer cylinder 1 are radially slidably carried in an inner cylinder 2 which is rotatably carried within the outer cylinder 1. If a key K is correctly and deeply inserted into a key hole 2.sub.1, the tumblers 6 are disengaged from the tumbler engagement grooves 1.sub.2 by a code valley K.sub.1 of the key K, and the pair of cylinder pins 8 are disengaged from the tumbler engagement grooves 1.sub.2 by a tip end K.sub.2 of the key K, thereby permitting the rotation of the inner cylinder 2. If the key K is turned in a state in which it is not correctly and deeply inserted into the key hole 2.sub.1, the rotation is restricted by the engagement of the cylinder pins 8 having a high rigidity into the tumbler engagement grooves 1.sub.2, thereby preventing a damage to the tumblers 6.

Abstract: A cylinder assembly for a plate tumbler lock includes a plate tumbler which snap-fits into an assembled position by pushing the tumbler into its ward until a projecting detent flexes inwardly and passes by a retaining ledge in the side wall of the ward, and thereafter springs back outwardly so that the detent is retained by the ledge. A pair of notches, one located above and one below the tumbler detent, permit the tumbler to flex inwardly as the tumbler detent passes over the retaining ledge to eliminate any significant forces acting between the detent, the side wall of the tumbler ward and the retaining ledge, and thereby minimize the metal deformation of these components.

Abstract: A lock cylinder includes a cylindrical body with first and second ends and a curved surface between those ends. A keyway extends from the first end into the cylindrical body for receiving a key that operates the lock. A slot extends from the curved surface to the keyway and has a separate pair of spaced apart lips spaced from opposite ends of the slot. A locking bar is within the slot and has a recess spaced from each end within which a pair of lips are received. Separate springs in each recess act against the pairs of lips to bias the locking bar into the cylindrical body. A plurality of tumblers are slideably located within the cylindrical body at a junction between the keyway and the slot. When the key is removed from the keyway, the tumblers push the locking bar to project from the curved surface of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A directional control and time delay interlock for making a key operable rotatable tumbler lock substantially pick-proof. When the proper key is inserted the core of the lock is rotatable in a first direction for elevating a biased pawl from locking engagement with a cam surface carried by the rotatable portion of the lock. The distal end of a pawl engaging an indentation in the rotatable portion of the lock prevents initial rotation of the rotatable portion of the lock in a second direction opposite to the first direction of rotation. After rotation in the first direction of rotation, the distal end of the pawl is elevated away from the rotational portion of the lock freeing its engagement with the rotatable portion of the lock. With the pawl elevated, the rotational portion of the lock can be quickly rotated in the second direction past the pawl before the distal end of the pawl returns under a slight bias to the surface of the rotatable portion of the lock.

Abstract: A key and rotary cylinder for a safety lock are disclosed. The key has in its shank a continuous bore hole in which two opposite control elements are supported. These control elements are movable inwardly against the restoring force of a pressure spring arranged in the bore hole. An additional tumbler is lifted by a control element when the key is inserted into a key slot of the rotary locking cylinder. This additional tumbler engages in a recess of the stator. When using a key without a control element, the rotor is blocked by means of the tumbler. When using a key according to the invention, the rotor can be turned and the tumbler is lifted out of the recess and the control element is moved inward radially. After turning by 90.degree., for example, a counterpin of the stator is brought into line by the tumbler. In the absence of a control element, the rotor is blocked by the counterpin in this case as well.

Abstract: A sidebar is provided for a mechanical lock. The lock includes a cylinder rotatable within a sleeve when a mated key is inserted in the cylinder and the key and the cylinder are rotated within the sleeve. The sidebar prevents rotation of the key and the cylinder when the mated key is not present in the cylinder. The sidebar includes a base portion and a body portion extending therefrom. The body portion has first and second opposed surfaces and at least one end. A pair of diverging chamfer surfaces extend from the end of the body portion of the sidebar. Each diverging chamfer surface intersects a distinct opposed surface on the body portion. The chamfer surfaces causes an increase in the shear strength of the sidebar so as to make forced rotation of the cylinder more difficult.

Abstract: A cylinder assembly for a plate tumbler lock includes a removable, self-retained plate tumbler which snap-fits into an assembled position by pivoting the tumbler and pushing the tumbler into its ward until a projecting detent passes by a retaining ledge in the side wall of the ward. The force of the tumbler spring then pivots the tumbler into its assembled position where the detent is engaged with the retaining ledge. The pivoting of the tumbler is accomplished by locating the leg which forms the tumbler spring seat on the tumbler in a position where it does not interfere with the terminal edge which defines the open top of the ward during assembly.

Abstract: A reversible double-bitted key is reconfigured to permit a cylinder lock and key set to fit in the standard architecture of certain American automobiles. Preferably, the maximum required diameter of the cylinder is maintained under 13 millimeters, permitting the cylinder to be placed in standard instrument panel architecture for many American made vehicles. The minimum width of the key is maintained at approximately 4 millimeters, assuring that the key can withstand the torque requirements of the lock systems. This permits a single key to be used in both the primary and secondary locks. The tumbler is configured such that the minimum distance between the outer edge of the key window in the tumbler and the outer perimeter of the tumbler is greater than the thickness of the tumbler, further assuring that the lock can withstand repeated use without fatigue failure.

Abstract: A combined lock and latch for use with an exterior compartment door on a recreational vehicle has a cylindrical barrel and a rotatable plug mounted within an axial opening formed in the barrel. A number of spring-biased, key retractable tumblers extend through the plug and are received in a narrow slot formed in the barrel to prevent the plug from rotating relative to the barrel when the plug is in a locked position. A metal cam having mutually perpendicular legs is mounted at one end of the key plug, with one of the cam legs engaging a fixed keeper when the plug is in the locked position. An arcuate groove is formed on the barrel and receives the tumblers when the key plug is in latched and unlatched positions. The groove sweeps through approximately 90 degrees and allows the plug to be freely rotated without the use of a key. A second leg on the metal cam engages the keeper when the key plug is the latched position.

Abstract: A method and replacement plug for cylinder locks converts locks having special keyways requiring correspondingly warded key blanks into a universal keyway lock that can be properly operated by a multiplicity of differently warded keys.

Abstract: A locking device consisting of key (2) and locking cylinder (1), in particular for the actuation of electric microswitches on keyboards, telephone or the like, has a locking cylinder housing (5) and a cylinder core (11) arranged for rotation in the bore thereof and cooperating with tumblers (16). The key (2), which has a stepped-down key shaft (35) is insertable into the cylinder core which has a head plate (12), coming after a specific rotation to rest against stops of the locking cylinder housing (5). In order to obtain a simplified construction with increased security and small structural length, there is a free space between the head plate (12) of the cylinder core (11) arranged on the front side of the locking cylinder (1) and the head end (14) of the locking cylinder housing (5). Into the free space the key-shaft shoulder (37) enters, and one or more stops of the locking cylinder housing (5), are arranged at different distances from an axis of rotation of the core.

Abstract: In a cylinder lock, half tumblers are slidably arranged in pairs in the tumbler inserting holes formed in the key rotor in such a manner that, when the key is not inserted into the lock, the half tumblers are elastically urged in one direction to cause their engaging end portions to engage with the locking engagement grooves formed in the cylinder body to inhibit the rotation of the key rotor. When the key is inserted into the lock, the key engaging portions of the half tumblers engage the key crests to move the half tumblers to disengage their engaging end portions from the locking engagement grooves. When, instead of the key, a picking tool is used to disengage one of each pair of half tumblers from the locking engagement groove to thereby allow the key rotor to turn through a predetermined angle, the other half tumbler is engaged with the locking engagement groove deeper than usual, and the protruded portion of the key rotor covers the key engaging portion, thereby preventing the picking of the lock.

Abstract: A cylinder lock has a cylinder lock holder with a rotor rotatably disposed therein. The rotor has a plurality of grooves, with a plurality of tumblers slidably disposed in the grooves. Holder grooves are provided in the cylinder lock holder for receiving the tumblers projecting out of the grooves of the rotor. The rotor is able to be rotated in the cylinder lock holder in response to the insertion of a key into the rotor by causing the tumblers to be retracted from the holder grooves. Rotation is disabled when the key is removed, the tumblers projecting back into the holder grooves under the action of a spring biasing the tumblers. The key is inserted through a plurality of key insertion holes in the tumblers. Tooth portions are formed at respective contact portions between the tumblers and the inner surface of the cylinder lock holder, the respective tooth portions being engaged with each other when the key is removed from the lock.

Abstract: An improved combinating tumbler lock including a lock plug having snap-in self holding combinating tumblers. The biasing spring first is inserted into a combinating tumbler slot in the plug. The combinating tumbler then is tilted and pressed into the slot compressing the spring longitudinally and laterally until the combinating tumbler retaining detent passes over the retaining edge in the opposite slot wall. The combinating tumbler then snaps into the slot, held in the operating position by the spring. The combinating tumbler can be removed by the opposite operation, when desired.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for locking and unlocking a vehicle door latch mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a housing (17) for securing to the vehicle, a barrel (1) rotatable within the housing, a drive (7, 37) selectively engageable between the barrel and the door latch mechanism and means (23) to disengage the drive, wherein the barrel (1) has an unlocked and a locked mode such that rotational movement of the barrel in the unlocked mode is communicated to the door latch mechanism via the drive (7, 37), while rotation of the barrel in the locked mode operates the disengaging means (23) to disengage the drive.

Abstract: The cylinder lock comprises a plug and auxiliary pins which are disposed in seats, provided on the plugs and arranged laterally to the channel of introduction of the key. On introducing the key into the lock the pins are displaced from their seats such that, when the key is not the right one, they will engage into recesses on the outer casing of the lock, thus inhibiting rotation of the plug. By intervening on the pins it is also possible to obtain a set of hierarchically different locks for fabricating master key systems.

Abstract: An electronically self-latching cylinder lock comprising a cylinder into which a plug is inserted, a plurality of paired pin tumblers each of which is disposed in one of a plurality of bores formed inside the cylinder and the plug, and a plurality of switches which are controlled by the pin tumblers. The switches are used to actuate an electronic circuit to send out warnings with a buzzer and to secure the plug at its locked position with a latch which is driven with a solenoid, when an incorrect key is inserted into the key way.

Abstract: A coin operated vending machine is disclosed having a mechanism for setting at least three prices at which an article is to be vended. Price selection is remotely effected by an externally accessible lock.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cylinder lock which is proof against lock pickers. The cylinder lock comprises a case having a cylindrical bore formed therein and an axially extending lock groove exposed to the cylindrical bore; a rotor rotatably disposed in the cylindrical bore; a plurality of tumblers slidably received in slits formed in the rotor, each tumbler having a head which is projectable into the lock groove when the rotor assumes a given angular position relative to the case; springs for biasing the tumblers radially outward from the slits of the rotor; and a structure for making the distances by which the heads of the tumblers are projected into the lock groove of the case different from one another.