Schlage Primus XP - Patented until 2024

[alarmsun]

Greetings all.

My name is Dave and I am a Security Systems Integrator here in Sacramento. I have been a licensed locksmith since BSIS first licensed locksmiths in the late '80's. The majority of my business is in electronic security Access Control, CCTV, Security Systems, etc...) but we do offer High Security locks to our clients to round-out their security upgrades. Generally I use Primus, Primus-Everest and Medeco for all of the reasons discussed here and on other boards...

My biggest claim to fame is I laid out the rekeying of Alcatraz Island for the National Park Service in the mid '90's. There were/are no keys to the actual prison locks on the island, so we got Schlage to make us 250 blanks in their foundry and we fit them up to the locks on the island. (Six wafer lever locks, same combination from both sides so a key will work from either side.) The locks were really amazingly clean inside considering no one had serviced them for thirty plus years. So next time you see a ring of brass keys while on a tour or watching a movie, now you know...

My question is this:

Is anyone familiar with the NEW Schlage Primus XP and what is different about it to allow a new patent good until 2024?

Thanks!
Dave

[zeke79]

These are news to me and I am usually up on the newest high security locks. Sorry I cannot help, but thanks for bringing a new lock to my attention. I will have to get one when I get time and take a look at it. Hopefully someone else can chime in and help you out. Maybe greyman can help you out as I know he is very knowledgeable about alot of high security mechanisms and has a wealth of information on them. He has writen a book on high security locks you can find here http://web.ukonline.co.uk/gpulford/Locks/bc.jpg maybe his book contains some of the info you are looking for.

Another very knowledgeable person on high security mechanisms that frequents the forums is globallockytoo. He may be able to offer some information on this lock also.

You could try sending each of these members a pm and see if that yields any information if they do not respond to this thread in a day or two.

Sorry I cannot help more.

[MacGyver101]

The Primus XP is nothing revolutionary, but does grant Schlage a new patent (which allows them to restrict their key blanks until the new "XP" patent runs out).

The previously-existing Primus profile ("finger") pins came in 6 depths. The "XP" patent introduces a new, 7th pin, which is shallower than the other six. This new pin can be inserted into any of the finger pin positions, but must obviously be lifted higher... and the previous Primus keys do not have enough material in the side milling to do this. (So, the side milling on the new Primus XP keys extends higher than on the previous Primus keys.)

I have not read the patent in depth, but I believe that is the extent of the change.

[MacGyver101]

My biggest claim to fame is I laid out the rekeying of Alcatraz Island for the National Park Service in the mid '90's.

That, by the way, would have been an incredibly interesting job... would love to hear more about it!

[mitch.capper]

Welcome to the forums dave! I assume you have seen the official website:
http://commercial.schlage.com/primus_xp.asp

it recaps most of whar MacGyver mentioned.

Keying Alcatraz is certainly interesting:)

[greyman]

Sorry - I have not heard of Primus XP. I'm glad others here could help. Happing postings and welcome to the forum.

greyman

[Gordon Airporte]

Here's betting that the Schlage Primus Vista will add a slider mechanism.
Maybe transparent menus too.

[alarmsun]

I found the patent for the Schlage Primus XP. It was granted to Bo Widen of Toorshalla Sweden on January 9, 2007, so Schlage must license it from him. (Patent #7,159,424 if you are interested.) He has a number of patents dating back to the 1980's, including original Primus and Everest. He also has the ASSA Twin Patent (go figure from the similarities to Primus).

The only major difference I can find is the new 7th pin and the discussion of the ability to also add and 8th pin. 7th pin takes possible side bar combinations from 7776 to 16807. Introduction of an 8th finger pin makes for 32,768 side bar possibilities. Add that to the 1,000,000 theoretical combinations for the standard pins (ignoring MAC) and you've got a lot of keys.

Here's the link to the patent application if you are interested in the pictures and the claims:

http://peek.snipurl.com/1tlvv

Thanks for the welcome, I've been lurking off and on since 1995...
I've just come out of the closet. Now I need a cool signature like the rest of you guys. Perhaps I should use a picture of Alcatraz...
Thanks all!
Dave

[vrocco]

Here's betting that the Schlage Primus Vista will add a slider mechanism.
Maybe transparent menus too.

HAHAHAHA

That just made my day....