ASSA introduced a newer version of the large format interchangeable core in 1996. It was designed with some mechanical differences from the previous IC product; however, both can be mounted in the same ASSA figure-8 housing as the old product (Figure 2). The original core was designated by many as Old Style, and the updated core, termed Second Generation by ASSA, replaced it and is also referred to as New Style. To further differentiate, ASSA termed the original core as Removable Core and its replacement as Interchangeable Core, though both can fit into any of the ASSA IC housings. Both styles of cores are high security and utilize the ASSA-coded reversible sidebar. To follow are enlarged views of each style core with some basic information on each. But first, an enlarged view of both cores side-by-side for general comparison (Fig- ures 4 and 5). Old Style The first ASSA interchangeable core was created in 1993, covered by patent 5,421,179, and utilized three chambers dedicated to the control function, in positions 2, 3 and 4. It was large format and was later termed Removable Core when the New Style IC was developed in 1995. Today, they’re termed as Old Style. ASSA does not provide construc- tion cores, but rather temporary red cores “Geographically controlleD keyways can be obtaineD through a written agreement with ASSA for guaranteeD exclusivity.” for new installations during construction. This information can be found in the ASSA price book. Figures 6 and 7 show what truly differen- tiates the ASSA Old Style IC from the ASSA New Style IC, including: The location of the control chambers Mechanical differences in the control lug/ shell construction An absence of build-up pins in all cham- bers of the LFIC Old Style IC The type of top pins used in various chambers The Old Style core utilized chambers 2, 3 and 4 for the control lug and utilizes at an increment depth of 4. Keep in mind that ASSA, like the SFIC manufacturers, label the chambers from the rear of the core. This practice is common in Europe. The key bit- tings are also defined from tip to bow. The control lug was ring-style, that is, it was cylindrical in shape, encircling the plug at the control chambers. The Old Style core used no build-up pins. The control chambers were designed in principle, but not mechanically, to that of a Medeco 3200 core. That is, the control cuts in the ASSA Old Style core were 4 increments shallower than the TMK (in Medeco it’s 3 increments shallower). Again, no build-up pins were ever used anywhere in the core — only bottom pins, master pins and top pins. The top pins are spool and are used in all six chambers. Four sizes are available and are designated by letters: A, B, C or D. New Style The New Style IC product was designed to be compatible with systems written for the old product and may even safely be sup- plied as expansion in some key systems not originally designed with the old product or newer IC product in mind. The New Style ASSA IC was released 1996 under patent 5,640,865 and replaced the older version. Notice that the control area was redesigned to include the first four chamber positions of the core, as opposed to only chambers 2, 3 and 4. In the New Style, chambers 5 and 6 are non-control chambers and reside nearest the keyway entrance of the core. Figures 6 and 7. (Old Style, left; New Style, right.) What differentiates the ASSA Old Style IC from the ASSA New Style IC are the loca- tion of the control chambers, mechanical differences in the control lug/shell construction, an absence of build-up pins in all chambers of the LFIC Old Style IC, and the type of top pins used in various chambers. WWW.ALOA.ORG NOVEMBER 2014 KEYNOTES 31
