Ferromagnetic barrel lock and corresponding key

A locking, checking, and actuating device operated by a ferromagnetic lock and comprising a magnetic key having a stem and a barrel including a rotor, a stator, and locking, checking, or actuating means disposed at the rear of said barrel and positioned relative to said stator;

• said rotor comprising a hollow cylindrical sleeve having a longitudinal sleeve axis, said sleeve having an inside wall and an outside wall, said outside wall having at least one elongate tumbler placed therein, said tumbler having a transverse axis substantially at the middle thereof and being mounted for pivotable movement about said transverse axis between a first position in which said tumbler spans the interface between said rotor and said stator and prevents displacement of said rotor relative to said stator and a second position in which said tumbler clears the interface and allows the free rotation of said rotor inside said stator, said tumbler having a magnet at one end thereof and being devoid of a magnet at the other end thereof, and said rotor including means for fastening said key thereto and means for unfastening said key therefrom and a cylindrical ferrous core in the center of said rotor extending longitudinally along said sleeve axis throughout the length of said sleeve and spaced from said inside wall of said sleeve a distance slightly greater than the thickness of said stem of said key, said central ferrous core exerting a permanent force of attraction on said magnet in said tumbler;
• said stem of said key comprising a hollow cylindrical tube having at least one magnet embedded in the periphery thereof corresponding to said at least one tumbler, said magnet in said stem cooperating by repulsion with said magnet in said corresponding tumbler, whereby when said key is fastened, said magnet in said stem cooperates with said magnet in said corresponding tumbler, moving said tumbler from said first position to said second position, thereby allowing free rotation of said rotor in said stator, said rotation operating said locking, checking, or actuating means;
• and
• said stator surrounding said rotor and being provided with at least one opening corresponding to said at least one tumbler, said opening being positioned and configured to receive said end of said tumbler which is devoid of a magnet as long as said magnet of said key does not act on said magnet of said tumbler by repulsion to the extent of overcoming the permanent force of attraction that said central ferrous core exerts on said magnet in said tumbler.