What is the generic name for a 'Yale lock'?

Solution 1:

Locks that set themselves when you pull or push the door closed are usually called latches (similar to cabinet latches). When the latch is separate from the door handle, especially if it is a surface mounted unit, it is usually called a night latch.

a door lock having a spring bolt operated from the outside by a key and from the inside by a knob Merriam-Webster

Locks that require the turning of a key or knob to set are usually called deadbolts, whether they are surface mounted or part of a mortise lock.

A bolt engaged by turning a knob or key, rather than by spring action. Oxford Dictionaries Online

Surface mounted deadbolts that have locking bars that drop down are often called vertical deadbolts (also called jimmy proof or jimmy resistant lock or deadbolt).

Solution 2:

The lock that uses the familiar notched key inserted into a rotating cylinder is called a "cylinder lock", generally utilizing a "pin tumbler lock" mechanism internally.

The cylinder lock is quite ubiquitous, and is mainly distinguished from the old fashion "lever lock" scheme utilizing what many people may (somewhat erroneously) call a "skeleton key". However, some cheap padlocks and the like utilize a scheme similar to the lever lock internally, even though the keys vaguely resemble cylinder lock keys.

The lock with a knob on one side that can lock you in for the night is a "deadbolt lock". The deadbolt lock has a non-tapered "bolt" that is operated by some sort of toggle mechanism inside.

The lock with a knob (that you turn) on both sides is generally referred to as a "doorknob". Note that one of the knobs may contain a cylinder lock to allow the unit to be locked/unlocked from the "outside", and some sort of button on the other side to permit locking from the "inside".

A lock with a tapered, spring-operated "bolt", to permit the lock to automatically "catch" when the door is shut, is generally referred to as a "latch" or "spring latch" (though "spring bolt" is another term that is sometimes used). (Most doorknob assemblies incorporate a "latch".)

The Yale company manufactures most if not all of the above variations.

Solution 3:

They are called "pin tumbler" locks.

The complete mechanism is called a deadbolt.