Abstract: A padlock includes a shackle having a channel disposed along an axis of the shackle. The padlock also has a plurality of dials each having a single detent. The shackle can also include a plurality of circumferential grooves formed in a spaced arrangement along the shackle, each groove corresponding to one of the dials.

Abstract: A door lock assembly includes a lock casing device and a door lock device attached to the opposite sides of a door panel, a core device pivotally mounted to the lock casing device and operatable by an actuation device, an adjustable shaft mechanism includes a housing coupled to the core device and having a number of orifices and a channel communicative with a chamber of the housing, a shank slidably engaged in the housing and having a free end for engaging with the door lock device, and a spring-biased detent attached to the shank for engaging with either of the orifices of the housing and for anchoring the shank to the housing at a selected position and for adjustably mounting the shaft to the door panels of different thicknesses.

Abstract: A combination lock comprises a bolt which is withdrawn by depressing a bolt pin which is shielded by rotating discs having a movable disc pin within them. A selector pin attached to a dial is provided for engaging in selector holes in the discs and aligning the disc pins with one another and with the bolt pin, with provision for pushing inwardly the disc pin on the outer disc and urging the other disc pins aligned therewith towards the bolt pin such that it is depressed and/or withdrawn. The discs have a weight attached at their circumference such that, during code setting, changing the position of the weight changes the relative angular position of the disc pin. When pressure is released from the mechanism, springs return the selector pin and the disc pins to their original positions and the weights on the discs fall, thereby rotating the discs and automatically scrambling the code.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant pill bottle for securely storing a quantity of medication. The pill bottle includes a receptacle, a cap for fitting over the receptacle, and a combination lock integral with the cap for releasably locking the cap to the receptacle. The combination lock includes a series of combination wheels that partially protrude through a sidewall of the cap and can be rotatably manipulated by a user. The combination for the combination lock can be set by a user upon receipt of the pill bottle. The pill bottle further includes an inconspicuous defeat mechanism integral with the cap for allowing the pill bottle to be opened, preferably by a pharmacist, if a user forgets the combination of the combination lock.

Abstract: A multistage lock apparatus has a base, a disk holder, two selecting devices, two disk sets and at least one interfering element. The base has a mounting panel and a central tube. The disk holder is connected to the base and has a mounting beam, two extending beams, a middle beam, a connecting beam and two mounting spaces. The selecting devices are rotatably connected to the base. The disk sets are respectively mounted on the selecting devices in the mounting specs of the disk holder and each disk set has a driving disk and at least one driven disk. The at least one interfering element is mounted securely on the disk holder and each of the at least one interfering element has a mounting tab and two elastic panels.

Abstract: A process for opening a combination lock having a known opening sequence with a tool having a driven portion operable only upon receipt of an authorization, the process including associating the tool's driven portion with the lock such that the driven portion automatically calibrates with the lock irrespective of the initial position of the lock and authorizing the driven portion to proceed through the known lock opening sequence of a predetermined series of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations to unlock the lock. A method of opening a combination lock with a tool, the combination lock having an opening sequence consisting of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of a non finger manipulable lock opening component, the method including mating the tool with the lock opening component and operating the tool to rotate the lock opening component through a series of clockwise and counterclockwise rotations corresponding to the opening sequence to unlock the lock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for locking and unlocking a component, where the system comprises a lock adapted to lock a component, the lock capable of being opened by manipulation of a combination mechanism, the lock having a communication apparatus for communicating information related to the opening of the lock with a tool. The system further comprises a tool matable with the lock and adapted to open the lock by manipulation of the combination mechanism, the tool adapted to receive the communicated information related to the opening of the lock from the communication apparatus. Also disclosed are locks and tools suitable for use in such a system, and methods of opening at least one combination lock with a tool.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a lock assembly comprises a dial, a lock device, and a spindle having a spindle base and an elongate spindle shaft extending from the spindle base. The spindle shaft comprises a plurality of spindle segments having four sides and separated by a plurality of spaced apart grooves. Each of the spindle segments includes a chamfered leading edge. In another aspect of the present invention, a method of mounting a lock assembly on a mounting surface comprises positioning a dial on a first side of the mounting surface, positioning a lock device on a second side of the mounting surface, determining a distance between the first and second sides, providing a spindle including a plurality of spindle segments having four sides and separated by a plurality of spaced apart grooves, and cutting the spindle at a selected one of the spaced apart grooves.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a lock assembly comprises a dial, a lock device, and a spindle having a spindle base and an elongate spindle shaft extending from the spindle base. The spindle shaft comprises a plurality of spindle segments having four sides and separated by a plurality of spaced apart grooves. Each of the spindle segments includes a chamfered leading edge. In another aspect of the present invention, a method of mounting a lock assembly on a mounting surface comprises positioning a dial on a first side of the mounting surface, positioning a lock device on a second side of the mounting surface, determining a distance between the first and second sides, providing a spindle including a plurality of spindle segments having four sides and separated by a plurality of spaced apart grooves, and cutting the spindle at a selected one of the spaced apart grooves.

Abstract: A combination-changeable complex lock includes a movable plate, a combination lock, and a sliding member. The combination lock is composed of two notched rotating discs, two gearwheels, and a combination-alteration control device. The combination-alteration control device is rotatable to separate the gearwheels from the notched rotating discs for allowing change of the set combination. The sliding member is controllable by the combination lock to engage or disengage the peripheral notches of notched rotating discs. When the combination lock is locked, the sliding member is disengaged from the notched rotating discs and forced against the movable plate to bias the movable plate.

Abstract: A locking mechanism that allows a live bolt lock plate and a primary vertical lock plate to move relative to one another irrespective of the plates connection with a drive mechanism is provided. The drive mechanism includes first and second gears and is used to move the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions. The live bolt lock plate has a slot defined therein and is engaged with the first gear of the drive mechanism. The primary lock plate is engaged with the second gear of the drive mechanism and has a guide pin mounted thereon. The guide pin is positioned within the slot to slidingly couple the live bolt lock plate and the primary lock plate, in addition to their connection with the drive mechanism. A tumbler stack is associated with the primary lock plate for selectively allowing the primary locking plate to be moved to the unlocked position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safe mechanism for resistance to drilling, by use of a door mounted crankshaft mechanism. The crankshaft includes a shoulder which transfers force to the safe door rather than transmitting it to other lock mechanism components. A crank plate attached to the crankshaft rotates from an open position to a locking position, and by rotation moves a link arm with attached locking pins laterally into engagement with the doorframe. A re-locker device locks both the crank plate and the link arm in place to make entry more difficult.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for use with a computerized combination dial lock includes a rotating or longitudinally translating member which imparts motion to an electrical generator for powering the electrical components of the computerized combination dial lock. The drive apparatus is independent of the combination dial of the computerized lock. In one embodiment, the dial ring of the combination dial is rotatable to drive the electrical generation for power output to the computerized lock components. Alternatively, the combination dial and spindle are spring biased for longitudinal translation thereof to drive the electrical generator. In another embodiment, a lever member adjacent the dial ring or a key inserted in a keyway is rotated for powering the computerized lock. In yet another embodiment, a portable power source is in the form of a key and a portable power source contained therein.

Abstract: A combination of the inventive combination lock can be easily and conveniently changed by the user. A clutch selectively disengages the drive tumbler from the lock spindle. With the drive tumbler disengaged and the tumblers in an aligned position, the user rotates the lock knob by a desired increment, thereby changing all of the numbers by the increment. In one embodiment, the clutch is operated by a cup mounted around the drive cam and engaging the drive tumbler, a spring biasing the drive tumbler against the cup and the drive cam, and the cup carrying a button that, when pressed, moves the drive tumbler out of engagement with the drive cam. In another embodiment, the clutch is operated by a thumb screw projecting through a rear panel of the combination lock that moves an upper part of the drive cam out of engagement with a lower part of the drive cam, allowing relative rotation of the lock dial and the drive tumbler.

Abstract: A self powered lock is powered by a manually driven generator. The data input to the lock is entered by rotating the dial and stopping and waiting a predetermined amount of time when a desired number is displayed on the lock display. The drive of the power generator, a stepper motor, is through a unidirectional clutch such that the generator is only driven when the dial is rotated in a selected direction and remains stationary when the dial is rotated in the opposite direction. The data input, including entry of the combination, to the lock is provided by a stepper motor which generates a train of electrical pulses. The electrical pulses are used by the electronic controls of the lock to control the electronic controls including entering the combination. The data input pulses are generated by a stepper motor driven to act as a generator.

Abstract: A door bushing system includes bushings formed as part of a molded resin door jamb in an insulated steel shell safe door. The mold for the door jamb is designed to form as many bushings as are required and can also form stubs or sleeves for mounting other safe components. The bushings can support parts of such components as combination locks, key locks, and door handles. The combination lock and the handle have spindles whose opposite ends have identical configurations to facilitate assembly. The spindles are also made from resinous material to reduce heat transmission and to allow attachment by insert molding. Because the bushings are installed automatically with the door jamb, this door bushing system eliminates the need for separate installation of bushings after assembly of the door, ensuring proper alignment and reducing costs.

Abstract: A drive apparatus for use with a computerized combination dial lock includes a rotating or longitudinally translating member which imparts motion to an electrical generator for powering the electrical components of the computerized combination dial lock. The drive apparatus is independent of the combination dial of the computerized lock. In one embodiment, the dial ring of the combination dial is rotatable to drive the electrical generation for power output to the computerized lock components. Alternatively, the combination dial and spindle are spring biased for longitudinal translation thereof to drive the electrical generator. In another embodiment, a lever member adjacent the dial ring or a key inserted in a keyway is rotated for powering the computerized lock. In yet another embodiment, a portable power source is in the form of a key and a portable power source contained therein.

Abstract: A locking device has an elongated cylindrical member with a central bore, a shaft disposed in the bore including a transversely radial arm, the shaft being movable in the bore and manually grasped for combined rotational and axially slidable movement through a continuous but winding passageway in communication with the bore along its length. Preferably, the cylindrical member is defined by a plurality of annular disks in which individual circumferential slots are formed in each disk and are aligned to be in communication with one another throughout the length of the member to form the passageway and a locking member is disposed in the path of the arm so that engagement by the arm will cause the locking member to be advanced to an unlocked position with respect to another fixed member, such as, the wall of a safe.

Abstract: A bushing 10 for a safe door combination lock supports a spindle 20 extending through inner and outer door walls 13 and 12 separated by a space filled with insulation. A stub 15 secured in a hole 17 in the inner wall 13 by a rotational rivet 16 has an axial bore hole and a machined periphery for receiving components of the combination lock. A thin walled tube 11 extends through the bore hole in stub 15 and through the space between the inner and outer walls. An outer end of tube 11 is flared against an outer surface of outer wall 12 and an inner end of tube 11 is flared against an inner end of stub 15. Tube 11 then receives spindle 20 for the combination lock without providing a large heat conductor through the interior of the safe. Also, if tube 11 and spindle 20 are driven into the interior of the safe with a punch, stub 15 retains the tumbler wheels of the combination lock to keep the lock secure.

Abstract: A permutation lock comprises a housing into which is inserted a frame. The frame carries an axle on which a plurality of individually rotatable dials are mounted. The axle is joined at one end to the frame and extends longitudinally therefrom in cantilever fashion such that an opposite end of the axle is free of the frame. The dials can be inserted onto the axle over that free end, and the unit comprising the frame and the assembled dials can then be inserted into the housing.

Abstract: A quick mount combination lock constructed to be readily installed or changed to assume any of the four right hand, left hand, vertical up, or vertical down installation positions from externally of the lock case, wherein the lock case includes a front case section and a rear cover plate providing a lock mechanism chamber housing the usual tumbler wheels, a drive spindle extending from a dial, and a drive cam adjustably positioned on the spindle by a spline key at any of four angular positions correlated to said installation positions. The front case section has an integral flange extension protruding from an end wall of the case having a mounting screw opening, and the front case section and cover plate have aligned mounting screw holes extending entirely therethrough whereby the mounting screws for the lock case are accessible for installation and withdrawal without removing the cover plate from the front case section.

Abstract: A combination lock to be installed on a panel such as a safe door, with a manually operable knob and dial at the front of the panel and the main part of the combination mechanism at the rear of the panel. A rotary operating spindle attached to the dial and a stationary bushing surrounding the spindle extend through the thickness of the panel and are made of non-metallic material having low heat conductivity, such as nylon. An operating or driving wheel or disk fixed to the rear end of the spindle has a projection for engaging and rotating a locking wheel or disk rotatable on the bushing in front of the operating disk, and this locking wheel engages and rotates another locking wheel in front of it. When radial slots in the locking wheel and the operating wheel are all in a predetermined alignment, a spring moves a finger on a slide member into the aligned slots, and this moves the latch bolt to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A punch-thru lock assembly for use on safes and vaults and effective to prevent the forceful removal of the cover from the lock so as to preclude unauthorized access from being gained to the inside mechanisms of the lock while the door of the safe or vault is in its closed and locked position. The punch-thru lock assembly includes a spindle having a cam wheel secured thereto by means of a key whereby the cam wheel rotates in unison with the spindle but the key is capable of being defeated so as to free the cam wheel from engagement with the spindle. The lock assembly also includes a cover which is intentionally provided with a weakened portion through which an end of the spindle may be made to pass, when the latter is forcefully removed from the lock assembly being pushed inwardly.