Abstract: A directional control and time delay interlock for making a key operable rotatable tumbler lock substantially pick-proof. When the proper key is inserted the core of the lock is rotatable in a first direction for elevating a biased pawl from locking engagement with a cam surface carried by the rotatable portion of the lock. The distal end of a pawl engaging an indentation in the rotatable portion of the lock prevents initial rotation of the rotatable portion of the lock in a second direction opposite to the first direction of rotation. After rotation in the first direction of rotation, the distal end of the pawl is elevated away from the rotational portion of the lock freeing its engagement with the rotatable portion of the lock. With the pawl elevated, the rotational portion of the lock can be quickly rotated in the second direction past the pawl before the distal end of the pawl returns under a slight bias to the surface of the rotatable portion of the lock.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a system of movable storage units is actuated passively to prevent the storage units from moving back toward one another once an access aisle has been created therebetween. The locking mechanism includes a first gear which rotates with the operating handle during movement of a storage unit and a floating gear mounted to a support plate so that it meshes with the first gear. After a storage unit has been moved in one direction to create an access aisle, rotating the operating handle to move the storage unit in the opposite direction to close the aisle will cause the support member and floating gear to pivot toward a position in which the floating gear is engaged with an arresting member, whereupon the storage unit will be locked from movement in that opposite direction. A logic system controls the actuation of the locking mechanism responsive to the position of the storage unit with respect to adjacent storage units.

Abstract: A resettable combination lock includes a plurality of user depressable buttons and a user-settable interposers for coupling selected ones of the buttons to a first button-actuation counter that counts correct button depressions and the other of the buttons to another button-actuation counter that counts incorrect button depressions. In addition, each button is coupled to a third counter that counts the total number of button actuations. In order to effect unlocking, the correct button sequence must be pushed to cause the first counter to count the proper number of correct button actuations and the third counter to count the proper number of button actuations without registering a single count on the second counter. The incrementing of a single count on the second counter, which indicates the depressing of a button not in the unlock sequence, will prevent the lock from being unlocked.

Abstract: A keyless lock which eliminates the requirement for visual contact with the lock to effect disengagement thereof. A series of push buttons are operated by depressing each push button the proper number of times according to a predetermined numerical code. The push button increment ratchet wheels having slots therein. When the slots are in proper alignment with lock releasing pins, the lock can be opened.