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 key duplicating apparatus is disclosed which includes a base and platform supporting a reciprocating carriage assembly and a pivotally mounted housing. The carriage assembly has a key securement means which secures a blank key and a template key in alignment for positioning, respectively, with a notch cutting means and a notch depth indicating means, so that a template key may be duplicated by cutting notches of a predetermined depth and position into the shank portion of the blank key.The duplicate key may be cut by use of the template key as a pattern, with a guide cam affixed to the indicating means aligned with a cutter wheel affixed to the notch cutting means. Alternatively, the guide cam may have indicia about its circumference, which may be used to "dial" and decode a manufacturer's code for the purpose of creating a duplicated key. As the guide cam is rotated, the invention may be used to cut a duplicate key from the notch pattern presented in the code.

Abstract: In an electronic digital safe lock including a slide plate pivotally connected by an articulated linkage to a bolt operating lever for retracting safe door locking bolts after digital input of the electronic lock combination, a lock override is provided which includes a dial operated mechanical combination lock having a linkage pivotally interconnecting the manual combination lock bolt with the electronic lock articulated linkage of the slide plate and bolt operating lever. When the electronic lock is locked, i.e., the slide plate is immovable, the manual combination lock can be manipulated to operate the aritculated linkage to operate the bolt operating lever independent of movement of the slide plate.

Abstract: An additional locking system is provided for a combination lock. The combination lock includes a housing, a locking mechanism and a bolt in the housing movable between a first position projecting out of the housing and a second position generally withdrawn in the housing. The bolt can be moved to the second position only when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked condition. The additional locking system provides an additional lock for the bolt in the first position, and a heat responsive member prevents the additional locking system from locking the bolt until the housing is heated above a predetermined temperature. The additional locking system includes a spring with an arm thereon in the housing. The bolt includes a slot and the spring is mounted such that the arm is adjacent the slot, and the spring biases the arm toward the slot. The heat responsive member is a fuse in the housing urging the spring against the biasing to hold the arm out of the slot.

Abstract: The tumbler includes a connection between an outer gate ring and an inner drive member of a tumbler wheel together. The gate ring includes a leg on the gate ring with a gripping portion thereon. The leg normally biases the gripping portion to a securing position against the drive member to grip it so that the gate ring and drive member normally rotate together. An opening is provided in the gate ring adjacent the leg having a curved portion about its periphery for receiving a key having a curved portion about its periphery. The key rotates against the curved surface of the opening, and a cam section of the key cams a cam follower portion of the leg when the key is rotated to a releasing position for urging the gripping portion away from the drive member. The camming surface, opening and cam follower are so provided that on rotation of the key in the opening to the releasing position, the biasing effect of the leg is prevented from tending to return the key to the securing position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for decoding and duplicating a key wherein the notches in the shank of the key are coded to a predetermined coded depth and spacing therebetween. An index card having a sequential index thereon corresponding to the predetermined coded depth is inserted into a housing and the key to be duplicated is inserted into a slot in the housing where it engages an indexing member which enters one of the notches on the key and indicates on the card the coded depth of that notch. The angle of cut of the same notch may also be determined. The remaining notches of the key may be decoded in like manner. The same index card is then inserted into a housing associated with a grinding wheel. The depth of the cut made by a grinding wheel on the blank key is indicated on the card by a pointer pivotally secured in the housing.In an alternate embodiment, the same index card is inserted into a housing and the position of the key to be duplicated is calibrated with respect to the grinding wheel.

Abstract: A padlock construction which is adaptable to selectable lock cylinder and key combinations includes a hollow padlock body for receiving a selected lock cylinder, a cylinder guard for removably retaining the lock cylinder within the padlock body, a removable shackle bar and a compatible locking pawl for mating interengagement with the lock cylinder and for removably retaining the shackle bar within the padlock body.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for decoding and duplicating a key wherein the notches in the shank of the key are coded to a predetermined coded depth and spacing therebetween. An index card having a sequential index thereon corresponding to the predetermined coded depth is inserted into a housing and the key to be duplicated is inserted into a slot in the housing where it engages an indexing member which enters one of the notches on the key and indicates on the card the coded depth of that notch. The angle of cut of the same notch may also be determined. The remaining notches of the key may be decoded in like manner. The same index card is then inserted into a housing which includes an indexing drum having notches therein with spacing therebetween corresponding to the predetermined coded spacing of the key to be duplicated. A blank key is firmly secured in a predetermined position on the housing and movable in a direction toward a grinding wheel.