Abstract: A lock including a body which houses a combination lock, which is releasable by the selection of a set code, the code being selectable by the movement of one or more dials, the or each dial including a first part which is manipulable by a user, wherein the lock includes a code finding device to enable the set code to be identified, the code finding device including a code finding member associated with the or each dial, the or each code finding member being engageable with a second part of the respective dial, to identify a position of the dial which corresponds with a digit of the set code, wherein the second part of each dial is moveable relative to the first part of the respective dial and relative to the respective code finding member between a disengaged position and an engaged position, and wherein the or each code finding member is fixed substantially stationary relative to the body.

Abstract: A locking device (40) including a first module (42) and a second module (44), one of the first module (42) and the second module (44) being attachable to a first face (22a) of a door panel (22) of an enclosure (10) to be locked and the other of the first module (42) and the second module (44) being attachable to a second face (22b) of a door panel (22) of an enclosure (10) to be locked, wherein the locking device (40) includes a mechanical locking mechanism (60) and an electronic locking mechanism (46).

Abstract: Relative movement of members (10,11) of a lock is normally obstructed by an element (14) which can be moved by a solenoid (18) entirely into a recess in one of the members so that the one (11) and the obstructing element (14) can turn together relative to the other member (10) and solenoid. The arrangement may be used to prevent turning of a key-receiving member relative to a housing or as a clutch between two members mounted rotatably in a housing.

Abstract: An information carrier (17) has formations (20,21) which are engaged by contact elements (30,32) during insertion of the carrier into a receiving member (39) the movement of the contact elements is amplified and transmitted by levers (26,33) to respective means (25,34) for providing electrical signals representing movement of the contact elements.

Abstract: A lock has means (15,16) for reading from a key (11) a binary encoded number. If the number read from the key is a predetermined number, the lock will store in a memory (19) a further number read from a further key applied immediately after withdrawal of the first key. The device will then recognize the second key, when applied subsequently.

Abstract: A key comprising an elongated body made of magnetic material and having a handle at one end. A pair of like magnetic poles are located in the elongated body at positions which are spaced apart angularly around the longitudinal axis of the body but are not spaced apart along the axis.

Abstract: A lock for operation by a magnetic key has some locking elements which are moved circumferentially from locking to releasing positions by the key and further locking elements which are moved axially by the key from locking to releasing positions.

Abstract: A lock for operation by a magnetic key has a magnetic locking element (47) which moves in aligned, longitudinal grooves formed in inner (10) and outer (18) members of the lock. When the locking element is aligned with a transverse channel (57) in the inner member, limited relative rotation of the members can occur.

Abstract: A briefcase is provided with a two-part releasable fastening device, the first part of which includes a movable fastening member for releasably fastening the parts together. The first part of the device further comprises a ball which, when the case is inverted, is urged by gravity into a retaining position in which it prevents releasing movement of the fastening member. When the lid of the case is uppermost, the ball permits movement of the fastening member to release the second part of the device.

Abstract: A lock for operation by a magnetic key has locking elements in the form of rollers which can be moved along respective channels in the lock by the magnetic field of the key. Each channel is formed partly in the peripheral surface of a rotatable barrel of the lock and partly in a surrounding sleeve. The barrel can be rotated only when each sleeve is free to move axially relative to the barrel. In the absence of the key, the rollers prevent such axial movement. When the rollers are moved to predetermined releasing positions by the key, they are aligned with respective notches in the sleeves so that axial movement is permitted.