Abstract: A safe locking mechanism has an engagement element movable from a disengaged position to an engageable position in response to a small amount of electrical power. When in its engageable position a manually operated element moves the engagement element to unlock a lock-bolt. In one embodiment, the engagement element is connected to the rotor of a low power, low-friction electric motor having magnetic detents corresponding to the disengaged and engageable positions. Electrical power is generated solely while the user manually inputs a combination code, and a microprocessor controls storage and delivery of this power to put the engagement element into its engageable position. Once the desired engagement is obtained, the lock-bolt is moved from its locking to its unlocking position manually. Subsequent unlocking requires another entry of the code input.

Abstract: A method of installing a combination lock deadbolt assembly includes the steps of providing a combination lock deadbolt assembly for mounting on a door surface in combination with a drill resistant hard plate. The hard plate, mounted on the outer door surface, includes legs extending through the door for attachment to the deadbolt assembly. A drill guide is provided having a tapered outer surface which corresponds to tapered openings in the combination lock deadbolt assembly. In use, the tapered drill guide is inserted into the openings in the deadbolt followed by insertion of a drill bit which drills holes through the door. After drilling each hole, the larger holes are drilled to facilitate attachment leg insertion into the door. The deadbolt can then be mounted to the door surface and to the drill resistant hard plate. A combination dial lock can then be mounted in the deadbolt assembly.

Abstract: A highly drill-resistant element, suitable for inclusion into the walls and/or doors of a security container to resist drilling to access the contents of the container is formed by welding onto a steel plate formed of REPUBLIC 100-AR (TM) steel a layer of Tube BORIUM.RTM. material by a known tungsten-inert-gas (TIG welding process). The REPUBLIC 100-AR (TM) steel has a chemical composition and is manufactured to inherently possess a very high yield strength and abrasion resistance. The Tube BORIUM.RTM. material, welded by the thick process, provides a very hard and drill-resistant layer comprising a heterogenous suspension of tungsten carbide particles of selected size in a steel matrix.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a kicker arm-pawl lock mechanism rotates a number one wheel of a combination lock a predetermined distance to require resetting each number of a combination during lock manipulation. A drive cam-travel arm and bolt lock mechanism assures complete scrambling of the combination by requiring rotation of all wheels prior to bolt extension into a locked position. Another aspect of the invention includes a lock lever and drive cam mechanism which requires opening of the combination lock once a combination has been correctly dialed. A lock lever and pivoting pawl lock mechanism prevents lockout conditions by diverting forces applied to the combination lock bolt to the lock casing rather than the lock lever.

Abstract: A dead bolt assembly for use with a combination dial lock assembly includes a housing structure adapted to receive a combination dial lock assembly. The housing structure includes a bolt hold back assembly which prevents extension of a dead bolt into a door strike. The bolt hold back assembly is operable from the inside of the door preventing manipulation of the combination dial on the outside of the door. Arranging the bolt hold back assembly in the housing permits ease of replacement and/or repair of standard or off the shelf type combination locks with the dead bolt assembly. The dead bolt assembly also includes a spring loaded pin arrangement which avoids a lockout situation. The housing structure includes a slot in the back plate which facilitates installation and/or removal of a combination dial lock assembly by permitting the lock shaft to slide into the housing structure without requiring removal of the combination dial or lock casing.

Abstract: An entry protection device for use with combination dial locks includes a flange annulus which permits removable attachment to a combination dial. The flanges are disposed between the rear surface of the combination dial and the facing surface of a security container to prevent unauthorized removal of the entry protection device. The entry protection device includes indicators to permit detection of surreptitious entry by penetration or removal of the device. The entry protection device includes an anti-rotation feature which prevents continuous 360.degree. rotation of a combination knob by an automatic dialing machine but allows hand manipulation of the dial by a user. The device may be combined with a combination dial having an irregularly shaped dial knob surface to prevent engagement of the dial knob by an automatic dialing machine.

Abstract: A simple cylindrical steel element, having a tapered portion at an insertion end and a plug of a difficult-to-machine material securely attached therein, is forcibly inserted into a previously formed hole, e.g., in a hard inner layer of a multilayer wall of a safe for containing valuables. To facilitate intromission of the tapered end of the device into the hole, all layers except the hard inner layer are machined to slightly enlarge the hole originally formed therethrough. In the preferred embodiment, markings in the form of regularly spaced circumferential grooves are provided along the length of the device and are readily utilizable to determine where the device should be cut so that, by the application of a sharp force as from a hammer, the tapered end of the device, with the hard-to-machine plug embedded therein, is firmly lodged into the hard inner layer. Welding material is provided thereafter to firmly connect an outer end of the device with the material of an outer layer of the wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for precisely positioning a locksmith tool in the area of a dial ring of a combination lock of a safe. The apparatus includes a derrick that holds and supports the locksmith tool. An offset, annular base forms a part of the derrick and has an opening with an inner diameter substantailly corresponding to the diameter of the outer periphery of the dial ring. The base is placed over the dial ring and radially extending set screws in the base are tightened into engagement with the dial ring. In this manner, the derrick is securely attached to the safe. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for precisely controlling and adjustably positioning the tool relative to the safe.