Abstract: A locking mechanism having at least one but preferably two locking bolts movably supported for guided linear movement in a housing between locked and unlocked positions. Where two locking bolts are employed, each locking bolt moves in a direction opposite from the other. The locking mechanism is characterized in that each locking bolt is comprised by at least two superposed bolt parts which are linearly movable along the longitudinal axis of the bolt relative to each other and are provided on the corresponding longitudinal edges with a plurality of spaced matching teeth having an angle of 10.degree.-80.degree.. A key is provided for guided linear movement through a keyhole perpendicular to the bolt parts and having teeth matching those in the bolt parts formed in at least one of its side edges and where two oppositely moving bolts are provided, the key has matching teeth formed in each of the side edges thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for removing drinking straws from empty bottles having drinking straws projecting from their mouths, said apparatus comprising a pair of endless straw gripping belts adapted to move in substantially parallel relationship to each other adjacent to the path of said bottles maintained thereunder while the bottles are travelling on a moving bottle conveyor, and a plurality of pulleys for guiding portions of said straw gripping belts from a spaced relation to each other to a side by side substantially abutting relationship whereby the drinking straws are gripped and removed from the bottles and transported to another location, in which location the drinking straws are automatically removed from the gripping belts.