Abstract: A deadbolt lock and a deadbolt which will extend automatically whenever a container is locked by virtue of a rigid portion of the container engaging a trigger element extending from the end face of the bolt and causing the release of an outer bolt portion is shown and described herein. The release of the outer bolt of the bolt assembly allows the outer bolt to project outwardly and to lock the container notwithstanding the fact that the bolt has not been reset by the operator of the lock. The bolt is self-contained and can be substituted into many existing lock mechanisms of the mechanical type and into some of the existing electronic dial combination locks, to provide the auto-locking enhancement.

Abstract: A slidebolt lock, with slidebolt displacement forces provided by a mechanism outside the lock assembly and acting on the slidebolt, is locked by a blocking member carried by the slidebolt and normally spring biased toward a blocking and locking position. The blocking member engages the lock case and denies the bolt freedom to move in an unlocking direction. The blocking member is forced to a disengaged position by an electromechanical drive, such as a stepper motor driving a cam wheel and cam follower, or a solenoid directly or indirectly acting to force the blocking member to a position within the bolt and disengaging the blocking member from engagement with the lock casing. To simplify the solenoid in one embodiment, upon slidebolt movement toward a withdrawn, unlocked position, the blocking member forms and provides a camming structure to break any residual magnetic seal of the solenoid armature to the solenoid body.

Abstract: A mechanism for locking the back cover of a combination lock to the lock housing is described having two sequentially and phased moveable parts, each having an aperture through which a locking member may be inserted, the apertures are disposed in parts moveable in parallel and adjacent planes and a portion of each aperture is at all times aligned with the other aperture such that a third member may extend through the apertures. The apertures have enlarged portions which will pass the third member and channel portions which prevent withdrawal of the third member while permitting movement of the moveable parts. The third member is carried by the back cover of the lock and can only be withdrawn by sequentially withdrawing from a first moveable part, shifting the moveable parts to a second position and withdrawing from the second moveable part.

Abstract: A dead bolt lock automatically blocks the extended bolt to prevent externally-applied force from thrusting the bolt back into the lock case, and in the event of physical attack the lock responds by prolonging or perpetuating the dead bolt blocking condition. A push-pull lock has a bolt whose motion in both directions is stopped in response to detection of a rise in motor current above a certain level: a cushioning arrangement allows the current-limiting feature to be implemented without risk of damage to the motor, gear teeth or other drive components. A re-locker arrangement includes an angled flange that is part of a motor-supporting bracket; when forcibly pressed, the flange breaks plastic pins to release a spring-biased re-locker wire to block the bolt from being withdrawn, and when the wire is in the dead bolting position an extension of the re-locker wire engages a ridge in the lock's case to prevent the re-locker from being manipulated back to its original position.

Abstract: The technique for electronically resetting a magnetically sealed solenoid to an unattracted, unactuated position is described for use with solenoids which have either a residual magnetic or a permanent magnet holding force necessary to retain the armature of the solenoid in its actuated position until such time as the armature is either physically displaced by a mechanical force or an electronic signal is applied to the solenoid. This displacement creates a reverse polarity magnetic field, effectively overcoming the magnetic field acting to hold the armature in its actuated position, permitting a small mechanical force to reset the armature. In order to prevent a lock or similar device from being conditioned for opening and possibly left in that condition for a significant period of time while unattended, jeopardizing the security of the container and its contents, the actuation of the armature in the reset or release phase may occur a relatively short time following its actuation.

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 mechanical linkage assembly is driven by the engagement element to unlock a lock-bolt. The mechanical linkage assembly includes a low inertia pivoting cam which interacts with a lock lever of the locking mechanism to move it to an unlocking state. 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: An electronic combination lock of the self-powered type, wherein the electrical energy for operation of the lock is developed within the lock itself, has a solenoid which magnetically seals in the activated position, thus preserving the "open" condition of the lock until such time as the operator may withdraw the bolt. Significantly, there is no requirement for continued electrical power to hold the solenoid and the latching mechanism in a condition for lock opening.

Abstract: A gear driven bolt withdrawal mechanism for an electronic lock is disclosed wherein an electromagnetic device such as an electromagnetic device displaces a partial gear into a position to be engaged by a manual drive. The partial gear, in turn, drives subsequent gears in a gear train to engage a gear with teeth on a rack attached to or a part of the bolt of the lock. The restoration of the bolt is ensured by a physical engagement between a portion of the drive cam and a portion of the bolt to force the bolt to its extended position upon locking; a displaceable slide is disposed in blocking relationship to the bolt whenever the bolt is fully extended to prevent end pressure from displacing the bolt without entry of a valid combination into the electronic controls of the lock.

Abstract: A self-powered lock incorporates a generator within the dial housing. The generator incorporates a plurality of coils and two concentric rings of magnetic segments. The rings are mounted on a dial housing, capable of rotation, and rotation of the dial housing generates operating power for the lock. Dial rotation rotates another ring of magnetic segments to input data necessary for lock operation.

Abstract: A safe door lock with a servo motor operated cam is described. A retracting lever is pivotally secured to the locking bolt and is displaced on a pivot connection with the bolt by the cam. The position of the cam and the bolt are detected by microswitches. When the retracting lever is in a locking position, the bolt cannot be retracted within the lock housing. The cam is operated by a servo motor and locked in position by the gear train which includes a worm gear. The locking bolt may be a slam bolt having a spring biased latch which slides therewith or the locking bolt may be a deadbolt when the lock is used with a boltwork system of a vault door.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock is disclosed which allows access to a closed or secure location wherein the lock includes a locking mechanism for operating between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. A rotatable cam wheel has a circumferential surface portion defining a slot such that rotation of the cam wheel moves the slot. A movable lever is coupled to the locking mechanism for changing the condition of the locking mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition and is pivotably movable into and out of engagement with the cam wheel. The movable lever engages the cam wheel such that rotation of the cam wheel changes the condition of the locking mechanism. A cantilever and detent on the lever releasably maintain the lever in a position disengaged from the cam wheel.

Abstract: A manipulation resistant combination lock includes a housing, a drive cam attached a drive shaft, a moveable bolt, a fence attached to a fence lever, and tumbler wheels. A fence lever is pivotally attached to the bolt, and has a nose portion engageable with a drive cam gate in the drive cam which is keyed to the drive shaft and includes two spaced multi-surface contact rollers of magnetically attractable material on opposite sides of the drive cam gate. Each contact roller has a plurality of non-identical surfaces which is uniquely radially positioned and oriented relative to the axis of rotation of each contact roller. A permanent magnet is mounted in the nose portion of the fence lever thereon to assert an attraction force which rotates the contact roller as the contact roller approaches the nose portion of the fence lever due to rotation of the drive cam.

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 mechanical linkage assembly is driven by the engagement element to unlock a lock-bolt. The mechanical linkage assembly includes a low inertia pivoting cam which interacts with a lock lever of the locking mechanism to move it to an unlocking state. 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 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 mechanical linkage assembly is driven by the engagement element to unlock a lock-bolt. The mechanical linkage assembly includes a low inertia pivoting cam which interacts with a lock lever of the locking mechanism to move it to an unlocking state. 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 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 mechanical linkage assembly is driven by the engagement element to unlock a lock-bolt. The mechanical linkage assembly includes a low inertia pivoting cam which interacts with a lock lever of the locking mechanism to move it to an unlocking state. 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: An improved combination lock, such as for a safe, for the lock type having a plurality of tumbler wheels mounted coaxially with a driving cam, the tumbler wheels having fence gates to be aligned by proper combination dialing, the driving cam having a cam gate for reception of a fence nose on a fence lever when the combination is dialed, the fence lever normally biased to hold the fence and the fence lever nose in an elevated position with respect to the cam and the tumbler wheels but having an override spring which during an arc portion of each full revolution of the dial biases the fence lever in a downward engaging position against the tumbler wheels and which will engage the fence nose with the cam gate if the correct combination is dialed.

Abstract: A user of a self-powered electronic combination lock rotates an outer dial to cause generators to generate energy for storage in a capacitor bank. The user then rotates an inner dial to cause a microcontroller to sequentially display a combination of numbers, and presses the inner dial to select a displayed number. The microcontroller determines direction and extent of motion of the inner dial by receiving signals derived from Wiegand sensors placed in proximity to a magnetized disc which rotates integrally with the inner dial, and controls the display of numerals on an LCD display accordingly. When the microcontroller determines that a correct combination has been entered, it activates a motor to move a motor cam to act directly on a locking lever so that the locking lever can engage a drive cam integrally linked with the inner dial, to allow the inner dial to withdraw the lock's bolt.

Abstract: A user of a self-powered electronic combination lock rotates an outer dial to cause generators to generate energy for storage in a capacitor bank. The user then rotates an inner dial to cause a microcontroller to sequentially display a combination of numbers, and presses the inner dial to select a displayed number. The microcontroller determines direction and extent of motion of the inner dial by receiving signals derived from Wiegand sensors placed in proximity to a magnetized disc which rotates integrally with the inner dial, and controls the display of numerals on an LCD display accordingly. When the microcontroller determines that a correct combination has been entered, it activates a motor to move a motor cam to act directly on a locking lever so that the locking lever can engage a drive cam integrally linked with the inner dial, to allow the inner dial to withdraw the lock's bolt.

Abstract: A keyless entry system is disclosed for use with a deadbolt latch mechanism on a door. The latch mechanism includes an arm having a slot for engaging and disengaging an associated deadbolt. The keyless entry system comprises an interior portion, an exterior portion and a drive arm connecting the portions. The interior portion has a housing mounted on the door. The housing has a base plate with a first opening aligned with the slot. A camlock with a ratchet is rotatably mounted on the base plate, the camlock having a second opening aligned with the first opening and the slot. A solenoid with a slug is also mounted on the base plate. The slug has a retracted position and an extended position with the slug engaging the ratchet in the extended position to prevent rotation of the camlock. An electronic controller is mounted on the base plate in electrical communication with the solenoid.

Abstract: Interlocks are described that prevent the bolt of a bolt lock from being displaced to the unlocked position by the use of impact and inertial of the lock parts, heat and the displacement of the cover plate of the lock housing.

Abstract: A combination lock includes a dial shaft adapted to be rotated with a user's hand, a fore lock plate, at least one intermediate lock plate and a rear lock plate arranged in parallel with each other, and a driving plate integrally fitted to a rear end of the dial shaft. A plurality of unlocking cutouts are formed in the outer peripheries of the driving plate and all the lock plates so as to allow a lock pawl to be received in the unlocking cutouts when the latter are located in alignment with each other. A driving gear having a large diameter is formed in the driving plate, and a follower gear having a small diameter is formed on the fore lock plate. Both the gears mesh with each other at a gear ratio via an idler gear so as to allow the gears to be rotated in the opposite directions. The gear ratio is determined such that all the lock plates are followably rotated as a dial knob is turned with a user's hand.

Abstract: A numerical combination lock 1 has a turning knob 3, by means of which a cam plate 4 can be turned in order to operate a drop lever 5 that is hinged to a locking bolt 2 of the lock 1 and in this way to draw the locking bolt back to the open position. This can be done only by means of the correct selection of an opening combination which, also with the aid of the turning knob 3, has to be set through repeated turning. Following each setting, the turning knob 3 can be displaced in an axial direction in order to operate a switch 11 on a printed circuit board 35 each time in accordance with that particular setting value. In this way, an electric motor 12 is controlled that moves a coupling member 14 on a sliding bar 13 into the area of a first working surface 15 of the cam plate 4, if the correct opening combination has been entered.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock is disclosed which allows access to a closed or secure location wherein the lock includes a locking mechanism for operating between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. A rotatable cam wheel has a circumferential surface portion defining a slot such that rotation of the cam wheel moves the slot. A movable lever is coupled to the locking mechanism for changing the condition of the locking mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition and is pivotably movable into and out of engagement with the cam wheel. The movable lever engages the cam wheel such that rotation of the cam wheel changes the condition of the locking mechanism. A cantilever and detent on the lever releasably maintain the lever in a position disengaged from the cam wheel.

Abstract: A combination lock/deadbolt assembly connection technique is disclosed for connecting the bolt of the combination lock to the deadbolt of the deadbolt assembly to provide a lost motion connection while at the same time to retain the ability to position a magnetic anti-attack interlock within the bolt of the combination lock. A connecting shaft is disposed between the bolt and the deadbolt and a spring bias force introduced between the two bolts. The shaft may be attached rigidly at one end to either the lock bolt or deadbolt. The opposite end is loosely attached by retaining rings or retaining rings to accommodate the movement of the loosely attached bolt with respect to the shaft thereby providing a lost motion connection. A compression spring is disposed intermediate to the lock bolt and the deadbolt to provide a separating or extending force.

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 combination lock is provided having a housing with a lock dial shaft rotatably mounted thereto. A lock bolt is slidably mounted to the housing, and a fence lever is pivotally coupled to the lock bolt. A tension spring constantly urges the fence lever into an operative, lock bolt displacing position thereof. An assembly of gated tumbler wheels is rotatable by the lock dial shaft and a slotted disc is mounted on a tumbler wheels assembly. The fence lever is adapted to close against the gated tumbler wheels when in alignment and thereby enabling the displacement of the lock bolt by the fence lever. A displaceable spring cam plate is coupled to a cam disc associated with the slotted disc so that, on every revolution of the cam disc, the plate becomes displaced a short distance. A second spring coupled between the fence lever and the cam plate is effective in the non-displaced position of the plate to restrain the pivoted movement of the fence lever under the tension of its spring.

Abstract: A manipulation resistant combination lock is shown which has a housing, a drive shaft, a cam driver attached to the drive shaft, a bolt slidable into and out of the housing, a fence lever, a fence attached to the fence lever, and a set of tumbler wheels. A first end of the fence lever is pivotally attached to the bolt, and a second end of the fence lever has a dog which is engagable with a slot in the outer periphery of the cam driver. The cam driver is keyed to the drive shaft and holds two circumferentially spaced permanent magnets, one on each side of the slot. The dog portion of the fence lever also has a permanent magnet mounted thereon. The permanent magnets mounted on the cam driver and on the dog portion of the fence lever are arranged such that opposing magnetic poles generate a repulsive force as the fence lever approaches both sides of the slot in the cam driver.

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: An electronic combination lock is disclosed which allows access to a closed or secure location wherein the lock includes a locking mechanism for operating between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. A rotatable cam wheel has a circumferential surface portion defining a slot such that rotation of the cam wheel moves the slot. A moveable lever is coupled to the locking mechanism for changing the condition of the locking mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition and is pivotably movable into and out of engagement with the cam wheel. The movable lever engages the cam wheel such that rotation of the cam wheel changes the condition of the locking mechanism. A cantilever and detent on the lever releasably maintain the lever in a position disengaged from the cam wheel.

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: A combination lock wherein the tumblers can be moved to predetermined positions, preparatory to retraction of the locking bolt from extended position, by an electric motor which is controlled by a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives signals from a keyboard or from a disc and can start the motor for the purpose of aligning the normally scrambled tumblers only in response to reception of a predetermined sequence of signals. A manually operated knob can be coupled to a driver for the tumblers in order to change the positions of the tumblers and/or to move the locking bolt between extended and retracted positions independently of the motor. The microprocessor is programmed to start the motor only in response to reception of a predetermined sequence of signals in accordance with a selected combination.

Abstract: An electronic lock for a safe door is provided with a digital keypad entry device, a mechanical bolt works and associated handle for retracting the door bolts, and a spring biased rotary bolt which engages and precludes operation of the bolt works, such that upon entry of the predetermined code into the entry device, an electric signal causes a solenoid to energize and retract its armature from a blocking position relative the rotary bolt, further enabling the rotary bolt to rotate against its bias in response to mechanical manipulation of the handle by the user to retract the door bolts. Unauthorized operation of the safe handle causes the rotary bolt to be locked into a fixed position, preventing entry into the safe.

Abstract: An electronic lock for a safe door is provided with a digital keypad entry device, a mechanical bolt works and associated handle for retracting the door bolts, and a spring biased rotary bolt which engages and precludes operation of the bolt works, such that upon entry of the predetermined code into the entry device, an electric signal causes a solenoid to energize and retract its armature from a blocking position relative the rotary bolt, further enabling the rotary bolt to rotate against its bias in response to mechanical maniupulation of the handle by the user to retract the door bolts. Unauthorized operation of the safe handle causes the rotary bolt to be locked into a fixed position, preventing entry into the safe.

Abstract: An electronic lock with manual combination override for opening of a lock by both an electronic and manual means. The electronic lock has a bolt operating release mechanism which operates to allow opening of the lock by either the electronic or manual mode. The electronic and manual modes both operably open the lock through operation of the bolt operating release mechanism. The bolt operating release mechanism is a multi-component assembly operable as a unit or relative to each component dependent on the mode of operation. The electronic mode is operably by use of electronic components which include but are not limited to, pressure-sensitive switches, logic circuit, and a circuit mounting board. An electronic combination is generated, retained and operable with the electronic components to open the lock.

Abstract: A lock comprising notched combination disks, a bolt movable in translation and urged to its extended position which may be moved solely when a coded combination has been formed by rotation of the combination disks, and means for driving the bolt to its retracted position. In accordance with the invention, the lock comprises means for locking the bolt in the retracted position, means for making said bolt drive means inoperative when the bolt is in its retracted position, and means for unlocking the bolt once the door has been opened then closed again.

Abstract: An automatically self locking and self scrambling combination lock is disclosed wherein a spring biased bolt is moveable by its bias toward a locking position and a detent is provided on an end of the fence arm associated with a fence lever connected to the bolt whereby on movement of the bolt towards its locking position, the detent engages the edge of a single one of the tumbler wheel gates to scramble that tumbler wheel alignment relative the other tumbler wheels as the fence arm leaves the tumbler wheel gates.

Abstract: A fast opening, high security combination lock includes a case, a dial connected to a rotatable spindle, and a plurality of rotatable tumblers mounted coaxially therewith. A movable impeller mounted on said spindle is carried by internal projections in the case to engage the tumblers in sequence as the dial is turned through a series of partial clockwise turns to combination characters and returns to a set mark. After setting the tumblers, the impeller engages a driver which, if all of the tumblers have been properly set, retracts a bolt. The impeller is reset to its initial position on the spindle and the tumblers are scattered to secure the lock, by rotating the dial one-half turn anti-clockwise.

Abstract: A lock mechanism having a mechanical combination lock and an electronic lock, wherein the mechanical combination lock serves for effecting a fail safe entry in case of failure of the electronic lock. More specifically, the lock mechanism includes a mechanical combination lock having a bolt-retracting linkage which is tripped by inward movement of a dial into a first operative relationship with a driver on the drive spindle. An electronic latch prevents bolt retraction by this bolt-retracting linkage when in the first operative positive until the electronic latch has been operated. However, when the tumblers of the lock have been aligned and a gate bar enters the tumblers, the bolt-retraction linkage is caused to assume a second operative relationship with the driver so as to permit bolt retraction despite the latching effect of the electronic lock.

Abstract: A combination lock of the type adapted for changing of the combination by a change key, a lock case housing, a stack of a plurality of tumbler wheels loosely journaled on a tumbler post for rotation about its axis and each including an annular outer rim portion and an inner annular hub portion having teeth releasably intercoupling the hub portion and rim portion at any of a plurality of relative angular positions. The rim portions of the tumbler wheels have specially shaped peripheral gates to receive confronting portions of a fence on the fence lever when the tumbler wheels are properly aligned. The tumbler post is supported within the tumbler wheel hub portions for nonrotatable axial movement to shift the hub portions axially relative to the outer rim portions between coupled and decoupled relation.

Abstract: A fence lever control device for a combination lock provides a pivoted plate having an arm positioning a spring to normally bias the fence lever of the lock in a position out of engagement with the fence lever operating cam wheel, with an actuator roller mounted to the cam wheel which engages a follower surface on the pivoted plate once on each complete revolution of the cam wheel in a given direction in response to similar rotation of the dial shaft to which the cam wheel is mounted to thereby shift the pivoted plate and its associated spring mounting arm in an over center fashion to place the spring in a position to bias the fence lever toward the cam wheel, movement of the fence lever into engagement with the cam wheel being prevented by engagement between the fence member and the tumbler wheel assemblies when the wheel assemblies are not oriented in a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: An electronic dial combination lock has a spindle journalled within the lock for movement in two degrees of freedom, i.e., both rotational and axial displacement, to cause engagement of a push pin located on an internal cam wheel to engage one of a plurality of pressure-sensitive switches within the lock located in an evenly-spaced, circular pattern centered on the spindle's axis, each switch capable of making a discrete, unique electrical connection. Circuit means contained in the region sense the making of the electrical connections and detect when a given subset of connections has been made in a predetermined, sequential order corresponding to the lock's combination, to initiate an electrical signal within the region. The electrical signal may be used, e.g., to operate a solenoid to permit a conventional fence lever to engage the cam wheel such that a bolt within the lock may be withdrawn, such as in a safe door.

Abstract: A security system having a secure enclosure for holding an object. Access to the enclosure is controlled by a combination lock having a tumbler arrangement adapted for having its combination changed either by hand or with use of a key. The tumbler arrangement includes an apparatus for mounting a plurality of tumbler wheels in a stacked relationship for rotation about an axis. Each of the tumbler wheels has an inner element releasably engaged with a circumferentially disposed outer element. Each of the outer elements has a peripheral gate and a mechanism for masking the gate. A mechanism is provided for maintaining the inner and outer elements in an engaged condition for simultaneous rotation under normal tumber operation, and a peripherally gated rotatable driver wheel rotates the tumbler wheels. A fence lever includes a nose for contact with the driver wheel and a fence for contact with the tumbler wheels.

Abstract: A combined key and combination lock herein having a housing fixed to a door which mounts a linear key lock mechanism including spring biased pins or tumblers displaced and aligned by a coded key and a rotary combination lock mechanism including notched or keyed disks selectively aligned by rotation of a numerical dial via a disk transfer mechanism. Shaft and gear members intercouple the key lock mechanism with combination lock mechanism with combination lock mechanism for cooperatively operating a latch bolt to a lock position while a resilient bias device returns the latch bolt to an unlock position. A clutch mechanism selectively disengages the key lock mechanism from the combination lock mechanism so that the numerical dial on the inside of the door may be used solely for unlatching the bolt from its lock position. A releasable stop plunger is spring biased on the housing for disabling both the key lock mechanism and the combination lock mechanism to retain the bolt in its lock position.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of combination locks, and in particular to a combination lock of the type having a plurality of combination dials which, once angularly positioned, enable a manually turnable driver element to cause translation of a bolt element by a means of a stud engageable with said combination dials.Provision is made for said stud to be rotatable coaxially with said dials and oscillably movable radially thereto. Further, said dials are defined by a ring which is split by a cut and clamped, by elastic deformation, onto a smooth surface of a hub.

Abstract: A quick mount combination lock constructed to be readily installed or changed to assume any of the four right hand, left hand, vertical up, or vertical down installation positions from externally of the lock case, wherein the lock case includes a front case section and a rear cover plate providing a lock mechanism chamber housing the usual tumbler wheels, a drive spindle extending from a dial, and a drive cam adjustably positioned on the spindle by a spline key at any of four angular positions correlated to said installation positions. The front case section has an integral flange extension protruding from an end wall of the case having a mounting screw opening, and the front case section and cover plate have aligned mounting screw holes extending entirely therethrough whereby the mounting screws for the lock case are accessible for installation and withdrawal without removing the cover plate from the front case section.

Abstract: A live bolt lock mechanism for a safe door uses a rotatable idler 15 in a middle region of the door. A plurality of live bolts 20 spaced around the door each has a connecting rod 19 joined to the idler 15 at crank locations for operating the live bolts. A handle 25 is mounted between the idler and the opening edge of the door, and a combination lock 30 is mounted beside the idler. An actuator 27 rotated by the handle moves an actuator link 31 connected to the idler for rotating the idler when the handle turns. A lock link 50 mounted on the idler and extending toward the combination lock 30 has a projection disposed adjacent the combination lock to block the lock link and idler from movement unless a combination for the lock is fulfilled.

Abstract: A permutation lock wherein a locking bolt is reciprocable in a housing between extended and retracted position. The housing contains a set of coaxial tumblers rotatable by a cam having a lobe which can move the bolt to extended position through the medium of a coupling lever which is pivotally connected with the bolt. The coupling lever can be pivoted to an operative position, in which it extends into the path of movement of the lobe on the cam, only when at least one of the tumblers is moved from a predetermined position in which a notch in its peripheral surface is out of alignment with similar notches in the peripheral surfaces of the other tumblers. The bolt is movable to the retracted position by a locating lever which is pivoted to the bolt and has a pallet receivable in a recess of the lobe only when all of the notches are aligned with each other so that they can receive a finger which is provided on the locating lever and extends in parallelism with the common axis of the tumblers.

Abstract: A combination lock to be installed on a panel such as a safe door, with a manually operable knob and dial at the front of the panel and the main part of the combination mechanism at the rear of the panel. A rotary operating spindle attached to the dial and a stationary bushing surrounding the spindle extend through the thickness of the panel and are made of non-metallic material having low heat conductivity, such as nylon. An operating or driving wheel or disk fixed to the rear end of the spindle has a projection for engaging and rotating a locking wheel or disk rotatable on the bushing in front of the operating disk, and this locking wheel engages and rotates another locking wheel in front of it. When radial slots in the locking wheel and the operating wheel are all in a predetermined alignment, a spring moves a finger on a slide member into the aligned slots, and this moves the latch bolt to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A time delay combination lock having the usual combination mechanism including a stack of rotatable tumbler wheels journaled on a dial spindle by a driving cam, and a fence lever pivoted on a bolt to descend to a lower coupled position with the drive cam and retract the bolt along an unlocking path when the proper combination is dialed. A timing movement is provided having an intercoupling gear train including an input gear rearwardly adjacent the driving cam for winding the main spring to woundup condition upon rotation of the dial and driving cam through a predetermined arc. A pivoted blocking lever biased to a normal stop position is located in the unlocking path of part of the fence lever to bar unlocking movement of the fence lever in its lower coupled position, and the lock case has a fixed backup shoulder immediately adjacent the blocking lever to support the blocking lever against attempted forced displacement of the fence lever and bolt in a bolt unlocking direction.

Abstract: A combination lock having a plurality of rotatable tumblers, a knob for positioning the tumblers, a bolt, a bolt cam for operating the bolt to unlock the lock upon proper positioning of the rotatable tumblers by proper clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation of the knob, and locking means for preventing said bolt cam from operating the bolt prior to proper positioning of the rotatable tumblers. According to a preferred embodiment the locking means includes a floating pin unconnected to any structure but moveable within the lock structure between positions preventing and permitting movement of the bolt cam and the knob is longitudinally moveable to engage the bolt cam for operation of the bolt.