Abstract: Various enhancements are provided to a pushbutton lock to enhance its security. One is the provision of button tips that are mounted on the ends of the button assemblies and spring-loaded to protrude from the face of the lock, regardless of whether the underlying button is "in" or "out." By this arrangement, a bystander cannot readily see the button combination by the pattern of depressed buttons. This arrangement also reduces tactile feedback between the underlying button assembly and the externally available button tips, increasing resistance to pick attacks. A further enhancement is the provision of button bars between adjacent pairs of button tips. Whenever any of the button tips is manually depressed, the corresponding button bar is pressed into engagement with, and prevents movement of, a member that must be moved in order to unlock the lock.

Abstract: A lock for safes and other security devices is disclosed having a case mountable on the inside of a safe door. A locking bolt in a slidable relationship within an opening in the case, moves between locked and unlocked positions. A gate, constrained in slidable relationship by and with the locking bolt, normally prevents the locking bolt from moving out of the locked position. An internal case extension obstructs the gate, when the lock is not activated, preventing the locking bolt from moving towards the unlocked position. A camming member, pivotally attached to the locking bolt, repositions the gate allowing the locking bolt to move out of the locked position. A solenoid driven armature, linked to the camming member and connected to the locking bolt, pivots the camming member and moves the locking bolt to the unlocked position. The locking bolt is held in the locked position when not activated by a spring.

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: An anti-tamper locking assembly for locking a position of a block, such as a locking bolt in an electronic lock, electrically moves a pin to engage or dis-engage the block. When dis-engaged, the block can be moved and access or the like can be made. The pin is selectively moved electronically in order to allow access, entry or the like. The pin can be moved with, e.g., a solenoid. The pin has an overhanging portion, or a head portion. In order to prevent an individual from forcing the pin into an un-locked position, the head portion operates in conjunction with at least one spring-arm member and a blocker which are fixed to the block to prevent a user from being able to strike the device with a hammer or the like to "temporarily" move the pin to a position allowing the block to be moved and access or the like to be made.

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: A locking system for a security container includes a frame in cabinet form, a jamb formed on the frame, a movable locker plate which determines opening and closing of a door by overlapping with the jamb and which is formed on the door, a combination lock determining the movement of the locker plate, and a double relocking system including a first relocking system operated when a dial portion of the combination lock is attacked, and a second relocking system operated when a cam bolt portion of said combination lock is attacked.

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: 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 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: 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: 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 motorized electronic lock is disclosed including an electric motor, a screw powered by the motor, a nut threadedly engaged with the screw and having two extending arms projecting therefrom, one of which arms is a cam follower arm that rides along a cam surface on a cam bracket, and the other of which is a locking arm that is engageable with a slot in a bolt in order to provide a dead-bolting feature for the bolt, and a relocking spring which is either held out of the way of the bolt by a downwardly extending leg of the cam bracket or is biased to a position behind the bolt, blocking the bolt from being able to retract.

Abstract: A circular rotating member, having an outer peripheral surface, is rotatably mounted in a ring member. The rotating member includes an elongated central slot and four peripheral slots extending inwardly from the peripheral surface of the rotating member and spaced at 90 degrees from each other. The key of the combination lock extends into the central elongated slot, and a ball bearing is carried in each of the peripheral slots of the rotating member. The inner surface of the ring member is substantially identical to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member but the inner surface of the ring member includes, additionally, two cut-outs. Thus, when the ring member is driven to rotate at a high speed by an automatic dialer, the ball bearing will be driven by centrifugal force into the cut-out whereby to prevent further rotation of the dial to thereby block the lock.

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: To prevent the opening of an electronic combination lock by using a strong magnet to operate a stepper motor, a magnetic interlock is included in the lock structure. A magnetic pin is held in a retracted position by a small magnet when a strong attack magnet is positioned to attempt to open the lock, the magnetic pin is attracted from the holding magnet and extended to bridge the bolt and lock housing, blocking the retraction of the bolt.

Abstract: A combination lock for a key safe has an over-center spring for biasing a unitary bolt in an extended or retracted position. A switch for actuating the bolt has a break-away button to foil vandals. The bolt includes checkers for engaging notches in a plurality of programmable combination rings when the combination is properly dialed. The checkers have V-shaped ridges for engaging false notches formed in the combination rings, making the lock pick-resistant. The checkers also include flat shoulders to prevent the bolt from being forcibly wedged into the combination rings to open the lock. The combination must be properly dialed to permit the bolt to be retracted for closing the key safe.

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 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 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 combination lock is provided with an additional security lock wherein an electrically operable solenoid, having an armature post normally biased outwardly of a solenoid body is mounted to the combination lock housing so as to position the armature post normally to block movement of either the combination lock bolt or the bolt release lever associated with the bolt. An electrical signal generator which may be an electrical switch, electronic lock mechanism or other electrical signal generating means, is provided for selectively operating the solenoid to retract the post from a bolt and/or bolt release lever blocking position to thereafter allow operation of the combination lock in an otherwise standard mechanical manipulation or electronic digital input of the main combination lock.

Abstract: The tumbler wheels have a plurality of false gates, each having a width, depth and/or angular position feature which is a random value selected from within given circumferential, radial and/or angular locational limits, respectively, to foil sophisticated sound wave analyzers. Additonally, the wheel may include an outer periphery whose radius between pairs of adjacent gates is randomly variable within given limits. A method and apparatus for producing the random wheels in large batches includes spindling a large number of blank wheels on an arbor and randomly rotating the arbor selectively relative to a cutting tool which is randomly movable selectively in two axes.

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 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 safe relocking system that comprises a solenoid energized relocking bolt and an electrical printed circuit that is interposed in front of the safe locking mechanism and which controls actuation of the relocking bolt when altered or otherwise affected by an attack on the safe locking mechanism.

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 storage safe for containing securely therein a plurality of flexible media such as optical video disks. The storage safe is made of a sturdy body which is capable of being embedded in a cement floor, or the like. A cover encloses the cavity-like interior of the body and can only be removed by activating a combination mechanism assembly by applying the proper combination thereto. Any tampering with the combination mechanism assembly is defeated by the novel construction of the combination mechanism assembly. The cover has a slot therethrough and a labyrinth-like structure associated therewith so as to allow the flexible media to pass into the interior of the body but which prevents its unauthorized withdrawal therefrom. In addition, this labyrinth-like structure directs any undesireable fluid away from the flexible media stored within the body of the safe.

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 improved device for preventing unauthorized opening of a combination lock of the type having a plurality of tumbler wheels in conjunction with a fence-lever-actuated bolt in which a tumbler wheel assembly shield having an opening to avoid a rearward expulsion of the dial shaft provides a barrier to unauthorized rearward or radial manipulation of the tumbler wheel assemblies by use of fishing hooks inserted and manipulated from the front of the lock.

Abstract: An improved lock assembly having a plurality of peripherally gated tumbler wheels supported within a housing for rotation about a common axis. A peripherally gated control cam is mounted to the tumbler wheel axis to provide cam operated movement of a fence lever and rotatably attached lock bolt between extended and retracted positions when the peripheral tumbler wheel gates are aligned. A single spring is provided for serving the dual purpose of biasing the fence lever towards the control cam and securing the fence lever to the bolt. Further, precise positioning of the lock bolt and lever when the lock bolt is moved to its extended position are provided by a three point positioning configuration in which special surfaces on the lever are moved into abutment with the lock housing. A new relock spring configuration and system is provided for preventing retraction of the lock bolt when the housing backplate is removed.

Abstract: A protective lock mounting plate is provided between a lock housing on the interior of a safe door and the interior surface of the safe door to resist drilling into the lock housing through the door in areas adjacent a combination dial, or the like, on the exterior of the safe door in a frontal location relative lock works within the lock housing. Non-drillable material is positioned in annular rings bonded in grooves of concentric circular configuration formed in a surface of the mounting plate which is directed against the interior surface of the door facing in the direction from which drilling intrusion is anticipated.

Abstract: A universal boltworks mechanism is compatible for use with any of a range of shapes and sizes of safe door and is alternatively enclosed in an easily fabricated centrally located bore on the interior surface of the safe door or in a pan enclosure which is easily welded to the interior of the safe door. The mechanism particularly includes a universal cam member which is configured such that it may be used without adaptation with any of said shapes and sizes of safe door alternatively driving three bolt driving structures of a first configuration on one side thereof and four bolt driving structures of a second configuration on the other side thereof. The universal boltworks mechanism is also provided with a bolt inhibitor which inhibits unlocking movement of each bolt whenever a breakaway portion of the mounting enclosure cover plate has been broken away in response to tampering forces in excess of a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The door of a security enclosure has boltwork and a primary lock for locking the boltwork in its thrown condition. A drill-resistant disc is rotatably mounted between the lock and the exterior of the door, and the restraining wire of a relocker passes over the circumference of the disc. If a drilling attack is made on the lock the disc will be encountered and will be rotated by the drill tip to frustrate penetration of the disc by the drill. Furthermore, if the drill is aimed at the circumferential portion of the disc which guides the relocker wire any success in penetrating the disc will sever or dislodge the wire to allow the relocker to move under the action of a spring into a position in which it provides an additional locking action in the boltwork.

Abstract: A combination lock of the dial operated tumbler wheel type comprising lock mechanism components including a fence lever and rotatable members to be rotatably positioned responsive to rotation of a dial, the rotatable members including peripherally gated tumbler wheels and a drive cam driven from the dial, and electro-optical light sensing and electrical signalling means for producing sensible indications at a remote monitoring station signifying movement of components of the combination lock mechanism. This means comprises a marking having optically distinctive reflectivity properties on a component of the lock mechanism such as the driving cam and/or a tumbler wheel and/or the fence lever and optical sensor means positioned to receive light from the optically distinctive marking electrical signal signifying movement of the optically distinctive marking.

Abstract: A combination padlock has dial-driven rotary sleeves mounted within the lock casing on a longer leg of the padlock shackle. The sleeves have peripheral teeth with at least one tooth being omitted on each sleeve to define a bypass gap. To open the lock, the dials must be rotated so as to turn each of the bypass gaps into alignment with a respective blocking projection in the lock casing. To thwart any attempt to pick the lock, alternate teeth on each sleeve are shorter than the adjacent teeth whereby a detent-type feel may be produced when the sleeve is rotated, simulating the feel produced when the bypass gap is brought into line with the respective blocking projection.

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: A combination push-button lock wherein a bolt is shiftably mounted in a body for movement between locked and unlocked positions, a rotor being mounted internally of the body and carrying an operator for unlocking the bolt upon predetermined rotor rotation, rotor being rotatable by selective movement of shifters generally tangent to and engageable in turning engagement with selectively located turning tabs on the rotor.

Abstract: A punch-thru lock assembly for use on safes and vaults and effective to prevent the forceful removal of the cover from the lock so as to preclude unauthorized access from being gained to the inside mechanisms of the lock while the door of the safe or vault is in its closed and locked position. The punch-thru lock assembly includes a spindle having a cam wheel secured thereto by means of a key whereby the cam wheel rotates in unison with the spindle but the key is capable of being defeated so as to free the cam wheel from engagement with the spindle. The lock assembly also includes a cover which is intentionally provided with a weakened portion through which an end of the spindle may be made to pass, when the latter is forcefully removed from the lock assembly being pushed inwardly.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a manually operated recodable coded switch in which a code may be inserted, tried and used to actuate a lever controlling an external device. After attempting a code, the switch's code wheels must be returned to their zero positions before another try is made.

Abstract: A keyless combination lock is protected against manipulation by the inclusion of a rotary member turned by rotation of the dial of the lock and which, after excessive rotation from a datum position, such as is likely to occur under conditions of manipulation, serves to move a protective member into an operative position such that operation of the lock is impossible, e.g. by isolating the probe of the lock from the combination wheels. The rotary member is also connected to mechanism for returning it to its datum position after a time delay and arrival at the datum position serves to return the protective member back to an inoperative position if it has previously been moved to its operative position. The return mechanism may start to operate as soon as the rotary member is turned from its datum position and may include a spring which is progressively stressed as the rotary member is turned.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with permutation locks having a wheel pack comprising a plurality of rotatable permutation discs, each having a recess which must be correctly aligned before the bolt of the lock can be withdrawn. One known method for determining the positions of the permutation discs is by analysis of X-radiation which has passed through the wheel pack parallel to the axis of rotation of the discs. In locks according to this invention, the opacity of the wheel pack to penetrating electromagnetic radiation along any line parallel to the axis of rotation of the discs is independent of their orientation.