Patent GB-190319971-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in the Permutation Locks.
Inventor: SMITH OBERLIN
Filed: 1903-09-16
Granted: 1904-01-28
Abstract: 19,971. Smith, O. Sept. 16. Locks, permutation. -Relates to locks for post office lock boxes and other doors &c. in which each ring is first brought to a stop position and is then turned to the active position by counting ; on closing the door, the rings are all scattered. Figs. 2 and 3 show sections on different planes and Fig. 4 shows a back view with the internal pivoted cover removed. The front plate B is provided with a series of recesses B<2> having vertical slots B<3> through which a series of star finger-wheels K and a milled head I project. A horizontal slot B' is also provided for the handle C<1> of the bolt rod C which is shifted to the closing position by the action of a spring B<15>. The bolt rod C has a series of. projecting arms C<3>-C<6> which project into the path of the tumbler rings N. The bolt rod C is tubular and contains the bolt latch rod D and a rod E which are forced apart by a spring O<1>. The outer end uf the rod E is hollow to receive a spring- controlled pin F which, when the door is closed, is caused to move inwards and rotate so as to operate a toothed segment J<1> gearing with a pinior wheel J on the permutation shaft for scattering the selecting wheels on closing the door The finger-wheels K are mounted on a shaft H slotted throughout almost its whole length and provided with springs O<3> for holding the rings K and their accessories in position. The rings K are dished at their centres, and have each a pin projecting on each side of the dished portion. The scattering dogs L fit into the recessed portions of the rings K. Each dog L has an outward lug which engages against one side of the pin in the ring K, and an inward lug which engages in the slot in the shaft H. Stop-plates are held in position by the brackets B<12> &c. supporting the shaft and have each a lug for engaging with the pins on the rings K. The tumbler or selecting sleeves N are provided at their bases with rings of perforations so that the outer ends of the pins on the rings K can be engaged in any selected perforations. The outer ends of the rings N have each a series of short slots and one long slot, the lock being opened when all the long slots are brought into line in position to allow the projections C<6> on the bolt rod C to engage therein. In a modified form of scattering-device, the end of the rod F bears against a flattened portion in an upright axle provided with a cam heel which bears against the door frame in closing. The cam heel operates a rising and rotating sleeve connected to the segmental rack operating the scattering-pinion. In a modified form of lock, the bolt rod is pivoted and is provided with curved projections capable of engaging in radial slots in the selecting-rings. The catch piece is pivoted on the same shaft as the bolt rod, and engages with the rod by means of a spring connection so that the door can be locked without setting the combination. In a further modification, the bolt takes the place of the shaft H, and the selecting-rings are not dished but are provided with a series of partial and one through slot. The selecting-rings are separated by split rings having external lugs. Circumferentially-slotted rings, with fingers engaging with the lugs on the split rings and in the notches of the selector rings, ride on the split rings. The parts are held together by a dished spring plate.