Improvements in Electric Locks and Combination Mechanism therefor.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 2nd Aug., 1898-Accepted, 17th June, 1899
COMPLEIE
SPECIFICATION.
[Communicated from abroad by HENRY GUY CARLETON, Author, of 146, West
94th Street, in the City of New York, State of New York, United States
of America.]
Improvements in Electric Locks and Combination Mechanism
therefor.
I, PHILIP ARTHUR NEWTON, of the Office for Patents, 6, Bream's Buildings,
Chancery Lane, in the County of London, Patent Agent, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed,
to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement:-..
This invention relates generally to that class of locks in which one of the co-
operating parts of the lock, such as the bolt or the keeper with which the bolt
is engaged, is caused to effect the disengagement of the parts whereby the lock
is opened, by means of electrical energy, and one branch of the invention has
reference to certain improvements in the lock itself, whereby a magnet, which
is movable with relation to the other parts of the lock, is caused to exercise its
attractive force either directly, or through its armature, upon either the bolt of
the lock or the keeper. When the attractive, force of the magnet, which may be
either an ordinary electro-magnet or any suitable source of electrical energy,
thus exercises its attractive force upon either the bolt or the keeper, and is
moved, it will cause a movement upon the part upon which it is exercising its
attractive force, and thus operate the lock. When, however, the magnet is
not exercising its attractive force, it will move freely with relation to the other
parts of the lock, without causing the movement of any of them, and the lock
will remain undisturbed.
It is frequently desirable to control the operation of electric locks, of the class
above described, and of other classes, from a distance. When, for instance, such
locks are used in apartment houses, it may be desirable that the fock be under
the control of persons who are at a very considerable distance from the door
upon which the lock is located. Another branch of the invention, therefore,
relates to an arrangement of circuits and signals by which an electric lock can
be controlled from a distant point, and both the person who is at the lock, and
the person who is at the point where the lock-controlling device is situated, may
be notified that the lock is in condition to be opened. The circuits and signals
are further made effective to notify the person who is operating the controlling
device when the door is opened, so that he may be relieved of the necessity of
further operating the same, or of ascertaining in any other way whether the
door has been opened.
It is also frequently desirable that electric locks be operated or controlled by
what are known in the art as combination mechanism. Another branch of the
invention, therefore, comprehends a simple and efficient combination mechanism,
which will indicate to the touch of the operator, both the initial or starting point
of the combination mechanism and also each successive position thereof, so that
the combination may be properly set through the sense or touch alone, by any
person who is in possession of the secret of the combination. When the com-

page_text: bination is properly set, the lock may be opened, or, if any attempt is made to
operate the lock when the combination is improperly set, an alarm will be sounded,
and a notification given that an unauthorised attempt is being made to open the
lock.
Another branch of the invention relates to a simple device which may be used
either with the lock or with the combination mechanism, or with both, in order
to prevent the same from being removed from the door, or tampered with in any
way.
In the accompanying drawings:-
Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an electrically-operated lock constructed in
accordance with this invention.
Fig. 2 is a detail view, showing a construction of circuit-closer operated by
the opening of the door, which may be employed in connection with the lock.
Fig. 3 is a detail view of a portion of the lock mechanism.
Fig. 4 is a view of the circuits and signals which may be employed in con-
nection with the lock.
Figures 5, 6, and 7, illustrate modified constructions of the lock mechanism.
Fig. 8 shews, in vertical section, one form of combination mechanism which
may be used in connection with the electric lock which forms the subject matter
of this application.
Figures 9 and 10 are side views of the combination mechanism shewn in Fig. 8,
the views being taken from opposite sides, and the lock casing being shewn in
section.
Fig. 11 is a sectional view, shewing the circuit-controlling disks of the com-
bination mechanism and the contacts cooperating therewith.
Fig. 12 is a vertical section through the combination mechanism.
Figures 13 and 14 are detail views of the circuit-controlling disk.
Figures 15 and 16 are detail views of the circuits employed, and also shew the
construction and arrangement of a device which may be used with the combination
mechanism, or with the lock, to prevent its removal.
Fig. 17 illustrates a modified form of combination mechanism.
Fig. 18 represents, in side view, the form of combination mechanism illustrated
in 'Fig. 17
Figures 19 and 20 are sectional views of the form of combination mechanism
shewn in Fig. 17; and,
Fig. 21 is a diagram of the circuits which may be employed in connection with
the combination mechanism shewn in Fig. 17.
Referring to the construction shown in Figures 1 to 7, inclusive, A. indicates
the casing containing the locking mechanism. This casing is shewn as mounted
in the woodwork of an ordinary door, indicated by B, the casing being inserted
in a mortise in the door, or applied thereto in any usual manner. D indicates
the jamb of the door in which the keeper 37, which is of usual construction, is
mounted.
Mounted in the casing A is a frame C. This frame supports and carries a
magnet, in the forms of construction shewn in Figures 1, 5, and 7, but it may
also
carry the armature of the magnet, as is shewn in the construction illustrated
in Fig. 6. This frame may be mounted in the casing in any suitable way, which
will permit it to have a sliding or reciprocating movement therein. In the con-
structions shewn in Figures 1, 6, and 7, it is mounted in suitable guides 14.
Referring to the construction shown in Figure 1, the frame C carries a cross
bar G, on which is mounted, in any suitable way, an electro magnet, the coils
of which are marked 10, and the pole pieces 11. In the construction referred to,
the pole pieces of the magnet are secured to the cross bar by suitable screws,
but the magnet may be mounted in any other suitable and convenient manner.
Between the guides 14 before referred to, and suitable bosses or projections 13,
which may be on the frame C, or on the cross bar G, or, as shown, on both,
are springs 12, which springs preferably surround the parts of the frame C to

page_text: which they are adjacent, and serve to keep the frame in its forward position,
as shown in Figure 1.
In engagement with the inner cross bar of the frame C, is a tumbler cam 16
mounted on the spindle 15 of an ordinary door knob (not shown). It is obvious
that, by turning the knob, and with it the tumbler cam 16 referred to, the
frame will be drawn back, carrying with it the magnet coils 10. When, however,
the knob is released, the frame will be returned to its normal position by means
of the springs 12.
The latch or bolt 17 of the lock is mounted so as to slide between suitable
guides 18 and 19. Surrounding the stem of the latch or bolt is a spring 20,
which bears, at one of its ends, against a collar 21 on the latch, and at its other
end against the guides 18, 19. The collar 21 may, however, be omitted, and
the spring bear directly against the shoulder of the latch as shown in Figure 7.
Loosely surrounding the latch, and lying forward of the collar 21 thereon, is an
armature 22. In this form of the construction, the armature has its ends in
close proximity to, and preferably, though not necessarily, in contact with, the
pole pieces 11 of the magnet before referred to. By so arranging the armature,
viz., in contact with the pole pieces of the magnet, economy of battery power is
gained, but so long as the armature is arranged sufficiently near the magnet to
move with the magnet when it moves, the result desired may be accomplished.
Mounted in suitable sockets 23 in the door B, are spring contacts 24.
spring contacts are engaged by contacts 26 mounted in a plate 25 in the jamb of
the door.
These
The circuits employed in operating the lock shown in Figures 1 to 7, inclusive,
are as follows;-
Wires 27, 27, 27b, together with the metallic lock frame, form the circuit
between the spring contacts 24 above described, and the coils of the magnet,
the wire 27 being carried from one of the contacts through suitable apertures
in the parts of the lock, as shown in Figure 1, directly to one of the magnet coils,
the wire 27 being led from the other magnet coil to the cross bar G, which
connects with the metallic lock frame, and the wire 27b leading from the lock
frame to the other contact. The circuit may, however, be formed in any other
convenient manner. The wire 28° forms the connection between the two coils 10.
Leading from the contacts 26 are wires 28 and 29. The wire 29 is run to a
battery 31 or other suitable source of electrical energy, and from this battery is
led a wire 32, this wire being connected to the binding post of a suitable alarm
device 33, which may be an ordinary buzzer. Leading from the other binding
post of the alarm 33 is a wire 33, which is connected to one of the contacts of an
ordinary circuit-closer 30. The wire 28 runs from the other contact of the circuit
closer to the contact 26. Leading from the contacts 23 are two wires 35, which
include a suitable alarm device 36. By this arrangement of circuits, it will
be noticed that the alarm 36 is connected in multiple with the magnet 10.
suitable resistance 34 is connected to the two wires 32, 33° of that part of the
circuit which includes the alarm or buzzer 33 before referred to, this resistance
being substantially equal to the resistance of the magnet. By this arrangement,
the alarm 33 is also connected in multiple with the resistance 34, and the circuit
is properly balanced.
The operation of the lock, so far as described, is as follows:-
A
A suitable notification having been given that some one desires to operate the
lock and open the door, the person having charge thereof operates the circuit
closer 30 to close the circuit. By this operation, the circuit is made through the
coils, 10, of the magnet, and the magnet is thereby caused to attract and hold
its armature 22. At the same time, both the alarms 33 and 36 will sound, the
alarm 36 notifying the person who is desirous of operating the lock, that the
same is in condition to be operated; and the alarm 33 notifying the person closing
the circuit, that a circuit has been established through the lock. The person who

page_text: is desirous of operating the lock now turns the knob, thereby operating the
tumbler cam 16, to draw back the frame C and the magnet mounted therein.
Since, however, this magnet has attracted its armature, the armature will also
move back, carrying the bolt 17 of the lock with it. As the bolt is withdrawn
from its keeper, the door can now be opened. As soon, however, as the door
is opened, the circuit is broken by a separation of the contacts 24, 26. This
breaking of the circuit causes both the alarms to cease sounding, and the person
operating the circuit closer is thereby informed that the lock has been operated
and the door opened.
It will be understood that, by using the resistance 34, and thereby placing both
alarms in multiple arc, the magnet will not become de-energized by reason of
the make and break in the alarms.
The keeper 37, which in this form of the device is permanently secured to the
jamb of the door, has one of its edges bevelled off in the usual way, as at 39, so
as to form a cam surface for forcing back the latch 17, in case the sliding frame is
released by turning the knob before the door is closed.
By the arrangement of the circuits and the location of the alarms heretofore
referred to, the lock is particularly adapted for use in apartment houses, and
in other places where the controlling switch or circuit closer for the lock is to be
located at a considerable distance from the lock itself, since, by a single operation
of the circuit closer, both the person at the door and a person at the closer are
notified that the door is in condition to be opened, and furthermore, as soon as
the door has opened, the person at the circuit closer is notified of that fact. In
case of a failure of the alarm, which is near the circuit closer, to sound, the
person operating the circuit-closer will be informed of the fact that something is
wrong with the circuit, and that the lock cannot, therefore, be operated.
It is obvious that many modifications of the construction may be made without
departing from the invention, some forms of which are shown in the accompanying
drawings.
In the construction illustrated in Figure 5, it will be noted that the guides 14
are omitted, and the magnet-carrying frame C slides on suitable guiding rods H,
extending longitudinally of the lock casing. In this modification, the pole
pieces 11 of the magnet are increased in length, and are secured to the cross
bar G in any suitable manner, as, for instance, by screws. The coils of the magnet
are stationary, being held in a suitable frame or bracket I, and the pole pieces are 3
reciprocated longitudinally through the stationary magnet coils. The armature 22,
in this form of the construction, is preferably, but not necessarily, provided with
perforations and slides on the guiding rods H before referred to. It also is, or
may be, held in position between the shoulder on the latch and the collar 21.
The operation of the construction illustrated in this modification will be obvious 4
from the description which has been heretofore given. When the current is
passing through the magnet coils, the armature is attracted by the pole pieces.
When thereafter the tumbler cam 16 is operated, the frame C will be drawn back
as in the first form of the construction described, and will carry the pole pieces,
the armature, and the bolt 17, with it. When, however, the current is not 4
passing through the magnet coils, the frame C and the pole pieces can reciprocate,
under the influence of the tumbler cam, without producing any movement of
the armature and bolt.
In the modification shown in Figure 6, the cross bar G of the frame C preferably
forms the armature of the magnet, though, of course, the armature may be a 5
separate piece, which is suitably supported on, and connected to, the cross bar.
The magnet itself is carried by a suitable frame K, which is supported to slide
in the lock casing in any convenient manner. The frame K is shown as angular
in form, and the bolt 17 passes through a suitable aperture formed therein. In
this form of construction, when the current is passed through the coils of the 5
magnet, the magnet and armature will move together, under the influence of the

page_text: tumbler cam, carrying with them the bolt 17. When, however, no current is
passing through the magnet coils, the frame C carrying the armature will re-
ciprocate without moving the magnet or the bolt 17.
In the modification illustrated in Figure 7, a single coil is used, and the stem
of the latch or bolt 17 is made long enough to extend down into the magnet coil,
forming a core therefor. In this construction, the coil and the stem of the latch
or bolt form practically a solenoid, although the stem of the bolt has no movement
in the coil. When a current is passed through the magnet coil 10, the stem of
the latch will be attracted by the coil and firmly held thereon. When, now,
the tumbler cam 16 is operated, the frame C, the magnet coil, and the bolt, will
be drawn back against the tension of the spring 20. When, however, no current
is passing through the magnet, the stem of the bolt remains stationary, being held
by the spring 20, and the magnet coil and the frame C will reciprocate without
operating the bolt.
It will be seen that each form of the apparatus is characterized by a movable
magnet, which, when it is energized, causes the bolt of the lock to move with it,
and which, when it is de-energized, has no effect upon the bolt.
$6
It is to be understood that the term magnet," as used herein, comprehends
all forms of devices which constitute sources of magnetic attraction, and by the
term movable" is meant that the magnet is movable with respect to the other
parts of the lock, it being of course immaterial whether the entire magnet moves
as in the constructions illustrated in Figures 1, 6, and 7, or whether the pole pieces
alone move, as is illustrated in Figure 5.
It is also, of course, entirely feasible to construct the lock so that the keeper will
be the part operated by the magnet, instead of the latch, but this construction being
obvious, it is not illustrated.
Referring now to Figures to 16 inclusive which illustrate one form of com-
bination mechanism, which may be employed in connection with the lock described
in the foregoing part of this specification, but which is also applicable to other
forms of electric locks.
40 indicates a casing which may be set in a door, or located at any convenient
point, so as to be electrically connected with the lock mechanism hereinafter
referred to. Mounted in the casing 40 are two spindles 41, 41. Inasmuch as
these spindles are similar, and inasmuch as the parts carried by them are similar
in construction and operation, a description of one of them will suffice for both.
The spindles 41 are operated by finger knobs 42, or in any other suitable manner.
Loosely mounted on each of the spindles 41 is a notched disk 43, this disk being
secured to the spindle, so as to turn therewith, through' the medium of the arm
and pin hereinafter described. This disk 43 serves to set the combination as
hereinafter described. It has a deep notch, indicated herein by the numeral, 0,
and a series of shallow notches, in the apparatus illustrated in the drawings,
fifteen in number, and indicated by the numerals 1 to 15. Each of the disks is
also provided with a series of holes 44, one for each of the notches referred to.
Each of the spindles is provided with an arm 45, and the disks 43 before referred
to are connected to the arm by means of a suitable pin or screw 46, entering one
of the series of holes 44 in the disks before referred to. By causing the pin to
enter various of the holes referred to, the position of the several notches in the
hisk may be varied with respect to the spindle, and also with respect to the
arts fixed on the spindle, as will be readily understood.
Suitably mounted, preferably in the casing 40, in position to engage the notches
n the disks 43, are two spring detents 47. In the apparatus described, these
fetents are mounted in a right angled loop 48, and a spring 49 located between
he loop and a collar 50 on the detent, serves to hold it in engagement with the
otched wheel, the detent being held in the loop by an enlargement 51. The
pring 49 is of sufficient strength, so that as the wheel 43 is turned by the finger
nob 42 through the medium of the spindle 41, the click which occurs as the

page_text: detent snaps into each of the notches, will be distinctly felt by the person operating
the spindle.
Mounted upon each of the spindles 41, so as to turn therewith, are two circuit
controllers 52. Each of these circuit controllers is composed of a section of
insulating material 53 and a section of conducting material 54, these sections
being preferably, though not necessarily, circular in outline, or of disk-like form.
The insulating section 53 has located therein a conducting wire or bar 55, which
extends through the body of the disk, from side to side thereof. The entire cir-
cumferential surface of the section 53, with the exception of the conducting wire
or bar 55 before referred to, is therefore composed of non-conducting or insulating
material. The section 54 is also preferably, though not necessarily, circular in
outline, and it has an insulating section 56 in one portion of its perimeter. The
two sections are preferably constructed as indicated in Figures 13 and 14, wherein
the conducting section 56 is shown as provided with a hub 57, upon which the
insulating or non-conducting section 53 is mounted, and the non-conducting
section 56 of the perimeter of the disk 54 is formed by a projecting portion of
the disk 53. This construction, however, while a simple and desirable one, is not
a necessary one, as these parts may be of any suitable form, and may be entirely
independent of each other, and assembled in any suitable manner.
Located within the casing 40 is a block of insulating material 58. Mounted
upon this block are a series of contacts 59,. 60, 61, and 62. The contact 62 is
provided, at each of its ends, with a pair of prongs 63, 64. These contacts are so
arranged that the contact 59 bears upon the perimeters of the conducting wheels 54
before referred to, and the contacts 60, 61, bear upon the non-conducting or
insulating wheels 53 before referred to. The contact 62 is so arranged that its
prongs 63 bear upon the non-conducting wheels 53, and its prongs 64 bear upon
the conducting wheels 54.
The circuits controlled by the circuit controllers before referred to are indicated
diagrammatically in Figures 15 and 16. The contacts 60, 61, are the terminals of
a circuit 65, 66, which includes the lock mechanism described in the foregoing
part of this specification, though any suitable form of lock might be used with
it, and also any suitable source of electrical energy, herein indicated as a battery.
This circuit also includes a circuit closer of any suitable construction, the same
A second or branch. circuit 68 has one of
being conventionally indicated at 67.
its terminals connected to the spindle of the upper circuit controller and is con-
nected, at any suitable point, to the circuit 65, 66. This branch circuit includes
a bell or other suitable alarm.
one.
It will be understood that the contact 59 forms one terminal of the branch
circuit, including the bell, the other terminal of that circuit being in one of
the conducting disks of one of the circuit controllers, herein shown as the upper
The contacts 59, 60, 61, and the insulating sections 56 of the conducting
disks 54, are so constructed and arranged with reference to the ends of the wires
or bars 55, that when the contacts 60, 61, are brought into contact with, and
rest against the ends of the bars 55, the ends of the contact 59 rest on the insulating
sections, and the alarm circuit is therefore broken. If, however, one or the other
of the circuit controllers is so positioned that its bar 55 is not in electrical con-
nection with either of the contacts 60, 61, that end of the contact 59 which extends
to the circuit controllers so positioned, will rest upon the conducting section of
the disk 54 of the said controller. The circuit through the alarm will con-
sequently be made, so far as the combination mechanism is concerned, and when
the circuit closer is operated, the alarm will be sounded.
The construction of the lock shown in the diagram is the same as that which has
been heretofore described.
The operation of the construction so far described is as follows:-
The operator first brings each of the circuit controllers to the starting point
of the combination, that is, to the point where the detent 47 engages the deep notch 0.

page_text: He then turns each of the circuit controllers through the finger piece 42, to
that point where the prongs 63 of the contact 62 each engage one end of the con-
ducting wire or bar 55 before referred to, at which time the terminals 60, 61, of
the circuit 65, 66, will engage the other ends of these conducting bars. The
distance through which each of the controllers has to be turned, in order to bring
the contacts to this position, is, of course, known to the operator, if he is in
possession of the combination, and will be indicated by the successive clicks of the
detent, as it drops into the successive notches in the circuit controllers. For instance,
if the combination be 5 for the upper wheel, and 8 for the lower wheel, the operator,
having brought the upper wheel to that point where the detent engages the deep
notch, will proceed to turn the notched disk to the right, until the detent engages
the notch numbered 5. At this time, the upper wheel will be in such position
that the contact 60, and the upper one of the prongs 63 of the contact 62, will
engage the bar 55.
The lower wheel having been brought to the starting point
of the combination, is then turned in the same manner, until the detent enters
the notch numbered 8. The lower wheel will be then properly set, and, upon
operating the circuit closer 67, the circuit will be made from the battery through
the magnet 10 of the bolt-drawing mechanism, wire 65, contact 60, the bar 55
in the upper wheel, the contact plate 62, through prongs 63, the bar 55 in the
lower wheel, the contact 61, and the wire 66, back to the battery. The circuit
being so made, the magnets 10 will be energized, and, on turning the tumbler 16,
which is operated by a suitable knob (not shown), the frame carrying the magnets,
the magnets, the armature 22, carrying with it the bolt 17, will all be moved
back, and the door can be opened.
If, however, any unauthorized person attempts to open the lock, unless he is
in possession of the precise combination, he will cause the circuits to be closed,
as indicated in Figure 16. In this figure, the circuit is made from the battery
through the bell or other alarm, and to the spindle of the upper circuit controller.
This spindle is in electrical connection with the controller itself, because the
section 54 thereof is made of conducting material. For any position of the upper
wheel, therefore, except the one in which the combination is rightly set, the
upper end of the contact 59 will be in electrical connection with the conducting
portion of the controller. If, therefore, the circuit closer be operated with the
upper wheel in any but the correct position, the alarm circuit will be made
directly through the conducting portion of the controller and through the con-
tact 59, and the connections before described, and the alarm will be sounded.
If, however, the upper controller be correctly set and the lower controller be
incorrectly set, the lock circuit will be broken, because the contact 61 and the
lower prong 63 of the contact 62 will be off the ends of the bar 55. If, now,
circuit closer be operated, the alarm circuit will be made through the wire 68,
the conducting portion 54 of the upper controller, contact 62, through prongs 64,
the conducting portion 54 of the lower controller, the contact 59, to and through
the alarm, and back to the battery. Any attempt to operate the lock, therefore,
by setting anything except the exact combination, will result in the making of a
circuit from the battery through the alarm, thus sounding the alarm, and giving
a notification that the lock is being tampered with.
the
In order that the lock may not be removed by any person, or the combination
tampered with in any way, the back part of the casing containing the com-
bination is covered with a metallic plate 69, which is in electrical connection,
through a suitable wire or wires; with the battery before referred to, or with some
other suitable source of electrical energy. The casing of the combination is also
suitably connected to the same source of electrical energy, a suitable alarm being
included in the circuit. The plate is secured to the casing by means of suitable
screws 70, having having a cut-away portion 71 and a threaded portion 72, which
enters a suitably tapped hole in the rear portion of the casing. The plate 69,
and the rear plate of the casing, are suitably insulated from each other by means

page_text: of washers 73, or in any other suitable manner. An insulating washer 74 is
also located between the head of the screw and the plate 69.
It is obvious that when the screws 70, which connect the plate 69 to the rear
plate of the casing, are driven home; the tapped or large portion of the screw
will be in electrical connection with the rear plate of the casing. The recessed
portion of the screw, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, will not touch the plate 69,
and the head thereof is prevented from coming in contact with the plate by the
insulating washer 74.
If any attempt is made, however, to remove the protecting
plate 69, it is obvious that as soon as the tapped portion of the screw, which is
longer than the distance between the two plates, reaches the plate of 69, the
circuit will be made through both the plates and the connecting wire to the
battery, and will sound the alarm which is included in this circuit, giving notice
of the fact that the lock is being tampered with.
In order to set the combination, the disks 43 are first brought to the point
where the detents 47 will engage the deep notches 0. The pin 46 is then removed,
disconnecting one of the arms 45 from its disk, and the arm is then swung around
to the hole opposite the number which it is desired shall be one of the numbers
of the combination. It is obvious that this movement of the arm will carry with
it the spindle 41 and the disks 53, 54, forming the circuit controller 52 hereinbefore
referred to. The pin 46 is now inserted, thus locking the arm and disk together.
The same operation is then performed with the other disk. It is obvious that
when the notches which are opposite the holes in which the pins 46 now are,
are swung under the detents, the circuit controllers will be in such a position,
that the circuit through the lock mechanism will be made upon operating the
circuit closing device. The combination can readily be changed at any time
with great rapidity, it being necessary only to remove the protective plate 69
before referred to, and the back plate of the combination casing.
In the modification illustrated in Figures 17 to 21, inclusive, the construction
is the same as that hereinbefore described, except in the particulars hereinafter
noted. The disks 43 are provided with a series of nicks, numbered from 0 to 15,
as before, but these nicks are differently arranged. The nick marked 0, instead of
being deeper than the others, as in the former construction, is arranged in an
open space between the nick marked 1 and the nick marked 15, and is spaced at
a greater distance from these nicks than they are from the adjoining nicks, so
as to leave the periphery of each disk unbroken for some distance on each side
of it. The revoluble circuit-controlling disks of the former construction are
omitted, but there is a stationary plate 75 mounted in the casing, which is
preferably, though not necessarily, in the form of a ring. This plate or ring is
formed from any suitable insulating material, such as hard rubber or vulcanite.
It is herein shown as supported from the lock casing by means of a bracket 76,
but it may be supported in any suitable or convenient manner.
This ring or plate has imbedded in it a conducting section 84, which corresponds
to the connecting wire 55 of the other modification. The body of this conducting
section lies entirely within the surface of the ring, but its ends are exposed. In
the space within the ring 75, is located a circular plate 77, which is formed of
any suitable conducting material, such, for instance, as brass. This circular
material is perforated at its centre, and through this perforation the spindle 41
before described passes. The plate 77 has a notch 78 therein, and this notch is
preferably entered by a projection 79 of the ring 75 before referred to. By means
of this projection and notch, the plate 77 and the ring 79 are, or may be, securely
fastened together, with their surfaces lying in the same plane.
While this construction and arrangement of the disk 75 and the plate 77 is a
preferable and desirable one, it is to be understood that it is not a necessary one.
The plate 77 and the disk 75 need not be secured together, nor need they be
arranged with their surfaces in the same plane. It is sufficient if they are a
arranged in proximity to each other.

page_text: Mounted on each spindle 41, so as to turn therewith, and insulated therefrom
by collars 80, or in any other suitable manner, are a series of circuit-controllers,
preferably in the form of brushes 81, 82, and 83. The brushes 81 and 82 are
arranged to bear upon and travel on the surface of the ring 75 before referred
to. They are spaced apart a distance equal to the distance between the ends of the
conducting section 84, heretofore described as imbedded in the ring 75. It is
obvious, therefore, that when the ends of the brushes 81 and 82 are bearing upon
the respective ends of the section 84, these brushes will be in electrical connection
through the section 84, and that when they are not resting on the ends of this
section, they are not in electrical connection, because they are insulated from
each other and the spindle by the collar 80. The brush 83 is arranged to bear
upon the conducting plate 77 at all times, except when it is opposite the notch 78
hereinbefore described, at which time, when the parts are arranged as shown,
it bears upon the plate projection 79 of the insulating disk D. It is, therefore,
in electrical connection with this plate 77 at all times, except when it is opposite
the said notch. The arrangement of the brushes 81, 82, and 83, is such, that
when the brush 83 is opposite the notch 78 in the plate 77, the brushes 81 and 82
will bear upon the ends of the conducting bar or section 84 before described.
Suitably located in the casing between the spindles 41 before referred to, is
the block, 58, of any suitable insulating material. Mounted on this block is a
thin conducting strip or bar, 85, preferably of metal, the ends of which bear on
the hubs of the brushes 81. This conductor is herein shown as angular in form,
but it may be arranged in any suitable manner, so as to form an electrical con-
nection between the brushes 81, 8.1. Another strip or bar 86 acts to electrically
connect the two brushes 83 before described. The block further carries a pair of
contacts $7, each of which forms a terminal for a circuit hereinafter to be described,
and each of which is in electrical connection with the brushes 82 before referred to.
The lock mechanism shown in the diagram illustrated in Figure 21 is of the
same construction as that heretofore described, except that, as will appear from
the description hereinafter given, the tumbler cam is caused to operate the cir-
cuit-closer.
The circuits employed are as follows:-
Wire 90 leads from one of the contacts 87, through the magnet coils 10 before
referred to, to the battery. From the other pole of the battery is led a wire 91.
This wire 91 has a branch 93. The branch wire 93 leads to the tumbler cam 16.
In the lock casing is located a spring contact 89. This spring contact is so
arranged that, when the magnet and its armature and the bolt are in their forward
position i.e., when the tumbler cam 16 stands at right angles to the position
shown in Figure 21, the contact will be very close to, but not, of course, touching,
the magnet carrying frame. When the magnet carrying frame and connected
parts are drawn back, as shown in Figure 21, the contact is forced back with it.
From this contact is led a wire 94, which connects, at any suitable point, with a
wire 92 leading to the contact 87. Branching from the wire 90 at any suitable
point, is wire 97, which leads to one terminal of a bell, buzzer, or other suitable
alarm. The other terminal of the alarm is connected by a wire 98 to one of the
spindles 41, herein shown as the upper one. The wire 99 connects the wire 92
with the contact strip 86, which connects the brushes 83 before described.
With the circuits arranged as described, it will be obvious that when each
pair of brushes 81 and 82 is bearing upon the ends of the conducting bar or
section 84 of the ring 75, a circuit will be established from the battery through
the wires 91, 93, to the tumbler cam 16, and from the contact 89, through the
wires 94, 92, contact 87, brush 82, conducting section 84, brush 81, metal con-
ductor 85, brush 81 of the upper controller, connecting section 84, brush 82, the
contact 87, and the wire 90, including the magnet coils 10,' to the battery.
As soon as the tumbler cam is operated to open the door, the metallic magnet-
carrying frame of the lock mechanism will be brought into contact with the

page_text: spring-contact 89, which as before said, lies close to it. This will close the
circuit before described, and set up a current through the magnet coils, causing
the magnet to attract its armature. The further movement of the tumbler cani
will cause the magnet armature and locking bolt to be drawn back together,
and the door may be opened.
If, however, any attempt is made to open the door at a time when either of the
circuit controllers is set so that the brushes 8.1 and 82 are not on the ends of the
conducting section 84, the circuit will be established through the alarm. In
this case, one or both of the brushes 83 will be resting on the metallic plate 77,
according as one or both of the controllers are improperly set. Supposing the
upper controller to be improperly set, the circuit will be established from the
battery through the wires 90, 97, the alarm, and the wire 98, to the spindle 41.
From this spindle, the circuit passes to the upper disk 77, the upper brush 83,
the contact 86, the wires 99, 92, 94, to the spring contact 89. If, now, the tumbler
cam be operated in an attempt to open the door, the circuit will be closed by
means of the metallic frame of the lock before described, through the wires 93
and 91 to the battery, thereby sounding the alarm. In case the upper disk is
properly set, and the lower disk improperly set, a similar circuit will be established
also sounding the alarm.
Various modifications of the constructions described may be made. For instance,
it is obvious that, by the introduction of one or more additional notched disks,
circuit controllers, and contacts, the number of possible combinations will be
greatly increased, and the addition of such additional notched disks, circuit
controllers, and contacts, is contemplated wherever particular security is desired.
Furthermore, while there is shown only one lock in connection with the com-
bination mechanism, it is obvious that, by the use of the proper circuits, a
large number of locks can, if desired, be controlled from one combination
mechanism.
It is also to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular
form of detent mechanism shown and described as co-operating with the notched
wheel. This form is simple and efficient, but any suitable form of detent
mechanism may be used.
Furthermore while a notched or nicked disk or wheel is a very effective form
of device for indicating the position of the circuit-controlling devices, it is to be
understood that the invention is not necessarily restricted thereto.
The disk might bear forms of indicating devices other than notches.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed (as communicated to me
from abroad), I declare that what I claim is:-
1. An electrically-controlled lock in which a movable magnet is so disposed
with relation to either the bolt or the keeper of the lock, that when the magnet
exercises its attractive force, either directly or through its armature, on the said
part, a movement of the magnet will cause a movement of the said part, but when
the magnet does not exercise its attractive force on the said part, the magnet
may move without causing a movement of the part, substantially as described.
2. In an electrically-controlled lock, the combination with one of the engaging
parts of the lock, such as the latch and keeper, of a magnet and its armature,
one of these devices being movable with respect to the other, when the magnet
is not attracting its armature, and the two being movable together when the magnet
is attracting its armature, connections between one of these devices and the engaging
part of the lock, whereby, when the magnet and armature move together, the
parts of the lock may be released from engagement and when they do not move
together, the parts of the lock will remain in engagement, substantially as
described.
3. In an electrically controlled lock, the combination with a movable magnet,
of one of the engaging parts, such as the latch or keeper, an armature embracing

page_text: one of the engaging parts, said armature lying in close proximity to the poles
of the magnet, a circuit for energizing the magnet, and means for moving the
magnet, the parts being so arranged that, when the magnet is attracting its
armature, a movement of the magnet will release the engaging parts, and when
the magnet is not attracting its armature, the engagement between such parts
will be undisturbed, substantially as described.
4. In an electrically-controlled lock, the combination with one of the engaging
parts, such as the latch or keeper, of a magnet and its armature, a moving frame
in which one of these parts is mounted, connections between the said engaging
part and the part mounted on the moving frame, and means for operating the
moving frame, substantially as described.
5. In an electric lock, the combination with a door, of a movable magnet,
engaging parts, such as the latch and keeper, the attractive force of the magnet
being made effective upon one of the said engaging parts, and means for moving
the magnet, whereby, when the magnet is exercising its attractive force, the said
part will move with the magnet, and, at other times, the magnet may move without
disturbing the relation of the parts, a circuit for energizing the magnet, a circuit
closer for establishing a current through the magnet, and suitable means for
breaking the circuit when the lock is operated, substantially as described.
6. In an electrically-controlled lock, the combination with a door, of a movable
magnet, engaging parts, such as a latch and keeper, the attractive force of the
magnet being made effective upon one of the engaging parts, and means for
moving the magnet, whereby when the magnet is exercising its attractive force,
the said part will move with the magnet, and, at other times, the magnet may
move without disturbing the relation of the parts, a circuit for energizing the
magnet, and means operated by the opening of the door, whereby the circuit
is broken when the door is opened, substantially as described.
7. In an electrically controlled lock, the combination with a door, of a movable
magnet, engaging parts, such as a latch and keeper, the attractive force of the
magnet being made effective upon one of the engaging parts, and means for moving
the magnet, whereby, when the magnet is exercising its attractive force, the said
part will move with the magnet, and, at other times, the magnet may move without
disturbing the relation of the parts, a circuit for energizing the magnet, a cir-
cuit closer, means whereby the circuit may be broken, and an alarm in the
said circuit, substantially as described.
8. The clectric lock herein described, and shewn in Figure 1 of the accompanying
drawings.
9. The electric lock herein described, and shewn in Figure 5 of the accompanying
drawings.
10. The electric lock herein described, and shewn in Figure 6 of the accom-
panying drawings.
11. The electric lock herein described, and shewn in Figure 7 of the accom-
panying drawings.
12. The combination with a door, of an electrically controlled lock, controlling
devices for said lock, including a suitable magnet, a circuit for the magnet of
the lock, an alarm located near the lock, and connected in multiple with the
maguet, a circuit closing device located at a distance from the lock, an alarm
located near the circuit closer, a resistance connected in multiple with the alarm,
and means for breaking the circuit, substantially as described.
13. The construction and arrangement of circuits and signalling devices, sub-
stantially as herein shewn, and illustrated in Figure 2 of the accompanying
drawings.
14. In a combination electric lock, the combination with a lock mechanism,
and a suitable circuit through which it is operated, of a combination mechanism
for controlling the circuit, including a disk, carrying indicating devices, a suitable
member co-operating with the indicating devices of the disk, to indicate to the

page_text: touch, both the starting point of the combination mechanism, and each successive
position thereof, substantially as described.
15. In a combination electric lock, the combination with a lock mechanism,
and with a suitable circuit through which it is operated, of a combination mechanism
for controlling the circuit, the said combination mechanism including a nicked
disk and a suitable co-operating device for indicating to the touch, both the
starting point of the combination mechanism, and each successive position thereof,
substantially as described.
16. In a combination electric lock, the combination with a lock mechanism,
and with a suitable circuit through which it is operated, of an alarm circuit,
an alarm in said circuit, a combination mechanism for controlling said circuits,
including a nicked disk and a suitable device cooperating therewith, to indicate
to the touch, both the starting point of the combination mechanism, and each
successive position thereof, and a circuit closing device, all substantially as described.
17. In a combination electric lock, the combination with a lock mechanism, and
with a suitable circuit through which it is operated, of a combination mechanism
for controlling the circuit, said mechanism including a circuit controller, suitable
contacts cooperating therewith, means for producing a movement of one of these
devices with respect to the other, a nicked disk, and a suitable device cooperating
with the disk, to indicate to the touch both the starting point of the combination
mechanism, and each successive position thereof, substantially as described.
18. In a combination electric lock, the combination with a lock mechanism
and alarm mechanism, of suitable circuits through which these mechanisms are
operated, a combination mechanism for controlling the circuits, the said com-
bination mechanism including one or more revoluble circuit controllers and
nicked disks, one of the nicks thereof being deeper than the others, to determine
the starting point of the combination, a suitably mounted detent for engaging
the nicked disk, and a circuit-closing device, all substantially as described.
19. In a combination electric lock, the combination with a movable magnet,
connections between it and one of the operative parts of the lock, the connections
being so constructed that, when the magnet is energized, the lock will be operated
and when it is de-energized, the magnet will move without operating the lock,
devices for moving the magnet, a circuit in which the magnet is included, and a
combination mechanism for controlling the circuit, substantially as described.
20. In a combination electric lock, the combination with a movable bolt, of
a movable magnet, the bolt and magnet being so constructed and arranged, that
when the magnet is energized, the bolt will move therewith, and when it is be-
energized, the magnet will move without operating the bolt, devices for moving
the magnet, and a combination mechanisni for making the circuit through the
magnet, all substantially as described.
21. In a combination electric lock, the combination with a revoluble circuit
controller, of a disk provided with a series of indicating devices suitably spaced
apart, for indicating successive positions of the controller, that one of the series
which indicates the initial position of the circuit controlling mechanism being
further from the adjacent indicating devices than the other devices of the series
are from each other, suitable means cooperating with said devices to indicate the
position of the circuit controller, a lock mechanism, and a circuit between the
controller and the lock, substantially as described.
22. In a combination electric lock, the combination with a revoluble circuit
controller, of a disk provided with a series of indicating devices suitably spaced
apart for indicating successive positions of the controller, that one of the series
which indicates the initial position of the circuit controlling mechanism being
further from the adjacent indicating devices, than the other devices of the series
are from each other, suitable means co-operating with said devices to indicate
the position of the circuit controller, a lock mechanism, a circuit between the
controller and the lock mechanism, and a circuit-closing device operated by a
movement of the lock-mechanism, substantially as described.

page_text: 23. In a combination electric lock, the combination with a revoluble circuit
controller, of a disk provided with a series of indicating devices, suitably spaced
apart, for indicating successive positions of the controller, that one of the series
which indicates the initial position of the circuit controlling mechanism being
further from the adjacent indicating devices than the other devices of the series
are from each other, suitable means cooperating with said devices to indicate the
position of the circuit controller, a lock mechanism, a circuit between the lock
mechanism and the circuit-controller, a branch circuit, including an alarm, and a
circuit closing device, operated by a movement of the lock mechanism, to close
either the lock operating circuit or the alarm circuit, substantially as described.
24. The combination with a rotary spindle, of a pair of brushes mounted thereon
and insulated from each other and the spindle, a stationary device which, at a
given position of the brushes, operates to electrically-connect them, an indicating
device, part of which is carried by the spindle, to indicate the position of the
brushes, a circuit of which the brushes and their electrical connections form a
part, a lock mechanism in said circuit, and means for closing the circuit, sub-
stantially as described.
25. The combination with a spindle, of a pair of brushes mounted thereon, and
insulated from each other and the spindle, a stationary device, which, at a
given position of the brushes, operates to electrically connect them, an indicating
device, part of which is carried by the spindle, to indicate the position of the
brushes, a suitable circuit of which the brushes and their electrical connections form
a part, a lock mechanism in said circuit, and means for closing the circuit,
operated by a movement of the lock mechanism, substantially as described.
26. The combination with a pair of spindles, of a pair of brushes carried by
each spindle, stationary means for electrically connecting each pair of brushes,
when the spindles are in a given position, means for indicating the position of
each spindle, an electric circuit, of which the brushes form a part, and which is
established when each pair of brushes is electrically connected, a lock mechanism
in said circuit, an additional brush on each spindle, a conductor with which said
brush is in contact at all times, except when the pair of brushes before referred to
are electrically connected, a circuit which is established when either single brush
is in contact with its conductor, an alarm mechanism in said circuit, and means,
operated by movement of the lock mechanism, for closing either of said circuits,
substantially as described.
27. The circuit-controlling mechanism, including the arrangement of disks
and circuit controlling devices, substantially as herein described, and illustrated in
Figures 8 to 16 of the accompanying drawings.
28. The circuit-controlling mechanism, including the arrangement of disks
and circuit controlling devices, substantially as herein described, and illustrated in
Figures 17 to 21 of the accompanying drawings.
29. A protecting device as herein shewn and described, and illustrated in
Figures 15 and 16 of the accompanying drawings, for preventing the unauthorized
removal of the lock or combination mechanism.
Dated this 2nd day of August 1898.
NEWTON & SON,
Agents for the Applicant.