IMPROVEMENTS IN TIME-LOCKS
Year: 1885

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION...
I, JACKSON BEERS YOUNG, of Sioux Falls, in the County of Minnehaha and
Territory of Dakota, United States of America, Banker do hereby declare the
nature of my invention for "IMPROVEMENTS IN TIME-LOCKS" 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 to that class of time-locks in which a single time move-
ment is employed to determine the time at which the lock may be unlocked.
The object of this invention is to produce a time-lock of a construction to prevent
unlocking when the timer is running, and capable of adjustment to stop the move-
ment at any pre-determined time within the running time of the movement, and
to permit unlocking when the movement is not running; and it consists, mainly,
in the combination of a time-movement with the tumblers of a permutation-lock to
prevent their adjustment for the purpose of unlocking, and in the combination
with the movement of a stop mechanism capable of adjustment to stop the move-
ment at any predetermined time within the running time of the timer; in
mechanism to adjust the timer in its connection with the lock to regulate its
operative force within the capacity of the movement.
These, including the mechanism employed, and other improvements, to be
hereinafter more fully described, constitute the subject matter of this specification.
In the accompanying drawings
Figure 1, represents the section of a time-lock applied to a vault door and
containing my improvements.
Figure 2, a plan section of the same taken on the line xx, Figure 1.
:
Figure 3, a detail edge elevation of the insulating-case and a portion of the
door.
Figure 4, a detail section on the line
y, Figure 2.
Figure 5, an isometrical inner face view partly in skeleton, showing main portions
of my improvements.
In the Figures I have represented a base-plate or a portion of a wall on which
to mount a lock, and a timer in connection there with, to illustrate my improve-
ments; and for this purpose in this instance I have selected a well-known form of
four-tumbler permutation-lock and an ordinary time-movement. These I have
mounted on the base-plate A. The lock employed consists of the tumblers a, b, c,
and d, of disc form each provided with a radial slot e, opening through their

page_text: periphery to receive the locking-bolt. These several tumblers are supported in a
frame fixed to the base-plate, and the tumbler a is connected with a graduated
disc B, on the outside of the base-plate or wall A, by means of a spindle extending
through the base-plate or wall in such a manner that the rotations of the graduated
discs B will be imparted to the tumbler a. This tumbler a and the tumbler d on
their inner face sides, and the tumblers b and c on both face sides, are provided
with screw-studs h projecting therefrom on lines having the same diameter, in a
manner to engage each other when the graduated dial is rotated.
At C is represented a locking-bolt capable of an endwise sliding movement in
guide-ways. This locking-bolt is provided with an arm fitted to enter the radial
slots in the tumblers when they are adjusted to bring their radial openings in
position to receive it. These several parts are substantially the same as like parts
of locks now in use, and are operated in the same manner, and capable of like
adjustments for like purposes.
At i is represented a segment-block of proper dimensions fixed to the outer face
of the outer tumbler in this instance near its periphery and about a quadrant
distant from the radial slot therein and rearward thereof relatively with the
direction of rotation in picking up the tumblers preparatory to their adjustment
for unlocking. Instead of this segment-block a pin peripheral or side enlargement
of the tumbler may be employed.
In combination with this lock I have employed an ordinary time-movement
consisting of a mainspring E, and the usual gear-train, in connection with an
escapement and balance wheel mounted in a suitable frame. In this move-
ment I have provided a friction-wheel , mounted loosely on a shaft of the gear-
train to engage a collar ¹, fixed on the shaft, against which it is held with a force
sufficient to produce the required friction by means of a spring 11, surrounding its
shaft. The periphery of this friction-wheel and the periphery of the segment-
block are provided with roughened or corrugated surfaces to engage each other;
.but instead thereof they may be produced in even plain frictional surfaces; or they
may be produced with corrugated surfaces to engage each other in gear-toothed
form to increase their frictional contact or holding force. This movement is
mounted upon the bed-plate or wall on suitable supports, F and H, in such
position relatively with the lock that the periphery of the friction-wheel shall be
in position to engage the periphery of the segment fixed to the outside face of the
tumbler. This movement in its connection with the bed-plate is made adjustable
toward and from the lock, for the purpose of regulating the holding force between
the friction-wheel and the segment. For this purpose I have produced the slot lin
the movement-frame to engage the stud-support F, to permit of a limited adjust-
ment.
At u is represented a nut having a screw-thread connection with the outer end
of the stud-support F, to fix the movement-frame to the stud-support, as herein-
after described.
At I is represented an adjusting screw having a screw-thread connection with
the stud-support F and its shaft is connected with the movement frame by means
of the slotted arm m, projecting therefrom and embracing the shaft between the
collars m³, fixed thereto. By means of this adjusting screw and the nut in their
connection with the movement and its supports, the movement is made readily
adjustable toward and from the lock, to regulate the holding force of the friction-
wheel and segment.
:
From the foregoing it will be seen that in picking up the tumblers preparatory
to their adjustment for the purpose of unlocking, the segment may be carried over
the friction-wheel, which, by reason of its loose connection with its shaft, wil
.revolve thereon without stopping the movement.
In the adjustment of the tumblers by means of the graduated disc B, for the
purpose of unlocking, the inner tumbler d, is the first of the series to be brough
into position to receive the arm of the bolt in its radial slot. The arrangement o
the parts are such that in this adjustment, when the tumbler & is brought int

page_text: position to receive the arm of the bolt the segment will have engaged the friction-
wheel in such a manner that when the tumbler,is released from the action of the
graduated disc, as in the adjustment of the other tumblers in the series, the
movement of the timer will have carried the tumbler d from its adjusted position
to the position shown in the dotted lines at Figure 5 before the other tumblers can
be adjusted, from which it will be seen that my improved time-lock cannot be
opened while the time-movement is running. This construction and arrangement
requires that provision be made for stopping the movement at the time fixed
upon for opening the lock. For this purpose I have provided the following
mechanism :-
At K is represented an angle-lever detent having a pivotal connection at n with
the movement-frame in such position thereon that its angle-arm n' when thrown
forward, will engage the teeth of one of the gear-wheels in the gear-train of the
movement. This detent-lever is provided with a spring n", having a pivotal
connection at one end with the detent-lever, and its other end is pivoted to the
movement-frame. The connection of these parts are such that when the free
angle-arm of the detent is carried to the right-hand side of a vertical line cutting
the pivotal centres of the lever-detent and the spring in their connection with the
movement-frame, the lever-detent will be thrown by the action of the spring to the
right side of the line until its depending arm 22111 engages the pivotal connection
of the spring with the frame. If the free angle-arm of the detent-lever is carried
to the left-hand side of the line of the pivotal centres of the detent and spring
with the movement frame, the spring action will carry the free arm of the lever to
the left-hand side, and cause its angle-arm to engage the teeth of a gear-wheel of
the gear-train, and stop the movement. This detent-lever is provided above its
pivotal connection with oblique tappet-arm o and o¹, rising from its outer face.
Atp is represented a gear-toothed pinion mounted upon the projecting end of
the spring-shaft p¹.
At N is represented a gear-toothed wheel having its journal-support on the frame
of the time-movement in such position thereon that its teeth shall engage the teeth
of the gear-toothed pinion p. The rim of this gear-wheel N is provided with a
series of holes p₁, in close proximity, in an annular ring within, but near the base
of, its gear-teeth.
At t is represented an index-arm pivoted on the axial centre of the gear-
wheel N in a manner to permit of a rotary or oscillating movement of the wheel
for the purpose of adjustment. The outer portion of this arm is provided with a
stud-pin t¹, projecting from its inner face in position to enter the holes p" in the
rim of the wheel, and extend beyond its under face in position to engage the tappet-
arms o and o¹ of the detent in its rotary or oscillatory movements. The
construction of these parts is such that when the detent-lever is in its position,
disengaged from the gear-wheel of the movement, the rotation of the gear carried
by the time-movement in the direction indicated by the arrow, the stud-pin t will
pass over the outer end of the right-hand tappet-arm o¹, and engage the left-hand
tappet-arm o, and carry the detent to engage the gear-wheel of the train and stop
the time-movement.
In winding the spring the gear-wheel N will be made to rotate in the opposite
direction to that indicated by the arrow thereon, which movement will carry the
stud-pin over the outer end of the left-hand tappet-arm o, to engage the right-hand
tappet arm o', and disengage the detent from the gear-wheel of the train and permit
the running of the movement.
At P is represented a dial of annular-ring form mounted over the gear-wheel N,
concentric thereto, on suitable supports rising from the frame of the gear-train. This
dial in this instance is graduated into forty-eight main divisions, corresponding to
the hour-divisions of the timer, and these in this instance are numbered from 0, the
zero-point, toward the right-hand to 47. These main divisions are divided centrally
representing half-hours, but may be subdivided into any practical number of parts

page_text: required to indicate any required division of the hour. The outer end of the index
arm t is produced in pointed-finger form to more readily determine its position of
adjustment on the dial. The position of the 0 or zero-point of the dial relatively
with the detent is such that when the index-finger has reached the 0 or zero point
the stud-pin t¹ will have carried the detent beyond its pivotal centre, and the detent
will have engaged the teeth of the gear-wheel and stop the time movement.
To determine the position of the index-finger relatively with the dial to stop the
time-movement at a predetermined time for the purpose of unlocking, the number
of hours between the time the adjustment is made, and the time fixed upon for
unlocking must be reckoned, and the number obtained by this reckoning found
upon the dial is the point on the dial to which the index finger must be adjusted
to stop the time-movement at the predetermined time. This adjustment is accom-
plished by lifting the stud-pin t¹, from its connection with the dial, and carrying it
to the required point thereon, and inserting the stud-pin in the proper hole in the
gear-wheel. For this purpose the index-arm is made from suitable material in a
proper manner to permit of the withdrawal and reinsertion of the stud-pin at any
point on the dial; and it is provided toward its outer end with a stud-knob, t¹¹, as a
In this instance I have connected with
ready means by which to adjust the arm.
the time-movement the lock-tumbler farthest from the operating graduated disc,
and have connected this tumbler with the fourth wheel of the gear-train of the
movement; but instead thereof any one or more than one of the tumblers may be
connected with the movement, and such connection may be made with any portion
of the time-movement which will be efficient in moving the tumbler in the manner
and for the purpose hereinbefore stated.
In the operation of the mechanism shown and described above some one or more
of the tumblers of the lock will be immediately disarranged by the operation of the
time-works whenever set, and so while the time-works are running the combination
cannot be made so as to unlock the lock. Obviously if the time-works could be
stopped, however, any person having the combination or any other means of
arranging the tumblers in the proper position for unlocking would be able to
release the lock and gain admission to the safe or vault; now possibly, the time-
works might be stopped by electrical action and if by any means a strong current
of electricity could be sent to the time-works, it would very likely stop their action
and so enable the tumblers to be manipulated. In order to prevent this, I propose
to completely, and perfectly insulate the time-works, so that they will be proof
against electrical action from the outside.
In order to completely insulate the time-works I provide an inclosing-case Qof
rubber or other material which is a non-conductor of electricity and of such size
and form as to entirely surround and inclose the time-works. The front side, q, of
this case is hinged so as to be opened in order to introduce the works. A portion q
of the top of the case is depressed, so that it may be passed under the tumblers in
the arrangement of the parts shown in the drawings, while the higher part of the
case-top, q, covers and protects the gear-wheel on the friction-wheel shaft. This
depressed top section, q³, is also hinged at one end of the body of the case, so that
it may be raised to permit the friction-wheel to pass into the rear of the case, and
it is provided with a slot or opening, q³, for the accommodation of this friction-
wheel, which it is obvious must project outside of the case in order to have
working-contact with the tumbler or tumblers. This being the case it will be seen
at once that when this depressed portion of the top is down in its proper position
it will stand in the way of the friction-wheel and so prevent the time-works from
being set back into the case from the front. The provision of a hinge obviates
this difficulty by permitting the top to be raised like a lid for the introduction of
the works, and then close down and fastened in place, the friction-wheel projecting
up through the slot. The vertical section of the case between the upper and lower
portions of the top is fastened to the latter and is raised and lowered therewith.
The works may be set into the insulating-case and secured therein in any suitable

page_text: way. I prefer, however, to support them on ways R within the case, onto which the
works are slipped, and then fasten them in place by means of suitable screws, r,
entering the ways. With this construction in applying the case to the particular
form of works shown in the drawings, it will be necessary to diminish the width
of the case to correspond to the main support or frame of the works beyond
which the dial P projects considerably at one side. The case must of course have
a corresponding projecting wing to cover this dial; but it may not be so convenient
to hinge the top, as described above, and in this case it may be fastened down by
screws and thus be made removable at pleasure.
It is obvious from this description that the time-works are permanently secured
within the case. Now, the insulating-case is attached to the lock-support in any
suitable way, provided, however, that the insulation is not destroyed. In order to
effect this attachment the back of the case may be provided with projecting
flanges S, which will provide means for fastening the case in place by bolts and
nuts. As in this arrangement the fastening bolts are connected to flangs outside
of the case, the insulation will of course not be disturbed. Instead of this con-
struction, the fastening bolts F and H may pass directly into the interior of the
case at the back thereof, as shown in Fig 2 of the drawings and be secured to the
back of the case by means of suitable nuts, u. In this construction, however,
the ends of the bolts and the fastening-nuts on the inside of the case should be
entirely covered by an insulating-nut of rubber or other non-conducting material
which may be attached to the end of the bolt, thereby preventing the possible
entrance of electricity to the inside of the case through the bolts and to the works,
and maintain a perfect insulation.
In order to counteract the effects of shock from blows, or any other cause,
I place an elastic washer, V, on the fastening-bolts outside of the case, and another
similar washer, W, on the same bolts inside of the case, these washers being
preferably of rubber or coiled metal springs. It is obvious that with this provision
of elastic washers on each side of the case the effect of the shock from blows or any
other cause will be taken up in both directions that is, the direct effect of the blow
and the reaction therefrom will be taken up or counteracted by the two washers, ⚫
one operating to counteract the tendency to movement in one direction and the
other in the opposite direction. These washers are to be applied to the fastening-
bolts whether the latter are connected to outside flanges on the case or passed
directly into the back thereof, or in whatever way they are connected to the case.
Their location may perhaps be changed and the same effect secured; hence I do not
limit myself to the precise arrangement here mentioned. It will be seen that with
this inclosing insulating case for the time-works fastened in position on the lock
support, the time-works are entirely protected from the effect of currents of
electricity, the case of insulating material preventing the entrance of such currents
to the interior works, and so all danger of stopping the time-works, by electrical
action is avoided, which is a somewhat important improvement to the invention set
forth in my prior application. I do not wish to be understood, however, as
confining my invention to this particular improvement of insulating the works. It
is possible that a tolerable insulation may be obtained in some other way, for
instance, by supporting the works on insulating bolts or posts, and placing suitable
insulating-plates between the lock and the time-works, so as to prevent the
jumping of the electrical current from the former to the latter, which might be
possible in the construction shown in the drawings without the case, I prefer,
however, the surrounding case of insulating material, for it affords the most
complete protection; but at the same time the broad idea of my invention is to
insulate the time-works of the lock in any suitable manner and by any suitable
means, so as to prevent the stopping of the works by electricity.
It will of course be understood that the friction-wheel k, will, in this instance, be
made of rubber, or other material which is an electric non-conductor, so as to
prevent the passage of an electric current to the time-works through this wheel.
-J

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
First. In a time-lock, a time-movement, in combination with a set of tumblers
none of which is connected with the time-movement, except when adjusted in
position for unlocking, a projection or enlargement on one or more of the tumblers,
and a wheel driven by the time-movement, and arranged to come in contact with
the said projection when the tumbler is at the point of adjustment for unlocking
and to be released from such contact just after the said tumbler is displaced,
substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Second. In a time-lock, a time-movement, in combination with a set of tumblers
all of which are disconnected from the time-movement when out of position for
unlocking, a frictional surface provided by a flange or enlargement on one or more
of said tumblers, and a friction wheel driven by the time movement and arranged
to engage with the frictional surface on the tumbler just at the point of adjustment
of the latter into position for unlocking and to be released from such contact
when said tumbler is slightly displaced, substantially as and for the purposes set
forth.
Third. In a time lock, a time movement, a set of tumblers having no operative
connection with the time-movement except in one position, and automatic means
for producing an engagement of the time-movement with one of the tumblers
whenever said tumbler is in position for unlocking, all in combination, substantially
as and for the purpose described.
Fourth. In a time-lock, the tumbler & having in its periphery the slot e for the
purpose of receiving an arm of the locking-bolt, and having also the projection i
arranged as described, on its periphery, a friction-wheel arranged on a fixed
bearing to engage with the projection on the tumbler when the two are nearest
each other, and means for communicating to the friction-wheel a rotary motion
from the time-movement, all in combination, substantially as and for the purpose
described.
Fifth. In a time-lock, the revolving tumbler & having the projection i arranged
as described thereon, the friction wheel loosely mounted on a revolving shaft in a
position to engage with the projection at a certain point in the revolution of the
latter, the collar rigidly mounted on the shaft, and the spring arranged to
press the wheel against the collar, all in combination, substantially as and for the
purpose described.
Sixth. In a time-lock, the fixed dial, the gear-wheel N concentric with the dial
and having near its periphery the laterally projecting pin t, the lever k pivotted on
the frame of the time movement and having the lateral arm n' arranged to engage
at one end of its range of oscillation with one of the gear wheels of the movement,
and having also the tappets o and o¹, arranged, as described, to engage with the
pin t, the spring n¹, arranged as described, to push the lever to the nearer extreme
of its arc of oscillation, and means for communicating the time-movement to the
wheel N, all in combination, substantially as and for the purpose described.
Seventh. The rotating tumbler d, having on its periphery the projection i the
time-movement, the friction-wheel k, mounted on a revolving shaft of the time-
movement in position to engage with the projection, the revolving wheel N of the
time-movement, having near its periphery the laterally projecting pin t¹, the lever K
having a pivotal fulcrum on the frame of the movement, having the lateral arm n',
arranged to engage at one end of its range of oscillation with one of the gear-
wheels of the movement, and having also the tappets o and o¹, arranged as
described, to engage with the pin t¹, and the spring n¹, arranged, as described, to
push the lever to the nearer extreme of its are of oscillation, all in combination,
substantially as described, for the purpose of preventing the adjustment of the
tumbler in a certain position up to a predetermined time, and permitting the
adjustment when the time has arrived.

page_text: Eighth. In a time-lock, a combination lock, in combination with an adjustable
time movement, whereby the relative position of the time movement and lock may
be adjusted substantially as and for the purpose described.
Ninth. In a time-lock, the fixed support F, having a threaded transverse
aperture arranged therein, as described, the frame of the movement having the
slot 1, arranged to engage with the fixed support, and the slotted arm m, projecting
to a position opposite the threaded aperture, and the shaft 1, arranged in the
slotted arm and in the threaded aperture, threaded toward one end to fit the
aperture, and provided with the collars m¹, arranged on each side of the slotted
arm and close to it all in combination, substantially as and for the purpose
described.
Tenth. In a time-lock, time-works, in combination with insulating devices
whereby the passage of currents of electricity from the outside to the time works
is prevented substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Eleventh. In a time-lock, the time-works, in combination with an enclosing
insulating case of rubber or other material which is a non-conductor of electricity,
substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Twelfth. The tumbler-lock, in combination with the time-works the friction-
wheel, of rubber or other electric non-conductor, and the inclosing case Q, of
rubber or other electric non-conductor, provided with a movable frout q, and a
movable top section ql, slotted, as described for the accommodation of the friction-
wheel, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Thirteenth. In a time-lock, the combination, with the tumblers, of time-works
provided with the insulating devices, whereby the passage of currents of electricity
from their point of attachment to the works is prevented, and having a dis-
arranging device of rubber or other non-conducting material arranged to act on
one or more of the tumblers, whereby the passage of electricity from the tumblers
to the time-works is prevented, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Dated this 20th day of tail 100K
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
For the Applicant.