Combination Electric Lock.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 20th Aug., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 29th Mar., 1892-Accepted, 13th Aug., 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Combination Electric Lock.
I, JAMES GRAHAM THOMPSON, of Charlestown, Boston in the State of
Massachusetts, in the United States of America, do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention is adapted for use in connection with locks for burglar proof
vaults, and has for its object to provide a combination clectric controlling system
which may be used either independently or as supplemental safe-guard to any
suitable form of time or other lock, and is adapted to co-operate with the time
lock and control the same set of levers.
My invention consists in the combination with the lock operating levers, of an
electro-magnetic controlling device, a circuit including said controlling device,
and a suitable source of electricity, combination circuit setting and closing devices,
and a short circuit safety device. More specifically, the controlling device consists
of a locking device, a revolving disc having means for engaging the locking
device and lever, a ratchet by which the disc may be rotated, a pawl adapted
for engagement with the ratchet, and an armature of an electro-magnet for
operating the pawl.
The combination circuit setting and closing devices are inserted in the controlling
circuit by separating both wires and connecting the four ends, as will hereinafter
appear. These devices are substantially alike in that each consists of a pair of
moving contact arms and two sets of insulated contacts, with which the respective
arms may be brought into contact. The corresponding contact plates of the two
devices are connected together, and each of the moving contact arms has electrical
connection with one of the four ends of the controlling circuit.
With these parts
thus connected, and the setting device turned on any two of the contacts, it will
be impossible for the current to travel from the battery to the electro-magnetic
controlling device, unless the pair of contact arms in the circuit closing device
are turned on corresponding contacts. Now, since the circuit closing device has
a large number of contacts, it is obvious that it would he practically impossible
to determine the proper combination of wires by trying all combinations.
The circuit setting device is located preferably in the vault, and has, as further
safe-guard to make it impossible to determine the wires in circuit by testing, a
short circuit device. The circuit closing device is located on the cashier's desk,
or in any other convenient place.
The electro-magnetic releasing device operates the lever by means of a pin in
its rotating disc, and in order to vibrate the magnet armature a sufficient number
of times to cause the pawl to turn the ratchet, and through it, the disc, a circuit
closing key is inserted in the circuit at the operating device, so that after the
proper circuits are established, the electro-magnetic controlling device may be
operated at will.
My invention also consists in certain other novel features and details in the
construction of the several parts, all of which will be fully described with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which :-
Figure 1 is a diagram representing the application of my invention to the bolt
work of a burglar proof vault, in which a time lock is also employed.
Figure 2 is a plan of the electro-magnetic controlling device.
Figure 3 is a vertical section of the same on the line 3-3 Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a side elevation of the same looking in the direction of the arrow,
Figure 2, and in the opposite direction to Figure 3.

page_text: Figure 5 is a detail plan of a portion of the electro-magnetic controlling device
shown in Figures 1, 6, 7 and 8, and the fourth lever, illustrating the locking and
releasing connections between the electro-magnetic controlling device and the
fourth lever.
Referring to Figure 1, 1 represents a portion of the door of a vault or other
receptacle, and 2 is a vertically sliding har upon said door, which may either
control locking bolts or may itself effect the locking when elevated to a particular
position by means of a rack 3 formed upon said bar and a pinion 4 which engages
the rack. This bar is presumed to unlock the door by dropping down, and it is
supported in its elevated position by means of a lever which is pivotted at 6 and
has its inner end controlled by a cam lever 7 pivotted at 8. The lever 7 is locked
against upward movement, which would allow the lever 5 to discharge its load, by
means of the bell crank lever 11 of an ordinary time lock 9. So much of the
device, which I have shown, is not my invention, and it is simply shown to illustrate
the adaptation of my invention to a vault door. I desire it understood however
that my invention is equally applicable to any other form of bolt work which may
be employed in connection with a vault door."
In order to establish working connection between the above described controlling
levers and my improved combination electric lock, the lever 7 is extended so as to
form a rear arm 12. and this arm is engaged by a pair of levers, so as to prevent
the levers 5 and 7 from discharging their burden after the time lock does its work,
as will hereinafter appear. I have shown my device in use as a supplemental safe-
guard to the time lock, but it is obvious that since the lever 7 remains under the
control of my device after it is released by the time lock, my device is adapted for
use as well by itself as in connection with a time lock.
The end of the lever 12 is engaged, as shown at 13, by a lever 14 pivotted at a
point 15 almost over the end of said lever 7, so that the weight of the heavy
vertical bar 2 (about seventy five (75) pounds) is nearly all borne by the pivot 15
of the lever 14, and is not to a very great extent transmitted to the electro-
magnetic controlling device. In order to ensure the disengagement of the lever 14
with arms 12, the pivot 15 is located a little to one side of the vertical line of
arm 12, and the notch in said lever 14 may also be formed so as to assist the dis-
engagement. 16 represents a fourth lever in the train, and this hangs vertically
from a pivot 17, and has a shoulder 18 which normally engages a shoulder 19 on
lever 14, and thereby prevents the swinging of said lever 14 and consequent
disengagement of the arm 12 therefrom. The lever 16 has a spiral spring 20,
mounted in a housing 21, which forces said lever into engagement with lever 14.
Thus far the levers described are arranged for the purpose of reducing the great
force developed by the dropping of the seventy five pound bar 2 on the end of
lever 5, and at the same time giving said levers sufficient freedom of movement to
insure the release of said bar 2 from lever 5 at the proper time without fail.
In order to securely lock the lever 16 into engagement with lever 14, and to
positively disengage the same therefrom, I provide a specially constructed electro-
magnetic controlling device 22, which will hereinafter be minutely described with
reference to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5.
The electro-magnetic device is connected by wires 23, 24, 25 and 26 with a
suitable source of electricity 27, but between the respective pairs of wires 24, 25
and 26, 27, are inserted a pair of circuit setting switches B, b, A, a, and their con-
necting wires. Each switch has twelve, or more or less, contacts, and corresponding
plates of the pairs are connected by individual wires, so that both the supply and
return wires of the circuit are guarded by twelve, or more or less, wires. When it
is considered that a thorough circuit can only be cbtained by the combination of
the exact two wires in the respective sides of the circuit, and that the number of
combinations to be made between two sets of twelve wires, is one hundred and
forty-four, the difficulty met with in an attempted solution of the circuit will be
appreciated. Further safe-guards however are provided. One of these is a circuit
closing key in the operating instrument, which must be operated to close the circuit

page_text: a certain number of times when the proper circuit is established, as will be herein-
after fully described in connection with the operating instrument with reference to
Figures 8, 9 and 10.
Another safe-guard is a short circuiting device, which is so arranged as to
indicate a closed circuit, no matter what pair of wires is used, and yet not interfere
with the proper working circuit when established. The value of this attachment
is owing to the method necessarily resorted to in an attempt to discover the
working circuit, and which is to cut the wires and apply a source of electricity and
galvanometer to the various combinations of wires until a certain pair indicates a
closed circuit. The short circuiting device indicates a closed circuit with any
combination of wires, and the device is applied to the circuit setting device to be
located within the vault. The short circuiting attachment consists primarily of
rings 36 connected by a wire 37 and surrounding the respective contact circles of
the circuit closer, said rings being provided with adjustable arms 36" adapted to be
depressed upon the respective contacts. The circuit setting device and its short
circuiting attachment will be hereinafter described with special reference to
Figures 6 and 7.
Referring to Figures 2, 3 and 4, which represent the electro-magnetic device,
and to Figure 5, which represents its working connection with the fourth lever 16,
the electro magnetic device 22 is constructed with a suitably formed base 40,
preferably of non-magnetic material, a pair of electro-magnets 41, an armature 42
mounted on a vertical lever 43, fulcrummed between screws 44 in a bracket 45, and
having an adjustable stop screw 46 with lock nut 47. The armature is further
provided with a new and improved spring controlling device, which consists of a
piston 48 connected with the armature and working in a spiral spring cylinder 49
mounted on a post 50. 51 represents a pawl pivotted in the upper end of the
armature lever and adapted to engage a ratchet wheel 52 mounted upon a
horizontal shaft 53. The armature of the magnet is thus adapted to rotate the
wheel 52 in one direction, and the proportions of the parts are such that the
wheel is forwarded the portion of a revolution measured by one tooth each
forward impulse of the armature. The circuit through the magnets being closed,
the movement of the armature in opposite directions will be controlled by make
and brake effected by the key in the operating instrument. 54 represents a spring
brake fixed to the frame 40 and bearing against the periphery of wheel 52 to
prevent the running of the same when it is advanced suddenly by the forward
impulse of the armature, and to hold the ratchet against the influence of spiral
spring 20 after the fourth lever has been shifted.
The shaft 53 is further provided with a wheel 54 keyed thereto, and this
wheel 54 has a pin 55 on its face adapted to engage a pin 56
upon another
wheel 57, which is loosely mounted upon the shaft 53. The wheel 57 has a pin 58
and a cam 59, both located upon its periphery. 60 represents a bell crank lever
ulcrummed at 61 on a fixed post of the frame and having an upturned end 62 and a
spiral spring 63, so attached as to force the upturned end 62 outward. The cam 59
is adapted to engage the inner end of the lever 60, and force said end outward in
opposition to the spiral spring when the wheel 57 rotates far enough to bring the
cam 59 into contact with the said inner end. Upon the 4th lever 16 of the bolt
work hereinbefore described, are mounted two pins 64 and 65 which project inward
to different distances.
The longest pin 64 is adapted to be disengaged by the pin 58 on the periphery
of the wheel 57 while the shorter pin 65 is engaged by the upturned end 62 of
the bell-crank lever 60, while the pin 58 is shown slightly in advance of the
cam 59 the location of the inner end of the lever 60 is such that it is engaged
by the cam 59 before the pin 58 comes in contact with pin 64 and by this engage-
ment the bell-crank-lever is rocked upon its fulcrum 61 so as to withdraw the
upturned end 62 from the short pin 65 before the pin 58 engages the pin 64.
Inasmuch as the lever 16, in order to release the other levers and permit the
vertical bar to be dropped, must be moved in the direction of the arrow shown

page_text: in Figure 5, it is obvious that the effect of the upturned end 62 of lever 60 will
be to secure the locking of said lever 16 when in engagement with its pin while
the effect of the pin 58 is to move the fourth lever in the direction which causes
the release of the vertical bar. It will therefore be seen that the fourth lever
is securely locked until such time when the lever is to be moved when the locking
device will be released just before the pin 58 comes in contact with the pin 64
and moves said fourth lever.
As hereinbefore explained the fourth lever 16 has a return spring 20 mounted on
the cylinder 21 and after the vertical bar is allowed to drop the parts of the
electro-magnetic controlling device will be returned to their normal positions by
means of their respective springs, as soon as the central bar has been raised and
the wheel carrying the pin and cam 58, 59, has been turned back. The pin 55
on wheel 54 is adapted to connect with both sides of the pin 56 on the loose
wheel 57 so that the wheel 54 may make one complete revolution before restoring
the wheel 57 and it will thus be seen that the range of motion of the_attached
wheel 52 is equivalent to two revolutions. It may therefore be arranged so as to
necessitate the closing of the circuit by means of the key a great number of times
after the proper circuits have been established, before the fourth lever will be
released.
By the particular arrangement of the spiral spring cylinder 49 and piston 48
and the location of the same between the magnets much valuable space is saved
and a heretofore unused space occupied instead. In order that the pawl 51 may
be raised, it is provided on its outer end with a stem 51 which may extend through
the top of the casing which may surround the electro-magnetic device when in
use. The shaft 53 is provided on its forward end with an index 53ª and a milled
turning head and by this means, the ratchet wheel may be turned back any desired
distance, and the index will show how far forward it must be turned again in
order to effect the release of the levers or in other words will indicate the
number of impulses of the armature, necessary to be caused by the depression of
the circuit closing key.
Referring to Figures 6 and 7 which represent the details in the construction of
the circuit setting device 30 and the short circuiting attachment, 36 represents
the metallic ring which carries the contact springs 36" which are secured between the
under bevelled face of said ring 36 and an oppositely bevelled ring 66. The under
ring is secured to the board upon which the device is mounted, by means of the
screw 67 while the upper ring is secured by means of screws 68. The contact
springs 36ª are thus given an upwardly inclined set and they are normally held
down upon the contacts 1, 2, 3, &c., of the contact circle 72 by means of screws 69
which enter a ring 70 at bottom and are provided with turning knobs 71 at top.
When the switch arm 74 is set upon any one of the contacts 1, 2, 3, &c., the
corresponding contact spring 36* of the short circuiting ring 36 is disconnected
from said contact so that the current will pass through the arm 34 and the
individual wire which connects the particular contact in use with the corresponding
contact in the operating device. All the wires which are connected to the other
contacts in the contact circle will be short circuited through their respective
contacts the contact springs 36ª and the short circuiting ring 36. The contact
arm 34 of the switch is mounted upon a central shaft 73 and said contact arm is
provided for convenience with a knob 74 by which it may be turned on any
particular contact in the ring. 75 represents an additional contact arm on the
opposite end of the central shaft and both ends of this bear constantly upon a
ring 76 which is connected to one of the wires 23 or 24, see Figure 1.
The two circuit setting switches and their short circuiting attachments together
which make up the circuiting device are constructed precisely alike although their
respective parts are connected with different wires. The lower ring 76 in the
switch A, is connected to the wire 23 while the corresponding part in the switch B
is connected to wire 24. The contacts 1, 2, 3, &c., in switch A of the circuit
setting device are connected by individual wires in the 'corresponding contacts in

page_text: the switch a of the operating device while the respective contacts in the circuit
setting switch B are connected by individual wires to the corresponding contacts in
the switch of the operative device. This will appear more clearly upon reference
to Figure in which the individual wire connecting, the contacts in switch A with
those in switch a are numbered 1º 2ª 3ª &c. and those connecting the contacts of
switch B and bare numbered 1° 2° 3b &c.
Referring to Figures 8 9 and 10 which represent the controlling device 31,
80 represents a suitable base and 82 represents a housing preferably constructed of
a strong metal and set at an incline in the base for the purpose of presenting the
parts to be operated by hand in more convenient positions and this housing 81 is
provided with a vertical longitudinal partition 82 preferably formed of vulcanite or
other insulating material. In the housing 81 are mounted two complete switches
constructed precisely alike but connected to different wires. But one of these
switches need be described minutely and the construction will be best understood
by referring to Figures 9 and 10, in which 83 represents a shaft projecting trans-
versely through the housing 81 mounted in a sleeve 82 and having a square end 85
for the reception of a key by which it is turned. The shaft 83 is divided into two
parts by an insulating coupling 86 and the rear part of the shaft 83 carries a switch
arm 87 adapted to contact with a ring 88 against which ring said switch-arm is
held by means of a spiral spring 89. The switch-arm 87 is preferably located on
the front side of the partition 82 to which the ring 83 is attached and on the
opposite side of said partition is located the contacting ring 90 containing the
insulating contacts 1, 2, 3, &c. of the switch while mounted upon said shaft 83
and in contact with said ring is the switch arm 85 hereinbefore referred to. On
the extreme inner end of the shaft 83 is located a pinion 91 having inwardly pro-
jecting pins 92 for the purpose hereinafter specified. 93 represents a collar
surrounding the sleeve 84 and carrying on the internal screw thread 94 which
receives the corresponding exterior thread of false knobs 95, said knobs being
adapted to completely conceal the ends 85 of shafts 83. The kuobs 95, are con-
structed to resemble the ordinary knobs of a combination lock, as an additional
safe guard although it is necessary to remove them and apply a key to the ends of
the shafts before said shafts can be turned to perform the function for which they
are constructed, and which will be understood upon reference to Figure 9, which
shows an elevation of the rear side of the operating device with the wall of the
housing removed. The switch-arms 33, 35 are rotated by the shaft 83 so as to
bring said arms in contact with either one of the contacts in rings 99. The positions
of the switch-arms 83, 85 relative to the connecting rings are not indicated in any
manner on the surface of the housing 81 but they are turned back to a starting
point, as 1, and then move around in the proper direction when their movements
will be indicated by a bell 96. In order to indicate accurately the movement of
the arms 83, 85, the pins 92 of pinions 91 are equal in number to the contacts and
proportionally spaced. The bell cranks 97 project between the pins on the
pinion 91 and are engaged by said pins and being connected in a suitable manner
to clappers 98 of the bell 96, each time either of the switch arms 33, 35 moves the
distance from one contact to the other the bell will sound as the switch reaches the
latter contact. It is thus made very easy to adjust the switch arms to the proper
contacts by counting the number of strokes of the bell as the shafts 83 are slowly
turned by means of a suitable key.
When the proper circuit has been established that is to say, when the switch-
arms 33, 35, have been moved upon those contacts corresponding to the contacts
upon which the switch-arms rest in the circuit setting device, the electro-magnetic
controlling device will still remain for the reason that the circuit through the
magnets will still be open and if the circuit be closed the central bar will not be
released for the reason that the armature of the electro-magnet must be vibrated a
sufficient number of times to turn the ratchet wheel and through it the fixed and
loose wheels which carry the engaging pins until the cam and pins on the loose
wheel may operate to unlock and then move the fourth lever 16 hereinbefore

page_text: referred to with reference to Figures 1 and 5. In order to provide for thus
making and breaking the circuit the requisite number of times a key 99 and contact
post 100 are mounted in the operating instrument as shown in Figures 8 and 10.
The key has a stem 101 which passes through a front wall of the housing and is
secured rigidly in the partition 82. The elasticity of the stem 101 which may be
of spring wire is sufficient to keep the key 99 elevated from the post 100 and the
circuit therefore is completed by simply depressing the key repeatedly upon the
post.
In connecting the instrument 31 to the circuits the key 99 must be connected by
the wire 23 shown in Figures 1 and 10 to the positive pole of the battery 27.
The post is connected to one of the contact rings 88 by a wire 102. From the
rings 88 the current passes through the switch-arms 87 thence through shaft 83 to
the switch-arm 33 then through the particular contact in the contact ring 90 of
switch b, through the special wire to the corresponding contact in switch B thence
through contact-arms 32 to the contact-ring 73 in switch B then through wire 24
to the electro-magnetic controlling device thence over wire 23 through switch A.,
through the particular wire which connects A and a upon which the switch arms
rest thence to the contact in switch a thence to the contact ring 88 in switch a
thence over wire 26 to the negative pole of the battery.
Dated this 20th day of A 1901
0
J. G. THOMPSON,
By Harris & Mills,
23, Southampton Buildings, London, Patent Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Combination Electric Lock.
I, JAMES GRAHAM THOMPSON of Charlestown, Boston, in the State of
Massachusetts in the United States of America, do hereby declare the nature of
this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particu-
larly described and ascertained in and by the following statement, reference being
had to the drawings accompanying my Provisional Specification and to an extra
sheet filed herewith :-
My invention is adapted for use in connection with locks for burglar proof vaults
and has for its object to provide a combination electric controlling system which
may be used either independently or as a supplemental safe-guard to any suitable
form of time or other lock and is adapted to co-operate with the time-lock, and
control the same set of levers.
My invention consists in the combination with the lock operating levers, of an
electro-magnetic controlling device, a circuit including said controlling device, and
a suitable source of electricity, combination circuit setting and closing devices,
and a short circuit safety device. More specifically, the controlling device consists
of a locking device, a revolving disc having means for engaging the locking device
and lever, a ratchet by which the disc may be rotated, a pawl adapted for engage-
ment, with the ratchet, and an armature of an electro-magnet for operating the
pawl.
The combination circuit setting and closing devices are inserted in the controlling
circuit by separating both wires and connecting the four ends as will hereinafter
appear. These devices are substantially alike in that each consists of a pair of
moving contact arms, and two sets of insulated contacts with which the respective
arms may be brought into contact. The corresponding contact plates of the two
devices are connected together, and each of the moving contact arms has electrical
connection with one of the four ends of the controlling circuit. With these parts
thus connected and the setting device turned on any two of the contacts, it will be
impossible for the current to travel from the battery to the electro-magnetic
controlling device, unless the pair of contact arms in the circuit closing device are

page_text: turned on corresponding contacts. Now since the circuit closing device has a large
number of contacts, it is obvious that it would be practically impossible to determine
the proper combination of wires by trying all combinations.
The circuit setting device is located preferably in the vault and has, as further
safe-guard to make it impossible to determine the wires in circuit by testing, a short
circuit device. The circuit closing device is located on the cashier's desk or in
any other convenient place.
The electro-magnetic releasing device operates the lever by means of a pin in
its rotating disc and in order to vibrate the magnet armature a sufficient number of
times, to cause the pawl to turn the ratchet and through it the disc, a circuit closing
key is inserted in the circuit at the operating device, so that after the proper
circuits are established the electro-magnetic controlling device may be operated
at will.
My invention also consists in certain other novel features and details in the
construction of the several parts all of which will be particularly pointed out in
the claims being first fully described with reference to the drawings accompanying
my Provisional Specification in which :-
Figure 1. is a diagram representing the application of my invention to the holt
work of a burglar proof vault, in which a time-lock is also employed.
Figure 1 is an elevation of parts of Figure 1. drawn to an enlarged scale.
Figure 2 is a plan of the electro-magnetic controlling device.
Figure 3 is a vertical section of the same on the line 3-3 Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a side elevation of the same looking in the direction of the arrow,.
Figure 2, and in the opposite direction to Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a detail plan of a portion of the electro-magnetic controlling device
shown in Figures 1, 6, 7 and 8 and the fourth lever, illustrating the locking and
releasing connections between the electro-magnetic controlling device and the
fourth lever.
Referring to Figures 1, 14, 1 represents a portion of the door of a vault or other
receptacle and 2 is a vertically sliding bar upon said door which may either control
locking belts or may itself effect the locking when elevated to a particular position
by means of a rack 3 formed upon said bar and a pinion 4 which engages the rack.
This bar is presumed to unlock the door by dropping down and it is supported in
its elevated position by means of a lever 5 which is pivotted at 6 and has its inner
end controlled by a cam-lever 7 pivotted at 8. The lever 7 is locked against
upward movement which would allow the lever 5 to discharge its load, by means of
the bell-crank-lever 11 of an ordinary time-lock 9. So much of the device which
I have shown is not my invention and it is simply shown to illustrate the
adaptation of my invention to a vault door. I desire it understood, however, that
my invention is equally applicable to any other form of bolt-work which may be
employed in connection with a vault door.
In order to establish working connection between the above described controlling
levers and my improved combination electric lock, the lever 7 is extended so as to
form a rear arm 12 and this arm is engaged by a pair of levers so as to prevent
the levers 5 and 7 from discharging their burden after the time-lock does its work
as will hereinafter appear. I have shown my device in use as a supplemental safe-
guard to the time lock, but it is obvious that since the lever 7 remains under the
control of my device after it is released by the time-lock my device is adapted for
use as well by itself as in connection with a time lock.
The end of the lever 12 is engaged as shown at 13 by a lever 14 pivotted at a
point 15 almost over the end of said lever 7 so that the weight of the heavy
vertical bar 2 (about seventy five pounds), is nearly all borne by the pivot 15 of
the lever 14 and is not to a very great extent transmitted to the electro-magnetic
controlling device. In order to insure the disengagement of the lever 14 with
arms 12, the pivot 15 is located a little to one side of the vertical line of arm 12
and the notch in said lever 14 may also be formed so as to assist the disengagement..

page_text: 16 represents a fourth lever in the train, and this hangs vertically from a pivot 17
and has a shoulder 18 which normally engages a shoulder 19 on lever 14 and
thereby prevents the swinging of said lever 14 and consequent disengagement of
the arm 12 therefrom. The lever 16 has a spiral spring 20, mounted in a
housing 21 which forces said lever into engagement with lever 14.
Thus far the levers described are arranged for the purpose of reducing the great
force developed by the dropping of the seventy-five pound bar 2 on the end of
lever 5, and at the same time giving said levers sufficient freedom of movement
to ensure the release of said bar 2 from lever 5 at the proper time without fail.
In order to securely lock the lever 16 into engagement with lever 14, and to
positively disengage the same therefrom I provide a specially constructed electro-
magnetic controlling device 22 which will hereinafter be minutely described with
reference to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5.
The electro-magnetic device is connected by wires 23, 24, 25 and 26 with a
suitable source of electricity 27, but between the respective pairs of wires 24 25
and 26 23 are inserted a pair of circuit setting switches B, b, A, a, and their
connecting wires. Each switch has twelve or more or less contacts and correspond-
ing plates of the pairs are connected by individual wires so that both the supply
and return wires of the circuit are guarded by twelve or more or less wires. When
it is considered that a thorough circuit can only be obtained by the combination of
the exact two wires in the respective sides of the circuit, and that the number of
combinations to be made between two sets of twelve wires, is one hundred and forty
four, the difficulty met with in an attempted solution of the circuit will be
appreciated. Further safe-guards, however, are provided. One of these is a
circuit closing key in the operating instrument, which must be operated to close
the circuit a certain number of times when the proper circuit is established as will
be hereinafter fully described in connection with the operating instrument with
reference to Figures 8, 9 and 10.
Another safe-guard is a short circuiting device, which is so arranged as to
indicate a closed circuit no matter what pair of wires is used and yet not interfere
with the proper working circuit when established. The value of this attachment
is owing to the method necessarily resorted to in an attempt to discover the
working circuit, and which is to cut the wires and apply a source of electricity
and galvanometer to the various combinations of wires until a certain pair indicates
a closed circuit. The short circuiting device indicates a closed circuit with any
combination of wires, and the device is applied to the circuit setting device to be
located within the vault. The short circuiting attachment consists primarily of
rings 36, connected by a wire 37 and surrounding the respective contact circles of
the circuit closer, said rings being provided with adjustable arms 36ª adapted to be
depressed upon the respective contacts.
The circuit setting device and its short circuiting attachment will be hereinafter
described with special reference to Figures 6 & 7.
Referring to Figures 23 and 4 which represent the electro-magnetic device and
to Figure 5 which represents its working connection with the fourth lever 16:
The electro magnetic device 22 is constructed with a suitably formed base 40
preferably of non-magnetic material, a pair of electro-magnets 41, and an
armature 42 mounted on a vertical lever 43, fulcrummed between screws 44 in a
bracket 45 and having an adjustable stop screw 46 with lock nut 47.
The armature is further provided with a new and improved spring controlling
device which consists of a piston 48 connected with the armature and working in a
spiral spring cylinder 49 mounted on a post 50. 51 represents a pawl pivotted in
the upper end of the armature lever and adapted to engage a ratchet wheel 52
mounted upon a horizontal shaft 53. The armature of the magnet is thus adapted
to rotate the wheel 52 in one direction and the proportions of the parts are such
that the wheel is forwarded a portion of a revolution measured by one tooth each
forward impulse of the armature. The circuit through the magnets being closed

page_text: the movement of the armature in opposite directions will be controlled by make
and brake effected by the key in the operating instrument.
54 represents a spring, brake fixed to the frame 40 and bearing against the
periphery of wheel 52 to prevent the running of the same when it is advanced
suddenly by the forward impulse of the armature and to hold the ratchet against
the influence of spiral spring 20 after the fourth lever has been shifted.
The shaft 53 is further provided with a wheel 54 keyed thereto and this wheel 54
has a pin 55 on its face adapted to engage a pin 56 upon another wheel 57 which is
loosely mounted upon the shaft 53. The wheel 57 has a pin 58 and a cam 59 both
located upon its periphery. 60 represents a bell-crank-lever fulcrummed at 61 on
a fixed post of the frame and having an upturned end 62 and a spiral spring 63 so
attached as to force the upturned end 62 outward. The cam 59 is adapted to
engage the inner end of the lever 60, and force said end outward in opposition to
the spiral spring when the wheel 57 rotates far enough to bring the cam 59 into
contact with the said inner end. Upon the fourth lever 16 of the bolt work herein-
before described are mounted two pins 64 and 65 which project inward to different
distances. The longest pin 64 is adapted to be disengaged by the pin 58 on the
periphery of the wheel 57 while the shorter pin 65 is engaged by the upturned
end 62 of the bell crank lever 60, while the pin 58 is shown slightly in advance of
the cam 59 the location of the inner end of the lever 60 is such that it is engaged
by the cam 59 before the pin 58 comes in contact with pin 64 and by this engage-
ment the bell-crank-lever is rocked upon its fulcrum 61 so as to withdraw the
upturned end 62 from the short pin 65, before the pin 58 engages the pin 64.
Inasmuch as the lever 16 in order to release the other levers and permit the vertical
bar to be dropped, must be moved in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 5,
it is obvious that the effect of the upturned end 62 of lever 60 will be to secure the
locking of said lever 16 when in engagement with its pin while the effect of the
pin 58 is to move the fourth lever in the direction which causes the release of
the vertical bar. It will therefore be seen that the fourth lever is securely locked
until such time when the lever is to be moved when the locking device will be
released just before the pin 58 comes in contact with the pin 64 and moves said
fourth lever. As hereinbefore explained the fourth lever 16 has a return spring 20
mounted in the cylinder 21 and after the vertical bar is allowed to drop the parts
of the electro-magnetic controlling device will be returned to their normal positions
by means of their respective springs, as soon as the central bar has been raised
and the wheel carrying the pin and cam 58 59 has been turned back.
The pin 55 on wheel 54 is adapted to connect with both sides of the pin 56 on
the loose wheel 57 so that the wheel 54 may make one complete revolution before
restoring the wheel 57 and it will thus be seen that the range of motion of the
attached wheel 52 is equivalent to two revolutions. It may therefore be arranged
so as to necessitate the closing of the circuit by means of the key a great number
of times after the proper circuits have been established, before the fourth lever
will be released.
By the particular arrangement of the spiral spring cylinder 49 and piston 48,
and the location of the same between the magnets much valuable space is saved and
a heretofore unused space occupied instead.
In order that the pawl 51 may be raised it is provided on its outer end with a
stem 51* which may extend through the top of the casing which may surround the
electro-magnetic device when in use. The shaft 53 is provided on its forward end
with an index 53° and a milled turning head and by this means, the ratchet wheel
may be turned back any desired distance, and the index will show how far forward
it must be turned again in order to effect the release of the levers or in other words
will indicate the number of impulses of the armature, necessary to be caused by
the depression of the circuit closing key.
Referring to Figures 6 and 7, which represent the details in the construction of
the circuit setting device 30 and the short circuiting attachment, 36 represents
the metallic ring which carries the contact springs 36ª which are secured between
B

page_text: F
the under bevelled face of said ring 36 and an oppositely bevelled ring 66. The
under ring is secured to the board 'upon which the device is mounted by means of
screw 67 while the upper ring is secured by means of screws 68: The contact
springs 36 are thus given an upwardly inclined set and they are normally held
down upon the contacts 1, 2, 3 etc. of the 'contact circle 72 by means of screws 69
which enter a ring 70 at bottom and are provided with turning knobs 71 at top.
When the switch arm 34 is set upon any one of the contacts 1, 2, 3, etc. the
corresponding contact spring 36" of the short circuiting ring 36 is disconnected
from said contact so that the 'current will 'pass through the arm 34 and the
individual wire which connects the particular contact in use with the corresponding
contact in the operating device.
:
All the wires which are connected to the other contacts in the contact circle will
be short circuited through their respective contacts the contact springs 36" and the
short circuiting ring 36. The contact arm 34 of the switch is mounted upon a
central shaft 73 and said contact arm is provided for convenience with a knob 74
by which it may be turned on any particular contact in the ring.
75 represents an additional contact arm on the opposite end of the central shaft
and both ends of this bear constantly upon a ring 76 which is connected to one of
the wires 23 or 24, see Figure 1. The two circuit setting switches and their short
circuiting attachments together which make up the circuiting device are con-
structed precisely alike although their respective parts are connected with different
wires. The lower ring 76 in the switch A. is connected to 'the wire 23 while the
corresponding part in the switch B is connected to wire 24.
The contacts '1, 2, 3 etc., in switch A of the circuit setting device are connected
by individual wires in the corresponding contacts in the switch a of the operating
device while the respective contacts in the circuit setting switch 'B are connected
by individual wires to the corresponding contacts in the switch b of the operative
device. This will appear more clearly upon référence to Figure 1 in which the
individual wire connecting the contacts in switch A with those in switch a are
numbered 1 2 3 etc. and those connecting the contacts of switch B and bare
numbered 1, 2, 3, etc.
Referring to Figures 8, 9 & 10 which represent the controlling device 31,
80 represents a suitable base and 81 represents a housing preferably constructed of
a strong metal and set at an incline in the base for the purpose of presenting the
parts to be operated by hand in more convenient positions, and this housing 81 is
provided with a vertical longitudinal partition 82 preferably formed of vulcanite
or other insulating material. In the housing 81 are mounted two complete
switches constructed precisely alike but connected to different wires.
But one of these switches need be described minutely and the construction will
be best understood by referring to Figures 9 and 10 in which 83 represents a shaft
projecting transversely through the housing 81 mounted in a sleeve 84, and
having a square end 85 for the reception of a key by which it is turned.
The shaft 83 is divided into two parts by an insulating coupling 86 and the rear
part of the shaft 83 carries a switch arm 87 adapted to contact with a ring 88
against which ring said switch-arm is held by means of a spiral spring 89. The
switch arm 87 is preferably located on the front side of the partition 82 to which
the ring 83 is attached and on the opposite side of said partition is located the
contacting ring 90 containing the insulated contacts 1, 2, 3, etc. of the switch. b
while mounted upon said shaft 83, and in contact with said ring is the 'switch arm'35
hereinafter referred to. On the extreme end of the shaft 83 is located a pinion 91
having inwardly projecting pins 92 for the purpose hereinafter specified.
93 represents a collar surrounding the sleeve 84 and carrying the internal screw
thread 94 which receives the corresponding exterior thread of false 'knobs 95 said
knobs being adapted to completely conceal the. ends 85 of shafts 83. The knobs 95
are constructed to resemble the ordinary knobs of a combination lock, as an
additional safe-guard although it is necessary to remove them and apply a'key to
the ends of the shafts before said shafts can be turned to perform the function for
- A
:

page_text: which they are constructed and which will be understood upon reference. to
Figure 9.which shows an elevation of the rear side of the operating device with
the wall of the housing removed. The switch arms 33, 35 are rotated by the
shaft 83 so as to bring said arms in contact with either one of the contacts in
rings 90. The positions of the switch-arms 33, 35, relative to the connecting. rings
are not indicated in any manner on the surface of the housing 81 but they are
turned back to a starting point, as 1 and then move around in the proper direction
when their movements will be indicated by a bell.96.
In order to indicate accurately the movement of the arms 33, 35 the pins 92 of
pinions 91 are equal in number to the contacts and proportionally spaced. The
bell cranks 97 project between the pins on the pinion 91 and are engaged by said
pins and being connected in a suitable manner to clappers 98 of the bell 96, each
time either of the switch arms 33, 35, moves the distance from one contact to the.
other the bell will sound as the switch reaches the latter contact. It is thus made
very easy to adjust the switch arms to the proper contacts by counting the.
number of strokes of the bell as the shafts 83 are slowly turned by means of a'
suitable key.
When the proper circuit has been established that is to say when the switch-
arms 33, 35 have been moved upon those contacts corresponding to the contacts.
upon which the switch arms rest in the circuit setting device, the electro-magnetic
controlling device will still remain for the reason that the circuit through the
magnets will still be open and if the circuit be closed the central bar will not
be released for the reason that the armature of the electro-magnet must be vibrated
a sufficient number of times to turn the ratchet wheel and through it the fixed and
loose wheels which carry the engaging pins until the cam and pins on the loose
wheel may operate to unlock and then move the fourth lever 16 herein before,
referred to with reference to Figures 1 and 5. In order to provide for thus making
and breaking the circuit the requisite number of times a key 99 and contact post 100
are mounted in the operating instrument as shown in Figures 8 and 10. The key
has a stem 101 which passes through a front wall of the housing and is secured
rigidly in the partition 82. The elasticity of the stem 101 which may be of
spring wire is sufficient to keep the key 99 elevated from the post 100 and the
circuit is therefore completed by simply depressing the key repeatedly upon
the post.
In connecting the instrument 31 to the circuits the key 99 must be connected by
the wire 25 shown in Figures 1 and 10 to the positive pole of the battery 27.
The post is connected to one of the contact rings 88 by a wire 102. From the
rings 88 the current passes through the switch-arms 87 thence through shaft 83 to
the switch-arm 33 then through the particular contact in the contact ring 90 of.
switch 6 through the special wire to the corresponding contact in switch B, thence
through contact-arms 32 to the contact-ring 76 in switch B then through wire 24
to the electro-magnetic controlling device thence over wire 23 through switch A,
through the particular wire which connects A, and a, upon which the switch arms
rest thence to the contact in switch a thence to the contact ring 88 in switch a thence
over wire 26 to the negative pole of the battery.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. A combination electric lock comprising an electro magnetic controlling
device, a suitable source of electricity, a circuit including said controlling device
and source, sets of conductors, and means for connecting the respective circuit
wires with opposite ends of any wire in the respective sets, for the purpose
set forth.
2. A combination electric lock comprising the circuit setting device, the circuit
closing device, the electro-magnetic controlling device connected to one of said
circuit devices, a suitable source of electricity connected to the other of said circuit

page_text: devices and sets of wire running between the respective circuit devices, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
3. In a combination electric lock, the combination of the bolt-controlling levers,
the electro-magnetic device controlling said levers, the source of electricity,
the circuit setting device electrically connected to opposite poles of said
electro-magnetic devices, the circuit closing device connected to opposite poles of
the course, sets of wires, running between the circuit devices and with opposite
ends of the wires in which sets the respective poles of the electro-magnetic device
and source may be connected and a short circuiting device connected with one of
the said circuit devices, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
4. A combination electric lock comprising an electro-magnet controlling device
a suitable source of electricity a circuit including said controlling device and
source, whose respective wires are divided, a set of conductors, interposed between
the two parts of each wire of the circuit and means for connecting the two ends of
each circuit wire with opposite ends of any wire in the interposed sets, for the
purpose set forth.
5. In a combination electric lock, the combination of the bolt work, the electro-
magnetic controlling device, a suitable source of electricity, a circuit including the
source and controlling device, the wires of which circuit are divided, two sets of
conductors, a circuit setting device comprising two switches adapted to connect
one end of each of the respective circuit wires with any conductor at one
end of each set, and a circuit closing device comprising a pair of switches
adapted to connect the other ends of the respective circuit wires with any wire
at the other ends of the respective sets, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
6. In a combination electric lock, the combination of the bolt-controlling levers,
the electro-magnetic device controlling said levers, the source of electricity, the
circuit setting device comprising two switches electrically connected to the
respective poles of said electro-magnetic device, the circuit closing device
comprising two switches connected to the respective poles of the source, two
sets of wires running between corresponding switches in the circuit devices and
with any wires of which sets the corresponding switches are adapted to connect,
and a short circuiting device connected with one of said circuit devices whereby
a through circuit is always obtained, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
7. In a combination electric lock, the combination of the bolt-controlling levers;
the electro-magnet controlling the levers; the circuit setting device comprising
two switches connected to the respective poles of the electro-magnet, and having
each an independent set of contacts; a suitable source of electricity; a circuit
closing device comprising two switches connected to the respective poles of the
source, and having each an independent set of contacts, and two independent
sets of wires, running between contacts in the corresponding sets in the circuit-
setting and closing devices, substantially in the manner and for the purpose
:set forth.
8. In a combination electric lock, the combination of the bolt controlling levers;
the electro-magnet controlling the levers; the circuit setting device comprising
switches connected to the respective poles of the electro-magnet, and having each a
number of contacts; a suitable source of electricity; a circuit closing device
comprising switches connected to the respective poles of the source, and having
each a number of contacts, and sets of wires, running between the corresponding
contacts in the circuit setting and closing devices, substantially in the manner and
for the purpose set forth.
9. In an electric lock, the combination of the bolt controlling levers; the electro-
magnet controlling said levers; the circuit setting device comprising switches, each
of which has a number of contacts; connection between said switches and the
respective poles of the electro-magnet; a circuit closing device comprising switches,
each of which has a number of contacts; a suitable source of electricity; electrical

page_text: connection between the switches of the circuit closing device and the respective
poles of the source of electricity; individual wires connecting the respective contacts
of each switch in the circuit setting device with the corresponding contacts of the
switches of the circuit closing device; and a short circuiting device applied to
the circuit setting device and consisting of a conductor having detachable electrical
connection with each contact of the switches in said circuit setting device; all
substantially as set forth.
10. The combination of the bolt controlling levers; the locking and releasing
lever 16, engaging one of the bolt controlling levers and fulcrummed at a point in
the line in which pressure is exerted by the bolt controlling levers and the electro-
magnetic controlling device adapted to positively engage said bolt 16 for disengaging
it from the bolt controlling levers, all substantially as set forth.
11. The combination of the bolt controlling lever 7 having the end 12, the lever 14
engaging the end 12 and having its fulcrum 15 located near the vertical line of the
point of engagement between said lever and end 12, the vertical lever 16, engaging
lever 14 and fulcrummed at a point in the line of pressure exerted upon it by
the lever 14, and the electro-magnet having positive working connection with said
lever 16, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
12. The combination of the lever, the locking device, the rotating wheel carrying
means for engaging the lever, and locking device, a shaft by which said wheel is
turned the ratchet mounted on the shaft, the electro-magnet and its armature
carrying a pawl engaging the ratchet, all substantially as set forth.
13. The combination of the fourth lever 16, the locking lever 60 normally in
engagement with said lever 16 for locking it, the rotating wheel 57 having a cam
adapted to engage said locking lever for disengaging it and a pin for engaging the
lever 19, for moving it, the electro-magnet, and the armature having working
connection with said wheel 57 all substantially as set forth.
14. The combination of the fourth lever 16, having the pins 64, 65, the locking
bell-crank-lever 66 having a spring which forces it normally into engagement with
pin 65 a wheel 57 having a cam 59 adapted to engage said locking bell-crank-lever
to disengage it from pin 55, and a pin 58 for engagement with pin 64 for moving
the lever, a ratchet connection with said wheel 57, an electro-magnet, and an
armature carrying a pawl adapted to operate said ratchet, all substantially as
set forth.
15. The combination of the bolt-controlling levers, the fourth lever adapted
to engage said bolt-controlling levers, the electro-magnetic controlling device
having means for engaging said fourth lever, and socket 21 having spiral
springs 20, said spring being adapted to force said fourth lever into engagement
with the bolt-controlling levers, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
16. The combination of the bolt controlling levers, the fourth lever adapted to
engage the same, the spring 20 for forcing the said fourth lever to its work, the
rotating wheel for releasing said fourth lever, the ratchet connected with said
releasing wheel, the electro-magnet having an armature engaging said ratchet, and
the brake bearing against said ratchet for preventing its running and holding it in
its advanced position against the fourth lever spring, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
17. The combination of the electro-magnet the armature, and the return spring
for said armature located upon the forward side of the armature alongside the
magnet and consisting of the piston engaging the armature, and the spiral
spring cylinder in which the piston works, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
18. The circuit setting device consisting of the switch-arm adapted to be connected
to one conductor of a circuit, a number of contacts, adapted for connection with
individual conductors and a short circuiting device consisting of the conducting
portion having a separable connection with each one of the said contacts, substantially
as and for the purpose set forth.
19. The herein described circuit setting device consisting of pairs of switches

page_text: adapted for connection with the respective conductor of a. circuit, two, sets of
-contacts adapted for connection with individual wires of two sets of conductors, and a
short circuiting device consisting of a conductor having a separable connection
with each contact, whereby the ones in, use may be cut out from the short
circuiting device and all the others be connected so as to give a through circuit, as
explained.
20. The combination of the switch 32, 34, the shaft 73, contact arm 75 and
rings 76, the contact circles 72 having the insulated contacts therein, the short
-circuiting rings 36, having contact springs 36" and the screws 69, substantially. as
and for the purpose set forth.
21. The combination of the switch, the contact circle having the insulated
contacts and the short circuiting device consisting of the rings arranged con-
centrically with the switch and contact circle and each consisting of the
rings 36, 66, having the parallel bevelled faces, the contact spring 36" clamped
between said rings whereby they receive the upwardly inclined set, and adapted
to be pressed upon the contacts and the screws 69, all substantially as set forth.
22. The combination of the pair of circuit setting switches A. B, each consisting
of the switch arm and a number of contacts, the pair of circuit closing switches
each consisting of a switch and a number of contacts, and two sets of conductors
connecting corresponding switches in the circuit setting and closing devices,
substantially as explained.
23. The combination of the electro-magnetic controlling device having the pawl
. carried by the armature and the ratchet for operating the device; the circuit
setting device, the circuit closing device and the make and break consisting of the
key 99, and contact 100, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
24. The combination of the casing, the switch mounted in the casing, the shaft
for moving the switch and the false knob 95 controlling the shaft, substantially as
and for the purpose set forth.
2. The combination of the casing, the switch, the shaft for moving the switch,
and the bell also operated by the shaft and for indicating the movement of the
switch in the manner explained.
26. The combination of the casing, the switch, the shaft for moving the switch,
the bell, the striker, and the pinion on the switch shaft engaging the striker, of the
bell substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
27. The combination of the casing, the switch located within the casing and
comprising a switch arm and a number of contacts, the shaft controlling the switch,
the pinion on the end of said shaft, the bell, the striker, and the bell-crank-lever
controlling the striker and engaged by said pinion; the pins in said pinion being
equal in number and spaced proportionally to the contacts of the switch, as and for
the purpose set forth.
28. The combination of the casing, the switch located in the casing, the shaft
controlling said switch and provided with the insulating coupling, the sleeve inserted
in the front wall of the casing surrounding the shaft, the collar surrounding said
sleeve and the false knob secured to said collar, all substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
29. The combination of the casing, the partition in the casing, the shaft passing
through said casing and partition, the switch-arms carried by said shaft on
opposite sides of the partition and the contact circle and contact ring located in the
respective sides of said partition, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
30. The combination of the casing having the partition, the shaft carrying the
.switch-arms, the contact ring and contact circle located on opposite sides of
the partition and in contact with the respective arms, the key and the post, said key
and post being connected, the one to a suitable source of electricity and the other to
the contact ring substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
31. The combination of the casing having the central partition, the shafts
extending through said casing and partition, the switches supported by said shaft
and partition and the make and break device located between the shafts and

page_text: consisting of the post mounted in the base and the key extending through the wall
of the casing and rigidly secured in the partition, substantially as and for the
purpose set forth.
32. The combination electric-controlling circuits and switches in combination
with a safe and its lock-controlling mechanism, substantially in the manner and for
the purpose set forth.
33. The combination with a safe, of the herein described combination electric-
controlling devices or lock.
34. The herein described electric combination lock and the construction and
arrangement of the several parts whereby they perform their respective functions.
in substantially the manner indicated.
700Tтся ПАТИТ пля
J. G. THOMPSON,
By Harris & Mills,
23, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C..