IMPROVEMENTS IN BURGLAR PROOF SAFES AND IN Eva
Year: 1882

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Corliss, of the City of Providence in the County
of Providence and State of Rhode Island one of the United States of America
for an Invention of IMPROVEMENTS IN BURGLAR PROOF SAFES AND IN
Eva 407
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Corliss at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 25th July 1882.
WILLIAM CORLISS, of the City of Providence, in the County of Providence, and
State of Rhode Island, one of the United States of America, "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BURGLAR PROOF SAFES AND IN MEANS FOR CONTROLLING AND SECURING THE
DOOR-OPERATING MECHANISM,"
The first part of the invention relates to the construction of the main body in a
spheroidal form in two parts, united by a strong screw-thread, and having
a sufficient circular aperture for the door. The safe is chilled iron, Franklinite, or
other very hard material, strengthened with wrought iron bars imbedded in and
united with the casting. I use the term "Basket to designate the peculiar strong
frame.
"Cut
The second part of the invention consists in a guard-piece which I term a
off Ring," applied in the joint to prevent drilling or wedging.
The third part of the invention I term "Planet." It is analogous to a planet in
the motion of a part which revolves on an axis, which axis travels around another
axis. It is also analogous to a planet in the form of the main body, which is a
flattened spheroid.
The fourth part of the invention relates to peculiarities of the "basket" employed
in the "planet" safe. I make the basket, and the principal portion of the body in
one piece instead of two pieces.
The fifth part of the invention relates to peculiarities of the mechanism by which
the door is secured and released as required through the aid of one or more locks.
I employ a screw-threaded counter-bolt turned in one direction and the other by
an independent train of mechanism, and caused to confine and liberate the
mechanisin which operates the main bolt. I employ two such counter-bolts

page_text: controlled by one lock, and connected so as also to confine and liberate the mechanism
which moves the door to effect the opening motion.
The lock is made to perform an essential function in connecting the mechanism
to liberate the transverse bolt. Any derangement of the parts, or even a slight
displacement of the whole lock in its relation to the other parts renders the safe
incapable of being opened.
The sixth part of the invention relates to a provision which I term "passive,"
whereby the lock, or a part operated thereby, performs double functions. It not
only clutches or connects the mechanism to enable it to withdraw the counter-bolt,
but also interposes a stop to prevent the withdrawal of the same by any means
whatever, except the lock is properly operated.
The seventh part of the invention consists in provisions for insuring that the
lock shall be displaced if violence is used, in combination with provisions already
referred to which insure that any displacement of the lock shall defeat the operation
of opening the safe. The co-operation of the lock is required to effect the liberation
of the strong mechanism which works the main bolt, and moves the door, and a
derangement of position sufficient to prevent such co-operation is rendered certain
when force is applied either by explosives, or by the great pressure required to
drill hard material.
Laborious and expensive experiments have been made in determining the best
means of reducing to practice...
As to the first part.-I enclose within the hard material of the safe a basket
frame of wrought iron, and cause the cast iron to unite strongly thereto, and be in
turn tied strongly together thereby.
As to the second part,-I make the spherical safe in two approximately equal
divisions, screw threaded, and united by turning the one around relatively to the
other, and provide in the joint a space, in which is applied a previously prepared
hardened steel bar, made for convenience in a number of piecos. The bar sets
partly in the material on each side of the joint, and aids to defend the joint by
rendering it nearly or quite impossible to drill at any point along the line of the
joint.
As to the third part, the flattened spheroid has an opening at the top, and
preferably also one at the bottom, with provisions for strongly closing them. It
has also a sufficient revolving frame mounted centrally in the interior, and
supporting the door, and also supporting the contents of the safe by suitable
strong shelves, boxes or compartments. The door is pivoted on an axis so near the
periphery of the framing that it presents the door in the required position for
closing when the frame is properly turned.
framing to maintain a sufficient hemispherical space in which to allow the door to
A concave partition is provided in the
be revolved on its own axis. I provide also what I term a "la:ch-plate," which
holds the revolving door in the position required to allow the frame and its co-
nection to be turned around to allow of convenient access to all parts through the
relatively small aperture presented when the door is open. The latch also aids to
keep the door in the correct position for being closed, while the other parts are
being operated to effect the final closing movement.
4
As to the fourth part,-1 arrange the bars of the basket in a manner corre-
sponding to the lines of latitude and longitude on the earth, and short bars
corresponding to meridians are introduced between the principal ones at the mid-
height or equator, so as to give all parts about equal support, but with openings at
the poles, and with a further opening at the equator, which latter serves as the 5
orifice to be closed by the door. The basket is formed with a continuous ring of
wrought metal around each opening.
As to the fifth part,-I provide two clutches, operated by the conical ends of
slender rods, one of which latter is thrust endwise by one of the two locks
employed. One lock, operating only one of the points, may serve,-but two locks 5
and two points and clutches, arranged to allow either to serve as required without
the other, are preferable. When the locks draw back both the points, the clutches

page_text: are disconnected, and the shaft connecting from the outside may be worked, but
without producing any effect on either the two counter-bolts, one of which counter-
bolts strongly obstructs the operation of the main bolt or securing means for the
door, and the other of which operates the door.
After the safe is secured, the lock which has been used is caused to withdraw its
point or cone from the clutch. When it is desired to open the safe, either lock
may be caused to protrude its point, and to engage its clutch. Care must be taken
not to operate both locks so as to protrude their points at the same time.
The shaft from the exterior carries a beveled wheel which engages two beveled
wheels on a transverse shaft turning one in a direction opposite to that of the
other. To withdraw the counter-bolts, the exterior shaft must be operated in one
direction when one lock is used, and in the other direction when the other lock is
used. The counter-bolts are threaded bolts, turned by the turning of the shaft.
There is provision for the counter-bolts to move endwise without losing their
connection with said shaft.
As to the sixth part, I provide means also operated by a lock, for not only
engaging and disengaging this train of mechanism to operate the counter bolts,
but also for interposing a positive stop to arrest their disengagement. The passive
function performed by this stop contributes greatly to the completeness of the
protection afforded by the invention.
I provide in what I esteem the most complete means of carrying out this part
of the invention two locks, and employ a single member operated by either lock
to perform the last described function. This passive member is made of considerable
length in the direction transversely to the motion, and the locks are engaged
respectively to the two ends. The member is moved with a rocking motion.
I provide a hole of peculiar form, composed of two large holes united by a narrow
passage. The reduced and square portion of one of the counter bolts which enters
the corresponding square-sectioned interior of the shaft before described, extends
through this peculiar hole. The passive member containing this hole is moved in
one direction by the projecting of the proper point from one lock, and in the
opposite direction by the projecting of the proper point from the other lock.
Either movement presents a sufficiently large hole in this passive member to allow
the withdrawal of the counter-bolt. But when both the locks are caused to
withdraw their points, the passive member assumes a position where the contracted
part of the counter-bolt is received in a portion of the hole contracted in such
manner that the bolt cannot be withdrawn.
As to the seventh part, I provide a separate drill-proof protection interposed
between each lock and the adjacent inner surface of the safe-door or safe body.
The fastenings of this drill-proof protection to the door or main part are sufficiently
weak to be ruptured by the great force applied, which is necessary to make any
impression with the drill. When by dint of great labor and extraordinary pressure
on his drill, a burglar has succeeded in producing a hole through the door, and
commences to press against this extra internal protection, the great pressure
necessary will rend the fastenings, and move the lock protection, and consequently
the lock which is within it. As any movement of the lock will, by the delicate
relation of the locks to the clutches and the connected parts, defeat the unlocking
operation, it follows that this provision for insuring a movement of the lock when
drilling, constitutes an important protection to the contents of the safe. It will be
obvious that the same combination defeats the opening of the safe by gun-powder
or other explosives introduced by any means. The derangement of position of
the lock, instead of facilitating the opening of the safe, renders the opening
impossible.
After such attempt to open, the owner can only get access to the interior of the
safe by tools and appliances of the manufacturer applied for a longer time than
a burglar can ever command.

page_text: SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed
by the said William Corliss in the Great Seal Patent Office on the
23rd January 1883.
WILLIAM CORLISS of the City of Providence and County of Providence, and
State of Rhode Island, one of the United States of America. "IMPROVEMENTS IN
BURGLAR PROOF SAFES AND IN MEANS FOR CONTROLLING AND SECURING THE DOOR
OPERATING MECHANISM."
"
The first part of the invention relates to the construction of the main body in
a spheroidal form in the two parts, united by a strong screw thread, and having
a sufficient circular aperture for the door. The safe is chilled iron, Franklinite, or
other very hard material strengthened with a frame of wrought iron bars embedded
in and united with the casting. I use the term "Basket" to designate the peculiar
strong frame. The second part of the invention consists in a guard piece which
I term a "Cut off Ring" applied in the joint to prevent drilling or wedging. The
third part of the invention I term "Planet" It is analogous to a planet in the
motion of a part which revolves on its axis, which axis travels around another
axis. It is also analogous to a planet in the form of the main body which is a
flattened spheroid. The fourth part of the invention relates to peculiarities of the
basket" employed in the "planet" safe. I make the basket and the principal
portion of the body in one piece instead of two pieces. The fifth part of the
invention relates to peculiarities of the mechanism by which the door is secured
and released as required through the aid of one or more locks.
threaded counter bolt turned in one direction and the other by an independent
employ a screw
train of mechanism, and caused to confine and liberate the mechanism which
operates the main bolt. I employ two such counter bolts controlled by one lock,
and connected so as also to confine and liberate the mechanism which moves the
door to effect the opening motion. The lock is made to perform an essential
function in connecting the mechanism to liberate the transverse bolts. Any
derangement of the parts or even a slight displacement of the whole lock in its
relation to the other parts renders the safe incapable of being opened. The sixth
part of the invention relates to a provision which I term " passive" whereby the
lock, or a part operated thereby performs double functions. It not only clutches
or connects the mechanism to enable it to withdraw the counter bolt, but also
interposes a stop to prevent the withdrawal of the same by any means whatever
except when the lock is properly operated. The seventh part of the invention
consists in provisions for ensuring that the lock shall be displaced if violence is
used, in combinations with provisions already referred to which ensure that any
displacement of the lock shall defeat the operation of opening the safe. The
co-operation of the lock is required to effect the liberation of the strong mechanisin
which works the main bolt and moves the door and a derangement of position
sufficient to prevent such co-operation is rendered certain when force is applied
either by explosives, or by the great pressure required to drill hard material.
In order to make my invention clearly understood, I will describe the several
parts thereof in detail, with reference to the accompanying six sheets of drawings.
Referring to the first part I have in the United States Letters Patent issued 4
to me April 30, 1872, No. 126,132 described a spherical form of safe with provisions
for properly operating the door thereof, which possesses marked advantages.
It has long been proposed to toughen and strengthen rectangular safes by bars
of wrought iron or steel enclosed within the casting. I have discovered and
practically wrought out a mode of applying analogous bars in my spherical safe, 5

page_text: when the same is made of cast metal so as to realize the advantages due thereto
without interfering with the peculiar qualities of the spherical safe and so as to
give increased strength due to a firm uniting of the bars together before their
introduction into the mold. have also made a complete union between the cast
5 and wrought metals so that the safe utilizes for that reason the strength of the
fibrous metal more fully than in ordinary safes. This part of the invention is
illustrated on sheet one of the drawings Figs. 1 to 9.
Fig. 1. is a view of the basket, of wrought iron or steel which I prepare to
strengthen the main body of my safe. The interior or hollow side is presented
toward the eye. Fig. 2. is a partial section, shewing the basket without the series
of internal bars. The stout bars which unites the others by receiving them through
it is shewn in strong lines. The positions merely of the others are shewn by
dotted circles. Fig. 3. is a partial section at right angles to Fig. 2 and shewing
the basket with its internal parts fully in place. These parts except the stout
uniting bar, may be attached by small wires. I have indicated no atteinpt to
unite the parts of the basket strongly except by the single main hoop or uniting
piece. Figs. 4. and 5. shew my corresponding strongly united frame for what I
term the "front ring." Fig. 4. is a face view, and Fig. 5. an edge view. Fig. 6.
shews one of the parts detached. Figs. 7 and 8, shew my strongly united basket
for the door. Fig. 7 is a face view looking at the hollow side. Fig 8. is a central
section. Fig. 9. is a central vertical section through the parts of the safe complete.
This figure also shews the parts in their proper relations to each other for use
but with the door moved inward ready to be opened by revolving on an axis (not
shewn)
Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in these nine figures
wherever they occur.
I adopt the general construction shewn in the modification of my original patent
above referred to which modification was patented to me in the United States
March 25, 1873, No. 137,061.
A, is the main body, formed with an internal screw thread a.
C, is the front ring formed with a screw thread, c, and applying strongly to A,
by turning one relatively to the other and keying it against unscrewing by a screw
inserted in the joint from the inside.
D, is the door, which will be understood as equipped with the mechanism shewn
in the patent last referred to, or otherwise adapted for convenient operation and
for securing when properly closed.
The exteriors of all the parts A, C, and D, are of some hard material which may
be cast and which is adapted to resist drilling iron cast in a chill, franklinite, cast
steel, semi-steel or the like. This cast metal M, is formed in a suitable mold, and
flows around and covers and unites strongly with the interior basket work.
The baskets work in each instance contains two sets of pieces ml, m³, strongly
united together. They may be of any wrought iron or any steel which will endure
high temperature: but I will describe them as soft and tough Pennsylvania iron.
They are properly curved to occupy the desired positions in the spherical casting,
and when placed in, the mold are held in their proper central positions in the
castings by anchors. (Not represented.) The basket m' m' is tinned before it is
placed in the mold, and on being surrounded by the melted cast metal the high
temperature of the cast metal is imparted to the wrought metal and the tin serves
as a flux enabling the whole to unite.
In Figs. 1. 2 and 3. there is an additional set of parts m³, which lie just within
the parts m², and are lightly attached to the latter by small wires or the like. Such
slight fastenings are only intended to serve the temporary purpose of holding the
parts in the proper positions until the melted metal M, can flow perfectly around
them. After that the high temperature will ordinarily destroy the slight wire
fastenings (not shewn) which hold the parts m³ and m³, together: but before this
s completed the cast metal M, has sufficiently hardened to prevent the parts from
becoming displaced.

page_text: The parts m¹ m², are strongly united of themselves by means which hold them
forcibly together independently of or additionally to the holding due to the cast
metal M. The part m¹, is in the form of a stout hoop punched or drilled and
receiving the parts m² in such holes. After all are inserted the stout hoop m¹,
is compressed tightly upon the parts m², by blows of a hanner or otherwise, so 5
that it shall slightly indent the material m³, and hold the parts strongly engaged.
In Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 the same mode of fastening is employed. In Figs. 1, 2
and 3, the parts m², are arch-shaped bars with the ends extended so as to be
parallel and thrust through the holes in m¹. In Figs, 4 and 5, the part m¹ is a
corresponding stout hoop correspondingly punched or drilled; but the parts m² 1
are short pins. One end is thrust through the part m¹, and secured as above
described. The other end is spread, as indicated, to anchor strongly in the cast
metal M, additional to the adhesion due to the heated union with flux.
In Figs. 7 and 8, there are stout hoops corresponding to m² and a series of four
stout transverse straps with rivits corresponding to m'. These latter take hold
rivit-wise of the parts m², and hold the whole in a strongly united basket, additional
to the hold ensured by the enveloping cast metal M, and the welding or adhesion
of the latter to the surfaces.
The basket m¹ m², is carefully proportioned to the space it is to fill, and is held
in such position that its parts will be completely embedded. It contributes to the
burglar-proof qualities of the safe by being softer than the surrounding metal,
tending by well known laws to break any drill which may touch it. It also con-
tributes to the strength by holding the parts reliably together after the casting has
been fractured by any violence.
The rivitting or analogous strong fastening of the parts m', m², together con-
tributes to the strength of the completed structure and aids in holding the bars
at the previous stages with the exactness required for spherical work.
I have experimented on a large scale, tinning the baskets in a sufficiently large
bath of commercial tin. I find the cast metal unites with the wrought after such
coating with an apparent weld. I can use red lead with some success as a substitute
for the tin coating.
As a preparation for the tinning, I first treat the surfaces of the basket with
dilute nitric acid and afterwards with dilute muriatic acid in which zinc has been
immersed. Then the tinning may be effected by a simple plunging in the bath of
melted tin.
It will be observed that where the main body A overlaps upon the threaded
part of the front ring, C, there are two layers of the wrought iron basket work, one
layer in each part of the safe. I attach much improtance to this peculiarity of the
construction. It gives greatly increased security to this part of the structure. In
its absence the outer part might possibly be chipped away or the inner part might
be broken across.
The spawling off or crumbling away from the exterior is one of the modes by
which a burglar having plenty of time and tools would attack the safe. The
basket work extending over the threaded joint c, is important in preventing that.
The rending apart of the front ring in the plane of the outer joint by means of
wedges driven into the latter from the exterior is another of the ways by which a
entrance. The basket work
burglar similarly conditioned would attempt an
extending under the screw thread c prevents this.
Referring to the second part: This feature of the invention is illustrated in
Figs. 9 and 10, Sheet One of the drawings. Fig. 9. being a central vertical section
of the safe, and Fig. 10. a front view of the rear part of the safe separated from the
front part.
R, is a ring preferably made in sections for convenience of construction; this
ring may be of circular or any other convenient section, fitted into grooves
formed in the two adjacent surfaces forming the joint between the two main parts
A, C, of the safe body, so that it lies in the joint half to one side and half to the
other side thereof. The ring R, or when made in sections, each section thereof, is

page_text: composed of layers of steel and soft iron welded together, and hardened, so that
while the iron remains soft the steel is as hard as it is practicable to make it. The
result is a compound which will break the drill whenever an attempt is made to
drill in the line of the joint. The ring R or the sections thereof should be finished
up before hardening.
I can employ two more of the rings extending around or one outside of the
other in any joint of sufficient depth to contain them. Where only one is employed
it should lie at such depth in the joint as to avoid the probability of cutting away
the metal of the safe around it, and reaching it with a blow pipe heat to soften the
material thereof.
One of the plans by which burglars open strong iron safes is by drilling a series
of holes close together along the joints, and introducing slightly tapered wedges
between correspondingly formed cheeks. The strain induced by such wedges
properly driven close together around the entire safe is prodigious. My cut-off
ring R, forbids this operation by preventing the burglar from drilling holes to a
sufficient depth. The material of the safe itself, is intended to be hard, but it may
possibly be drilled. The material of my ring R is made to be as nearly as possible
undrillable.
Referring to the third part of the invention: In the United States Patent,
above referred to, No. 137,061. I have described a burglar proof safe of spherical
form with a door opening inward and turning on a carrying frame in the vertical
axis of the safe, said carrying frame being provided with suitable shelving on which
the articles to be protected are placed. According to the construction of that safe,
the shell or main body is bisected in a plane passing through or in proximity to
the centre of the entire structure, the two halves being screwed firmly together as
illustrated in Fig. 9. Sheet One of the accompanying drawings.
This third part of my invention relates to another construction of safe retaining
all the advantages of the other, but superior thereto in many respects. According
to this new construction I obtain a large available capacity with a given weight.
All the parts are made easily accessible and the strength of the structure is
increased. The entire main body of this safe is formed by one single sheel or
casting with a relatively small aperture for the door. The shape of this shell may
be properly compared with a planet, being spherical with the portions near the
poles flattened. In one or in both these flattened portions are formed holes of
sufficient diameter to permit the introduction of the inwardly opening door, which
holes are subsequently closed by means of heads screwed in firmly. The articles to
be protected are placed on suitable shelving carried on or forming an interior shell
which is capable of revolving on a shaft in the vertical axis of the structure so
that all the parts of the periphery of the revolving shell may be readily brought
opposite the aperture for the door which is at a point on or near the equator of
the structure.
It will be noticed now, that, as it is desired for the sake of strength, to make
the aperture for the door relatively small, access to the upper and lower portions
of the interior would be difficult, if the safe body were perfectly spherical, and
consequently this room at the poles would be practically useless, while the volume
and weight would be considerably larger. This is a very important reason for
flattening the safe body at the poles. I produce thereby a safe of the largest
available capacity and the greatest strength possible with a given weight.
The peculiar planet shape of the safe being dictated by reasons of economy in
volume and material as demonstrated, I avail myself thereof in the practical
construction of the details.
As above stated, the door is preferably made to open inward. The Blattened
portions at the poles offer a most convenient place for the formation of a sufficient
hole or holes for the introduction of the door, these holes facilitate also in other
respects the construction.
The joints of these openings with the closing heads have a cylindrical form and
being in a nearly flat portion of the body offer in every respect the greatest strength

page_text: with the least amount of metal. This form of joint obviously precludes the
effective use of wedges, and furthermore as the flattened surface of the safe
body forms nearly a right angle with the line of the joint, it also avoids the
possibility of spawling or chipping of the metal around the head or heads against
which process provision would have to be made by a special reinforcement of the
metal if the line of the joint were at a sharp angle with the surface of the safe
body in other words, if the latter were perfectly spherical.
It will be observed that in the form of safe illustrated in Fig. 9. the ring shaped
joint, formed in a plane, necessitated a large increase of metal at that point in
order to prevent the possibility of splitting or rending it apart by means of
wedges. In the planet, shaped safe the necessity of a joint of this nature is
avoided altogether and I am able to produce a safe of more uniform thickness and
increased strength.
When the door is made to open inward as I prefer, the mechanism for securing
the same may be similar to that to be bereinafter described with reference to the
fifth part of the invention, or any other suitable mechanism may be employed for
the purpose. But instead of connecting the door directly with the internal
revolving shell, using the latter as a bracket therefor, I employ a supplemental
bracket turning on the internal revolving shell and supporting the door with
liberty to move the latter backward and forward to a small extent, and to turn it
on the axis of, and together with this supplemental bracket. By this arrangement
I avoid the necessity of moving the door bodily inward to such an extent as to
permit the revolution of the interior shell or casing if the door, were not capable of
swinging on said interior shell for it is evident that by using the supplemental
bracket, a very small inward motion of the door suffices to allow its revolution on
the axis of said bracket; then when the door is thus turned half a revolution, the
entire interior shell may be turned without bringing the door in contact with any
part of the main body of the safe.
Another important advantage resulting from the employment of this supplemental
bracket is, that the entire locking mechanism, which is mounted on the inside of
the door is made easily accessible for inspection and repairs. This is due to the
fact that the supplemental bracket swings between the aperture for the door and
the axis of the main bracket or interior revolving shell, so that a half revolution of
the supplemental bracket causes the inside of the door and consequently the
locking mechanism to be presented toward the door aperture, in close proximity
thereto, whilst, if the door were mounted directly on the main bracket a half
revolution of the latter would present the locking mechanism also opposite the door
aperture, but in this case in the rear part of the interior of the safe where access
would be extremely difficult.
I provide suitable means for guiding the door in its inward and outward motion
and also for holding it in position after it has been turned so as to permit the
revolution of the interior shell The latter itself is also provided with means for
holding it with a certain resistance in given positions.
This part of the invention is intended more particularly for large safes for
Treasuries, Banks, and Safe Deposit Companies and the like, but some of the
advantages of the invention may be realized in smaller constructions.
This part of the invention is illustrated in Figs. 11. to 14 sheets Two and Three
of the drawings.
Fig. 11, is a vertical section of the entire safe. Fig. 12, is a horizontal section of
the same, the locking mechanism being omitted. Fig. 3, is a vertical section on
the line 8 8, of Fig. 14, on a large scale. Fig. 14. is a vertical section through the door
and its adjuncts corresponding to Fig. 11. Figs. 13 and 14 are on the same scale.
Similar letters of reference indicate like parts in all these four figures.
A, is the main shell or body of the safe, cast of one piece of spherical form
with the portions at the top and bottom flattened. The relatively small hole for
the door B is formed at the equator and the circumference thereof is strengthened

page_text: by an annular increase of the thickness of the metal forming a circular boss A', as
illustrated.
At the flattened poles of the body A, are formed holes of sufficient diameter
to permit the introduction of the door B, and of the parts composing the interior
revolving shell. These holes are subsequently closed by stout heads A, firmly
screwed in and secured against unscrewing by means of one or more pins a, driven
from the inside into the screw joint as represented. The heads A³, are formed
with a considerable offset near the outer surface in order to prevent the driving of
wedges.
The door or stout movable part B, when in the proper adjustment, effectually
closes the only aperture of the completed safo. It is formed with offsets, as
shewn, and when in position is locked by the segmefital bolt C, moved out by
suitable mechanism through the aid of strong links and bell crank levers as
shewn. When thus moved outward or expanded, this bolt C, engages in a
groove extending quite around the door aperture, giving great strength to resist
any movement of the door.
The interior shell destined to contain the articles to be protected is fixed to a
vertical shaft m, maintained in suitable brasses in the interior faces of the parts A³.
The top and bottom are formed of two sufficiently stout shells M M, made in
halves and bolted together. They are fixed to the shaft m, and are dished to
correspond to the form of the interior of the safe body and are placed at a
sufficient distance therefrom to avoid friction therewith. These discs M M,
together with the shaft m, constitute what I term the main bracket. Between
these discs is a casing M, shewn in Figs. 11 and 12, equipped with doors M. In
the drawings I have shewn three such doors. This casing or shell may be divided
and subdivided by partitions in any manner desired, or it may be left without
division according to the requirements of the business. The storing bullion and
coin few, if any divisions are required.
A hemispherical recess M³, is formed in one side of this casing in which recess
the door B, is received, when it is turned on its own axis or rather on the
supplemental bracket G. supported at the top and bottom in the parts M. The
thin shell M³, guards this recess against the tumbling into it of any articles stored
in the safe.
The supplemental bracket G, is carried in suitable bearings in the parts M, and
supports the door B, allowing the latter to be turned on its own axis, carried
around with the general interior M and also moved bodily to a moderate extent to .
and from said bracket G. When the supplemental bracket G, with the door B, is
turned so that the latter is received in the recess M, as illustrated in dotted lines
in Fig. 12. the entire interior shell with the door and its adjuncts may be revolved
either entirely or partly on the central shaft m. Thus conditioned the safe is open
and all parts are made accessible through the door opening.
When the safe is to be locked, the entire interior shell is revolved until the
cavity M is brought opposite the door cavity. Then the door B, with the supple-
mental bracket G. is caused to perform a half revolution around the axis of the latter
and being thus brought in proper relation to the door aperture, but somewhat too far
inward, is closed by being moved bodily outward until the offsets around its
edges match tightly against the corresponding offsets around the aperture. The
expanding ring or segmental bolt C, is then moved strongly outward and locked
and all is secure.
The means for moving the door bodily to and from the axis of the bracket G
are indicated in Figs. 13 and 14. The door is opened by being moved bodily
inward by turning the screw H, to a sufficient extent to disengage the door from
the body A. The door is then made to perform a half revolution, being supported
by the bracket G. turning on the axis of and with the latter. When the door is
thus snugly received in the hemispherical recess M3, the entire interior M, M,
M M2, m, with the door and its connections may be revolved easily within the
safe body so as to expose all parts of the contents of the safe in succession to the

page_text: door aperture it being understood that the inner doors M', are opened and closed
as required either with or without a lock for each.
I, is a lock plate which carries the entire locking mechanism and supports and
partly guides the door in its inward and outward movement as it is made to
traverse by the rotation of the screw H. In order to steady the door in this
movement so as to prevent its swinging on the part I', of the lock plate, a yoke J,
is fastened to the door near the bottom; this yoke J, embraces with a close
fit the lower trunnions of the supplemental bracket G, but with liberty to go
and come.
In order to prevent an accidental turning of the entire interior shell when in
a given position, either with a certain opening or door M', thereof presented opposite
the opening of the door B or with the latter itself presented opposite its opening,
I provide a spring latch L, enclosed in a suitable casing formed in one of the
shells M. On the inner face of the adjacent head A', are fastened in a circular
series a number of latch plates L', in such positions that whenever in the revolution
of the interior shell, a door or opening of the latter, or the main door B, is
presented opposite the opening for the door in the safe body, the latch L, snaps
into a corresponding latch plate L', and tends to hold the entire revolving shell
with gentle force in that position. Both the depressions in the latch plates L', and
the end of the latch L are bevelled so as to facilitate the engagement and
disengagement of these parts.
A nearly similar arrangement is provided to hold the door against accidental
turning and to guide it. in its outward movement in the act of closing. The
yoke J, carries a latch J¹, suspended on a a centre j and gently pressed outward in a
radial direction by means of a spring 71. J, J, are two latch plates, the first one
being fixed to the main body A, near the door aperture whilst the second is
attached to the shell M³. Both these latch plates are formed with guideways that
are made flaring toward the axis of the bracket G. When the door is to be opened
and is for this purpose first moved bodily inward the latch J', nearly recedes out
of the guideway in the plate J. then on turning the door the flaring end of this
guideway presses said latch inward until it is capable of passing by the edge of the
snaps
plate J, and when a half revolution of the door is completed, the latch J',
into the guideway of the plate J, and thus holds the door B, with gentle force
against further turning. When the door is to be closed, the turning thereof with
sufficient force disengages first the latch J' from the guideway in the plate J³ and
when another half revolution is nearly completed, so as to again bring the door B,
into position to be received in the door opening on being moved outward, the
latch J snaps into the guideway in the plate J, and this outwardly contracting
guideway gradually guides the door B, when moved outward exactly into the right
position to make a close fit with the door opening.
Modifications may be made in the details without departing from the principles
of this part of the invention. Certain parts of the invention may be used without
others. Some advantages of the invention may be realized with a door opening
outward. The door need not necessarily be circular, I can, for instance, make
it oval.
The heads A, may be made without offsets, or the offsets may be higher or lower.
The screw threads may be coarser or finer. One of these heads may suffice
and the opposite portion may be constructed in one with, and forming an immovable
part of the body.
The latching devices L, L', and J¹, J2, J³, or either of them may be omitted. The
latch plates L may be placed on the main body A, instead of being fastened upon
the head A'.
Referring to the fourth part of the invention: The object of this part of the
invention is to adapt the method of strengthening the casting or shell of the safe
by means of a basket as above described with reference to the first part to the
planet safe lastly described. This is accomplished by using a single, basket of
spherical or approximately spherical shape. Any attempt to rend apart or split

page_text: the safe on any line in whatsoever plane laid through the structure is strongly
resisted by the tough material of the basket in addition to the great resistance
offered by the casting itself. The several rods composing such basket are preferably
arranged in a manner corresponding to the parallels and meridians of a planet.
The continuity of the meridians and of those parallels which have the largest
diameters is interrupted by the presence of the holes at the poles and of the one
hole for the door at the equator of the structure, but by reason of the firm union
of the basket with the cast iron in which it is embedded, such openings have no
weakening effect on the basket. The holes are comparatively sinall with relation
to the respective curvatures of the body of the safe so that they form practically
round holes in a nearly flat surface. The surrounding metal is a continuous ring
enclosing the head and of a strength sufficient to resist all wedging forces. By
reason of this condition a separation from the main body of the parts inserted to
close said holes, cannot be effected by wedging or any analogous process.
The bars composing the basket are all properly bent before being put together
and in forming the basket the bars may simply be connected with each other by
means of small wires so as to hold them in their proper relative position while the
metal is being cast around them but in the most complete form of my Invention
I use three stout hoops to enclose the three openings in the safe body and I frame
the entire basket upon these hoops, using them as a base for the operation. They
also serve to firmly hold the parts together until finally confined by the metal cast
around the basket. They contribute great strength to the structure.
This part of the invention is illustrated in Figs. 15 to 19. Sheet Four of the
drawings:
Fig. 15. is a perspective view shewing only the three stout hoops in proper
position for framing the entire basket. Fig. 16 is a perspective view shewing the
basket completed. Fig. 17. is a central horizontal section shewing about one half
of the basket. Fig. 18. is a central vertical section of about one half of the basket.
In both these figures the metal cast around and enclosing the basket is indicated in
dotted lines. Fig. 19. is a section of a small portion near the aperture for the door
on a larger scale.
Similar letters of reference indicate the same parts in these five figures.
A, is a stout hoop of wrought iron or other suitable metal B, are parallel circles
of bar iron, preferably of round section. Those parallels which are between the
horizontal planes passing through the top and bottom portions of the hoop A,
are cut open and their ends are bent outward and secured in the holes in
the hoop A.
C, C, are hoops of iron or other suitable metal at the top and bottom, or at the
poles of the structure.
D are iron bars bent in the shape of a half circle but somewhat shorter. These
bars are applied meridianwise to the outside of the structure formed by the
parallels, and their ends are secured in holes formed for the purpose in the rings C.
D', are shorter bent bars also applied ineridianwise between the bars D, but not
reaching entirely up and down to the rings C, so that the distance between the
meridianal bars over the whole surface, is more nearly uniform than it would be
if all the meridianal bars were of full length. The parts B, principally those which
form complete circles, and the parts D¹, may be connected with the other parts B,
and D. and with each other by means of wires twisted around them or in any
other appropriate manner.
The basket thus formed is introduced in the mould in which the safe body is to
be cast and the melted metal when poured into the mould flows around all the
parts of said basket and strongly unites therewith. In the drawing E, represents
this cast metal.
I employ the same means for successfully effecting an intimate union of the cast
metal with the basket, as above described with reference to the first part.
Modifications may be made in the details without departing from the principle
of this part of the invention. The parts D¹ may be omitted. The number of

page_text: parts B, D, D', may be varied within wide limits according to the dimensions of
the safe to be constructed. The castings for the door and for the heads to close
the openings at the poles, may be provided with basket work or may be simple
castings, but I prefer the former construction, as making the entire safe more proof
against the action of drills.
Referring to the fifth part of the invention: This part relates to the provisions
for securing and liberating the door and may be applied to various forms of safes,
but it is more particularly adapted for the class of safes described in my above
mentioned United States letters patent No. 137,061. and to the form herein
described with reference to the third part.
I can use any efficient lock operated in any suitable way The improved
mechanism intervenes between the lock and a bolt or stout expanding ring or
locking ring, which, when expanded engages the door with the body of the safe
around nearly its whole periphery. I provide three operating shafts carefully
guarded against being driven in, the holes therefor drilled out or otherwise made
an avenue of communication into the safe. One stout shaft operates the expanding
ring, which serves as a bolt engaging the door with the body not at a few points,
but around nearly the whole of its edge. The other moves the door bodily
inward or outward to make and break the contact of the door with the frame or
main shell, it being understood that in my form of safe, which I consider preferable,
the door is made to move backward and forward for the purpose of engaging
and disengaging its exterior edges with the main walls of the safe adjacent to the
door, in addition to a movement of rotation within the safe. A third shaft, which
may be much smaller, performs the single function of confining and releasing the
other shafts by thrusting into them or withdrawing therefrom transverse bolts.
The slight shaft lies between the others. Under certain conditions of the lock
turning this central shaft in one direction thrusts the transverse bolts into recesses
in the main shafts and confines them, while under the same conditions of the lock
turning it in the opposite direction withdraws these bolts and sets the main shafts
at liberty. The loc' M, determines whether this (the middle shaft) can or cannot
perform these functions. When the safe is locked and the owner has gone away
with the key or the required knowledge of the combination, the central shaft
stands disconnected, and may be turned indefinitely in either direction without
producing any effect. I prefer, for safety against accident to use two different
locks, each capable of effecting the unlocking. When either lock is properly
operated to unlock the safe the movement throws the small shaft into gear.
only when thus conditioned that the centre spindle can produce the effect of
withdrawing the cross bolts, and thus liberating the large shafts.
It is
I have provided an efficient means for preventing the operating of certain parts
except when others are in certain conditions, which will be described farther on.
This part is illustrated in Figs. 20 to 20 Sheet Five of the drawings. Similar
letters of reference indicate the same parts in these seven figures.
"
Fig. 20, is a vertical section through that part of the door to which the lock and
operating mechanism are attached. The remaining figures shew certain portions
detached. Fig, 21, shews a central longitudinal section through the small shaft
and its gear and clutch, which operates what I term the "locking mechanism
Fig. 22. is a face view of the same as seen from the interior of the safe. Figs. 23
and 24 represent the clutch pieces and their connected spring detached. Fig. 25.
is an outline shewing the general arrangement of the mechanism in a safe.
Fig. 26. shews what I term the "locking ring" and its immediate connections
detached. This is in a plane at right angles to the section in Fig. 25.
A, is the body, and B the door, of my spherical safe. D is my locking ring and
E. F. G. the mechanism by which the ring D is by one movement contracted or
drawn inward to liberate the door and by another movement thrown outward to
strongly engage the door with the body. There is a stout revolving frame to
efficiently support the door, and allow it, with the shelves and other contents of
the safe to be turned around in the opening and closing movement of the door.

page_text: G is a stout shaft, which penetrates the door. When this shaft G, is free and
is properly turned it contracts the locking ring D, and allows the door to be
thrown back.
I, is the other stout shaft, which penetrates the door, and which, when at liberty
and properly turned, gives the door the inward movement to set it free from it
previous firm contact with the interior of the body, and puts it in condition to be
swung around for the opening movement, as set forth in my patent of 1873, above
referred to.
A transverse screw bolt, g, having a square head, is arranged to engage by its
point in a proper hole formed in the side of the shaft G and to confine it rigidly
when desired. A corresponding transverse screw bolt i, having a square head, is
arranged to engage by its point in a hole in the side of the shaft I. and contine it
when desired.
On the square head of the screw bolt g is loosely fitted a bevel
On the square head of the screw bolt i, is loosely fitted a bevel
A third bevel gear wheel, H¹, meshes into both the bevel gear
wheels G¹ and I' It will be observed that the bevel gear H' controls the means
which confine and liberate both the large shafts G and I.
gear wheel G.
gear wheel I'.
It
H, is a small shaft standing in the central position between the other two.
is peculiarly equipped. Its exterior is adapted to receive a crank or other means
for turning it with sufficient force to operate the slight amount of mechanism
which is attached. Its inner end is enlarged and fits loosely in a corresponding
large central cavity in the wheel H. It is slotted transversely. The interior of
the wheel H³, is recessed to match the deep slot which extends across the inner end
of the shaft H, so that any suitable wings being protruded out from the slot may
engage strongly with the wheel H', and cause it to turn while a sufficient con-
traction of the wings within the shaft H, will entirely disconnect such shaft from
the wheel and render the shaft incapable of imparting any motion to the wheel,
and its important train of connections.
J, J, are efficient wings for this purpose. They are formed in one with a spring-
connection,j, which when the wings are mounted in the slot, exerts a force tending
to contract the wings together. The inner edges of the wings J. J, are notched as
shewn to aid in holding the tapering pin K, in a strictly central position. The
wings JJ, are further held in a central position by means of a pin extending
from the centre of the spring j, which is fitted in a hole in the axial line of the
shaft H. The only means of connecting the shaft H, with the wheel H', and thus
of affecting the works of the lock, is by separating or expanding the wings J,
against the gentle force of the spring j. This expansion is effected under proper
conditions by the insertion of a pointed pin K, which is thrust outward from the
interior of the safe by the working of a lock M, which may be of any ordinary or
suitable character. The pin K, corresponds to the bolt of the lock. It stands
always in the line of the axis of the shaft H. The pointed end presented toward
the shaft H, corresponds to the back end of the bolt of the lock. When the lock
is unlocked it throws the pin K, outward toward the exterior of the safe, and by
acting with its point wedgewise between the wings J J throws them out to engage
in the recesses in the interior of the wheel H. This causes the shaft H and the
wheel H, to be engaged. When on the contrary, the lock is locked, it throughs
the pin K, inward toward the interior of the safe and allows the wing J to be
drawn inward. This disengages the wheel H', from the shaft H, and renders it
entirely free from its influence and consequently renders it impossible to affect the
mechanism at all until the lock is again restored to the unlocked condition.
I consider this mechanism desirable and reliable without further safe guards.
Persons gaining access to the exterior of the safe may turn the shaft H, indefinitely,
but with no effect on anything in the interior of the safe until the lock is unlocked.
When the unlocking is effected by a proper key-combination, electrical connection,
time-lock, or whatever may be its mode of operation-then and not till then, the
pin K, is thrown forward and the shaft H assumes control through the wheel H¹.
When thus conditioned, by turning the shaft H, in one direction the transverse

page_text: In
bolts and i, may be withdrawn from the shafts G and I, after which (the
shafts G I being operated in the proper direction and order) the door is set free
and may be turned by hand. It will be understood that on closing the door
these parts should be operated again into the proper position before the lock is
locked, and that then, after the shafts G and I, are again strongly secured by
their respective transverse screw bolts g and i, the lock is again locked, which
movement again withdraws the pin K, toward the centre of the safe, allows
the wings J, J, to be drawn inward by the spring j, and the shaft H, is forever
after inoperative until the lock is again thrown into the unlocked position. But
I have provided further safe guards. The two transverse bolts g and i, are in line
with each other. The pin K traverses the space between their ends. These parts
are so proportioned that when the bolts g and i, are withdrawn from their
respective engagements with the large shafts G, I, their ends will lie in close
contact with the pin K. It is only when these bolts are thus fully withdrawn
that the shafts G. I. can be set at liberty. I provide a cross bar K', firmly fixed.
Its moderate length allows it to be received between the ends of the shafts g. i.
but only when the latter are moved apart to their full extent, and therefore are
both fully engaged with their respective shafts G I. This is the condition which
obtains when the safe is locked. The movement of the pin K by the lock in
assuming the locked position carries the cross-bar K', into the position just
described between the ends of the transverse shafts g i, and leaves it there.
this condition, even if some chance force-as, for example, a considerable friction
between the shaft H, and the wheel H-should tend to turn the wheel H³, and
consequently the wheels G', 1', and thus withdraw the transverse bolts g, i, the
presence of the cross-bar K¹ between the ends of the shafts avoids the possibility
of this motion proceeding beyond a very small extent. So soon as the shafts. g. i
shall by such slight force be withdrawn sufficiently to press their ends upon the
cross bar K their further motion is effectually arrested until the pin K, and its
attachments are moved by the proper locking motion of the lock. The same cross-
bar K¹, performs another function When the pin K and its attachments are by
the unlocking motion thrown outward, causing the point of the pin K to properly
separate the wings, J, and thus engage the shaft H, with the gear wheel H', and its
connections, the movement brings the cross bar K¹, entirely out of the line of the
transverse shafts g and i. Thus conditioned, the working of the gearing draws
the shafts g and i together until their ends strike the pin K. This movement,
which liberates the respective main shafts G and I. is not in any manner impeded
by the presence of the cross bar K', because it has moved out of line; but if while
the parts are in this unlocked condition any attempt is made to lock the lock the
cross bar K, prevents such movement by striking against the shafts g i. and
preventing the movement of the pin K until all the parts have been brought to
the proper condition for such locking-that is to say, the cross bar K¹ will strike
against the shafts g, i. and prevent the locking movement of the pin K until, first,
the door of the safe has been turned into the proper position; next the shaft I,
has been turned to bring the door forward into tight contact with the interior of
the safe, care being taken, either by a mark or preferably by a positive stop (not
shewn) to arrest the turning of this shaft I, in such position that the hole in its
side is presented to receive the transverse shaft i; next the shaft G is turned to
expand the locking ring D (care being taken to arrest the turning of this shaft G
in the proper position to allow the engagement therewith of its transverse
shaft g) then, finally, the shaft H, is turned, and by its engagement with the
wheel H¹, and its connections the transverse shafts g, i, are moved outward into
full engagement with their respective shafts G. I. When all these movements
have been properly effected, and not before, the cross bar K¹, is free to be moved
backward toward the interior of the safe. Now the lock (not represented) can be
operated and the pin K be thrown into the locked position. This cross bar K¹
therefore performs the double functions of, first ensuring that the parts are in the
proper position before the lock can be locked, and, second, and more important, of

page_text: insuring that the cross bolts cannot by any frictional or other contact be drawn
toward each other until the lock is unlocked.
Modifications may be made without sacrificing all the advantages of the
invention. I propose, when desired, to employ two or more locks, which shall
require to be both operated before the bar pin K, can be moved outward and the
safe opened. With a very strong construction of safe, in which I propose mainly
to use this mechanism, I esteem it more important to guard against the mischief
which may result from an accidental loss of memory of the proper number or a
derangement of a lock by employing two locks which shall be combined, not so as
to require both to be unlocked, but on the contrary, to allow the safe to be
opened when either one is unlocked.
One of the great advantages of my invention is the difficulty it opoposes to the
opening of the safe by violence. So long as the cross shafts g, and i, are strongly
engaged with their main shafts G and I, it is impossible to open the safe. The only
possible means of removing those bolts g, and i, is through the gear wheel H¹.
Nothing but the proper movement of the pin K, can give this control. Only the
proper operation of the lock or locks can give the proper movement to that pin K.
Supposing all the obstacles to be passed, and that violence could be applied to the
lock and displace it, this act, instead of making the safe more easily opened,
removes the only means of access. The screw threads on the transverse bolts g, i,
hold them strongly against any but the proper mode of removal. The movement
of the pin K, with its cross piece K', to the proper extent and in the right direction
is essential either to the liberation of the cross bolts g and i to allow them to be
withdrawn or to the connection of the mechanism to cause them to be unscrewed.
It is not essential that the cross piece K¹, be firmly bolted upon and made a part
of the pin K. It may serve if attached through any reliable mechanism. It can
perform all the functions of the cross bar K', if it be a substantial piece capable of
exerting a proper inechanical resistance, and shall on the one hand meet the sides
of the bolts g, i to prevent the pin from being disengaged from the parts unless
the bolts g, i, are fully engaged in the shafts G, I, and on the other hand shall meet
the end of the shafts g, i, to prevent them from being withdrawn by any force
except when the lock is unlocked.
The
I do not confine myself to the position of the lock M, shewn in Fig. 20.
lock may be in practice placed close to the door wherever room is available, and
be made to operate the pin by a lever; or two locks may be used connecting with
the pin by a cross-bar.
Referring to the sixth and seventh parts of the invention I will describe these
conjointly as there exist certain relations between these two parts which render
their combination particularly successful. I do not, however, comfine myself to this
combined use, either part presents individual advantages and may be used
successfully without the other.
I have, with reference to the fifth part of the invention described a locking
mechanism, a principal feature of which is a certain arrangement of the lock
proper with relation to the mechanism for throwing the bolt or bolts, which secure
the door, whereby the lock performs, conjointly with certain parts of the locking
mechanism an active function essential to the act of withdrawing the securing bolt
or bolts. The result of this arrangement is that the lock proper is made a vital
element of the door opening mechanism.
In safes as ordinarily constructed, the lock proper, when locked, performs merely
as passive function in obstructing by means of one of its members, the operation of
the bolt work.
It follows therefrom that in such safes, the door may be readily opened after
simply removing the lock proper, whilst in a safe provided with locking mechanism
according to the fifth part of iny invention as above described, any derangement of
the delicate parts of the lock, or any change of position of the entire lock by
undue violence or otherwise will render the opening of the safe a practical
impossibility.

page_text: According to the sixth part, I avail myself of these peculiar qualities of my
locking mechanism to still further increase the safety against unauthorized persons
obtaining access to the interior of the safe by enclosing the lock proper in an extra
burglar proof casing fastened in the interior of the safe, so that even if a burglar
should succeed in drilling or otherwise forming a sufficient hole through the door
or walls of the safe, he will encounter the resistance offered by said extra burglar
proof casing, when he attempts to tamper with the lock, which as above stated he
is obliged to do in order to be able to operate the door securing bolt or bolts. Such
extra burglar proof casing may be made entirely of some very hard and practically
undrillable material but I prefer to make it of soft metal thickly studded with
pieces of hardened steel. This construction by presenting different degrees of
hardness, precludes all possibility of penetrating this casing by means of drills.
I believe in this manner this lock will be protected sufficiently against the
possibility of tampering with it, even for a length of time exceeding that which,
under the most favourable circumstances, a burglar is supposed to have for
effecting his purpose. I provide however, means of safety additional to those
indicated.
The nature of the material of the extra burglar proof casing is such that when
an attempt is made to perforate it, a very powerful pressure must be brought on
the drill in attempting to make it efficient. I fasten the casing to the interior of
the door or of the walls of the safe, by comparatively slight fastening which will
give way as soon as any excessive pressure is applied to the tool. The casing with
its enclosed lock will consequently be forced off or displaced from its proper
position, which will render the co-operation of the lock with the bolt securing
mechanism, impossible and thus leave the latter in its locked position without
possibility of being opened.
One method in which experienced burglars attempt under certain circumstances
to obtain access to the lock or locks of safes is to drill out or to draw the spindle
or shaft by which the lock is worked from the outside. In order to defeat this
method of attack such spindles are now sometimes made in two or more sections
placed out of line and connected by means of gearing. When such gearing is placed
on the inside of the door, either the difficulties encountered to obtain access to the
lock after drilling or drawing the spindle would be small when the lock chances to
be directly behind the hole thus formed, or when this is not the case such hole.
allows at any rate the introduction of powder or of any other suitable explosive, the
powerful action of which when exploded never fails in the case of ordinary so
called square safes to instantly lay open the entire contents. In some cases such
off set gearing is arranged within the body of the door so as to have burglar proof
material on both the outer and inner side thereof, and to avoid the possibility of
making a continuous opening clear through the body of the door or wall of the
safe even after the exterior spindle is removed but in that case, the gearing has
to be put in place while the door is being constructed and in case of breakage or
some derangement cannot be repaired without great difficulty.
According to my invention, I arrange the offset gearing on the interior of the
door and place behind it my detachable burglar proof lock casing thus preventing
any possibility of reaching the lock through the spindle hole, even should the
spindle be removed. The introduction of explosives is also retarded until this
further obstruction is removed, at the same time I greatly increase the facilities for
examining and repairing the parts when necessary.
When using this sixth part of the invention I modify the mode of operating the
transverse shafts or bolts which secure the main operating shafts as described with
reference to the fifth part. The seventh part refers to the means for still keeping
said tranverse bolts in the locked position, even if the peculiar clutch mechanism
should by some extraordinary means, or by accident be expanded without the
co-operation of the lock.
The sixth and seventh parts are illustrated in Figs. 26ª to 31. Sheet Six of the
drawings.

page_text: Fig. 26 is an elevation of the entire or of a circular door provided with my im-
provements. Fig. 27. is a section on a larger scale on the line xx, Fig. 26ª, certain parts
being shewn in plan. Fig. 28, represents on a still larger scale the detachable and
slightly fastened burglar proof lock casing with its contents. It is a rear elevation
with the back plate removed. Fig. 29. is a horizontal section of the same on the
line yy Fig. 28. Fig. 30. is a vertical section of certain parts on the line z z,
Fig. 31. and Fig. 31. is a horizontal section on the line Z¹Z', Fig. 30.
Similar letters of reference indicate like parts in all these six figures.
A, is the body of the door supported on a bracket B. The means for moving the
) door outward and inward and for expanding and contracting the circular bolt are
the same as described with reference to the fifth part.
The traverse bolts C and D, are screw threaded and provided each with a long
square end which is engaged within the corresponding square interior of the sleeve E,
which is provided with a worm wheel e, in which engages the worm f, of a short
horizontal shaft F, which is loosely supported in the hubs of two bevel gear
wheels F, F, which which latter may one at a time be engaged therewith by
means of a clutch piece similar to that described in my above mentioned
patent. When thus engaged, the rotation of a small crank not shewn, on
the outside of the door acts through a bevel wheel G meshing into both
wheels F1, F2, to move the bolts CD into or out of the recesses provided
therefor in the main operating shafts H, I, or in their respective nuts as will
be easily understood.
I prefer to employ two locks J, cach capable of working independently. Each
lock is enclosed in a separate casing K, one being mounted on each side of the
bracket B. Both sides being the exact counterpart of each other a description of
one will suffice. The casing K, is a casting of soft brass. It is drilled with a great
number of holes, into which cylinders k, of hardened steel are tightly driven as
represented in Figs. 28 and 29. The back of the casing K, which can hardly be
reached by any means, may simply be formed of a steel plate K¹, screwed on
firmly.
This casing is fastened to the door or to an intermediate plate, as illustrated in
the drawings, by means of comparatively light screws k', the latter being tapped
only to a short distance into the door or intermediate plate so that any excessive
pressure exerted on the casing K, with a view to penetrate it will be sufficient to
strip the thread of such fastenings and displace the entire casing K with its
contents.
The lock J, enclosed in this casing operates a bolt L, sliding in suitable guide-
ways formed in the latter; is a pointed pin carried on the bolt L, and extending
exactly in line with the centre of the shaft F so long as the casing K is maintained
in its norinal position By operating the bolt L, from the outside through the
mechanism of lock J, the pin l, is thrust forward into the shaft F, and is thus
caused to act on and engage the clutch mechanism. The latter when so acted
upon connects the adjacent wheel F', or F, firmly to the shaft F, so that by turning
the wheel G, by means of a crank on the outside of the door the shaft F, and con-
sequently the sleeve E, may be turned, and the transverse bolts C and D, withdrawn
from their engagement with the nuts on the shafts H, I whereupon the main
shafts H, I, may be operated to release the door and allow it to be opened. By
reversing the order and the directions of these motions, the safe will again be
properly secured as is easily understood.
It now remains to describe the seventh part. The bolt L, of each lock carries
besides the pin l, an arm land ², respectively, bent as shewn in Figs. 26 and 27
reaching into the space formed by the two sides of the bracket B. The ends of
these arms 11, 12, are connected to a piece M, having a peculiarly formed hole m,
through which extends the transverse bolt C. This hole has two large portions
connected by a smaller. The small portion is sufficient for the small squared part
of the bolt C, but only the large parts of the hole will admit the larger portion of

page_text: "
such bolt. As long as the bolt C, is screwed down, that is, engaged with the main
shaft H, or its nut, and as long as both locks J, are locked, that is, each with its
bolt in its backward or outward position the piece M, is held so that a solid part
thereof is presented between the enlarged threaded part of the transverse bolt C,
These
and the part a of the fixed framework of the locking mechanism.
conditions prevent the opening of the safe even if by some accident or otherwise
the clutch mechanism in the shaft F, should be expanded without throwing the
bolt L, forward.
When however, by the proper working of the lock, one or the other of the
bólts L, is thrown forward, or inward, the arm l' or l³, respectively will throw the
piece in such position that a sufficiently enlarged part of the bole m, is presented
above the threaded part of the bolt C, to permit the latter to be screwed upward
to liberate the main shaft H, so that the latter can be operated.
The enlarged parts of the hole m, should be so proportioned as to fit quito
closely to the threaded part of the bolt C, so as to allow the withdrawal of the
latter only in one definite position of the piece M. This position being determined
by the forward motion of the bolt L, the displacement of the lock casing K, while
the lock J, is locked, and the consequent destruction of the connection between the.
bolt L, and the piece M, will instantly destroy all control from the outside over the
piece M, leaving the latter in such a position as to render the withdrawal of the
bolt C, impossible.
I can employ any kind of locks, as the locks J. I will describe them as
combination locks. In each, the lock operating spindle N, protrudes but to a
small extent through the wall of the casing K, and carries on its overlapping end,
a gear wheel n, which meshes into an intermediate wheel n', the latter ineshes in
turn into a wheel o, on the shaft O, which extends through the entire thickness of
the door and is on the exterior connected in any ordinary or suitable manner to'
the knob of a combination dial.
Modifications may be made in the details without departing from the principle
of these parts of the invention. Certain parts may be used without others, but
I prefer the whole combined and arranged substantially as described,
When only one lock is to be employed one of the gear wheels For F, will be
omitted, or the shaft F, may be omitted altogether, and the pin l, arranged as
described with reference to the fifth part. In this case the shape of the hole m,
in the piece M, will be reduced to a simple round hole and said piece will be
permanently pivotted on one side to a part of the fixed framing, the other side
being connected to an arm projecting from a single bolt L. The casing or
casings K, may be made entirely of hardened steel, or any other construction to
render them burglar proof may be adopted. The lock J, may be surrounded on
all sides by this burglar proof casing, but I do not esteem that precaution generally
necessary. It is sufficient to protect it on those sides on which an attack will be
possible. Both locks may be enclosed in one single burglar proof casing. The
intermediate offset wheel n¹, may be omitted, or more than one of such intermediate
wheels may be used, care being taken to always arrange the lock spindle that
passes through the door so that it comes opposite the burglar proof surface of the
casing K.
When a lock is used which, as herein set forth, must actively cooperate with the
door securing mechanism, in order to open the safe, some advantages of my
invention may even be realized without the use of the extra drill proof casing K,
by simply fastening the ordinary lock case J, by means of fastenings that will give
way as soon as an extraordinary strain is exerted upon the same, but in such case
these fastenings should be much slighter than in the case of a drill proof casing, so
as to give way with absolute certainty even under the comparatively slight
pressure that is exerted on the drill in pentrating ordinary material as brass &c.
But the use of the drill proof casing K, is preferable as allowing the structure to
be made more solid and also on account of its considerable weight, which when
the fastenings are once loosened positively insures such a displacement that

page_text: the proper cooperation of the parts to open the door, is rendered absolutely
impossible.
Instead of brass other soft metal may be used with the casing K. The
improvements may be applied to safes of rectangular forin. The steel cylinders k,
may be threaded and screwed into the soft metal but I believe it sufficient to make
them fit closely and drive or force them into place.
Having thus described the nature of my invention as well as the best means
known to me, for carrying the same into practice, I claim :-
1. A wrought iron basket work composed of the stout ring me', perforated as
shewn, in combination with the curved ribs or transverse pieces m², extending
through the same and strongly secured therein, adapted to serve in a spherical
safe, and to contribute to the strength thereof by their direct connection, as herein
specified.
2. The spherical safe described, of wrought and cast metal, the wrought metal
being composed of two parts or sets of parts, the part m', being perforated and
receiving the parts m², in the holes thereof and strongly secured together in
addition to the junction effected by the cast metal, substantially as herein
specified.
3. In a spherical safe the independent hoops or rings m³, of wrought metal, in
combination with the basket m¹, m², of strongly joined pieces, and the whole
enveloped in a harder cast metal M, as herein specified.
4. A safe constructed in sections, having each of its parts separately formed with
basket work of wrought metal and presenting at the joint the duplicate basket
work, said parts overlapping one upon the other, one without and the other within
the joint a, c, substantially as and for the purposes herein specified.
5. The cut off ring R, made of combined hard and soft material, so as to be
undrillable, in combination with the parts A, C, of a safe, and arranged to lie in
the joint between the two, and adapted to serve as herein specified.
6. A safe body of cast metal of spherical form having the portions near the poles
flattened and having an aperture for the door at or near a point in the equator,
substantially as and for the purposes herein specified.
7. A safe body of cast metal of spherical form having the portions near the poles
flattened and having one aperture for the door at or near a point in the equator
and another opening or openings in one or both poles with means for securely
closing the saine, substantially as and for the purposes herein specified.
8. A burglar proof safe of spherical form having the portions, near the poles
flattened and having an aperture for the door at or near a point in the equator, in
combination with a revolving interior shell or casing, substantially as and for the
purposes herein specified.
9. In a burglar proof safe having an inwardly opening door, the revolving
interior casing or main bracket, in combination with a supplementary bracket
carried on the main bracket and supporting the door, substantially as and for the
purposes herein specified.
10. In a safe having a revolving interior casing, a latch L, and one or more latch
plates L', combined and arranged to engage with each other substantially as and
for the purposes herein specified.
11. In a spherical safe having an interior revolving main bracket and a
supplemental bracket carried thereon and supporting the inwardly opening door
the latch J, carried on the door or on a part fixed thereto, in combination with the
latch plates J J all arranged for joint operation with relation to the main
bracket, to the door and to the safe body, substantially as and for the purposes
herein specified.
12. In a safe of approximately spherical form having a revolving interior shell
or main bracket and a supplemental bracket carried on said main bracket and
supporting the door, the hemispherical shell M³, arranged to separate the door, and
its locking mechanism from the general interior of the safe, substantially as herein
specified.

page_text: 13. A spherical or spheroidal basket having one or more openings of relatively
small diameter, composed of parallel rings B, and meridianal rings or sections of
rings D, and adapted to serve in a spherical or spheroidal safe body E, cast in one
piece, substantially as and for the purposes herein specified.
14. A spherical or spheroidal basket having one or more openings of relatively
small diameter composed of parallel rings B, and meridianal sections of rings D, and
shorter sections D¹, interposed between the parts D, all combined and adapted to
serve in a spherical safe body E, cast in one piece substantially as and for the
purposes herein specified.
15. A spherical or spheroidal safe body with one or more openings of relatively
small diameter, cast in one piece, in combination with a wrought metal basket of
corresponding shape embedded therein and arranged, as shewn, so as to prevent the
splitting of the safe body on any line without tearing the basket substantially as
herein specified.
16. The special construction of the basket having the rings A and C C with the
parallel or a number of the parallels B, and the meridians D, fastened therein
respectively, said rings serving as a base upon which to frame the entire structure
substantially as herein specified.
17. In a safe for valuables, an operating shaft controlled in position by a
revolving threaded counter bolt, in combination with the locking and door opening
mechanisms, substantially as herein set forth.
18. In combination with the locking and the door opening mechanisin of a safe, the
two bolts g, and i each formed with screw threads and mounted in a correspondingly
threaded support, and the two operating shafts G and I, arranged substantially as
and for the purposes herein specified.
19. In combination with the operating shaft G and the transverse locking bolt g,
the shaft H, loose gear wheel H¹, movable wings J, and a lock or locks controlling
the operation of said wings as herein specified.
20. The shaft H, gear wheel H', wings J, and a lock or locks controlling the
latter, in combination with two transverse locking bolts g. i. and the two operating
shafts G. I. as herein specified.
21. In combination with the locking mechanism of a safe for valuables, the
shaft H, gear wheel H', and single spring, connecting the wings J. J. and having a
centreing pin j', all adapted to serve as herein specified.
22. The combination of the shaft H, gear wheel H', wings J, J, and means j, for
drawing them inward with the pointed pin K, and one or more locks operating said
piu, as herein specified.
23. In combination with the operating shaft G. I. cross bolts g, i, and pin K, the
stop K, arranged to perform the double functions of preventing the withdrawal
of the cross bolts g, i, until the pin K, is properly thrown and of preventing the
disengagement of the mechanism from the shaft H, until the cross-bolts g, i, are
fully inserted as herein specified.
24. In combination with the operating shaft G. the pin K, and cross bar K¹,
wings J, J, shaft H, gear H¹, G, I, and cross shaft g, combined and arranged as
and for the purposes herein specified.
25. The combination, with a principal operating shaft, of a transverse bolt
worked by an independent mechanism, and suitable devices operated by a lock for
connecting and disconnecting the latter and the transverse bolt, substantially as
herein specified.
26. The combination of means for engaging the door strongly with the casing,
mechanism for operating the same, a connecting and disconnecting piece K, and a
lock or locks controlling such disconnecting piece, substantially as herein specified.
27. In a safe for valuables, the combination of an independent spindle, mechanism
operated thereby to liberate the locking bolt, and a lock or locks, applied within
the safe, controlling the engagement of the spindle with the aforesaid mechanism,
substantially as herein specified.
28. In a safe for valuables, the combination with a lock of a drill proof casing,

page_text: containing said lock and attached on the inside of the safe door or of the safe
itself, substantially as herein specified.
29. In a safe for valuables, the combination of a suitable door means for engaging
the same with the safe body one or more locks arranged to actively cooperate
with said engaging means and fastened either directly or indirectly to the interior
of the safe door or of the safe itself by slight fastenings, substantially as and for
the purposes herein specified.
30. In a safe for valuables, the combination of a suitable door, means for
engaging the same with the safe body a lock arranged to actively cooperate with
said engaging means and a drill proof casing containing said lock, and fastened to
the interior of the safe door or of the safe itself by slight fastenings substantially
as and for the purposes herein specified.
31. In a safe for valuables, the spindle O, passing clear through the door proper
combined with offset gearing on the interior of the door operating the lock spindle N,
and with a drill proof casing or body K, mounted detachably on the interior of the
door opposite the spindle O, and arranged to serve as further drill proof obstruction
when a hole is formed through the door by the removal of the spindle O, substantially
as herein specified.
32. The worm shaft F, f, and sleeve E, e, in combination with one or more
wheels F, F, adapted to receive motion from the exterior of the safe, and with
means as l, controlled by a suitable lock, for causing such motion to be transmitted
to the shaft F, and sleeve E, and with one or more transverse bolts, as C. D
operated thereby, all arranged and adapted to control suitable mechanism for
securing the safe door substantially as herein specified.
33. In a safe for valuables, a suitable door, and means for engaging the same
with the body of the safe and one or more locks each having one member actively
cooperating with the door securing mechanisin when the lock is unlocked and
another member capable of passively cooperating with the door securing mechanisin
after the door is locked, and both arranged so as to preserve the security of the
contents of the safe after the lock or locks are displaced by violence the first one
by refusing its active co-operation, and the second by continuing its passive
co-operation, substantially as herein specified.
34. The specific construction of the lock protection K, having cylindrical bars,
of hard material, held in corresponding holes in the cast body of softer material in
combination with the inside covering plate K', all adapted to serve as and for the
purposes herein specified.
In Witness whereof I the said William Corliss have hereunto set my hand
and affixed my seal this Twenty third day of December in the year of our
Lord, one thousand eight hundred and eighty two.
THOMAS DREW STETSON
Patent Agent, New York, U.S.A.
WILLIAM CLARK DEY,.
New York City,
U.S.A.
WILLIAM CORLISS (L.S.)