Combination or Permutation Locks.
Year: 1885

page_text: Combination or Permutation Locks.
I, MILTON ADOLPHUS DALTON of 69 Coleman Street in the City of London
Mechanical Engineer do hereby declare the nature of my said invention for
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MEANS OF LOCKING AND UNLOCKING COMBINATION OR
PERMUTATION LOCKS, to be as follows:-
.
The superior safety of keyless combination or permutation locks is everywhere
acknowledged. But occasionally persons are met with, who object to these locks
because they are difficult to unlock saying that not only must the secret formula
of the combination be remembered, but to work it out by the aid of a dial
in the way heretofore known requires a steady hand, as well as light and eyesight,
requisites which are not always at command.
It is well known that these keyless combination locks, are unlocked by turning
the lock arbor in accordance with a secret rule or formula, turning alternately in
reverse directions and halting each time at a different number on the dial. Nervous
or old people find it difficult to unlock even a simple combination lock, let alone
a complex fine bank lock, the unlocking formula of which contains perhaps no less
than six numbers, so that the lock arbor has to be turned to and stopped at six
different numbers on the dial in predetermined order during as many as twenty
right and left turns. The object of my invention is to provide facilities whereby
the turns and halts of the lock arbor in working out the combination or, in other
words unlocking such a combination lock are controlled mechanically; and to this
end it consists of an unlocker so organized with a combination key and a governor
that one or the other of these parts may engage the external end of the lock
arbor, to turn it, subject to deadlocks between such key and governor, which dead-
locks occur successively turning right and left alternately, and stop the arbor
mechanically at each predetermined halt of the combination. By means of such
an unlocker the particular combination lock to which it is adapted may be unlocked
in the dark by feel alone, and by any person provided the key has been set to the
proper combination. My invention can be embodied in a variety of forms. In
order that it may be clearly understood, I have illustrated in the annexed drawings
and will proceed to describe several forms thereof.

page_text: Fig. 1. represents an axial section of the unlocker which may be termed form I
showing it as applied to a lock arbor, the section being taken in the plane indicated
by broken line x. x. of Fig. 2.
Fig. 2 represents a front view of the unlocker.
Fig. 3 illustrates a series of permutable bits for the combination key.
Fig. 4 represents a front view of the governor.
Fig. 5 represents an axial section of the governor, taken in the plane indicated
by broken line y. y. of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 illustrates the split ring for covering the dial.
Fig. 7. is a diagram of the respective circles described by the key bits and by
the governor pins, also showing by radial lines, the arcs of motion successively
imparted to the two pin barrels of the governor by each turn of the key.
Figs. 8. 9. and 10 illustrate one modification, and Figs. 11. 12 and 13 another
modification, of one of the governors pin barrels to adapt the unlocker for working
out twice as long a combination.
This unlocker is adapted for unlocking combination locks of the character
described in specification 4686 of 1879, in which locks, the combination is worked
out by alternate lifts of the so-called controller, and settings of the so-called
permuter; the unlocker illustrated in the first seven figures, which I will describe
first, being adapted to a lock requiring three settings of the permuter to four lifts
of the controller in working out the combination. The combination key consists
of a disc A. and permutable bits B, B1, B2, B³. The edge of the disc A is provided
with a continuous series of closely contiguous and equidistant slits a. and around
the inner circle of these slits the disc has a circular recess for a dial face by which
the slits are suitably numbered. A split guard ring D is placed in the dial recess
exposing but a fraction of the dial.
This split guard ring is circularly movable, so that it may expose any desired
part of the dial.
The permutable bits are stiff, flat strips of metal fitting edgewise in the slits a.
and having forked tails to clasp the disc beyond the slits and at the same time
hold the split guard ring in place. The active part of each bit is a small tooth
marked respectively b. b b bs projecting beyond the outer edge of the main body
of the strip. The position of the tooth on any one bit differs from the position of
that on every other bit, so that when the bits are attached to the disc A their teeth
lie in different planes as illustrated in Fig. 3. The disc A is suitably constructed
to concentrically engage the exterior end of the lock arbor C, and has a knob by
which it may be conveniently turned after it has been applied to the lock arbor.
The governor consists of two pin barrels E and F of equal diameter mounted side
by side on studs c. and f. projecting from a bedplate Fx which may be permanently
attached to the door.
These pin barrels are geared together by like spur wheels E¹ and F' so that
motion given to either imparts an equal motion to the other. Pin barrel E is but
a disc circumferentially studded with three equidistant pairs of radial pins 1 and 1ª ;
2 and 2; 3 and 3ª; all the pins being set in the same cross plane and having the
same length. The distance between the two pins of each pair from centre to centre
is equal to an arc of 30°. Pin barrel F is also provided with three circumferentially
equidistant pairs of similarly spaced radial pins 4 and 4; 5 and 5; 6 and 6".
The two pins of a pair are located in the same cross plane on this barrel, but the
plane of each pair differs from that of every other pair as well as from that of the
pins of barrel E, so that the twelve pins of these two pin barrels are disposed in
four different planes coinciding respectively with the four planes of the teeth of
the four key bits B, B1, B2, B3, when the combination key is applied to the lock
arbor. In this example the tooth of bit B then lies in the plane of the three pairs
of pins of barrel E, the tooth of bit B' in that of pins 4 and 4", the tooth of bit B³
in that of pins 6 and 6" and the tooth of bit B in that of pins 5 and 5º. The pin
barrels occupy such positions with reference to the axis of the lock arbor (which
forms the axis of rotation of the combination key when applied) that the key bits

page_text: can engage the pins seriatim as will be presently explained more fully. A pawl G
is applied to spur wheel E¹ to prevent the pin barrels from being turned in working
out the combination of the lock, except each in the direction indicated by the
respective arrows in Fig. 2, so that the combination key must be turned from left
to right to transmit motion by its bit B, but from right to left to transmit motion
by either one of its other three bits to the pin barrels.
The pin barrels are so intergeared and receive such impulses from the successive
driving actions of the key bits that, supposing a pin to stand on a line drawn from
the centre of the combination key or lock arbor to the centre of pin barrel E, the
remaining pins will, by the required successive right and left turns of the combi-
nation key be successively turned into position to be driven by successive key bits,
a pair of pins of one barrel succeeding a pair of pins of the other barrel in regular
order because each pin is successively acted upon and driven through an arc of 30°
by the appropriate key bit. The parts are here so proportioned that when the
second pin of a pair of either barrel has been driven forward as far as the appro-
priate key bit can drive it then the first pin of a pair of the other barrel will
coincide with a line drawn from the centre of this other barrel to the centre of the
combination key. The number of teeth in the wheels E¹ and F¹ is also a multiple
of the whole number of pins in the two pin barrels so that the pawl G may
properly fall behind a tooth at the end of each impulse given to the pin barrels.
Observing that the lifts of the controller of the lock before mentioned are in this
instance assumed to require the turning of the lock arbor from left to right and
the settings of the permuter turns from right to left, also, that the lifts and
settings require two turns and a fraction of a turn each, and finally, that the lifts
are all completed at the same point in the third turn while each setting requires
stoppage at a different point, I will explain how to obtain the combination for the
key required for working out the combination of the lock. Apply disc A. without
any key bits and without the split guard ring, to the lock arbor.
Then turn the pin barrels by hand until pin 1 coincides with a line drawn from
the centre of the lock arbor to the centre of barrel E, and throw pawl G into gear.
Then turn the lock arbor by disc A, from left to right, and stop when you see by
observation of the lock that you have given a full lift to the controller. Now see
what slit a. in disc A, is opposite pin 1, and take the number of this slit. Turn
disc A back a little and put key bit B in said slit. Now turn from right to left
two turns, causing key bit B to successively drive pins 1 and 1ª before it so that
pin barrel F will be turned until its pin 4 coincides with a line drawn from the
centre of disc A to the centre of the said barrel. Continuing to turn a little
further in the same direction observe the lock, and stop turning, when you see
that one of the permuter pins is under the controller pin. Now take the number
of the slit a. which is opposite pin 4. and turn the disc back a little to place key
bit B' in said slit.
Then turn again from left to right whereby key bit B¹ will be caused to
successively drive before its pins 4 and 4° so that pin 2 of barrel E will be moved
to the position occupied at the start by pin 1 thereof; continuing to turn from left
to right a little farther, key bit B will strike pin 2; and since by that motion pin
barrel E cannot be turned, being prevented by pawl G, the key is brought to a
dead stop, and at the precise point where the lift of the controller is completed the
second time.
Turn again from right to left and find the position for and apply key bit B² as
was done with respect to key B¹ Then turn again from left to right to make
another lift, as before and finally turn once more from right to left to find the
position for key bit B³. The numbers marking the slits for the different key bits
must be duly impressed on the memory.
The combination key may then be removed, the key bits withdrawn and the
split guard ring put in the dial recess of the disc.
The key bits may be applied to the disc A at any time, the dial, and the split in
the guard ring affording the means of finding the proper slits for the respective bits,

page_text: The guard ring is useful in hiding the numbers of the combination of the key bits,
so that the unlocker may be used in the presence of lookers-on without danger of
giving any sufficiently accurate clue to the relative positions of the key bits, to
obtain which by observation merely is made still more difficult by the similarity of
the key bits as to all points except the position of their driving teeth. In working
out the combination of the lock with the key thus prepared it is essential that at
the start pin 1 stands on a line drawn from the centre of the key to the centre of
barrel E That this position of pin barrel E may be attained by feel I provide
pawl G with a reverse pawl G₁ adapted to engage a notch e¹ in barrel E when
said barrel assumes the particular position mentioned.
To unlock, proceed as follows.
After applying the key, turn the arbor to the starting point, the same as is done
in the ordinary operation of unlocking the aforesaid locks.
Next, turn pawl G to disengage wheel E' and let reverse pawl G¹ bear on pin
barrel E then turn the pin barrels by hand in directions reverse to the arrows of
Fig. 2 until reverse pawl G¹ drops into the notch e¹ of pin barrel E and stops
further rotation of the pin barrels. Disengaging the reverse pawl and throwing
pawl G in gear with wheel E' completes the preliminary work.
Now turn the key from left to right until bit B strikes pin 1 arresting motion in
that direction.
This completes the first lift.
Then turn from right to left until stopped by bit B¹ striking pin 4. This effects
the first setting of the permuter. Proceed in this way, turning alternately in
reverse directions to a dead stop each time, until finally, on reversing after the last
lift, the bolt of the lock is withdrawn.
Fig. 3. shows a series of seven key bits, by the use of which together with a
Buitably constructed and operating pin barrel F. a lock requiring seven lifts of the
controller, and six settings of the permuter, may be unlocked. When in such case
it is desirable or preferred to maintain the relative proportions of the parts as
before described, the pin barrel F may consist of a sleeve so mounted on a tubular
neck of gear wheel F¹ that said barrel can be adjusted along said neck. Thus in
the lowest position on such neck the pins of barrel F would be in range respectively
of the key bits B¹ B' and B³, while in its highest position, the pins would be in
range of the key bits B4 B5 and B. Figs. 8. 9 and 10 illustrate one way of con-
structing such a. pin barrel F. It is held in either position on the neck by an
inwardly projecting pin f1 on the barrel entering one end or the other of a devious
slot fcut in the said neck so. that the barrel cannot turn thereon; a spring f³
being placed in a cavity in the barrel, which causes its pin to be pressed up into
the locking ends of said slot. The barrel is adjusted by first forcing it along the
neck to unlock its pin, after which the barrel is turned and slid along the neck
and then turned back again to let its pin enter the other end of the slot.
form of adjustable barrel F is shown is Figs. 11. 12 and 13. In this case inwardly
projecting pins of the barrel engage straight longitudinal slots in the neck, and the
barrel is adjusted along the neck and held in position by means of a nut f* on
stud and a spring f5 placed in the tubular neck; the nut and spring acting
antagonistically on the inwardly projecting pins of the barrel. This adjustable pin
barrel is held in one position until the third setting of the permuter and the fourth
lift of the controller have been effected; then the barrel is shifted so as to bring
its pairs of pins respectively in range with the alternate key bits B* B³ and Bo
when the operation of unlocking is resumed and finished.
Another
It is important to prevent the pin barrels from turning while barrel F is being
shifted; I therefore apply a pawl H to gear wheel F¹ as shown in Figs. 1 and
which can be thrown in gear and in conjunction with pawl G prevent any turning
of the barrels. To adapt this unlocker to combination locks which require a
variable number of turns right and left alternately of the lock arbor, as for
instance four turns right, then three turns left, then two turns right &c, as is
the case with many combination locks, it is only necessary to use pin barrels

page_text: having instead of pairs of pins, groups of four three &c and to arrange every
group of the two barrels in a different cross plane so that a separate key bit is
required for each group. In Fig. 14 is represented a perspective view of a second
form of unlocker.
Fig. 15 represents an axial section thereof.
Figs. 16. 17. 18. 19 and 20 illustrate various parts of the unlocker in detail.
The unlocker shown in these figures is adapted to any one of the aforesaid locks
requiring four lifts of the controller and three settings of the permuter to work out
the combination of the lock. The combination key consists of a central cylindrical
stem I (so constructed that it may concentrically engage the lock arbor) and a
series of four permutable key bits marked respectively I¹ I II' and strung on
the stem, together with intervening washers i¹³.
A cross bar 15 screwed on the outer end of the stem and locked by a set screw,
serves the purpose of clamping the key bits so as to hold them firmly in the
relative positions in which they may be arranged and also forms a handle for
turning the key. A washer * is placed between the cross bar and the bit I*. The
governor consists of a fixed hollow cylinder K, a tubular longitudinally split pin
barrel K fitted in said cylinder, a solid pin barrel K2 fitted in barrel K¹, and a
spring K³ placed under barrel K and tending to project it. Cylinder K is fixed
on a plate I which may be permanently attached to the safe door, and which may
also form the base for a removable dial used in ascertaining the combination of the
lock, and setting the permutable key bits accordingly.
Near its base, cylinder K has a segmental cross slot k. Above this slot k it has
a longitudinal slot * obstructed by projecting baffles ¹² 3 kk and provided
with segmental cross slots k6 7 as best shown in Fig. 18 Pin barrel K' has a
pair of pins 7 and 70 which project through the slot of cylinder K so that they
may be struck successively by key bit I' to turn barrel K¹.
Pin barrel K2 has a single pin 8, which projects through the longitudinal slot of
pin barrel K¹ and also through the slotted side of cylinder K protruding so far from
the latter that in certain positions it will be in range of one or another of the key
bits II and I'. Pin barrel K² projects from pin barrel K¹ as well as from
cylinder K and its outer end is provided with a suitable knob for operating it by
hand. Key bit I terminates with a yielding tooth ȧ in the form of a pin the head
of which lies in a longitudinal cavity in the body of the bit, against a spring which
keeps the tooth projected This yielding tooth is provided in order that in turning
the lock arbor from left to right as is required preparatory to starting the unlocking
operation, this key bit I may be forced past pin 7 when pin 7a has reached the end
of slot as shown in Fig. 14. However, this conjunction of the parts will be at
once conveyed to the operator by feel, because the spring tooth offers considerable
resistance to such forced passage; and it is essential that the operator should know
because in working out the combination of the lock a lift of the controller is
completed at each such conjunction.
The plane of cross slot 6 corresponds with the plane of key bit 12; the plane of
cross slot k with that of key bit 13; and the plane of cross slot ks with that of key
bit I. Key bits 13 13 and I are plain unyielding strips of metal. The combination
for the key bits, that is the required relative arrangement thereof may be readily
ascertained from working out the combination of the lock by mere observance
thereof and noting at the halts, by the aid of a dial or other device first, what
position is required for key bit I to strike pin 7 when said pin is in the position
shown in Figs. 14 and 18 secondly, where key bit I must be placed to strike at the
completion of the first setting of the permuter, pin 8 which is then in the end of
cross slot thirdly, the required position of key bit 13 to strike, at the completion
of the second setting of the permuter, pin 8 which is then in the end of the cross
slot ; and lastly, the required position of key bit I to strike, at the completion
of the third setting of the permuter, pin 8 which is then in the end of cross slot k³.
Any one of the aforesaid locks may be unlocked by this form of the unlocker, the
key bit having been first duly arranged in proper combination. Apply the com-

page_text: bination key to the lock arbor and turn first three times to the left, and then three
times to the right, at the same time holding the knob of pin barrel K so that
neither pin barrel can turn and key bit I must be forced past pin 7. See that pin S
is in the lower end of slot * under baffle Now turn the key from left to right,
and stop when the key bit I strikes pin 7 (which is still in the position shown in
Figs. 14 and 18) This makes the first lift of the controller Next, turn from right
to left.
The first turn in that direction causes key bit I' to turn the pin barrels, by pin 7,
far enough to turn pin 8 from under baffle / so that the spring K³ will project pin
barrel K until its pin 8 strikes baffle k².
The second turn in the same direction causes key bit I' to turn the pin barrel, by
pin 7ª, far enough to carry pin 8 to the end of cross slot. On the third turn in
the same direction, key bit I strikes pin 8, and the key is brought to a dead stop.
This completes the first setting of the permuter Turning the key again from left
to right, key bit 12 will on the first turn, rotate both pin barrels by pin S, so far as
to turn pin 7 to the position shown in Figs. 14 and 18, to be occupied by pin 7
and the key bit I escaping from pin 8 leaves it in position under battle . On the
second turn to the right, key bit I turns both pin barrels, by pin 7, moving pin 8
from under baffle so that spring K³ will again project pin barrel K² until its
pin S strikes baffle 3. On the third turn to the right, stop when key bit I' strikes
pin 7, which makes the second lift of the controller. Turning again to the left,
proceed to make the second setting of the permuter. Thus turn alternately to the
right and to the left, turning each time until the key is brought to a dead stop and
you will unlock the lock without any effort of the memory or the eye. Figs. 21. 22
and 23 illustrate modifications in the details of the construction of the key of the
unlocker just described. The key bits are here screwed into loose rings and have
tapering points adapted to press into V shaped grooves around the stem of the key,
to fasten on to it by friction as clearly shown. The key bits are square bars, with
a round tooth at the outer end so that they can be turned by an ordinary clock
key to unscrew them, or to screw them home. The key bit which corresponds to
key bit I Fig. 15, has a tooth, seated against a spring, but the tooth is provided
with a laterally projecting pin which permits the tooth to yield, or locks it rigidly,
according as said pin is turned into a longitudinal slot or into a cross slot in the
key bit. Thus, after the lock arbor has been turned to the starting position, this
tooth can be locked by turning its pin into the cross slot, so that in the working
out of the combination of the lock, this key bit cannot be forced past the
governor pin.
Fig. 24 represents in sectional elevation a further modification of the form of
unlocker in which the governor is actuated by springs and stops as in Fig. 14.
Fig. 25 is an elevation of the same.
Fig. 26 is a plan on line . x. and
Fig. 27 on the line y. y.
The cylindrical stem T is provided with a pin T" which engages with the lock
arbor while pin T enters the plate or a hole in the safe so that the governor is held
in position while stem T may turn freely in bearings T3 T which remain stationary.
Stem T further carries a series of permutable key bits t. t t t³ t' strung on the stem
and separated by intervening washers, of the mechanical construction shown in
Fig. 30 and which, while having vertical play on the stem, cannot rotate thereon.
The desired position of the key bits on the stem having been secured, they are
clamped in place, or released, by a check nut T. In this form of unlocker the
governor consists of a hollow cylinder U with a series of external horizontal grooves
and ridges as shown said cylinder being held in the projecting parts of bearings T³ T
or being in one piece with T.
Riding freely over cylinder U on rods u u¹ u² us fixed in moveable rings u¹ u³
is ring U passing through which is pin U2 which engages with the grooves on
cylinder U, the ridges of which are cut through from end to end of said cylinder
at the point u see Fig. 27. so that if ring U¹ be turned until pin U² is opposite

page_text: slot u said ring may be pushed down rods u u¹ u³ ³ against the pressure of their
surrounding spiral springs which always press ring U₁ upward. To get pin U²
opposite slot u it is necessary to raise head Us which through engaging pins u³ us
must inove with ring U¹.
When head U³ is so raised pin is raised out of semi-circular slot to cut in the
head of cylinder U and enables ring U to be so turned, that pin U* may be brought
opposite slot u, and pressed to the bottom of the cylinder, and there turned into
the lowest groove, but as this is done, head U³ is also turned and as pin u³ comes
into slot u head Us is drawn down by the action of spring u" on carrying pin u
and unless head U³ be again raised, the travel of pin u in slot u10 will always
prevent pin U2 being again turned opposite to slot but every alternate ridge
on U is cut through on the line v and v see Fig. 27 so that by turning ring U',
pin U may advance or withdraw, from end to end of cylinder U by a step by step
motion and this, the play of pin up in slot u10 permits To secure this step by step
motion, ring is provided with projecting pins V. V₁ which are acted on by
projection V2 carried by stem T while key bits t. tt2 13 t come in turn, in contact
with the externally projecting end of pin U2, the entire operation being as follows,
it being assumed that the key bits have been duly set by means of a dial or other-
wise and secured in position by nut T, and, that ring U¹ has been placed at the
bottom of cylinder U, and pin U2 turned into the lowest groove thereon, and as far
to the right as possible when U will rise one groove the pin U2 being at its
nearest point to stem T The stem T being turned to the right projection V³
strikes on pin U2 and thereby turns ring U₁ half way to the slot and in
its next revolution it completes this by striking on pin V when the spiral springs
surrounding u¹ u u³ press ring U₁ up until pin U2 enters the groove next in
order. A third revolution of the stem is prevented by projection V2 coming in
contact with V which is prevented from turning farther in that direction by the
limitation of movement of pin u in slot 1 The stem T is therefore turned in the
reverse direction, and on its first turn, projection V2 strikes pin V₁ and so turns
ring U partially back. On its next turn V2 strikes pin V and turns ring Ut
until Us comes opposite to slot on line v when ring U rises one groove. An
attempt to turn T a third time in this direction brings U2 in contact with key
bit t, but as u has about reached the end of its travel, stem T cannot be turned
farther, and the motion is therefore again reversed when t. first strikes U2 then
V strikes V, ring U₁ rises a groove and further rotation is stopped by V2 coming
in contact with V₁ and further rotation in that direction is prevented as before
explained when pin u has reached the end of its travel, the further upward step
by step motion is obtained as last described and the unlocker thus becomes positive
in its action and may be readily operated in the dark. It will be understood that
each alternate upward motion of the ring U represents a combination or "lift" in
the lock and that the number of key bits will be in accordance therewith. When
the lifts are completed, the bolt will be shot by the action of T on the lock arbor.
Fig. 28 represents a perspective view of a third form of an unlocker.
Fig. 29 represents an axial section of the same.
Figs. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35 and 36 illustrate parts thereof in detail The com
bination key of this unlocker is constructed like that of the unlocker designated as
form 2 except that the yielding tooth of one of the key bits is omitted Four key
bits LLLL³ are provided, in this instance, all alike strung with intervening
washers. 1213 on the stem of the key and secured by the knob and a locking set
screw. The governor consists of four hollow posts M. M' M² M³ fixed cqui-
distantly in a circle on a circular base plate P which is provided with means to
When applied
hold it in proper position on the door when the unlocker is used.
the four hollow posts should stand in a concentric circle around the lock arbor.
Hollow post M has a longitudinal slot m. with a branch cross slot o, and contains a
pin barrel N, the pin n of which projects through the slotted side of the hollow
post. A spring under the pin barrel, tends to project it and the pin barrel is
provided with a stem projecting through the neck of the hollow post so that such

page_text: pin barrel may be pressed along the post by hand in opposition to the spring. The
other posts are similarly slotted, the slots being marked respectively m² o²; m² o²
and ma o; but the cross slots are in different cross planes. The plane of cross
slot o corresponds with that of key bit L; the plane of cross slot of with that of
bit L'; the plane of cross slot o² with that of bit L2 and the plane of cross slot o³
with that of bit La The cross slots o¹, o² and o³ have a like direction and reverse
to that of cross slot o. This arrangement of cross slots is required to adapt the
unlocker to the aforesaid combination locks; but for locks that have a number of
rotatable disc-tumblers, the setting of each of which requires halting at a different
position, the cross slots o and o* must have one and the same direction, and the
cross slots o¹ and o³ a reverse direction. The other hollow posts also contain each
a pin barrel marked respectively N¹ n¹; N° n² and N³ ³ and each a spring
respectively marked 01 02 and 0³ The base plate P is provided with an
unnumbered dial; the numbers being marked on a removeable dial ring P¹ which is
used only in ascertaining the required arrangement of the key bits, and in
arranging them accordingly before use of the key, and is then removed; so that it
will be impossible for any person looking on at the unlocking of the lock to
ascertain the correct relative positions of the key bits.
To unlock one of the aforesaid locks with this unlocker proceed as follows. See
that all the pin barrels are projected so that their pins are at the outer ends of the
longitudinal slots of the hollow posts, and so out of the range of the key bits.
Then turn the key in the known way for moving the parts of the lock to the
proper starting position Next, depress pin barrel N and turn it to move its pin n
into cross slot o. Then turn the key to the right until stopped by its bit L,
striking pin n. This makes the first lift of the controller Next, turn to the left
two full turns. At the first turn, pin is struck by bit L and turned out of cross
slot o into longitudinal slot m. and the pin barrel N projected by the spring O as
before. At the end of the second turn stop to depress pin barrel N' and turn it to
move its pin n¹ into cross slot o¹ after which, resume turning to the left and
continue until stopped by key bit L' striking pin n¹. This makes the first setting
of the permuter. Next, turn again to the right two full turns, which causes pin n¹
to be turned out of cross slot o' into longitudinal slot m³, and the pin barrel N¹ to
be projected by spring O¹ as before. Stop at the end of the second turn to again
depress pin barrel N and turn it to move its pin n again into cross slot o; after
which resume turning to the right and continue until stopped by key bit L
striking pin n. This makes the second lift of the controller. The second and
third settings of the permuter are made in the same way as the first setting except
that pin barrel N is used for the second, and pin barrel N³ for the third setting;
and the remaining lifts of the controller are all effected in the same way as the
second lift.
A fourth form of unlocker which is illustrated in perspective in Fig. 37 and
'consists of a combination key resembling that of the unlocker designated as form 1,
and a governor resembling that of the unlocker designated as form 2; but in this
instance, the combination key is fixed while the governor revolves, being secured
to a handle, which is suitably constructed to engage the lock arbor. With this
explanation the construction and operation of this unlocker can be readily
understood from the illustration without further description of the details.
Fig. 38 represents a perspective view of a fifth form of unlocker.
The
Fig. 39 represents an axial section thereof. The combination key of this
unlocker consists of a stem Q adapted to engage the lock arbor and provided with 5
an arm Q¹ and a series of rotatable disc-tumblers R R R2 loose on said stem.
arm Qand the tumblers are provided with drive pins like the driving arm and
disc tumblers of a combination lock, and each tumbler has a notch, marked
respectively r. 172. The governor consists of a spring bolt S which may be
permanently fixed to the safe door in such position that when the key is applied, 5
the spring bolt may shoot into the notches of the tumblers as these notches are

page_text: successively brought into line with said bolt. The spring bolt may be constructed
in any suitable manner.
This unlocker very much resembles an ordinary disc tumbler combination lock,
and in use operates like it; that is the stem has to be turned right and left
alternately to align the notches of the tumblers with the spring bolt.
The key having first been set to the combination which will adapt it to work
out the combination of the lock, unlocking may be effected as follows
After applying the key to the lock arbor turn the key a number of times in the
direction in which the lock arbor must be turned to the first number of the
combination of the lock, holding the spring bolt back in the meanwhile so as
to prevent it from engaging the notch of tumbler R² Then release the spring
bolt and continue turning in the same direction until stopped by the spring bolt
being automatically projected into notch 2 of tumbler R2 Turn in the reverse
direction until tumbler R¹ is engaged by the spring bolt. Then reverse again and
turn until stopped by the engagement of tumbler R by the spring bolt. Each
deadlock between the key and the governor of the unlocker makes one number of
the combination of the lock. All forms of the unlocker are so constructed that the
combination key together with its dial can be easily removed from and re-attached
to the safe door; so that the bits of said key, which should be or may be dis-
arranged after use, can be re-arranged at leisure, and where ample light can be
had. The combination key once set properly can be used by any person to open
the lock of the safe, in the dark if necessary.
Dated L
1004
PHILIP M. JUSTICE,
Applicant's Agent.

page_text: Improvements in the Means of Locking and Unlocking
Combination or Permutation Locks.
I, MILTON ADOLPHUS DALTON, of 69 Coleman Street, in the City of London,
Mechanical Engineer do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:--
The superior safety of keyless combination or permutation locks is every where
acknowledged, but occasionally persons are met with who object to these locks
because they are difficult to unlock, saying that not only must the secret formula
of the combination be remembered, but to work it out by the aid of a dial in the
way heretofore known requires a steady hand, as well as light in some form and
eyesight, requisites which are not always at command.
It is well known that these keyless combination locks are unlocked by turning
the lock arbor in accordance with a secret rule or formula turning alternately in
reverse directions and halting each time at a different number on the dial. Nervous
or old people find it difficult to unlock even a simple combination lock, let alone a
complex fine bank lock, the unlocking formula of which contains perhaps no less
than six numbers, so that the lock arbor has to be turned to and stopped at six
different numbers on the dial in predetermined order during as many as twenty
right and left turns. The object of my invention is to provide facilities whereby
the turns and halts of the lock arbor in working out the combination or, in other
words unlocking such a combination lock are controlled mechanically; and to this
end it consists of an unlocker so organized with a combination key and a governor
that one or the other of these parts may engage the external end of the lock arbor
to turn it, subject to deadlocks between such key and governor, which deadlocks
occur successively turning right and left alternately, and stop the arbor nechanic-
ally at each predetermined halt of the combination. By means of such an unlocker
the particular combination lock to which it is adapted may be unlocked in the
dark by feel alone, and by any person provided the key has been set to the proper
combination. My invention can be embodied in a variety of forms. In order that
it may be clearly understood, I have illustrated in the drawings accompanying the
Provisional specification and will proceed to describe several forms thereof.
Fig. 1 represents an axial section of the unlocker which may be termed form I
showing it as applied to a lock arbor, the section being taken in the plane indicated
by broken line x x of Fig. 2.
Fig. 2 represents a front view of the unlocker.
Fig. 3 illustrates a series of permutable bits for the combination key.
Fig. 4 represents a front view of the Governor.
Fig. 5 represents an axial section of the governor taken in the plane indicated
by broken line y. y. of Fig. 4.
Fig. 6 illustrates the split ring for covering the dial.
Fig. 7 is a diagram of the respective circles described by the key bits and by the
governor pins, also showing by radial lines, the arcs of motion successively imparted
to the two pin barrels of the governor by each turn of the key.

page_text: Figs. 8. 9 and 10 illustrate one modification, and, Figs. 11. 12 and 13 another
modification of one of the governors pin barrels to adapt the unlocker for working
out twice as long a combination.
This unlocker is adapted for unlocking combination locks of the character
described in specification 4684 of 1879, in which locks, the combination is worked
out by alternate lifts of the so called controller, and settings of the so called
permuter; the unlocker illustrated in the first seven figures, which I will decribe
first being adapted to a lock requiring three settings of the permuter to your lifts
of the controller in working out the combination. The combination key consists
of a disc A and permutable bits B. B¹ B' B³. The edge of the disc A is provided
with a continuous series of closely contiguous and equidistant slits a, and around
the inner circle of these slits the disc has a circular recess for a dial face by which
the slits are suitably numbered. A split guard ring D is placed in the dial recess
exposing but a fraction of the dial.
This split guard ring is circularly movable, so that it may expose any desired
part of the dial.
The permutable bits are stiff, flat strips of metal fitting edgewise in the slits a
and having forked tails to clasp the disc beyond the slits and at the same time
hold the split guard ring in place. The active part of each bit is a small tooth
marked respectively b. 162 63 projecting beyond the outer edge of the main body
of the strip. The position of the tooth on any one bit differs from the position of
that on every other bit so that when the bits are attached to the disc A. their teeth
lie in different planes as illustrated in Fig. 3. The disc A. is suitably constructed
to concentrically engage the exterior end of the lock arbor C. and has a knob by
which it may be conveniently turned after it has been applied to the lock arbor.
The governor consists of two pin barrels E and F of equal diameter mounted side
by side on studs e and f. projecting from a bedplate F* which may be permanently
attached to the door. These pin barrels are geared together by like spur wheels E¹
and F so that motion given to either imparts an equal motion to the other. Pin
barrel E is but a disc circumferentially studded with three equidistant pairs of
radial pins 1 and 12 and 2 3 and 3 all the pins being set in the same cross plane
and having the same length. The distance between the two pins of each pair from
centre to centre is equal to an are of 30°. Pin barrel F is also provided with
three circumferentially equidistant pairs of similarly spaced radial pins 4 and 4ª
5 and 5ª 6 and Ga. The two pins of a pair are located in the same cross plane on
this barrel, but the plane of each pair differs from that of every other pair as well
as from that of the pins of barrel E, so that the twelve pins of these two pin
barrels are disposed in four different planes coinciding respectively with the four
planes of the teeth of the four key bits B. B1 B2 B3, when the combination key is
applied to the lock arbor. In this example the tooth of bit B then lies in the
plane of the three pairs of pins of barrel E, the tooth of bit B₁ in that of pins 4
and 4ª the tooth of bit B2 in that of pins 6 and 60 and the tooth of bit B³ in that
of pins 5 and 5ª. The pin barrels occupy such positions with reference to the
axis of the lock arbor (which forms the axis of rotation of the combination key
when applied) that the key bits can engage the pins seriatim as will be presently
explained more fully. A pawl G is applied to spur wheel E¹ to prevent the pin
barrels from being turned in working out the combination of the lock, except
cach in the direction indicated by the respective arrows in Fig. 2 so that the
combination key must be turned from left to right to transinit motion by its bit B,
but from right to left to transmit motion by either one of its other three bits to
the pin barrels.
The pin barrels are so intergeared and receive such impulses from the successive
driving actions of the key bits that, that supposing a pin to stand on a line drawn
from the centre of the combination key or lock arbour to the centre of pin
barrel E, the remaining pins will, by the required successive right and left turns of
the combination key be successively turned into position to be driven by successive
key bits, a pair of pius of one barrel succeeding a pair of pins of the other barrel in

page_text: regular order because each pin is successively acted upon and driven through an
arc of 300 by the appropriate key bit. The parts are here so proportioned that
when the second pin of a pair of either barrel has been driven forward as far as
the appropriate key bit can drive it, then the first pin of a pair of the other barrel
will coincide with a line drawn from the centre of this other barrel to the centre
of the combination key. The number of teeth in the wheels E¹ and F¹ is also a
multiple of the whole number of pins in the two pin barrels so that the pawl G.
may properly fall behind a tooth at the end of each impulse given to the pin
barrels.
Observing that the lifts of the controller of the lock before mentioned are in this
instance assumed to require the turning of the lock arbor from left to right, and
the settings of the permuter turns from right to left, also, that the lifts and
settings require two turns and a fraction of a turn, each, and finally, that the lifts
are all completed at the same point in the third turn while each setting requires
stoppage at a different point, I will explain how to obtain the combination for the
key required for working out the combination of the lock. Apply disc A. without
any key bits and without the split guard ring to the lock arbor, then turn the pin
barrels by hand until pin 1 coincides with a line drawn from the centre of the lock
arbor to the centre of barrel E, and throw pawl G. into gear. Then turn the lock
arbor by disc A from left to right, and stop when you see by observation of the
lock that you have given a full lift to the controller Now see what slit a in disc A
is opposite pin 1, and take the number of this slit, turn disc A. back a little and
put key bit B in said slit, now turn from right to left two turns, causing key bit B
to successively drive pins 1 and 1ª before it so that pin barrel F will be turned
until its pin 4 coincides with a line drawn from the centre of disc A. to the centre
of the said barrel, continuing to turn a little farther in the same direction observe
the lock, and stop turning when you see that one of the permuter pins is under
the controller pin, now take the number of the slit a, which is opposite pin 4, and
turn the disc back a little to place key bit B¹ in said slit, then turn again from
left to right whereby key bit B¹ will be caused to successively drive before its
pins 4 and 4a so that pin 2 of barrel E will be moved to the position occupied at
the start by pin 1 thereof; continuing to turn from left to right a little farther,
key bit B will strike pin 2; and since by that motion pin barrel E cannot be
turned, being prevented by pawl G, the key is brought to a dead stop, and at the
precise point where the lift of the controller is completed the second time.
Turn again from right to left and find the position for and apply key bit B2 as
was done with respect to key bit B then turn again from left to right to make
another lift, as before, and finally turn once more from right to left to find the
position for key bit B³ the numbers marking the slits for the different key bits
must be duly impressed on the memory. The combination key may then be
removed the key bits withdrawn and the split guard ring put in the dial recess of
the disc. The key bits may be applied to the disc A. at any time, the dial and
the split in the guard ring affording the means of finding the proper slits for the
respective bits. The guard ring is useful in hiding the numbers of the combination
of the key bits, so that the unlocker may be used in the presence of lookers on,
without danger of giving any sufficiently accurate clue to the relative positions of
the key bits, to obtain which by observation merely is made still more difficult by
the similarity of the key bits as to all points except the position of their driving
teeth. In working out the combination of the lock with the key thus prepared it
is essential that at the start pin 1 stands on a line drawn from the centre of the
key to the centre of barrel E That this position of pin barrel E. may be attained
by feel, I provide pawl G. with a reverse pawl G¹ adapted to engage a notch E¹ in
barrel E when said barrel assumes the particular position mentioned. To unlock,
proceed as follows-
After applying the key, turn the arbor to the starting point, the same as is done
in the ordinary operation of unlocking the aforesaid locks. Next turn pawl G. to
disengage wheel E¹ and let reverse pawl G¹ bear on pin barrel E; then turn the

page_text: pin barrels by hand in directions reverse to the arrows of Fig. 2 until reverse
pawl G¹ drops into the notch E¹ of pin barrel E. and stops further rotation of the
pin barrels. Disengaging the reverse pawl and throwing pawl G. in gear with
wheel E completes the preliminary work.
Now turn the key from left to right until bit B strikes pin 1 arresting motion in
that direction, this completes the first lift.
Then turn from right to left until stopped by bit B₁ striking pin 4, this effects
the first setting of the permuter. Proceed in this way, turning alternately in
reverse directions to a dead stop each time until finally on reversing after the last
lift, the bolt of the lock is withdrawn.
Fig. 3 shows a series of seven key bits, by the use of which together with a
suitably constructed and operating pin barrel F a lock requiring seven lifts of the
controller, and, six settings of the permuter, may be unlocked. When in such case
it is desirable or preferred to maintain the relative proportions of the parts as
before described, the pin barrel F may consist of a sleeve so mounted on a tubular
neck of gear wheel F¹ that said barrel can be adjusted along said neck. Thus in
the lowest position on such neck the pins of barrel F would be in range respectively
of the key bits B1 B2 and B³, while in its highest position the pins would be in
range of the key bits B' B' and Bº.
The
Figs. 8. 9 and 10 illustrate one way of constructing such a pin barrel F. it is held
in either position on the neck by an inwardly projecting pin f' on the barrel
entering one end or the other of a devious slot f2 cut in the said neck so that the
barrel cannot turn thereon; a spring f being placed in a cavity in the barrels,
which causes its pin to be pressed up into the locking ends of said slot.
barrel is adjusted by first forcing it along the neck to unlock its pin, after which
the barrel is turned and slid along the neck and then turned back again to let its
pin enter the other end of the slot. Another form of adjustable barrel F is shown
in Figs. 11. 12 and 13. In this case inwardly projecting pins of the barrel engage
straight longitudinal slots in the neck, and the barrel is adjusted along the neck
and held in position by means of a nut f on stud f and a spring f* placed in the
tubular neck, the nut and spring acting antagonistically on the inwardly pro-
jecting pins of the barrel. This adjustable pin barrel is held in one position until
the third setting of the permuter and the fourth lift of the controller have been
effected; then the barrel is shifted so as to bring its pairs of pins respectively in
range with the alternate key bits B* B³ and B6, when the operation of unlocking
is resumed and finished.
It is important to prevent the pin barrels from turning while barrel F is being
shifted; I therefore apply a pawl H to gearwheel Fl as shown in Figs. 1 and 2
which can be thrown in gear and in conjunction with pawl G. prevent any turning
of the barrels. To adapt this unlocker to combination locks which require a
variable number of turns right and left alternately of the lock arbor, as for instance
four turns right then three turns left, then two turns right &c. as is the case with
many combination locks, it is only necessary to use pin barrels having instead of
pairs of pins, groups of four, three &c. and two arrange every group of the two
barrels in a different cross plane so that a separate key bit is required for each
group. In Fig. 14 is represented a perspective view of a second form of unlocker.
Fig. 15 represents an axial section thereof.
Figs. 16. 17. 18. 19 and 20 illustrate various parts of the unlocker in detail. The
unlocker shown in these figures is adapted to any one of the aforesaid locks
requiring four lifts of the controller and three settings of the permuter to work out
the combination of the lock, the combination key consists of a central cylindrical
stem I (so constructed that it may concentrically engage the lock arbor) and a
series of four permutable key bits marked respectively I³ I² 1³ I* and strung on the
stem, together with intervening washers i¹³.
A cross bar I screwed on the outer end of the stem and locked by a set screw,
serves the purpose of clamping the key bits so as to hold them firmly in the relative
positions in which they may be arranged and also forins a handle for turning the

page_text: key. A washer is placed between the crossbar and the bit I. The governor
consists of a fixed hollow cylinder K a tubular longitudinally split pin barrel K'
fitted in said cylinder, a solid pin barrel K2 fitted in barrel K¹, and a spring K³
placed under barrel K² and tending to project it, cylinder K is fixed on a plate I6
which may be permanently attached to the safe door and which may also form the
base for a removable dial used in ascertaining the combination of the lock, and
setting the permutable key bits accordingly.
Near its base cylinder K has a segmental cross slot, above this slot k it has a
longitudinal slot obstructed by projecting baffles and provided with
.segmental cross slots as best shown in Fig. 18. Pin barrel K¹ has a pair of
pins 7 and 7a which project through the slot K of cylinder K so that they may
be struck successively by key bit 11 to turn barrel K. Pin barrel K2 has a single
pin 8, which projects through the longitudinal slot of pin barrel K' and through
the slotted side of cylinder K protruding so far from the latter that in certain
positions it will be in rango of one or another of the key bits I² I and I'. Pin
barrel K² projects from pin barrel K¹ as well as from cylinder K. and its outer end
is provided with a suitable knob for operating it by hand. Key bit I' terminates
with a yielding tooth i in the form of a pin, the head of which in a longitudinal
cavity in the body of the bit, against a spring which keeps the tooth projected.
This yielding tooth is provided in order that in turning the lock arbor from left to
right as is required preparatory to starting the unlocking operation, this key bit 1¹
may be forced past pin 7 when pin 7a has reached the end of slot as shown in
Fig. 14. However, this conjunction of the parts will be at once conveyed to the
operator by feel, because the spring tooth offers considerable resistance to such
forced passage; and it is essential that the operator should know because in
working out the combination of the lock a lift of the controller is completed at
each such conjunction.
The plane of cross slot corresponds with the plane of key bit 12, the plane of
cross slot with that of key bit 13, and the plane of cross slot with that of
key bit 1 Key bits I2 13 and I are plain unyielding strips of metal. The com-
bination for the key bits, that is the required relative arrangement thereof may
be readily ascertained from working out the combination of the lock by mere
observance thereof and noting at the halts, by the aid of a dial or other device
first, what position is required for key bit 1¹ to strike pin 7 when said pin is in the
position shown in Figs. 14 and 18, secondly, where key bit I must be placed to
strike at the completion of the first setting of the permuter, pin 8 which is then in
the end of cross slot, thirdly the required position of key bit 13 to strike at the
completion of the second setting of the permuter, pin which is then in the end of
the cross slot 7; and lastly the required position of the key bit I' to strike at the
completion of the third setting of the permuter, pin 8 which is then in the end
cross slots. Any one of the aforesaid locks may be unlocked by this form of the
unlocker, the key bit having been first duly arranged in proper combination.
Apply the combination key to the lock arbor and turn first three times to the left,
and then three times to the right, at the same time holding the knob of pin
barrel K so that neither pin barrel can turn and key bit I must be forced past
pin 7, see that pin 8 is in the lower end of slot k* under baffle, now turn the key
from left to right and stop when the key bit I¹ strikes pin 7 (which is still in the
position shown in Figs. 14 and 18) this makes the first lift of the controller. Next,
turn from right to left. The first turn in that direction causes key bit 1' to turn
the pin barrels by pin 7 far enough to turn pin 8 from under baffle ¹ so that the
spring K³ will project pin barrel K2 until its pin S strikes baffle ². The second
turn in the same direction causes key bit 11 to turn the pin barrel, by pin 7ª far
enough to carry pin 8 to the end of cross slot c. On the third turn in the same
direction, key bit I strikes pin 8, and the key is brought to a dead stop. This
completes the first setting of the permuter. Turning the key again from left to
right, key bit I³ will on the first turn, rotate both pin barrels by pin S, so far as to
turn pin 7° to the position shown in Figs. 14 and 18 to be occupied by pin 7 and

page_text: Fig. 20 is a plan on me a anu
Fig. 27 on the line y. y.
The cylindrical stem T is provided with a pin T which engages with the lock
arbor while pin T enters the plate or a hole in the safe so that the governor
is held in position while stem T may turn freely in bearings T3 I' which remain
stationary. Stem T further carries a series of permutable key bits ttt13 t strung
on the stem and separated by intervening washers, of the mechanical construction
shown in Fig. 30 and which, while having vertical play on the stem cannot rotato
thereon.
The desired position of the key bits on the stem having been secured, they are
clamped in place or released by a check nut T. In this form of unlocker the
governor consists of a hollow cylinder U, with a series of external horizontal
grooves and ridges as shown said cylinder being held in the projecting parts of
bearings T T, or being in one piece with T5 Riding freely over cylinder U on rods
uu uu³ fixed in moveable rings us us is ring U passing through which is pin U²
which engages with the grooves on cylinder U, the ridges of which are cut through
from end to end of said cylinder at the point uº, see Fig. 27 so that if ring U₁ be
turned until pin U is opposite slot u, said ring may be pushed down rods u u¹ u² n³
against the pressure of their surrounding spiral springs which always press ring U1
upward. To get pin U³ opposite slot u it is necessary to raise head U³ which
through engaging pins uus must move with ring U'. When head U³ is so raised
pin is raised out of semicircular slot 10 cut in the head of cylinder U and
enables ring U to be so turned that pin U2 may be brought opposite slot u® and
pressed to the bottom of the cylinder, and there turned into the lowest groove, but
as this is done head U³ is also turned and as pin u comes into slot 10 head U³ is
drawn down by the action of spring u" on carrying pin u¹ and unless head Us be
again raised the travel of pin u³ in slot u will always prevent pin U³ being again
turned opposite to slot u but every alternate ridge on U is cut through on the
line vand v see Fig. 27 so that by turning ring U' pin U² may advance or with-
draw, from end to end of cylinder U by a step by step motion and this, the play of
pin u in slot 10 permits. To secure this step by step motion, ring ut is provided
with projecting pins V, V₁ which are acted on by projection V2 carried by stem T

page_text: while key bits t t¹ t t t come in turn in contact with the externally projecting end
of pin Us as ring U rises the entire operation being as follows, it being assumed
that the key bits have been duly set by means of a dial or otherwise and secured in
position by out T₁, and that ring U¹ has been placed at the bottom of cylinder U
and pin U turned into the lowest groove thereon, and as far to the right as possible
when U will rise one groove the pin U₁ being at its nearest point to stem T. The
stem T being turned to the right projection V strikes on pin U³ and thereby turns
ring U half way to the slot v, and in its next revolution it completes this by
striking on pin V when the spiral springs surrounding u u¹ u² u³ press ring U up
until pin U enters the groove next in order. A third revolution of the stem is
prevented by projection V₁ coming in contact with V which is prevented from
turning farther in that direction by the limitation of movement of pin u in
slot 10. The stem T is therefore turned in the reverse direction, and on its first
turn projection V' strikes pin V¹ and so turns ring U₁ partially back. On its next
turn V strikes pin V and turn ring U¹ until U comes opposite to slot on line v¹
when ring U rises one groove. An attempt to turn T a third time in this direction
brings U2 in contact with key bit t but as u has about reached the end of its travel,
stem T cannot be turned farther, and the motion is therefore again when t first
strikes U then V' strikes V, ring U¹ rises a groove and further rotation is stopped
by V2 coming in contact with V₁and further rotation in that direction is prevented
as before explained when pin u³ has reached the end of its travel, the further
upward step by step motion is obtained as last described and the unlocker thus
becomes positive in its action and may be readily operated in the dark. It will be
understood that each alternate upward motion of the ring U¹ represents a com-
bination or "lift" in the lock and that the number of key bits will be in accordance
therewith. When the lifts are completed the bolt will be shot by the action of T¹
on the lock arbor. In an unlocker with 5 key bits t there should be twelve
grooves in cylinder U, the top key bit being set opposite the upper groove the
remaining key bits being opposite alternate grooves and the lower one being
opposite the fourth groove from the bottom. Fig. 28 represents a perspective view
of a third form of an unlocker.
Fig. 29 an axial section of the same.
Figs. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35 and 36 illustrate parts thereof in detail. The com-
bination key of this unlocker is constructed like that of the unlocker designated as
form 2 except that the yielding tooth of one of the key bits is omitted. Four key
bits L L L L³ are provided in this instance all alike strung with intervening
washers on the stem of the key and secured by the knob and a locking set
screw. The governor consists of four hollow posts M. M¹ M² M³ fixed equidistantly
in a circle on a circular base plate P which is provided with means to hold it in
proper position on the door when the unlocker is used. When applied the four
hollow posts should stand in a concentric circle around the lock arbor. Hollow
post M has a longitudinal slot m with a branch cross slot o, and contains a pin
barrel N the pin n of which projects through the slotted side of the hollow post.
A spring O under the pin barrel, tends to project it and the pin barrel is provided
with a stem projecting through the neck of the hollow post so that such pin barrel
may be pressed along the post by hand in opposition to the spring. The other
posts are similarly slotted, the slots being inarked respectively m¹ o¹ m² 08
and m³ o; but the cross slots are in different cross planes. The plane of cross
slot o corresponds with that of key bit L; the plane of cross slot o¹ with that of
bit L' the plane of cross slot o² with that of bit L' and the plane of cross slot o³
with that of bit L³. The cross slots o¹ o² and o³ have a like direction and reverse to
that of cross slot o. This arrangement of cross slots is required to adapt the
unlocker to the aforesaid combination locks; but for locks that have a number of
rotatable disc-tumblers, the setting of each of which requires halting at a different
position, the cross slots o and o² must have one and the same direction, and the
cross slots o¹ and o³ a reverse direction. The other hollow posts also contain each
a pin barrel marked respectively N³ n¹ N' n² and N³ ³ and each a spring respec-

page_text: tively marked 0' 0 and 0³. The base plate P is provided with an unnumbered
dial, the numbers being marked on a removeable dial ring P¹ which is used only in
ascertaining the required arrangement of the key bits, and in arranging them
accordingly before use of the key, and is then removed; so that it will be impossible
for any person looking on at the unlocking of the lock to ascertain the correct
relative positions of the key bits.
To unlock one of the aforesaid locks with this unlocker proceed as follows. See
that all the pin barrels are projected so that their pins are at the outer ends of the
longitudinal slots of the hollow posts and so out of the range of the key bits.
Then turn the key in the known way for moving the parts of the to the proper
starting position next, depress pin barrel N and turn it to move its pin n into cross
slot o, then, turn the key to the right until stopped by its bit L, striking pin n, this
makes the first lift of the controller, next, turn to the left two full turns, at the
first turn pin is struck by bit L and turned out of cross slot o into longitudinal
slot m and the pin barrel N projected by the spring O as before. At the end of the
second turn stop to depress pin barrel N₁ and turn it to move its pin n¹ into cross
slot o' after which, resume turning to the left and continue until stopped by key
bit L striking pin n¹, this makes the first setting of the permuter. Next, turn
again to the right two full turns which causes pin n¹ to be turned out of cross
slot o into longitudinal slot m¹, and the pin barrel N¹ to be projected by spring 0¹
as before. Stop at the end of the second turn to again depress pin barrel N and
turn it to move its pin n again into cross slot o; after which resume turning to
the right and continue until stopped by key bit L striking pin n. this makes the
second lift of the controller. The second and third settings of the permuter are
made in the same way as the first setting except that pin barrel N2 is used for the
second, and pin barrel N³ for the third setting; and the remaining lifts of the
controller are all effected in the same way as the second lift.
A fourth form of unlocker which is illustrated in perspective in Fig. 37 and
consists of a combination key resembling that of the unlocker designated as form 1,
and a governor resembling that of the unlocker designated as forin 2; but in this
instance, the combination key is fixed while the governor revolves, being secured to
a handle, which is suitably constructed to engage the lock arbor. With this
explanation the construction and operation of this unlocker can be readily
understood from the illustration without further description of the details.
Fig. 38 represents a perspective view of a fifth form of unlocker.
Fig. 39 represents an axial section thereof.
The combination key of this unlocker consists of a stem Qadapted to engage the
lock arbor and provided with a arm Q¹ and a series of rotatable disc tumblers R
R R2 loose on said stem. The arm Q' and the tumblers are provided with drive
pins like the driving arm and disc tumblers of a combination lock, and each tumbler
has a notch, marked respectively 12. The governor consists of a spring bolt S
which may be permanently fixed to the safe door in such position that when the
key is applied, the spring bolt may shoot into the notches of the tumblers as these
notches are successively brought into line with said bolt. The spring bolt may be
constructed in any suitable manner.
This unlocker very much resembles any ordinary disc tumbler combination lock,
and in use operates like it; that is, the stem has to be turned right and left
alternately to align the notches of the tumblers with the spring bolt. The key
having first been set to the combination which will adapt it to work out the
combination of the lock, unlocking may be effected as follows. After applying the
key to the lock arbor turn the key a number of times in the direction in which
the lock arbor must be turned to the first number of the combination of the lock,
holding the spring bolt back in the meanwhile so as to prevent it from engaging
the notch of tumbler R2, then release the spring bolt and continue turning in the
same direction until stopped by the spring bolt being automatically projected into
notch of tumbler R2, turn in the reverse direction until tumbler R¹ is engaged
by the spring bolt, then reverse again and turn until stopped by the engagement

page_text: of tumbler R by the spring bolt. Each deadlock between the key and the governor
of the unlocker makes one number of the combination of the lock. All forms of
the unlocker are so constructed that the combination key together with its dial
can be easily removed from and re-attached to the safe door; so that the bits of
said key, which should be or may be disarranged after use, can be re-arranged at
leisure, and where ample light can be had. The combination key once set properly
can be used by any person to open the lock of the safe in the dark if necessary.
Many variations may occur in the mechanical details of carrying out my
invention, but I believe I am the first to produce an unlocker for keyless combi-
nation locks, which so operates as to mechanically control the turns and halts of the
lock arbor in working out the combination of the lock, namely by coming to a
dead stop at each number of the combination.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my Baid
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1st An unlocker for combination locks which consists of a combination key and
governor substantially as herein before set forth; whereby the turns and halts of
the lock arbor in working out the combination of the lock are controlled
mechanically.
2nd In an unlocker of the character described a combination key consisting of a
stem, one fixed key bit unchanged for the same lock, but changed if another lock is
used, and a series of permutable key bits thereon and a clamping nut for holding
the permutable key bits in position, substantially as before set forth.
3rd In an unlocker of the character described a governor substantially as before
set forth, consisting of the following elements, viz; an externally grooved and
notched fixed barrel; a trundle mounted to turn on said barrel and having two
laterally projecting pins on one of its heads, a rider mounted upon springs on the
bars of the trundle and having a laterally projecting pin, the inner end of which
engages the grooved barrel, and a retractable stop disc permanently clutched to one
of the leads of the trundle, and having a stop pin adapted to enter a sectoral
slot in the end of said barrel.
4th The combination substantially as before set forth, with a combination key
the stem of which carries one fixed key bit unchanged for the same lock, but
changed if another lock is used, and a series of permutable key bits, of a governor
composed essentially of an externally grooved and notched barrel, a trundle
mounted to turn on said barrel, and provided with laterally projecting pins, a rider
mounted upon springs on the trundle and having a laterally projecting pin the
inner end of which engages the grooved barrel, and a retracted check-disc which
is permanently clutched to the trundle and has a stop pin adapted to enter a sectoral
slot in the end of said barrel.
Dated this 4th day of Novarnha, 1885
PHILIP M. JUSTICE,
Applicant's Agent.
65 & 56, Chancery Lane, London.