lock: Quick Facts

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Photos

Figure 1: Ancient Egyptian lock

Figure 2: Contemporary version of the Yale lock (Left) All pins lifted to proper height by correct key, which can be turned to open lock, and (right) pins lifted to incorrect height by wrong key, lock will not open

Figure 3: Warded lock and key

Figure 4: Barron tumbler lock, 1778

Figure 5: Bramah lock, 1784

Figure 6: Combination safe lock The lock cannot be opened until the slots on the three wheels are in line; movement of the dial is transmitted to each wheel by a system of pins (in practice much shorter than shown), arms, and studs

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Topics

padlock pin tumbler ward Barron lock time lock warded lock tumbler Bramah lock Yale lock combination lock Fence computer security fire prevention and control Doorstop

Key People

Black and white portrait drawing of Louis Vuitton, shown with wavy hair, a mustache, and dressed in a suit and bow tie.

Louis Vuitton

French box maker and entrepreneur

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Charles Chubb

British inventor