A computer controlled electric motor with a driving shaft having a resilient cup type safe knob gripper fixedly attached to the distal end thereof for rotation therewith. A key pad for programing the computer memory with a plurality of different rotational sequences. Each sequence is associated with a combination of a different combination lock. Any of the lock opening rotational sequences stored in the computer memory can be addressed by the key pad. A storage battery provides operating and stand by power for the computer, memory and motor.

Apparatus for assisting in the determination of the combination of a safe lock by aiding a locksmith in the art of manipulation. This device replaces the locksmith's senses of sight, hearing and touch, used in manipulation of combination locks. Sight is replaced by an optical scanner and target. Hearing and touch are replaced by a microphone and amplifier with a peak detector. The device will provide a locksmith with accurate contact readings when practicing the art of manipulation.

Apparatus for determining the opening combination of a safe lock includes a servo motor, a molded dial gripper that fits over the hub of the combination lock dial, and a high resolution rotary, encoder, preferably one with a resolution of 1000 PPR. The rotary encoder has a resolution of 0.09 degrees of rotation using quadrature, which permits the dial to be rotated accurately to within 1/10 of a digit. A programmable logic and control circuit can rotate the dial for automatic implementation of a manipulation technique. This permits the safe combination to be found in a rather short period of time, typically less than one hour.

A combination lock wherein the tumblers can be moved to predetermined positions, preparatory to retraction of the locking bolt from extended position, by an electric motor which is controlled by a microprocessor. The microprocessor receives signals from a keyboard or from a disc and can start the motor for the purpose of aligning the normally scrambled tumblers only in response to reception of a predetermined sequence of signals. A manually operated knob can be coupled to a driver for the tumblers in order to change the positions of the tumblers and/or to move the locking bolt between extended and retracted positions independently of the motor. The microprocessor is programmed to start the motor only in response to reception of a predetermined sequence of signals in accordance with a selected combination.

A steering lock system includes at least an ignition switch and a locking mechanism capable of inhibiting the turning of a steering shaft. In a state in which the steering lock system is retained by a retaining means on a support table, a movable table is moved toward the support table, a turnable shaft which includes a key chuck means retaining a key at its tip end is rotatably driven by a driving means, thereby rotatably driving a rotor of the steering lock system. By examining the change in the switching mode of the ignition switch in accordance with the turning of the rotor by a switch signal checking means and examining the operational state of the locking mechanism by a locking operation examining means, the inspection can be conducted continuously and automatically on the operation of at least the ignition switch and the locking mechanism of the steering lock system. Thus, it is possible to inspect the operation of the steering lock system, while reducing the number of operating steps and the operating space.