Abstract: A lock system comprises a lock core and a token having an access code. The lock core comprises a core body, a lock actuator coupled to the core body for rotation about an axis, a blocker movable between a locking position in which the lock actuator is prevented from rotating about the axis and a releasing position in which the lock actuator is permitted to rotate about the axis, an electric circuit having a token reader, and an electromagnetic actuator having a shaft that is movable parallel with the axis. The token is couplable mechanically to the lock actuator. The electric circuit signals the electromagnetic actuator to move the shaft parallel with the axis so that the blocker is movable from the locking position to the releasing position if the access code read by the token reader matches a valid access code.

Abstract: A cam assembly may be constructed with cylinder plug perforated by a centrally positioned keyway, and having an exposed circumferential surface surrounding the keyway rotatably fitted within a centrally positioned keyhole of a housing, and rotated within the centrally positioned keyhole in response to rotational force applied by a key conformingly corresponding to the cylinder plug through an arc. A cam mounted either coaxially with the cylinder plug, or radially offset from the cylinder plug, is positioned within the housing to rotate with the cylinder plug as the key conformingly corresponding to the lock manually applies a rotational force to the cylinder plug rotates through the arc, while a member attached to the cam and eccentrically positioned relative to the keyway, drives the bolt between extended and retracted positions as the cylinder plug rotates through the arc.

Abstract: An electromechanical locking mechanism provides a plug with a rekeyable primary lock mjechanism such as a tumbler stack, an electromechanical operator such as a solenoid or a motor, and an electronic circuit having a memory, or an electronic memory and an electronic logic stage, controlling activitiation and operation of the electromechanical operator, contained entirely within the plug. Insertion of a blade of a key that is properly profiled and bitted to correctly displace the primary lock assembly relative to a cylinder encasing the plug, and application by the key of electrical power, or of electrical power and a correct data signal, to the electronic circuit, will cause activation of the electrical operator and repositioning of a distal member of the operator relative to the cylinder, and thereby enable torque manually applied to the blade of the key to rotate the plug within the cylinder.

Abstract: An electronic lock that can be pre-programmed or trained in the field to recognize ordinary flat metal keys by sensing their shape and comparing to a database is disclosed. The lock can be contained in standard configurations for door locks, communicates with external systems, provides control logic for querying and amending its database of allowed keys and rules, provides controlled access to logs of selected data, allows convenient but protected access to replacement batteries, can have all its electronics in the rotatable plug, can communicate and obtain power from devices in the adjacent door jam, can recognize special series key-blanks, can receive coded information entered using an unknown key that makes it useable, can be operated without a key to gain access with a code, can resist manipulation of the latching mechanism, can unlatch with very low power requirements, and provides for integration of almost all mechanism in silicon.

Abstract: Methods and processes of making and assembling key assemblies each having a key blank, a transponder, a transponder holder and a key head section cover molded to encapsulate the transponder and at least part of its holder. If a logo is desired on the finished key, it may be provided on one or both sides of the key head section cover, or on a transponder holder which is molded about a part of the key head section.

Abstract: A door unlocking system may be used as an add-on for a door lock; the door lock being mounted in a door comprising a door frame and a door latching bolt. The system allows the door to be unlocked and opened using only one hand. The system also allows for the door to be opened with a key, through a remote signal, and to be unlocked until it is relocked.

Abstract: An electronic locking system comprises a cylinder housed within and rotatable with respect to a shell. A key has a power supply. At least one of the key and the cylinder is capable of generating a signal when the key is electrically connected with the cylinder. An electrically powered locking mechanism is housed within the cylinder and includes a lock member moveable between an open position and a locked position. The lock member in the locked position interferes with movement of the cylinder. A power source is connected to the locking mechanism in response to the signal. The locking mechanism allows movement of the lock member from the locked position to the open position in response to the signal so that the cylinder may be rotated within the shell. The cylinder further includes an interfering member that resists movement of the locking member. In addition, a biasing mechanism urges the cylinder toward a home position when the cylinder is rotated away from the home position.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an electronic lock (12) suitable for replacing interchangeable core locks has a solenoid assembly comprising a solenoid coil (280) and a plunger (290) longitudinally aligned parallel to the rotational axis (A) of the cylinder (214) of the lock (12).

Abstract: An electronic locking system comprises a cylinder housed within and rotatable with respect to a shell. A key has a power supply. At least one of the key and the cylinder is capable of generating a signal when the key is electrically connected with the cylinder. An electrically powered locking mechanism is housed within the cylinder and includes a lock member moveable between an open position and a locked position. The lock member in the locked position interferes with movement of the cylinder. A power source is connected to the locking mechanism in response to the signal. The locking mechanism allows movement of the lock member from the locked position to the open position in response to the signal so that the cylinder may be rotated within the shell. The cylinder further includes an interfering member that resists movement of the locking member. In addition, a biasing mechanism urges the cylinder toward a home position when the cylinder is rotated away from the home position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lock cylinder assembly (10) comprising a cylinder housing (12); a cylinder (14); a first electromagnetic coil (48); a first locking member (52); and a key. The cylinder (14) is rotatable in said cylinder housing (12) and the first locking member (52) is urged by a first magnetic field towards a locked position in which rotation of the cylinder (14) is prevented.

Abstract: The invention is directed at an electronic lock assembly which is operable by a suitably programmed electronic key. The electronic lock assembly includes a cylinder type locking mechanism, where a solenoid and plunger is provided to electronically lock and unlock a key cylinder, thereby selectively allowing rotation of the key cylinder for operation of the locking mechanism. To prevent rotation of the key cylinder and loading of the solenoid plunger prior to the solenoid receiving an authorized signal to retract the plunger, a stop mechanism is provided which only allows rotation of the key cylinder in predetermined coordination with operation of the solenoid.

Abstract: A cam assembly may be constructed with cylinder plug perforated by a centrally positioned keyway, and having an exposed circumferential surface surrounding the keyway rotatably fitted within a centrally positioned keyhole of a housing, and rotated within the centrally positioned keyhole in response to rotational force applied by a key conformingly corresponding to the cylinder plug through an arc. A cam mounted either coaxially with the cylinder plug, or radially offset from the cylinder plug, is positioned within the housing to rotate with the cylinder plug as the key conformingly corresponding to the lock manually applies a rotational force to the cylinder plug rotates through the arc, while a member attached to the cam and eccentrically positioned relative to the keyway, drives the bolt between extended and retracted positions as the cylinder plug rotates through the arc.

Abstract: A security system for a storage container including a latch assembly disposed on an interior side of a door for latching the door in a closed position with the storage container. A plurality of reciprocating latch elements are included in the latch assembly for latching the door in a closed position with the storage container. A latch actuator included in the latch assembly moves the latch elements to latch the door. A master lock assembly controls operation of the latch actuator by having a first locking part of the master lock assembly interlocking with a second locking part carried by an elongated shaft connected to an operator on the container exterior. A tamper-resistant control blocks access to the master lock assembly from outside the storage container whereby access to the container interior is prevented when the latch assembly is closed and the master lock assembly is in an engaged position.

Abstract: An electromechanical locking mechanism provides a plug with a rekeyable primary lock mechanism such as a tumbler stack, an electromechanical operator such as a solenoid or a motor, and an electronic circuit having a memory, or an electronic memory and an electronic logic stage, controlling activitiation and operation of the electromechanical operator, contained entirely within the plug. Insertion of a blade of a key that is properly profiled and bitted to correctly displace the primary lock assembly relative to a cylinder encasing the plug, and application by the key of electrical power, or of electrical power and a correct data signal, to the electronic circuit, will cause activation of the electrical operator and repositioning of a distal member of the operator relative to the cylinder, and thereby enable torque manually applied to the blade of the key to rotate the plug within the cylinder.

Abstract: A lock section is mechanically operated by a key provided with identification information to perform a locking or unlocking operation. A receiver acquires the identification information from the key. A checker determines whether the identification information acquired by the receiver matches with pre-stored registration information of the key. A limiter restricts the unlocking operation of the key when the checker determines that the identification information does not match with the registration information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at an electronic lock assembly which uses a simplified locking mechanism, which is operable by a suitably programmed electronic key. The invention is directed to a cylinder type locking mechanism wherein a solenoid and plunger is provided to electronically lock and unlock a key cylinder, thereby allowing rotation of the key cylinder for unlocking of a locking mechanism when a suitably programmed electronic key is used in connection with the mechanism. A side bar and retaining spring engage the cylinder plug to prevent rotation thereof in the locked position with the side bar contacted by the plunger of the solenoid to prevent the side bar from moving until an authorized key is used to unlock the mechanism.

Abstract: An ignition lock system for a motor vehicle includes an electronic ignition key and an electronic ignition lock having a key receptacle. The electronic ignition key can be inserted into the key receptacle to exchange coded operating signals, the key receptacle, together with the inserted electronic ignition key, being movable out of an initial position into at least one operating position. A mechanical blocking device is provided in the key receptacle, which blocks the electronic ignition key against withdrawal from the key receptacle in the operating position. The mechanical blocking device cooperates with the electronic ignition key in such a way that the electronic ignition key and/or the key receptacle is irreversibly damaged when blocking actions of the mechanical blocking device are forcibly overcome.

Abstract: A method of decreasing resonant frequency shifting of an electrical circuit mounted on a vehicle key includes providing a frame in an opening in the head portion of a vehicle key and locating the transponder in the frame. The frame comprises substantially rigid non-metallic material, and the frame includes a support structure for supporting the transponder while decreasing forces produced on the transponder by thermal expansion and contraction of the head portion of the key, thereby decreasing shift in the resonance of the electrical circuit of the transponder. The frame, the transponder and the head portion of the key are overmolded providing an outer covering that encloses and protects the transponder.

Abstract: The blocking device is intended for a cylinder lock (1) with mechanically coded tumblers and an electric coding. An installation unit (22) comprises an electrically driven control (14) with a helical drive unit (16). The helical drive unit (16) is connected with an additional blocking element (13), which can engage and disengage the rotor (10) of the cylinder lock (1). The helical drive unit (16) comprises a threaded track (39, 61, 65) closed at both ends. A control device (17) generates the control signals for the driving or the energy supply to the control (14). The method of construction according to the invention makes possible a compact type of construction and has improved security against unauthorized interference from the outside.

Abstract: A vehicle ignition key having an ornamental element molded onto the key. The key includes a key blank and an undermold which is formed by molding a first plastic material over a portion of a key blank, defining a mounting surface for the element. The ornamental element is located on the mounting surface and secured to the heel portion of the key blank by an overmold which is formed by molding a second plastic material over the heel portion of the key blank, the undermold, and at least a portion of the element. In one embodiment, the overmold material covers substantially the entire peripheral edge of the element.

Abstract: Locks and keys are disclosed with electromagnetic as well as mechanical actuation. Several forms of reverse sidebar are described, avoiding binding of the lock release mechanism by premature turning of the key by a user. An embodiment of a system is described wherein the lock units are in radio communication with a control console, for setting access parameters and monitoring accessing events at each of the various locks.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an electronic lock (12) suitable for replacing interchangeable core locks has a solenoid assembly comprising a solenoid coil (280) and a plunger (290) longitudinally aligned parallel to the rotational axis (A) of the cylinder (214) of the lock (12).

Abstract: A two-point locking system for providing controlled access through a doorway is described comprising a controlled deadlatch assembly and a magnetic lock assembly. The controlled deadlatch assembly comprises (i) a deadlatch for selectively latching and unlatching a door, (ii) an input control device for selectively controlling the deadlatch, and (iii) a first wireless transmitter for transmitting a magnetic lock control signal. The magnetic lock assembly comprises (i) a metal housing unit, (ii) an armature plate, (iii) an electromagnetic element coupled to the housing unit and aligned to magnetically engage with the armature plate when selectively electrically energized, and (iv) a wireless receiver capable of receiving the magnetic lock control signal from the wireless transmitter.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an electronic lock suitable for replacing interchangeable core locks has a solenoid assembly longitudinally aligned parallel to the rotational axis of the cylinder of the lock. In a second aspect an electronic lock has a ferromagnetic enclosure that surrounds at least a portion of a solenoid assembly when the cylinder of the lock is free to rotate.

Abstract: A key (10) includes a transceiver core (12) that couples to antenna electrodes that include all or part of a key shank (11) and an electrically conductive surface (16). The transceiver core (12) utilizes these electrodes (11 and 16) to capacitively transceive information with a reader (41). The reader (41) may, in turn, utilize all or part of a keyed lock cylinder (43) as an antenna electrode.

Abstract: An electronic locking system comprises a cylinder housed within and rotatable with respect to a shell. A key has a power supply. At least one of the key and the cylinder is capable of generating a signal when the key is electrically connected with the cylinder. An electrically powered locking mechanism is housed within the cylinder and includes a lock member moveable between an open position and a locked position. The lock member in the locked position interferes with movement of the cylinder. A power source is connected to the locking mechanism in response to the signal. The locking mechanism allows movement of the lock member from the locked position to the open position in response to the signal so that the cylinder may be rotated within the shell. The cylinder further includes an interfering member that resists movement of the locking member. In addition, a biasing mechanism urges the cylinder toward a home position when the cylinder is rotated away from the home position.

Abstract: A barrel lock assembly 1 comprises a tubular housing 2 formed with a longitudinal access slot 4 extending through the wall of the housing 2; an inner barrel section 6 formed with an array of locking pins 8 extending upwardly from an array of slits 10; an electrically driven actuator 12 comprising a solenoid 14 and an actuating bar 16. In the assembled state (as shown in FIG. 2) the bar 16 is received by the access slot 4. The inner barrel 6 has extending from one end thereof a square peg section 18. A catch member 20 is fitted onto the square peg section 18. At the opposite end of the inner barrel there is a disc-like section 22 formed with a keyhole slot 24. Extending radially from the section 22 is a handle 26.

Abstract: A lock core for use with a token having an access code and a blade is provided. The lock core includes a core body, a lock actuator coupled to the core body for movement, a token communicator configured to read the access code when the blade is inserted into a passageway of the lock actuator, at least one movable tumbler element, a movable blocker, a biasing member situated between the at least one tumbler element and the blocker, and an electromagnetic actuator coupled to the core body and coupled to the token communicator. Insertion of the token in the passageway moves the at least one tumbler element to store energy in the biasing member. If the token communicator reads the access code after insertion of the token in the passageway, the electromagnetic actuator moves to unlock the blocker and the biasing member releases energy to move the blocker.

Abstract: A lock apparatus which can be locked or unlocked by an electronic key or mechanical key, includes a cylinder casing, a sleeve disposed rotatably inside the cylinder casing, a key cylinder disposed rotatably inside the sleeve and in which a mechanical key can be inserted, a tumbler disposed on the key cylinder and which the mechanical key can engage, a key cylinder lock actuator for locking or unlocking a rotation of the sleeve with respect to the cylinder casing and a control unit disposed on the key cylinder side for carrying out transmission and reception of electronic signal for verifying IDs. When, as a result of the ID verification, the ID of the control unit and the ID of the electronic key coincide with each other, the rotation of the sleeve with respects to the cylinder casing is released. Also, when the tumbler engages the sleeve, the key cylinder is rotatable with the sleeve by operating a key cylinder operating portion.

Abstract: An electromechanical locking mechanism provides a plug with a rekeyable primary lock mechanism such as a tumbler stack, an electromechanical operator such as a solenoid or a motor, and an electronic circuit having a memory, or an electronic memory and an electronic logic stage, controlling activitiation and operation of the electromechanical operator, contained entirely within the plug. Insertion of a blade of a key that is properly profiled and bitted to correctly displace the primary lock assembly relative to a cylinder encasing the plug, and application by the key of electrical power, or of electrical power and a correct data signal, to the electronic circuit, will cause activation of the electrical operator and repositioning of a distal member of the operator relative to the cylinder, and thereby enable torque manually applied to the blade of the key to rotate the plug within the cylinder.

Abstract: A method of decreasing resonant frequency shifting of an electrical circuit mounted on a vehicle key includes providing a frame in an opening in the head portion of a vehicle key and locating the transponder in the frame. The frame comprises substantially rigid non-metallic material, and the frame includes a support structure for supporting the transponder while decreasing forces produced on the transponder by thermal expansion and contraction of the head portion of the key, thereby decreasing shift in the resonance of the electrical circuit of the transponder. The frame, the transponder and the head portion of the key are overmolded providing an outer covering that encloses and protects the transponder.

Abstract: The invention is directed at an electronic lock assembly which is operable by a suitably programmed electronic key. The electronic lock assembly includes a cylinder type locking mechanism, where a solenoid and plunger is provided to electronically lock and unlock a key cylinder, thereby selectively allowing rotation of the key cylinder for operation of the locking mechanism. To prevent rotation of the key cylinder and loading of the solenoid plunger prior to the solenoid receiving an authorized signal to retract the plunger, a stop mechanism is provided which only allows rotation of the key cylinder in predetermined coordination with operation of the solenoid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a thumbturn assembly for an electronic lock assembly wherein a circuit board housing and microprocessor programmed for operation of the electronic lock assembly is housed in conjunction with a power source to allow programming of the lock assembly for operation using authorized electronic key mechanisms. An inside housing assembly is assembled and thereafter coupled to the inside thumbturn and cover assembly, and a thumbturn extension is provided in association with the inside housing to allow the tailpiece to engage the slot in the latch crank assembly, while concomitantly providing a female fitting to engage the inside thumbturn upon coupling of the inside thumbturn assembly and cover assembly to the inside housing assembly. Upon combining the inside thumbturn and cover assembly to the inside housing assembly, the thumbturn, thumbturn extension and tail piece rotate as one unit to throw and retract the bolt in the latch of the locking mechanism for operation.

Abstract: An electronic locking system is provided wherein an electronic lock's restriction of movement of a locked securing member, such as a door latch or bolt, can be selectively overridden from inside a locked enclosure by manual manipulation of a handle. The handle moves the securing member to open a locked barrier even though the electronic lock remains in a locked condition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic deadbolt flex assembly for transfer of data to and from a microprocessor associated with the electronic lock assembly. The flex assembly comprises an electrical connector coupled to a solenoid assembly for operating the electronic lock. A contact spring electrically couples a data pin positioned within the cylinder plug of the lock assembly, providing a path for data transfer to a microprocessor housed within an inside turn assembly. A signaling device, such as an LED, is mounted in association with the assembly to indicate operational signals to the user.

Abstract: Locking cylinder, particularly an electronic locking cylinder and with electromechanical rotational blocking in which the electronic key (64) has facing electrical terminals (66) on blade (65), and the rotating core (2 or 3) of the cylinder has an external annular track (6) that is electrically conducting and with its internal face communicates with an electrical contact (5) supported on terminal (66); whereas the external annular track (6) is supported in the electrical brushes (7) of external (2) and internal (3) rotors; there is a first modular box (8) on the inside of a cast hollow part (1a) of external rotor (2) which box contains electrical brush (7), processing unit (31) and an electromechanical locking device, which incorporates a ball (19) and a vertical tumbler (16); as well as a second modular box (9) containing electrical brush (7) and the autonomous electrical source; the two modules are connected by the electrical conductor (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door unlocking system may be used as an add-on for a door lock; the door lock being mounted in a door comprising a door frame and a door latching bolt. The system allows the door to be unlocked and opened using only one hand. The system also allows for the door to be opened with a key, through a remote signal, and to be unlocked until it is relocked.

Abstract: A lock apparatus includes: a control unit carrying out transmission and reception of an electronic signal between the electronic key and the control unfit so as to perform ID verification; a rotating member disposed rotatably inside a casing; a lock actuator receiving a lock release signal from the control unit so as to release a lock on the rotating member to the casing; a key insertion hole disposed to the rotating member; a slider hole going through the rotating member; a slider inserted into the slider hole and disposed such that its inner end is protruded into the key insertion hole; and a check lever supported rotatably and in which one end thereof is an operating portion activating the transmission and reception of the control unit and the other end makes contact with the outer end face of the slider.

Abstract: An improved key fob and key combination allows the mechanical key to be removed from the key fob and given to a valet attendant. The key is provided with a mechanical latch which may be easily removed from the key fob. When the key is removed, secured areas on the vehicle are locked. Moreover, the vehicle has limited operation when the mechanical key is not received with the key fob. In a second feature of this invention, a locator function on the key fob provides an indication of an approximate direction to a vehicle in a parking area. The key fob relies upon RF transmissions from the vehicle to determine an approximate direction to the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for decoding locks having a sequence of spring-urged sliding members such as tumbler pins or wafers includes a probe device having the general contour of a key having a head portion and a straight shank fabricated of electrically insulative material and terminating in a tip portion having an oblique ramp surface. A series of spaced apart electrical conductors embedded within the shank in parallel relationship extend from the head portion to the ramp surface where they emerge as electrical contacts. An electrical circuit which includes an electronic monitoring and display apparatus detects when a given sliding member touches a most distant electrical contact, thereby representing a travel distance. The travel distance is correlated with a particular pin or wafer to produce the key code for the lock.

Abstract: A lock apparatus of the invention capable of being locked/unlocked by an electronic key, comprises: an electronic key having a circuit chip generating an electronic signal, and an insertion portion provided at an end thereof and comprised of a pair of opposing flat portions and slope portions on both sides so as to be formed in a tapered flat shape; and a rotating member having an insertion hole opening at an end face thereof and in which the insertion portion of the electronic key is to be inserted, an opening portion of the key insertion hole having a rectangular sectional shape corresponding to a cross section of the insertion portion and being larger than an end of the insertion portion, and an interior of the key insertion hole being formed in a tapered flat shape corresponding to the tapered flat shape of the insertion portion and having a slant wall as a side face.

Abstract: A lock cylinder of standard size and configuration, interchangeable with conventional mechanical cylinders, includes electronic access control features as additional security or in some embodiments as the sole security feature. A microcontroller, memory, solenoid, battery, one wire bus connection and other electric and electronic elements are self contained within the cylinder, being positioned in the cylinder shell or the cylinder plug. The microprocessor can be programmed as to authorized users, entry times, etc. using a special programming key, which itself is programmed with a computer. User keys have a memory cell or ID chip which is read by the cylinder's microcontroller on insertion of the key; however, a system of locks can include locks which are mechanical/electronic, solely electronic and solely mechanical, and keys can also be electronic, mechanical or both.

Abstract: A mechano-electronically operated cylinder-key unit for locking including a cylinder unit and key. The cylinder unit having a cylinder portion, a pawl for operating a bar for locking/unlocking, an electrical energy generator for powering an electronic circuit provide in the cylinder unit, whereby a triggering member activates the electrical energy generator when a predetermined extent of insertion of the key into the cylinder is exceeded. The key is also provided with an electronic circuit whereby both electronic circuits are provide with a control logic for recognizing and allowing operation of the pawl.

Abstract: A key assembly for mounting an electronic component in the head of the key. The electronic component is mounted in either an opening such as a bore or recess formed in the key head, or a carrier connected to the heel end of the key shank. In the former case, a closure member such as a plug or adhesively backed panel member is employed to close off the opening. In the latter case, the carrier is encapsulated within a plastic key head.

Abstract: A key assembly for mounting an electronic component in the head of the key. The electronic component is mounted in either an opening such as a bore or recess formed in the key head, or a carrier connected to the heel end of the key shank. In the former case, a closure member such as a plug or adhesively backed panel member is employed to close off the opening. In the latter case, the carrier is encapsulated within a plastic key head.

Abstract: A locking device for a lock cylinder (12) has an electronically controlled inhibiting element (2), which in an inhibit position (xS) blocks movement of a rotor (1) relative to a stator (6) and frees the rotor (1) in a free position (xF). A drive (9) exerts a working force (FA) on the inhibiting element (2), by which inhibiting element (2) can be reversibly transferred from the inhibit position (xS) into the free position (xF) and vice versa. A guide (52-57) is connected to the drive (9) and, at least outside the free position (xF), clearly defines the position of the inhibiting element (2). A restoring device (3) exerts a restoring force (FR) directed away from the free position (xF) on the inhibiting element (2), when that element is between the free position (xF) and a rest position (xO). In the rest position (xO) and in positions between the rest position (xO) and the free position (xF), the inhibiting element inhibits movement of the rotor (1).

Abstract: A mechanism for locking and unlocking an electronic safe lock barrel which is provided with a retaining long key and is fastened with a rotary mechanism located on the outside of the safe door. The lock barrel has a portion which is located in the inside of the safe door and is provided with a position confining slide sleeve. The position confining slide sleeve is fastened at the rear end with a motor having a rotary shaft which is engaged with a threaded sleeve capable of displacing back and forth. The threaded sleeve is provided with a retaining slot for retaining the retaining long key of the lock barrel so as to prevent the lock barrel from being turned by the rotary mechanism. The motor is operated by the circuit to enable the threaded sleeve to retain or release the retaining long key of the lock barrel, thereby controlling the locking and the unlocking mechanisms of the electronic lock.

Abstract: Electronic barrel comprising a barrel body and a rotary-lock key bit, the barrel body comprising at least one rotor having a common axis with the body and the rotary-lock key bit and freely rotating in said body, a clutch part coupled in rotation with the rotor and comprising meshing means co-operation with additional means matching the key bit so as to drive in rotation said key bit by the rotor under the action of a rotating torque of the key, and locking means for preventing the clutch part from being translated when there is no recognition of an identification code transmitted between the key and the barrel, characterised in that said locking means are further mounted integral in the rotary-lock key bit and the rotor is mobile in translation for thrusting the clutch part towards the key bit when said identification code is recognised.

Abstract: An electronic lock that can be pre-programmed or trained in the field to recognize ordinary flat metal keys by sensing their shape and comparing to a database is disclosed. The lock can be contained in standard configurations for door locks, communicates with external systems, provides control logic for querying and amending its database of allowed keys and rules, provides controlled access to logs of selected data, allows convenient but protected access to replacement batteries, can have all its electronics in the rotatable plug, can communicate and obtain power from devices in the adjacent door jam, can recognize special series key-blanks, can receive coded information entered using an unknown key that makes it useable, can be operated without a key to gain access with a code, can resist manipulation of the latching mechanism can unlatch with very low power requirements, and provides for integration of almost all mechanism in silicon.

Abstract: Key assemblies each having a key blank, a transponder, a transponder holder and a key head section cover molded to encapsulate the transponder and at least part of its holder. A logo may be provided on one or both sides of the key head section cover, or on a transponder holder which is molded about a part of the key head section. In one embodiment, the transponder holder is premolded, after which the transponder is inserted in it and resiliently held in place by resilient parts of the holder. The transponder and holder subassembly is then slid into a generally U-shaped key head with the legs defining the sides of that key head sliding in open channels formed by legs of the holder which are moved against the resilience of the cantilever mounting of the legs to the transponder mounting section of the holder.