Patent ID: 8074479
Filing Date: 2011-12-13
Classification: E05B,G07C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A lock comprising: a) a cylinder defining an axis of rotation and having a front end and an opposite rear end, which can be rotatably mounted to a first component to be locked, the cylinder including at least one second locking formation; a keyway at the front end thereof, for a key having an electrical power source and electrical connection means which provides an electrical connection with the electrical power source of the key; b) a tailpiece which defines an axis of rotation common with the axis of rotation of the cylinder, the tailpiece including at least one first locking formation and being operable to interfere with the movement of a second component to be locked, the tailpiece being mounted to the cylinder at the rear end thereof in an arrangement wherein relative rotation between the tailpiece and the cylinder is permitted in an uncoupled condition of the lock and wherein the cylinder and the tailpiece are rotatably coupled in a coupled condition of the lock; c) an electrically-operated clutch mechanism which includes at least one locking mechanism which is operable, upon actuation of the clutch mechanism, to releasably engage the first and second locking formations thereby causing the cylinder and the tailpiece to become rotatably coupled in the coupled condition of the lock; and d) electronic control means which is electrically connected to the electrical connection means and to the clutch mechanism and which is operable to generate an actuation signal for actuating the clutch mechanism,