Patent ID: 6552650
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: E05B,G07C,Y10T

Abstract:
A mechanical key device formed as a solid unit and fitted for insertion into a lock cylinder, comprising;(a) a key blade with mechanical bitting to fit a pattern of a lock cylinder, (b) a key head fixed to the key blade, (c) the key head including electrical contact means for engaging with a contact of a lock cylinder, leading to electronics in the lock cylinder and to an electrically-operated blocking device in the lock cylinder, in a one-wire bus connection, and a battery in the key head, (d) microprocessor means in the key head, powered by the battery, and data storage means connected to the microprocessor means, (e) a keypad on the key head with means for data entry, (f) the battery being connected to power the microprocessor means and keypad and data storage means, and (g) the microprocessor means and data storage means having means for reading an electronic ID code of a lock when the one-wire bus connection is made, and for looking up the read ID code in the data storage means and for making a yes or no decision, based on the content of the data storage means, as to whether the lock is authorized to be opened, and if so, for sending a prescribed data signal to the lock electronics and power from the battery to the lock's blocking device, to allow opening of the lock.