Key actuated electronic lock for auto ignitions

A mechanical-electronic lock system for actuating auto ignitions and the like only upon sequential electronic and mechanical unlocking operations including a matching of a stored electronic lock code with an electronic key code generated as a key is being inserted into a lock cylinder followed by a mechanical turning of the key in the cylinder, the lock system comprising:

• control means in a separate compartment and including storage means for storing a predetermined electrical lock code,
• comparator means for comparing said electrical lock code with electrical input codes to said control means, and
• means responsive only to a match between said lock and input codes for preconditioning an auto ignition and/or auto accessories for operating only in response to a subsequent mechanical turning of a lock cylinder in a mechanical key-actuated auto ignition lock:
• a mechanical key-actuated auto ignition lock including a manually turnable lock cylinder for actuating said auto ignition and/or said auto accessories only after a preconditioning thereof by said control means followed by a turning of said lock cylinder, said cylinder having a keyway for receiving a mating ignition key for turning said lock cylinder in response to a turning of said mating ignition key;
• a mating ignition key insertable into said keyway for turning said lock cylinder in response to a manual turning of said key and carrying a key code on a side face of said key, said key code matching said lock code;
• transducer means in said auto ignition lock for reading said key code and generating an electrical key code indicative of said key code as said key is being inserted into said keyway;
• and
• means for applying said electrical key code to said control means as an electrical input code for comparison and matching with said electrical lock code to precondition said auto ignition and/or accessories.