Lock

A lock which includes

• a body;
• non-mechanical key identification means;
• and
• an actuator arrangement, which is displaceable relative to the body between an inoperative condition in which it is retained releasably by retaining means linked to the key identification means and in which it is incapable of operating a device, and an operative condition in which it is capable of operating a device, at least part of the actuator arrangement being displaceable relative to the body both longitudinally between a first position towards which it is biased by first biasing means and a second position and rotatably at least when in its second position, the actuator arrangement including an outer member which is mounted on the body for both longitudinal and rotational displacement, an inner member mounted axially in register with the outer member and a coupling configured to permit limited relative longitudinal movement of the outer member and the inner member and to transmit torque from the outer member to the inner member, the coupling including an axially extending socket provided in and opening out of an end of one of the inner member and the outer member and a complementary spigot protruding axially from an end of the other of the inner member and the outer member, at least part of the spigot being positioned within the socket, the spigot being longitudinally displaceable in the socket and the coupling being configured to inhibit rotation of the spigot in the socket and thereby permit the transmission of torque from the outer member to the inner member, the spigot having a longitudinally extending recess in a surface thereof, the coupling including a retaining pin which extends transversely through the socket and the recess to inhibit rotation of the spigot in the socket.

A lock which includes:

• a body;
• an actuator arrangement which is displaceable relative to the body between an inoperative condition in which it is incapable of operating a device and an operative condition from which it is capable of operating said device;
• non-mechanical key identification means;
• retaining means for retaining at least part of the actuator arrangement releasably in its inoperative condition, the retaining means being linked to the key identification means and operative in response to a signal received therefrom to permit displacement of the actuator arrangement to its operative condition, the actuator arrangement including an outer member which is mounted for both longitudinal and rotational displacement relative to the body, an inner member mounted axially in register with the outer member and a coupling configured to permit limited relative longitudinal movement of the outer member and the inner member and to transmit torque applied from the outer member to the inner member, the coupling including an open ended sleeve within which adjacent end portions of the inner and outer members are positioned, the retaining means acting on the sleeve to inhibit displacement thereof;
• at least one electrical contact on the body;
• and
• electrically powered components the power for which is supplied from a power source in a key, power being transmitted from a said key to the components of the lock through the at least one electrical contact on the body.

A lock set comprising:

• a lock which includes:
• a body;
• an actuator arrangement which is displaceable relative to the body between an inoperative condition in which it is incapable of operating a device and an operative condition from which it is capable of operating said device;
• non-mechanical key identification means;
• and
• retaining means for retaining at least part of the actuator arrangement releasably in its inoperative condition, the retaining means being linked to the key identification means and operative in response to a signal received therefrom to permit displacement of the actuator arrangement to its operative condition, the actuator arrangement including an outer member which is mounted for both longitudinal and rotational displacement relative to the body, an inner member mounted axially in register with the outer member and a coupling configured to permit limited relative longitudinal movement of the outer member and the inner member and to transmit torque applied from the outer members to the inner member, the coupling including an open ended sleeve within which adjacent end portions of the inner and outer members are positioned, the retaining means acting on the sleeve to inhibit displacement thereof;
• wherein the key identification means includes electronic control circuitry and communication means whereby the control circuitry can communicate with an encoded key to permit identification of the key by the control circuitry;
• and
• wherein the communication means is configured to permit wireless communication between the key and the control circuitry;
• and
• a complementary key.

A key for use in a lock set which includes:

• a body;
• an outer member engaging member for engaging an outer member of a said lock;
• an electrical power source;
• and
• at least one external electrical contact mounted on the body for making electrical contact with a complementary contact on a said lock, wherein the outer member engaging member is rotatable relative to the body to permit displacement of the outer member engagement member relative to the at least one contact.