Access control system

An access system comprising a plurality of locks, a plurality of keys, and a computer disposed at a remote location from the keys and locks, wherein:

• each lock is configured to receive instructions from the keys and to energize a lock mechanism to unlock the lock;
• the computer is configured to communicate with the keys over a primary wireless communication path to receive usage data from the keys and to send de-authorization instructions to the keys;
• and
• each key is configured to communicate over the primary wireless communication path with the computer, communicate with the locks over a secondary wireless path, and to supply inductively coupled energy to at least partially energize or recharge a lock with which the key is communicating;
• wherein each key is authorized to unlock one of the locks absent a de-authorizing instruction received over the primary wireless communications path from the computer and absent a determination that the key has not been in contact with the computer over the primary wireless communication path for a predetermined time amount during a predetermined period of time.