ELECTRONIC LOCK AND KEY SYSTEM

A system for controllably actuating a lock mechanism has a lock actuator control unit arranged to receive a key and to communicate with a programmable key control unit contained within the key. The lock actuator control unit contains a power supply for supplying power to the key control unit, so that a transfer of communication signals between the key control unit and the lock actuator control unit may take place. A key is configured to engage the lock actuator control unit, the key containing a programmable key control unit which stores information representative of the ability of the key to cause the lock actuator control unit to actuate the lock mechanism and which receives power for its operation from the lock actuator unit.