need help with a Tann time delay deposit box

if you have the lock I am thinking of, the batteries only power the unlocked light, the lock itself is mechanical, but your description leaves a lot to the imagination

It's quite simple it has no light. it's steel box with a slot near the top to deposit cash. it has a door that has a schlage cylinder there is a time delay, when you turn the key you must wait 5 min. before opening the door. these are used in many banks to discourage robbers. they dont wanna hang around for five min. even though the copps take 15 min to get out of the coffee shop and wipe the dougnut crumbs from the uniform. since there's no light the battery, should be for a timer. if it had an alarm on it I dont think it would need battery back up. it would just be a connection that if broken would trigger the alarm.

Mark

well that dont sound like the lock I am thinking of, but on the same token i dont know of any electronic lock that is turned on by a schlage key, not that it cant happen, but I would still bet the lock is mechanical, if you do open it I would apreacate a photo or two to add to my library. Todd

Do you still need to use the key after using it to activate the 5 min countdown? If not the bolt(s) are probably activated soley by a solonoid which is powered or possibly unpowered when the 5 min delay expires. If you still have to use the key by turning it further etc after the 5 min delay then bolt movement is blocked in some manner directly or indirectly by a solonoid controlled by the timer. Most drop/tube safes incorporating a delay and a key lock utilize a Medeco, I haven't ever seen one with a schlage.