Abstract: A method and apparatus for fingerprint recognition is provided in accordance with the present invention to achieve a higher rate of recognition by subsequently storing fingerprint patterns with higher rates of correspondence in place of fingerprint patterns already stored having low rates of correspondence.

Abstract: A steering lock device includes a housing and a key cylinder rotatably disposed in the housing. A generally cylindrical member is rotatably disposed within the housing coaxially with the key cylinder. The cylindrical member includes an outer wall with a groove having a first circumferential groove section, a second circumferential groove section axially spaced from the first circumferential groove section, and a junction section connecting the first and second circumferential groove sections. A first surface is disposed at one end of the first groove section at the junction section and inclined at a predetermined angle to the first groove section, and a second surface is disposed at the end of the second groove section at the junction section and arranged generally perpendicular to the second groove section. A latch is slidably disposed within the housing and includes a first end projecting outwardly from the housing and a second end projecting within the groove in the outer wall of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A new optical theft deterrent device wherein a ray from a light source is divided by a beam splitter mounted on a key into a plurality of light beams which are detected by photosensors to determine authorized use of the key only when predetermined one or ones of the photosensors produce electrical outputs. The beam splitter serves to uniformly divide the ray from the light source into the light beams and also to accurately guide these beams toward the photosensors. The key may be utilized to mechanically and electrically unlock a locking device. The new system may preferably be applied to a steering column shaft locking device to prevent theft of an automotive vehicle on which the system is equipped.

Abstract: A steering column shaft locking device is disclosed in which a lever is rotatably mounted in a key cylinder when a key is inserted into the key cylinder, producing reaction force on a front wall of a housing, thereby causing the key cylinder to move backward against resilient force of a spring in order to certainly operate a key detecting switch provided in an ignition switch device. A guard plate is provided between the key cylinder and the front end of the housing so as to rotate it together with the key cylinder and guard plate when the key is rotated. Forward movement of the key cylinder is controlled by a retainer placed at the proximity thereof and a detent placed therein. The spring urges the key cylinder and the retainer in the forward direction and the detent radially inwardly. The guard plate serves to prevent abrasion of the lever and unauthorized insertion of tools into the device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cylinder lock which is proof against lock pickers. The cylinder lock comprises a case having a cylindrical bore formed therein and an axially extending lock groove exposed to the cylindrical bore; a rotor rotatably disposed in the cylindrical bore; a plurality of tumblers slidably received in slits formed in the rotor, each tumbler having a head which is projectable into the lock groove when the rotor assumes a given angular position relative to the case; springs for biasing the tumblers radially outward from the slits of the rotor; and a structure for making the distances by which the heads of the tumblers are projected into the lock groove of the case different from one another.

Abstract: A coin-operated locker which is impossible to be opened when the locker is unused and which is openable by means of its door and becomes usable when a coin or coins of a predetermined amount are deposited, includes a sensor for detecting the deposit of a coin or coins, a detector for detecting the locking and the unlocking of a cylinder lock, a plunger engageable with or removable from an engaging opening of the door, and a controller for retracting the plunger from the door in response to a coin deposit signal from the sensor and for engaging the plunger with the door after a predetermined time in response to an unlock signal from the detector.

Abstract: When an outside handle switch, a trunk cylinder switch, a glove box switch, or the like is caused to be in an on position, a combined transmitter/receiver circuit is caused to operate through an input discriminator. The input discriminator will initiate wireless communication between a user side main controller and a subcontroller through the intermediary of an antenna. The user side main controller is formed into a card and includes a loop antenna, a combined transmitter/receiver circuit, and a microcomputer. The user side subcontroller is formed into a card and includes a loop antenna, a combined transmitter/receiver circuit, and a microcomputer. When the combined circuit receives a signal from the main card lock and subcard lock, the signal is forwarded to the user side controller position discriminator circuit. This position discriminator discriminates the vehicle outside or vehicle inside position of the main card lock and the subcard.

Abstract: A combination of a mechanical key of the reversible type and a steering shaft for locking and unlocking a key cylinder including a stationary housing and a rotatable rotor mounted therein. For reducing car thefts, the key is provided with electrical contacts arranged on opposite surfaces. An illuminator control circuit is mounted on the key and is adapted for delivery of a code signal corresponding to a specifically preset code signal upon energization of the electrical contacts. The key is provided with a pair of illuminator elements in lateral position. The lock cylinder is formed in the key slot and is adapted for establishing an electrical contact with either of the electrical contacts on the key.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle use, wireless signal controlled locking and unlocking system. This system includes a user-carriable, userside controller and a vehicle side controller. The former controller takes the form of a card. Both these controllers are mutually communicatable by way of wireless communication and adapted for control of door-locking and unlocking operations. Switches are provided at the vehicle outside door handle and trunk, while a buzzer and a timer are provided within the vehicle interior. The buzzer is operated for a predetermined short time period, for instance 5 seconds, when the door has been brought to its locked position under such a condition that when the userside controller had been left in the vehicle with carelessness. In this case, however, the door can be opened by simple manipulation of the handle switch so far as the buzzer is kept in operation.

Abstract: A vehicle enabling lock system that is wireless signal controlled, includes a vehicle side main controller and external controller which is formed into a card. These controllers are in two way communication with each other via wireless signals. There is provided further a vehicle side lock controller which is in communication with said vehicle side main controller through signal-conveyable conductors. The steering lock controller is united rigidly with the conventional steering lock for the purpose of preventing car theft.

Abstract: An external controller embodied in a portable card communicates by wireless signal with a controller mounted internally of a vehicle to control locking and unlocking operations of the vehicle doors in response to coincidence between codes respectively stored in the internal vehicle controller and the external controller, and manually entered through door switches mounted externally of the vehicle. Such door opening operation may be performed even with the portable card unintentionally left in the vehicle.

Abstract: In a steering shaft locking and unlocking arrangement including a key-operated cylinder lock unit, the rotor of which is mechanically coupled with a cam for control of a spring-biased locking and unlocking bolt, a checker is fixedly mounted on the rotor. A combined hook-and-lever unit is provided for cooperation with the checker, so as to prevent unintentional steering shaft locking while the vehicle is running. For this purpose, the combined unit is mechanically coupled with a vehicle speed control lever through cable means, so as to prevent the cylinder lock rotor from turning to the locking position.

Abstract: In a steering lock device of a type which can unlock a steering shaft of a vehicle without using a key, there is provided a so-called "back-up" means for assuring the steering shaft unlocking condition of the device when the key in a key rotor assumes "ignition ON" position. The means comprises a pivotally supported check lever having a first end projectable into the key rotor and a second end lockably engageable with a steering shaft locking bar. When the keyless unlocking is intended, the first end of the check lever is moved away from the key rotor by an electromagnetically actuated plunger thereby permitting rotation of the rotor toward the ON position disengaging the locking bar from the steering shaft. Upon completion of disengagement of the locking bar from the steering shaft, the second end of the check lever is brought into locking engagement with the locking bar thereby holding the same in the steering shaft unlocking condition.

Abstract: A vehicle use-lock actuator is proposed comprising a stationary housing and a reversible drive motor for locking and unlocking successively two remotely positioned locks. In this actuator, the drive motor is mounted within the housing in a hidden position. There is a single control slide for keeping normally respective wire cables at their neutral position for keeping in turn the locks in their locked position. There is provided within the housing a three stage reduction and reversely accelerating gearing between the drive motor and the control slide. The first stage includes a crown gear, while the third stage includes rack teeth which is united rigidly with the control slide.

Abstract: An automotive door handle container which is formed by and on an escutcheon fixedly attached to a door panel, for normally containing a pivotable handle piece. The escutcheon is formed at a slightly lower level than the inside edge of the handle piece for covering a small idle gap between the handle piece and the escutcheon to prevent harmful physical damage to the operator's finger nail otherwise occurring during manual handling of the handle piece.

Abstract: A cylinder lock includes a rotor rotatably mounted in a bore of a stationary casing. A key passage in the rotor is blocked by a biased shutter which is caused to pivot against the action of a spring when a key is introduced into the key passage. The rotor includes a plurality of separated, spring-urged tumblers which engage with the key in the key passage. A soft-elastic wiper for removing water from the key is positioned in a lateral slot between the entrance of the key passage and a first tumbler. Flaps of the wiper form a normally closed slit which is openable by the force of the key when the key is advanced towards an operational position.

Abstract: An automotive keyless steering shaft lock arrangement includes a stationary housing; an electric motor mounted in the housing; a gearing unit of the profile shifted type operatively connected with the motor; a rotator operatively connected with output shaft of the gearing unit; and a shaft-locking and unlocking bar cooperatable with the steering shaft in case of the required locking stage.The steering shaft is provided with one or more magnets embedded in or mounted on the steering shaft. On the other hand, the stationary housing is provided with one or more magnetically responding switches which are connected to an electronic control circuit adapted for control of the locking and unlocking movement of the bar.

Abstract: The invention proposes an improved keyless steering shaft lock arrangement which comprises a gearing unit operatively connected with an electric motor; a rotator operatively connected with output shaft means of the gearing unit; and a rod movable between a locking and an unlocking position to engage with and disengage from a reception recess on a steering shaft depending upon rotational position of said rotator. Operation of the arrangement is controlled by a combined electronic and electric control circuit. The control circuit includes several safety means adapted for cooperation with the conventional engine ignition circuit, engine-running sensor, and vehicle-running sensor, for assuring proper and safe cooperation among these constituents.

Abstract: An automotive outside door handle unit includes a plastic resin-made outside door handle proper and two operating arms. These arms are mechanically connected with door lock means arranged in an automotive door. The handle proper and the operating arms are united rigidly into one piece with a plastic resin material. The unit is characterized by the formation of a material-thefting bridge structure formed at the uniting root end of the operating arm for the prevention of otherwise formation of defective contraction marks during molding.

Abstract: In a magnetic locking system for locking a door to a fixed member, comprising a key cylinder connected to the door, a magnetic sensor connected to the door near the key and operating when sensing a predetermined magnetic force, control means for locking the door to the fixed member when the magnetic sensor operates, and a magnet-mounted key including a key cylinder proper which is to be engaged with the key cylinder and a key head which is equipped with an elongate magnet piece, there is proposed an arrangement in which when the key is operatively engaged with the key cylinder to turn same, an imaginary plane which the axis of the magnet piece describes when the key turns about the axis of the key cylinder intersects the axis of the magnetic sensor.