Abstract: A method of decreasing resonant frequency shifting of an electrical circuit mounted on a vehicle key includes providing a frame in an opening in the head portion of a vehicle key and locating the transponder in the frame. The frame comprises substantially rigid non-metallic material, and the frame includes a support structure for supporting the transponder while decreasing forces produced on the transponder by thermal expansion and contraction of the head portion of the key, thereby decreasing shift in the resonance of the electrical circuit of the transponder. The frame, the transponder and the head portion of the key are overmolded providing an outer covering that encloses and protects the transponder.

Abstract: An improved modular vehicle door lock and latch system is disclosed which includes a door latch mechanism, an inside door latch and door lock handle, and a unique outside door handle and door lock interface member, all of which are assembled into a pre-connected configuration together with all necessary control cables, thereby significantly reducing the labor required to assemble the lock and latch system into a door of a motor vehicle and correspondingly resulting in a significant cost reduction. A first module includes the inside door handle, the outside and inside locks, the door latch, and an outside door lock and door handle interface member, as well as linkages between these components. A second component is an outside door handle assembly which will be operatively connected to the outside door lock and door handle interface member.

Abstract: A sidebar for use for automotive locks and all sidebar locks includes an interruption in an edge along the surface to interrupt the inclined plane that is formed when the sidebar becomes canted relative to the longitudinal axis of the lock barrel as the result of the insertion of an incorrectly coded key, in particular a cousin key, into the lock barrel. In one embodiment, the interruption is provided by a gap at or near the longitudinal midpoint of the sidebar. The gap is of sufficient size to accommodate the sidebar biasing spring. In another embodiment, the interruption is provided by indenting the sides of the sidebar at the longitudinal midpoint of the sidebar. In a further embodiment, the sidebar groove in the sleeve is widened at a location corresponding to the longitudinal midpoint of the sidebar.

Abstract: A free-wheeling lock assembly includes a case and a drive mechanism which is adapted for coupling to a latching mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a lock barrel supported within the case for rotational and axial movement relative to the case and a driver releasably coupled to the lock barrel but fixed against axial movement. The drive mechanism further includes first and second slidebars supported within the case for axial movement relative to the case. The slidebars are coupled to the lock barrel by tumblers of the lock assembly, and translate the lock barrel axially with respect to the driver, decoupling the driver from the lock barrel in response to rotation of the lock barrel when the tumblers are in a locking position. However, the tumblers permit relative axial movement between the first and second slidebars and the lock barrel when the tumblers are in a releasing position, permitting the lock barrel to rotate the driver for operating the latching mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle ignition key having an ornamental element molded onto the key. The key includes a key blank and an undermold which is formed by molding a first plastic material over a portion of a key blank, defining a mounting surface for the element. The ornamental element is located on the mounting surface and secured to the heel portion of the key blank by an overmold which is formed by molding a second plastic material over the heel portion of the key blank, the undermold, and at least a portion of the element. In one embodiment, the overmold material covers substantially the entire peripheral edge of the element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manner in which a lock bolt can be engaged and secured in locked and unlocked positions with respect to a steering column. In some preferred embodiments, a pawl is movable into and out of engagement with the lock bolt in two different locations on the lock bolt corresponding to two different positions of the lock bolt relative to the steering column: a position in which the lock bolt is extended to lock the steering column and a position in which the lock bolt is retracted to unlock the steering column. The pawl can be movable into and out of engagement with the lock bolt in a number of different manners, but preferably is pivotable about a pivot pin. Preferably, the pawl is connected to an actuator for actuating the pawl into and out of engagement with the lock bolt.

Abstract: A latch assembly, comprising a control element having a pivot point and an actuator. The actuator has a first position in which the control element is engaged by the actuator for pivotal movement about the pivot point and a second position in which the control element is disengaged by the actuator from pivotal movement about the pivot point. The latch assembly further includes a ratchet arranged and configured for rotation with the control element when the control element is engaged by the actuator and for non-rotation when the control element is disengaged by the actuator. A highly preferred embodiment of the invention includes an automatic unlocking circuit powered by a backup power source.

Abstract: A method of decreasing resonant frequency shifting of an electrical circuit mounted on a vehicle key includes providing a frame in an opening in the head portion of a vehicle key and locating the transponder in the frame. The frame comprises substantially rigid non-metallic material, and the frame includes a support structure for supporting the transponder while decreasing forces produced on the transponder by thermal expansion and contraction of the head portion of the key, thereby decreasing shift in the resonance of the electrical circuit of the transponder. The frame, the transponder and the head portion of the key are overmolded providing an outer covering that encloses and protects the transponder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manner in which a lock bolt can be engaged and secured in locked and unlocked positions with respect to a steering column. In some preferred embodiments, a pawl is movable into and out of engagement with the lock bolt in two different locations on the lock bolt corresponding to two different positions of the lock bolt relative to the steering column: a position in which the lock bolt is extended to lock the steering column and a position in which the lock bolt is retracted to unlock the steering column. The pawl can be movable into and out of engagement with the lock bolt in a number of different manners, but preferably is pivotable about a pivot pin. Preferably, the pawl is connected to an actuator for actuating the pawl into and out of engagement with the lock bolt.

Abstract: A vehicle lock assembly including a cylinder lock and a mounting bracket which is adapted to mount the cylinder lock on a vehicle structure associated with a deck lid of a vehicle. The mounting bracket includes a mounting lug adapted to be fastened to the vehicle structure and mounting arms which support the cylinder lock rearwardly of the exterior panel. The lock mounting arms define mounting surfaces which cooperate with indexing portions on the lock housing to substantially prevent rotation of the cylinder lock relative to the mounting bracket and the deck lid. In one embodiment, the lock housing is mounted on the mounting bracket in dovetail fashion to prevent the mounting arms from spreading apart if an attempt is made to forcibly rotate the cylinder lock.

Abstract: A key assembly for mounting an electronic component in the head of the key. The electronic component is mounted in either an opening such as a bore or recess formed in the key head, or a carrier connected to the heel end of the key shank. In the former case, a closure member such as a plug or adhesively backed panel member is employed to close off the opening. In the latter case, the carrier is encapsulated within a plastic key head.

Abstract: A key assembly for mounting an electronic component in the head of the key. The electronic component is mounted in either an opening such as a bore or recess formed in the key head, or a carrier connected to the heel end of the key shank. In the former case, a closure member such as a plug or adhesively backed panel member is employed to close off the opening. In the latter case, the carrier is encapsulated within a plastic key head.

Abstract: A key assembly for mounting an electronic component in the head of the key. The electronic component is mounted in either an opening such as a bore or recess formed in the key head, or a carrier connected to the heel end of the key shank. In the former case, a closure member such as a plug or adhesively backed panel member is employed to close off the opening. In the latter case, the carrier is encapsulated within a plastic key head.

Abstract: A dual cam, reversible key includes first and second patterns of notches in first and second edges of the shank of the key on a common side of the key shank of the key, providing a dual cam key. The patterns of notches are formed to have complementary symmetry and to make the width of the shank constant along at least the portion of the shank that includes the notches. The first pattern of notches is identical with the second pattern of notches insomuch as they are "parallels" to each other. The key operates tumblers each of which has an opening defining a pair of staggered generally rectangular windows, each of the windows defining cam surfaces for accommodating the dual cam, reversible key. Also disclosed is a method for making the dual cam, reversible key.

Abstract: A dual cam, reversible key includes first and second patterns of notches in first and second edges of the shank of the key on a common side of the key shank of the key, providing a dual cam key. The patterns of notches are formed to have complementary symmetry and to make the width of the shank constant along at least the portion of the shank that includes the notches. The first pattern of notches is identical with the second pattern of notches insomuch as they are "parallel" to each other. The key operates tumblers each of which has an opening defining a pair of staggered generally rectangular windows, each of the windows defining cam surfaces for accommodating the dual cam, reversible key. Also disclosed is a method for making the dual cam, reversible key.

Abstract: A free-wheeling lock assembly includes a free-wheeling lock mechanism which prevents damaging forces from being applied to the components of the lock assembly if the lock cylinder is forcibly rotated by a key other than the proper key or by some other instrument. A detent mechanism, which functions independent of spring bias, couples the sleeve to the case in the presence of the proper key in the keyway. A clutch mechanism couples the cylinder to the driver, but decouples the driver from the cylinder for an over-torque condition. The cylinder lock assembly further includes a locking mechanism which prevents operation of the latching mechanism of the lock assembly if the cylinder is slam-pulled from the case. The tumblers are isolated from rotary motion of the tumbler ward.

Abstract: A key assembly for mounting an electronic component in the head of the key. The electronic component is mounted in either an opening such as a bore or recess formed in the key head, or a carrier connected to the heel end of the key shank. In the former case, a closure member such as a plug or adhesively backed panel member is employed to close off the opening. In the latter case, the carrier is encapsulated within a plastic key head.

Abstract: An electronic interlock system for a tumblerless lock which utilizes radio frequency identification to enable system operation. The interlock system includes a reader which powers an antenna to generate an electromagnetic field which in turn energizes a small transponder mounted in the key. The transponder transmits a unique identification code back to the reader via the antenna where it is decoded, and if valid enables system operation, but if invalid prevents operation. The antenna is mounted at the forward end of the lock assembly. A unique key retention system and cylinder anti-rotation lock system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pushbutton console latch is provided. The latch includes a cylindrical housing for housing a pushbutton therein. The pushbutton incorporates a lost motion feature such that when a pushbutton is in the locked position and depressed, the bolt of the latch remains extended. However, when the pushbutton is rotated to an unlocked position, a pushbutton may be depressed thereby retracting the bolt.

Abstract: A cylinder lock is provided having a sleeve rotatably receivable within the inner core of a sleeve. A cylinder retainer is slidably mounted within a cylinder retainer slot in the cylinder for radial movement therein. The cylinder retainer is movable between a first cylinder retaining position wherein the outer end of the cylinder retainer projects from the cylinder, a second retracted position wherein the outer end of the cylinder retainer is retracted within the cylinder. A slam resistance pad is mounted within the cylinder lock between the cylinder retainer and a stop surface in the sleeve such that if a thief attempts to remove the cylinder from the sleeve, the slam resistance pad is compressed between the cylinder retainer and the stop surface in the sleeve and dissipates the impact force on the cylinder retainer.