Abstract: An optical anti-theft system incorporates a member having a plurality of reflective surfaces. The plurality forms a pattern corresponding with the security code. The system additionally incorporates a base for receiving the member. The base incorporates a light source for generating a light beam to illuminate the plurality of reflective surfaces, and a light detector for sensing the illuminated plurality of reflective surfaces and for initiating a security function in response to the sensed illuminated plurality of reflective surfaces having the pattern.

Abstract: An electrical switch for use in an automotive vehicle includes an actuator and a carrier movable to electrically actuate a steering column tilting device and a steering column telescoping device. A post and a receptacle assist to align the carrier during its linear switching movement. An actuator assembly is provided which includes a shaft, a partially spherical ball, a first set of crossed arms and a second set of crossed arms while a centering spring biases an actuator toward a centralized neutral position. A modularized electrical switch is also mechanically and electrically connected to a second circuit and housing in a single assembly motion.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame having an inner surface and a trim panel having an outer surface adapted to overlie the inner surface of the frame. A plurality of electrical devices are secured in the frame and the trim panel for carrying out various tasks and operations. A plurality of electrical wires are secured to the outer surface of the trim panel and electrically connect to the several electrical devices. Wire routing elements extend from the outer surface of the trim panel for individually and sequentially securing the plurality of electrical wires on the outer surface of the trim panel to eliminate the need for a prefabricated wiring harness. In a preferred embodiment, the routing element comprises opposed retainers. The opposed retainers ensure the wire is securely held on the trim panel.

Abstract: An improved switch includes two moving contact members which move in parallel planes. The switch may be moved to either of two positions to complete either of two circuits. The contact members are normally biased to a central neutral position. Since the contact members move in a plane, rather than pivoting on a yoke, there is greater tolerance in positioning the moving contact members.

Abstract: A control is provided for allowing a user to actuate various home security systems such as garage door openers, home alarm systems, lights, etc., remotely. A transmitter is provided with encryption logic such that its signal is not easily duplicated. In a preferred embodiment, the transmitter is provided with separate channels for each of several systems which are to be actuated by the transmitter. Receivers are provided with logic to recognize the encrypted signal. The encrypted signal varies sequentially on each actuation of the transmitter. In another preferred feature of this invention, add-on receivers may be incorporated into the existing circuitry for the systems that are to be controlled by the inventive transmitter. In this way, existing systems may be utilized with the inventive transmitter.

Abstract: A linkage has a coupled state, where actuation of a multi-functional apparatus causes an interference device to move between the locked position and the unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the interference device does not allow a handle for opening door latches to actuate, and in the unlocked position the interference device allows the handle to actuate. The linkage further has a decoupled state, where actuation of the manual actuation device causes the decoupling linkage to uncouple from the multi-functional apparatus, and causes the interference device to move between the locked and the unlocked positions without moving the multi-functional apparatus. This arrangement allows for a manual override of the power liftgate lock multi-functional apparatus.

Abstract: A drive-away prevention security system used in connection with an RF remote keyless entry system. A microprocessor and associated circuitry are configured within the head of an ignition key for a vehicle such that when a function switch on the key head is activated, a coded signal is transmitted to be received by a receiver within the vehicle. The receiver deciphers the received coded transmission to determine if a valid signal has been transmitted, and performs a vehicle function, such as locking or unlocking the vehicle doors, if the coded signal is valid. When the ignition key is inserted in the ignition switch of the vehicle, an ignition signal is sent to a microprocessor associated with the receiver. The microprocessor causes an on/off signal to be applied to an oscillator at the ignition switch in accordance with a data scheme.

Abstract: An improved membrane switch includes multiple detents. A pair of electric circuits are completed by the membrane switch, and a pair of flexing portions are located on said membrane. A first flexing portion is overcome by a first lower insertion force to allow a first circuit to be complete, and a second flexing portion is only overcome by further insertion force. The second flexing portion is eventually overcome and completes a second circuit. The inventive membrane switch provides the operator with a clear indication and a detent feel for each of the two circuits.

Abstract: A system for detecting failure in one of a plurality of remote sensing devices utilizes a plurality of counters, each associated with one of the remote sensing devices. Each counter is initially loaded with an initial value. When a signal is received from a remote sensing device, its associated counter is reset to the initial value while the counters of the other remote sensing devices are stepped down. If a sensing device does not send a signal, its associated counter is stepped down numerous times, but never reset to the initial value. When a counter reaches a pre-determined value, typically zero, the associated sensing device is deemed to have failed.

Abstract: An improved steering wheel assembly includes an integrated switch housing that includes the stalk switch for the vehicle, and further provides the fixed housing for a clock spring. The integrated switch housing reduces the overall size and length of the switches adjacent the steering wheel. Moreover, the integrated switch housing is preferably used with a modular steering wheel and air bag combination that is attached to the wheel after pre-assembly of the modular units. Locking structure ensures there is no relative rotation between the clock spring rotating plate, the clock spring fixed housing, and the modular steering wheel combination until the entire assembly is mounted to the steering column. The combined integrated modular assembly allows testing of all electrical connections prior to mounting the combined assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A three state switch detection circuit converts a three state input to a two-bit binary output readable by a micro-controller or other digital logic. The circuit utilized complementary NPN and PNP transistors having coupled emitters and coupled bases connected by a resistor. The collector of the PNP transistor is connected by a resistor to ground while a complementary resistor ties the collector of the NPN transistor to V.sub.BATT. Additional circuitry preferably converts the voltage output from the collectors to a suitable voltage level readable by the micro-controller or other digital logic device.

Abstract: A multi-position, multi-directional switch mechanism that provides switch actuation in multiple directions using opposing detent mechanisms. The multi-position, multi-directional switch mechanism has a sleeve that pivots within a base and an operator that pivots within the sleeve. Each of the pivoting members has a detent mechanism to maintain the pivotal members in a selected position. The spring loaded detents of the detent mechanisms are linearly opposing. The resulting multi-position, multi-directional switch mechanism achieves better functionality with fewer parts.

Abstract: A balanced and buffered oscillator and transmitter arrangement includes a first and second oscillator, each of which include a resonator for generating a reference signal, an amplifier for amplifying the reference signal, a resonant tank for generating an oscillating output signal in response to the amplified reference signal, and a buffer circuit for buffering the respective oscillating output signal such that the effects of a parasitic impedance are minimized.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus employs an electromagnetic device. The electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of an intermittent motion mechanism thereby moving a mechanical device coupled thereto. In another aspect of the present invention, a single electric motor selectively actuates three intermittent motion mechanisms thereby causing three mechanical devices coupled thereto to operate. In a further aspect of the present invention, a clutch mechanism selectively drives a window wiper. A method for operating the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: A family of retainer clip holders can each be adjusted to properly position a retainer clip at a desired location on a wire harness. In the past, it has sometimes been complicated to properly position a retainer clip holder relative to the base, and mount the holder base on a jig for assembling wire harnesses. There have typically been too many fixtures required on the jig. Thus, the prior art has attempted to assemble the retainer clips by individually tailoring hundreds of retainer clip holders for the particular orientation demanded by the particular retainer clip application. The inventive family of retainer clip holders allows the selection of the proper adjustable retainer clip holders and the adjustment of that retainer clip holder to accommodate the particular retainer clip application demanded. In this way, the invention replaces the hundreds of previously required holders with seven basic tools.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of generating a plurality of random numbers is disclosed. The method comprises the initial step of generating chaotic noise. Subsequently, the chaotic noise is sampled such that a plurality of samples are created. Each sample of the plurality of samples is then converted into digital data such that each converted sample corresponds with a random number of the plurality of random numbers.

Abstract: A female electrical connector has a wire attachment segment and a receptacle segment. A pair of apertures are juxtapositioned within the receptacle segment circumferentially separated from one another by solid portions of the receptacle segment therebetween. A male electrical connector has a wire attachment segment, a bulged segment and a shaft segment. The male electrical connector has a longitudinal channel positioned within the shaft segment. Considered individually or together, these electrical connectors substantially reduce required insertion forces.

Abstract: A motor vehicle compartment cover and item support assembly (20) is provided for use in a motor vehicle (10) having a cargo compartment (5). A selectively deployable cover (30) is attached at its trailing edge portion (32) to a cover support member (40) and at least one item support member (50) is secured to the leading edge portion (34) of the cover (30). The item support member may comprise a storage tray (60), a container receptacle (70), a retainer hook (80), or any combination or plurality of such support items. A handle (90) may be provided, advantageously mounted to or formed integral with the item support member, to facilitate deployment of the cover. Attachment members (54, 56) may be provided, advantageously mounted to or formed integral with the item support member, to facilitate attachment of the leading edge portion of the cover, when deployed, to the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical switch for use in the automotive field. The switch preferably has rotary actuation with a plurality of electrical contacts. The electrical switch comprises an insulator body having an internal recess defining a plurality of cavities, each cavity housing a pair of electrical contacts. A detent carrier is at least partially housed within the recess. The detent carrier also defines a cylindrical guide tube having a longitudinal axis. The tube houses a generally cylindrical electrically conductive plunger and a means for moving the plunger forward and backward along the longitudinal axis. When extended, the plunger makes electrical contact with the electrical contacts in a cavity of the insulator body.

Abstract: A brake/shift interlock for, e.g., a vehicle having a shift mechanism (10) for an automatic transmission. The shift mechanism includes a shift lever (12) and a detent mechanism (24) having a latch (26) and latch plate (28) with a detent notch at the "Park" position. A Park/Lock member (34) is actuable to lock the latch in the Park position (FIGS. 1 and 6). In addition to an ignition lock mechanism (38) for actuating the Park/Lock member based on the status of the ignition switch (36A); FIG. 8), a brake/shift interlock is also provided for actuating the Park/Lock member when the ignition switch is in "Run" position (FIG. 2 ) , except for being released during actuation of a brake switch (82). A solenoid (160; FIGS. 4 and 5), when energized, applies a tensioning force to the Park/Lock member via a cable (44) actuating the P/L member. The solenoid includes a plunger (162) having a centrally located, axial opening (171) through it, through which the cable extends.