Abstract: Disclosed herein is a variable reluctance rotational displacement sensor comprising: an annular sleeve; a coil coaxially aligned within the sleeve; a first ring in magnetic communication with the sleeve, coaxially aligned and configured to rotate relative to the sleeve. The first ring including a first plurality of axially directed teeth arranged substantially equidistant about a circumference of the ring on a front portion thereof. The sensor also includes a second ring in magnetic communication with the first ring and the sleeve, the second ring coaxially aligned and configured to rotate relative to the first ring and the sleeve and including a second plurality of axially directed teeth configured substantially the same as the first plurality of axially directed teeth and oriented adjacent to the first plurality of axially directed teeth on a rear portion of the second ring. The coil generates a signal responsive to a differential rotational displacement between the first ring and the second ring.

Abstract: A collapsible steering column is used with motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has a frame. The steering column has an outer jacket and a stationery bracket. The outer jacket is releasably coupled to the frame. The stationery bracket is coupled to the frame. The outer jacket and stationery bracket are collapsible in response to release of the outer jacket from the frame. An electrically actuated brake mechanism is coupled between the stationery bracket and the outer jacket and provides an infinitely variable resistive force to the collapse of the outer jacket and the stationery bracket.

Abstract: A modular anti-theft apparatus for mounting on a core or generic steering column having a tubular mast jacket, a steering shaft in the mast jacket, a steering shaft bearing support housing attached to an upper end of the mast jacket, a platform on the bearing support housing for attachment of accessory modules, and a peripherally notched lock plate rigidly attached to the steering shaft. The anti-theft apparatus includes a case bolted onto the bearing support housing on the platform thereon, a bolt carrier mounted on the case for back and forth bodily movement, a lock bolt mounted on the carrier for bodily movement as a unit therewith and for bodily movement relative thereto, a reversible electric motor in the case, and a gear reduction drive between the motor and the bolt carrier. The operation of the electric motor is synchronized with an ignition switch lock remote from the steering column.

Abstract: A motor vehicle ignition lock includes a housing, a lock barrel rotatable on the housing having a key slot, and a side bar on the lock barrel. The ignition lock further includes a solenoid on the housing and a slide on housing connected to a plunger of the solenoid. The slide has a notch which captures the side bar in an extended position of the side bar and an extended position of the slide. The ignition lock is unlocked in a mechanical unlocking mode by a key inserted in the key slot in the lock barrel to withdraw the side bar from the notch in the slide. The ignition lock is unlocked in an electronic unlocking mode by the solenoid when the plunger of the solenoid shifts the slide from its extended position to a retracted position to remove the notch from the side bar.