Abstract: Apparatus and method for activating a passive entry system. The motion detector can include a latch input lever, a switch, and a damper. The damper can provide more resistance to the latch input lever in order to transfer motion to the switch in response to fast movement of the door handle. In some embodiments, the motion detector can include a switch actuator, a notched lever, and a switch. Movement of the notched lever can cause the switch actuator to contact the switch. In other embodiments, the motion detector can include a switch actuator, a notched lever, and a magnetic sensor switch. The magnetic sensor switch can include a magnetic switch member that moves in response to a second end of the switch actuator in order to complete a circuit to the passive entry system.

Abstract: A lock bolt extendible and retractable by movement of a power transmission assembly driven by an actuator and having a cam thereon which cams against the lock bolt to retract the lock bolt and unlock the steering column. In some embodiments, the cam has a curved surface with varying distance from the axis of rotation of the cam or pivot to improved lock bolt motion. The cam can have a gradual ramp surface to extract a lock bolt even in binding conditions of the lock bolt.

Abstract: A lock for a vehicle-ignition circuit. The lock includes a sleeve, a cylinder rotatably coupled within the sleeve and having a keyway therein that receives a key that allows the cylinder to rotate, and a sensor including a pair of spaced-apart switch contacts and a movable electrically-conductive body. The body is movable between a first position where the body is located away from at least one of the switch contacts and a second position where the body contacts both of the switch contacts. The sensor defines a region in which the sensor is responsive to the effects of an actuator, and is coupled to the sleeve so that the region is located within the rotation of the cylinder and is in an orientation in which the body is located in the first position in the absence of the actuator within the region.

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: A lock for a vehicle-ignition circuit. The lock includes a sleeve, a cylinder rotatably coupled within the sleeve and having a keyway therein that receives a key that allows the cylinder to rotate, and a sensor including a pair of spaced-apart switch contacts and a movable electrically-conductive body. The body is movable between a first position where the body is located away from at least one of the switch contacts and a second position where the body contacts both of the switch contacts. The sensor defines a region in which the sensor is responsive to the effects of an actuator, and is coupled to the sleeve so that the region is located within the rotation of the cylinder and is in an orientation in which the body is located in the first position in the absence of the actuator within the region.

Abstract: A security system for a vehicle comprising a frame and a combination remote keyless entry and passive security system including at least one antenna mounted on the frame.

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: 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: 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 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 device and method are provided for magnetizing a control magnet housed in a cylinder of an ignition lock. The cylinder is placed in a cylinder receipt member and orientated therein so that the magnet is aligned in a predetermined position. The control magnet is then saturated with a first saturating magnetic charge. The control magnet is then calibrated to a predetermined magnetic level by one or more calibrating magnetic charges, opposite in polarity to the saturating magnetic charge. The control magnet may then be checked for predetermined magnetic characteristics.

Abstract: A mechanical lock is provided which prevents forced rotation of the cylinder when a mated key is not present in the key slot. The lock includes a cylinder rotatably supported within a sleeve. The cylinder defines a longitudinal axis and a keyway disposed along the axis for slidably receiving a key therein. A cylinder head extends circumferentially about a first end of the cylinder and includes a frangible ring portion which fractures in response to a predetermined rotational force. A tab extends from the cylinder head and includes a frangible base which also fragments in response to a predetermined rotational force. The mechanical lock further includes a sidebar for preventing rotation of the cylinder when a mated key is not present therein. The sidebar includes a rib extending therefrom which prevents the longitudinal sliding of the sidebar out of the mechanical lock when the cylinder head has been broken away from the cylinder.

Abstract: A lock for the ignition circuit for an automobile including a Hall effect control sensor which is activated by a control magnet on the cylinder member of the lock so that when the cylinder is rotated by the key to its start position, the control sensor is activated. The activation of the control sensor provides one of several starting criteria to an ignition for starting an automobile. An anti-tampering sensor spaced from and adjacent to the control sensor has a trip level which is lower than the trip level of the control sensor so that magnetic forces induced from the exterior of the lock cannot trip the control sensor. A blocking plate is disposed between the control sensor and the anti-tampering sensor to prevent the anti-tampering sensor from being tripped by the control magnet when the cylinder member is rotated to its start position and to enable the anti-tampering sensor to be tripped first to produce a deactivation signal in response to a magnetic force induced from the exterior of the lock.

Abstract: A mechanical key and lock set with a rotating cylinder includes an electronic interlock which is responsive to the insertion of a mated key in the cylinder and proper rotation of the cylinder. A sensor is placed in communication with the cylinder and senses proper rotation of the cylinder to generate an activation signal. Systems controlled by the lock cannot be enabled without the generation of the activation signal. Fail safe blocking circuitry is placed in communication with the activation signal generator and in the event the actuation signal is attempted to be read in an unauthorized manner without properly rotating the cylinder, the blocking circuitry is functional to preclude reading.

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 circuit module for a vehicle ignition lock. The circuit module houses a pair of electrical contacts on either side of a key way for closing a circuit between the contacts and a resistor provided in a key. The circuit module includes a cover and base adapted to be secured to one another for enveloping and securely holding a wire set within the module and for positioning the contacts in proper alignment with the key way. The circuit module is adapted to fit into a cylindrical cavity provided in a bezel of the lock.

Abstract: A mechanical key and lock set with a rotating cylinder includes an electronic interlock which is responsive to the insertion of a mated key in the cylinder and proper rotation of the cylinder. A sensor is placed in communication with the cylinder and senses proper rotation of the cylinder to generate an activation signal. Systems controlled by the lock cannot be enabled without the generation of the activation signal. Fail safe blocking circuitry is placed in communication with the activation signal generator and in the event the actuation signal is attempted to be read in an unauthorized manner without properly rotating the cylinder, the blocking circuitry is functional to preclude reading.