Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch to avoid unnecessary sound emission, has its motor operated with pulse-width modulation so that, once a blockade time point is reached or prior thereto, the motor is energized with reduced power so that it generates a ramp characteristic running to a minimum. The torque and/or speed are thereby reduced along the ramp characteristic correspondingly.

Abstract: A method of operating a control system for controlling the electrically-operated components of a motor vehicle in which a central processor and satellite processors for the components are connected with a multiplex single-conductor bus and master signals and control signals are transmitted bidirectionally between the processors along the bus. The central processor and the satellite processors can both operate as masters with respective characteristic addresses and the satellite or central processor upon receipt of a master signal and/or control signal can issue master or control signals with a priority determined by the bus access times of the respective signals.

Abstract: A central locking system of a motor vehicle is provided with communication between the transmitter of the remote actuation unit and the receiver of the central locking system in a frequency-hopping spread spectrum mode where M channels are used of a total of N channels of the spread spectrum frequency band chosen, for example, an I/S/M band of 433 MHz to 435 MHz. Switching is effected from one channel to another channel of the N channels in accordance with a timing pattern in which the timing interval I.sub.zs is greater than the duration .DELTA.t of the communication protocol.

Abstract: An electrical control system for an automotive vehicle can be switched to a service facility operating mode in which locks for the glove compartment, a storage console and the trunk can be inactivated in their closed position while other electrically-operated vehicle locks remain operable by actuators of the control system to prevent access to personal belongings by service personnel. Restoration to the normal operating mode can be effected automatically upon lapse of a time period programmed into the central unit.

Abstract: A central control system for the door locks of a motor vehicle has a central unit connected to the door locks via a control line and the door locks each have a first electrically-operable actuator and a second electrically-operable actuator together enabling the "operate", "locked and unlocked", "antitheft mode on and off" and "child-safety mode on and off" operations. The door locks can be mechanically identical and can have a keeper pawl controlled both by the first actuator and an interior lever which is effective only when the second operator has displaced a lever from its ineffective position into an effective position.

Abstract: A central-locking system is reset upon loss of a portable remote-control unit and replacement by another in a system in which a diagnostic device is temporarily connected and switched to the stationary part of the locking system into a "SETUP" mode. The key is then inserted into a key-operated switch to interrogate the transponder with the transceiver and from the latter the key-identification code word stored in the transponder and the transponder initial code word are transferred. The key-identification code word and transponder initial code word are stored in a code-word memory and the transmitter is then operated to send a remote-control changing code word to the receiver and enables switching back to the "NORMAL" mode of operation and removal of the diagnostic device.

Abstract: A lock system has a remote operator, a lock provided with a switch actuatable by a key part of the operator, a central controller in the vehicle connected to elements of the vehicle for actuating same, a receiver, and a transceiver. The operator is separate from the motor vehicle and has the key part, an energy source, a transmitter powered by the energy source and actuatable to transmit a main signal containing a current main code word, and a transponder substantially independent of the transmitter and of the energy source for receiving an interrogation signal and thereupon generating a callback signal containing a callback code word. When the receiver in the motor vehicle receives the transmitted code work it sends a release signal to the controller. Alternately the transceiver can, when the switch is actuated, generate the interrogation signal, receive the callback signal, and send a release signal to the controller when the callback signal corresponds to the predetermined callback code word.

Abstract: An electrically-operated system for the locks of a motor vehicle as a remote controller with a multifunction push button which, when first operated, locks the vehicle doors and sets a time window open within which a second actuation of the button will provide the antitheft mode. This arrangement allows a single push button to be used for both locking and antitheft operations.

Abstract: A control system for electrical components of a motor vehicle has an emergency battery and emergency circuitry which, when the starter battery fails, connects the control unit to the emergency battery and cuts off comfort functions like window lifters while allowing the basic control mode to operate in which door locks, a theft alarm and a lid lock for the compartment containing the starter battery remain operative.

Abstract: A method of resetting a central lock system of a motor vehicle automobile connects a diagnostic device to a fixed part of the system. When the central unit is switched to the "SETUP" mode, the key of a new portable unit is inserted into a key-operated switch to interrogate a transponder of the portable unit, a transponder querying transceiver of the fixed unit to derive a key-identification code word which is stored in the transponder and in a memory of the transceiver. The transmitter is then operated to send a remote-control changing code word which progressively changes in the transmitter, to the receiver. The latter picks up the then-effective remote-control changing code word and stores it in the transceiver and transponder code word storage memories as a new transponder changing code word. The fixed unit is then switched back to its "NORMAL" mode.

Abstract: A centralized lock system for a motor vehicle, provided with a system-specific identity code word which is stored in memories of the satellite processors associated with the door locks as well as in the code word storage memory of the central processor and the code words are transmitted back and forth along the base or line connecting the electronic controller with the door locks. An identity test is effected at these memories and upon failure of the identity test, the door lock and/or electronic controller or all of the door locks and preferably also the electronic controller are deactivated. This prevents ready replacement of the components since the system will not recognize a foreign component and deactivation will occur upon an attempt to substitute a foreign component for one of the original family of components of the system.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle lock system has a remote operator separate from the motor vehicle and having a key part having a predetermined bitting, a transmitter actuatable to transmit a main signal containing a main code word, and a transponder independent of the transmitter for receiving an interrogation signal and thereupon generating a callback signal containing a callback code word. A lock provided with a switch is actuatable mechanically by the key part to operate the switch. A receiver in the motor vehicle connected to a central lock controller receives the main signal including the main code word, extracts the main code word from the transmitted main signal, compares the extracted main code word with a predetermined main code word, and sends a release signal to the controller when the extracted main code word corresponds to the predetermined main code word to actuate the elements.