Abstract: A keyless access control system (10) controls access through an entranceway (e.g., a door 16) into a vehicle (12). A sealed security input module (14) of the system (10) is mounted on the vehicle (12) at a location to be accessible by an operator (18) located outside of the vehicle (12). The module (14) includes a keypad (22) manually actuatable by the operator (18) to enter a security code. The module (14) also includes a code-transmitting transmitter (26 and 28). A code-receiving receiver (38 and 40) is located in the vehicle. An induction power coupling (50) connects the security input module (14) and a vehicle power system (58). Preferably, a first half (48) of the induction coupling (50) is located in the module (14), and a second half (52) of the induction coupling is adjacent to the first half (48). During operation, power from the vehicle power system (58) is transferred to the module (14) via the induction coupling (50). The operator (18) manually inputs the security code to the module (14).

Abstract: A switch apparatus includes a carrier for an optical cable. The carrier supports the optical cable in a U-shaped configuration with parallel leg portions of the optical cable extending along opposite sides of the carrier. A pushbutton is supported by the optical cable. The pushbutton has actuation arms which engage the parallel leg portions of the optical cable. The optical cable is held by flexible arms which form channels into which the leg portions of the optical cable are snapped. Upon manual actuation of the pushbutton, the optical cable is deformed to reduce the intensity of a light beam transmitted through the optical cable.

Abstract: An accelerometer (10) features a housing (12) having an passage (14) of rectangular cross-section formed therein, and one embodiment the width dimension gradually increases with increasing displacement along a central longitudinal axis (16) away from a first end (24) of the passage. A puck-shaped magnetic sensing mass (26) is located within the passage and oriented so that its magnetic axis extends in a direction normal to a basal surface (18) of the passage. A pair of magnetically-permeable pole pieces (22) extend from a coil (21) parallel to the passage (14) to magnetically-interact with the sensing mass so as to bias the sensing mass towards a first position within the passage. A pair of electrically-conductive nonmagnetic plates (32) on the housing magnetically interact with the sensing mass to damp the movement thereof within the passage. The coil (21) provides both test and reconfiguration functions.

Abstract: An accelerometer (10) features a housing (12) having an passage (14) of rectangular cross-section formed therein, the width dimension of which gradually increases with increasing displacement along a central longitudinal axis (16) away from a first end (24) of the passage; and a puck-shaped magnetic sensing mass (26) located within the passage whose magnetic axis extends in a direction normal to the basal surface (18) of the passage. A pair of magnetically-permeable elements (22) on the housing magnetically-interact with the sensing mass so as to bias the sensing mass towards a first position within the passage; and a first and second pair of stationary beam contacts (30) project into the passage so as to be bridged by respective electrically-conductive circumferential surfaces (28) on the sensing mass when it moves to a second position within the passage.

Abstract: An improved acceleration sensor (10) includes a housing (12) having an internal passage (14) defined therein, a sensing mass (18) located within the passage which moves from a first position within the passage towards a second position therein in response to acceleration inputs to the sensor housing, and a pair of electrical contacts (22) projecting into the passage so as to be bridged by the sensing mass when it reaches its second position within the passage, thereby closing an electrical circuit. The supported end (28) of each of the contacts includes diametrical arms (32) which are themselves secured to the housing only at their outboard ends (36). The arms are thus free to rotate elastically when the sensing mass deflects the contact's cantilevered free end (30), thereby permitting greater elastic travel of the contact's free end, with its enhanced reliability and an attendant increase in contact dwell.

Abstract: An improved deck lid lock with remote release for motor vehicles. The deck lid lock employs a solenoid operated rotatable armature which acts directly on a leg of a rotatable latch plate which engages a lock bar. On energization of the solenoid, the armature is attracted to the solenoid causing it to disengage the latch plate so that the deck lid may be opened. When the deck lid is closed, the lock bar is engaged by the latch plate which is returned to its normal latched position in engagement with the armature. The deck lid lock further includes a rotatable key cam which acts on the armature to enable release of the deck lid through conventional external key actuation.

Abstract: A door jamb switch has a first member adapted to be fixedly secured onto a door jamb of a motor vehicle, a first switch contact mounted on a plunger supported in the fixed first member for reciprocation along an axis between a first, door opened, position with the first switch contact engaging a second contact on the first member and a second, door closed, position with the switch contacts disengaging one another. At least one of two contacts is mounted resiliently in the switch, and the surface configurations of the two contacts can be made to interact with each other and with the resilient mounting so as to self-align the contacts with respect to one another upon interengagement therebetween.