Abstract: A transponder authorization system and method. The transponder authorization system can include an operator device having a transponder and an antenna coupled to a powersports vehicle. The antenna can generate a field. The transponder authorization system can also include an authorization system electrically connected to the antenna and an ignition switch. The transponder authorization system can also include a button coupled to the ignition switch. The button can be pushed by an operator to actuate the ignition switch. The transponder can receive and transmit a signal when in the presence of the field. The authorization system can verify the signal in order to start the powersports vehicle.

Abstract: A device and method for a key fob. The key fob device can include a housing, a lid defining one or more apertures, a circuit board including one or more switches, and a flexible film coupled to the housing and/or the lid. The flexible film can include one or more contact surfaces and stylized graphics.

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 hybrid key for use with a mechanical vehicle entry system and a radio frequency identification (RFID) ignition system. The key can include a mechanical blade that can be received by a vehicle lock, a nose section integrally coupled to the mechanical blade, and a radio frequency transponder housed within the nose section. The nose section and the mechanical blade can be received by an ignition module of the RFID ignition system. The key can include a key head section integrally coupled to the nose section and shaped for an operator to grasp.

Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include at least one coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create a residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create a irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

Abstract: Residual magnetic locks, brakes, rotation inhibitors, clutches, actuators, and latches. The residual magnetic devices can include a core housing and an armature. The residual magnetic devices can include a coil that receives a magnetization current to create an irreversible residual magnetic force between the core housing and the armature.

Abstract: A latch assembly, comprising a control element having a pivot point and an actuator. The actuator has a first position in which the control element is engaged by the actuator for pivotal movement about the pivot point and a second position in which the control element is disengaged by the actuator from pivotal movement about the pivot point. The latch assembly further includes a ratchet arranged and configured for rotation with the control element when the control element is engaged by the actuator and for non-rotation when the control element is disengaged by the actuator. A highly preferred embodiment of the invention includes an automatic unlocking circuit powered by a backup power source.

Abstract: A latch assembly having at least one control element having a first path of motion in which a ratchet is moved to an unlatched position and a second path of motion in which the ratchet is not so moved, the path of motion taken by the control element dependent upon whether an engagement element is engaged with the control element or disengaged therefrom. Preferably, the control element moves the ratchet by contact with a pawl which itself can be engaged with the ratchet. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control element can be partially or fully actuated through its second path of motion while still being engagable with its engagement element. If already partially or fully actuated through its second path of motion, the engagement element is preferably movable into contact with the control element and can move the control element to its first path of motion.

Abstract: A locking and latching system of modular construction in which some of the components of the system are pre-assembled prior to their installation into the structural framework of a vehicle door. The modular construction of the lock and latch system of the present invention can include the outside and inside door handles, the outside and inside locks, the door latch itself, as well as linkages between these components. The modular components of the present invention can further facilitate the assembly process by being of a design which simplifies the process of installing them into the structural framework of a vehicle door without requiring the use of specialized tools, thereby reducing the labor costs associated with assembly.

Abstract: In some embodiments of the present invention, a modular vehicle ignition system is disclosed that is capable of housing various components, such as a lock cylinder, a remote keyless entry (RKE) transceiver, a radio frequency identification (RFID) transceiver, an operator identification system, a steering column lock, an ignition switch, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more of these components is coupled to a circuit board that is coupled to the housing. Furthermore, one or more of these components can be networked to other electronic and electromagnetic systems of the vehicle.