Door Or Lock Patents (Class 340/426.28)
  • Patent number: 8732457
    Abstract: Managing a digital certificate includes a landlord providing a digital certificate, a secure hardware device generating a series of n hash values, the secure hardware device providing an nth hash value to the landlord, wherein other hash values are not readily available to the landlord, the landlord placing the nth hash value in the certificate, the landlord digitally verifying the certificate containing the nth hash value to obtain a digitally signed certificate, a tenant obtaining the digitally signed certificate, the tenant obtaining the n hash values and the tenant managing the certificate by periodically issuing a previous hash value in the series of n hash values in response to the certificate being valid when the previous hash value is issued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Assa Abloy AB
    Inventor: Silvio Micali
  • Patent number: 8686842
    Abstract: A door locking system is provided for a motor vehicle. The door locking system includes, but is not limited to a mechanical door opening safety catch and a warning unit configured to generate a first warning signal that is exclusively suppressed by a manual activation of the mechanical door opening safety catch. A motor vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to a vehicle body, a rear vehicle door that is linked on the vehicle body and facing away from a vehicle travel direction, the rear vehicle door configured to pivot, a door opening safety catch configured to be mechanically activate upon the pivot of the rear vehicle door, and a warning unit configured to generate a first warning signal that is exclusively suppressed by the mechanical activation of the door opening safety catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Peter Eduard Schuessler, Andreas Heberer, Mario Tassotto, Oliver Roettel, Joachim Schuberth
  • Patent number: 8643469
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, the access control system comprises a door with an integrated mechatronic closing mechanism which is equipped with a receiver device. The receiver device is designed to receive and evaluate capacitive-resistive signals that are emitted by a transmitter and are transmitted via a user's body. The closing mechanism opens or does open the door in accordance with a result of said evaluation. In said one embodiment of the invention, the closing mechanism is battery-operated and has no permanent electric connection to an object that is not located on or in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kaba AG
    Inventor: Andreas Häberli
  • Patent number: 8633836
    Abstract: A vehicle locator includes a base unit mounted within a vehicle including a wireless, radio frequency (RF) receiver, a microcomputer with flash memory and a speaker. A remote unit having a radio frequency transmitter and a voice transmission means is in wireless communication with the base unit receiver and the associated computer/flash memory. Accordingly, a user can remotely record a desired message onto the microcomputer by simply depressing a record button on the remote unit and speaking into a microphone adjacent thereto. The RF receiver and associated electronics are also electrically connected to the door lock/unlock mechanism that is actuated by the standard keyless vehicle remote. Accordingly, when a vehicle driver remotely locks or unlocks the vehicle doors, the prerecorded message is emitted thereby uniquely identifying the vehicle and allowing the driver to quickly ascertain its location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Lavonnia Ball
  • Patent number: 8587403
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing relay attack on a passive entry system (PES) or other passive system (PS) included within a vehicle or other entity. The relay attack prevention may be based in part on an assessment of whether the fob is able to distinguish signal strength relative to messages communicated form different antennas within the vehicle and/or amongst different signal amplitude communicated from the same antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Riad Ghabra, Nikolay Yakovenko, Hilton W. Girard
  • Patent number: 8558684
    Abstract: A belt lock for a seat belt equipped with a locking mechanism that is arranged in a belt lock housing. The locking mechanism has a component that changes its location from a first end position into a second end position and detects a locking status. In the actuation of the locking mechanism, the component that changes its location interacts with the detector of the locking status. The locking status is detected by an electromechanical switch that is arranged in the vicinity of the component that changes its location and can be actuated upon its movement from the first into the second end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Polycontact AG
    Inventors: Joshua Lanter, Clau Lombriser
  • Patent number: 8547217
    Abstract: A belt lock for a seat belt that has a locking mechanism that is arranged in a belt lock housing. The locking mechanism includes a component that changes location from a first end position into a second end position when the locking mechanism is actuated, and in doing so interacts with a status detector. The status detector is designed as an electrical switching system. The component that changes location is a mandrel that can be moved axially when the locking mechanism is actuated and that is provided with an electrically conductive contact region and forms a component of the electrical switching system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Polycontact AG
    Inventors: Joshua Lanter, Clau Lombriser
  • Patent number: 8493193
    Abstract: An anti theft locking system for the cargo carrying portion of a truck, trailer, shipping container, and/or railcar having at least one access door. The anti theft locking mechanism and associated signal processing means for locking the access door are all located entirely within the cargo carrying portion and cannot be accessed from outside. The locking mechanism can be locked in response to a coded locking signal generated from the exterior of the cargo carrying portion. The locking mechanism can be unlocked in response to a coded unlocking signal generated from a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Jean Ramy Louis, Milton L. Hultberg, William J. Seeber
  • Patent number: 8489263
    Abstract: A vehicle has an apparatus (2) for charging an electrical energy store (3) from a stationary power supply system. An existing controller (6) of the vehicle is configured to calculate and indicate an amount of electrical energy drawn from the stationary power supply system by using a time information item provided in the vehicle controller (6). Alternatively, a battery management system (1) is configured to calculate and indicate the amount of electrical energy drawn from the stationary power supply system by using the time information item provided in the existing vehicle controller (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Scheu
  • Patent number: 8482383
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing relay attack on a passive entry system (PES) or other passive system (PS) included within a vehicle or other entity. The relay attack prevention may be based in part on an assessment of whether the fob is able to distinguish signal strength relative to messages communicated form different antennas within the vehicle and/or amongst different signal amplitude communicated from the same antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Riad Ghabra, Nikolay Yakovenko, Hilton W. Girard
  • Patent number: 8482376
    Abstract: A method for teaching a switching circuit is provided. The method includes presenting a target within a sensing range of a sensor of the switching circuit for a pre-determined duration and acquiring an identification code of the target via the sensor. The method also includes storing the acquired identification code for operating the switching circuit and locking the switching circuit against learning identification codes of any other target prior to reaching an allowed number of reteaching attempts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne R. Foster, Joshua D. Vavra, Steven R. Tambeau
  • Patent number: 8441346
    Abstract: A vehicle user is notified of a rear gate ajar condition so that the user can take corrective action by opening and then re-closing the rear gate. The method includes the steps of determining that the rear gate latch has engaged a latch striker but has not reached a fully latched position; operating a vehicle mounted signaling device that is cognizable by a user while still standing at the rear gate so that the user will receive immediate notification that the rear gate latch has not reached the fully latched position, thereby enabling the user to take immediate corrective action by opening and then re-closing the gate to attempt a fully latched position of the rear gate latch; and then, if the vehicle is started without the lift gate operator having taken corrective action to obtain full latching of the rear gate latch, energizing a lift gate ajar light on the instrument panel so that the vehicle driver is notified to take corrective action before driving away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Altaf S. Imam
  • Patent number: 8443458
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for tamper detection of electronic devices (110) in closed units which is robust and low cost. The object is achieved by a method in an electronic device (110) for detecting if a cover (100) enclosing the electronic device (110) has been opened. The cover (100) comprises an enclosing assembly (250) which is adapted to fasten the cover (100) into a closed position. The electronic (device 110) comprises a non volatile memory (120). The non volatile memory (120) comprises a stored reference signature associated to the enclosing assembly (250) when the cover (100) was fastened into a closed position. The method comprises the following steps: (Creating 1003) a signature associated to the enclosing assembly (250). Comparing (1004) the created signature with the reference signature. Detecting (1007) that the cover 100 has been opened when the comparing (1004) results in a difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: Dan Anders Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 8421621
    Abstract: A programmable interface module includes a linear power regulator to control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis. The interface module is implemented in, for example, a sensor pack and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode, the linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of power which allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detecting an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extreme temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltage regulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator ramps up the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensor module can then provide a level indicative of a concentration or intensity of the environmental condition. If the level surpasses a predetermined threshold, the sensor pack can output an alert signal to security server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: FTC-Forward Threat Control LLC
    Inventors: Francis S. Zajac, Tony Bachta, James Peverill
  • Patent number: 8421596
    Abstract: Provided is a door lock device which is installed on a door, to enable people to facilitate to find out location of the door at dark or night and enable the door to be illuminated with a certain brightness so as to be easily viewed at indoor and outdoor sides when indoor and/or outdoor illumination is low, that is, at dark. As a result, the door lock device enables people to easily find out an entrance gate under the fire and other emergency situations. As well, people do not need to find out a particular position or particular article gropingly even in a dark indoor or outdoor. Accordingly, people may not be easily hurt. In addition, since indoor and outdoor places can be illuminated at a certain brightness, the door lock device can indicate that people exist in a warehouse or on a roof of a building even in the case that a warehouse door lock device or a roof entrance door lock device has been automatically locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Seung Kuk Choi, Myung Wha Nam
  • Patent number: 8410918
    Abstract: A vehicle door opening indicator system comprises a base unit, a remote unit wirelessly communicating with the base unit, an on-board computer, and door opening sensors. The base unit is placed in a vehicle, is powered from a vehicle battery, and comprises a programmable CPU, a memory, a speaker, an input circuit, and an output circuit. The CPU communicates with the remote unit through the input circuit and with the computer through the output circuit. The remote unit, comprising a microphone and a recorder/player, preprograms the CPU with an individualized message. The door opening sensors are connected to the computer, and the preprogrammed individualized message is reproduced through the speaker upon opening the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: John G. Stroud
  • Patent number: 8400284
    Abstract: A method for controlling headlights on a vehicle includes detecting for a wiper switch state for a wiper switch on a vehicle, detecting wiper operations, incrementing a counter value by x until the counter value reaches a headlight ON threshold, counting toward a time threshold, decrementing the counter value by x until the counter value reaches a headlight OFF threshold value, and changing a state of the headlights based on the counter value reaching one of the headlight ON threshold and the headlight OFF threshold. Incrementing the counter value by x can occur in response to each detected wiper operation. Counting toward the time threshold can occur in response to detecting a wiper switch OFF state. Decrementing the counter value by x can occur in response to each instance of the time threshold elapsing with no change from the wiper switch OFF state. A plurality of intermediate counter values can be found between the headlight ON threshold and the headlight OFF threshold. A control system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Tony D. Wang, John Sgueglia, David G. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8373550
    Abstract: A controller for a door system and an associated method of operation for actuating a door. The controller may be electrically coupled with a motor, an outer door switch and an inner door switch. The controller, activates a motor assist and may maintain a desirable current supply to the motor assist. Determining a relative position of the door and determining whether movement of the door is obstructed is performed. The controller actuates the door to an appropriate position and determines whether door operation exceeds a maximum time threshold. The controller may be configured to deactivate the motor assist once the door reaches an appropriate position or the door operation exceeds the maximum time threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Control Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Michael McKee, Nick Scholtes, John Hayden
  • Patent number: 8347475
    Abstract: A handle structure suitable for disposing on a surface of a carrier is provided. The carrier has a locating part is assemble to a case. The handle structure includes a holder, an elastic element and a fastening element. The holder has a rotating axis and a locating element, and has a first end and a second end opposite thereto. The rotating axis connecting to the carrier is disposed on the first end, and the holder is pivoted on the surface. The locating element disposed on the first end interferes with the locating part. The elastic element has a first fixing part fixed to the carrier and a pushing part connected to the first fixing part and pushing against the holder. The fastening element has a second fixing part fixed to the carrier and a fastening part connected to the second fixing part and fastened to the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Shi-Feng Wang, Ji-Peng Xu, Tsai-Kuei Cheng
  • Patent number: 8330591
    Abstract: A system for adjusting components in an automobile to compensate for impinging sunlight includes a solar data generator configured to generate solar data concerning a current location, heading, date and time of a vehicle. A solar data calculator is coupled to the solar data generator and configured to receive solar data and determine a vehicle component affected by impinging sunlight. A body control manager is coupled to the solar data calculator and operable to control the vehicle component to compensate for impinging sunlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence P. Ziehr
  • Patent number: 8319660
    Abstract: A system on a railroad hopper car for providing an indication, observable by a person located either proximate to or remote from the hopper car, of a condition of a lock arranged in operable combination with a mechanism on the hopper car for controlling discharge of material from the hopper car. The system includes electric circuitry and a sensor for providing a signal when each discharge mechanism lock on the railcar is in the locked condition and for producing another signal when each discharge mechanism lock on the railcar is in the unlocked condition. An illuminable indicator, mountable on a side of the railroad hopper car, is responsive to signals from the circuitry for displaying the condition of the discharge mechanism locks. A method for visually displaying a condition of a lock on a railroad hopper car as through use of illumination is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Miner Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher C. Gaydos
  • Patent number: 8305201
    Abstract: An antitheft device for a vehicle includes a main ignition switch, an auxiliary ignition switch disposed at a location which is predetermined so that a driver, when seated on a driver's seat, can operate the auxiliary ignition switch and the auxiliary ignition switch is invisible in a vehicle interior, and an engine start unit including an engine start signal cutoff unit which is connected to the auxiliary ignition switch. When the main and auxiliary ignition switches are turned on, the engine start signal cutoff unit is turned on so that the engine start unit delivers an engine start signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Beat-Sonic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Totani, Atsushi Shinoda
  • Patent number: 8253534
    Abstract: In a vehicle door control system, a portable unit stores registration of an instruction of automatic door-opening to a vehicle unit, when predetermined registration processing is made on the portable unit. In response to a request signal from the vehicle unit, the portable unit transmits a response signal including an ID code and the instruction of the registered automatic door-opening operation. The vehicle unit unlocks a vehicle door without any manual door-unlocking operation by a user and automatically opens the vehicle door, when the response signal includes the instruction and the ID code matches a predetermined ID code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Nakazawa, Kazuya Takasaki
  • Patent number: 8237554
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a method for programming keys to a vehicle to establish primary keys and secondary keys to control vehicle functionality is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a key identification signal from a first key. The method further comprises generating a key status signal indicative of whether the first key is one of a primary key and a secondary key in response to the key identification signal. The method further comprises transmitting the key status signal to a vehicle interface display. The method further comprises allowing a user to change a status of at least one of the first key and an additional key with the vehicle interface display in response to determining that the key status signal corresponds to the primary key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Scott Alan Watkins, Michael L. Gusta, Eric L. Reed
  • Patent number: 8227934
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a controller, a number of input devices, a number of digital sensors, a number of analog sensors, a number of displays, and a number of alarms. Each input device includes a switching circuit, an input circuit, and a connector. The connector is connected to a digital sensor or an analog sensor. The switching circuit includes an n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), a p-channel MOSFET, a first resistor, and a second resistor. The input circuit includes an operational amplifier and a third resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8217774
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a locking system of a motor vehicle wherein, as the states of the locking system, there is an unlocked state, a locked state from which it is possible to switch to the unlocked state via at least a first operating element inside the vehicle, and a security state in which by simply activating a first operating element it is not possible to switch to the unlocked state. The aim of the invention is to propose a method that allows a person inside the motor vehicle to still leave the motor vehicle despite user activation of the security state without substantially easing the opening of the motor vehicle from the outside by an unauthorized third party. Four concepts are proposed that can all be implemented in combination to great benefit. They enable a person still inside the vehicle to leave the motor vehicle upon activation of the security state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignees: Audi AG, Audi Electronics Venture GmbH
    Inventors: Björn Elias, Ruben Maier, Roland Haberl, Ingo Ledendecker, Martin Deinhard, Andreas Stüber
  • Patent number: 8203441
    Abstract: A display system for displaying an opening state of a motor vehicle door is provided that includes, but is not limited to a sensor system for detecting an opening state of the motor vehicle door. A display unit is connected to the sensor system for displaying the opening state of the motor vehicle door. A display element is redundantly connected redundantly to the sensor system is provided for displaying the opening state of the motor vehicle door. The probability of the display system correctly indicating the opening state of the motor vehicle door is thereby increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Dirk Bolduan
  • Patent number: 8196977
    Abstract: A door handle structure found on the outside of a vehicle may include a door handle including a handle base member installed to the inside of a door panel and a handle grip member coupled to the outside of the door panel, wherein a portion of the handle grip member is pivotally coupled to the handle base member, and a lighting device installed to the door panel, having at least a light emitting diode (LED) lamp which is installed at the handle base member and configured to emit a light source through a recess formed on the door panel, and a band member configured to receive the light source through the recess from the LED lamp and emit the light source towards the outside of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Do Won Sung
  • Patent number: 8120474
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a portable identification device including a portion for receiving an interrogation signal and a portion for transmitting an indication indicative signal responsive to the interrogation signal, multiple tire sensor devices each of which includes a portion for receiving an initiation signal and a portion for transmitting a condition indicative signal responsive to the initiation signal, multiple transmitting devices each of which emits the interrogation signal and the initiation signal for different conditions within a communication area, a receiving device for receiving the indication indicative signal and the condition indicative signal, and a central controller for unlocking a door lock device when the portable identification device is determined to be in an overlapped area based on a condition of the portable identification device, the overlapped area being defined between two adjacent communication areas and in which the door lock device is involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Fujioka, Manabu Kato
  • Patent number: 8120477
    Abstract: A method is provided for displaying a closed state of a motor vehicle door which can adopt at least two closed states depending on driving speed, in particular a motor vehicle door, that includes, but is not limited to two door leaves which open in opposite directions to one another, that also includes, but is not limited to a lock for achieving the closed states on an electromechanical basis. The method has the steps of, without limitation, detecting an actual closed state of the motor vehicle door and signaling the actual closed state of the motor vehicle door. A status display is also provided that carries out the method, a locking system with a status display is provided, and a motor vehicle door is provided with a locking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Karl-Franz Hedrich
  • Publication number: 20110316683
    Abstract: An anti theft locking system for the cargo carrying portion of a truck, trailer, shipping container, and/or railcar having at least one access door. The anti theft locking mechanism and associated signal processing means for locking the access door are all located entirely within the cargo carrying portion and cannot be accessed from outside. The locking mechanism can be locked in response to a coded locking signal generated from the exterior of the cargo carrying portion. The locking mechanism can be unlocked in response to a coded unlocking signal generated from a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Jean Ramy Louis, Milton L. Hultberg, William J. Seeber
  • Patent number: 8058991
    Abstract: A programmable interface module includes a linear power regulator to control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis. The interface module is implemented in, for example, a sensor pack and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode, the linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of power which allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detecting an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extreme temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltage regulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator ramps up the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensor module can then provide a level indicative of a concentration or intensity of the environmental condition. If the level surpasses a predetermined threshold, the sensor pack can output an alert signal to security server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: FTC-Forward Threat Control LLC
    Inventors: Francis S. Zajac, James Peverill, Tony Bachta
  • Patent number: 8035492
    Abstract: A device for detecting an installation error of satellite sensors on opposite sides of a vehicle is provided, which device detects the installation error based on a signal comparison between a door contact signal and a signal of one of the satellite (door acceleration) sensors during closing of a side door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Fislage, Christophe Kolb
  • Patent number: 8035478
    Abstract: Disclosed is an easy-to-retrofit, electronically controlled door lock system designed to change or expand functions of a door lock without having to replace the door lock as a whole. The door lock system includes a door lock 100 for locking and unlocking a door in response to an input signal from a key means, the door lock having predetermined inherent functions, and a function expanding device 200 having additional functions other than the predetermined inherent functions of the door lock, the function expanding device being replaceably attached to the door lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Irevo, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong-Jong Lee
  • Patent number: 8004393
    Abstract: The security system determines if the cargo area of a vehicle may have been opened in transit between a loading location and a destination location. The vehicle has an enclosed cargo area with a cargo door and lock. The system includes a digital counter which displays a number set thereon after the cargo area has been secured by locking the cargo door lock or by closing the cargo door. If a magnetic reed switch senses the unlocking of the cargo door lock or the opening of the cargo door after the cargo area has been secured, it causes the number on the counter to change. The set number is forwarded to the destination location by entering it on the shipping documents or transmitting it electronically. At the destination location, it can be determined if the cargo area may have been accessed in transit by comparing the set number forwarded to the recipient by the shipper with the number displayed on the counter when the vehicle reaches the destination location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Babaco Alarm Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg Haber
  • Patent number: 7982589
    Abstract: A microcomputer executes initialization, which causes a memory of the microcomputer to store operational information of a window glass of a door therein in a state where no previous information is stored in the memory. The microcomputer cancels the initialization when an open state signal, which indicates an open state of the door, is outputted from a courtesy switch and/or a door closure. The microcomputer executes the initialization only when a close state signal, which indicates a close state of the door, is outputted from the courtesy switch and/or the door closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Utaka Naito, Takahiro Sumiya
  • Patent number: 7978048
    Abstract: A keyless entry system includes a portable transmitter that transmits a lock signal and an unlock signal, each of which contains a unique identification code, for a predetermined period, and an operation unit that locks and unlocks doors of a vehicle in response to the lock signal and the unlock signal from the portable transmitter. The operation unit includes a receiver that outputs a lock command signal or an unlock command signal having a predetermined time length, and a controller that drives an actuator to lock or unlock the doors of the vehicle in response to the lock command signal or the unlock command signal from the receiver. The time length of the unlock command signal from the receiver is shorter than the time length of the unlock signal from the portable transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignees: Alps Electric Co., Ltd., Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Ueno, Noritoshi Yuzuriha, Tatsuya Michishige
  • Patent number: 7868735
    Abstract: In a vehicle door control system, a vehicle-side unit communicates with a hand-held device and detects an operation on any one of vehicle doors. When a condition for unlocking the doors is satisfied, the vehicle-side unit unlocks the doors. In addition, the vehicle-side unit also automatically opens some specific doors having an automatic door opening/closing function. Thus, the holder of the hand-held device no longer needs to issue another command to execute an operation to automatically open the specific doors. The vehicle side-unit also detects an operation on any doors and communicates with the hand-held device to automatically close and lock the doors, when the holder of the hand-held device leaves the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nakashima, Ifushi Shimonomoto
  • Patent number: 7868746
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric circuit arrangement for generating or receiving an output signal or switched condition definitive for the effective locking condition of a door system, especially a motor vehicle door system. The object of the invention is to provide a circuit arrangement with which an output signal definitive for the locking condition of a door system can be furnished, the generation of which signal takes the intentions of a user or the instantaneous situation into account in improved manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Ident Technology AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Richter
  • Patent number: 7844377
    Abstract: Current position of a vehicle and current time are acquired. A user recognizing unit recognizes a user. A pattern recognizing unit detects location of a portable device and movement thereof. Operation state of an engine is acquired from an engine control mechanism. Based on the information, processes are performed such as switching communication stand-by mode of the portable device to active stand-by mode, notifying the portable device of a transition of an on-board terminal to automatic locking mode, preventing needless unlocking and locking of doors, and setting warning mode of the portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Mitsuru Oota, Tetsuya Nomura, Satoshi Harumoto, Yuusaku Matsuda, Yasushi Seike
  • Patent number: 7808394
    Abstract: A seat folding apparatus is provided with a passive Rf frequency link that requires that a person be within a certain limited distance from the vehicle to operate the seat folding mechanism. A foreign object detection system, such as a plurality of weight sensors, is provided in the seat to detect foreign objects on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Nathan, Tom Q. Tang, Riad Ghabra
  • Patent number: 7804858
    Abstract: A transmission ECU on a transmission side and reception ECUs on a reception side are connected through communication lines and junction connectors. A delay circuit is provided in each of the junction connectors on the side of the reception ECUs. One end of the delay circuit is connected to the communication line on the side of the transmission ECU and the other end of the same is connected to the communication line on the side of the reception ECU. The communication lines on the both ends of the delay circuit are grounded through termination resistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Tamai
  • Patent number: 7741959
    Abstract: In a control and management system for automobiles, a central processor in the system connects traditionally unrelated vehicle subsystems together to realize synergistic functions such as smart driving, automatic parking, etc. A master interface having a display is employed in the system to help a user control and manage the vehicle functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: American Calcar, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Obradovich
  • Patent number: 7734382
    Abstract: A vehicle remote control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and at least one vehicle device connected to the data communications bus. The vehicle remote control system includes a remote transmitter, and a true controller at the vehicle for controlling the vehicle device via a true command on the data communications bus, and based upon the remote transmitter. The true controller also controls the vehicle device via a respective counteracting command on the data communications bus based upon detecting a rogue controller attempt to control the at least one vehicle device via a rogue command on the data communications bus. The true controller may thus counteract a rogue controller attempt to start the engine, unlock vehicle doors, roll down windows, and/or disarm the vehicle security system, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 7729814
    Abstract: A vehicle control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and at least one vehicle device connected to the data communications bus. The vehicle control system includes a a true controller at the vehicle for controlling the vehicle device via a true command on the data communications bus. The true controller also controls the vehicle device via a respective counteracting command on the data communications bus based upon detecting a rogue controller attempt to control the at least one vehicle device via a rogue command on the data communications bus. The true controller may thus counteract a rogue controller attempt to start the engine, unlock vehicle doors, roll down windows, and/or disarm the vehicle security system, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 7710245
    Abstract: A security system for remotely locking and unlocking closure members of a motor vehicle 10 is disclosed in which a hand gesture recognition device is associated with a keyless entry system having a security device 23 and a portable unit 19. The hand gesture recognition device includes at least one sensitised area 25 for detecting a hand gesture, an input/output device positioned in the passenger compartment for selecting or creating at least one pattern gesture which can be recognised by the sensitised area 25 and a gesture recognition module for transmitting an authorized code signal to the security device 23 upon recognition of the selected or created gesture over the sensitized area. Such a gesture pattern can easily be modified from the I/O device by the user and ensure an improved security to a conventional keyless entry system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventor: Carl Anthony Pickering
  • Patent number: 7683764
    Abstract: A method of unlocking a vehicle, which includes initiating an auto-lock command, searching an area surrounding the vehicle for a valid key fob, and sending a normal request from interior antenna if a valid key fob is not found. The method further includes sending a wide area request from an interior antenna if the valid key fob is not found from the normal request. The method includes locking the doors if the valid key fob is not found. The method provides a warning and does not lock the doors if the valid key fob is found.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Kurpinski, Thomas J. Keeling, Justin P. McBride, Toshihiro T. Wakamatsu, Michael A. Wiegand
  • Patent number: 7679489
    Abstract: An auto anti-theft system with door-mount wireless remote-control pushbutton includes a main controller installed in a car for controlling the operation of the anti-theft system; a remote controller being carried by a user for code matching; and a small-size wireless remote-control pushbutton, which includes a coupling section for mounting the pushbutton to a car of any version or brand on or near a car door, such as on a door handle, a keyhole, a door surface, or a door window. The wireless remote-control pushbutton, the main controller, and the remote controller cooperate with one another to provide the functions of releasing and enabling the anti-theft system directly beside the car without pressing the remote controller button, making the anti-theft system a humanized design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Tse Hsing Chen
  • Patent number: RE41395
    Abstract: A device (100) and method (200, 300) authenticate and secure control event data for a vehicle, wherein the device includes: A) a microcontroller (104), coupled to receive control event information, for attaching a first time stamp and vehicle identification number VIN to the control event information to provide first information and sending the first information to memory (106) in time overlap fashion; B) the memory (106), coupled to the microcontroller (104) and a microprocessor (108), for storing first information and second information in time overlap fashion; and C) the microprocessor (108), coupled to the memory (106) and a plurality of transducers (110), for determining whether received impact data varies from previous impact data, and where received impact data varies, adding a second time stamp and VIN to the received impact data to form second information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Temic Automotive of North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Shrirang Nilkanth Jambhekar, Jacques Hara, John Robert Barr
  • Patent number: RE43010
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an operation management system for a moving body such as a vehicle using a mobile terminal. The present invention reliably and accurately records the operating conditions of vehicles, which enables management to gather accurate information regarding the work performed by a driver or crew in the moving vehicle. Moreover, the present invention realizes safe operation of a moving vehicle by detecting, during operation of a moving body, whether the moving body is exceeding the speed limit and informing the crew of this condition so that the driver will reduce speed to obey the speed limit. The present invention also deters theft of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Masao Hoshino, Miyuki Sato