| Patent Number |
Title Of Patent |
Date Issued |
| 7401483 |
Residual magnetic devices and methods for an ignition actuation blockage device |
July 22, 2008 |
| 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 |
| 7363788 |
Latch apparatus and method |
April 29, 2008 |
| 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 |
| 7219935 |
Latch apparatus and method |
May 22, 2007 |
| In some embodiments of the present invention, a lever is actuatable to unlatch a pawl when the lever is in an unlocked position. When the lever is in a locked position, lever actuation cannot unlatch the pawl. An over-center device coupled to the lever can be used to position the lever |
| 7140213 |
Steering column lock apparatus and method |
November 28, 2006 |
| 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 |
| 7111480 |
Steering column lock apparatus and method |
September 26, 2006 |
| Highly preferred embodiments of the present invention have 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 s |
| 7047778 |
Vehicular lock apparatus and method |
May 23, 2006 |
| In some embodiments, lock assemblies are disclosed which have a housing, a barrel, and at least one tumbler. In some cases, the lock is codeable after the lock assembly has been assembled. Although not required, some embodiments can be re-coded to a new code with and without disassemblin |
| 6978645 |
Freewheeling lock apparatus and method |
December 27, 2005 |
| In some embodiments of the present invention, a freewheeling lock apparatus and method are provided in which the freewheeling lock affords actuation of a device only in response to the use of an appropriate key. The locking mechanism can include a housing, a sleeve received at least part |
| 6958551 |
Vehicle coded ignition lock using a magnetic sensor |
October 25, 2005 |
| 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 electrical |
| 6948344 |
Key assembly for vehicle ignition locks |
September 27, 2005 |
| 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 |
| 6848286 |
Electronic latch apparatus and method |
February 1, 2005 |
| 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 th |
| 6843085 |
Modular vehicle door lock and latch system and method |
January 18, 2005 |
| 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 can include the outside and inside door |
| 6817217 |
Overmolded key including an ornamental element and method of making same |
November 16, 2004 |
| A vehicle ignition key having an ornamental element molded onto the key. The key includes a key blank and an undermold which is formed by molding a first plastic material over a portion of a key blank, defining a mounting surface for the element. The ornamental element is located on the |
| 6776442 |
Latch apparatus and method |
August 17, 2004 |
| In some embodiments of the present invention, a lever is actuatable to unlatch a pawl when the lever is in an unlocked position. When the lever is in a locked position, lever actuation cannot unlatch the pawl. An over-center device coupled to the lever can be used to position the lever |
| 6711924 |
Freewheeling lock apparatus and method |
March 30, 2004 |
| In some embodiments of the present invention, a freewheeling lock assembly is provided that includes a housing at least partially defining a cavity and having a central axis, an actuator rotatably coupled to the housing and substantially axially fixed with respect to the housing, a lock |
| 6617961 |
Security system for a vehicle and method of operating same |
September 9, 2003 |
| 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. |
| 6594861 |
Motor vehicle door handle apparatus and method of installation |
July 22, 2003 |
| In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a fastener on a door handle assembly having a door handle is moved by actuation of the door handle into a position in which the fastener connects the door handle assembly to the door. The door handle is preferably capable of tra |
| 6575505 |
Latch apparatus and method |
June 10, 2003 |
| The present invention includes a pawl releasably engagable with a ratchet, a handle connected directly or indirectly to a user-manipulatable device, a cam movable between an unlocked position in which actuation of the cam by the handle generates sufficient pawl movement to release the ra |
| 6571587 |
Steering column lock apparatus and method |
June 3, 2003 |
| Highly preferred embodiments of the present invention have 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 |
| 6530251 |
Modular vehicle door lock and latch system and method |
March 11, 2003 |
| An improved modular vehicle door lock and latch system is disclosed which includes a door latch mechanism, an inside door latch and door lock handle, and a unique outside door handle and door lock interface member, all of which are assembled into a pre-connected configuration together |
| 6523382 |
Free wheeling lock assembly |
February 25, 2003 |
| A free-wheeling lock assembly includes a case and a drive mechanism which is adapted for coupling to a latching mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a lock barrel supported within the case for rotational and axial movement relative to the case and a driver releasably coupled to the lo |
| 6523381 |
Lock with a center gap sidebar |
February 25, 2003 |
| A sidebar for use for automotive locks and all sidebar locks includes an interruption in an edge along the surface to interrupt the inclined plane that is formed when the sidebar becomes canted relative to the longitudinal axis of the lock barrel as the result of the insertion of an |
| 6523380 |
Overmolded key including an ornamental element and method of making same |
February 25, 2003 |
| A vehicle ignition key having an ornamental element molded onto the key. The key includes a key blank and an undermold which is formed by molding a first plastic material over a portion of a key blank, defining a mounting surface for the element. The ornamental element is located on the |
| 6516640 |
Steering column lock apparatus and method |
February 11, 2003 |
| The present invention provides a manner in which a lock bolt can be engaged and secured in locked and unlocked positions with respect to a steering column. In some preferred embodiments, a pawl is movable into and out of engagement with the lock bolt in two different locations on the loc |
| 6463773 |
Electronic latch apparatus and method |
October 15, 2002 |
| 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 th |
| 6427504 |
Key assembly for vehicle ignition locks |
August 6, 2002 |
| 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 |
| 6393882 |
Vehicle lock assembly including a mounting bracket |
May 28, 2002 |
| A vehicle lock assembly including a cylinder lock and a mounting bracket which is adapted to mount the cylinder lock on a vehicle structure associated with a deck lid of a vehicle. The mounting bracket includes a mounting lug adapted to be fastened to the vehicle structure and mounting |
| 6367299 |
Key assembly for vehicle ignition locks |
April 9, 2002 |
| 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 pl |
| 6367298 |
Key assembly for vehicle ignition locks |
April 9, 2002 |
| 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 pl |
| 6276179 |
Key assembly for vehicle ignition locks |
August 21, 2001 |
| 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 pl |
| 6109081 |
Key and cylinder lock system |
August 29, 2000 |
| A dual cam, reversible key includes first and second patterns of notches in first and second edges of the shank of the key on a common side of the key shank of the key, providing a dual cam key. The patterns of notches are formed to have complementary symmetry and to make the width of th |
| 6101855 |
Key and cylinder lock system |
August 15, 2000 |
| A dual cam, reversible key includes first and second patterns of notches in first and second edges of the shank of the key on a common side of the key shank of the key, providing a dual cam key. The patterns of notches are formed to have complementary symmetry and to make the width of th |
| 6058751 |
Free-wheeling lock |
May 9, 2000 |
| A free-wheeling lock assembly includes a free-wheeling lock mechanism which prevents damaging forces from being applied to the components of the lock assembly if the lock cylinder is forcibly rotated by a key other than the proper key or by some other instrument. A detent mechanism, whic |
| 6035677 |
Key assembly for vehicle ignition locks |
March 14, 2000 |
| 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 pl |
| 5836187 |
Tumberless automobile ignition lock |
November 17, 1998 |
| 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 k |
| 5722275 |
Pushbutton console latch |
March 3, 1998 |
| A pushbutton console latch is provided. The latch includes a cylindrical housing for housing a pushbutton therein. The pushbutton incorporates a lost motion feature such that when a pushbutton is in the locked position and depressed, the bolt of the latch remains extended. However, when |
| 5704234 |
Cylinder lock incorporating a slam resistance pad |
January 6, 1998 |
| A cylinder lock is provided having a sleeve rotatably receivable within the inner core of a sleeve. A cylinder retainer is slidably mounted within a cylinder retainer slot in the cylinder for radial movement therein. The cylinder retainer is movable between a first cylinder retaining pos |
| 5630630 |
Glove compartment latch mechanism |
May 20, 1997 |
| A latch mechanism for a glove compartment is provided. The latch mechanism includes a plate mountable to the door of the glove compartment. A lever and a hook are interlocked to each other and pivotably mounted to the plate. The lever is movable between a closed position and an opened |
| 5611225 |
Breakaway cylinder head |
March 18, 1997 |
| 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 r |
| 5600981 |
Snap-in tumbler |
February 11, 1997 |
| A cylinder assembly for a plate tumbler lock includes a plate tumbler which snap-fits into an assembled position by pushing the tumbler into its ward until a projecting detent flexes inwardly and passes by a retaining ledge in the side wall of the ward, and thereafter springs back outwar |
| 5457973 |
Axially activated system for a key lock |
October 17, 1995 |
| A lock and key actuator for actuating a desired controlled component upon insertion of a key into the lock. The actuator includes either a sliding or pivoting member movable between non-actuated and actuated positions. The actuator may include a slidable plunger between the lock and |
| 5455571 |
Fail safe system for a mechanical lock key set with electronic interlock |
October 3, 1995 |
| 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 cylinde |
| 5438856 |
Cylinder assembly for plate tumbler lock |
August 8, 1995 |
| A cylinder assembly for a plate tumbler lock includes a removable, self-retained plate tumbler which snap-fits into an assembled position by pivoting the tumbler and pushing the tumbler into its ward until a projecting detent passes by a retaining ledge in the side wall of the ward. |
| 5433096 |
Key assembly for vehicle ignition locks |
July 18, 1995 |
| 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 pl |
| 5425560 |
Squeeze latch |
June 20, 1995 |
| A latch assembly for actuating a bolt assembly for a door is provided. The latch assembly includes a housing and a cavity extending partially therein. The housing includes a guide track for receipt of track engaging members extending from a slider. The slider is movable between a first |
