Chrysler Corporation

Daimlerchrysler Corporation

Charles J Berra

Alan J Amici

John R Boldt

Joseph J Krebs

Tommy Yokoyama

P Jan Boring

Gerry N Schultz

Kyle A Boring

Tom W Flemming

Makoto Hayash

A locking connector for an antenna cable includes a female socket member and a male member axially insertable into the socket member. A catch is formed on a radially outwardly extending collar of the socket member. A flexible latching finger is secured to the male member and has a hook at the free end. The hook is adapted to cam over and lockingly engage the catch when the male member is inserted axially into the socket member. A finger stop limits radially outward flexing of the finger away from the catch to prevent overstressing of the finger.

Locking connector for antenna cable

A system and method for providing secured programming for reprogramming on-board vehicle computer systems. The system includes an interface tool which communicates with a selected on-board computer system. The communication tool also communicates with an authorized database via a modem. The vehicle computer has a serial identification number and designated passwords stored in memory and external access to the designated passwords is denied. Upon request, the vehicle computer transmits the serial identification number to the database which looks up a designated password A that corresponds to the vehicle computer and transmits password A to the computer. If the password A received by the computer matches the password in memory, the authorized database provides encrypted data in accordance with an encryption function, password B and data values. The computer deciphers the encrypted data in accordance with a stored password B to generate data values. Reprogramming of the control software is allowed only when the encrypted data value match the data values stored in the vehicle computer.

Flash reprogramming security for vehicle computer

An adapter which permits the use of present diagnostic tools with newer ISO9141 equipped engine and transmission controllers. The adapter facilitates bi-directional communication while conditioning the signals entering and exiting the adapter and allow the diagnostic tools to operate transparent of the adapter's presence.

Circuit and method for interfacing vehicle controller and diagnostic

An interface circuit for providing signals necessary to monitor one or more on-board vehicle computers through a serial communication link between an off-board controller and the on-board vehicle computer. The interface circuit is provided on the vehicle in order to provide the command signals to the off-board controller which will enable a standard monitoring device to read key information from the on-board vehicle computer. Additionally, the interface circuit also provides support of a second mode of operation that conforms to a proprietary communications protocol. The interface circuit automatically recognizes and adapts to the proper communication protocol for the tool sensed. The interface circuit complies with both a proprietary communication protocol and with an ISO 1941 format which satisfies an OBDII/CARB specification which all automobiles sold in the United States must comply with by the 1996 model year.

Circuit and method for interfacing with vehicle computer

A system and method for reprogramming a non-volatile memory of one or more on-board vehicle computers through a serial communication link between an off-board controller and the on-board vehicle computer. An interface circuit is also provided on the vehicle in order to process the command signals from the portable controller which will enable the non-volatile memory to receive and store new computer program code. The method follows a predetermined transfer protocol which assists in preventing the existing computer program code stored in the non-volatile memory from being improperly erased or re-written. This transfer protocol includes the transmission of a command signal from the off-board controller which has a voltage level that exceeds the voltage level of any signal which may recognized on the serial communication link.

Growing community of inventors

Troy, MI, United States of America

Charles J Berra