Trw Limited

Joan F Rayford

James W Hussey

A remote convenience system (10) for remote control performance of a function includes a portable transceiver (14) and a controller transceiver (16). Preferably, the system (10) is for a vehicle (12), and the controller transceiver (16) is vehicle-based. The portable transceiver (14) is operable for remote control requests, and includes circuitry (42, 52, 54, and 60) for transmitting a function request signal (18) that contains a function request (C) and a security key (T.sub.1). Also, circuitry (42, 52, 54, and 60) of the portable transceiver (14) receives a response signal (36) that contains a new security key (T.sub.2), and updates to the new security key. The vehicle-based transceiver (16) includes circuitry (30, 74, 78, and 82) for processing valid function requests and for controlling performance of the requested function. The circuitry (30, 74, 78, and 82) of the vehicle-based transceiver (16) receives the function request signal (18), and transmits the response signal (36), with the new security key, to the portable transceiver (14) in response to receiving the function request signal.

System and method for remote convenience function control having a rekey

A transmitter (12) for a remote control convenience system (10) has a housing (22). A pushbutton (e.g., one of 24-30) is located on the sousing (22) and is manually actuatable for requesting remote control performance of a function by a remotely located receiver (14). Transmit circuitry (32) of the transmitter (12) is located within the housing (22) and is operatively connected to the pushbuttons (e.g., one of 24-30). The transmit circuitry (32) outputs an electrical signal that conveys a message requesting performance of the function in response to actuation of the pushbutton. A flexible antenna (34) is operatively connected to receive the electrical signal from the transmit circuitry (32) and to output a signal (18) intended for reception by the receiver (14). The antenna (34) has a stored position coiled inside the housing (22) and an extended position extending outside of the housing. A rotatable spool (42) supports the antenna (34) within the housing (22), and permits extension and retraction of the antenna relative to the housing (22).

Transmitter for remote convenience system having coiled, extendable

An apparatus (10) encloses a movable vehicle seat (12) and an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) which is inflatable into engagement with an occupant of the seat (12). An electric motor (42) is operatively connected to the seat (12) to move the seat (12) when the motor (42) is actuated. A first actuating means (50) actuates the motor (42) in response to input from the occupant so as to move the seat (12) to a position selected by the occupant. A second actuating means (92) actuates the motor (42) in response to crash conditions so as to move the seat (12) with reference to the crash conditions.

Growing community of inventors

Livonia, MI, United States of America

Joan F Rayford