Siemens Vdo Automotive Corporation

Siemens Automotive Corporation

Susan Adelle Johnson

Tejas Bhupendra Desai

Jonathan Clark

Jeralyn Reese

Allan Losey

Debbie Lambert

Mark R Cutkosky

Deborah M Lambert

Iejas Desai

Edwin T Li

Kyle Cleland

Tjarko Leifer

Lynne Ann Edgar

Pratik Kumar Nahata

The vehicle port control system has a capaciflective sensor, a port, a lock securing the port, and a control unit. The capaciflective sensor senses the presence of objects a predetermined distance from the vehicle port. The sensor communicates its readings to the control unit, which controls the actuation of the lock.

Effortless entry system and method

A car locator system includes a hand held locator which receives information with regard to the location of a vehicle and then stores that information for display on the hand held locator. The hand held locator could be a key fob having buttons to command operation to the vehicle. When a command signal is transmitted to the vehicle, the vehicle then transmits its position location to the hand held location for storage. In this way, an operator will be able to have an indication of the location of the vehicle. The vehicle can communicate with GPS satellites to determine its location, or may communicate with ground based local transmitters. The ground based local transmitters can be programmed to provide an indication of the location of the vehicle within a parking lot.

Hand held car locator

A key fob for signaling a receiver includes a housing having at least one depressable dome for initiating transmission of a signal. A circuit board disposed within the housing is printed onto the circuit board for generating the signal. The circuit board includes a switch situated beneath the dome. A bulge molded into the circuit board carries the switch. The bulge is depressable for closing the switch and transmitting the signal.

Reverse dome switch

A key fob for signaling a receiver on a vehicle includes a housing and a transmitter capable of transmitting multiple signals. The signals actuate multiple vehicle devices on the vehicle. Switches to control the signals include at least one dome protruding through the housing for initiating transmission of a signal. The dome includes a first element depressable for initiating a first signal and a second element depressable independently of the first element for initiating a second signal different from the first signal. The first element protrudes from the housing to a different height than the second element. Thus, the elements can be easily actuated separately from each other.

FOB command mechanization

An improved key fob and key combination allows the mechanical key to be removed from the key fob and given to a valet attendant. The key is provided with a mechanical latch which may be easily removed from the key fob. When the key is removed, secured areas on the vehicle are locked. Moreover, the vehicle has limited operation when the mechanical key is not received with the key fob. In a second feature of this invention, a locator function on the key fob provides an indication of an approximate direction to a vehicle in a parking area. The key fob relies upon RF transmissions from the vehicle to determine an approximate direction to the vehicle.

Key fob with valet and car locator feature

An improved and low cost electrical connection for use in circuit boards for key fobs incorporates a plurality of generally cylindrical pin members which are symmetric about a central axis. The use of the symmetric pin allows automatic insertion of the pin in that the orientation of the pin relative to the board is unimportant. The pin has a generally tapered transition portion which provides a contact surface for the battery, and this transition portion is also symmetric such that the orientation of the pin relative to the board is unimportant. Further, a stop face on the pin provides a stop for insertion of the pin into the circuit board such that the pin is at the desired height relative to the battery and such that the transition portion will provide electrical contact to the battery.

Cylindrical battery clip for key fobs

A power closure sensor system is disclosed. The system includes a data processing device, a closer motor in communication with the data processing device and controlling the movement of a closable member, and a proximity sensor, configured to sense the location of an object. The proximity sensor is in communication with the data processing device. The proximity sensor is configured to communicate the location of the object with or without the object contacting either the closable member or the frame. The system also includes a position sensor configured to sense the position of the closable member. The position sensor is in communication with the data processing device. Further, the system includes a logic program running on the data processing device and the logic program is configured to generate an estimate of the location of the object relative to the closable member.

Power closure sensor system and method

A combined battery holder and antenna is utilized into a remote signaling device, or keyfob for a vehicle. The battery holder receives the battery at an inner peripheral surface of a bobbin body. The coil antenna is wound about the outer peripheral surface of the bobbin body. In this way, the single part can provide both functions. This reduces the required space necessary for providing all functions within the keyfob.

Combination battery holder and antenna for keyfob

An alternative arrangement for a passive entry and ignition system for a vehicle is disclosed. The passive system uses an electronically coded card or 'smart card' that electronically conveys identifying information to a single on board antenna. The single on board antenna is integrated into the roof panel of the vehicle using conventional wire or flat cable technology. The single antenna communicates to a vehicle control unit to enable actuation of various predetermined mechanical systems of a vehicle such as the vehicle entry system or the vehicle ignition system. In an alternative embodiment, the single on board antenna is integrated in an existing occupant detection mat located in the passenger seat of the vehicle.

Growing community of inventors

Rochester, MI, United States of America

Susan Adelle Johnson