The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 15, 1995
Filed:
Apr. 12, 1994
Lamar D Yoder, Fort Wayne, IN (US);
Max E Young, Albion, IN (US);
Brian P Marshall, Fort Wayne, IN (US);
Rodney N Germann, Payne, OH (US);
Navistar International Transportation Corp., Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
An ignition switch of an automotive vehicle employs a non-contacting key reader for reading a code on a key when the key is inserted lengthwise into the switch. Such a key reader is either a magnetic one that reads a magnetically coded key or an optical one that reads an optically coded key. A detent mechanism defines successive Accessory and On (Ignition) positions as the key is increasingly inserted. Various branch circuits are switched on to the vehicle's electric power supply at these two positions provided that a valid key has been detected. Full insertion of the key physically pushes a spring-loaded plunger of a mechanical start switch at the inner end of the ignition switch, causing start switch actuation and the engine starter motor to crank the engine, provided that the key is valid. Once the engine starts, the key is released and is returned to the On position.