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. 19, 1997
Filed:
Nov. 28, 1994
John Francis Kennedy, Dearborn, MI (US);
Scott Owen Campbell, Canton, MI (US);
Michael Anthony Thomas, Grand Blanc, MI (US);
Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A key-in-ignition lock reminder system uses a key having a transponder with an identification code. An ignition lock for receiving the key has an adjacent antenna. A door proximity switch connected to the door generates a door open signal when the door is open. A control module is connected to a door lock control, the door proximity switch and a memory storing at least one identification code. The control module energizes the antenna coil which energizes a transponder. The transponder then transmits an identification code which is received by the antenna. The control module generates a control signal if the code from the transponder is equivalent to an identification code stored in the memory and the door proximity switch indicates the door is open. An indicator connected to the control module receives the control signal and generates an indication that the key is in the ignition lock.