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:
Nov. 11, 1997
Filed:
Jul. 05, 1995
Masaichi Hattori, Aichi, JP;
Osamu Shoji, Aichi, JP;
Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho, Aichi, JP;
Abstract
A key interlocking mechanism for an automobile ensures that the automobile transmission is in the proper position when the key is removed. The mechanism includes a stopper pin protruding into the rotational path of the key motor and a solenoid valve energized when the automobile transmission is shifted out of park. When the key rotor is rotated with the solenoid valve unenergized, a cam plate within the mechanism acts to push the stopper pin up out of the rotational path of the key rotor. When the solenoid valve is energized, the stopper pin is prevented from being pushed out of the rotational path of the rotor. The key rotor is thus prevented from being rotated to a position in which the key can be removed from the rotor.