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:
Jan. 30, 2001
Filed:
May. 21, 1999
John E. McConnell, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Eric Krupp, Canton, MI (US);
Lear Corporation, Southfield, MI (US);
Abstract
An integrated, flexible interrogator-coil circuit provides security for the type of lock opened by a key that transmits a coded signal to an interrogator circuit associated with the lock. When the key is inserted into the lock, a coil in the key is brought into proximity with an energized coil associated with the lock. The resulting current induced in the key's coil causes the key to transmit the coded signal. If the coded signal is recognized by the lock's interrogator circuit, the key opens the lock. The lock coil is an etched metallic spiral on a loop portion of the circuit board and the interrogator circuit components are mounted on a base portion of the circuit board on which is etched a metallic circuit pattern. The integrated interrogator-coil circuit is faster and more economical to manufacture. Because the circuit is on a flexible circuit board, it can be made a part of the lock assembly itself, thus facilitating use of this type of security system. The invention is particularly useful in securing the ignition systems of vehicles, although it can be used for other applications.