Debbie Lambert

US Patent:

6545629, Apr 8, 2003

Filed:

Jun 12, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/591780

Inventors:

Susan Johnson - Rochester MI
Debbie Lambert - San Francisco CA
Jonathan Clark - Provo UT
Jeralyn Reese - Pasadena CA

Assignee:

Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation - Auburn Hills MI

International Classification:

H04L 1702

US Classification:

341176, 200 3 R, 200 9

Abstract:

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.

US Patent:

6386007, May 14, 2002

Filed:

Jun 2, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/586450

Inventors:

Susan Johnson - Rochester MI
Tejas Desai - Sterling Heights MI
Debbie Marie Lambert - San Francisco CA
Jonathan Clark - Provo UT
Jeralyn Reese - Pasadena CA

Assignee:

Siemens Automotive Corporation - Auburn Hills MI

International Classification:

E05B 1904

US Classification:

70408, 70257, 702782, 702783

Abstract:

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.