Adaptable interface device for control of vehicle accessory systems using a plug-in resistor assembly

• US 5,635,769 A
• Filed: 04/02/1996
• Issued: 06/03/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 04/02/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Magnadyne Corporation
• Original Assignee: Magnadyne Corporation
• Inventors: Zhao, Douglas C., Caren, Barry L., Cook, Norman E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Elms, Richard T.
• Application Number:
  US08/626,338
• Time in Patent Office: 427 Days
• Field of Search: 307/9.1-10.8, 307/147, 361/833-835, 361/837, 361/642, 361/646, 361/630, 361/104, 180/287, 70/DIG. 46, 439/34-36, 439/507, 439/622, 439/620, 439/621, 370/85.1, 370/85.9, 370/85.11, 364/424.01, 364/424.03, 364/424.05, 364/423.098, 364/424.037, 364/424.045, 337/255, 337/256, 337/264, 337/231, 235/382.5, 235/492, 338/21
• US Class Current: 307/10.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user

Abstract

An adaptable interface device comprising at least one quick-connect port and a signal supply circuit. The at least one quick-connect port receiving a plug-in resistive assembly. The plug-in resistive assembly comprising a housing, a resistor, and two blade terminals. Upon receiving an activation signal, the signal supply circuit and the plug-in resistive assembly operate in conjunction to produce a control signal to control a vehicle circuit.

Claims

1. A universal interface apparatus for enabling control of at least one multiplexed vehicular circuit from an aftermarket vehicle security/control system, the universal interface apparatus comprising:

a housing having at least one quick-connect port for receiving a first terminal and a second terminal of a plug-in resistive assembly, the plug-in resistive assembly having an electrical resistance selected in dependence upon a predetermined control signal level required to control the multiplexed vehicular circuit; and

a signal supply circuit disposed within the housing in electrical communication with the at least one quick-connect port, the signal supply circuit receiving an activation signal from an aftermarket vehicle security/control system and producing at least one control signal to control the at least one multiplexed vehicular circuit.

2. The universal interface apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one removable plug-in resistive assembly secured within the at least one quick connect port.

3. The universal interface apparatus of claim 2 wherein the housing includes a recess which fully contains the plug-in resistive assembly when secured within the at least one quick-connect port.

4. The universal interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one quick connect port is located on an external surface of the housing.

5. The universal interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one quick-connect port includes a pair of electrical receptacles to receive the first terminal and the second terminal of the plug-in resistive assembly, the electrical receptacles having resilient contacts for securing the plug-in resistive assembly within the housing.

6. The universal interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein the aftermarket vehicle security/control system comprises a remote keyless entry system.

7. The universal interface apparatus of claim 1 wherein the aftermarket vehicle security/control system controls the vehicle door locks.