US Patent 7380428 Separable transponder key assembly

A transponder key assembly is provided with a key blade and head assembly, with the head formed with a transponder holder opening therein from a face of the head and a separable transponder carrier matingly configured to the opening and adapted to be received into and be removable from the opening so as to prevent separation of the transponder from the key blade and head assembly to preserve the transponder for use in a subsequent key blade and head assembly.