By Preventing Unauthorized Or Unintended Access Or Use Patents (Class 180/287)
  • Patent number: 7272469
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved immobilizer system for automotive vehicles that enables a running vehicle to be effectively immobilized while an authorized driver is absent from the vehicle. The immobilizer may be operated in a number of modes that provide effective protection to a vehicle from theft in a variety of operative situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Magtec Products Inc.
    Inventors: Ed E. Kalau, Herbert Peyerl
  • Patent number: 7263635
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a bus system having at least three users in a vehicle having a drive unit and a lockable vehicle interior; of the at least three users of the bus system, precisely one first user being formed as the superordinate user and initiating each data transmission on the bus system; at least one second user being formed as an element of a locking system in a vehicle, and at least one third user being arranged outside of the lockable vehicle interior, wherein the first user monitors the data transmission such that in at least one specific operating state of the vehicle and/or the bus system, the first user, for each data transmission on the bus system that was not initiated by it, introduces measures to prevent transmission of the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ingmar Hentsch
  • Patent number: 7220076
    Abstract: A vehicle stopping apparatus for stopping a target vehicle has a capture loop large enough to loop over a vehicle tire, attachment means provided over a portion of the capture loop to attach the portion of the capture loop to the vehicle tire, and a tether coupled to the capture loop. The vehicle stopping apparatus may have an anchoring device coupled to the tether, the anchoring device adapted to apply a resistive force on the tether. Furthermore, the vehicle stopping apparatus may have a deployment mechanism adapted to transfer the capture loop from a set position wherein said capture loop is folded in a bundle, to a deployed position wherein said capture loop is extended across the path of said vehicle tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Boltek Corporation
    Inventor: William Robert Boll
  • Patent number: 7213862
    Abstract: A locking assembly includes a first housing including legs at opposed corners and including a flange extending from a bottom thereof that includes an aperture for receiving a fastener therethrough. The first housing has a pair of slots formed along the top thereof, a third slot medially formed of the pair of slots, defines a cavity therein and has a notch in a rear thereof. A second housing is positional within the first housing and includes a conduit that has a threaded inner surface and guide tracks conjoined to the sidewalls thereof. A mechanism is included for adapting the second housing between retracted and extended positions. A mechanism is included for prohibiting the seat from unintentionally biasing between retracted and extended positions. An actuating arm having is disposed within the third slot, is pivotally connected to the first housing and includes a spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Robert J. Martin
  • Patent number: 7209808
    Abstract: A License Sanction Enforcement System™ technology that includes at least one sensor worn by an individual to be monitored and a data storage unit. The sensor can detect directional angle and acceleration motion. The data storage unit is coupled with the sensor and stores the angle kinematic data detected by the sensor. The device determines whether the individual is operating or has operated a motor vehicle based upon analysis of the angle and acceleration data, and creates a record in the data storage unit of each occurrence that operation of a motor vehicle is detected. Alternatively, the data storage unit may be used to store the raw detection data, which can be transferred to an external data processing device for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: The Titan Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Chase, Richard P. Dexter, Nancy F. Wolejsza, Michael C. Wolejsza, Douglas S. Cameron, Hanson C. Gaugler, Debra A. Gross, Judith A. Pine, Wayne K. Murphy, David S. Powell, Edward J. Ohlert, Darren S. McKnight, Stephen P. Chase
  • Patent number: 7209033
    Abstract: The device has a transceiver which transmits high-frequency signals, which are reflected back by reflectors in the seats. Occupied seats are detected on the basis of signal propagation delays and/or reflector detections and/or receiving intensities. In addition, it is possible to detect with the aid of a belt sensor whether or not a safety belt is fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Hofbeck, Lorenz Pfau, Birgit Rösel
  • Patent number: 7195093
    Abstract: A fuel door actuated ignition cut off includes a switch that is electrically coupled to the circuit for selectively opening or closing the circuit. An actuator is mechanically coupled to the switch for selectively actuating the switch. The circuit is open when the actuator is in an open position and the circuit is closed when the actuator is in a closed position. The switch is mounted on an inner surface of a vehicle wall. The switch is positioned generally adjacent to a fuel door of the vehicle. An arm is attached to an inner surface of the door and is adapted for engaging the actuator such that the actuator is moved to the open position when the door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Faryab Ahmadi
  • Patent number: 7190089
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for detecting the presence of a user to allow and/or prevent access inside a motor vehicle, the vehicle comprising at least a decorative element fixed to the body (2) proximate to an opening (O), the device comprising at least an electrode detecting (1) the presence of a user and a processing circuit (5) connected to the detecting electrode. The invention is characterised in that the decorative element (ED) has at least an electrically conductive part (12) coupled at least partly with the detecting electrode (1) so as to form an active detecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Valeo Electronique
    Inventors: Jean Eidesheim, Pascal Bonduel
  • Patent number: 7176783
    Abstract: A device for identifying authorization and triggering/enabling an action. The device comprises a base unit that detects identity information of a key unit, compares it with predetermined identity information and, if there is a match, triggers or enables the action. The base unit and the key unit each include synchronous generators outputting digital information that changes at predetermined time intervals. The key unit combines information of the digital generator with stored identification code to form a coded information item. The base unit codes the predetermined identity information with information from its own generator and compares this coded information with the coded information from the key unit. If the base unit detects the coded information, the action is triggered. The base unit outputs a signal, the key unit switches an antenna between matched and mismatched states, the antenna reflects the received signal, and base unit evaluates the reflected signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Johannes Ilg
  • Patent number: 7165472
    Abstract: A control lever safety apparatus for a heavy equipment which is capable of preventing an operation of a work apparatus when a control lever is operated or touched in a state that an equipment is started, in such a manner that a safety lever is tilted in a lower direction in the case that a consol box installed in a side surface of a driver's seat is tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventors: Chun Ho Jo, Chun Jin Yoon
  • Patent number: 7161262
    Abstract: A start control apparatus has a steering lock mechanism, which includes a lock pin and a lock control unit. The lock pin is selectively engaged and disengaged from the steering shaft. The lock control unit controls the lock pin. The start control apparatus further includes a portable communication device, a verification control unit, which communicates with the portable communication device, a power source control unit, which control power supply, an engine control unit, which controls the engine, a lock state detecting switch, which detects an engaged state and a disengaged state of the lock pin. The lock control unit and the power source control unit monitor detection signals from the lock state detecting switch. The engine is permitted to be started on condition that the control units acknowledge that the lock bar is in the disengaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Toshihiro Nagae, Masaki Yoshino, Hisashi Kato, Toru Maeda, Masaki Hayashi, Tomoyuki Funayama, Toshio Asahi, Tomoo Kakegawa, Toshinori Aoki
  • Patent number: 7148790
    Abstract: A remote control device for controlling a reduced operational mode of a vehicle includes a portable communication device operable to communicate with the vehicle. A detachable component is selectively coupled to the communication device. The communication device is operable to initiate a reduced operational mode for the vehicle upon detachment of the detachable component from the communication device. The portable communication device detects the input in the attached position and initiates a normal operational mode upon the detection. Detachment of the detachable component cause an input voltage to change on the portable device. The reduced operational mode includes inhibiting access to predetermined storage compartments in the vehicle such as a vehicle trunk or glove box. Vehicle speed and RPM are limited in the reduced operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Denso International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Keiichi Aoyama, Thomas Keeling, Justin McBride, Akio Nakano, Michael Wiegand
  • Patent number: 7141889
    Abstract: Highly convenient automobile engine starting uses an individual authentication device which utilizes biological information and provides a security function required when starting the engine, while protecting a sensor for receiving the biological information. An engine starting system can comprise an ignition switch for controlling a state of an automobile; a key for changing a state of the ignition switch; a registration key for registering biological information; a switch for starting an engine; a sensor for inputting biological information; a device for storing biological information; a collating unit for collating the inputted biological information with the stored biological information; and a lid for covering the sensor of an authentication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiro Takezaki, Naoto Miura, Takafumi Miyatake, Akio Nagasaka, Satoru Kuragaki
  • Patent number: 7141890
    Abstract: An automobile anti-theft device disrupting normal operation of an automobile. To attain this, incorporated into an automobile is a module configured to disrupt the normal firing of the automobile's spark plugs upon actuation of a user-controlled controller. In an embodiment, the module electrically couples the automobile's coil to the automobile's distributor cap through a controller-controlled switch. In an embodiment, the module relays instruction sets to an engine control unit, upon execution of the instruction set the engine control unit disrupts spark plug firing. A method for preventing automobile theft, which incorporates into an ignition system a user-controlled module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventors: Jose A. Gallardo, Graciela A. Gallardo
  • Patent number: 7132924
    Abstract: A construction machine which is less vulnerable to theft compared with conventional machines is provided. The system includes an antenna (6) for detecting removal of an engine key (8) after the engine has stopped, an angle detector (35) for detecting a posture of the upper structure, and an anti-theft unit (31) for forcing the engine to stop and outputting an alarm signal in cases the upper structure is not in a given posture when parked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Kajita, Yukihiro Uto, Nobuaki Matoba
  • Patent number: 7126240
    Abstract: A method for enabling an apparatus (15) to operate only after detecting with receiver elements (11) located proximate to the apparatus, a signal transmitted by portable transmitted elements (1), which consists in no longer taking into account detection by the receiver means (11) of the signal transmitted by the transmitting elements (1), after activating presence sensing elements (22) provided proximate to the apparatus, or integrated in the apparatus. Once activated, the presence sensing elements (22) neutralize the transmitter/receiver device (1, 11) and the apparatus can operate normally without being perturbed by possible statics or accidental losses of signal. The inventive method and device are applicable to an antitheft safety device for a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Sevic System AG
    Inventor: Pascal Albert
  • Patent number: 7091834
    Abstract: An antitheft device is provided, whereby a person who attempts to commit a theft of a vehicle can be captured, having an improved crime prevention performance to thefts of vehicles, electrical equipment mounted on vehicles, money and articles left inside vehicles and the like. The antitheft device includes an expansible body system to expand an expansible body for blocking the motion of an intruder in a prescribed space inside a vehicle, which emits a substance to be a base of foaming polystyrene inside the vehicle and applies steam to the substance so that the foaming polystyrene blocks the motion of an intruder, when the presence of the intruder inside the vehicle is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Shinichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7091824
    Abstract: A remote starting control apparatus is installed in a vehicle incorporating an immobilizer section for inputting a key code output based on insertion of an ignition key into a key cylinder, and when determining that the input key code is a predetermined key code, enabling an engine to be started. The remote starting control apparatus performs starting control of the engine in response to an instruction from a portable transmitter. It includes comparing two or more key codes output from an immobi amplifier in response to two or more key code output requests, thereby determining the key code to be stored in EEPROM from among the key codes, storing the determined key code in the EEPROM, and supplying the key code stored in the EEPROM to the immobilizer section upon reception or a start command of the engine by remote operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Manabu Matsubara, Minoru Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7083020
    Abstract: An automatic stop/start controller for an engine which automatically stops and starts the engine without operation of an ignition key. In automatically stopping the engine without operation of the ignition key, a control means prevents an automatic stop of the engine if a direction indicator of the vehicle is activated. If the direction indicator is activated after the engine is automatically stopped, the control means immediately automatically starts the engine without operation of the ignition key. The control means also prevents an automatic stop of the engine unless the distance traveled by a vehicle, after the engine has automatically started, is greater than a predetermined automatic stop prohibit distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Morimoto, Tatsuji Mori, Norihiro Noda, Yoshiki Itoh
  • Patent number: 7078828
    Abstract: A keyless engine controlling unit has a set switch for setting an engine in a running state, a selected state detecting mechanism for detecting the position of a select lever of an automatic transmission, and an engine drive controlling mechanism for bypassing a contact point of an ignition switch. During engine operation, the selected state detecting mechanism detects that the select lever is in park, the set switch is set, and the contact point of the ignition switch is bypassed. Thus, the engine is maintained in the running state even if the key is extracted from the ignition switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Chizuko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7070018
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door with a door lock unit located on the edge side with mechanical latching elements such as a latch and ratchet, with a preferably electrical opening drive for triggering the latching elements which is preferably integrated into the door lock unit, with a mechanical inside actuating element for emergency mechanical triggering of the latching elements, which is mechanically connected to the door lock unit, and with an the electrical inside actuating element for normal operational triggering of the opening drive for actuating the latching elements, which is connected by electrical-control technology to the opening drive. It is structurally optimized in that the mechanical inside actuating element is located on the inside of the motor vehicle door in the immediate vicinity of the door lock unit, its preferably being connected directly or only with a minimum intermediate mechanism to the inside actuating lever of the door lock unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Brose Schliessysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Checrallah Kachouh
  • Patent number: 7069119
    Abstract: A request signal transmitted from LF antennas of a vehicle-mounted unit is received by a radio terminal through an LF antenna. In response to the request signal, the radio terminal transmits a response signal from an antenna. The response signal is received by an RF unit of the vehicle-mounted unit. The vehicular remote control device controls an operating state of a vehicle-mounted device depending on the judgment of a match between the response signal and identification information inherent in the vehicle. The radio terminal has a light-emitting diode. When the radio terminal receives a failure diagnosis signal that is transmitted instead of the request signal, the radio terminal does not transmit a response signal, but energizes the light-emitting diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Ueda, Shinichi Arie, Kentaro Yoshimura, Suguru Asakura, Akira Kamikura, Kenichi Sawada
  • Patent number: 7053499
    Abstract: An antitheft device for a motor vehicle has a first receiver (2) in the motor vehicle, which is designed to receive signals in narrowband. The signals received by this receiver are evaluated in accordance with the code information contained in them. Furthermore, the antitheft device has a second broadband receiver (7) which receives signals outside the useful frequency band (3). If signals are received whose signal strength is above a threshold value (S), whose signal duration is shorter than a predefined time period (t2–t1) or whose code information corresponds largely to anticipated code information, the access to the motor vehicle, and its use, are not enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Fischer, Claus Peter
  • Patent number: 7042343
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for a motorcycle includes an anti-theft locking mechanism, a remote control, a receiver that receives a locking release signal transmitted from the remote control, a controller that releases locking by the locking mechanism according to the locking release signal, and a locking release mechanism that unlocks the locking mechanism by manual operation of a dedicated key. The locking release mechanism is normally covered with a cover member of the motorcycle such that it is not easily detected by unauthorized persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Konno, Tadashi Onozuka
  • Patent number: 7037148
    Abstract: A theft prevention apparatus of a personal watercraft equipped with a main switch for opening/closing a main power-supply circuit including a starting circuit of an engine is provided. The apparatus inhibits the engine from starting when it detects the main switch being in an ON-state, no existence of a connection between an operating device of the main switch and the main switch, and a stopping of the engine. The apparatus prevents the engine from starting by inhibiting at least one of the starting circuits of the engine, an ignition circuit of the engine, and a fuel injection circuit of the engine from closing the circuit(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Kenichi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7026920
    Abstract: An alarm system module for an automobile includes: a logic circuit; an actual vehicle speed value input configured to receive an actual vehicle speed value from the automobile; a state selection input configured to receive a state selection instruction from a user; and a synthetic vehicle speed value output configured to output a synthetic vehicle speed value to the automobile. The logic circuit is configured so that, when the alarm system module is in the disarmed state, the synthetic vehicle speed value is approximately equal to the actual vehicle speed value, and when the alarm system module is in the armed state, the synthetic vehicle speed value is greater than a threshold value of approximately 2.5 km/hr.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Jordan, Ronald Shpakoff
  • Patent number: 7026918
    Abstract: A motor vehicle verification and control system providing a remote activator enabling locating, monitoring and disabling of an equipped vehicle, a receiver for analog, digital, broadband, satellite (i.e. GPS), green light and/or infrared signal technologies, a remote infrared target for disabling an equipped vehicle, an interactive license plate coupled with the remote infrared target for disabling means, and a license scanner that enables law enforcement to regulate the speed, operation and traveling distance of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: David Douglas Briick
  • Patent number: 7023321
    Abstract: In a transmitting and receiving method, a request signal is transmitted between a first and an additional transmitting and receiving device by means of a bi-directional first communications path. According to the request signal, a second communications path is established for a predetermined time interval and the receiving power in the additional transmitting and receiving device is measured by means of a measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Alain Marc Bernard Brillon, Klaus Hofbeck, Johannes Ilg, Wolfgang Piesch
  • Patent number: 7019668
    Abstract: To enable positive management of construction machines in a management center. There comprises an construction machine 1, and a management apparatus 20 for carrying out the transmission and reception of information with the construction machine 1 through a communication satellite 30 and a base station 32. The construction machine 1 comprises a memory 124 for storing operating information, information amount discrimination means 127 to discriminate if the operating information stored in the memory 124 reaches a fixed amount, information readout means 128 for reading out the operating information when the operating information stored in the memory 12 reaches the fixed amount, and a transmission section 184 for transmitting the operating information read out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventor: Hideki Kinugawa
  • Patent number: 7011164
    Abstract: An engine disabler spray system allows a first chase vehicle to disable a second fleeing vehicle by spraying a fire suppressant agent from the first vehicle at the second vehicle wherein the fire suppressant agent is sucked through the air intake of the second vehicle's engine and once the fire suppressant agent enters the engine, the engine is robbed of oxygen and ceases thereby. The fire suppressant agent is stored within a tank located within the trunk of the first vehicle and is discharged through nozzles located on the back of the first vehicle. The nozzles may be directionally controlled for optimum targeted spraying at the second vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: O. Alan Breazeale
  • Patent number: 6997279
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a seat adjustable fore and aft and a lock-out feature configured to render the vehicle inoperable when the seat is rearward of a predetermined point in the vehicle. The lock-out feature is preferably configured to prevent movement of the seat rearward of the predetermined point when at least one predetermined vehicle condition exists. A corresponding method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin G. Kolpasky, Tracey A. Wilt, Albert H. Butlin, Michael C. Gill, David Furness, Alfred Smith
  • Patent number: 6977580
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of identifying a vehicle that may present safety threats to security areas are provided. When a vehicle is approaching a security zone, a request for identification (ID) is issued to the vehicle's on-board computer system (OBCS). Upon receiving the ID, a comparison is made between the ID of the vehicle and a list of suspect vehicle IDs. It there is a match, the vehicle is considered to be suspect and the OBCS is instructed to take control over the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Dwip N. Banerjee, Kumar Ravi, Eduardo N. Spring
  • Patent number: 6971468
    Abstract: An antitheft apparatus, which is installed in a vehicle having an expandable body system to expand expandable body that confine a motion of a burglar in predetermined space portions in a compartment, ejects material as a source of foam polystyrene into the compartment and then injects a steam to the material to confine the motion of the intruder by the foam polystyrene when a presence of the intruder in the compartment is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Shinichi Tanaka, Mitsuhiko Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6967567
    Abstract: The vehicle of the present invention, which has doors that lock and is moved, based on personal identification, comprises: a device for preventing moving of the vehicle based on the personal identification when receiving a return instruction from a vehicle user; and a device for allowing only the operation of the doors for a predetermined period of time after the return instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6963272
    Abstract: A vehicle security system may include at least one security sensor and a security controller connected thereto, and a siren which also serves as a shock sensor. The siren may include a housing, a siren security electrical signal generator circuit carried by the housing for generating an electrical siren security alarm signal responsive to the security controller, and a shock detector circuit carried by the housing for processing an electrical shock sense signal for the security controller. The siren also preferably includes an electrical/mechanical (E/M) transducer carried by the housing for sounding a siren security alarm responsive to the electrical siren security alarm signal, and for generating the electrical shock sense signal responsive to mechanical shock. In other words, the E/M transducer and associated circuitry provide the dual alternate functions of sounding the siren security alarm and sensing for shocks to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 6960990
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of and system for authorizing use of a mobile vehicle, in which an entry signal is received and a disarm alarm prompt from an in-vehicle telematics unit is provided in response to the entry signal. A determination is made as to whether a disarm alarm response is received and an authorization procedure is initiated based on the disarm alarm response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas J. McKibbon
  • Patent number: 6954007
    Abstract: A method is for controlling entry, e.g., into a motor vehicle, during which a key and a base station wirelessly exchange authentication data between one another in an active or a passive communication mode. At the beginning of the authentication process, the base station transmits a call signal to the key, and the key replies to the call signal with a reply signal. The base station verifies the received reply signal of the key in the communications mode in which the reply signal was received. If the reply signal of the key was received in the active communications mode, the base station transmits a first selection instruction to the key thus causing the key to perform the subsequent communication in the active communications mode. If the reply signal of the key was received in the passive communications mode, the base station transmits a second selection instruction to the key thus causing the electronic key to perform the subsequent communication in the passive communications mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignees: Volkswagen AG, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Meier, Stephan Schmitz, Andreas Titze, Dominique Nemetschek
  • Patent number: 6942273
    Abstract: A vehicle burglar-proof device comprises a base installed below a cushion of the seat; two tracks being arranged at two sides; the base being arranged across inner sides of two tracks; a mask enclosing a top and lateral sides of the base; a motor arranged within the base for driving the base to move along the two tracks; a control unit for conducting the motor. When a front side of the mask moves forwards to resist against a body of a vehicle, the controlling pedals will be isolated and the motor is interrupted so as to buckle and confine the base; and thus, the control pedals cannot be pressed so that they cannot be enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Peter Ching Yeng Jseng
  • Patent number: 6940397
    Abstract: An apparatus for the recording of images from an interior of a vehicle upon detection of an intrusion allows for the arming of the vehicle when it is not in use. A locking of the vehicle's doors, a shutting off of the engine, or other methods are used to detect when the system is to be armed. The system does not record images when it is armed. It must be armed and then an intrusion must occur. Intrusion is detected by a dome light illuminating, a door lock being opened from the inside, a motion sensor detecting a presence or by other methods. When intrusion occurs with an armed system, recording of the images in the vehicle discreetly occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Benjamin E Le Mire
  • Patent number: 6927671
    Abstract: A biometric anti-theft gear shifter lock control for vehicles, equipment, and machinery, and other transmission actuation devices on land, water, and air, using a gear shifter. A biometric sensor scans in biometric information from a user to a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU finding a match for an authorized user deactivates a shift lock which may be built into an automatic shift vehicle or a solenoid or other switch added to a standard shift vehicle. It sounds an alarm for an unauthorized user. The control may be positioned on a gear shift knob with a flip-type protective cover. The biometrics device could be a fingerprint scanner, a retina scanner, a voice recognition system or other device programmed to operate only upon recognition of a unique biometrically measurable characteristic of one or more authorized users whose biometric data is programmed into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph M. DeBono
  • Patent number: 6922622
    Abstract: Safety systems for vehicles, primarily passenger vehicles, comprising automated systems and methods for preventing entrapment of children, disabled, aged or infirm persons, or pets from being trapped in closed vehicles left in the sun, so that they will not suffocate from the heat. The invention is characterized by use of one or more systems to sense the occupancy state and temperature inside the vehicle passenger or load space, and provide one or more outputs which can selectively be employed to provide interior and exterior warning of a trapped passenger in a dangerously hot car to permit rescue, and/or to activate vehicle electro-mechanical systems to relieve the heat, such as rolling down windows, unlatching seat belts, unlocking doors, starting the car and/or fans or air conditioning systems and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: Jacques M. Dulin, Ralf Seip
  • Patent number: 6915122
    Abstract: Method for calibrating a motor vehicle hands-free access system comprising a control unit (UC) with an emitting antenna (AE) and an antenna controller (PA), consists in: 1. sending to the control unit (UC), from a measurement apparatus (AM) equipped with a receiving antenna (AR) connected to the control unit (UC) via a wire link (LF), a message to configure the control unit (UC) in calibration mode, 2. transmitting a signal via said emitting and receiving antennas (AE, AR) to said measurement apparatus (AM), 3. measuring characteristics of the received signal, comparing them with reference values and sending calibration data via the wire link (LF), 4. on receipt of the data, modifying the parameters of the antenna controller (PA). Using this method, it is possible to correct certain operating defects of the hands-free access systems through an operation at the end of the motor vehicle assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Electronique
    Inventor: Omar Meradi
  • Patent number: 6909202
    Abstract: Device for vehicles that includes an electrical cable mat (1), an ignition lock (11, 16), and an antenna (9). The antenna (9) is arranged adjacent to the ignition lock which interacts with a transmit/receive device. The antenna is further arranged to communicate with a key (25) dedicated to the ignition lock (11, 16). The antenna (9) is directly electrically integrated into the cable mat (1) thereby enabling the ignition lock (11, 16) and the antenna (9) to be assembled into one unit by means of coupling means (20-22). An electrical cable bunch for a motor vehicle is also provided intended to interact with an electronic antitheft-system including an antenna for receiving signals from an ignition key dedicated to the vehicle and an electronic unit which processes the signals from the antenna with the antenna being integrated contactlessly in the cable bunch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Björn Andersson, Mikael Skorupa
  • Patent number: 6904399
    Abstract: Disclosed is a simulation based environment that allows a product based engineer, with a modest understanding of complex software programs, to use complex math models. The system provides an interface by which basic component models can be used within the simulation. Allowances are made for particular variables to be adaptable by the product based engineer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignees: Key Safety Systems, Inc., TNO Madymo North America
    Inventors: John Cooper, Paul Francis Altamore, William Edward Rockwell
  • Patent number: 6889792
    Abstract: An electrically assisted power steering system includes an anti-theft feature. Upon detection of an event that is indicative of a vehicle theft situation, the drive circuit for the electric assist motor is selectively actuated to excite the motor windings to either prevent or oppose movement of the steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Abbas A. Fardoun, Joseph D. Miller, James C. Loria, Hemant Sardar
  • Patent number: 6891467
    Abstract: A multistage vehicle security system includes a transceiver that receives a first signal sent from a transponder and a controller that processes the first signal. The controller activates low level operational features of the vehicle if the signal is associated with an authorized transponder. The system also includes an entry sensor that detects the physical presence of a user. The transponder sends a second signal to the transceiver when the presence of the user is detected. The controller processes the second signal and activates midlevel operational features of the vehicle if the second signal is associated with the authorized transponder. Once the user is inside the vehicle, a sensor detects a biometric characteristic of the user. The user obtains access to one or more high level operational features of the vehicle if the detected biometric characteristic matches that of an authorized user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl V. Perttunen, Mark R. Caron, David M. Chi
  • Patent number: 6873061
    Abstract: In a transponder key for an electronic drive-away blocking device function, which may have at least a first status in the form of the deactivation of the drive-away blocking device and a second status in the form of an activation of the drive-away blocking device, a first memory area is provided in which status information can be stored, indicating the most recently implemented status. Preferably, a second memory area is also provided in the transponder key in which a cycle counter information can be stored, indicating the reading of a counter that is incremented whenever a transition takes place from the second status to the first status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Kaltenbrunner, Harald Kemmann
  • Patent number: 6860206
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote digital firing system for firing of a remote mission payload that includes a firing circuit communicatively coupled to and operative to fire the remote mission payload, a firing control panel communicatively linked to said firing circuit, and a digital code plug configured to be integrated in communicative combination with said firing circuit and said firing control panel, wherein said firing circuit is operative, with said digital code plug integrated in communicative combination therewith, to generate and write one-time random session variables to said digital code plug and to simultaneously store said one-time random session variables internally in said firing circuit; wherein said firing control panel is operative, with said digital code plug integrated in communicative combination therewith, to generate and transmit messages having said one-time random session variable embodied therein to said firing circuit; and wherein said firing circuit validates said mes
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: IRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Pavlo E. Rudakevych, Mike E. Ciholas, Robert T. Pack
  • Patent number: 6857496
    Abstract: A steering apparatus (10) comprises a steering feel motor (14) that is operatively connected to a steering shaft (16) of the vehicle (12). A sensor (20) detects operator applied steering inputs to the steering shaft (16) and outputs a steering signal indicative of the monitored operator applied steering inputs. A controller (28) receives the steering signal and, in response to the received steering signal, controls energization of the steering feel motor (14). A security device (38) is operatively connected to the controller (28) and is actuatable for providing a lock steering signal to the controller (28). The controller (28), in response to the lock steering signal, enters a lock steering mode in which the controller (28) controls energization of the steering feel motor (14) to counterbalance all operator applied steering inputs and thereby prevent steering of the vehicle (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Williams
  • Patent number: 6853956
    Abstract: A sobriety interlock system having an alcohol detection device electrically connected to a computing device is provided. An electronic circuit is electrically connected between the computing device and an OBD-II port on a machine for receiving data related to operation of the machine. A breath sample is provided by an operator of the machine and the alcohol detection device determines the alcohol concentration of the breath sample. The computing device determines a blood alcohol concentration for the operator based on the breath alcohol concentration, and the computing device prevents or allows operation of the machine based on the level of the blood alcohol concentration. A memory device stores machine operation data received through the OBD-II port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Smart Start Inc.
    Inventors: James Ralph Ballard, Jr., Thomas James Allison