Antitheft Patents (Class 307/10.2)
  • Patent number: 7768148
    Abstract: An anti-theft battery switchbox system, comprising: an ignition coil; a cutoff switch electrically connected to the ignition coil; a battery in electrical communication with the cutoff switch; and the cutoff switch selectively electrically couples the battery to the ignition coil. A remote control module in wireless communication with the cutoff switch controls the cutoff switch between an on mode and an off mode. The remote control module includes an actuator configured to permit a user to change between on/off modes. In addition, the actuator is not actuatable by a single linear impulse. The wireless communication between the remote control module and the cutoff switch comprises a unique signal feature. The unique signal feature includes a signal feature from the group of signal features consisting of frequency, amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and signal key. The unique signal feature comprises a unique frequency and wherein the actuator comprises a knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventors: Ronny Frias, Raul Frias, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7760076
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes and/or devices that are capable of stopping a vehicle in response to a remote signal. Some embodiments are capable of preserving electrical power to one or more safety-related devices or systems after the engine is shut down. Some devices embodying the present invention can include a receiver, an engine-shutdown means, and a power maintaining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian Boggess
  • Patent number: 7759818
    Abstract: An intermittent driving system includes a control target circuit to determine and notify a switching timing of ON/OFF of a power supply, and a control circuit to send a power supply ON signal for turning on the power supply or a power supply OFF signal for turning off the power supply of the control target circuit based on the switching timing decided by the control target circuit. The control target circuit is an in-vehicle monitoring circuit including a monitoring camera to monitor a in-vehicle and the control target circuit determines the switching timing based on a monitoring result of the monitoring camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Fuchigami
  • Patent number: 7714459
    Abstract: A locking device for a steering spindle, includes a locking bolt arrangement and a control element coupled thereto, such that the locking bolt arrangement can be displaced in the axial direction between a locking position and a release end position by rotating the control element. An electronic control unit controls a motor drive and a sensor arrangement, coupled to the control unit for detection of at least one axial position of the locking bolt arrangement. The control unit switches off the motor drive when the locking bolt arrangement is displaced in the axial direction from the locking position to the release end position. The sensor arrangement emits an output signal which displays when a switching off position of the locking bolt arrangement has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Huf Hulsbeck & Furst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mark Hirche, Hans-Joachim Limburg, Horst Zillmann, Andreas Van Den Boom
  • Patent number: 7714696
    Abstract: An apparatus is arranged for providing drive-off security in a motor vehicle environment through blocking one or more vehicle engine system sub-functions, such blocking is triggered by detecting an unauthorized system activation. A particular such sub-function facility comprises an on-off control circuit is used to control the functionality of a fuel pump arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bernd Rumpf
  • Patent number: 7714460
    Abstract: An electric steering lock device includes an operation relay for operating an electric motor, a pair of switching relays for switching the rotating direction of the electric motor, and diodes for energizing each relay connected to a port of a control unit respectively. A steering shaft is unlocked by providing the operation relay in an ON status to allow the electric motor to displace the locking rod in the unlocking direction. The steering shaft is locked by providing the operation relay and the pair of switching relays in an ON status respectively to allow the electric motor to displace the steering rod in the locking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Alpha Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Yabumoto
  • Patent number: 7696859
    Abstract: A vehicle equipment control system locks vehicle doors by any one of auto-lock and trigger lock systems. In the auto-lock system, a wide communication area is set that covers an entire vehicle compartment is set. In the trigger lock system, a narrow communication area is set that disables the communication with a portable unit carried by a user near a vehicle. When no response signal is received from the portable unit in the respective communication areas, the respective vehicle doors are locked. Accordingly, even when any one of the auto-lock and trigger lock systems is used, the portable unit is prevented from being left in the compartment, and the respective vehicle doors can be locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Teshima, Kazuhiro Nakashima
  • Patent number: 7693656
    Abstract: In a navigation apparatus in a vehicle, a user designates a validating route, which is stored in a memory device. A control unit invalidates a predetermined function of the navigation apparatus at a start-up, which is for the first time after an in-vehicle battery is connected or which results from turning on of a power source. Use of the navigation apparatus by the user is thereby disturbed. When the control unit determines that a route, which the vehicle has traveled through, is included in the previously designated validating route stored in the memory device, the control unit re-validates the invalidated predetermined function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirokazu Sakano
  • Patent number: 7683764
    Abstract: A method of unlocking a vehicle, which includes initiating an auto-lock command, searching an area surrounding the vehicle for a valid key fob, and sending a normal request from interior antenna if a valid key fob is not found. The method further includes sending a wide area request from an interior antenna if the valid key fob is not found from the normal request. The method includes locking the doors if the valid key fob is not found. The method provides a warning and does not lock the doors if the valid key fob is found.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Kurpinski, Thomas J. Keeling, Justin P. McBride, Toshihiro T. Wakamatsu, Michael A. Wiegand
  • Patent number: 7679486
    Abstract: An in-vehicle antitheft device and a central authentication device can improve a convenience of use of a user while maintaining a high security, which is a merit of a central-type authentication system. A use of a first group of vehicle functions, which has not been permitted, is permitted when an authentication by an in-vehicle local collation part is completed in agreement. A request signal of requesting a user authentication is transmitted to a central authentication device through a communication line. A use of a second group of vehicle functions, which have note been permitted, is permitted when the user authentication is completed in agreement in the central authentication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Hidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Okada
  • Patent number: 7667348
    Abstract: A theft prevention device makes an ECU operable by transmitting a second ID code to the ECU from a keyset when an input code agrees with a first ID code. A device is provided for inputting a second reference code which is collated with a second ID code provided to a receiver unit of an ECU or a keyset. A device is provided which, when the inputted code and a pre-registered second reference code agree with each other, writes the registered second reference code into the receiver unit as the second ID code. The code which is inputted as the second reference code is inputted based on an opening/closing manipulation of a throttle provided to a vehicle and a plurality of times of standing/storing manipulation of a side stand with and one digit of the code being represented by the number of throttle manipulations during two side stand standing/storing manipulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Konno, Naotodn Matsudaira
  • Patent number: 7646288
    Abstract: The present invention is a warning system for alerting a driver and others to ensure an examination is made of a school or day care bus or van is thoroughly examined for remaining occupants following a transportation run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Alex T. Wiley
  • Patent number: 7626487
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a theft prevention system that appropriately protects a vehicle from being stolen. A communication ECU 3, an engine ECU 4, a car navigation system 5 and an air conditioner ECU 6, all installed on a vehicle 2, communicate each other to assure electrical connection, or ‘communication.’ When an abnormality is detected in terms of communication, both of the communicated device and the device that conducts communication check operation stop to work. If any one of the above devices is removed from the vehicle 2 while the vehicle 2 is stolen, this scheme of operation prevents the onboard devices from working correctly as a total system. Therefore, the scheme of operation greatly decreases motivation of theft, resulting in protecting the vehicle 2 appropriately from theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Haruhiko Ogiso
  • Patent number: 7613551
    Abstract: A vehicle remote operation device of optimized fail-safe function is disclosed that directs a vehicle to execute operations in response to a remote operation request made by a user of the vehicle. The vehicle remote operation device has a fail-safe control unit that changes a fail-safe criterion in execution of the remote operation according to a distance between the user and the vehicle. Preferably, the fail-safe criterion is moderated when the distance between the user and the vehicle is short. Alternatively, instead of measuring the distance between the user and the vehicle, a Smart Entry System is used to detect a key carried by the user to determine whether the user is near the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushika Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Watanabe, Naoki Taki
  • Patent number: 7589433
    Abstract: An electric steering lock capable of outputting a signal correctly indicating an operation state of a steering lock mechanism even when the operation voltage of a lock detector decreases. The electric steering lock includes a CPU, a signal hold circuit, and an OR circuit. When the steering lock mechanism unlocks a steering wheel, an unlock sensor provides an H level detection signal to the CPU and the signal hold circuit. In response to the detection signal, the CPU issues a state hold command to the signal hold circuit. In response to the state hold command, the signal hold circuit generates an H level hold signal in correspondence with the detection signal. The OR circuit provides an H level signal to an immobilizer ECU when at least one of the detection signal from the unlock sensor or the hold signal has an H level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuya Otani, Toru Maeda, Toshihiro Nagae, Tomoo Kakegawa
  • Patent number: 7589434
    Abstract: The invention is an improved anti-theft vehicle ignition system. The invention includes a control box that mounts to the dashboard and of which contains a magnetic card swipe, a touch screen, and a hinged lid. The control box requires a series of steps to be completed by the driver before the ignition system is unlocked and the vehicle able to be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Brian Bronson
  • Patent number: 7576638
    Abstract: An automobile steering wheel lock with an alarm includes a lock having a lock core with a chamber containing an alarm and at least one light hole. The alarm consists of a circuit board, a battery, a buzzer and a touch switch. The circuit board capable of sending signals has a warning light and a high-density LED light. Also, a help-signaling device is installed at a conspicuous location of a car and provided with at least one lamp panel. Each lamp panel is provided with a wireless receiver for receiving signals from the alarm and formed of luminescent lamps or LED lamps to show help signals. So, should the buzzer be moved by a burglar, it would sound immediately, spontaneously activating the high-density LED light to radiate toward the driver's seat and the lamp panel lit, achieving multiple anti-theft effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Yung Chan Electrical Instrument Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pin-Han Yu
  • Patent number: 7550868
    Abstract: The invention aims to provide a compact device for despatching a command. For this purpose, the invention proposes a novel type of output stage. A secure verification device of the despatching of a binary command signal from at least one conductor has an input terminal and an output terminal. Means of insertion despatch a verification message on said conductor. At least one optical coupler has an emission diode coupled to the conductor so as to copy the verification message when the binary signal is in a first state and not to copy it when it is in a second state different from the first state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Transportation Systems SAS
    Inventors: Benoît Fumery, Pierre Capdevila
  • Patent number: 7550867
    Abstract: A safety system for a locking device of a motor vehicle includes a unit control device which has at least one power switch for controlling an electromechanical unit in a blocking state, a central control device including signal links to the unit control device and further unit control devices of the motor vehicle, at least the electromechanical unit being controllable through the central control device via the signal links, and an electrical lead connection which is independent of the signal links. The unit control device is connected to the central control device through the independent electrical lead connection. A potential of a control connection of the power switch or a power connection of the unit control device is controllable by the central control device via the independent electrical lead connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Roland Kalb
  • Patent number: 7550869
    Abstract: A navigation apparatus is detachably installed to a vehicle and is lockable to implement activation lock of the navigation apparatus. The navigation apparatus stores all of manufacturer serial numbers of wireless IC tags and an ID code. Each IC tag stores the ID code and is attached to a corresponding one of portable items, such as a driver's license, a cellular phone, a wallet and a commutation pass, which are generally used daily. In the navigation system, the manufacturer serial numbers are registered in such a manner that each of manufacturer serial numbers is linked with an icon of a corresponding one of the portable items. When the ID code of the IC tag, which is attached to the corresponding portable item carried by a vehicle occupant, is determined to be valid, the activation lock of the navigation apparatus is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Higuchi, Ichirou Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7546407
    Abstract: A flexible wiring system for an electronic system includes an intermediate distributing unit and a changeover control unit. The intermediate distributing unit includes first side connectors connectable with an input side and an output side of a basic control circuit, second side connectors connectable with inputting devices such as various sensors and outputting devices such as various actuators and a changeover mechanism disposed between a set of the first side connectors and a set of the second side connectors. The changeover control unit controls the changeover mechanism to change connection of the set of first side connectors with the set of second side connectors according to a specific device to be connected with the set of second side connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Sakane
  • Patent number: 7532107
    Abstract: An anti-theft system for a vehicle includes schedule taking means for taking a usage schedule of the vehicle, wherein the usage schedule of the vehicle includes a future time for the vehicle to be used next, interval calculating means for calculating an interval between a present time and the future time, and security level setting means for setting a security level of the anti-theft system based on the interval between the present time and the future time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Hara, Shogo Kameyama, Masaaki Ozaki
  • Patent number: 7528501
    Abstract: The vehicle controller is provided with a portable transmitting device and an authentication system that receives and authenticates the signal. If the authentication is successful, power is supplied from a control unit to a steering lock and an encrypted signal is communicated between the control unit and the steering lock. If the encrypted signal is successfully authenticated, the steering lock is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoshi Unno
  • Publication number: 20090108989
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system (1100) to permit access and operation of a machine (100). The machine has a ignition switch arrangement (1152) actuable by at least user manipulation thereof and arranged to enable operation of the machine and at least one immobilizer arrangement (1150) connected with the ignition switch arrangement and configured to selectively inhibit or permit operation of the machine via the switch arrangement. The system comprises a proximity detection arrangement (1110, 1120) associable with the machine and adapted for detection and reading of at least one proximity identification device (1132) carried or worn by a user of the machine. A control arrangement (1122) is responsive to detection by the proximity detection arrangement of a valid device to thereby disarm the immobilizer arrangement. The proximity detection arrangement is at least operationally independent of the ignition switch arrangement and any key actuator (1400) thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: KEYLESS LIFESTYLES PTY LTD
    Inventor: Peter Sinclair
  • Patent number: 7521818
    Abstract: A position monitoring means for detecting the locked position of a locking element is assigned to at least one locking element. Furthermore, each position monitoring means is operatively connected to a control means for checking on whether a proper locked state prevails such that the actual state and the setpoint state of the locking element are comparable so that if these states do not correspond, an acknowledgment signal can be generated. In this way, it is possible to check on whether all the doors and hatches of a vehicle are properly locked after a locking operation has been performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerald Bergmann, Richard Baur
  • Patent number: 7521817
    Abstract: A system 10 and method for reducing the possibility of fires and/or explosions when a vehicle impacts an object includes a cable connector 12 having a first portion 14 connected to an ungrounded terminal 20 of a battery 22 in the vehicle and a second portion 16 connected to all vehicle electrical components requiring power from battery 22, an inert gas canister 18 having an internal pressure that facilitates the separation of the first and second portions 14 and 16 of the cable connector 12 when predetermined conditions are satisfied, electric squib means 24 for initiating pressurized inert gas flow from the canister 18 to the first portion 14 of the cable connector 12, an accelerometer 28 for sensing impact between the vehicle and the object, and a microprocessor 30 for signaling the accelerometer 28 to “fire” the squib means 24 when the magnitude of impact requires an inert gas flow to the first portion 14 whereby the second portion 16 is forcibly ejected from the first portion 14 and the area adjacent to t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Donald Gors
  • Patent number: 7515034
    Abstract: A vehicle remote-operation apparatus is provided which transmits a regular authentication request signal from a vehicle-outside antenna and simultaneously transmits an interference wave for negating this authentication request signal from a vehicle-inside antenna, so that the communicable range can be limited between a radio portable unit allocated an identification code unique to a vehicle and the vehicle-outside antenna. Thereby, authentication communication is established only for a regular communication request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Inoue
  • Patent number: 7502687
    Abstract: A tracking unit for a vehicle may include a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller cooperating with the wireless communications device and the vehicle position determining device to determine and send vehicle position information to a user. The controller may store a user selected reference location, and send the vehicle position information based upon the vehicle moving beyond a radial threshold distance from the user selected reference location. More particularly, the vehicle position information may be sent a threshold time after the vehicle moves beyond the radial threshold distance from the user selected reference location if the vehicle has not moved back within the radial threshold distance. Additionally, the vehicle tracking unit may further include at least one input device to be positioned within the vehicle for setting the user selected reference location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 7498688
    Abstract: An engine start control system includes a key transponder, a steering lock, a driver authorizer, an engine starting switch, a pre-driving operation detector, a first and second steering lock controllers and an engine start controller. The key transponder stores a slave ID code and transmits the slave ID code at a request. The driver authorizer stores a master ID code and determines whether the slave ID code corresponds to the master user ID code. The pre-driving operation detector detects a driver's preparatory operation to start the engine. The first steering lock controller permits the steering lock to be unlocked when the driver authorizer determines that the slave ID code corresponds to the master ID code. The second steering lock controller unlocks the steering lock when the pre-driving operation detector detects the driver's preparatory operation. The engine start controller permits the engine to be started when the steering lock is unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hodaka Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20090045675
    Abstract: The invention disclosed is a device and system for disallowing unauthorized egress of a movable from a location comprising a wire transmitting a transmission signal, a receiver on the movable for receiving the transmission signal, a detector for detecting the movable, a movement inhibiting device in communication with the receiver causing inhibition of movement of the movable upon the receiver receiving the transmission signal, and a mechanism for disabling the inhibition, the mechanism activated at least when the movable is detected by the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald J. Novak
  • Patent number: 7492250
    Abstract: An on-vehicle controller performs smart control for transmitting a transmission request signal to a predetermined area and for unlocking a door of a vehicle based on a return signal transmitted by a portable device receiving the transmission request signal, security control for providing a warning if improper conduct to the vehicle is detected, remote keyless entry control for locking or unlocking the door according to a manual operation signal, which is transmitted from the portable device according to button manipulation thereof, and immobilizer control for permitting an engine start if an identification code transmitted from a transponder of the portable device coincides with an identification code stored in the vehicle. If a mode switch is switched to an off position, the controller is switched to a power-saving mode for performing only the immobilizer control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Yoshida, Akinori Komura
  • Patent number: 7492056
    Abstract: In an electric locking system, a controllable switching device is disposed in connection cables between the driver module for triggering an electric motor of a central locking system and a supply voltage. The controllable switching device is opened in a standby mode and thus interrupts the supply voltage to the driver module. Therefore, an introduction of an external voltage in order to trigger the electric motors no longer has any affect whatsoever on the driver module, so that in this case the driver module does not trigger the electric motors with the result that unwanted manipulation is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Panagiotis Koutsandreas, Ludwik Waskiewicz
  • Patent number: 7489049
    Abstract: An antitheft system can be provided by constructing such that, when a stop signal has been inputted from an engine 7, a main controller 2 outputs, until a first predetermined time Ts elapses, a turn-on signal to switches 8, 9 to perform a similar antitheft processing as in an operation of the engine 7 and after an elapse of the first predetermined time Ts, instructs the switch 9 to repeat a turn-on and turn-off at predetermined time intervals ?t, and, whenever the switch 9 is brought into a turned-on position, detects a position at that time by a position detecting controller 3 and compares the position with a position at the time of an engine stop to determine whether or not a theft has taken place. Owing to this construction, it is no longer necessary to always feed power to the position detecting controller 3 during the stop of the engine 7, thereby making it possible to cut down the feeding of as much power to the controller 3 as a time elapsed during which the switch 9 is kept off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Komatsu, Genroku Sugiyama, Hiroyuki Adachi, Kazuhiro Shibamori, Koichi Shibata
  • Patent number: 7477136
    Abstract: A vehicle theft deterrent system includes a smart card key system. The theft deterrent system is adapted to output a warning sound from a buzzer upon detection of a vibration of a predetermined value or larger by a vibration sensor. The buzzer prevented from operating at a time of unlocking a seat or unlocking a fuel lid. When an on-board device detects that a seat unlocking switch, for example, has been operated and upon success of mutual authentication after communication with a portable electronic key, the on-board device switches the state of operation of a buzzer into a non-operable state. Therefore, when a user who carries a regular portable electronic key does not want operation of the buzzer, the buzzer can be positively switched to the non-operable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Konno, Tadashi Onozuka
  • Patent number: 7471190
    Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle alarm system includes an acceleration sensor acting as a tilt sensor, a microcomputer, a first power source for supplying a first voltage to the microcomputer, and a second power source for supplying a second voltage to the acceleration sensor. The microcomputer calculates a tilt angle of a vehicle from output of the acceleration sensor and activates an alarm in accordance with the tilt angle. If the second voltage is outside a predetermined voltage range, for example, due to a reduction in battery voltage, the microcomputer temporarily stops to activate the alarm to prevent a false alarm. The microcomputer monitors the second voltage not the battery voltage. Thus, even when the second voltage is outside the threshold range, for example, due to a breakdown in the second power source, the false alarm can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenji Kato
  • Patent number: 7471187
    Abstract: In a door control system, in polling collation processing, a start request signal is intermittently transmitted from a vehicle. When a human around the vehicle is detected, a start request signal is transmitted from the vehicle with high output power. A portable device returns a response signal to the vehicle. Furthermore, when the start request signal is transmitted at the high output power, the reception sensitivity is set to be lower than the normal sensitivity. When receiving the response signal from the portable device, the vehicle transmits an ID request signal, and acquires an ID code from the portable device. The ID code thus acquired is collated with each ID code registered in the vehicle. When both ID codes agree, the vehicle doors are unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nakashima, Takeshi Kumazaki, Ifushi Shimonomoto
  • Patent number: 7453349
    Abstract: A remote control apparatus controls operation of a vehicular alarm apparatus. The remote control apparatus has a transmission section that transmits to the vehicular alarm apparatus (a) a first alarm instruction for causing the vehicular alarm apparatus to perform a first alarm operation and (b) a second alarm instruction for causing the vehicular alarm apparatus to perform a second alarm operation, which is different from the first alarm operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Manabu Matsubara, Minoru Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20080266888
    Abstract: A control for a vehicle mounted accessory that has an electrically operable device. The accessory is operated by a switch that is mounted on the vehicle remote from the accessory. The switch and the electrically operable device are electrically connected by programmable controllers and a communications bus. The control has the capability of automatically determining the presence of a vehicle DRL mode, and the accessory turn signal lights are automatically illuminated to provide an accessory DRL mode. The control can automatically detect different accessories and reprogram itself to control them. The control provides a secured communications link between it and the accessory to prevent accessory theft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Edwin A. Wayne, Clarence J. Rand
  • Patent number: 7443280
    Abstract: In a rolling-code based process and system for the unambiguous identification of serial numbers in a data communication system, least two subscribers each have an identical serial number set. The process includes a) the first subscriber transmitting a first challenge with respect to a serial number from the serial number set to the second subscriber; b) subscriber responding the second subscriber by a first response corresponding to the first challenge; generating an identification signal for the second subscriber which unambiguously identifies the second subscriber with respect to the first subscriber if the first response corresponds to the serial number expected on the basis of the first challenge of the first subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Andreas Hetzel, Andreas Miksch
  • Publication number: 20080258552
    Abstract: An interlock assembly is provided for a vehicle having a body with a selectively openable slidable door and a selectively openable fuel filler door mounted thereto. The fuel filler door is operatively connected with the interlock assembly. The interlock assembly has a first interlock state, operable to restrict the opening of the slidable door when the fuel filler door is in an open position, and a second interlock state, operable to restrict the opening of the fuel filler door when the slidable door is in an open position. Preferably, the interlock assembly is mounted with respect to a rear jamb formed by the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Teru Tseng, James A. Rochon, Eric A. Watterworth
  • Publication number: 20080258553
    Abstract: A remote control system includes a portable control unit with a user interface. A radio frequency transceiver communicates with the remote control system to determine if the portable unit is within a secure space. Commands from the remote control system are ignored when the portable control unit is within the secure space until a predetermined code is entered on the user interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keith A. Christenson, David Gutknecht, Bryan Vartanian
  • Patent number: 7439632
    Abstract: A vehicle door control system provides increased usability convenience to users by a function for automatically opening and closing vehicle doors. When a response signal has been continuously received over a predetermined period from a portable device in response to a request signal periodically transmitted from a vehicle unit, it can be inferred that the holder of the portable device has not merely passed by the vehicle but stays in the vicinity of the vehicle with the will to ride in the vehicle. Therefore, vehicle doors having the automatic opening/closing function are unlocked and automatically opened. This eliminates a need for the holder of the portable device to command the operations of unlocking and automatically opening the vehicle doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Ogino, Kentaro Teshima, Kazunari Nakamura, Koji Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7432798
    Abstract: A method includes detecting the parking light system of a car to achieve the theft-proof function. It can detect and learn the how many flashes, the turn on/off time in each period and the voltage value of the parking light, which is produced when using a keyless transmitter module to lock/unlock the car door. And the system can be easily installed by setting up just one line collaborating with a smart learning module with a CPU inside and without corrupting the original structure of a car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Advance Security Inc.
    Inventor: Chu-Ping Shen
  • Patent number: 7430471
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a vehicle includes detecting movement or activation of the vehicle, transmitting a signal indicating movement or activation of the vehicle, to a control center, transmitting any received operator identification information to the control center, and determining whether an operator identification was received within a time interval of the detected movement or activation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Payment Protection Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Franklin C. Simon
  • Patent number: 7420291
    Abstract: A security apparatus is installed in a vehicle including a door-lock control device for performing a door lock control on the basis of a signal transmitted from a portable transmitter, which a legitimate driver should take along. The security apparatus prevents a theft of the vehicle. The security apparatus includes a receiving circuit, an antenna, and a control circuit. The receiving circuit can receive the signal transmitted from the portable transmitter. The control circuit has a function of switching a security mode on the basis of a reception state of the receiving circuit and a member relating to the door lock control such as a door lock motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Naoki Sakai
  • Publication number: 20080203815
    Abstract: When a remote start of an engine using a predetermined transmitter is performed, a security regarding theft of a vehicle can be prevented form being significantly deteriorated. The vehicle has a remote engine starter for remotely start an engine and a vehicle antitheft device for activating an alarm when there is a possibility of occurrence of vehicle theft. The remote engine starter and the vehicle antitheft device are connected to each other through a communication line. In a case where an engine start signal is supplied from the transmitter, the remote engine starter is caused to supply a start signal to the vehicle antitheft device through the communication line before causing a contact point closing signal to be supplied to an ignition relay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Takao Ozawa, Shinichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7414519
    Abstract: A theft prevention apparatus of a leisure vehicle including a portable device configured to transmit a user identification code by radio, a communication device that is equipped in the leisure vehicle and is configured to receive the user identification code, an electric power supply loaded in the leisure vehicle, a hand-operated switch that is disposed on a power line coupling the electric power supply to the communication device and is configured to turn to an on-state or an off-state to or not to permit the electric power to be supplied from the electric power supply to the communication device; and a controller configured to determine whether or not the user identification code received from the communication device matches the correct user identification code and to enable the leisure vehicle to be steered when it is determined that the received user identification code matches the correct user identification code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoji Onishi, Kenichi Furuhashi, Tomoyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7411481
    Abstract: An ECU of a vehicle is activated to communicate with a user validation apparatus while a specific signal such as an ignition signal is being produced, and to perform a first control operation when positive validation occurs, and can be activated by a request signal for a second control operation while the specific signal is off, without performing the communication. Erroneous detection of a communication error is avoided in a case when communication is interrupted due to switch-off of the specific signal and the request signal for the second control operation is received during that communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Hirotaka Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7408446
    Abstract: There is provided in back of the instrument panel the motion sensor that transmits the radio wave continuously or periodically and receive the radio wave reflected in the vehicle compartment. Also, there is provided the burglar horn that executes specified alarming when a specified change in the reflected radio wave received by the motion sensor occurs. Herein, the motion sensor transmits the radio wave toward the instrument panel. Thereby, the stable burglar alarm operation can be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Umeo, Akihiro Furuzawa, Yasushi Hamada
  • Patent number: 7408464
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying stolen component parts contained within a product and/or identifying the origin of a component part. To utilize the system, an integrated transmitter assembly is attached to at least some component parts within a product. Each of the integrated transponder assemblies transmits an identification code. In a database, the identification codes of the integrated transponder assemblies are recorded along with the identification of the assembly into which they were originally installed. Products in the marketplace are periodically scanned. As products are scanned, the integrated transponders contained in those products transmit their identification codes. The identification codes are read and compared to the data in a database. If a scan reveals a component part listed as stolen, an indication is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Michael L. Brodine