Ignition Or Starting Circuit Lock Patents (Class 307/10.3)
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Publication number: 20090140573Abstract: The security system provides an aircraft security system capable of protecting both single and multiple engine aircraft. Variations of the present system prevent unauthorized starting of protected aircraft and activate an alarm when engine starting it is attempted. Embodiments of the system draw no power from the aircraft when the security system is armed and in no way interferes with the normal starting or operation of the aircraft when the system is disarmed. Embodiments of the present system can activate an alarm when an aircraft's doors or panels are opened. Embodiments of the present invention can activate an alarm when installed equipment or other devices are tampered with or removed from their housings.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventor: Timothy J. Brooks
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Patent number: 7539571Abstract: A non-contact neutral sensing apparatus with directional feedback in a vehicle directional control system for an agricultural or construction vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Richard P. Strosser, Zachary Scmook, Douglas R. Otto, David G. Lutz
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Patent number: 7532107Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Tetsuya Hara, Shogo Kameyama, Masaaki Ozaki
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Publication number: 20090108989Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2006Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: KEYLESS LIFESTYLES PTY LTDInventor: Peter Sinclair
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Publication number: 20090101484Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Ronny Frias, Raul Frias, JR.
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Patent number: 7520533Abstract: Disclosed is a seat belt controlled ignition system for supplying power from a power source of an automobile to an ignition switch of the automobile. The seat belt controlled ignition system includes a seat belt and an electric circuit. The seat belt has a first strap member and a second strap member that are capable of being detachably attached with each other. Further, the electric circuit includes a switch mechanism disposed on at least one of the first strap member and the second strap member. Furthermore, the electric circuit is adapted to electrically connect the power source and the ignition switch. Upon detachably attaching the first strap member with the second strap member, the switch mechanism electrically connect the power source and the ignition switch, thereby supplying power from the power source of the automobile to the ignition switch of the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Inventor: Orin Skaurud
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Patent number: 7520264Abstract: An ignition circuit causes a magneto to continue to provide spark to an engine for a delay period after the ignition switch is switched off. After the delay period, the ignition circuit routes energy from the magneto to actuate a magneto disable switch to provide a path to ground for the magneto.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.Inventor: David A. Straka
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Patent number: 7518489Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preventing vehicle theft and carjackings. There is provided a method comprising generating an immobilization profile based on the received current vehicle data, and sending the immobilization profile to the vehicle over a wireless communication network. There is also provided a method generally comprising determining current vehicle data regarding vehicle dynamics and driving conditions, obtaining an immobilization profile based on the received current vehicle data, and adjusting vehicle throttle and/or braking (e.g., friction-type braking, engine braking, etc.) so that vehicle speed approximates the immobilization profile. In one embodiment, the above described methods further comprise communicating with the vehicle operator prior to implementing vehicle immobilization profiles.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Scott David Nelson, David Michael Kirsch
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Patent number: 7508090Abstract: When a driver of a vehicle issues a command to stop an engine, an in-vehicle unit communicates with a portable device. When collation of ID codes of the in-vehicle unit and the portable device is OK, a collation ECU permits stopping of the engine. When the result of ID-code collation is NG, the ECU prohibits stopping of the engine. When a vehicle passenger has taken out the portable device from a vehicle compartment, once the engine of the vehicle is stopped, the engine can no longer be restarted. By prohibiting the stop of the engine based on the NG result of ID-code collation, however, it is possible to prevent a state in which the engine cannot be restarted. It is preferred to allow starting of the engine irrespective of the ID code collation, when the ECU stores an engine stall occurring previously.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Kazuhiro Nakashima
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Patent number: 7501714Abstract: To dispense with a key cylinder and permit or stop operation of an engine with ease, an engine starting system of the present invention comprises a power source activation unit, an engine control unit, a propelled-object-side equipment, a steering wheel locking unit, a switch, and a portable equipment. The portable equipment includes a transmitter-receiver, a memory circuit, and a control circuit. The propelled-object-side equipment includes a transmitter-receiver, a memory circuit, and a control circuit. The propelled-object-side equipment transmits an inquiry signal to the portable equipment in response to an actuation signal of the switch, and the portable equipment transmits an answer signal corresponding to the inquiry signal. If the answer signal corresponds to the inquiry signal, the control circuit unlocks the steering wheel locking unit, permits the engine to be started, and performs various operations depending on how many times and how long the switch is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshiaki Hata
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Patent number: 7496431Abstract: In order to satisfy the key interlock regulation in a system for keyless starting of a motor vehicle by an ID transducer carried by the vehicle user and a control element (2) for starting and stopping the engine, a mechanism is provided such that the engine can only be stopped when the gear position “P” for Park is engaged but the engine can be stopped at a vehicle speed (v) equal to or greater than a preset threshold speed (v-threshold) without the gear position “P” for Park being engaged, so that the driver can turn off the engine in emergencies even while driving.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Rudolf Ehrmaier
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Publication number: 20090045675Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventor: Gerald J. Novak
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Patent number: 7492250Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Koji Yoshida, Akinori Komura
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Patent number: 7479711Abstract: A system and method for controlling cycling of high voltage contactors is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes generating a first contactor command and activating the contactor in response to the first contactor command. A timer is initiated upon generation of the first contactor command. The method also includes determining whether a second contactor command should be generated subsequent to the generation of the first contactor command. The method further includes activating the contactor in response to the second contactor command being generated when the timer has expired.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: David Mack
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Patent number: 7477136Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Konno, Tadashi Onozuka
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Patent number: 7471013Abstract: A smart-key-start-up device for an automobile includes a control module configured to receive signals about an operation state of the automobile; a lock-preventing circuit controlled by the control module; a knob housing; a user-operable start-up knob disposed in the knob housing; and a slidable projection on the start-up knob, controlled by the lock prevention circuit based on the operation state of the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Ja Yoon Goo
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Patent number: 7462953Abstract: Prenotification information of releasing prohibition of an engine operation is stored in an EEPROM in an interval. The interval is after that a lock controller commands a steering lock to be operable. The interval is before that an engine controller switches an engine operation prohibiting signal to be in a prohibition releasing condition. The engine operation prohibiting signal may change from the prohibition releasing condition to the prohibition setting condition after an engine starting controller starts an engine. In this condition, the engine is stopped, or is continuously operated in accordance with the prenotifying information stored in the EEPROM.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Hodaka Kamiya, Noriaki Terashima
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Patent number: 7423353Abstract: A propellant anti-theft system can not only perform permission/stop of operation of a vehicle in a simple and easy manner without using a key, but also suppress the theft and reuse of vehicle parts. The system includes a portable device and an on-board device installed on the vehicle, and further includes an engine control device, a switch and various units, all of which are connected to the on-board device. The on-board device includes a transmitter receiver, a storage circuit and a control circuit. The portable device includes a transmitter receiver, a storage circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit of the on-board device compares common data possessed by itself and common data stored in microprocessor units of the engine control device and the various units, and unlocks a steering locking section included in the various units and outputs an engine starting permission signal to the engine control device when both of the individual pieces of common data coincide with each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshiaki Hata
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Publication number: 20080197701Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: NEC Electronics CorporationInventor: Takashi Fuchigami
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Patent number: 7394350Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Koji Yoshida, Akinori Komura
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Patent number: 7388472Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft method for use in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine, an ignition, a starter, fuel injectors, a memory, engine controller, and a real clock time function in the engine controller, said engine controller being configured to operate the engine in a plurality of different modes including a theft protection mode, comprises; a) comparing a lock window definition time with an engine controller real clock time; b) operating the engine in a theft protection mode when the real clock time matches the lock window definition time; c) determining whether the engine is running, and; d) controlling the operation of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Detroit Diesel CorporationInventor: Richard John Mandle
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Patent number: 7365633Abstract: A vehicle remote control apparatus has: A) a first transmitter for outputting an authentication request signal to a mobile device including a radio terminal assigned with an identification code special to a vehicle and outputting an authentication response signal corresponding to the identification code; B) a second transmitter for outputting an interference wave to cancel the authentication request signal at the same time as the first transmitter transmits the authentication request signal; C) a receiver for receiving the authentication response signal output from the mobile device in response to the authentication request signal, thereby checking authenticity of the authentication response signal; and D) a controller for controlling operation of an on-vehicle equipment based on the result of authentication of the authentication response signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Inventors: Makoto Inoue, Tsutomu Maeda, Masaaki Ochi
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Patent number: 7365450Abstract: An electric cutoff circuit for preventing overheating of a load. The current shutoff circuit includes an FET connected to a motor circuit. A relay fault detection circuit is connected to the motor circuit to detect potential at the motor circuit. A CPU sends a control signal to a relay. The CPU determines whether a fault has occurred in the relay based on the control signal sent to the relay and the detection of the relay fault detection circuit. When determining that a fault has occurred in the relay, the CPU opens the FET to configure an open circuit with the motor circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Toshihiro Nagae, Kazuya Otani, Toru Maeda
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Patent number: 7362006Abstract: A steering lock for ensuring an unlock state when it is imperative that the steering lock remain in the unlock state. The steering lock includes a motor for generating drive force that engages and locks a lock bar with a steering shaft. The steering lock includes an ECU. When shifting the steering lock to the unlock state from a lock state, the ECU controls the motor to generate drive force acting in a direction to urge the lock bar to disengage from the steering shaft. The ECU continuously controls the motor to generate drive force acting in the direction to urge the lock bar to disengage from the steering shaft even after the lock bar has moved to the unlock position.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Kazuya Otani, Hiroshi Mori, Daisuke Someda, Tomoo Kakegawa, Masachika Kamiya, Noriyasu Onishi
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Patent number: 7355299Abstract: An active keyed locking system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes a keyed actuated device (58). A position sensor (56) is coupled to the keyed device (58) and generates a position signal indicative of position of the keyed device (58). A controller (64) is electrically coupled to the position sensor (56) and enables a vehicle component in response to the position signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Riad Ghabra, Bruce Banter
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Patent number: 7346439Abstract: An in-vehicle monitor detects the occurrence of a meta-event related to the operation of a vehicle, such as the vehicle's operation over a maximum allowable speed, operation in a prohibited geographic area, operation during a specific time frame, or combinations thereof. The monitor signals a server via a wireless data link, and the server determines an appropriate deferred action to be taken by an in-vehicle controller, such as disabling the engine, limiting vehicle speed, and locking vehicle doors, upon occurrence of a second meta-event including conditions such as time delays, vehicle speed and direction, and vehicle location. The system can thereby allow orderly and safe control of vehicle functions for purposes such as terminating a pursuit, enforcing legal sentences and operator restrictions, and controlling fleet vehicle operations.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: William Kress Bodin
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Patent number: 7342324Abstract: An electronic security apparatus for a vehicle being capable of controlling the performance of a vehicle function in response to a user attempting to start the engine of the vehicle. The system being capable of controlling the performance of the vehicle function in response to being provided with a first security code from an electronic key (12). The security system has a secured mode of operation in which the system may be set to a limited authorization state in which performance of the vehicle function is enabled. The system also has an unsecured mode of operation in which the user performing the action enables performance of the vehicle function irrespective of whether or not one or more conditions are met.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Chris Bottomley
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Publication number: 20080028807Abstract: An ignition lock for a motor vehicle includes a carrier element for holding an ignition key that is inserted in the ignition lock. The carrier element is movable along a longitudinal axis of the ignition lock. The carrier element pushes a slide bar from a blocking position to an unblocking position when the carrier element moves along the longitudinal axis. A latch bar, when in its latching position, restricts a movement of the carrier element along the longitudinal axis and, when in its unlatching position, allows the carrier element to move along the longitudinal axis. When the latch bar is in its unlatching position and the slide bar is in its blocking position, the slide bar prevents the latch bar from moving from the unlatching position to the latching position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2006Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventors: Hans-Joachim Frohne, Ralf Borngraber, Steffen Buhl, Dennis Messmer, Thomas Schwarz
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Publication number: 20070279184Abstract: A method for sending and receiving transmissions for a remote keyless entry and immobilizer facilitates operation of multiple transmitters with multiple vehicles. A common secret key code stored in each transmitter and vehicle controller of the system is utilized to encrypt and decrypt information and data transmitted from the transmitter to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2007Publication date: December 6, 2007Applicant: SIEMENS VDO AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATIONInventors: Tejas B. Desai, James P. Brecht, Sanjaya Dash
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Patent number: 7305284Abstract: A vehicle has a reference receiver installed at an outer edge position of a desired detection area in a compartment to receive a signal transmitted from a transmitter in the compartment. The level of signal transmission output of the transmitter is adjusted based on the reception result of the reference receiver. It becomes possible to adjust the signal transmission output of the transmitter in the compartment so as to obtain a desired detection area at all times irrespective of change of the detection area reached by the request signal from the transmitter determined by the compartment or irrespective of variation in the electromagnetic wave environment in which the vehicle is placed.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2005Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Kentaro Teshima, Haruyuki Tsuzuki
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Patent number: 7292916Abstract: An engine (9) of a vehicle (1) is started by first inserting an ignition key (3) into an ignition lock (2) of the vehicle (1). The vehicle (1) can be started by merely pressing the inserted ignition key, whereby said ignition key (3) is further inserted into the ignition lock (2) and takes in a nearly flush position with a dashboard (4) within which the ignition lock is disposed when the motor runs such that the ignition key (3) does not constitute a potential hazard in the event of an accident. The engine (9) is stopped by once again pressing the ignition key (3). Once the engine (9) has been stopped, the ignition key (3) is brought into a position in which the same can be simply removed from the ignition lock (2) by the driver.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Volkswagen AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ralf Borngräber, Hans-Joachim Frohne
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Publication number: 20070247280Abstract: Aimed at providing an electronic authentication system for a motorcycle excellent in the handlability and operability, operations of turning an ignition knob, and of opening a accommodation lid and a fuel lid, disposed in the front portion of the vehicle, are permitted, when agreement of ID information was judged. The steering bar was made unlockable by operating the ignition knob after agreement of the ID information was judged, and the seat was made unlockable by further operating the ignition knob.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2007Publication date: October 25, 2007Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Tsuyoshi Nakamura
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Patent number: 7285872Abstract: A method to prevent unauthorized use and/or access to a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes apparatus which is positioned within a known motor housing and actuable only within the motor housing. In one embodiment, an ignition generator coil interrupt circuit is provided and mounted directly within the housing of the motor. A switch is connected to the circuit which allows power interruption to the ignition generator coil. When the switch is activated, power interruption of said ignition generator coil is achieved to disable the engine from normal operation. Conveniently, the interrupt circuit is positioned entirely within the housing and therefore inaccessible for tampering. In another embodiment a switch circuit is positioned between an ECM motherboard and sensors typically associate with an automobile engine. This circuit is useful for arrangements which do not include a magneto/stator arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: 2TIS Technologies Inc.Inventors: Carl Ellingsworth, Jay Ripley
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Patent number: 7277007Abstract: An automotive keyless smart-start assembly 10 for use in an automobile 22 is provided including an automotive engine 18 having an operating condition and a stopped condition. An ignition controller 16, having a locked state and an unlocked state, is in communication with the automotive engine 18. A receptacle bin 20 is mounted to the automobile 22 and is in communication with the ignition controller 16. The receptacle bin 20 is movable between a closed position 34 and an open position 32. A portable electronic transmitter element 12, including a security code 14, communicates the security code 14 to the ignition controller 16 upon being positioned within the receptacle bin 20. The ignition controller 16 verifies the security code 14 and moves to the unlocked state upon verification. The receptacle bin 20 moves to the closed position 34 upon verification.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Nantz John, Tom Tang, Riad Ghabra, Ronald King, Thomas LeMense, Mike Fawaz, David Hein
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Publication number: 20070222563Abstract: A vehicle security control system receives from a separated communication device a demand signal to prohibit or permit engine operation via an immobilizer. The vehicle control device includes a display for displaying information on the engine operation, a communication unit for receiving the demand signal from the separated communication device and a remote security ECU for providing a control signal according to the demand signal, an immobilizer ECU for setting or unsetting the immobilizer according to the control signal. The immobilizer ECU prohibits the display from displaying the information on the engine operation when the immobilizer ECU unsets the immobilizer even when the separated communication device provides the demand signal to prohibit engine operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2007Publication date: September 27, 2007Applicant: Denso CorporationInventor: Toshio Shimomura
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Patent number: 7250693Abstract: A steering wheel lock apparatus having high reliability. The steering wheel lock apparatus (1) includes a lock pin (21), which engages a steering wheel (5), a motor (23), which moves the lock pin, and a control circuit (31), which controls the motor. The control circuit includes a power supply line (72b), which provides locking current to the motor for locking the steering wheel. A breaker circuit (61) selectively breaks the power supply line when a user operates an ignition switch knob (81) to start the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2002Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Masaki Hayashi, Hirokazu Shamoto, Masaki Yoshino, Toshihiro Nagae
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Patent number: 7248143Abstract: The system has a uniform system architecture that is designed for an access authorization request both with and without the use of a transponder. Should a transponder be used, only a corresponding transponder must be fitted in the key that can interact with an immobilizer coil specially provided for this in a receiving unit of the motor vehicle. In this case, the corresponding system requirements have also already been taken into consideration in the system architecture. As a result, the different system requirements for access and right of use systems to a great extent provide flexibility.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ulrich Emmerling, Axel Müller
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Patent number: 7227447Abstract: A switch device is provided that ensures formation of a communicable area by a coil antenna. The switch device includes an ignition switch operated by an operator for driving an engine starter, a decorative cap arranged to surround the ignition switch and having an ornamental surface, and the coil antenna arranged adjacent to the decorative cap for transmitting a transponder-driving radio wave. The decorative cap includes a transmittable area that can transmit the transponder-driving radio wave therethrough. The transmittable area is formed in a part of the decorative cap excluding the ornamental surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Kiyokazu Ohtaki, Takayuki Hiramitsu, Daisuke Kawamura, Tomoyuki Funayama, Koji Iwamoto
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Patent number: 7221065Abstract: A power window system includes an occupant existence determination unit and a power supply unit. The occupant existence determination unit determines whether an occupant is in the compartment or outside the passenger compartment, by receiving a signal from a portable device held by the occupant. The power supply unit supplies a power to a window driving unit when the occupant existence determination unit determines that the occupant is in the compartment and when the vehicle ignition key is in an OFF state.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshinori Amagasa, Tatsuya Michishige
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Patent number: 7222006Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining the duration a motor vehicle engine may operate while operator authorization is verified in response to an ignition request. In one embodiment the method includes the steps of decrementing a pre-authorization timer from a first predetermined time limit and a maximum authorization timer from a second predetermined time limit in response to the ignition request. Also upon receipt of the ignition request an authorization process is initiated. Decrementing of the pre-authorization timer is halted in response to active operation of the starter motor of the motor vehicle, and operation of the motor vehicle is inhibited if either the pre-authorization timer or the maximum authorization timer decrements to zero before completion of the authorization operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: David T. Proefke, Thomas M. Forest, Thomas W. Pfeffer
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Patent number: 7216616Abstract: An engine-starting device for an engine. The device includes a counter that provides a counting value based on an initiation of engine cranking; and a cranking control system that prohibits engine cranking if the counting value of the counter passes a cranking prohibition threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tesuya Asada, Takashi Eguchi, Junsuke Ino, Rei Koike
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Patent number: 7205679Abstract: A remote start control system for a vehicle including an engine, a transmission connected to the engine and a data communications bus carrying transmission position data related to a selected transmission position, may include a remote start transmitter and a vehicle remote start controller. The vehicle remote start controller may be connected to the data communications bus for starting the engine based upon the transmission position data carried by the data communications bus and signals from the remote start transmitter. Alternately, or additionally, the data communications bus may carry engine speed data, vehicle brake position data, or vehicle security data. Accordingly, the engine may be started responsive to the engine speed data, the vehicle brake position data, or the vehicle security data.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
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Patent number: 7196432Abstract: In the device a controllable switch is built into the control device which enables the start authorization and by means of which the supply voltage with which this controllable switch is supplied can be switched off. To check a start authorization a diagnosis can be undertaken which is realized with known resistance elements in the voltage supply line between identification device holder and control device. This allows the voltage drops across the elements to be compared with the corresponding required values. Simple short circuiting of the starter or the ignition is thus no longer possible since this would be detected by the control device as a result of the changes in voltage drop. In addition a fault in the supply voltage or the feed lines can be definitively detected.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ulrich Emmerling, Axel Müller
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Patent number: 7187266Abstract: A switch device that occupies less space and that can be manufactured at a lower cost. The switch device includes an operation switch operated by an operator for driving an actuator and a coil antenna used to output a transponder-driving radio wave. The coil antenna is arranged adjacent to the operation switch.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventors: Hiroyasu Hasegawa, Kiyokazu Ohtaki, Tomoyuki Funayama, Koji Iwamoto
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Patent number: 7183666Abstract: An object of the present invention is to prevent a start-up locked state from being released by a third party other than a rightful driver. After a movable body 31 has been set in a state of halted operations (a start-up locked state) by a start-up lock setting unit 830, a rightful driver must contact a manager on a terminal device 11 side when this driver forgets a password or hands over to another driver. Having received contact, the manager transmits a start-up lock release command from the terminal 11 side to the movable body 31 via communication units 1 (see FIG. 1), whereby the state of halted operations (start-up locked state) in the movable body 31 is released.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Shuji Arakawa, Tadashi Morita
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Patent number: 7176588Abstract: A starter drive device which drives a starter motor by, upon actuation of a starter switch, turning a starter relay ON and OFF via an electronic control device, wherein the electronic control device includes: an interface circuit; a power source control circuit; a calculation device and a delay circuit; a buffer; an addition circuit; a latch circuit; a first pull up circuit; a second pull up circuit; and wherein, if the power source control circuit has detected a drop of voltage of the power source when the starter motor is being driven, along with stopping the calculation device, the buffer disconnects the calculation device from the latch circuit, and controls the starter relay by operating the driver circuit via the latch circuit based upon the signals from the interface circuit and the second pull up circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignees: Keihin Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takuya Yahagi, Takashi Hisaki, Shuji Tomimatsu, Satoshi Arai, Shigeki Baba
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Patent number: 7167084Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for rendering electronic keys left behind in a vehicle temporarily inactive. The apparatus comprises a vehicle security control module in wireless communication with the electronic keys, and having operatively coupled together a receiver, a processor, non-volatile memory and a short-range transmitter. When the module receives a valid lock command from any source it sends a short-range interrogation signal to keys within the vehicle. Left-behind keys respond and send their unique ID(s) to the module's receiver. The processor obtains the unique ID(s) from the receiver and sets one or more inhibit flags in memory or equivalent to identify those keys as left-behind keys. The processor thereafter ignores commands from such left-behind keys, thereby rendering them temporarily inoperative until a valid unlock command is received form another source, whereupon the processor clears the inhibit flags from memory and restores the left-behind keys to active status.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: David T. Proefke, Thomas E. Utter
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Patent number: 7148787Abstract: A remote keyless entry (RKE) circuit (100) and method reduces the amount of current draw by duty cycling the RKE circuit (100) to ensure that a microcontroller (104) in the RKE circuit (100) is awakened only when needed to evaluate RF data. A total operating period for the RKE circuit (100) includes a transient period, a data monitoring period, and a sleep period. The RKE circuit (100) includes a pulse blocking circuit (109) that prevents a receiver stabilization pulse from waking up the microcontroller (104). If no data is received during the data monitoring period, the microcontroller (104) remains in a sleep mode for the remainder of the operating period.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive CorporationInventors: Scott J. Lucy, Joseph E. Ploucha, Brian Farrell, Torsten Frerichs
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Patent number: 7145435Abstract: A security system using a transmitting signal of a wireless communication terminal and a method using the same are disclosed. In order for security certification, a specific information and numerical information included in the signal transmitted for dialing from the wireless communication terminal are compared with the specific information and numerical information that have been stored in advance. The present invention provides convenience in security certification, and has an advantage in that double the security can be realized.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Inventor: Sug-Bae Kim
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Patent number: RE40367Abstract: This invention relates to a remote lock operation apparatus for a light vehicle having a bar handle and a switch case and having no cabin. One objective of the invention is to make it possible for the infrared receiver of the remote lock operation apparatus to cover a range of directivity without being influenced by the seat or the vehicle body rear portion. Another objective is to protect the infrared receiver from the weather and mischief. These objectives are achieved by having an infrared receiver provided on a switch case, with a switch operation element provided on a steering bar handle of a vehicle, thereby protecting the infrared receiver from potential damage while at the same time positioning it so that it can be easily operable by a passenger.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeshi Konno