Abstract: A system of utilizing an automobile key, particularly for an essentially keyless operation, and wherein wireless operation of the key incorporates safety features preventing the inadvertent locking of the key in the automotive vehicle upon exiting therefrom.

Abstract: The electronic control unit includes a control section monitoring a manipulation of an ignition switch of a vehicle and a timer section for automatically starting up said control section. The electronic control unit is provided with a fault diagnosis function of monitoring, by use of the control section, a state of an electric load connected to said electronic control unit and supplied with electric power from the vehicle battery when the main relay is in the on state after the control section outputs the stop command, and diagnosing whether or not the main relay is in a fault state where the main relay cannot be controlled from the on state to the off state on the basis of monitored state of the electric load.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The high voltage circuit is switched between a conductive state and a disconnected state by a main relay. When an electric vehicle start switch is operated by the driver, a signal from an accelerator pedal sensor is transmitted to a electric vehicle control unit (EVCU) serving as motor controlling means, and when an accelerator is operated after the high voltage circuit has been switched to the disconnected state by the main relay, a notification indicating that the drive motor is not drivable is issued to the driver through a speaker serving as vehicle condition notifying means.

Abstract: In a vehicle-mounted power supply system, the automotive generator generates a voltage for charging a first battery. Power conversion circuitry is connected between the first battery and a second battery that is connected to an electrical load to operate in a first mode or in a second mode when power consumption of the load is lower or higher than a specified value, respectively. In the first mode, the power conversion circuitry maintains the voltage at the second battery at a substantially constant level and in the second mode, the voltage at the second battery varies with the voltage at the first battery. In response to a vehicle speed variation, the automotive generator is controlled so that its output voltage is varied at a first rate when power conversion is performed in the first mode and varied at a second rate lower than the first rate when power conversion is performed in the second mode.

Abstract: A vehicle control device has first and second transmission circuits that communicate by radio with a portable unit and also has a control section that, when the portable unit is confirmed to be correct, engages in a permission mode that permits the start of an engine. The first and second transmission circuits transmit first and second request signals from first and second transmission antennas to first and second communicatable areas respectively. When a back door is detected to be open, the control section does not permit the start of the engine even if an ID code signal is returned from the portable unit in response to the second request signal.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for starting an engine of an automobile using a start-button without a normal car key. In the apparatus and method, it is determined whether plural signals including the start-button are on. A key FOB is requested to transmit its ID, the ID is received from the key FOB, and authentication is performed on the key FOB using the received ID when the signals are on. Power is provided to a starting motor and a driving signal is applied to a motor driver to drive a motor when the key FOB passes authentication. A shaft is driven according to the operation of the motor to operate a steering column and the starting motor is driven to start the engine. A safety member is inserted into a first hole of the shaft to block the shaft from moving and rotating when the engine is started.

Abstract: Provided is an engine starting system which is highly reliable in that a battery does not run out even if a manual switch is tampered and operated many times by a third party. Equipment on the propelled object side (2) includes an actuation signal refusing unit (22a) which avoids responding to an actuation signal from a switch (31) for a third predetermined time in at least one of the states where a number of actuation signals successively transmitted from the switch without producing an answer signal thereto has become equal to or larger than a prescribed number of times predetermined in a first predetermined time period and where the actuation signal has been kept tuned ON for a period equal to or longer than a second predetermined time period without producing an answer signal thereto.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Provided is a device mounted contactor and a method of reducing continuous charge distribution, especially in a vehicle. The contactor includes a housing, and a plurality of power terminals. The device may further include a conductance shield and support structure extending from the housing. Situated at least partially in the housing is a switch, which is capable of electrically coupling at least two of the plurality of power terminals. One or more electrically insulative covers may be provided. The contactor may also provide a fused accessory terminal, which is electrically coupled to one of the power terminals through a fuse. A method according to the present invention reduces continuous electrical charge distribution in an electrical circuit by mechanically attaching a first contactor power terminal to a battery terminal and electrically coupling a second contactor power terminal to a circuit, which may include a vehicle starter.

Abstract: A power control apparatus acquires a maximum supply amount of power, transient maximum supply amount of power, and transient minimum supply amount of power of each power supply source. The apparatus further acquires a power cost of respective power supply sources, a load-required power and a charge request power. The apparatus acquires a combination of power supply sources that minimizes specific fuel consumption and determines an allocation amount of power. Taking transient response of respective power supply sources into account, the allocation amount of power of each power supply sources is corrected to be greater than a transient minimum supply power and smaller than a transient maximum supply power.

Abstract: The electronic control unit includes a control section monitoring a manipulation of an ignition switch of a vehicle, and a timer section for automatically starting up the control section. The electronic control unit is provided with a fault diagnosis function of monitoring, by use of the control section being supplied with electric power through a main relay, a time elapsed since the control section outputs a stop command commanding the main relay to change to the off state, and diagnosing that the main relay is in a fault state where the main relay cannot be controlled to the off state when the monitored time exceeds a threshold time predetermined on the basis of a response time needed for the main relay to change from the on state to the off state in response to the stop command.

Abstract: A high current, light weight, thermally stable, bidirectional semiconductor switch module in an electrical system uses MOSFET technology in a back-to-back parallel architecture. The device comprises a controller which permits it to operate in high electrical noise environments. The device is further controlled to operate in either or both directions based on external events such as voltage changes associated with the electrical system and with vehicle operating conditions. The device operates at currents typically from a few amperes to 1000 amperes and may be used as a circuit breaker, over voltage switch, isolation switch, transient protection switch, and voltage converter. The device functions to replace the solenoids and relays associated with starter motors in a vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: A switching device for bi-directionally equalizing charge between energy accumulators, particularly between capacitive energy accumulators in a motor vehicle electric system, includes: an integrated starter generator; a first connection coupled to the integrated starter generator; a second connection coupled to an energy source; a controllable transfer gate having a first load current-conducting path connected between the first and second connection, and a controllable switching controller having a second load current-conducting path connected between the first and second connection in parallel to the first load current-conducting path. There is also provided a motor vehicle electric system with such a switching device, and the implementation and use of a switching controller in a transfer gate for such a switching device.

Abstract: In a control system for a dual-stage airbag firing system, a series circuit of first and second switching elements and a series circuit of third and fourth switching elements are connected in parallel between high and low voltage power lines, the circuit node between the switching elements of each series circuit being connected to a corresponding one of a pair of output terminals. When an impact is received, the first and fourth switching elements are exclusively activated to generate a forward voltage across the output terminals, causing a forward current to flow in the firing system so that its first stage is exclusively fired. Subsequently, the third and second switching elements are exclusively activated to generate a reverse voltage across the output terminals in a direction opposite to the forward voltage, causing a reverse current to flow in the firing system so that its second stage is fired.

Abstract: A car power source apparatus is provided with a driving battery which drives an electric motor, heaters which heat the driving battery, a control circuit which controls power to the heaters, a temperature sensor which detects battery temperature and issues a detected temperature signal to the control circuit, and a surrounding temperature sensor which detects surrounding temperature and also issues a detected temperature signal to the control circuit. When the car is not being driven and the driving battery is heated via the heaters powered by the driving battery, the set temperature is changed corresponding to the detected surrounding temperature in the control circuit.

Abstract: A multiple node network includes a plurality of terminal nodes. A management node manages the terminal nodes. A bus connects the respective terminal nodes and the management node to one another. The respective terminal nodes and the management node communicate with each other using a frame that includes at least an identifier field and a data field. The data field has a discriminative number. Each terminal node transfers the frame to the management node. A contention between the terminal nodes is arbitrated by comparing the respective identifier fields of the terminal nodes. When the arbitration fails, each terminal node repeatedly transfers the frame to the management node after a delay time that is unique for the particular terminal node and that is calculated based upon the discriminative number in the data field.

Abstract: A twin ignition system for automotive vehicles and the like is disclosed and claimed. Ignition system #1 comprises a known ignition system which allows electrical access to the engine starter, and allows full function of all facilities with which the vehicle is equipped. Ignition system #2 has its own subsystems which can be set to control vehicle speed and/or other vehicle operating parameters. Each system can be accessed by its own discreet key which does not allow access to the other ignition system.

Abstract: An engine start controlling system for an engine of the vehicle, makes an authentication for a user ID received from a mobile device and authentications for respective device IDs received from respective electrical devices. The system allows, based on a first operation, the engine to start, in a case that all of the authentications for the user ID and the device IDs are successful, and prohibits the engine from starting, in a case that the authentication for the user ID is unsuccessful, irrespective of results of the authentications for the respective device IDs. The engine start controller further allows, based on a second operation, the engine to start, in a case that all of authentications belonging to a selected group are successful and that one authentication belonging to a second group is unsuccessful.

Abstract: A seat switch for a seat having a resilient web includes device for sensing the presence of an operator sitting on the resilient web. The seat switch is operably connected to a vehicle circuit which may be for example an ignition system for the engine. The seat switch provides a signal to the vehicle circuit in response to sensing no operator present. The device for sensing may include a switch and a tension member mounted directly to the web. When an operator sits on the seat, the web stretches under the weight of the operator, which results in tension in the tension member. This tension activates the switch to send the operator-present signal to the vehicle circuit. When the operator's weight is removed from the seat, the tension is relieved from the resilient web and the switch discontinues the operator-present signal.

Abstract: An engine start is beforehand detected when a preparation operation to engine start is detected. When the preparation operation is detected based on a seat switch indicating that a driver seats himself on a driver seat, control of an electric current for a heater of an air/fuel ratio sensor is started. The air/fuel ratio sensor is then activated prior to the engine start. Failure diagnosis is conducted on a function for detecting the preparation operation. Namely, the seat switch is diagnosed as having failure, for instance, by the following. Even while a vehicle travels, the seat switch is in an OFF state indicating that no driver is seated. This structure can restrict the engine start without the air/fuel ratio sensor being pre-heated. It can also restrict deteriorating of emission.

Abstract: A slot mechanism having an accommodation space into which an insertion object is inserted through a slot. The slot mechanism includes a shutter located in the accommodation space. The shutter is movable along an insertion direction of the insertion object. When the insertion object is inserted into the accommodation space, the shutter is pressed by the insertion object and moved toward the back of the accommodation space. When the insertion object is removed from the accommodation space, the shutter is moved toward the slot to close the slot. The shutter has a guiding portion that stabilizes the attitude of the insertion object when the insertion object is pressed against the shutter.

Abstract: A vehicle can have an electronic configuration or a mechanical configuration. In the electronic configuration, a button is operated to start the engine of the vehicle. In the mechanical configuration, a key is inserted in a key cylinder to start the engine of the vehicle. A button signal is output when the button is operated. A key signal is output when the key is inserted in the key cylinder. The configuration of vehicle can be automatically detected based on whether the button signal is output or the key signal is output. An appropriate starting control for the engine is selected based on the configuration of the vehicle.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a multiple battery system and network controlled multiple battery system. A main battery having a main positive output and a main negative output is also provided, together with an at least one auxiliary battery having an at least one auxiliary positive output and an at least one auxiliary negative output. A main electrical circuit having an at least one switching device is provided with at least two operating positions. The two operating positions selectively couple the main and at least one auxiliary battery to the common positive terminal. In the first of the at least two operating positions electrical charge is provided to both the main battery and the at least one auxiliary battery. A controller is also provided and coupled to the main electrical circuit and switches the at least one switching device based on input from an at least one sensor.

Abstract: A system for determining a state of a door having a locking mechanism for locking the door includes a locking mechanism and a door sensor. The locking mechanism sensor is disposed for sensing a condition of the locking mechanism and generating a signal indicative thereof. The door sensor disposed for sensing a condition of the door and generating a signal indicative thereof. The system further includes a processor for determining a state of the door, in response to the signals from the locking mechanism sensor and the door sensor. The state of the door is a secured state when the door sensor senses the condition of the door as closed and the locking mechanism sensor senses the condition of the locking mechanism as locked. A method for determining a state of a door having a locking mechanism for locking the door includes sensing a condition of the locking mechanism and sensing a condition of the door.

Abstract: A remote start control system may include an engine speed data bus reader at the vehicle for reading the engine speed signal on the vehicle data communications bus, and a remote start controller at the vehicle and connected to the engine speed data bus reader for operating the engine starter based upon a remote start transmitter and based upon the engine speed signal. In some embodiments, the engine speed signal may include a digital code, and the engine speed data bus reader reads the digital code and converts the digital code into a pulsed tachometer emulation signal for the remote start controller. In other embodiments, the engine speed data bus reader generates an output level based upon the digital code exceeding at least one threshold, such as an engine started or engine overspeed threshold. The remote start control system is readily interfaced to a vehicle having a data communications bus to thereby be able to operate using an engine speed signal.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A turbine engine ignition exciter circuit applies energy stored in the exciter tank capacitor to the load (igniter plug) through a thyristor type semiconductor switching device that minimizes leakage current at elevated operating temperatures. The semiconductor switching device is periodically activated by a trigger circuit to initiate discharge of energy stored in exciter tank capacitor to mating ignition lead and igniter plug. The circuit operates at a modest, for example, approximately 1.8 kV, tank circuit voltage to further reduce switching device leakage current related stresses at elevated temperatures allowing relatively long capacitor charge cycles, increased upper operating temperature capability and improved reliability. The circuit uses a low side switch circuit topology for releasing energy from said capacitor to ground whereby negative polarity energy is applied to the exciter.

Abstract: A system is provided for remote starting of a vehicle. The system includes a transmitter adapted to transmit a command signal and a vehicle. Onboard the vehicle is an engine, a receiver, adapted to accepting the command signal, and an occupant detection system. The occupant detection system may be part of an airbag occupant detection system, for example. The occupant detection system generates a signal indicating whether at least one occupant is in the vehicle. A processor generates a start request signal in response to the command signal and occupant signal if the occupant signal indicates that no occupants are in the vehicle. Occupant detection can be by means of detecting pressure, weight or capacitance on a seat or other suitable means.

Abstract: A safety system and method for a manual transmission vehicle with a remote starter is provided. The system includes a motion transducer module detecting motion of the vehicle and a controller module deciding erroneous starting of the vehicle and stopping the vehicle when erroneous starting is decided. The controller module receives motion data from the motion transducer module. A baseline is set in the detected motion data, and the controller module calculates number of baseline crossings that occur within a predetermined time frame in the motion data. The controller module decides erroneous starting based on the number of baseline crossings. The controller module adjusts the baseline based on averaged motion data from the motion transducer module when the remote starter is inactive.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to determining and controlling the appropriate moment at which a combined starter/alternator should transition from start-up mode to alternator/generator mode following an IC engine start-up sequence. The method relies on battery voltage or battery current monitoring to establish the timing of the transition.

Abstract: A universal fleet electrical system includes a central power distribution panel, which includes a fuse panel and a lighting selector junction box, together with a universal wiring harness. A dash mounted console is provided for operator control of accessory devices. The console may include a keyed switch interconnected with a security power control relay for enabling a user to connect and disconnect power to the universal wiring harness. Power may be connected and disconnected to the universal wiring harness through the use of a master switch with a circuit breaker. The lighting selector junction box permits various lighting accessories to be connected to different light level circuits. The universal wiring harness may include a plurality of plug and play connectors to facilitate rapid attachment/removal of external accessories. A serial interface may interconnect the wiring harness with the fuse panel.

Abstract: Automobile and motorcycle are not electrically stable during ignition process. This invention uses a simple delaying technique to allow delaying of the timing of secondary power supply for a prescribed time after crossing the unstable period of engine ignition period. In other words, delaying of supplying power could effectively increase the stability and safety of electrical equipment and prolong the usable life time of the electrical equipment.

Abstract: A main power source is, for example, an ordinary Pb battery. At the time of starting an engine, the main power source supplies power to a starter. The main power source is given a higher priority than an auxiliary power source to supply power to ordinary loads. The auxiliary power source is a high performance battery (e.g., Li ion battery), which has superior charge acceptance capability and better state detectability over the main power source. The auxiliary power source stores regenerative power, which is generated by a generator at the time of deceleration of a vehicle, and is used as a redundant power source for the main power source. The main power source and the auxiliary power source are connected to each other through a supply circuit, which has a DC/DC converter, and a second supply circuit, which has a switch.

Abstract: An electric steering lock device is configured with a control unit to operate a steering column lock between a steering locked state and a steering unlocked state. The electric steering lock device has a locking limit switch that turns on when a locking member reaches the locking stop position, and turns off when an unlocking command for the locking member is outputted. An unlocking limit switch of the electric steering lock device turns on when the locking member reaches the unlocking stop position, and turns off when a locking command for the locking member is outputted. The electric steering lock control unit determines that the locking limit switch or the unlocking limit switch has malfunctioned based on the state of the locking member.

Abstract: An improved system and method for a personal communications server is provided. The system and method may provide seamless multi-functional wireless communications for different integrated applications desired by a user. To this end, a computing device with a telecommunications interface is provided for coupling to a mobile phone network. The computing device may be without an attached audio input and output device, but may include a network interface for coupling with an external audio input and output device to receive audio from the mobile phone network and/or to send audio to the mobile network. A computer with a network interface may also be coupled with the computing device to receive data from a mobile phone network and/or to send data to the mobile network.

Abstract: A remote control engine starting device includes an immobilizer and a remote engine starter for staring an engine when an engine start command is given from a remote location. The immobilizer further includes an interrogating signal outputting section, which outputs an interrogating signal when a signal related to engine starting is received, and an engine start permitting section, which gives engine start permission when a remote engine starter code that the remote engine starter outputs in response to the interrogating signal matches a remote engine starter verifying code preregistered in the immobilizer. The remote engine starter further includes an engine start signal outputting section, which outputs a signal related to engine starting, and a code outputting section, which in response to the interrogating signal, outputs the remote engine starter code preregistered in the remote engine starter.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system for reliably enabling an implement controller for a work vehicle having a swivel seat with at least two angular positions. The system includes an implement controller for controlling a work implement, seat position detector for determining the positions of the swivel seat, an ignition switch and an implement controller toggle switch. The system is capable of enabling the implement controller under ideal enablement conditions and non-ideal enablement conditions. Ideal enablement conditions exist when the implement controller toggle switch is toggled to an implement controller enabling state while the ignition switch is on and the seat is properly positioned. Non-ideal enablement conditions exit when the implement controller toggle switch is put in an implement controller enabling state in the absence of ideal enablement conditions.

Abstract: It is possible to start engine economically and easily without deteriorating the theft prevention function even when an engine start key is lost. A vehicle theft prevention system includes permission tools (5C, 5D) for permitting rewrite or write-in of an ID code. The system has a start key registration function for corresponding the ID code of an engine key (5) to the ID code of an immobilizer control section (17), so that the engine key (5) functions as an engine start key (5A, 5B) when the ID code of the permission tools (5C, 5D) is correlated with the ID code recorded in the immobilizer control section (17) and matching is established. Accordingly, when the engine start key is lost or the like, a new engine start key is created for starting the engine economically and easily without requiring replacement of the entire theft prevention device.

Abstract: A multipurpose engine controller comprises a control unit for switching between supplying and stopping power supplied from an ignition circuit to a spark plug on the basis of two states, i.e., the operating state of the multipurpose engine determined based on a detection signal from the engine speed sensor, and the state of the level of the oil inside the crankcase determined based on a detection signal from the float-type oil level sensor.

Abstract: The remote start control system may include at least one vehicle device associated with starting an engine of the vehicle, a remote start transmitter, and a vehicle remote start controller connected to the data communications bus for communicating with the at least one vehicle device associated with starting the engine of the vehicle. The remote start controller may be responsive to signals from the remote start transmitter. The vehicle device associated with starting the engine of the vehicle may include at least one controller, such as the engine management controller or the transmission controller, for example. Alternately, or additionally, the at least one vehicle device associated with starting the engine of the vehicle may include at least one vehicle sensor. For example, the vehicle sensor may be one or more of a brake sensor, a transmission sensor, a hood sensor, or an engine speed sensor. The remote start system may also include features to provide compatibility with a number of different vehicles.

Abstract: A drive circuit for a firing cap, triggerable by an electric direct current firing pulse, of a vehicle restraint system, has a firing circuit which forms a series connection of a high side switch to the firing cap and to a low side switch. The firing circuit is connected between a supply voltage of a first potential, and a reference voltage of a second potential, in parallel with a capacitor that stores energy. The firing circuit being activated by a drive signal which is fed simultaneously to the high side switch and the low side switch, in order to feed a firing current to the firing cap during the firing pulse. In addition, in the firing circuit, a power switching element is also connected in series with the high side switch and the low side switch in order to draw lost power from the firing circuit during the firing pulse.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An electronic control device includes: a microprocessor that operates using electricity supplied from a battery through a switch operated in conjunction with an ignition switch, and a main power circuit; a volatile memory for temporarily storing data to be updated, the memory being operated using electricity supplied through the main power circuit, the electricity being also supplied from the battery constantly through an auxiliary power circuit as a backup power supply; an initial start signal generation unit for generating an initial start signal indicating that the ignition switch is turned on for the first time after electricity is supplied from the battery to the memory through the auxiliary power circuit; and a volatile memory initialization unit for initializing the memory according to the initial start signal when the ignition switch is turned on for the first time after electricity is supplied to the memory.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Means for disabling an automobile by causing an on-board computer to disable the ignition system thereof. A radio receiver provides a signal to the on-board computer through an existing port (e.g. diagnostic port or ignition interface port). The on-board computer disables ignition function through supplanted firmware that recognizes the status of the signal received from the radio receiver. Removal of the radio receiver also disables the ignition system. The entire system is installed during government required inspections (e.g. a smog check).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a unique starter assembly for a gas discharge lamp. The starter assembly comprises a main current path with a first leg connected to one electrode of a gas discharge lamp, and a second leg connected to a second electrode of the gas discharge lamp. A starting current path is provided between the first and second electrode, and comprises an magnetic switch. The magnetic switch is actuated by an electromagnet controlled by a control circuit. The control unit may be programmed with the start time required for a particular lamp design. In an alternative embodiment, the starter assembly further comprises a radio frequency identification system. The radio frequency identification system includes a gas discharge lamp transponder. The lamp transponder is used to communicate specific lamp information to the control circuit. The control circuit may then modify the start time for that lamp based on this information.

Abstract: In a remote control communication system, a transmitting apparatus transmits operation information, which includes switch information indicating the type of the switch and operation duration information, to a receiving apparatus in a vehicle. If another operation is again carried out on any operation switch, the transmitting apparatus transmits present operation information with the operation information transmitted previously. A receiving apparatus transmits the operation information and reception duration information to a control apparatus in the vehicle. Similarly, if other operation information is received again, the receiving apparatus transmits the other operation information with the previous operation information.