Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a controller in the vehicle for generating a plurality of security system condition signals. A local indicator generates a plurality of local security system condition indications adjacent the vehicle based upon respective security system condition signals from the controller. A local transmitter generates transmitted signals based upon respective security system condition signals from the controller. A remote unit or indicator is adapted to be carried by the user when away from the vehicle for receiving the transmitted signals from the local transmitter and for generating a plurality of remote security system indications which emulate the local security system condition indications generated by the local indicator. In other terms, the remote indicator means emulates the same predetermined pattern as the indications given at the vehicle by the local indicator means but uses a different indicator to indicate the pattern.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises a motor driving the vehicle's wheels, multiple batteries supplying electric power to the motor, and a generator driven by an internal combustion engine to generate electric power for charging the batteries. Battery sensors detect terminal voltages of the batteries. An ECU controls a DC/DC converter to distribute electric power to independently charge the batteries through charge lines in accordance with the shortage of charge in respective batteries when excess electrical power is available from the generator even after a required amount of electrical power from the generator is used to rotate wheels.

Abstract: A door lock/unlock system of a type having an electrically operated door lock/unlock mechanism for holding a door in a locked position and allowing the door to be opened comprises a position sensor for detecting positions of the door lock/unlock mechanism, namely a lock position and an unlock position, when a battery is removed from an electric circuit once and thereafter re-connected again to the same, with or without an intention of committing a theft of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling operation of the door lock/unlock mechanism according to the detected position.

Abstract: A pager is powered by the vehicle's battery and coupled to a power control circuit for selectively applying power to the pager upon an operator initiated event. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the power control circuit is controlled by a switch associated with the movement of a door handle for providing power to the pager for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An integrated security door lock system which combines a vehicle security system with a remote controlled engine starting system so as to start a vehicle's engine, air conditioning; and to start an engine at a preset time or temperature and the alarm system of a vehicle by way of a remote control transmitter.

Abstract: An improved switch for entering a key code includes a plurality of moving contact members all molded together into a single membrane. Each of the moving contact members moves within a hole in a housing. The housing is connected to a base with a snap connection. A circuit board and the membrane are sandwiched between the base and housing. A sealing lip on the membrane is deformed against the housing to provide a water tight seal around the circumference of the housing. Wires extend from the circuit board through holes in the base, and grommets surround the wire sealing the holes. LED's are provided on the circuit board to backlight the moving contact members.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling an area comprising a controller for controlling system operational functions and responsive to at least one remote-control transmitter. The transmitter transmits system commands to the controller in a code word having a fixed word and a hopping word therein. The fixed and hopping words are scrambled using a format word resident in the transmitter and sent to the controller only during a learn mode.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system is provided including a starter having a housing mounted within an engine compartment. An armature shaft is situated within the housing and has a small gear formed thereon for moving along an axis thereof upon the receipt of a starter signal. Also included is a stopper for selectively precluding the armature from moving.

Abstract: An ignition control system controls an ignition of a vehicle engine based on a pulse signal generated by a pulse coil in response to a rotation of the vehicle engine by using a rectified output of a regulator for correcting a generated output of an AC-generator activated by the vehicle engine. The ignition control system does not require a dedicated AC generator and modifications of an engine layout. It includes an anti-theft feature and is applicable to vehicles that do not use a battery. The ignition control system includes a reference voltage generator that generates a reference voltage each time a rectified output is produced by a generator, and an ignition controller that controls ignition of the vehicle engine on the basis of the reference voltage and the rectified output.

Abstract: A remote control system comprises a transmitter for transmitting a first data signal having a command and an identification code. Further, the remote control system comprises a receiver for receiving the first data signal having an operational mode for initiating the received command if the first received identification code matches a stored authentic and valid identification code, and a programming mode for storing received valid identification codes. If the receiver is in a first session of the programming mode, the processor tests the validity of the first received identification code, unauthenticates the stored authentic and valid identification codes should the first received identification code be valid, and writes the first received, tested and validated identification code into a first location in memory as authentic and valid.

Abstract: A method of controlling engine starting of a vehicle having a powertrain control module and passive anti-theft system includes the steps of operating the engine after validation of a code by the passive anti-theft system, monitoring stopping of the vehicle engine during normal operating conditions of the powertrain control module, setting a fuel value in a software register of the powertrain control module to a non-starting value which fuel value is defaulted to in case of abnormal operation conditions of the powertrain control module, and disallowing starting of the vehicle engine during abnormal operating conditions of the powertrain control module when the fuel value contains the non-starting value.

Abstract: In a method for operating an anti-theft system and an anti-theft system operating according to the method, a stationary transceiver sends a question code signal to a portable transponder, which in turn responds with an answer code signal. The answer code signal is scanned at predetermined scanning times and a piece of code information is demodulated therefrom. If the first bits of the answer code signal are already unreadable, then the scanning time is displaced by a phase angle, and the remainder of the answer code signal is read.

Abstract: A vehicle antitheft system utilizing the parking brake of a vehicle. If the primary parking brake release mechanism is operated for releasing the brake, the parking brake does not release, because it continues to be held by a secondary system, which is under security control. The system includes a remote control unit for setting the parking brake from locations away from the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle theft prevention and recovery system is activated by a pager upon receiving a telephonic signal from a pager service, in response to a call from a vehicle owner or operator, to activate anti-theft means including a warning to a thief in the vehicle, means for disabling the vehicle engine, and visual and audible alarm signal devices to identify the vehicle as stolen. The means for disabling the vehicle engine preferably disables the engine after a predetermined count-down warning to any occupant in the vehicle. In addition, the theft prevention and recovery system includes a light display on the exterior of the vehicle to warn outsiders of an impending vehicle disoperation. In addition, an embodiment is disclosed in which radar can be used from another source as, for example, a law enforcement vehicle, to trigger the operation of the vehicle disablement.

Abstract: A steering wheel lock includes a lock body with a stop bar at one side, a locating device fixedly fastened to the lock body, the locating device having two vertical barrels at two opposite sides and a U-shaped retainer plate at the top, a U-shaped shackle, and a vibration-initiated alarm signal mounted inside the lock body, wherein the U-shaped retainer plate of the locating device is hooked on the periphery of the steering wheel of a car, permitting the stop bar of the lock body to be stopped at a part inside the car, and the U-shaped shackle is inserted through the barrels of the locating device into lock holes on the lock body and locked by the lock body to secure the locating device and the lock body in place and to stop the steering wheel from rotation; a radio transmitter circuit is connected to the vibration-initiated alarm circuit, the radio transmitter circuit being triggered to transmit a radio alarm signal into the air when the vibration-initiated alarm circuit is induced to alarm; a radio receiver

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle, which comprises a first control device. The first control device one of generates and transmits a first signal for one of activating, deactivating, enabling, and disabling, one of a vehicle component, a vehicle device, a vehicle system, and a vehicle subsystem. The first control device is located at the vehicle. The first control device is responsive to a second signal, wherein the second signal is one of generated by and transmitted from a second control device. The second control device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle. The second control device is responsive to a third signal, wherein the third signal is one of generated by and transmitted from a third control device. The third control device is located at a location which is remote from the vehicle and remote from the second control device.

Abstract: An electronic control unit in an airbag device generates a data signal for identifying a type of control unit and outputs the data signal. The output data signal is received by a light emitting diode causing the light emitting diode to turn on and off responsive to the data signal. It is possible to easily identify whether the electronic control unit is correctly installed in a vehicle even after the airbag device is mounted in the vehicle, by detecting the variation of the light emitting state of the diode by a photo sensor or the like.

Abstract: A device for minimizing car theft and car-jacking, the device including an immobilizing means, the immobilizing system including an arming mechanism. Upon the opening of the car door, a timer mechanism is activated. Upon the expiration of the time period, when the wheels of the motor vehicle have completely stopped and the brakes have been applied, the engine is killed, lights are flashed and the audio signal generator is activated. In addition, the immobilizer system activates a interface system, which provides a warning to the unauthorized user of the motor vehicle of an imminent shock being applied to the seats of the motor vehicle. Upon expiration of another time delay period, electric shocks are applied to the seat of the car and, optionally, a visual location indicator, such as a smoke generator may be triggered. Methods of use and other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In automatic door locking apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle for locking and unlocking vehicle doors, a first timer unit in a controller starts a counting operation of a first set time period responsive to an unlock signal generated by a comparator so arranged as to compare a signal received by a receiver of a keyless entry system from a transmitter carried by an authorized operator operated to transmit a coded unlock signal with a preset code stored in a memory so as to determine whether the received code matches the preset code and, upon a match, to generate the unlock signal. When the first set time period is passed with no door of the vehicle opened, the automatic door locking is carried out via a door lock actuator to lock the vehicle doors.

Abstract: An engine start control apparatus, includes a code storing device which stores a plurality of normal codes which indicate a normal vehicle key belonging to a vehicle and a key corresponding to the normal vehicle key, and an immobilizer which determines as to whether an inherent code input form one of a signal input device and an inherent code input device is included in the normal codes stored in the code storing device, and on the basis of the results of determination, the immobilizer controls permitting/prohibiting the starting of the engine. Therefore, when the normal code of the plurality of normal codes and the input inherent code match, the immobilizer permits the starting of the engine.

Abstract: A stationary microwave system for irradiating microwave frequency energy 200-40 GHz) at target vehicles disrupts the operation of the target vehicle's electronic engine control systems, rendering it incapable of fleeing law enforcement agents (LEAs). The system includes a microwave generation source; a triggering system to control pulsewidth, periodic frequency, duration, and time on; an interlock system for safety; and a delivery system for directing the microwave energy and irradiating the target vehicle. The parameters of the microwave energy are optimized by the system such that the radiated microwave energy has the characteristics required to disrupt the target vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle security system 10 having a sensor 28 which selectively produces output signals based upon a threshold signal comparison, which automatically deactivates upon the presence of transmitter 20, and which may be used in combination with an existing vehicle security system 106.

Abstract: An auxiliary switching system for vehicles having power door lock systems. The system is for use primarily when drivers lock their keys in the vehicles. The system is electronically simple, and includes a magnetically actuated switch which is mounted in a secret, exteriorly accessible location on the vehicle. A switching module is slaved to the magnetically actuated switch and is integrated into the vehicles door lock system actuation circuit. A simple magnet trips the magnetically actuated switch which, in turn, actuates the switching module which, in turn, unlocks the vehicle's door locks. Between uses, the magnet is concealed at some place on the vehicle's exterior, such as on an inside surface of a bumper, or decorative, metallic vent.

Abstract: A security system for monitoring a protected area and sounding an alarm including a plurality of sensors arranged about a protected area for sensing incoming threat, device for generating at least one pulse for each sensor activated by the incoming threat to the area, an alarm controller for receipt of the pulses and sounding of an alert, and a single wire connecting outputs of the sensors to the controller for transmitting the pulses generated by the plurality of sensors to the controller.

Abstract: A car alarm is provided for a vehicle. The alarm has a warning system having a sleep alert device with a touch sensor and a siren. When the system is switched ON the touch sensor must be touched within a first set time period. Otherwise the siren will be energized for a second set time period or until the touch sensor is touched. In a preferred embodiment the warning system also has a anti-theft device which is put in operation by turning the ignition switch to the OFF position. A programmed controller means is employed for controlling functions of the sleep alert device and the anti-theft device.

Abstract: A portable transponder, such as key, first sends invalid data to a lock, whereupon a challenge signal with a memory address is transmitted back to the transponder. A code word stored in memory at the memory address in the transponder is read out and transmitted to the lock. There, the code word is compared with a desired code word. If they correspond, an immobilizer is released. Next, the address and/or code word is recalculated in the lock and adjusted in the transponder for the next release cycle. An alternating code is thus created.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a vehicle which includes dead bolt mechanism(s) for securing the door(s) of the vehicle such that no working parts of the mechanisms are accessible from the exterior or interior of the vehicle. The dead bolt mechanisms are actuated remotely by a portable hand-held transmitter which simultaneously operates to enable or disable the ignition circuit of the vehicle. In an enabled state of the anti-theft device, the dead bolts of the dead bolt mechanisms are retracted in an unlocked position and the vehicle ignition is operable. In a disabled state, the dead bolts of the dead bolt mechanisms are extended to a locked position and the vehicle ignition is inoperable so that the vehicle cannot be started.

Abstract: A central locking system of a motor vehicle is provided with communication between the transmitter of the remote actuation unit and the receiver of the central locking system in a frequency-hopping spread spectrum mode where M channels are used of a total of N channels of the spread spectrum frequency band chosen, for example, an I/S/M band of 433 MHz to 435 MHz. Switching is effected from one channel to another channel of the N channels in accordance with a timing pattern in which the timing interval I.sub.zs is greater than the duration .DELTA.t of the communication protocol.

Abstract: A keyless entry system for use with a mobile transmitter for transmitting an ID code specified therefor along with a command for vehicle door lock/unlock remote control to a control unit. The control unit is operable in an ID code registration mode for registering an ID code transmitted from the mobile transmitter. The transmitted ID code is compared with the registered ID code to permit the remote control specified by the transmitted command when the transmitted ID code is identical with the registered ID code. Upon completion of a first predetermined procedure including a plurality of sequential events of at least one first movable vehicle member provided on the vehicle, a second movable vehicle member is changed from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A door lock system includes a door lock mechanism, and a connecting mechanism whereby the door lock mechanism and the door lock knob are connected to permit unlocking using the door lock knob, when the motion sensor detects movement inside the vehicle within a predetermined time after the door lock mechanism and the door lock knob are disconnected to prohibit unlocking using the door lock knob.

Abstract: In an anti-theft system for a motor vehicle, an oscillating circuit of a transceiver in the motor vehicle is modulated with code information of a portable transponder. A demodulator detects the code information and carries it onward to a computer unit, where it is checked for authorization. Component tolerance or temperature changes can mean that initially no code information will be demodulated, despite a properly functioning transponder. According to the invention, the frequency of the modulated oscillation is then measured and reregulated to a command frequency.

Abstract: An alarm system having a signal evaluator is disclosed. The system includes an alarm controller and at least one sensor that generates a signal that corresponds to the magnitude of a detected event. The signal evaluator is part of the controller and receives the magnitude signal from the sensor. The signal evaluator compares the magnitude signal to an alarm threshold and generates an alarm signal if the magnitude signal exceeds the alarm threshold. If not, the signal evaluator compares the magnitude signal to a warning threshold and generates a warning signal if the magnitude signal exceeds the warning threshold and is less than the alarm threshold. The signal generated by the signal evaluator is coupled to an alarm annunciator which generates an alarm in response to the alarm signal and a warning in response to the warning signal. The warning and alarm may be vocal, a siren, or a chirp.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method for preventing the use of an unauthorized reproduction of a remote unlock signal. In this scenario, the unauthorized reproduction occurs by jamming the receiver from receiving the remote unlock signal while intercepting the remote unlock signal. Generally, the remote unlock signal is transmitted by a transmitter to the receiver within a vehicle having a lock, wherein the receiver initiates an unlock command in response to receiving the transmitted remote unlock signal, and the vehicle lock being mechanically actuated by a key or electronically initiated by the unlock command in a previous locking session.

Abstract: A tap-resistant security circuit. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a conduit including an electrically conductive wire surrounded by a gas-filled, gas impermeable sheath. At one end of the conduit is a pressure switch which is normally open but is maintained closed by the pressure in the gas-filled conduit. The other end of the conduit is sealed. If the gas-filled conduit is disturbed, for example, if an attempt is made to cut the wire, the gas within the conduit escapes, the pressure holding the switch closed drops and the circuit is opened. As a result, any attempt to by-pass or "tap" the wire results in the current through the wire being interrupted.

Abstract: An alarm device is provided in a car. A criminal act such as braking of a window of the car is detected and a criminal act signal is produced. In accordance with the criminal act signal, the alarm device is operated. When an ignition switch of the car is operated by an ignition key within a first predetermined time after opening of a door of the car, the production of the criminal act signal is stopped.

Abstract: An alarm operation is activated by closing all vehicle doors (S11). When all doors are locked (S12), an active alarm awaiting state is set (S13) and, when all doors are not locked (S12), a passive alarm awaiting state is set (S16). When all the doors are locked after a passive alarm awaiting state was set (S17), the passive alarm awaiting state shifts to an active alarm awaiting state. Then, whether or not all doors are unlocked is judged (S14). If they are unlocked, the alarm awaiting state is released (S15). If the alarm mode is preserved intact, without shifting to be in an active alarm mode, the alarm awaiting state is released (S15) by turning on an ignition or accessory switch within fifteen seconds after a door was opened (S18).

Abstract: A car radio with an electronic anti-theft device, which device includes circuitry for electrically detecting the removal of the car radio from its build-in recess, and by which the function of the car radio is blocked as long as the anti-theft device is not deactivated after the removal. A simple arrangement with a highly reliable mode of operation is obtained in that the circuitry for electrically detecting the removal of the car radio includes a monitoring circuit, by which the presence of a connection from the car radio to at least one loudspeaker is monitored continuously, and by which the anti-theft device is activated immediately after the interruption of this connection.

Abstract: A vehicle security system and methods for triggering alarms, including a controller responsive to entry of a security code via the keypad which matches a particular security code to disengage an starter blocking relay. The controller is further responsive to determining that the ignition switch is turned to the "on" position without prior entry of a matching security code to start a timer which times out after a predetermined period of time, whereby in response to non-entry of a matching security code before expiration of the predetermined period of time, the controller generates an alarm signal for transmission via the wireless transceiver to a central monitoring station. If the controller determines that the ignition switch is turned to its off position after the timer is started, it disengages the starter blocking relay so as to enable ignition of the vehicle.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for an automobile audio system automatically prevents the audio system from functioning whenever the audio system is removed from its authorized vehicle and placed into another vehicle. This anti-theft device includes a microprocessor which operates with a bus interface for communicating a vehicle identifier from a vehicle multiplex bus to the central microprocessor. The device also has non-volatile memory within which the first received or authorized vehicle identifier is stored. The subsequently received identifiers are stored on RAM. A battery detector connected to the microprocessor alerts the microprocessor whenever the audio system has been disconnected from the battery source.

Abstract: A vehicle alarm is provided including a vehicle unit situated within a vehicle. The vehicle unit includes a transmitter for transmitting an activation signal via free space upon the receipt of an alarm signal. An intrusion detection mechanism is adapted to generate an intrusion signal upon the unauthorized infiltration of the vehicle. Another component of the vehicle unit, control means, is adapted to transmit the alarm signal to the transmitter means upon the receipt of the intrusion signal. Next provided is a home unit situated within a house with a dialer for contacting an emergency entity upon the actuation thereof. The home unit further includes a receiver for effecting the actuation of the dialer upon the receipt of the activation signal via free space.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for restricting the use of a vehicle such as an automobile to a person or persons whose fingerprints match biometric data stored within a memory in the vehicle's control system. A user's digitized fingerprints are stored in a non-volatile permanent ROM in the BIOS of a microcontroller on in a ROM accessed by a microprocessor. The microprocessor's primary task is that of executing instructions related to the operation of the vehicle, such as regulating the fuel flow rate, and performing other such tasks. Before the microprocessor can execute its instructions related to its primary task it, must complete and exit a conditional loop of instructions that relate to validating a user's "real-input" biometric data. Real scanned fingerprints must be compared with fingerprint(s) stored in ROM. If the result of the compare is a true, i.e. is a match, then the conditional loop is satisfied and the microprocessor can execute its instructions relating to operating the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle alarm comprises of a control unit (2) coupled to a message center (22) and an ultrasonic movement sensor (20). The ultrasonic movement sensor (20) is automatically activated when the vehicle ignition is switched off. If movement is not detected in the time period between switching the ignition off and the driver's door being closed, then the ultrasonic movement sensor (20) is deemed to have failed. A count of such failures is kept and when a predetermined number of such failures has occurred, a warning message is displayed on the message center (22). If movement is detected in the time period, the count is reset to zero. In this way, the alarm can automatically determine whether or not the ultrasonic movement sensor (20) is functioning correctly.

Abstract: A vehicle theft deterrent apparatus and method includes a flashing light emitting diode (LED) placed in a visible position within the passenger compartment of a vehicle to simulate an authenticate, armed security system. The flashing LED is powered by a DC power supply that is hidden behind a dashboard, under a carpet, in a glove compartment, or in some other remote, hidden location. An elongate, flexible conductor interconnects the LED and the power supply and is also hidden from view. The transverse cross section of the conductor enables it to be hidden at the base of a windshield or to extend through a small space between dashboard panels. The conductor is connected directly to the LED so that no housing for the LED is required and no holes need be drilled in the dashboard to accommodate a housing. A potential thief is deterred from a theft attempt because the only visible part of the apparatus is the flashing LED.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and system for preventing improper use of a car. The device uses an electronically controlled fuel shut off system located internally of the fuel tank. The system requires the operator of the car to enter a private identification number or PIN code in order to operate the vehicle. In addition, the electronically controlled fuel shut off system is remotely activated allowing law enforcement officials, upon encountering the car being used improperly, to shut off the fuel supply and disable the car. Upon entry of a security code by law enforcement officers, the circuit board stops the flow of current to the fuel shut off system, thereby halting the flow of fuel through the fuel line and shutting down the engine.

Abstract: An intrusion detecting apparatus for a vehicle comprises: a doppler shift signal outputting unit for outputting a doppler shift signal in response to a reflected and received ultrasonic signal from an ultrasonic receiver and a transmitted ultrasonic signal from a transmitter, an envelope detecting circuit for detecting the level of the received ultrasonic signal, and a detecting means for detecting an illegal intrusion by a person only when it is determined that the doppler shift signal is within a predetermined amount corresponding to the movement of a person intruding into the passenger compartment and it is also determined that the detected level of the received ultrasonic signal is out of a range of a disturbance, whereby an erroneous detection due to a disturbance caused by some reason other than an intrusion can be prevented.

Abstract: A vehicle alarm system with a sensor for detecting a change in the alarm system from an armed not triggered state to an armed triggered state, an override switch operable only when the alarm system is in the armed triggered state, to stop the alarm from sounding in the armed triggered state, an ignition switch, an ignition sensor, and a controller for switching the alarm system from the armed triggered state to the disarmed state when the ignition sensor supplies a signal indicating ignition on while a timing circuit is activated and maintaining the alarm system in an armed triggered state when no ingition signal is supplied while the timing circuit is activated.

Abstract: An upgrade method and apparatus for both remote and key-operated two-step vehicle security systems is disclosed. The upgrade blocks attempts to disarm the alarm circuit when the vehicle is armed and unlocked improperly.The upgrade can be added to existing systems regardless of the polarity of the signals used therein. Improved power-up and remote control features can also be added as a part of the upgrade.

Abstract: An electronic ignition and alarm system for motorcycles. An electronic circuit for reading a coded signal emitted by a code-generating integrated circuit inside the ignition key, can be connected inductively or by electric contact means to a microcontroller programmed to enabling the operation of the ignition circuit of the engine after identification of the coded-signal. The coded-signal reader and the microcontroller are fed by a power source comprising a capacitor for storing the energy supplied by the voltage generator of the ignition circuit of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A key operable with both motor vehicles and buildings includes a mechanically coded part and a transponder for exchanging an identification code that includes a fixed code and a second code part. The fixed code can be used within the framework of a door-locking system for the building for identifying the key user as the one authorized to enter the building. Both the fixed code and the second code part are used to operate a motor vehicle lock.

Abstract: An anti-theft system is described adaptable to any motor vehicle have a removable accessory electronic unit such as a high-fidelity stereo component unit installed within a mounting bracket and slidably detachable therefrom. Upon leaving the car, the vehicle owner takes along the entire accessory unit, or alternatively takes only a detachable front control panel from the unit, for secure safekeeping or to be retained in the personal possession of the owner. At the same time, continuity of the electrical circuit supplying current from the storage battery to the motor vehicle fuel pump (or ignition switch, or other control component of the vehicle) is interrupted, thus preventing normal operation of the vehicle and protecting against unauthorized use.