Including Immobilization Patents (Class 340/426.11)
  • Patent number: 8976014
    Abstract: A control module provides for immobilization of a vehicle. The control module includes an intelligent control disposed within a housing of the control module, a plurality of discrete inputs and a plurality of discrete outputs operatively connected to the intelligent control, at least one network interface operatively connected to the intelligent control, at least one user interface operatively connected to the intelligent control, and software stored for execution by the intelligent control, the software providing instructions to control functions of a vehicle associated with the control module, the functions including vehicle immobilization functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Trimark Corporation
    Inventors: David S. Magner, Anita L. Reichling
  • Patent number: 8963698
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for controlling functions of a vehicular alarm. The method includes receiving one or more signals including location information, determining a location of the vehicle using the location information, setting one or more functions based on the location information, determining whether an alarm function is activated, and activating the one or more functions according to the setting upon determining that an alarm has been activated. The method may further include using GPS data or signals transmitted from one or more base stations (e.g., from cellular telephone base stations, computer networks, proprietary transmitters, etc.) to determine the position of the apparatus (e.g., installed in the vehicle). The apparatus may also inform a user of regulations relating to an area dependent upon its location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Victor A. Grossman
  • Patent number: 8934682
    Abstract: Providing an ID-verified blood test, in one aspect, may include enabling a user to press a finger against a fingerprint-reading panel and reading a fingerprint of the user. A blood sampling device coupled to the fingerprint-reading panel may be activated while the user has the finger against the fingerprint-reading panel to sample blood from the finger. Blood may be sampled from the user via the blood sampling device while the user has the finger against the fingerprint-reading panel. A test may be performed on the sampled blood to determine a level of specified chemical in the blood. User identification may be determined based on the fingerprint. The determined user identification and the level of the specified chemical may be returned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron K. Baughman, Peter K. Malkin
  • Patent number: 8918251
    Abstract: The CAN based vehicle immobilizer is a vehicle immobilizer which utilizing the CAN bus of the engine (powertrain) CAN connection on the OBDII/J1962 port or the vehicle CAN system, will completely immobilize a vehicle, preventing use of said vehicle and the starting of said vehicle engine. The vehicle immobilizer system can be installed by a 3rd party on an aftermarket basis and used to immobilize a vehicle despite an immobilization system being already present on said vehicle is not accessible by said 3rd party. The vehicle immobilizer system enables a user to immobilize the vehicle engine efficiently without shorting the CAN network bus lines, and with a minimum of modifications to the vehicle. The vehicle immobilizer system enables a user to immobilize a vehicle from starting the engine and from being driven with minimal modifications to vehicle wiring and with limited to no changes to the vehicle electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventors: Stephan A Tarnutzer, Thomas Prohaszka
  • Patent number: 8896465
    Abstract: A method is described for providing an advanced indication to a driver that a road segment which will require his attention is located along his route. The method comprising: a) detecting the vehicle's current location and identifying a road segment that the driver is about to reach; b) for the identified road segment, retrieving values of driving performance parameters associated therewith; c) evaluating whether any of the retrieved values exceeds a pre-defined threshold, and based on that evaluation, determining whether the identified road segment is a low service level segment and thus would require the driver's attention; and d) providing the driver with an advanced indication indicating the road segment which has been determined as being a segment of a low service level for the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Greenroad Driving Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Ofer Nissim Raz, Oren Musicant
  • Patent number: 8854199
    Abstract: A Driver Risk Assessment System and Method Employing Automated Driver Log. The system and method provides robust and reliable event scoring and reporting, while also optimizing data transmission bandwidth. The system includes onboard vehicular driving event detectors that record data related to detected driving events, vehicle condition and/or tasking, roadway environmental conditions, selectively store or transfer data related to said detected driving events. If elected, the onboard vehicular system will “score” a detected driving event, compare the local score to historical values previously stored within the onboard system, and upload selective data or data types if the system concludes that a serious driving event has occurred. The system may respond to independent user requests by transferring select data to said user at a variety of locations and formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Lytx, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryon Cook, Jamie Etcheson
  • Patent number: 8855895
    Abstract: A system is disclosed having a primary vehicle and a secondary vehicle that is carried by the primary vehicle when not in use. The system further includes at least one of an immobilizing device to immobilize the primary vehicle if the secondary vehicle is removed from the primary vehicle, a data storage device for storing information regarding usage of the primary and secondary vehicles, a user interface device for displaying information regarding usage of the primary and secondary vehicles, and a user prompt for providing information regarding potential opportunities for use of the secondary vehicle to encourage usage of the secondary vehicle and lower CO2 emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Torsten Gerhardt, Marcus Hurst, Robert Spahl, David Burrage
  • Patent number: 8847770
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for performing an alcohol monitor in a vehicle based on a driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver is provided. The apparatus comprises an electronic device that is positioned within the vehicle. The electronic device is configured to receive a driver status signal indicating that the driver of the vehicle is the secondary driver. The electronic device is further configured to receive an alcohol content measurement from an alcohol monitoring device (AMD) indicative of blood alcohol content for the secondary driver. The electronic device is further configured to compare the alcohol content measurement to a predetermined alcohol content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Steven Yellin Schondorf
  • Publication number: 20140266652
    Abstract: Remote tamper detection. At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: receiving Global Positioning System (GPS) signals indicative of a location, the receiving by a first device coupled to an asset; periodically sending a signal of operability between the first device and a second device, the second device coupled to the asset, and the second device configured to selectively disable the asset; determining that receipt of the signal of operability has ceased; and then issuing an indication of the location of the first device responsive to the determining that receipt of the signal of operability has ceased, the issuing from the first device by a wireless transmission to a remote operations center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140247121
    Abstract: An electric-powered vehicle is provided which is capable of charging a battery with stability, and which is capable of limiting the charging of the battery in the event of theft to provide a high degree of effectiveness of preventing theft by using a simple configuration. In the electric-powered vehicle, a vehicle storage section stores therein information, e.g. an ID list, about charging facilities permitted to charge a vehicle-mounted battery. When the electric-powered vehicle is connected to a charging facility, a charging facility ID acquisition section acquires the ID of the charging facility from the charging facility connected thereto. When it is judged that the ID of the charging facility acquired by the charging facility ID acquisition section is included in the ID list of charging facilities stored in the vehicle storage section, a charging request section makes a request to the charging facility for charging of the vehicle-mounted battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshihide SATAKE, Kenta Nakamura, Takanori Matsunaga, Yoichi Okubo
  • Patent number: 8810383
    Abstract: A device for controlling an adaptive cruise control system based on driver status is provided. The device comprises a controller configured to receive at least one driver status signal indicative of the driver being either a primary driver or a secondary driver and to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is the one of the primary driver and the secondary driver based on the at least one driver status signal. The controller is further configured to allow control by a primary driver over operating parameters of an ACC system and to allow the primary driver to establish a restricted mode in which a secondary driver is prevented from making certain dis-allowed changes in the operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Allan Lippman, Jerry H. Engelman
  • Patent number: 8798851
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile crane having means for wireless reception or for the determination of data identifying the location of the crane as well as having transmission means which are in communication with these means or can be connected to them, wherein the transmission means are configured such that they transmit the data identifying the location of the crane from the crane to a receiver in a wireless manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Morath
  • Patent number: 8792687
    Abstract: Providing an ID-verified blood test, in one aspect, may include enabling a user to press a finger against a fingerprint-reading panel and reading a fingerprint of the user. A blood sampling device coupled to the fingerprint-reading panel may be activated while the user has the finger against the fingerprint-reading panel to sample blood from the finger. Blood may be sampled from the user via the blood sampling device while the user has the finger against the fingerprint-reading panel. A test may be performed on the sampled blood to determine a level of specified chemical in the blood. User identification may be determined based on the fingerprint. The determined user identification and the level of the specified chemical may be returned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron K. Baughman, Peter K. Malkin
  • Patent number: 8781714
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling engine restarting of a vehicle includes a hood opening recognition switch automatically on when a hood of the vehicle is opened and outputting a hood opening recognition signal; a front sensor installed on the front of the vehicle and outputting a sensing signal by sensing an object positioned with a predetermined distance in front of the vehicle; a determination unit verifying whether at least one of the hood opening recognition signal and the sensing signal is inputted in the state where an engine of the vehicle is off; and a setting unit setting a lock of restarting of the engine when it is verified that at least one of the hood opening recognition signal and the sensing signal is inputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sejun Kim, Chongah Gwon, Jiyong Yu, Junghwan Bang
  • Patent number: 8779912
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an onboard computer (OBC) and associated circuitry capable of spoofing or mimicking a fault condition tricks an electronic control module (ECM) of an automobile or other such vehicle into implementing an engine derate procedure resulting in vehicle immobilization that is safe and that is credibly attributable to a genuine vehicle fault condition. For example, in response to an engine shutdown command, the OBC might cause a fault-spoofing engine shutdown device in one embodiment to spoof an engine overheating condition by inserting an electrical resistance in parallel with the resistance of an engine temperature sensor, thus lowering the electrical resistance of the temperature sensor as detected by the ECM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cadec Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Heimir Sverrisson, Daniel D. Principe
  • Patent number: 8773252
    Abstract: A gear lever locking device to be installed inside a gear lever cover panel is characterized in that it comprises an auxiliary connector transverse stud and a gear lever connector which is slidable in accordance with the movement of a gear lever. On an auxiliary connector, there is provided a plurality of stud holes for use with a gear lever transverse stud having a stud end pushing mechanism. The stud end pushing mechanism receives the force exerted from a locking mechanism by a pressing means. The gear lever locking device according to the present invention includes screw guards and a cover wall that have been designed to cover a locking mechanism installation portion to prevent any removal of fastening screws or a gear sling, to prevent disassembling or breaking of the locking mechanism of the gear lever locking device to improve safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: Kamol Kantajaraniti, Somchai Tiemsiriwat
  • Patent number: 8751104
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a computing platform configured with first configuration information, an identification module that receives driver identification information and determines whether to enable the computing platform based on the identification information, and a communication module that establishes communications between the computing platform and an off-vehicle information store storing second configuration information if the computing platform is enabled. The vehicle also includes an update module that updates the computing platform with the second configuration information if the second configuration information is different than the first configuration information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Thomas Hermann, Timothy P. Curtis
  • Patent number: 8742908
    Abstract: Object tracking is facilitated. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an object tracking apparatus (200) includes a proximate-range circuit (212), a positioning circuit (214) and a communications circuit (216). The proximate-range circuit wirelessly verifies the identity and presence of at least one proximate-range communications device (220), and the positioning circuit determines positioning information of the object tracking apparatus. The communications circuit receives outputs from the proximate-range circuit and positioning circuit respectively regarding the verification and positioning information, and wirelessly communicates data to a remote communications station based upon the received outputs (140).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: NXP, B.V.
    Inventor: Cedric Boudy
  • Patent number: 8736438
    Abstract: In general, this disclosure discloses techniques for using a computing device as a smart vehicle key. The computing device may send a validation request signal to a vehicle via a first short-range communication protocol. After to sending the validation request signal, the computing device may establish a secure connection with the vehicle over a second short-range communication protocol. The computing device may send via the secure connection an ignition signal to the vehicle that activates an ignition system operable to activate a motor of the vehicle. The computing device may periodically send via the secure connection a keep-alive message to the vehicle as the motor of the vehicle is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Vasquez, Vinson Mok
  • Patent number: 8730006
    Abstract: Provided is an engine control unit, which supports an antitheft system outputting, when a key ID registered in a portable device matches an authentication-purpose key ID registered in a receiver, a receiver status signal that contains information indicating that the portable device has been authenticated, and which is initiated in response to an initiating instruction has not been issued from an external, includes: starting control unit for controlling a starting operation of an engine in response to a start permission signal; storage unit registered with an authentication-purpose receiver ID for authenticating the receiver; and antitheft function install/non-install judging unit for judging whether or not the antitheft function is installed to the moving object, in which, when the authentication-purpose receiver ID is not registered in the storage unit and the receiver status signal is not entered, the antitheft function install/non-install judging unit judges that the antitheft function is not installed, an
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuaki Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 8674845
    Abstract: A system for controlling movement of a personal mobility vehicle near a restricted region is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a detector that is configured to be disposed on the personal mobility vehicle and that is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal transmitted to the restricted region. The system also includes a control unit configured to communicate with the detector. The control unit is further configured to determine proximity of the detector to the restricted region using information related to the signal received by the detector. The control unit is also configured to provide a command to inhibit movement of the personal mobility vehicle in response to the determined proximity of the vehicle to the restricted region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Carter, Jesse M. James, Stephen E. Hannah
  • Patent number: 8660709
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for validating a vehicle operator. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises an input device for allowing entry of vehicle operator identification information, a transceiver for transmitting a message and receiving a response to the message, an interface for allowing a processor to communication with a vehicle sub-system, and a processor connected to the input device, the transceiver, and the interface, the processor for receiving the vehicle operator identification information from the input device, for generating the message comprising the vehicle operation identification information and providing the message to the transceiver, for receiving the response from the transceiver and for controlling the vehicle sub-system, via the interface, based on the response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Omnitracs, Inc.
    Inventors: John Harvey, Thomas F. Doyle, Michael L. Segal
  • Patent number: 8629765
    Abstract: To generally prevent people from being able to take out and move shopping carts from shopping cart parking areas at times when the store is not open, the blocking devices on the shopping carts are activated when the shopping carts are parked in shopping cart parking areas when the store is not open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventors: Horst Sonnendorfer, Franz Wieth
  • Publication number: 20130342332
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for controlling functions of a vehicular alarm. The method includes receiving one or more signals including location information, determining a location of the vehicle using the location information, setting one or more functions based on the location information, determining whether an alarm function is activated, and activating the one or more functions according to the setting upon determining that an alarm has been activated. The method may further include using GPS data or signals transmitted from one or more base stations (e.g., from cellular telephone base stations, computer networks, proprietary transmitters, etc.) to determine the position of the apparatus (e.g., installed in the vehicle). The apparatus may also inform a user of regulations relating to an area dependent upon its location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Victor A. Grossman
  • Patent number: 8615347
    Abstract: An anti-theft security device for a vehicle coupling, in particular a fifth wheel coupling (1), includes a security apparatus (2) and a control apparatus (3) which are electrically connected to each other. The control device (3) is connected to at least one vehicle-side system (10a, b, c) having an emergency function. Upon the triggering of at least one emergency function of the vehicle-side system, the control apparatus (3) deactivates the control apparatus (2) directly or indirectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Jost-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: José Manuel Algüera Gallego, Swen Saupe
  • Patent number: 8599033
    Abstract: An information processing device is provided which includes a detection portion that detects an approach or a touch of an operating body and that is provided on an external surface of a housing having a first housing and a second housing that is openably/closably attached to the first housing, a storage portion that stores detection information detected by the detection portion and a blinking pattern, and a blinking control portion that controls blinking of a light emitting portion based on the detection information detected by the detection portion and on the blinking pattern. With this configuration, results of detection by the detection portion can be notified to the user by the light emitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Konno, Taiki Hori, Eiji Kimura
  • Patent number: 8600583
    Abstract: A flight control system for an aircraft, controlling a plurality of actuators adapted to actuate control surfaces of the aircraft, including: at least one communications bus; at least one computer situated in the avionics bay of the aircraft, and adapted to calculate flight commands and to transmit them over the bus in the form of command messages; and at least a first remote terminal connected to the bus, adapted to control a control surface actuator, and to acquire the state of the actuator from information provided by at least a first sensor, the first terminal receiving command messages from the computer and transmitting electrical orders to the actuator as a function of the command messages received in this way, and also transmitting messages to the computer, at its request, relating to the state of the actuator as a function of the information provided by the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Marc Fervel, Jean-Jacques Aubert, Antoine Maussion
  • Patent number: 8581711
    Abstract: Rule-based intoxicating substance testing associated with vehicles. At least some of the various embodiments are methods including: receiving a signal that a prospective driver intends to drive a vehicle; retrieving at least one previously stored rule regarding intoxicating substance testing associated the vehicle; retrieving data relevant to the rule; determining whether intoxicating substance testing is indicated by the rule; enabling the vehicle responsive to an indication that intoxicating substance testing is not indicated; and administering an intoxicating substance test to the prospective driver responsive to an indication that an intoxicating substance test is indicated. And if the intoxicating substance test is administered: enabling the vehicle responsive to the prospective driver passing the intoxicating substance test, the enabling by the onboard device; and disabling the vehicle responsive to the prospective driver failing the intoxicating substance test, the disabling by the onboard device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Morgan, Christopher M. Macheca, Amy E. Rossetter, Stanley G. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8577548
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus and a method for transmitting at least one of an audio signal and a video signal based on driver status and an occurrence of a predetermined vehicle event is provided. The apparatus comprises an entertainment device. The entertainment device is configured to receive a key identification signal from a key indicative of the driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver and to receive a vehicle status signal to detect the occurrence of the predetermined vehicle event. The entertainment device is further configured to disable the transmission of the at least one of the audio signal and the video signal in response to the key identification signal indicating that the driver is the secondary driver and to detecting the occurrence of the predetermined vehicle event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Scott Alan Watkins, Matthew J. Dalebout, Andrew D. Sarkisian
  • Patent number: 8569908
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle which has a plurality of drives, of which in particular one drive is a combustion engine and the other is an electric drive, all the drive control units, if appropriate even a transmission control unit, require enabling by an immobilizer control unit before the first control unit outputs control commands to communicate a torque request, input by a vehicle driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Johann Graf, Martin Steinbrueck
  • Publication number: 20130278446
    Abstract: An observation system for a vehicle is provided. The observation system includes an observation apparatus and a server. The observation apparatus includes a location identification unit producing a location information and a movement identification unit producing a movement information. The observation apparatus transmits a first movement warning message including the location information to the server when the movement information matches a burglar model, and transmits a second movement warning message to the server when the movement information matches a suspicious burglar model. The server compares a vehicle information with an advanced burglar model in response to the second movement warning message. The disclosure further provides an observation apparatus and a server for the observation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YUH-SHYING GAU
  • Patent number: 8531280
    Abstract: A multi sensor detection and disabling lock system includes detector cases for holding interchangeable detectors that sample for chemical, biological and radiological compounds, agents and elements, with each detector case disposed in or upon the monitored product. The detector case transmits detection information to a monitoring computer terminal and transmits a signal to a lock disabler engaged to the product to lock or disable the product's lock thereby preventing untrained, unauthorized and unequipped individual's from gaining access and entry to the product, and also preventing further contamination of the area. The detection system can be interconnected to surveillance towers scanning detector cases disposed at seaport docks, freight depots and rail terminals for monitoring containers being prepared for shipment or sitting on docks for long periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Golden
  • Publication number: 20130207795
    Abstract: A burglar proof system for a vehicle is provided. The burglar proof system includes an observation module, a portable dashboard, a dashboard docking station, and an engine control module. When the portable dashboard is connected to the dashboard docking station, the authenticity of a portable dashboard is determined. The engine control module can only operate when the portable dashboard identification is validated. The dashboard docking station transmits a validation failure warning message to a server if a portable dashboard is not authenticated. When the portable dashboard is not coupled with the dashboard docking station, the engine control module is disabled, and the observation module transmits locational information to the server in response to any movement of the vehicle determined according to onboard sensors. The disclosure further provides a burglar proof method for a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YUH-SHYING GAU
  • Patent number: 8509964
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Hetronic International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ecton, Torsten Rempe, Max Heckl
  • Patent number: 8497768
    Abstract: Disclosed is an antitheft, emergency system for a vehicle. The system may include a system activation switch, at least one emergency switch, an engine shutoff element connected to the engine, and an emergency transmitter. The at least one emergency switch may trigger the engine shutoff element to render the engine inoperational and may simultaneously, covertly trigger an emergency transmitter to transmit a distress signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas J. Brown
  • Patent number: 8483887
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hetronic International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ecton, Torsten Rempe, Max Heckl
  • Patent number: 8482382
    Abstract: A smart communication system and method for a vehicle includes a master switch for toggling smart functionality on and off. An actuation signal is received by a control unit corresponding to a particular vehicle function. The actuation signal indicates that a corresponding actuating operation is occurring. The control unit determines whether the master switch is in an ON position. A key fob of the vehicle is confirmed to be within a search field of the vehicle when the master switch is determined to be in the ON position. The particular vehicle function is actuated when the key fob is confirmed to be within the search field; otherwise, manual actuation of the particular vehicle function is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian K. Lickfelt, Dave G. Peterson, Hideaki Arai
  • Patent number: 8478475
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted electronic appliance has a vehicle state detection portion which detects a vehicle being parked, a sound indication portion, and a sound indication control portion. When the vehicle state detection portion detects that the vehicle is parked, the sound indication control portion makes the sound indication portion indicate a warning to watch out for theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hongying Wang
  • Patent number: 8461974
    Abstract: An electric circuit for controlling the access and immobilizing a vehicle has a first antenna driver (12) for driving a first antenna (19) for emitting a signal (100) in the event of identification of an ID transmitter (3) for access control of a vehicle. A second antenna driver (24) is provided for driving a second antenna (21) for emitting a signal (104) in the event of identification of an ID transmitter (3) for the immobilizer of the vehicle. In addition, the electric circuit has a receiver device (14) for receiving a signal captured by an antenna (21) for the identification of an ID transmitter (3) for the immobilizer. The first antenna driver (12) and the receiver device (14) are commonly integrated into a semiconductor chip (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignees: Continental Automotive GmbH, Continental Automotive France
    Inventors: Ulrich Emmerling, Bernhard Förstl, Daniel Hostmann, Matthias Huschenbett, Luc Jansseune, Rupert Schuster, Roland Wagner
  • Patent number: 8451105
    Abstract: A security and driver identification system for use within the commercial transportation industry and which can be applied to private vehicles. The central component of the system is a telecommunications mobile terminal located within the vehicle with primary capability being to positively identify driver and vehicle to facilitate transceiver wireless communications between vehicle and authorized personnel. The telecommunications mobile terminal is preprogrammed with wireless network number, and is accessible and security procedure implemented by biocell phone communication from authorized driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: James Holland McNay
  • Patent number: 8436721
    Abstract: A motor vehicle theft protection and disablement system that is safe, not easy to circumvent, and offers benefits to vehicle owners as an incentive for their participation. The system is for preventing vehicle theft and carjacking. The system comprises five elements, a motor vehicle, a programmable safety switch, a keypad transmitter, an automatic security switch, and at least one remote activation transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Shongkawh LLC
    Inventors: Kao Lee, Thao Lee
  • Patent number: 8432269
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for disabling a vehicle. An exemplary system includes, but is not limited to an antenna that is adapted to be attached to the vehicle. The antenna is configured to transmit and receive communication transmissions. A telematics unit is communicatively connected to the antenna. The telematics unit is adapted for attachment to the vehicle and is configured to communicatively connect to a necessary sub-system of the vehicle, to receive telecommunications from a user through the antenna, and to disable the necessary sub-system in response to receiving an instruction from the user to disable the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Christensen, Michael D. Solomon, Carl J. Hering, Ryan M. Edwards, Jason J. Parks, Travis L. Bradburn, Laura R. Chmielewski
  • Patent number: 8417415
    Abstract: A driver authentication and safety system and method for monitoring and controlling vehicle usage by high-risk drivers. A centralized database comprising a software application can be accessed by an authorized user via a data communications network utilizing a remote computer in order to configure a desired operating profile that matches requirements of the high-risk driver. The operating profile can be loaded to a driver identification and data logging device in conjunction with the remote computer. A master control unit receives a unique identification code from the data logging device to authenticate the high-risk driver and to operate the vehicle within the desired operating profile. A slave control unit receives commands from the master control unit and generates a real time alarm signal if the driver violates the preprogrammed operating profile unique to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Phelan
  • Patent number: 8380363
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remote control system for controlling a railway vehicle. The remote control system including a remote control device for transmitting signals to a first controller module. The first controller is mounted to the railway vehicle and controls and monitors the functions of the railway vehicle. The first controller module also relays information to the remote control device. The remote control system can also include a portable safety switch allowing any individual in proximity to the railway vehicle to send a stop signal to the first controller module to stop the railway vehicle if any unsafe conditions exist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Hetronic International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Ecton, Torsten Rempe, Max Heckl
  • Publication number: 20130033369
    Abstract: An electronic anti-theft system and method is described herein. The system may inhibit the completion of vehicle theft, carjacking, as well as deter any unauthorized use of the vehicle. The system may include an input device and a microcontroller. The input device may communicate with an engine control module of a motor vehicle, wherein the engine control module controls an engine of the motor vehicle. The microcontroller may communicate with a door sensor of the vehicle and be able to detect when a door is opened. The microcontroller may include a door open circuit that can send a signal to the engine control module to disable the engine after a predetermined amount of time has lapsed in response to detecting that the door was opened. The microcontroller may disable the engine provided that a PIN is not received at the input device within the predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald A. Burnett
  • Publication number: 20130021145
    Abstract: Object tracking is facilitated. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an object tracking apparatus (200) includes a proximate-range circuit (212), a positioning circuit (214) and a communications circuit (216). The proximate-range circuit wirelessly verifies the identity and presence of at least one proximate-range communications device (220), and the positioning circuit determines positioning information of the object tracking apparatus. The communications circuit receives outputs from the proximate-range circuit and positioning circuit respectively regarding the verification and positioning information, and wirelessly communicates data to a remote communications station based upon the received outputs (140).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Cedric Boudy
  • Patent number: 8359136
    Abstract: An electromechanical parking brake for a motor vehicle is provided. The electromechanical parking brake includes an operating element that operates a wheel brake, a central control unit that provides an electric supply to the operating element via at least one supply line, an electric actuating unit for interrupting the supply to the operating element, and a control line that connects the central control unit with the electric actuating unit. The operating element and the electric actuating unit are arranged at the motor vehicle in a manner protected against external manual access. The central control unit controls the electric actuating unit via the control line in order to interrupt the supply to the operating element or to reestablish the supply to the operating element. The central control unit also monitors the control line to detect a manipulation of the control line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Demmer
  • Publication number: 20130015962
    Abstract: Systems and methods for utilizing location information, including global positioning system (GPS) tracking data facilitate the tracking and protection of assets and the management of location conflicts. Rules are established governing a response of a management system to the receipt of tracking information such that an appropriate action may be taken. When assets move outside of assigned areas or during predetermined times, an appropriate response may be taken to prevent or mitigate theft. Location conflicts may be avoided by detecting location conditions that may lead to various location conflicts. Management of assets is facilitated by the use of the location information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Rodger Steven Dailey
  • Patent number: RE43891
    Abstract: A multi sensor detection and disabling lock system includes detector cases for holding interchangeable detectors that sample for chemical, biological and radiological compounds, agents and elements, with each detector case disposed in or upon the monitored product whereupon light alarm indicators (color coded) on the detector case light up when a specific compound or agent is detected whereupon the detector case transmits detection information to a monitoring computer terminal and transmits a signal to a lock disabler engaged to the product to lock or disable the product's lock thereby preventing untrained, unauthorized and unequipped individual's from gaining access and entry to the product, and also preventing further contamination of the area. An authorized individual resets the detection system, and the system's power source is electrical, battery or computer generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Golden
  • Patent number: RE43990
    Abstract: A multi sensor detection and disabling lock system includes detector cases for holding interchangeable detectors that sample for chemical, biological and radiological compounds, agents and elements, with each detector case disposed in or upon the monitored product whereupon light alarm indicators (color coded) on the detector case light up when a specific compound or agent is detected whereupon the detector case transmits detection information to a monitoring computer terminal and transmits a signal to a lock disabler engaged to the product to lock or disable the product's lock thereby preventing untrained, unauthorized and unequipped individual's from gaining access and entry to the product, and also preventing further contamination of the area. An authorized individual resets the detection system, and the system's power source is electrical, battery or computer generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Golden