US 5,635,901 A · Anti-theft automobile security system

Abstract

First and second code comparators are sequentially responsive to keypad-entered first and second different codes. The first code enables operation of the engine. When a distance sensing device generates a signal representing traversal of a preset distance, this blocks the further operation of the engine based on the first code. The driver must enter a second code upon receipt of a warning that engine disablement is imminent. To prevent carjacking in which the driver is forcibly ejected from a car having its engine running in a normal operating mode, the driver surreptitiously trips a hidden switch as he exits the car. The hidden switch, which would typically be operated after both codes have been entered and with the engine running, resets the system. After a preset delay which is provided to permit the owner to reach safety from a carjacker, the system once again requires that the second code be inputted. The second code needs to be re-entered to keep the engine running. By this time the car will be sufficiently distant from the owner, and actuation of an alarm such as a siren encourages the carjacker to abandon the car at the time of such disablement.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A motorized-vehicle anti-theft security system for precluding unauthorized engine operation, comprising:

engine enabling code means responsive to an encoded input signal for enabling operation of an engine of a vehicle;
manually operated switch means placed in the vehicle for selective operation only by a driver of the vehicle after the engine is enabled by said engine enabling code means;
and
engine disabling means responsive to activation of said switch means for producing a signal to disable the operation of said engine and for requiring inputting of another encoded input signal to said engine enabling code means, before engine disablement occurs, in order for operation of said engine to continue without interruption after occurrence of said activation of the manually operated switch means.

1 more element

An automobile anti-theft security system for precluding unauthorized engine operation, comprising:

first engine enabling code means responsive to a first encoded input signal for enabling operation of an engine of an automobile;
engine disable means for disabling said engine after a predetermined time delay;
second engine enabling code means for overriding said engine disable means in response to an occurrence of a second encoded input signal within said predetermined time;
and
manually operated switch means for selective operation by a driver of said automobile after the engine is enabled by both said first and second engine enabling code means, said switch means including first delay means responsive to activation of said switch means for delayed disablement of the operation of said engine after it has been enabled in order to require entry of said second encoded input signal to said second engine enabling code means for enabling continued operation of said engine after occurrence of said activation of the switch means.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Anti-theft automobile security system

Life of this patent

Anti-theft automobile security system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20