Communications: electrical – Land vehicle alarms or indicators
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-24
2001-07-31
Trieu, Van T. (Department: 2736)
Communications: electrical
Land vehicle alarms or indicators
C340S426110, C307S010200, C307S010500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06268790
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a vehicle anti-theft system and more particularly to an anti-theft method and apparatus that employs an assist motor of the vehicle's steering assist system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Anti-theft systems for use on automobiles are generally well known. Some such systems include door locks, alarm systems, and keyless entry systems. Other mechanisms to help deter vehicle theft include systems which lock the steering wheel. Typically, a mechanical interlock is used to prevent the steering wheel from being turned without the initial proper turning of an ignition key. Additionally, after-market systems have been developed that lock the steering wheel in a fixed position and others that limit the amount that a steering wheel can be turned.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,429 to Hackl et al. discloses a steering system for a motor vehicle where improved theft protection is achieved by a steering lock that always engages as the vehicle is shut down. Thus, the driver of the vehicle is free from the task of engaging the steering lock.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,428 to Fasse et al. discloses a hydraulic power steering system for a motor vehicle that comprises valve arrangements to hydraulically lock the power steering. As a result, the vehicle steerable wheels can be hydraulically locked in a given position.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,436 to DuFrene discloses a apparatus for locking a hydraulic cylinder of a steering system into a disabled condition so as to discourage theft.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,751,073 to Ross discloses an electric steering column lock. The electric column lock is an electrically activated device which, when locked, prevents steering and thus prevents the vehicle from being driven any significant distance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an anti-theft method and apparatus that utilizes an assist motor of a vehicle power assist steering system.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the anti-theft apparatus includes a torque sensor for sensing applied steering torque and providing a signal indicative thereof. A power assist motor is steerably connected to steerable wheels of the vehicle. The anti-theft apparatus further includes a detector for detecting whether the vehicle has an authorized user and providing a signal indicative thereof. A controller controls the power assist motor in a first mode responsive to the sensed applied steering torque when the detector detects that the vehicle has an authorized user and in a second mode responsive to the sensed applied steering torque when the detector detects that the vehicle does not have an authorized user.
According to another aspect of the current invention, a method is provided for preventing the theft of a vehicle having a power assist steering system provided including the steps of detecting whether the vehicle has an authorized user, sensing applied steering torque, and controlling the power assist steering system when the vehicle does not have an authorized user in response to the sensed applied steering torque so as to oppose the sensed steering torque.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3802531 (1974-04-01), Schiesterl
patent: 4534436 (1985-08-01), Dufrene
patent: 4749873 (1988-06-01), Mutoh et al.
patent: 5398017 (1995-03-01), Chen
patent: 5454238 (1995-10-01), Ross et al.
patent: 5656867 (1997-08-01), Kokubu
patent: 5751073 (1998-05-01), Ross
patent: 5811887 (1998-09-01), Peyre et al.
patent: 5893428 (1999-04-01), Fasse et al.
patent: 5893429 (1999-04-01), Hackl et al.
patent: 6039144 (2000-03-01), Chandy et al.
patent: 6041887 (2000-03-01), Kojo et al.
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
Trieu Van T.
TRW Inc.
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