Electrical transmission or interconnection systems – Vehicle mounted systems – Automobile
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-09
2001-05-22
Jackson, Stephen W. (Department: 2836)
Electrical transmission or interconnection systems
Vehicle mounted systems
Automobile
C307S010100, C307S010200, C307S010300, C307S010500, C307S010600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06236120
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to vehicle anti-theft security systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a keyless ignition system where an operator must provide a preselected code to start and operate the vehicle.
Self-powered vehicles used in the construction and agricultural vehicles are subject to theft and operation by unauthorized persons. Unlike most highway vehicles, which typically are only operated by one or a few individuals over a lengthy period of time, selfpowered construction equipment and certain types of agricultural equipment are often operated by many persons, especially when the equipment is moved between work sites. Workers in the construction and agricultural fields are often employed on a short-term basis and tend to change employers frequently, which compounds the difficulty of maintaining vehicle security.
Keyless systems for allowing operation of a vehicle without using a conventional key have long been known. These keyless systems typically require the entry of a proper sequence of key depressions through an array of switches, after which the engine starting controls operate normally. These systems obviate the need for an authorized user of the vehicle to carry keys to gain access. Some systems developed for the automotive industry have used a combination of a conventional key along with a keyboard to accept and recognize a preselected code. After entry of the preselected code, the key can be turned in a conventional manner to start the engine. In the event of the car stalling, a timer is initiated that allows the car to be started without re-entry of the preselected code. Thus, if the vehicle does stall in traffic, it can be turned on simply by turning the ignition key as is conventional. After a preselected period has lapsed, the system will enter a secured mode where the correct preselected code must be entered to start the vehicle.
Many systems further allow the system to be deactivated, for example, while the vehicle is being serviced or driven for other reasons. Although handy, placement of the system in an unsecured mode makes the vehicle particularly vulnerable. If the operator forgets to reactivate the security mode, the vehicle is easily susceptible to theft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first embodiment, a security system for a vehicle includes a keyboard for receiving input codes that comprise an access code and a start code. As used herein an access code is either a “user code” or a “master code”. A user code is known to an operator of the vehicle and allows the vehicle to be started. A master code is known to the owner of the vehicle and allows the owner to change parameters of the system that can not be changed by only entering the user code.
In the first embodiment, a processor is operably coupled to the keyboard for receiving signals indicative of each access code and the start code, wherein the processor provides an output signal if an input code corresponds to the access code and is followed by the start code. The processor also provides the output signal if the start code has been entered during an adjustable time period after the vehicle has been turned off. A controlled device is operably connected to the processor and controls a component of the vehicle to allow the vehicle to start when the output signal from the processor is received.
In a second embodiment, a keyless security system for a vehicle includes a keyboard for receiving input codes that comprise access codes and a start code, and a controlled device for controlling a component of the vehicle to allow the vehicle to start. A processor is operably coupled to the keyboard for receiving signals indicative of each access code and the start code and is operably coupled to the controlled device for providing an output signal for controlling the controlled device. The processor provides an output signal only if an input code corresponds to an access code and is followed by the start code, or if the start code has been entered during an adjustable time period after the vehicle has been turned off. The time period is adjusted through entry of the master code.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3544804 (1970-12-01), Gaumer et al.
patent: 3619633 (1971-11-01), Brandon
patent: 3670836 (1972-06-01), Tonkowich et al.
patent: 3731156 (1973-05-01), Watson
patent: 3756341 (1973-09-01), Tonkowich et al.
patent: 3766400 (1973-10-01), Walters
patent: 3784839 (1974-01-01), Weber
patent: 3796889 (1974-03-01), Fradkin et al.
patent: 3812403 (1974-05-01), Gartner
patent: 3907060 (1975-09-01), Burton et al.
patent: 3968666 (1976-07-01), MacKinnon
patent: 3987408 (1976-10-01), Sassover et al.
patent: 4107962 (1978-08-01), MacKinnon
patent: 4150731 (1979-04-01), Tannenbaum
patent: 4232758 (1980-11-01), Crosas
patent: 4288778 (1981-09-01), Zucker
patent: 4292620 (1981-09-01), Pagane
patent: 4342024 (1982-07-01), Rossi
patent: 4360074 (1982-11-01), Parquet
patent: 4463340 (1984-07-01), Adkins et al.
patent: 4553511 (1985-11-01), Hayakawa et al.
patent: 4645939 (1987-02-01), Robinson
patent: 4682062 (1987-07-01), Weinberger
patent: 4690240 (1987-09-01), Russo
patent: 4691801 (1987-09-01), Mann et al.
patent: 4736113 (1988-04-01), Leu
patent: 4738333 (1988-04-01), Collier et al.
patent: 4809199 (1989-02-01), Burgess et al.
patent: 4834207 (1989-05-01), Havenhill et al.
patent: 4852680 (1989-08-01), Brown et al.
patent: 4888575 (1989-12-01), De Vaulx
patent: 4932494 (1990-06-01), Chandler
patent: 4991683 (1991-02-01), Garreto et al.
patent: 5006843 (1991-04-01), Hauer
patent: 5041510 (1991-08-01), Gotanda
patent: 5079435 (1992-01-01), Tanaka
patent: 5138986 (1992-08-01), Aguilar
patent: 5193641 (1993-03-01), Durrell
patent: 5481253 (1996-01-01), Phelan et al.
patent: 5547039 (1996-08-01), Berger et al.
patent: 5561332 (1996-10-01), Udo et al.
patent: 5583383 (1996-12-01), Denz et al.
patent: 5640057 (1997-06-01), Hirata et al.
patent: 5821631 (1998-10-01), Loraas et al.
patent: 43 15 758 C1 (1994-06-01), None
Jacobson Scott B.
Loraas Orlan J.
Clark Equipment Company
Jackson Stephen W.
Roberto Rios
Westman Champlin & Kelly P.A.
LandOfFree
Keyless ignition system with washout feature does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Keyless ignition system with washout feature, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Keyless ignition system with washout feature will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2480524