US3754148A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Security system for preventing unauthorized use of electric circuits
Assignee: Space Electronics Inc
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Filing: 1972-07-24
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Granted: 1973-08-21
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Expires: 1992-07-24
Abstract
Abstract A coded security system for an electric circuit includes a bank of touch type switches and requires selection of a plurality of the switches in predetermined order to render the circuit effective together with an arrangement for bypassing the security system during servicing or adjustment or other authorized use of the circuits. The bypassing arrangement is coded to require the simultaneous operation of a plurality of the touch switches after the first coded switches have been actuated to render the circuit effective. The circuitry for the system is enclosed in an armored and locked box to prevent tampering or unauthorized alteration of the codes. The system is described as applied to an automobile ignition circuit to prevent unauthorized use of the automobile.
Inventors
- 👤 G Nye
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 23:23
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01H; H01H27/00; H01H27/10; B; B60; B60R; B60R25/00; B60R25/01; B60R25/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
197 words
A security system for preventing unauthorized use of an electric circuit comprising: a first relay including normally open contacts effective on closing for connecting the electric circuit to a direct current voltage source, coded circuit means for energizing the winding of said first relay to close said contacts, said coded circuit means including a set of touch type switches and a predetermined plurality of said switches less than the total member and triggerable switching devices connected to respective ones of said predetermined plurality of switches and effective upon actuation of said devices in a predetermined sequence for energizing the windings of said first relay, a second relay having normally open contacts connected in parallel with said contacts of said first relay and effective on closing for connecting the electric circuit to the direct current source regardless of the condition of said first relay, said second relay being of the latching type whereby it maintains its contacts closed after its winding is deenerigzed, means actuated by the simultaneous actuation of a selected plurality of said touch type switches for energizing said second relay, and means for preventing energization of said second relay when said first relay is de-energized.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
197 words
A security system for preventing unauthorized use of an electric circuit comprising: a first relay including normally open contacts effective on closing for connecting the electric circuit to a direct current voltage source, coded circuit means for energizing the winding of said first relay to close said contacts, said coded circuit means including a set of touch type switches and a predetermined plurality of said switches less than the total member and triggerable switching devices connected to respective ones of said predetermined plurality of switches and effective upon actuation of said devices in a predetermined sequence for energizing the windings of said first relay, a second relay having normally open contacts connected in parallel with said contacts of said first relay and effective on closing for connecting the electric circuit to the direct current source regardless of the condition of said first relay, said second relay being of the latching type whereby it maintains its contacts closed after its winding is deenerigzed, means actuated by the simultaneous actuation of a selected plurality of said touch type switches for energizing said second relay, and means for preventing energization of said second relay when said first relay is de-energized.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
A security system for preventing unauthorized use of an electric circuit as set forth in claim 1 including means dependent upon actuation of said predetermined plurality of switches in other than said predetermined sequence for resetting said triggerable devices.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
A security system for preventing unauthorized use of an electric circuit as set forth in claim 2 including means dependent upon actuation of any of a plurality of said set of switches other than said predetermined plurality of switches for resetting said triggerable devices.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
A security system for preventing unauthorized use of an electric circuit as set forth in claim 1 including an armored box having an access cover and a lock for preventing unauthorized access thereto, said triggerable devices and said relays being mounted within said box, and said electric circuit including a utilization component mounted withn said box.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
A security system as set forth in claim 4 including readily detachable connectors arranged within said box for connecting said touch type switches to said triggerable devices and to said resetting means whereby said switches may be selectively interchanged for effectiNg a change in the coding of said system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
A security system as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said selected plurality of switches includes a respective normally open pair of contacts and said pairs are connected in series with one another and in parallel with the contacts of said first relay.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
A security system as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one of said selected plurality of said touch type switches is a second switch connected to be actuated simultaneously with one of said predetermined plurality of swithces.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A security system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said electric circuit is the starting system of an automotive vehicle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
A security system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said electric circuit is the starting system of an automotive vehicle, and said component is the ignition coil of said starting system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
A security system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said electric circuit is the starting system of an automotive vehicle, and the ignition coil of said starting system is mounted within said box.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
A security system as set forth in claim 6 wherein said electric circuit is the starting system of an automotive vehicle and the ignition coil of said starting system is mounted within said box.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
A security system as set forth in claim 5 including manually actuatable means within said box for connecting said circuit to the direct current source.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3691396A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-08-20 | 1977-02-19 | 1977-08-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-20 | 1981-02-19 | 1981-08-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-20 | 1985-02-19 | 1985-08-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |