Patent US3885164A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3885164A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Anti-theft system for automotive vehicles
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-06-24
•
Granted: 1975-05-20
•
Expires: 1994-06-24
Abstract
Abstract A security system adapted to be connected to an engine ignition circuit for disabling an automotive vehicle. The system includes a security circuit with an impedance component that downgrades the ignition capabilities and prevents or retards engine firing and operation. The security circuit is automatically enabled each time the ignition key switch is opened. When the ignition key is subsequently closed, the security circuit will remain enabled until a concealed magnetic proximity switch is closed by bringing a magnet in close proximity to the hidden switch. The switch energizes a relay with contacts that normally keep the impedance component in the ignition circuit but which, when the relay is energized, remove the impedance component so that the ignition circuit is operative. The relay has a holding circuit means that keeps it energized until the ignition switch is turned off even though the magnetic proximity switch is open.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary W Vest
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 19:06
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R25/00; B60R25/20; B60R25/21; B60R25/01; B60R25/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
184 words
In an ignition circuit including an ignition key switch, a distributor having a set of contacts, a plurality of spark plugs operatively connected to said distributor, a voltage supply source and at least one electrical component operatively connected between said voltage supply source and said distributor for causing a sparking voltage for said spark plugs sufficient to cause and maintain engine firing, a theft prevention device comprising: an impedance component, a relay adapted when de-energized by said voltage supply source to switch said impedance component into operating condition in said ignition circuit to limit the level of any transient surge of sparking voltage developed across said ignition circuit electrical component sufficiently to prevent said spark plugs from maintaining engine firing magnetic proximity switch means adapted when activated to energize said relay coil, separate magnetic means adapted to be carried by a vehicle operator for activating said proximity switch when placed in the vicinity thereof, holding circuit means operatively connected to said relay for holding said relay energized after said proximity switch closes whereby said relay is energized until said ignition key switch is open.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
184 words
In an ignition circuit including an ignition key switch, a distributor having a set of contacts, a plurality of spark plugs operatively connected to said distributor, a voltage supply source and at least one electrical component operatively connected between said voltage supply source and said distributor for causing a sparking voltage for said spark plugs sufficient to cause and maintain engine firing, a theft prevention device comprising: an impedance component, a relay adapted when de-energized by said voltage supply source to switch said impedance component into operating condition in said ignition circuit to limit the level of any transient surge of sparking voltage developed across said ignition circuit electrical component sufficiently to prevent said spark plugs from maintaining engine firing magnetic proximity switch means adapted when activated to energize said relay coil, separate magnetic means adapted to be carried by a vehicle operator for activating said proximity switch when placed in the vicinity thereof, holding circuit means operatively connected to said relay for holding said relay energized after said proximity switch closes whereby said relay is energized until said ignition key switch is open.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said sparking-voltage-causing electrical component is the ignition system condenser.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device as defined in claim 2 wherein said impedance component of said theft prevention device comprises a reactive element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
A device as defined in claim 3 wherein said reactive element is a capacitor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
66 words
A device as defined in claim 2 wherein said ignition condenser comprises two capacitors connected in parallel relation and including one capacitor remote from said theft prevention device and having a capacitive reactance of insufficient magnitude to cause engine firing, and another capacitor located with said theft prevention device whereby the equivalent capacitive reactance of said parallel capacitors is of sufficient magnitude to cause engine firing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
A device as defined in claim 1 including a hood latch, a solenoid adapted to lock said hood latch when de-energized and to unlock said hood latch when energized, and switch means associated with said relay to energize said solenoid when said relay is energized.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A device as defined in claim 1 including a bypass switch operatively connected between said power supply source and said relay, said switch adapted when closed to energize said relay after said ignition key switch is opened.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device as defined in claim 1 wherein said sparking-voltage-causing electrical component is electrically interconnected to the ignition circuit through means of the theft prevention device.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3634724A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-19 | 1978-11-18 | 1979-05-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-19 | 1982-11-18 | 1983-05-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-19 | 1986-11-18 | 1987-05-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |