US5440177A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Integrated auto-theft prevention system
Assignee: Motor Vehicle Protection Systems Inc
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Filing: 1993-05-10
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Granted: 1995-08-08
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Expires: 2013-05-10
Abstract
Abstract A motor vehicle theft protection system employs a pre-set distortion in the vehicle timing system to preclude unauthorized access to the vehicle. The system uses a key containing codes corresponding to the timing off-set. Without the codes, the timing off-set prevents operation of the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Howard T. Bellin
- 👤 Robert P. Dingwall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 11:09
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R25/00; B60R25/20; B60R25/01; B60R25/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
In combination in a system for preventing unauthorized operation of a motor vehicle comprising: a. key module means for receiving a key containing coded values corresponding to a timing offset in a distributor means in said motor vehicle, said offset in either digital or analog format and extracting these coded values for decoding; b. System Controller means for receiving coded values from said key module means and processing said values to allow an output of a properly timed distributer timing signal pursuant to receipt of said values that correspond to an authorized use of the vehicle; wherein said system controller means receives a timing signal from said distributor offset by a known amount and said received coded values are used in said controller means to modulate and correct said offset if authorized.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
In combination in a system for preventing unauthorized operation of a motor vehicle comprising: a. key module means for receiving a key containing coded values corresponding to a timing offset in a distributor means in said motor vehicle, said offset in either digital or analog format and extracting these coded values for decoding; b. System Controller means for receiving coded values from said key module means and processing said values to allow an output of a properly timed distributer timing signal pursuant to receipt of said values that correspond to an authorized use of the vehicle; wherein said system controller means receives a timing signal from said distributor offset by a known amount and said received coded values are used in said controller means to modulate and correct said offset if authorized.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 1, wherein said key module means includes means to decode an analog coded value, providing an analog signal timing offset to said System Controller means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system of claim 2, wherein said System Controller means further includes a means to create a time interval for failed attempts to provide a proper timing code to said System Controller means wherein system operation is shutdown completely during the duration of said time interval.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 3, wherein said System Controller means is connected to one or more components in said motor vehicle by potted cables which include both line and dummy lines.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 4, wherein said potted cables are non-color coded and connected by connector fittings encased in hardened steel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 5, wherein said cables are run throughout said motor vehicle in a deliberately arbitrary pattern by the installer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
124 words
In combination in a method to prevent unauthorized operation of a motor vehicle comprising the steps of: a. installing in said motor vehicle a key module means capable of accessing from a key a unique coded value permitting operation of said motor vehicle; b. installing in said motor vehicle a System Controller means; c. connecting said key module means to said System Controller means; d. connecting a distributor system to said System Controller means; and e. connecting said System Controller means to an ignition system, wherein said distributor system provides a timing signal to said System Controller means that has a timing delay which is corrected by said System Controller means only upon receipt of a proper coded value from said key module means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
124 words
In combination in a method to prevent unauthorized operation of a motor vehicle comprising the steps of: a. installing in said motor vehicle a key module means capable of accessing from a key a unique coded value permitting operation of said motor vehicle; b. installing in said motor vehicle a System Controller means; c. connecting said key module means to said System Controller means; d. connecting a distributor system to said System Controller means; and e. connecting said System Controller means to an ignition system, wherein said distributor system provides a timing signal to said System Controller means that has a timing delay which is corrected by said System Controller means only upon receipt of a proper coded value from said key module means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 7, wherein said key module means provides an output of a coded value upon activation by a removable key, wherein said removable key includes stored data corresponding to said coded value.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 8, wherein said connecting steps (c) and (d) include connection of plural dummy lines in potted cables.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 9, wherein said coded value corresponds to the existing time delay in said distributor system.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 10, wherein said connecting steps use connectors made with case-hardened steel.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-08-07 | 1999-02-06 | 1999-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-08-07 | 2003-02-06 | 2003-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-08-07 | 2007-02-06 | 2007-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |