Method and apparatus for disabling the drive train of a targeted motor vehicle from a remote location

• US 20040124707A1
• Filed: 12/30/2002
• Published: 07/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Clayton Boggs
• Original Assignee: Clayton Boggs
• Inventors: Boggs, Clayton
• Granted Patent: US 7,049,709 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 307/10.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor

Abstract

A system for remotely disabling the drive train of a vehicle including an identifier unit which includes a first processor, a scanner connected to the first processor for transmitting a scanning signal and receiving an identification code signal from the vehicle, and a disabling transmitter connected to the first processor for generation of a disabling signal. The system further includes a disabling apparatus connected to a drive train of the vehicle. The disabling apparatus includes an identification tag for receiving the scanning signal and transmitting the identification code signal in response to receipt of the scanning signal, a valve connected to the drive train, and a second processor for receiving the disabling signal and controlling the valve to move the drive train into a neutral gear upon receipt of the disabling signal.

Claims

1. A system for remotely disabling the drive train of a vehicle comprising:

a) an identifier unit including;

i) a first processor;

ii) a scanner connected to said first processor for transmitting a scanning signal and receiving an identification code signal from the vehicle; and

iii) a disabling transmitter connected to said first processor for generation of a disabling signal; and

b) a disabling apparatus connected to a drive train of the vehicle, said disabling apparatus including;

i) an identification tag for receiving said scanning signal and transmitting the identification code signal in response to receipt of said scanning signal;

ii) a valve connected to the drive train;

iii) a second processor for receiving said disabling signal and controlling said valve to move said drive train into a neutral gear upon receipt of said disabling signal.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said identifier unit further comprises a scanner switch connected between said first processor and said scanner for selectively activating said scanner.

3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said identifier unit further comprises a transmitter switch connected between said first processor and said disabling transmitter for selectively activating said transmitter.

4. The system as recited in claim 2, wherein said scanner includes a scanning transmitter for transmitting said scanning signal upon toggling of said scanner switch.

5. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein said scanner further includes a receiver for receiving said identification code signal and providing said identification code signal to said first processor for analysis thereof.

6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said identifier unit is located at a remotely from the vehicle.

7. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein said identifier unit is positioned within a second vehicle.

8. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said second processor includes a receiver for receiving said disabling signal.

9. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said valve is a solenoid valve.

10. The system as recited in claim 9, wherein said second processor compares said disabling signal with a stored identifier code and when said disabling signal is determined to match the identifier code of said second processor energizes said solenoid valve to move said drive train into neutral gear.

11. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said identification code signal generated by said identification tag includes information the target vehicle including at least one of the make and model of the vehicle, the owner of the vehicle, place of registration of the target vehicle, and insurance information about the vehicle.

12. The system as recited in claim 11, wherein said identifier unit includes an LED display connected to said first processor for displaying information contained in said identification code signal.

13. A system for disabling the drive train of a vehicle comprising:

a) a remote signal generator having a transceiver for generating and transmitting a disabling signal;

b) a disabling apparatus including a transponder for receiving said disabling signal and a processor connected to said transponder for processing said received disabling signal; and

c) an electromechanical switch connected between the drive train and an engine of the vehicle, wherein upon determining said received disabling signal matches a stored identification code, said processor controls said electromechanical switch to move from a first closed position to a second open position thereby preventing said drive train from engaging said engine.

14. The system as recited in claim 13, wherein said transceiver is able to generate and transmit an enabling signal for receipt by said transponder, whereby upon determining said enabling signal matches said stored identification code said processor controls said electromechanical switch to move from said second open position to said first closed position thereby allowing said drive train to engage said engine.