Electronic key system for vehicles
First Claim
1. An electronic key system for a gas powered vehicle having an electric ignition, comprising:
- a keypad for allowing an authorized operator of the vehicle to input an identification code (ID code) that identifies the operator;
an electrically controllable switch for selectively enabling operation of the ignition; and
, a controller responsive to the ID code input by the keypad for controlling the switch to enable operation of the ignition.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A keypad-based security system limits access to the ignition of a gas powered vehicle such as a golf or utility cart, to authorized operators having authorized ID codes. The security system, which is easily retrofit to existing vehicles, is interposed between the vehicle'"'"'s ignition switch and the switch circuit of the vehicle. ID codes input by the operator using an on-board keypad are compared with a set of authorized ID codes stored in a memory, and a relay is energized to connect the ignition switch to the switch circuit with the energy source when the input ID code is verified as matching one of the authorized ID codes stored in the memory. The keypad uses only five keys to input a four digit ID code comprising any of the digits from 0 to 9.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. An electronic key system for a gas powered vehicle having an electric ignition, comprising:
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a keypad for allowing an authorized operator of the vehicle to input an identification code (ID code) that identifies the operator;
an electrically controllable switch for selectively enabling operation of the ignition; and
,a controller responsive to the ID code input by the keypad for controlling the switch to enable operation of the ignition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A security system for restricting access to the ignition of an electric vehicle to authorized operators, comprising:
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a keypad for allowing an authorized operator of the vehicle to input an identification code (ID) code uniquely identifying the operator; and
,a control circuit coupled between an ignition switch on the vehicle and an on-board power supply used to power the vehicle, the control circuit including (a) a memory for storing a plurality of ID codes respectively associated with authorized operators of the vehicle, (b) an electrically controllable switch for selectively coupling the ignition switch in a circuit with the power supply, (c) a controller for comparing the input ID code with each of the plurality of ID codes stored in the memory and for actuating the controllable switch to couple the ignition switch in circuit with the power supply when the input ID code matches one of the ID codes stored in the memory. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of restricting access to the ignition of an electric vehicle to authorized operators, comprising:
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(A) assigning an ID code to each of a plurality of authorized vehicle operators;
(B) storing the assigned ID codes in a memory;
(C) receiving an ID code input by an operator seeking access to the ignition;
(D) comparing the input ID code with the plurality of ID codes stored in step (B), (E) enabling the ignition when the ID code compared in step (D) matches one of the ID codes stored in step (B). - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification