TWIN IGNITION SYSTEM

• US 20080178855A1
• Filed: 01/31/2007
• Published: 07/31/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Peter W. Petersen Trust
• Original Assignee: Peter W. Petersen Trust
• Inventors: Petersen, Peter William
• Granted Patent: US 7,405,492 B1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 123/640
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/063 preventing starting of vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/066 actuating a signalling device B60K28/063 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/241 whereby access privileges are related to the identifiers
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2540/24 Drug level, e.g. alcohol

Abstract

A twin ignition system for automotive vehicles and the like is disclosed and claimed. Ignition system #1 comprises a known ignition system which allows electrical access to the engine starter, and allows full function of all facilities with which the vehicle is equipped. Ignition system #2 has its own subsystems which can be set to control vehicle speed and/or other vehicle operating parameters. Each system can be accessed by its own discreet key which does not allow access to the other ignition system.

Claims

1. A multiple ignition system for a vehicle, comprising in combination, a power source, a starter motor;

and a first and second ignition systems electrically connected between the power source and the starter motor,

whereby the first ignition system, when used independently, is capable of providing full function of all facilities with which the vehicle is equipped; and

the second ignition system, when used independently, provides only limited functionality of facilities with which the vehicle is equipped.

the second ignition system including governing means for signaling or restricting operation of the ignition circuitry and, consequently, the vehicle under predetermined circumstances.

2. A multiple ignition system according to claim 1 wherein said governing means includes a vehicle speed governor.

3. A multiple ignition system according to claim 1 wherein said governing means includes an impairment sensor.

4. A multiple ignition system according to claim 3 wherein said impairment means includes an alcohol impairment sensor.

5. A multiple ignition system according to claim 1 further including cautionary light illuminating circuitry whereby the cautionary light illuminating circuitry illuminates a cautionary light visible to those outside the vehicle when the vehicle is operated utilizing the second ignition system.

6. A multiple ignition system for an automobile providing different functioning capabilities of the automobile based upon which ignition system has been utilized comprising:

a power source;

a starter motor;

a fully functional ignition system electrically connected between the power source and the starter motor comprising a first key such that all facilities of the automobile are fully functional after the automobile is started utilizing the fully functional ignition system;

a restricted ignition system electrically connected between the power source and the starter motor comprising a second key such that at least one facility of the automobile is not fully functional after the automobile is started utilizing the restricted ignition system; and

a cautionary light visible to those outside the automobile which illuminates only when the automobile has been started utilizing the restricted ignition system so as to notify others that the automobile is being operated in a restrictive means.

7. The multiple ignition system of claim 6 whereby the at least one facility of the automobile that is not fully functional after the automobile is started utilizing the restricted ignition system comprises:

a speed governor for limiting the maximum speed of the automobile.

8. The multiple ignition system of claim 6 whereby the cautionary light displays “

TEENAGE DRIVER.”

9. A method of providing safer teenage drivers on the road comprising:

equipping a vehicle with a dual ignition system such that the first ignition system provides full functionality of the vehicle and the second ignition system provides only limited functionality of the vehicle whereby the second ignition system limits the maximum speed of the vehicle;

providing a cautionary lighting system to inform other drivers when the vehicle is being operated by a teenage driver;

providing an adult driver a fully functional key for engaging the first ignition system of the vehicle;

providing a teenage driver a restricted key for engaging the second ignition system of the vehicle;

illuminating the cautionary lighting system when the teenage driver operates the vehicle utilizing the restricted key; and

limiting the maximum speed of the vehicle when the teenage driver operates the vehicle utilizing the restricted key.