Integrated auto-theft prevention system

• US 5,440,177 A
• Filed: 05/10/1993
• Issued: 08/08/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 05/10/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Motor Vehicle Protection Systems Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Motor Vehicle Protection Systems Incorporated
• Inventors: Bellin, Howard T., Dingwall, Robert P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pellinen, A. D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Elms, Richard T.
• Application Number:
  US08/060,026
• Time in Patent Office: 820 Days
• Field of Search: 307/10.1-10.5, 180/287, 70/DIG. 46, 70/241, 70/278, 70/264, 361/172, 340/825.31, 340/825.3, 340/825.32, 340/825.34, 340/825.54, 340/825.56, 123/198 B, 123/198 DC
• US Class Current: 307/10.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/20 Means to switch the anti-theft system on or off

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.

Claims

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said potted cables are non-color coded and connected by connector fittings encased in hardened steel.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said cables are run throughout said motor vehicle in a deliberately arbitrary pattern by the installer.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said connecting steps (c) and (d) include connection of plural dummy lines in potted cables.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein said coded value corresponds to the existing time delay in said distributor system.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said connecting steps use connectors made with case-hardened steel.