Automotive adaptable security module for a starter solenoid

• US 5,548,164 A
• Filed: 10/07/1992
• Issued: 08/20/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 10/07/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ultimate Support Systems Incorporated (Act Entertainment Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Ultimate Support Systems Incorporated (Act Entertainment Inc.)
• Inventors: McDougall, Allan P., Hillard, John N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pellinen, A. D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Elms, Richard T.
• Application Number:
  US07/957,707
• Time in Patent Office: 1,413 Days
• Field of Search: 307/10.6, 307/10.3, 307/10.4, 361/172, 361/171, 361/728, 361/730, 361/752, 361/725, 180/271, 180/287, 123/198 DC, 340/426, 340/427, 70/DIG. 30, 70/255, 70/237, 70/386, 70/416, 70/417, 70/422
• US Class Current: 307/10.3
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/045 by limiting or cutting the electrical supply to the propulsion unit

Abstract

An anti-theft starter circuit system and electronic circuit security module housing apparatus for use therewith in a motor vehicle having an electrically operable starter motor and solenoid arrangement, the electronic circuit security module housing being mechanically adaptable to and installed directly upon existing starter solenoids, and a system access code entry device within the vehicle operator'"'"'s compartment.

Claims

1. A mechanically adaptable security module circuit housing apparatus for use in conjunction with a motor vehicle electric starter motor solenoid, comprising, in combination:

a generally cylindrical housing arrangement having housing walls comprised of an axially rotatable bearing assembly;

a structural top plate attached to said axially rotatable bearing assembly, said top plate including a plane surface, a plurality of retainer lock rings fittingly connected to an interior surface of said top plate;

a solenoid with high-current input stud bolt means mounted to said housing arrangement

a plurality of electrical current conducting lock shaft assemblies mounted to and extending outwardly from said housing arrangement and connected to said solenoid high-current input stud bolt means, each said lock shaft assembly including a threaded and parallel grooved rigid shaft arrangement;

a rotatable radially adjustable terminal shaft having a compression spring and fastener means for mounting onto said solenoid high-current input stud bolt means;

a generally cylindrical weather sleeve mounted between said housing arrangement and said solenoid;

a plurality of torque-limiting fasteners affixed to certain of said threaded lock shaft assemblies for securing said housing arrangement to said lock shaft assemblies; and

a plurality of locking fasteners mounted outboard of said torque-limiting fasteners.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said housing arrangement is protected by a shock absorbing protective shroud mounted thereto by radially extending compression springs and a weather boot/impact dampener.

3. A mechanically adaptable security module circuit housing apparatus for use in conjunction with a motor vehicle starter motor solenoid, comprising, in combination:

a generally cylindrical housing arrangement having housing walls comprised of an axially rotatable bearing assembly;

upper and lower conical wall means on said housing arrangement which tapers axially outwardly from a larger to a smaller periphery and is connected to said axially rotatable bearing assembly;

solenoid with high-current input stud bolt;

an electrical current conducting lock shaft assembly extending outwardly from said housing arrangement connected to said solenoid high-current input stud bolt;

a lock shaft assembly including an internally threaded keeper having a conductive element;

a compression spring;

an internal insulating ring; and

an electrical conductor for said high-current input stud.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said electrical current conducting lock shaft assembly including an adaptor mechanically and electrically interfaces between said housing arrangement and said solenoid;

an extension power adaptor;

a lateral power adaptor; and

a sheathed flexible power adaptor.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said housing walls are comprised of a generally cylindrical structural mid-section joined to a structural upper and lower conical wall which tapers axially outwardly from a larger to a smaller periphery and is rotatable axially by bearing assemblies located within an upper and lower small periphery terminus of said upper and lower conical wall;

and an electrical current conducting lock shaft assembly extending outwardly from said housing arrangement and connected to said solenoid high-current input stud bolt and said lock shaft assembly consists of a plurality of interspaced retainer lock ring keepers;

a compression spring;

an internal insulating ring; and

an electrical conductor element.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said electrical current conducting lock shaft assembly has an adaptor which is mechanically and electrically interconnected between said apparatus and said solenoid;

an extension power adaptor;

a lateral power adaptor; and

a sheathed, flexible power adaptor.