Vin reading and transmitting system

• US 6,052,065 A
• Filed: 08/07/1997
• Issued: 04/18/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 08/07/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Deborah L. Glover
• Original Assignee: Deborah L. Glover
• Inventors: Glover, Deborah L
• Primary Examiner(s): Horabik, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): Dalencourt, Yves
• Application Number:
  US08/910,517
• Time in Patent Office: 985 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.54, 340/825.69, 340/825.71, 340/825.72, 340/505, 340/572, 340/572.1, 340/572.8, 342/51, 342/44, 342/42, 367/2, 367/6, 180/313, 701/300, 1/1
• US Class Current: 340/10.42
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/017 identifying vehicles G08G1/015, G08G1/054 take precedence

Abstract

A new VIN Reading and Transmitting System for providing a device for automatically detecting a vehicle identification number and transmitting the number to a dispatch station for immediate identification of the vehicle and owner. The inventive device includes a vehicle unit containing the vehicle identification number, a portable unit which enables the vehicle unit to transmit the number which is detected by the portable unit, a digital repeater which receives a signal from the portable unit for transmitting to a receiver at the dispatch office where the number can be utilized to disclose the vehicle and the owner which can be transmitted to the police officer immediately.

Claims

1. A vehicle identification number reading and transmitting system comprising:

a vehicle unit for transmitting a coded radio frequency signal upon reception of a radio frequency initiating signal by said vehicle unit, said coded signal containing a vehicle identification number of a vehicle;

a portable unit for selectively transmitting said initiating signal, said portable unit further being for receiving said coded signal transmitted by said vehicle unit, said portable unit having a digital repeater for re-transmitting said coded signal containing the vehicle identification number; and

a receiver positioned within a dispatch station for receiving said re-transmitted coded signal from said digital repeater to permit use of said vehicle identification number to identify information related to said vehicle, said receiver further being for transmitting said information to said portable unit for displaying said information.

2. The vehicle identification number reading and transmitting system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle unit is formed within a license tab secured to a license plate of said vehicle for facilitating transmission of said initiating signal directly towards said vehicle unit.

3. The vehicle identification number reading and transmitting system of claim 2, wherein said information comprises an owner of said vehicle, said vehicle'"'"'s type, and whether said vehicle is stolen.