Apparatus for remotely controlling a vehicle in motion

• US 5,815,822 A
• Filed: 03/12/1996
• Issued: 09/29/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Howard Iu
• Original Assignee: Howard Iu
• Inventors: Iu, Howard
• Primary Examiner(s): ZANELLI, MICHAEL J
• Application Number:
  US08/615,394
• Time in Patent Office: 931 Days
• Field of Search: 364/426.027, 364/423.099, 364/424.055, 364/424.045, 340/426, 180/167, 180/287, 307/10.2, 701/82, 701/2, 701/107, 701/36
• US Class Current: 455/420
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/08 operating on brakes or brake systems

Abstract

Apparatus for control of a moving vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an electronically-activated traction control system for control of traction of the wheels of the vehicle, with computer software for control of the system, a receiver for receiving an electronic signal and which is capable of being activated from a remote location and a controller implementing the computer software within the traction control system which is capable of being activated by a signal transmitted to the receiver. On receipt of the electronic signal, a reduction in the speed of the motor vehicle is effected by activation of the traction control system.

Claims

1. Apparatus for control of a moving vehicle comprising:

(a) an electronically-activated traction control system for control of traction of the wheels of the vehicle, said system having computer software for control of the system;

(b) a receiver for receiving an electronic signal and which is capable of being activated from a remote location; and

(c) a controller within the traction control system capable of being activated by a signal transmitted to the receiver and, on said activation, implement the computer software to effect a reduction in the speed of the motor vehicle by activation of the traction control system.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the receiver is a cellular telephone.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which activation of the traction control system is independent of braking and steering functions of the vehicle.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 in which activation of the traction control system is independent of braking and steering functions of the vehicle.

5. The apparatus of claim 3 in which the controller effects a turning off of the motor of the vehicle on a further signal transmitted to the receiver.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 in which the controller effects a turning off of the motor of the vehicle when the speed of the vehicle falls below a predetermined speed.

7. The apparatus of claim 3 in which the vehicle is an automobile.

8. A method for the control of a moving motor vehicle having an electronically-activated traction control system, comprising activating the traction control system from a remote location, said activation of the traction control system causing a reduction in the speed of the vehicle, said activation of the traction control system being independent of the steering and braking systems in the vehicle.

9. The method of claim 8 in which a cellular telephone is used in the activation of the traction control system.

10. The method of claim 8 in which the traction control system effects a turning off of the motor of the vehicle on a further signal transmitted thereto from the remote location.

11. The method of claim 8 in which the traction control system effects a turning off of the motor of the vehicle when the speed of the vehicle falls below a predetermined speed.

12. The method of claim 8 in which the vehicle is an automobile.