Retina scanning anti-theft device for motor vehicles

• US 5,845,733 A
• Filed: 03/05/1997
• Issued: 12/08/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 03/05/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Adam Wolfsen
• Original Assignee: Adam Wolfsen
• Inventors: Wolfsen, Adam
• Primary Examiner(s): English, Peter C.
• Application Number:
  US08/812,352
• Time in Patent Office: 643 Days
• Field of Search: 180/287, 307/10.3, 307/10.4, 307/10.5, 340/426, 340/576, 340/825.31, 340/825.34, 382/117
• US Class Current: 340/5.53
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/063 preventing starting of vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor

Abstract

A retina scanning anti-theft device for motor vehicles includes a retinal scanner electrically connected to a vehicle'"'"'s ignition system for preventing a starter from turning over an engine within the vehicle unless a proper retinal pattern is detected. The inventive device further has the capabilities of detecting when a driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol by the dilation, constriction or expansion of the retinal blood vessels and thereby preventing the operation of the vehicle under such influence.

Claims

1. A retina scanning anti-theft device for motor vehicles comprising:

a retinal scanner capable of detecting and storing a plurality of retinal patterns for a plurality of valid users;

said retinal scanner being electrically connected to a vehicle'"'"'s ignition system for preventing starting of said vehicle unless said retinal scanner detects a retinal pattern substantially similar to one of said valid users; and

wherein said retinal scanner allows an individual to start said vehicle for a predetermined time period upon detection of said retinal pattern substantially similar to one of said valid users;

wherein said retinal scanner is electrically connected to a cut-off solenoid, wherein said cut-off solenoid is electrically connected between a starter motor of a vehicle and a solenoid of said starter motor of said vehicle for preventing electrical flow to said starter motor, whereby an electrical circuit between the solenoid of said starter motor and said starter motor is continuous only when said cut-off solenoid is closed;

wherein said retinal scanner includes;

an encasement for holding said retinal scanner;

a keypad in said encasement, said keypad being adapted for allowing, manual control of said retinal scanner;

a display in said encasement, said display being adapted for disclosing relevant information to a user;

a scanning lens in said encasement, said scanning lens being adapted for reading said retinal patterns of said users; and

a central processing unit positioned in said encasement, said central processing unit being electrically connected to said keypad, to said display and to said scanning lens.

2. A retina scanning anti-theft device for motor vehicles comprising:

a retinal scanner capable of detecting and storing a plurality of retinal patterns for a plurality of valid users;

said retinal scanner being electrically connected to a vehicle'"'"'s ignition system for preventing starting of said vehicle unless said retinal scanner detects a retinal pattern substantially similar to one of said valid users; and

wherein said retinal scanner allows up to 30 seconds for an individual to start said vehicle upon detection of said retinal pattern substantially similar to one of said valid users;

wherein said retinal scanner is electrically connected to a cut-off solenoid, wherein said cut-off solenoid is electrically connected between a starter motor'"'"'s existing solenoid and said starter motor for preventing electrical flow to said starter motor, whereby an electrical circuit between said existing solenoid and said starter motor is closed only when said cut-off solenoid is closed;

wherein said retinal scanner includes;

a substantially rectangular encasement with arcuate edges;

a keypad secured within said encasement for allowing manual control of said retinal scanner;

a display secured within said encasement for disclosing relevant information to a user;

a scanning lens secured within said encasement for reading said retinal patterns of said users; and

a central processing unit positioned within said encasement and electrically connected to said keypad, to said display and to said scanning lens.

3. The retina scanning anti-theft device for motor vehicles of claim 2, wherein said retinal scanner includes a shading member secured around a peripheral edge surrounding said scanning lens for preventing contamination during scanning of said users'"'"' retinal patterns.

4. The retina scanning anti-theft device for motor vehicles of claim 2, wherein said retinal scanner includes a clip secured to a rear surface of said encasement for removably engaging a rectangular tube secured within said vehicle.

5. The retina scanning anti-theft device for motor vehicles of claim 4, including a length of adhesive tape secured to said rectangular tube for mounting said rectangular tube within an interior portion of said vehicle.

6. The retina scanning anti-theft device for motor vehicles of claim 5, wherein said retinal scanner is electrically connected to said cut-off solenoid by a coiled data cable.

7. A retina scanning anti-theft device for motor vehicles comprising:

a retinal scanner capable of detecting and storing a plurality of retinal patterns for a plurality of valid users;

said retinal scanner being electrically connected to a vehicle'"'"'s ignition system for preventing starting of said vehicle unless said retinal scanner detects a retinal pattern substantially similar to one of said valid users; and

wherein said retinal scanner allows a pre-determined period of time for an individual to start said vehicle upon detection of said retinal pattern substantially similar to one of said valid users;

wherein said retinal scanner is electrically connected to a cut-off solenoid, wherein said cut-off solenoid is electrically connected between a starter motor of the vehicle and an electrical power supply of the vehicle for preventing the flow of electrical power to said starter motor, wherein an electrical circuit between said starter motor and said power supply is continuous when said cut-off solenoid is closed;

wherein said retinal scanner includes;

a substantially rectangular encasement;

a keypad within said encasement for allowing manual control of said retinal scanner;

a display within said encasement for disclosing relevant information to a user;

a scanning lens within said encasement for reading said retinal patterns of said users; and

a central processing unit positioned in said encasement and electrically connected to said keypad, to said display and to said scanning lens;

wherein said retinal scanner includes a shading member secured around a peripheral edge surrounding said scanning lens for preventing contamination during scanning of said users'"'"' retinal patterns;

wherein said retinal scanner includes a clip secured to a rear surface of said encasement for removably engaging a rectangular tube secured within said vehicle;

wherein a length of adhesive tape is secured to said rectangular tube for mounting said rectangular tube in an interior portion of said vehicle; and

wherein said retinal scanner is electrically connected to said cut-off solenoid by a coiled data cable.