Patent · US Expired

Theft prevention starter system for a vehicle

US4157479A · kind A · utility

9Cited by
4References
3Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 25, 1977
Grant dateJun 5, 1979
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 25, 1997

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R25/045
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A theft prevention starter system for a motorized vehicle is disclosed which operates to thwart unauthorized attempts at starting the vehicle's engine. The system includes a starter circuit having a starter switch, a bridge circuit, and an anti-theft switch disposed in series with each other. A key is provided having a pair of resistors mounted thereon that are connected to other resistors when the key is inserted into the vehicle's starter lockswitch to form the bridge circuit. A sensing branch of the bridge circuit is coupled to the anti-theft switch and in the event current flows through the sensing branch, the anti-theft switch will be opened to prevent the activation of the starter motor. Current flow in the sensing branch circuit will be absent if resistors having the proper value of resistance are matched when the key is inserted in the lockswitch. Inserting a key having the improper resistances will result in the flow of current in the sensing branch portion of the bridge circuit which will provide for the immediate opening of the anti-theft switch thereby precluding activation of the starter motor.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.