WO1999033686A1

WO1999033686A1 - Remote-controlled anti-theft motor vehicle disablement system and method

Info

Publication number: WO1999033686A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/027761
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald J. Watson
Original assignee: Watson Ronald J
Priority date: 1997-12-30
Filing date: 1998-12-24
Publication date: 1999-07-08
Also published as: AU2020199A

Abstract

A remote-controlled anti-theft system (10) and method for motor vehicles including a transmitting device (12) which is a telephone is capable of transmitting a signal to a remote location, a receiving device (14) which is a pager for receiving the transmitted signal at the remote location, wherein the receiving device (14), in response to the transmitted signal, issues an output signal for controlling at least one of a vehicle's ignition system (17), fuel pump system (19) and auxiliary equipment system (21). A time delay period is activated upon receipt of the signal by the receiver (14) to begin a gradual shut down operation prior to complete disablement of the motor vehicle.

Description

REMOTE-CONTROLLED ANTI-THEFT MOTOR VEHICLE DISABLEMENT

SYSTEM AND METHOD

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motor vehicle anti-theft and theft-deterrent devices are well known in the art for preventing the theft of motor vehicles. Such known devices are typically available in many forms such as steering wheel locks, hood locks, ignition system cut-off devices, alarms and the like. However, these known anti-theft and theft-deterrent devices are often easily defeated by car thieves.

Recently, there has been an increase in incidences involving theft of motor vehicles in the presence of the vehicle's operator, commonly known as "car-jacking". Car-jacking usually occurs when a thief confronts a motor vehicle operator near the motor vehicle, while the engine is running or by obtaining the motor vehicle ignition keys, either by force or by the threat of force. In such instances, car-jackers bypass and render useless any of the widely known anti-theft or theft-deterrent devices, thereby gaining control of the motor vehicle. In these instances, the motor vehicle operator is well advised to surrender the motor vehicle to the car-jacker. However, once surrendered, the motor vehicle is usually lost to the car thief and rarely recovered.

In response to car-jacking practices, anti-theft or theft-deterrent devices have been developed which attempt to defeat ultimate vehicle theft by causing the motor vehicle to become disabled during the "getaway" by shutting off power to the motor vehicle's engine. However, these devices have major disadvantages and drawbacks in that they instantaneously shut-off the vehicle's engine power, which could occur at an inopportune instant in time, which could lead to accidents resulting in injuries to people as well as damage to property. These accidents may arise when a motor vehicle's power is suddenly shut-off while the vehicle is in motion. Other vehicle disablement systems have been developed where the shutdown of engine functions occurs only when the vehicles ignition system is turned-off and not while the engine is running to prevent re-starting of the vehicle by an unauthorized operator. Such systems allow a thief to drive a stolen vehicle for an undetermined period of time prior to turning-off the ignition. As a result, a thief may drive the stolen vehicle a great distance from the location of the theft before the vehicle is disabled.

Such vehicle disablement devices also require the authorized user to enter complex multiple commands into the transmitter prior to disabling the motor vehicle and require the use of a computer to control the operation of the device, increasing the cost of such devices. Such devices also require the authorized operator of the vehicle to remember the complex multiple command codes in order to activate the anti-theft device. Accordingly, there exists a need for a single device for safely disabling a motor vehicle while the engine is running without the entry of complex commands by the authorized operator and without the use of complex computers.

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for overcoming the disadvantages and drawbacks which are associated with the known prior anti-theft or theft-deterrent devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides for a remote-controlled anti-theft or theft-deterrent apparatus and method which provides for a vehicle disablement system in response to a motor vehicle theft, or for the prevention thereof. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a transmitter system, for transmitting an electronic signal upon the activation of the transmitter system by a motor vehicle owner or authorized operator (hereinafter collectively "authorized operator"). The transmitter system consists of a user interface device and a transmitting device. The user interface device provides the means by which the authorized operator may activate the apparatus. The transmitting device transmits a signal, in response to the authorized operator's activation of the transmitter system and the apparatus. The transmitter system is typically a remote-control system, which is separate from, and which is not electrically connected with, the remainder of the apparatus. The transmitter system should be capable of transmitting signals over long distances. The apparatus also comprises a receiver for receiving the signal transmitted by the transmitter system. The receiver may be any receiver device which is capable of receiving remote electronic signals, which may be transmitted by the transmitter system. The transmitter system/receiver combination of the apparatus of the present invention may be implemented by using a telephone/telephone pager system, which systems are well known in the telecommunication industry. It should be noted, however, that any transmitter system/receiver combination which allows for a transmission of a remote signal to a receiver over long distances may be utilized with the apparatus of the present invention. The receiver is electrically connected to the motor vehicle's ignition system through a basic analog or digital electronic circuit. The receiver generates an output signal in response to the receipt of a remote signal from the transmitter. The output signal activates the analog or digital circuit in order to disable the vehicle's ignition system. The output of the receiver may also be electrically connected to a motor vehicle fuel pump system, which may be de-activated so as to cut-off the flow of fuel to the vehicle's engine in response to an output signal from the receiver.

The receiver output of the may also be electrically connected to one or more of a vehicle auxiliary equipment system or systems in response to an output signal from the receiver. Such auxiliary equipment systems may include a loud siren or alarm, such as a ping generator, which may be located in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle and which may be activated so as to make it unbearable for an intruder to remain inside the motor vehicle passenger compartment, an external siren or alarm, which is capable of producing a loud sound, which may be activated so as to draw attention to the motor vehicle, a horn or horns, which may be activated so as to blare continuously or intermittently so as to also draw attention to the motor vehicle, and/or the vehicle's external light systems, which may include the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, brake lights, or flashers, which may be activated so as to be constantly illuminated or which may be activated to flash on and off repeatedly.

Upon the occurrence or discovery of a motor vehicle theft, the authorized operator of the motor vehicle may activate the apparatus by entering a valid access code into the transmitter interface, such as the telephone number of a pager, thereby activating a transmission from the transmitter system. The entry of a valid access code, and the resulting transmission of an access signal corresponding thereto, to the receiver of the apparatus, results in the apparatus being accessed. The apparatus is activated upon the accessing of the receiver which generates an output signal. The above sequence of events are analogous to those which occxir in a telephone/telephone pager system, wherein, when the pager has "answered the call" and has been activated.

The output signal from the receiver will activate the analog or digital control circuit to disable the vehicle's ignition system, thereby preventing the re-activation of the vehicle's ignition system and the restarting of the vehicle's engine. The output signal may also be issued so as to disable the vehicle's fuel pump system, thereby preventing fuel from being supplied to the vehicle's engine.

Once the vehicle's ignition system and the vehicle's fuel pump system, if utilized, have been disabled, only a manual reset may be employed to re-enable or to reset these vital vehicle systems thereby enabling the vehicle's engine to be restarted. Upon the resetting of the vehicle's ignition system and the vehicle's fuel pump system, if utilized, the vehicle will then be ready for operation, barring any need for service or repairs.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is electrically connected between the ignition switch and the ignition system or electric fuel pump of a vehicle. The apparatus draws standby power from a standard vehicle 12 volt battery to prevent resetting of the apparatus during engine shut-off and restarting. The receiver portion of a standard telephone pager is located inside the apparatus which is then interfaced with timing/control electronics, which in turn operate two high current relays.

The authorized operator of the vehicle activates the apparatus by finding a telephone which can be a cellular phone, and dialing first the pager number, waiting for the pager response, and then dialing in any random telephone number followed by the pound (#) sign to activate the pager receiver. The pager receiver will then generate an output signal to trigger the timing/control electronics. Upon activation of the apparatus, a buzzer will be activated along with a panel mounted flashing LED lights and an internal auxiliary relay. This serves as an initial safety warning, informing the driver of the vehicle, assuming the driver is aware of the system's operation, that if the apparatus is not de-activated within a set period of time which for example can be 28 seconds, the main relay will begin a gradual, gentle shutdown of the vehicle engine operation. This is intended primarily for warning an unauthorized user of the vehicle. The auxiliary relay of the apparatus can be used for any desired purpose for immediate triggering such as stereo system shut-off, to aid in warning the driver that the anti-theft apparatus has been triggered. The brake lights of the vehicle may also be activated at this time to warn other drivers and to prevent other vehicles from colliding with the rear end of the vehicle being disabled.

The apparatus of the present invention has two switch inputs for arming and resetting the apparatus. The first switch input is an arm/disarm toggle switch. In the disarm state, the trigger latching is unlatched if already tripped and is also prevented from further latching. The timing circuits are thereby reset along with the relay. The relay cannot be energized while the apparatus is in the disarm state. In the arm state, the trigger latch is ready to be fired and the apparatus will then begin the 28 second countdown, accompanied by a warning buzzer and flashing light, as well as any other desired auxiliary relay activation.

The second switch input is a test/pager reset, momentary push button. When pressed, power is momentarily cut from the pager receiver, thereby clearing the receiver of an incoming page. When released, the pager begins its test output sequence for several seconds. If the apparatus is in the disarm state, nothing else will happen when the pager receiver is reset. However, if the apparatus is in the arm state, a pager reset will trigger the latch circuit when the test output sequence begins. The apparatus can then be deactivated during the 28 second countdown by momentarily setting the arm/disarm switch to disarm.

After the 28 second countdown, if the apparatus is not reset, the apparatus begins a gradual, gentle shutdown of the vehicle engine. For a next set period of time such as for example another 28 seconds, a main relay will cycle on and off at a 0.5 second rate which forces the engine to slow down either because the ignition is being intermittently cut-off or fuel flow is reduced to the fuel injectors. After this additional 28 seconds, the gentle shutdown mode changes to a hard shutdown mode where the ignition or fuel flow is completely cut-off from the engine. The gentle shutdown mode provides additional protection for the unauthorized driver, the vehicle, and for persons near the vehicle before a hard shutdown of the engine occurs. The apparatus and the method of the present invention allows an authorized operator to safely surrender the motor vehicle under force, or the threat of force, while affording the authorized operator a means by which to take steps to prevent or thwart the theft of the motor vehicle from a safe location or vantage point.

The authorized operator may also utilize the present invention in order to disable the motor vehicle, at any time, such as at night or while at work, and from a remote location in order to prevent a vehicle's theft.

The apparatus of the present invention may be used in association with any known Global Positioning System (GPS) for identifying the location of a stolen vehicle after it is disabled to facilitate and expedite retrieval of the vehicle. By providing for an apparatus which is as small in size as possible, a more concealed installation of the apparatus in the motor vehicle can be achieved. It is also envisioned that the apparatus of the present invention may be installed in the motor vehicle during the vehicle's manufacture or assembly so as to enhance its concealment from thieves.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for a remote-controlled, anti-theft or theft-deterrent system whereby a motor vehicle authorized operator may, from a safe location remote from the location of the motor vehicle theft, disable a vehicle's ignition system, a vehicle's fuel pump system, and/or activate or de-activate a motor vehicle's auxiliary equipment system or systems. It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for a remote-controlled anti-theft or theft-deterrent system which provides for the disabling a motor vehicle by utilizing conventional touch tone telephone and telephone pager equipment. It is still another object of the present invention to provide an anti-theft or theft deterrent device which is easy to use and easy to install.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an anti-theft or theft deterrent device that provides for a gentle, gradual shutdown of a vehicle, during operation of the vehicle. It is another object of the present invention to provide an anti-theft or theft deterrent device that is a basic analog system.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an anti-theft or theft deterrent device that does not require the entry of complex codes or personal identification numbers by the owner to activate and control the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the apparatus of the present invention; FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of the operation of, or method utilized in conjunction with, the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the circuit operation of the apparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is an exemplary circuit board and electronic components of the apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the apparatus of the present invention generally referred to by the reference numeral 10. Apparatus 10 comprises a transmitter system 12 for transmitting an electrical, an electronic, or an electro-magnetic signal upon activation by a motor vehicle owner or authorized operator, hereinafter referred to collectively as the "authorized operator". Transmitter system 12 comprises a user interface device 12a and transmitter 12b. The user interface device 12a provides the means by which the authorized operator may access and activate apparatus 10. The transmitter 12b transmits a signal in response to the authorized operator's input into the interface device 12a for activation of apparatus 10.

Transmitter system 12 is a remote system, which is not electrically connected to the remainder of apparatus 10. Transmitter system 12 is not located in the motor vehicle, but rather, is external from and separate and apart from the motor vehicle. In the prefeπed embodiment, transmitter system 12 is designed to be capable of transmitting signals over long distances, of at least tens or even hundreds of miles or farther. Apparatus 10 also comprises a receiver 14 for receiving signals which are transmitted by transmitter system 12. The receiver 14 may be any receiver which is capable of receiving remote electrical, electronic, and/or electro-magnetic signals, which may be transmitted by transmitter system 12.

In the preferred embodiment, the transmitter system 12 and receiver 14 combination of apparatus 10 comprises a telephone and telephone pager system, which systems are well known in the telecommunication industry and practices. In such a telephone/telephone pager system, transmitter system 12 can be any touch-tone telephone which serves as a means for a user interface in the form of a keypad or the like for entering a data code or sequence, and which transmits a signal in response to the entered data to a receiver device which is typically a telephone pager. The receiver 14, or the communication system servicing receiver 14, in turn provides an indication in the form of a signal transmission back to the receiver, which signifies that a signal has been received. It is appreciated that the telephone/telephone pager system may be replaced with any other type of transmitter/receiver combination which provides for the transmission of a remote signal over long distances.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, upon receiving the signal, receiver 14 generates a distinct output signal normally used to alert the user that he has been paged, which is indicative of receiver 14 receiving the transmitted signal. The output signal of receiver 14 is typically used to activate a buzzer or vibrating mechanism to alert the user the receiver has been activated.

The output of receiver 14 is electrically connected to the motor vehicle's ignition system 17, which is located externally from apparatus 10. The receiver 14 transmits an output signal to the vehicle's ignition system 17, and other vehicle systems if desired, via an analog electronic component system, described in detail below in reference to Figs. 3 and 4. In this manner, receiver 14 controls the vehicle's ignition system 17 and other systems of the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, receiver 14 is electrically connected to the motor vehicle's fuel pump system 19 which is also located externally from apparatus 10. In the case of an electrical or an electronic fuel pump system, the output signal from receiver 14 will disable the vehicle's fuel pump system 19. In the case of a mechanical fuel pump system, the output signal from receiver 14 will disable an electrical valve system, which may be used to control the mechanical fuel pump system. Whichever the case may be, the output signal from receiver 14 will disable the vehicle's fuel pump system 19.

As another alternative, receiver 14 is also electrically connected to a vehicle's auxiliary equipment system or systems 21. The vehicle's auxiliary equipment system or systems 21 are located externally from apparatus 10. The vehicle's auxiliary equipment system 21 may include a loud siren or alarm, such as a ping generator, which may be located inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle and which may be activated to make it unbearable for an intruder to remain in the vehicle and cause damage to the vehicle or steal parts from the interior of the vehicle, such as an automobile stereo. The auxiliary equipment system 21 may also include an external siren or alarm, producing a loud piercing sound, which may be utilized to draw attention to the motor vehicle. The auxiliary equipment system 21 may also include a horn, which may blare continuously or intermittently, so as to also draw attention to the motor vehicle. The vehicle's external light system, which may include the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, brake lights, or flashers, which may be constantly illuminated or which may blink on and off repeatedly to draw attention to the motor vehicle, may also be utilized as a vehicle auxiliary equipment system 21.

The vehicle's auxiliary equipment system 21 may also include any other vehicle system or equipment feature which may be utilized to draw attention to the motor vehicle or in some other way impede the vehicle's theft. For example, in addition to activating the LED, warning buzzer, the brake lights start to flash and the interior light comes on before the engine shut-down occurs. The brake lights are activated as soon as the call is placed to prevent other vehicles from colliding into the rear of the vehicle being disabled. It should be noted that the provision of an apparatus which is as small as possible allows for an apparatus which may be more easily installed and concealed, so as to prevent its being located and defeated by a car thief. It is also envisioned that apparatus 10 may be installed in the motor vehicle during the vehicle's manufacture or assembly so as to insure that it is not easily detectable or accessible by a car thief. In addition, the electronic components of apparatus 10 may be potted and sealed in a self-contained unit to prevent access and destruction of such components by a thief. It is appreciated however, that the receiver components, such as the receiver board and electronic chips, may remain accessible for repair and replacement in the event of transmission frequency or service provider changes. The more concealable the apparatus, the less likelihood that it could be located and defeated. It is envisioned that apparatus 10 and any associated circuitry and/or wiring may be designed into the motor vehicle so as to be inaccessible to a thief.

Referring to Fig. 2, the operation of apparatus 10 of the present invention is described below with reference to a flow diagram. Upon the occurrence or discovery of a theft of a motor vehicle, the authorized operator of the motor vehicle may activate apparatus 10 by entering an access code into transmitter interface 12a, which may be a touch tone telephone keypad. The entry of a valid access code will activate a signal transmission from the transmitting device 12b. In the preferred embodiment, the above sequence of events may occur by the authorized operator simply going to a touch-tone telephone, which may be a public pay phone or a private phone, and by entering in the pre-determined access code which is assigned to receiver 14 of apparatus 10. This access code would typically be a given telephone area code and telephone number for receiver 14 (pager). The above sequence is analogous to the operation of a telephone/telephone pager system wherein, when the pager, or the communication system servicing the pager, has answered the call, the pager awaits entry of a telephone number by the caller. Once the pager has been called, the authorized operator then hangs up the telephone.

The receiver 14 will then trigger the timing/control system to begin a first pre- determined time period. A piezo buzzer 30 inside apparatus 10 will activate along with a panel mounted flashing LED 32 and an internal auxiliary relay K2. This serves as an initial safety warning, informing the driver of the vehicle that if apparatus 10 is not de-activated within the first predetermined time period which can be any suitable period such as 15-90 seconds, and for this example 28 seconds is used, the main relay Kl will begin a gradual, gentle shutdown of the vehicle engine operation. The auxiliary relay K2 of apparatus 10 can be used for any desired purpose for immediate triggering such as stereo system shut-off, to aid in warning the driver that anti-theft apparatus 10 has been triggered. Additionally, the brake lights of the vehicle can be activated to prevent other vehicles from colliding with the rear end of the vehicle being disabled. Apparatus 10 has two switch inputs for arming and resetting the apparatus.

The first switch input SI is an arm/disarm toggle switch 34. In the disarm state, the trigger latching of toggle switch 34 is unlatched if already tripped and is also prevented from further latching. The timing circuits are thereby reset along with the relay. The main relay Kl cannot be energized while apparatus 10 is in the disarm state. In the arm state, the trigger latch is ready to be fired and main relay Kl will then begin countdown for the first predetermined period of time, which in this example is 28 seconds, accompanied by activation of warning buzzer 30 and flashing LED light 32, as well as any other desired auxiliary relay activation.

The second switch input S2 is a test/pager reset 36 which can be a momentary push button. When reset 36 is pressed, power is momentarily cut from receiver 14, thereby clearing receiver 14 of an incoming page. When released, the receiver 14 begins its test output sequence for several seconds. If apparatus 10 is in the disarm state, nothing else will happen when the receiver 14 is reset. However, if apparatus 10 is in the arm state, the reset 36 will trigger the latch circuit when the test output sequence begins. Apparatus 10 can then be deactivated during the countdown of the first predetermined period of time (28 seconds) by momentarily setting the arm/disarm switch 34 to disarm.

After the first period of time countdown, if apparatus 10 is not reset, apparatus 10 begins a gradual, gentle shutdown of the vehicle engine. For the second predetermined period of time which can be 15-90 seconds, and in this example is the next 28 seconds, main relay Kl will cycle on and off at a 0.5 second rate which forces the engine to slow down, either because the ignition is being intermittently cut-off or fuel flow from the fuel pump is reduced to the fuel injectors. After the second predetermined period of time is completed, in this case 28 seconds, the gentle shutdown mode changes to a hard shutdown mode where the ignition or fuel flow is completely cut-off from the engine. The gentle shutdown mode provides additional protection for the unauthorized driver, the vehicle, and for persons near the vehicle before a hard shutdown of the engine occurs.

In this manner, an authorized operator, upon learning of the theft of the motor vehicle, can easily activate apparatus 10 by simply going to the nearest touch-tone telephone and calling apparatus 10. It is important to note that the telephone/telephone pager system, described above, may be replaced with any remote transmitter/receiver system.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the analog electronic circuit operation of apparatus 10 is shown in schematic form. Integrated circuit IC1 is an LM317T adjustable, positive voltage regulator and provides +1.5 volts necessary to operate receiver 14, which in this example is a standard telephone operated pager. Switch input SI is a momentary push button switch designed to reset receiver 14 by cutting power to the regulator. Resistors Rl and R2 set the output voltage. Capacitors Cl and C2 insure regulator stability. The current peaks from receiver 14 during its tone sequence will reach approximately 400 mA. In normal standby mode, cuπent drawn from receiver 14 is less that 1 mA. The output signal from receiver 14 is taken from its internal buzzer line and provides a zero to +1.5 volt pulsed signal with respect to common. The pulsed signal immediately triggers a discrete SCR latch composed of transmitters Ql and Q2 as long as switch S2 is not closed to disarm the apparatus. Closing switch S2 not only prevents transmitters Ql and Q2 from latching but it will unlatch them if they are already latched. Capacitors C3 and C4 provide noise immunity for transmitters Ql and Q2 to prevent false triggering from a +12 volt alternator or ignition noise.

Integrated circuit IC2 is an LM339 quad comparator in which all four sections are used for circuit operation. Once receiver 14 is activated, a four part cycle begins to shutdown operation of the vehicle. The first section is used to initiate a first predetermined period of time, in this example a 28 second countdown via capacitor C7 and also immediately resets capacitor C7 during a disarm state. The second section is used to trigger the main relay Kl via transistor Q3 when the 28 second time interval is reached. The third section is used as a relaxation oscillator to both flash a panel mounted LED via transistor Q4 and resistor R21 and also to modulate the main relay Kl for gentle shutdown operation via transistor Q5. The fourth section provides a second predetermined period of time, in this example a second 28 second timing function during which time gradual, gentle shutdown begins. After the completion of the second predetermined period of time, in this example an additional 28 seconds, the gentle shutdown feature changes to a hard shutdown by keeping transistor Q5 on continuously. Since transistor Q4 is also held on continuously at this point, the flashing LED will also stay turned on continuously.

Integrated circuit IC2A normally keeps capacitor C7 discharged until discrete SCR latch Ql and Q2 fire. The open collector output of integrated circuit IC2A then shuts off allowing capacitor C7 to charge through resistors Rl 1 and R12. After 28 seconds, the trip threshold of integrated circuit IC2B, set by divider resistors R7 and R8 at about 2/3 of the battery voltage, will be reached by capacitor C7 and integrated circuit IC2B will go into a low state. This low state will in turn activate transistor Q3 thus energizing relay Kl. Resistor RIO also provides hysteresis around integrated circuit IC2B to eliminate relay chattering. Relay Kl in turn will cut power to the ignition system and/or fuel pump system of the motor vehicle. A normally open contact is also provided on relay Kl to allow activation of sirens, flashing lights, or other standard car theft deterrents.

With the activation of transistor Q3, relay Kl begins a gradual, gentle shutdown of the vehicle engine by cycling on and off at a 0.5 second rate since its activation is modulated by transistor Q5 which is being driven by transistor Q4 which in turn is being driven by the 0.5 second relaxation oscillator. At the same time, capacitor C9 begins charging through resistors R28 and R29 which have in turn been pulled high by transistor Q3, 28 seconds later, integrated circuit IC2D also trips as capacitor C9 charges past the resistors R7/R8 set trip point. Transistor Q4 is then held on continuously thus keeping relay Kl and the flashing LED held on continuously. This activates the hard shutdown of the engine, and the vehicle is then disabled. Diode DI discharges capacitor C7 to prevent damage to integrated circuit IC2B if +12 volt power is removed. Diode Dl 1 discharges capacitor C9 through resistor R30 when transistor Q3 shuts off. Green LED D4 and red LED D6 indicate normal and disabled operations respectively. Diodes D2 and D7 are used to suppress inductive spikes from relays Kl and K2, respectively, when they are de-energized. Resistor R9 limits open collector transistor current when integrated circuit IC2B discharges capacitor C7.

Latching of discrete SCR latch transistors Ql and Q2 also activates a piezo buzzer XI along with relaxation oscillator IC2C and auxiliary relay 2. Capacitor C8 and resistor R18 set the timing rate, and resistors R15, R16, and R17 set the upper and lower trip points of the comparator during oscillation, as it senses the voltage of capacitor C8. The open collector output of IC2C in turn activates transistor Q4 through resistors R19 and R20. Resistor R21 limits the flashing LED current to 20 mA.

Diode D3 provides reverse polarity protection. Capacitors C5 and C6 provide + 2 power stability to the circuit, particularly when the pager receiver 14 is drawing 400 mA of current peaks or relay Kl is energizing/de-energizing.

The auxiliary relay K2 is turned on as soon as the discrete SCR latch Q1/Q2 fires from the output signal from receiver 14. Unlike relay Kl, there is no 28 second delay or 0.5 second modulation. Relay K2 is intended to defeat the normal operation of a car stereo in order that a warning buzzer can be heard before the Kl relay begins to trip. Normal open and normally closed contacts are also available.

Capacitors C7, C8, and C9 are mylar film units to minimize leakage current problems with high megohm charging resistances. Conformal coating of the printed circuit board is necessary to ensure that moisture or humidity will not impair timing operation. The specification of the components identified above and illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 are set forth below in Table 1 :

TABLE 1

By utilizing a telephone/telephone pager system, in the preferred embodiment, a long range, remote-controlled system may be achieved which is very reliable. By using a telephone/ telephone pager system, the authorized operator does not have to keep track of a separate remote control apparatus. Still further, some telephone/telephone pager systems may have effective ranges on the order of hundreds of miles, which may be more economical and reliable for long range signal transmission than other conventional remote transmitter/receiver systems.

If the authorized operator wants to re-enable or reset apparatus 10, such as when the motor vehicle has been recovered or found, so as to render the motor vehicle re-enabled, switches 34 and would be disarmed and reset by the operator. In the disarm state, apparatus 10 will not operate. In the arm state, apparatus 10, when called will be activated to begin the gradual shutdown operation.

Upon the motor vehicle being found or recovered, the authorized operator can once again access apparatus 10 by the manual reset switch. Upon completion of the above-described events, the vehicle will then be ready for operation, barring any need for service and/or for repairs. In this manner, a carefully concealed and installed placement of apparatus 10 and the manual reset switch, within the motor vehicle, will provide for a completely disabled vehicle until such time as it is manually reset by the authorized operator. As can be readily appreciated, a carefully concealed apparatus 10, along with a strategically placed ignition cut-off circuitry or system, would render it most difficult, if not impossible, for thieves to defeat apparatus 10.

The apparatus of the present invention may also include a switch located inside the trunk of a vehicle for manual activation of the vehicle disablement system from within the trunk. In the event a vehicle theft victim is locked in the trunk, the vehicle disablement system can be activated by the victim from inside the trunk while the vehicle is located in a populated area or stopped at a traffic light. In this manner, the victim can avoid being driven away to a desolate area and can avoid being subjected to further danger. A trunk-lock release may also be located inside the trunk to allow the victim to unlock the trunk from within the trunk to further aid the victim's escape. As manufacturers seek new methods to control vehicle systems, for example to improve fuel economy and engine performance, electronics are being used more and more to control automatic transmissions, drive trains, and to control fuel delivery with electronically controlled throttles. Accordingly, the vehicle disablement system of the present invention may be used to aid in disabling or disrupting automatic transmission functions and any drive train systems that are electronically controlled to stop or slow down a vehicle, such as for example differentials or transfer-cases, for all terrain vehicles, and for interrupting electronically controlled throttles without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is appreciated that known Global Positioning Systems (GPS) may be used in conjunction with the apparatus of the present invention to facilitate and expedite recovery of a disabled stolen vehicle. Example of such systems include those manufactured by Trimble Navigation, LTD., California; LoJack Corp., Massachusetts; Communications Systems International, Inc., Canada; and Guardians Celltrack, U.K. Supplemental power supplies, such as batteries, may also be utilized with apparatus 10 so as to prolong the continued activation or de-activation of the vehicle's auxiliary equipment systems 21 which are utilized. Supplemental power systems are optional and may also be employed with apparatus 10 so as to provide any unusual power requirements which may be required by the motor vehicle in which apparatus 10 may be installed.

In the above described manner, the apparatus and the method of the present invention allows an authorized operator of a motor vehicle to safely surrender the motor vehicle under force, or threat of force, while affording the authorized operator the opportunity to prevent or seriously thwart the motor vehicle theft from a safe location or vantage point. In this regard, a safe and effective anti-theft or theft-deterrent device is provided by the present invention.

Further, an authorized operator can disable the vehicle nightly, while at work, or at any other time, simply by accessing and activating apparatus 10 by using a touch tone telephone. Since the vehicle's ignition system is usually off at these times, the disabling, and subsequent re-enabling of these systems will occur as described above. In this manner, the present invention may provide an effective means by which to "lock-up" a motor vehicle, at any time, and even when the vehicle is in the rightful possession of the owner or authorized operator.

While the present invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, such description is merely illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as a limitation thereof. In this regard, the present invention encompasses all modifications, variations and/or alternate embodiments with the scope of the present invention limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A remote-controlled anti-theft system for motor vehicles, comprising: means for transmitting a non- voice signal to at least one remote location; means for receiving said non- voice signal at a first of said at least one remote location, said receiving means issuing an output signal upon receiving the non-voice signal from said transmitting means; and means for controlling at least one of a vehicle's ignition system, a vehicle's fuel pump system or a vehicle's auxiliary equipment system in response to said output signal.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one remote location is in a motor vehicle.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said transmitting means is a touch-tone telephone.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said receiving means is a telephone signal receiving means.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said receiving means is a telephone operated pager.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein said controller means includes a time delayed circuit for delaying control of said vehicle ignition system or fuel pump system for a period of time after receiving said output signal.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for intermittent operation of said vehicle ignition system or said fuel pump system.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said intermittent means includes means for disabling said vehicle ignition system of said vehicle or said fuel pump system after a period of time.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle's auxiliary equipment system is at least one of an alarm, a horn, a stereo, or vehicle light system.

10. A method for remote-controlled motor vehicle disablement, comprising the steps of: transmitting a non- voice signal to at least one remote location; receiving said non-voice signal at the vehicle; issuing an output signal in response to said step of receiving said non- voice signal; and controlling at least one of a vehicle's ignition system, a vehicle's fuel pump system, or a vehicle's auxiliary equipment system, in response to said output signal.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the controlling step includes the sub-step of: disabling at least one of the vehicle, the ignition system, fuel system and auxiliary equipment system.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein said controlling step includes the sub-step of delaying control of a vehicles ignition system or a vehicles fuel pump for a period of time after said output signal is issued.