US4932494A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle security system
Assignee: SYSTEM CONTROL ENGINEERING Ltd
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Filing: 1988-01-21
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Granted: 1990-06-12
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Expires: 2008-01-21
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle security system is disclosed which includes a code entry module and a decoding module. The decoding module is preferably a sealed module mounted within the fuel tank of the vehicle and arranged so as normally to disable the vehicle fuel system (e.g., a fuel pump or fuel valve mounted within the fuel tank) and further arranged to respond to a predetermined access code being entered on the code entry module to enable the fuel system for normal running of the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 David R. Chandler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 07:06
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R25/00; B60R25/01; B60R25/04; B60R25/042
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
A vehicle security system comprising a code entry module and a decoding module, the decoding module being a sealed module mounted within a fuel tank of the vehicle and arraned so as normally to disable the vehicle fuel system and further arranged to respond to a predetermined access code being entered on the code entry module to enable the fuel system for normal running of the vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
A vehicle security system comprising a code entry module and a decoding module, the decoding module being a sealed module mounted within a fuel tank of the vehicle and arraned so as normally to disable the vehicle fuel system and further arranged to respond to a predetermined access code being entered on the code entry module to enable the fuel system for normal running of the vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 1, in which the decoding module is arranged to open an electrically operable valve in a fuel line leading from the fuel tank.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 1, in which the decoding module is arranged to enable an electrical fuel pump in a fuel line leading from the fuel tank.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 1, in which the decoding module comprises a memory storing an individual code and a comparator for comparing a code entered on the code entry module with said stored code, and to enable the fuel system in the event of agreement between the entered code and the stored code.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 1, arranged to provide a signal for enabling an ignition coil of the vehicle in response to the predetermined code being entered on the code entry module.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 1, comprising means for changing the required access code using the code entry module.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 6, in which said code-changing means functions such that the decoding module responds alternatively to the previous access code until the new access code has been used a predetermined number of times.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 1, comprising means for enabling the decoding module upon entry of another predetermined code on the code entry module, to allow the fuel system to be enabled without entering the normally-required access code.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 1, comprising means for disabling the code entry module following a predetermined number of successive attempts to access the system if those successive attempts all fail.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
A vehicle security system as claimed in claim 1, in which the code entry module comprises "engine start" and "engine stop" keys and means are provided to render these keys operative only after the system has been enabled by entry of the correct access code.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-06-11 | 1993-12-11 | 1994-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-06-11 | 1997-12-11 | 1998-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-06-11 | 2001-12-11 | 2002-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |