JP2004503424A - Security system - Google Patents

Abstract

A security system is provided for selectively enabling and disabling an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The security system (1) includes a security module (3) that selectively interrupts current to or from critical vehicle subsystems required for engine ignition or engine operation. The security module (3) is attached to the electrical terminals (2) of the vehicle subsystem such that the security module (3) cannot be removed from the vehicle's engine compartment without removing the entire vehicle subsystem. And lock. Moreover, the security module (3) covers and insulates the electrical terminals (2) of the vehicle subsystem so as to electrically insulate the electrical terminals (2) from unauthorized access. The security system (1) further includes a controller (29) and a switch element (31), which derives current from the conductive path to or from the vehicle subsystem required to be controllably enabled or disabled. It is located in the security module (3) for selective control.

Description

[0001]
(Technical field)
The present invention relates to a vehicle security system. More particularly, the invention relates to a security system for disabling an electrical subsystem of a vehicle to prevent unauthorized activity. Moreover, the present invention relates to preventing car theft that results in reckless driving and substantial economic losses throughout the country.
[0002]
(Background technology)
Although a significant number of anti-theft devices have been devised, "professional" and also amateur burglars are skilled at overcoming such devices and "vehicles" the vehicle for "hot-wiring (shortening ignition devices). To run the engine).
[0003]
Attempts have been made to secure vehicles by providing locks on the hood and doors of the vehicle to make access to the interior of the vehicle difficult. Still other attempts have been made to secure the interior of the vehicle by redesigning the window opening to prevent insertion of a wire or door "Jimmy" to retract the door lock. However, the individual's intention to remove the car usually has a slight longitudinal problem approaching the interior of the vehicle using a variety of tools, including breaking the window beside the driver's seat. ing. Once access to the interior of the vehicle is gained, the engine compartment can be easily accessed by actuation of a hood unlocking lever that allows a motor vehicle thief to short the ignition and activate the engine.
[0004]
Key operated and combined lock switches have been devised to prevent unauthorized access of various electrical circuits, such as automotive ignition circuits, distributor devices, power units, etc., to prevent theft. These locks include electrically encoded keys, mechanically encoded keys, digital input keypads, electro-optically encoded keys, and radio frequency (RF) keys. Unfortunately, known methods for defeating each of these locking devices by hot wiring the locking devices or by bypassing the locking devices by unauthorized capture or rebroadcasting of the RF security code are known. is there.
[0005]
Additional security systems are directed to deactivating the starter solenoid, starter motor and / or distributor. Electrical energy to the windings of the starter solenoid activates a plunger that closes the circuit between the vehicle battery and the starter motor. The starter solenoid simultaneously activates a shift lifter that forces the pinion gear into meshing engagement with the vehicle flywheel, thereby mechanically connecting the starter motor to the engine during vehicle ignition. The starter motor is housed in a housing typically located below the vehicle's internal combustion engine. The starter motor includes a rotatable armature that engages a flywheel of the vehicle. When current is supplied via the starter solenoid, the starter motor rotates the armature, thereby rotating the flywheel of the vehicle which "starts" the internal combustion engine. On the other hand, the distributor controls the combustion sequence of the engine spark plug to allow the internal combustion engine to continue running.
[0006]
Some attempts have been made to deactivate or disable each of these engine subsystems to prevent unauthorized movement of the vehicle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,141,332 describes an encoder / decoder for shorting an ignition key switch. U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,807 describes an anti-theft system that includes a stopper for disabling engagement of a starter motor drive gear with a flywheel. on the other hand,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,638 describes a radio frequency transmitter / receiver device which requires activation before actuating a starter motor of a vehicle.
[0007]
U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,164 describes a security module that attaches to a starter motor of a vehicle. The security module includes an internal switch to shut off power to the power terminals of the starter solenoid. Similarly, U.S. Patent No. 6,026,773 describes an anti-theft system connected in series between a vehicle battery and a vehicle starter motor.
[0008]
Unfortunately, all of the prior attempts to provide vehicle security systems have suffered from automobile majesty. Numerous systems, such as solenoids, starters or distributors, that disrupt the activity of the vehicle's electrical system can be overcome by simple removal of the alarm or by shorting the alarm. On the other hand, the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,638 is difficult and expensive to construct and must be made in many shapes to fit within the engine housing of many vehicles. Requires a completely new starter housing. U.S. Pat. No. 5,548,164 describes a security system that attaches directly to the power terminals of a starter solenoid. To prevent removal of the security module from the starter solenoid, additional housings are locked in place on the terminals of the starter solenoid to prevent access to them by unauthorized persons. Further, the system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,026,773 describes a security system that includes a switch that supports significant power between a battery and a power terminal of a starter solenoid. Unfortunately, high power through such systems is susceptible to electrical noise, electrical spikes and back EMF from solenoid coils. In addition, heat from the power passing through the security system switch typically generates significant heat that can damage electronic components of the security system.
[0009]
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved vehicle security system.
[0010]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive and reliable vehicle security system.
[0011]
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a vehicle security system that can be configured to reside in the engine compartment of virtually all vehicles.
[0012]
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a vehicle security system that can be connected to various encoding systems, such as key encoding, RF encoding, etc., for tea ceremony.
[0013]
(Disclosure of the Invention)
The present invention addresses the above shortcomings by providing an improved security system to prevent unauthorized operation of the vehicle. The security system includes a security module that connects to one or more critical electrical subsystems of the vehicle to disable engine ignition or engine operation. The electrical subsystem includes a vehicle solenoid, starter motor, battery and distributor. The security module connects one of these subsystems in series with a conductive path that connects to the rest of the vehicle electrical system to selectively interrupt current along the conductive path to disable a particular vehicle subsystem. Connected.
[0014]
In a first embodiment of the invention, the security module is connected between a vehicle ignition switch and an initial stud of a vehicle solenoid. In an alternative embodiment, the security module of the present invention is connected in series between the battery and the ignition switch. If the vehicle includes a solenoid starter motor configured as a unit so that it can be mounted on multiple Ford vehicles, the security module of the present invention is connected in series between the remote solenoid and the starter motor. Interruption of current in any of these conductive paths will disable the essential subsystems of the vehicle which will effectively render the vehicle's engine unstartable.
[0015]
According to the present invention, the security module attaches and locks the vehicle directly to the electrical terminals of the vehicle subsystem intended to be disabled. To this end, the security module includes a housing that has an opening outside the bottom of the housing that opens into a central hole. The holes are dimensioned and shaped for receiving electrical terminals of the vehicle subsystem that are oriented to receive. In addition, the security module, once mounted on the electrical terminals, has a lock for locking the housing to the electrical terminals of the vehicle subsystem so that the security module cannot be removed from the vehicle without removal of the entire vehicle subsystem. Stop means is included. In a preferred embodiment, the locking assembly includes one or more jaws disposed within a central bore of the housing. The side walls of the hole are tapered such that the hole becomes narrower toward the opening and extends upward toward the center of the housing. The locking means further includes a spring disposed within the housing bore for biasing the one or more jaws downwardly and not toward the opening of the bore.
[0016]
The security module is mounted on the electrical terminals of the vehicle subsystem by simply projecting the terminals upwards and not into holes in the housing. When the electrical terminals are engaged with the jaws of the locking assembly, the jaws are forced downward onto the electrical terminals where the security module causes the electrical terminals to project into the holes in the module. However, the security module is easily disengaged from the electrical terminals when the force exerted on the security module to remove the module from the electrical terminals simply forces the jaws downward and inward towards the narrow area of the housing hole. It cannot be removed, thereby causing the jaws to grip the electrical terminal more tightly. Thus, once installed, the security module cannot be removed from the electrical terminals of the vehicle subsystem, and the biographic terminals are covered by the security module housing to defeat any physical or electrical access to the electrical terminals. And insulated.
[0017]
Located within the security module housing is a series connection between a jaw that engages the electrical terminals of the controller and the vehicle subsystem and a conductive path that allows current to flow to or from the electrical terminals. Switching element to be switched. The controller is capable of receiving and enabling commands to enable and disable the security system of the present invention and a printed circuit board, digital code reader, microcontroller, etc. to control the switching element from the release position to the soldier position. Can be included. The enable and disable commands may be transmitted by a wireless RF transmitter that may be in the vehicle or be supported by an authorized driver of the vehicle. In the alternative, the enable and disable commands may be sent by an activation module connected by a wire or cable to the controller of the security module. The actuation module is preferably mounted in the cabin of the vehicle, such as under the dashboard, and by means of an electrical coding key, a mechanical coding key, a digital input keypad, an electronics coding key or a radio frequency key. Activated.
[0018]
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the security module of the present invention is mounted and locked directly to an initiator stud of a vehicle solenoid. The solenoid is connected in series to the vehicle ignition switch via a conductive path, which is a jaw of the locking assembly, a changeover switch and, in this case, a cable that is normally routed from the ignition switch directly to the initial stud of the vehicle solenoid. Advantageously, by interrupting the current to the initial stud, the switching element does not encounter a high current and thus a less costly switching element can be used. In addition, low current through the switching element is more likely to produce less heat or electrical interference that can damage the controller of the security module.
[0019]
The security system of the present invention can be configured such that the security module engages the initial studs of a number of different vehicle solenoids, and a number of various important vehicle electrical sub-systems, such as a vehicle battery or starter motor. Since the electrical end of the system can be configured to engage a vehicle, it provides virtually universal application to all vehicles.
[0020]
In addition, the security system of the present invention can be used in conjunction with virtually any type of known encoding system, such as mechanical key encoding, RF encoding, and keypad encoding.
[0021]
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be understood by those skilled in the art when reading the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings.
[0022]
(Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention)
While this invention allows embodiments in various forms, it is understood that this disclosure is intended to be illustrative of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated. A presently preferred embodiment is shown in the drawings and described below.
[0023]
1, 2, 7, and 8, the security system 1 of the present invention is connected in series with the important electrical pathways required for engine ignition or immediate engine operation. It includes a security module 3 to be connected. As shown in FIG. 7, the security module 3 is connected in series with an important electric rod extending between the ignition switch 57 of the engine and the vehicle solenoid 37. However, the security module 3 of the present invention may be connected between the battery 47 and the ignition switch 57, between the vehicle solenoid 37 and the engine starter motor 43 (applicable to some vehicles), or the main electric bus of the vehicle and the engine distributor. And in series with any critical electrical paths 4 required for engine ignition or continuous operation of the vehicle engine.
[0024]
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the security system further includes a housing 5 and a switching element 31 and a controller 29 which are located in the security module housing 5. The controller 29 controls the operation of a switch that opens or closes to selectively allow or block the flow of current through a solenoid in the electrical path 4 that is required to be controlled, which, in turn, ignites or activates the engine. Controls the enabling and disabling of the vehicle subsystem required for the vehicle. Preferably, switching element 31 is a device that is primarily or exclusively composed of a solid material, such as a solid state device, a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR). In the alternative, preferably, switching element 31 includes one or more metal oxide silicon field effect transistors (MOSFETs). The switching element 31 may be a printed circuit board (see FIG. 5) or more preferably as a “digital code reader” that reads enable and disable commands in the form of 64-bit codes. It is controlled by a controller 9 which is also a known 64-bit addressable switch. When a 64-bit enable or disable command is recognized as being allowed or disabled of the security system 1, the addressable switch opens and closes the switching element 31 as required. For example, if a 64-bit enabled command is received by an addressable switch, the addressable switch causes the security system 1 to enter an "enable mode", in which case the security system 1 is activated and the switching element 31 is disabled. Open to stop the flow of current to the vehicle subsystem intended to be performed.
[0025]
The enable or disable command is sent by a number of means known by those skilled in the art. For example, the enable command may be transmitted by a remote RF transmitter, which may be located in the driver's seat of the vehicle, or may be supported by a human, such as their keychain 67. The RF transmitter typically includes a plurality of buttons to enable or disable the security system 1 and may also include a button directed to activate an alarm to sound a horn or the like. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, in an alternative embodiment for sending enable and disable commands to the security module 3, the security system 1 of the present invention uses a data cable 65 and an electrical connector 27 to provide security. It includes an active module 61 electrically connected to the module 3. The activity module 61 can be located anywhere on the vehicle that can be accessed by the driver to enable and disable the security system 1. Preferably, the activity module 61 is located in the driver's seat of the vehicle below the dashboard for easy access by the driver just before the driver starting the engine. The activity module 61 can be controlled by any encoding means known to those skilled in the art, such as mechanical key encoding, keypad encoding, electro-optical key encoding and the like. In a preferred embodiment, activity module 61 includes a processor that analyzes the receipt of a 64-bit code transmitted by touch keys 69 that may be supported on human keychain 67. In operation, an authorized user of the vehicle touches the key 69 with the activity module 61, and then transmits the first 64-bit code from the touch key 69 to the activity module 61. When the code is recognized, the activity module 61 sends an enable or disable command along with the system data cable 65 and the electrical connector 27 to the security module 3, including a different 64-bit code. The use of double 64-bit codes provides additional protection against unauthorized attempts to deactivate security system 1.
[0026]
It is an additional object of the present invention that the security module 3 for interrupting the current in the critical electrical path 4 is directly attached and locked to a vehicle subsystem intended to be disabled. In particular, it is an object of the invention that the security module 3 is directly attached and locked to the electrical terminals 2 of the vehicle subsystem such that removal of the security module 3 cannot be performed without removal of the subsystem from the vehicle. It is. To this end, the security system 1 of the present invention comprises a locking assembly for locking the security module 3 directly to the electrical terminals 2 of the vehicle subsystem, which is important for selectively interrupting current to or from the vehicle subsystem. Contains.
[0027]
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in a preferred embodiment, in order to lock the security module 3 to the electrical terminal 2, the security module 3 has an opening 9 at its bottom outside opening into a central hole 7. A housing 5 is included. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the housing 5 is described herein as having an opening 9 on the bottom outside thereof, but at a location on the security module 3 such that it is attached to the vehicle subsystem. Depending, the opening 9 can be positioned on the side of the housing 5 or on its top without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show the security module 3 oriented such that the opening 9 is on the right side of the housing 5. The hole 7 is dimensioned and shaped for receiving an electrical terminal 2 which can be telescopically received in the hole 7. Moreover, the hole 7 includes a side wall 13 which tapers outwardly from the opening 9 of the housing.
[0028]
The locking assembly for locking the security module 3 includes one or more jaws 15 concentrically arranged in the hole 7 adjacent to the tapered side wall 13 of the hole. Jaw 15 includes a knurled edge 19 for engaging the threads of electrical terminal 2 or, alternatively, jaw 15 has a smooth edge. In addition, the locking assembly preferably includes a spring 23 and a biasing plate 25 that are placed in the housing opening 7 to bias the jaws 15 toward the housing opening 9. Due to the tapered configuration of the side walls 13 of the holes, the jaws 15 are forced inwards and downwards (the opening 9 of the housing is at the bottom of the security module 3). When the security module 3 is attached and locked to the electrical terminal 2 of the vehicle subsystem, the electrical terminal 2 completely replaces the module electrical terminal 2 when the security module 3 engages the side of the vehicle subsystem. It is forced into an opening 7 in the housing which forces the jaws 15 upward and outward to allow full reception of the electrical terminal 2 until covered. On the other hand, the security module 3 has the jaws 15 so that the force exerted on the security module 3 to remove the module from the electric terminals 2 is forced inward to grip the electric terminals 2 more tightly. Since it occurs simply, it cannot be easily removed by the force from the electric terminal 2.
[0029]
Preferably, jaws 15 are manufactured from a highly conductive material such as copper which is electrically connected to switching element 31 by wires 16. In addition, the housing 5 or the tapered inner wall 13 is connected to the electrical terminals 2 of the vehicle subsystem, with the exception of the current transmitted through the wires 16, the switching element 31 and the biographic controller 20 which connects the critical conductive path 4 to the controller 29. Is preferably made from a substantially electrically insulating material so as to electrically insulate it. In addition, the housing 5 is preferably manufactured from a very durable material, such as hard plastic or metal, including steel and aluminum, to prevent physical interference by the security module and its components.
[0030]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, preferably, the security module 3 is configured such that the housing 5 is constituted by a projection 6 projecting below the opening 9. The protrusion 6 rotates on the electrical terminal 2 once the security module 3 is attached to the electrical terminal 2 since any rotation of the security module 3 will engage the protrusion 6 on the outer sidewall of the vehicle subsystem. Provided and configured to extend along the vehicle subsystem side wall 13 so that it cannot be performed. This configuration is preferred to inhibit rotation of the security module 3 on the threads of the electrical terminals 2 that would otherwise allow the security module 3 to be disengaged and removed from the vehicle subsystem.
[0031]
Referring to FIGS. 2-4, in a preferred embodiment, the security module 3 is attached and locked directly to the initial stud 41 of the solenoid 37. Current to the windings of the starter solenoid 37 moves the plunger, which closes the circuit from the battery 47 to the starter motor 43 and simultaneously activates a shift lever which forces the pinion gear into meshing engagement with the flywheel. Thereafter, the current flowing to the start motor mechanically rotates the pinion gear and rotates the engine so as to sequentially cause engine ignition. The current to the starter solenoid 37 is controlled by a low power circuit transmitted to the initial stud 41 of the solenoid 37. Thus, any interruption of the current to the initial stud 41 completely disables the starter solenoid 37.
[0032]
Thus, the present invention provides a security system 1 that completely disables the starter solenoid 37 to prevent vehicle theft until the security system 1 is disabled by an authorized person. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, this is accomplished by an authorized person engaging his touch key 69 to the activity module 61, resulting in a 64-bit disable command as transmitted to the security module 3. Is done. Upon receipt of the recognized disable command, the controller 29 moves the switch 57 to the closed position, causing current to flow along the electrical path 4 to the initial stud 41 of the solenoid 37 when the ignition switch 57 is turned. . Conversely, the security system 1 can either re-engage the touch key 69 with the activity module 61 or simply deactivate the engine recognized by the activity module 61 as a condition for enabling the security system 1. Can be
[0033]
Referring to FIG. 7, in an alternative embodiment, the security module 3 is directly attached to the power terminal 39 of the solenoid 37 and locked. This embodiment is not considered to be favorable for the construction, in which case the security module 3 is initially designed such that the switching element 31 located in the security module 3 must be configured to support a significantly higher current. Is directly attached to the stud 41. However, if the initial stud 41 is difficult to reach into the engine compartment, the present invention provides for attaching the security module 3 to the power terminal 39 of the solenoid 37. Instead of interrupting the current flowing through the ignition switch 57, the switching element 31 of the security module 3 interrupts the power between the battery 47 and the power terminal 39 of the solenoid 37 when the security system 1 is activated. I do.
[0034]
The security system 1 is enabled in the same way as the embodiment in which the security module 3 is attached to the initial stud 41 of the solenoid 37 and locked. An authorized person inputs a key code to the security system 1. As mentioned above, these key encoding systems can be of any type known to those skilled in the art. As shown in FIG. 7, the touch key 69 is engaged with a terminal on the active module 61 so as to transmit a 64-bit code from the touch key 69 to the active module 61. If it is recognized as an authorized code, the activity module 61 transmits an enable command to the security module 3 along the system data cable 65 in the form of a different 64-bit code. The internal controller 29 compares the code stored in the memory with the 64-bit code. If the code is recognized, controller 29 causes switch 31 to open the circuit between positive battery terminal 49 of battery 47 and high current terminal 39 of solenoid 37. Once the security system 1 is activated, the vehicle enters the activation module 61 by entering an authorized code or by removing the solenoid 37 from the engine compartment and replacing it with another solenoid 37 not fixed by the security module 3. It cannot be started without disabling security system 1.
[0035]
Referring to FIG. 8, some vehicles have solenoid / starter motors that are not connected together and solenoid 37 does not include a shift level that forces the starter motor pinion gear into meshing engagement with the flywheel. . Instead, the remote solenoid 55 operates as a high current switch, simply sending high current from the battery 47 to the high current terminal 39 on the starter motor 43. The starter motor 43 includes its own mechanical mechanism for moving the pinion gear into meshing engagement with the flywheel to rotate the engine and initiate engine ignition. With respect to such engine systems, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the security module 3 is mounted directly on the power terminal 45 of the starter motor 43 and locked. Activation of the security system 1 to the enabled mode interrupts the current between the starter motor 43 and the remote solenoid 55. Thus, the starter motor 43 is either by an authorized person entering the recognized code or by removing the starter motor 43 and the security module 3 from the engine housing and replacing them with a starter motor 43 that is not disabled by the security module 3. Therefore, the security system 1 cannot be operated without disabling it.
[0036]
Still referring to FIG. 8, if the vehicle includes a solenoid 55 located remotely from starter motor 43, security module 3 may be configured to connect between remote solenoid 55 and starter motor 43 when security system 1 is enabled. And is locked to the output current terminal 56 of the remote solenoid 55 so as to cut off the current of the remote solenoid 55. This is a preferred feature of the present invention because this structure can be easily disabled by a vehicle thief who temporarily feeds the electrical connection between the uncoated power terminal 45 of the starter motor 43 and the positive terminal 49 of the battery 47. Is not considered to be an embodiment. However, this embodiment can be used if the power terminal 45 of the starter motor 43 can hardly be reached by a thief or anyone attempting to attach the security module 3 to the starter motor 43.
[0037]
In a still further embodiment of the present invention, the security module 3 is directly attached and locked to the positive terminal 49 of the battery 47 to cut off the current between the battery 47 and the starter motor. Enabling the security system 1 can be accomplished by authorized persons entering the recognized code into the security system 1 or by configuring an alternative current path between the battery 47 and the starter motor. The current between the battery 47 and the starter motor 43 is interrupted until the battery is disabled. Again, the security system 1 of the present invention configured in such a manner can be used to reduce vehicle thieves because the predicted thief can simply utilize wiring to transmit current to the vehicle solenoid for additional battery and engine ignition. Provide only limited protection.
[0038]
While certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been particularly described herein, it will be understood that variations can be made in the configuration, materials and layout of the vehicle security system without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. That's what it means. I require the invention to be described in terms such that one skilled in the art can make and use it and to identify the presently preferred embodiment thereof.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a security module of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view of the security module taken generally along section 2-2 of FIG. 3 showing the security module attached to and isolating the initial stud of the vehicle solenoid.
FIG. 3 is a side view showing the installation of the security module of FIGS. 1 and 2 attached to an initial stud of a vehicle solenoid mounted on top of a vehicle starter motor.
FIG. 4 is a front view of the security module of the present invention attached to and isolating the initial stud of a vehicle solenoid.
FIG. 5 illustrates a printed circuit board that can be used as a controller to control the operation of the security module of the present invention.
FIG. 6 illustrates an activity module typically mounted under a vehicle dashboard to transmit enable and disable codes to a controller of the security module of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a layout of a preferred embodiment of the security system of the present invention.
FIG. 8 shows a layout of an additional preferred embodiment of the security system of the present invention.

Claims (26)

A security system having at least one electrical terminal forming portion of a conductive path for disabling a vehicle subsystem to prevent unauthorized vehicle theft,
A housing configured to cover and insulate electrical terminals of a vehicle subsystem, wherein the housing is mounted to the vehicle subsystem once the housing is mounted to cover the electrical terminals of the vehicle subsystem. A projection extending partially along a side wall of the vehicle subsystem to limit rotation of the housing;
Conductive locking means for locking the housing directly to the electrical terminals of the vehicle subsystem;
A switch located within the housing and connected in series with the conductive locking means and the conductive path, the switch being operable to open upon receipt of a enable signal and close upon receipt of a disable signal. And a controller for sending an enable signal to the switch to enable the security system and a disable signal to the switch to disable the security system. . The security system according to claim 1, wherein said vehicle subsystem is a vehicle solenoid and said conductive locking means is configured to lock directly to an initial stud of said vehicle solenoid. The security system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle subsystem is a vehicle solenoid and the conductive locking means is configured to lock directly to a power terminal of the vehicle solenoid. 2. The security system according to claim 1, wherein said vehicle subsystem is a vehicle battery and said conductive locking means is configured to lock directly to a power terminal of said vehicle battery. Further, an RF receiver connected to the controller to receive commands controlling the transmission of the enable and disable signals to the switch; and to the RF receiver to enable and disable the security system. The security system of claim 1, including an RF transmitter adapted to be activated by a person authorized to transmit commands. And a manually operated switch connected to the controller, wherein the manually operated switch is located in a driver's seat of a vehicle and sends commands to the controller to enable and disable the security system. 2. The security system according to claim 1, wherein the security system is adapted to be activated by a person authorized to use the security system. The housing has a tapered hole opening outwardly at the bottom of the housing for receiving electrical terminals, the hole extending upwardly away from the outside of the housing and relative to the opening of the hole. And the conductive locking means includes one or more conductive jaws disposed within the tapered bore, wherein the jaws include The jaw is electrically connected in series with the electrical terminal and the conductive path, and is slidably movable upward and downward within the tapered bore; and 2. The security system of claim 1 including biasing means disposed within said housing to bias a portion toward a narrow portion of said aperture. 8. The security system according to claim 7, wherein said vehicle subsystem is a vehicle solenoid and said conductive locking means is configured to lock directly to an initial stud of said vehicle solenoid. 8. The security system according to claim 7, wherein said vehicle subsystem is a vehicle solenoid and said conductive locking means is configured to lock directly to a power terminal of said vehicle solenoid. In a security system to disable vehicle subsystems to prevent unauthorized car theft,
A vehicle subsystem having at least one electrical terminal forming part of a conductive path;
A housing that covers and insulates the electrical terminals of the vehicle subsystem, wherein the housing controls rotation of the housing relative to the vehicle subsystem once it is mounted to cover the electrical terminals of the vehicle subsystem. Including a projection that extends partially along a side wall of the vehicle subsystem to limit;
Conductive locking means for locking the housing directly to the electrical terminals of the vehicle subsystem;
A switch located within the housing and connected in series with the conductive locking means and the conductive path, the switch being operable to open upon receipt of a enable signal and close upon receipt of a disable signal. And a controller for sending an enable signal to the switch to enable the security system and a disable signal to the switch to disable the security system. . The security system according to claim 10, wherein the vehicle subsystem is a vehicle solenoid and the conductive locking means is configured to lock directly to an initial stud of the vehicle solenoid. 11. The security system according to claim 10, wherein said vehicle subsystem is a vehicle solenoid and said conductive locking means is configured to lock directly to a power terminal of said vehicle solenoid. 11. The security system according to claim 10, wherein said vehicle subsystem is a vehicle battery and said conductive locking means is configured to lock directly to a power terminal of said vehicle battery. Further, an RF receiver connected to the controller to receive commands controlling the transmission of the enable and disable signals to the switch; and to the RF receiver to enable and disable the security system. The security system of claim 10, including an RF transmitter adapted to be activated by a person authorized to transmit commands. And a manually operated switch connected to the controller, wherein the manually operated switch is located in a driver's seat of a vehicle and sends commands to the controller to enable and disable the security system. 11. The security system according to claim 10, wherein the security system is adapted to be activated by a person authorized to use the security system. The housing has a tapered hole opening outwardly at the bottom of the housing for receiving electrical terminals, the hole extending upwardly away from the outside of the housing and relative to the opening of the hole. And the conductive locking means includes one or more conductive jaws disposed within the tapered bore, wherein the jaws include The jaw is electrically connected in series with the electrical terminal and the conductive path, and is slidably movable upward and downward within the tapered bore; and 11. The security system according to claim 10, including biasing means disposed within said housing to bias a portion toward a narrow portion of said aperture. 17. The security system according to claim 16, wherein said vehicle subsystem is a vehicle solenoid and said conductive locking means is configured to lock directly to an initial stud of said vehicle solenoid. 17. The security system according to claim 16, wherein said vehicle subsystem is a vehicle battery and said conductive locking means is configured to lock directly to a power terminal of said vehicle battery. 17. The security system according to claim 16, wherein said vehicle subsystem is a vehicle battery and said conductive locking means is configured to lock directly to a power terminal of said vehicle battery. In security systems to prevent unauthorized theft of vehicles,
A vehicle solenoid having at least one power terminal and an initial stud forming part of a conductive path;
A switch connected in series with the initial stud and the conductive path, wherein the switch is operable to open upon receipt of an enable signal and close upon receipt of a disable signal; and enable the security system. A security system comprising: a controller for sending an enable signal to the switch to disable the security system and sending a disable signal to the switch to disable the security system. Further, a housing that covers and insulates the initial stud of the vehicle solenoid; and conductive locking means for locking the initial stud of the vehicle solenoid directly to the housing;
21. The security system according to claim 20, including the switch located within the housing. The housing has a protrusion extending partially along a side wall of the vehicle solenoid to limit rotation of the housing relative to the vehicle solenoid once it is mounted so as to cover the electrical terminals of the vehicle solenoid. 22. The security system according to claim 21, wherein the security system includes: In a security module for restricting access to electric terminals,
An electrical terminal connected to the conductive path;
A locking housing configured to cover and insulate the electrical terminal, the housing having a tapered hole opening outwardly at the bottom of the housing for receiving the electrical terminal, wherein the hole is Tapered so that it extends upward away from the exterior of the housing and narrows downward relative to the opening of the hole;
Including one or more conductive jaws disposed within the tapered bore, the jaws slidably moving upward and downward within the tapered bore; A biasing means disposed within the housing for biasing the conductive jaw toward a narrow portion of the bore; the jaw being electrically connected in series with the electrical terminal and the conductive path; A security module comprising: And a switch located within the lock housing and connected in series with the electrical terminal, the conductive path, and the conductive jaw, the switch being operable to open and close an electrical circuit. 24. The security module according to claim 23, wherein: 24. The security module according to claim 23, wherein said locking housing is comprised of a substantially non-conductive material to electrically insulate said electrical terminals. 24. The security module according to claim 23, wherein said locking housing is electrically insulated from said housing so as to electrically insulate said electrical terminals.

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