US3193044A

US3193044A - Control system for public conveyance vehicles having diesel engines

Info

Publication number: US3193044A
Application number: US255913A
Authority: US
Inventors: Butler Oscar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1963-02-04
Filing date: 1963-02-04
Publication date: 1965-07-06
Anticipated expiration: 1982-07-06

Description

O. BUTLER July 6, 1965 EM FOR PUBLIC CONVEYANCE HAVING DIESEL ENGINES Filed Feb. 4*, 1963 CONTROL SYST VEHICLES h INVENTOR. Osrar Buf/er' W 4 TTORNEYS.

. adapted to the latter type of power means. the tendency of cab drivers to attempt to tamper with any control device so that they may continue their dishonest practices, necessitates that any such device have 3,193,044 CONTROL SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC CONVEYANCE VEHICLES HAVING DEESEL ENGINES Oscar Butler, 2068 S. Goodall Ave, Duarte, Calif. Filed Feb. 4, 1963, Ser. No. 255,913 6 Claims. (Cl. fill-82) This invention relates to control systems for public conveyance vehicles and, more specifically, to a tamperproof control system for vehicles having diesel engines the proper fare as determined by the distance travelled.

This system, however, is only satisfactory if the operator of the vehicle renders the meter operable at the beginning of each trip.

This limitation inherent in meter-controlled taxicabs,

has encouraged dishonest cab drivers to cheat the cab company by failing to operate the meter. Thus, if a particular trip is not recorded, the driver is free to retain the fare received from the passenger for himself and the company has no means of knowing about his dishonest act.

In many cases it has been found that the dishonesty of cab divers has contributed materially to the financial failure of a particular company. Although control devices are available such as disclosed in my copending application, Serial No. 121,036, filed June 30, 1961, now Patent No. 3,111,185, for vehicles using gasoline power motors, the recent use of diesel engines in taxicabs has brought about the need for a control system particularly Furthermore,

tamper-proof means incorporated therewith.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a control system operable to stop the engine of the ve [be adapted for use with vehicles powered by diesel engines.

It is another object of this invention to provide such a control system operable to stop the engine of the ve hicle if the driver does not properly record each trip for hire.

It is still another object of this invention to provide such .acontrol system that is resistant to any attempts by the driver of the vehicle to tamper with the control system in an effort to circumvent its operation.

Other objects will become apparent as the detailed description proceeds.

In the drawing:

The figure is a schematic diagram of the circuitry of the present invention.

Referring to the figure, a closed dashed line It) illustrates a tamper-proof housing used to enclose a majority of the components of the present invention. Externally of such housing, a battery 12 is shown connected to an ignition switch 14, said ignition switch being the switch provided on the vehicle to control the operation thereof. It is evident that battery 12 may be the on-vehicle power source.

United States Patent 31931944 Patented July 6, 1965 Ignition switch 14 has

switch positions

16, 18 and 20 corresponding to off, on and start, respectively. Ignition switch 14 also contains a contactor arm 22 which may be rotated by an ignition key or the like to engage the various switch positions. It should be noted that in starting the vehicle, the contacter arm is adapted to engage both

positions

18 and 20, simultaneously, contact with the on position being maintained While the arm 22 is advanced to the start position.

Also externally of the housing is provided a generator 24, a starting motor 26, an indicator light 28, seat switches 34) and 32, an identification and passenger signal light 34, a stoolie light 36, a meter 38, solenoid 40, and a fuel shut-off valve 42. Generator 24 and starting motor 26 are both component parts of the vehicle.

As the operation of the various devices located externally of the tamper-proof housing can only be discussed in coordination with the apparatus within the housing, the description and operation of such apparatus will now be discussed. Before this is undertaken, however, it should be understood that the basic function of this system is to provide a linkage between the battery 12 and the solenoid 4%) such that the fuel valve 42, to which the solenoid is connected, will only allow fuel to flow to the engine when passengers are being transported if the meter is first rendered operable by the driver.

The basic controlling point in the system is the seat switches 30 and 32 which are operable by the weight of a seated passenger. The remainder of the apparatus provides means by which the fuel valve 42 will close the fuel line if the driver does not operate the meter when a passenger is present in the vehicle such that one of the seat switches 30 or 32 is actuated. It should be understood that switches 30 and 32 are only illustrative and that any number of switches may be utilized, depending on the capacity of the vehicle and the particular seat configuration. With regard to these switches, my copending application cited above is incorporated herein by reference as may be necessary for complete understanding of the nature and manner of operation of switches 30 and 32 and their component parts.

It will be noted that

relays

44, 46, 48, and 52 are shown positioned internally of the tamper-proof housing represented by 10. Relay 46 is shown in its energized state while the remaining relays are shown in their deenergized state. These states represent the condition of the relays prior to starting the vehicle. In this regard it should be noted that relay 46 is normally maintained energized at all times. The significance of this feature will become apparent later in the specification. Furthermore, it should be understood that the reference character designations of the relays actually refer to the coils of such relays which, through their associated armature means, actuate the various switches that comprise the relay assembly. In this regard, these various switches are designated by the same numerical reference character as their associated relay coil except that prime and double prime notations are utilized. The switches of the relays will be referred to in the description of the operation of the apparatus as being in either upper or lower positions, said positions denoting the two possible contact conditions possible for a given relay switch.

If the ignition switch 14 is advanced to the start osition 2%, current will flow along conductor 54, through switch 44", switch 52', and conductor 56 to the starter motor 26. The return path for the electric current is represented by the ground symbols. This causes the energization of starting motor 26 which is coupled to the engine (not shown) in conventional manner. Switch position 18 being also engaged by the ignition switch while said switch is in the start position as aforesaid,

current simultaneously flows along conductor 58, through switch 44', "conductor 60, switch 46", and conductor 62" to the solenoid 40. This. energizes solenoid 40 which actuates thejtuel valve 42 to openthe fuellme to the engine. Thus, startingof the engine may-be'eifected. It

should be understood that valve '42 may be a variety of conventionalmeanscapable of blocking the flow offuel through' a fuel line until actuation thereof by some niahsjsolenoid 40 being here used-fonsueh purpose. 7 I Once starting of the vehicle is effected, generator24,

through its coupling {with the engine. in conventional manner (not shown), generates sufiicient electric current to energize relay 52 thus moving its assoclated switch 52' into the lower position where switch 52" opens the circuit through 'conductor 56; This disconnects starting motor 26ffrom the pow r" circuit. At this point, thearm 22 of ignition switch'14i-will-be engaged only with switch position 18 as, the start position 2tl is no longer needed.

The operation'ofthe control apparatus is bestillustratedi by an ex ample. It will be assumed that-1t is desired to transport a passenger, and that the passenger has "entered "the vehicle and seated} himself such that seat switch 30'is closed. It should be understoodthat 1 seat switchesffaQ and-32fare normally open as shown in the 'fig ure, but are adapted to close in responseto the weight of aseated passenge r.

on eleetri'calside, designated'64, o f'switch 3045mm nected to ground by conductor 66 'Which is returned within the tamper-proof housing and back toa corresponding'electrical' side 68 'of switch 32 and then returnedwithin'the housing to ground as at 70 The other electrical side 72 of switch 30is connectedby conductor '74- to relay d 8, the relay coil; thereof being connected in series with conductor 74 and conductor 76. 'Conductor 76 extends through the tamper-proof housing and connects to battery 12 at the junctionpoint 78'. Thus, it may be seen that the closure of seat switch so by the presence of'a seated passenger connects the coil of relay 48- tothebattery 12 toplace relay 48 in the energized state. The energization of relay 48 causes

switches

48 and 48" to eng'a'ge'the lower contacts.

With reference'now to the action of-switch 48 when relay 48 is energized, it may be seen-that the battery- 12 through-conductor 76, is now connected-to conductor 80 which terminates at junction point 82. From junction point 82, a conductor 84- routes the current from battery'12, through switch 50f along -conductor sti to v the circuit between conductor '84 and conductor 86 and thus prevents the energization of 'relay 44. Therefore, the vehicle will continue to run. as the solenoid remains energized and the fuel supply is maintained- As an additional feature, it may be. seen that conductor 98 interconnecting switches 48' and prevents the driver from operating the vehicle for any substantial period of time with the meter, operating but with no passenger present. Since the total receipts indicated in the meter mechanism are checked at the end of the day against the receipts in the possession of the operator, this feature serves .to prevent the operator from inadvertently shorting himself. 1 I V I I -It has been the practice of dishonest cab drivers to attempt to close. the circuit hetweenJconductors 92 and 94 by other. meansthan by actually operating the meter to close switch90; The idea: behind this, of course, is to he ableto operate'the vehicle without the meteractually recording the miles travelled or the fare that should have been received. Therefore, theinvention is provided with a shiel-dof conducting material 100 which surrounds the conductors 92 and 94:;when they .are-external of the tamper-proof housing. Asit isoften desirable-to maintain thercable flexible that contains conductors92an d 94 to facilita'te theconnection thereof to switch 90, the

'shield:10.0:may' be made'of a flexible material which is inherently soft and subject I to puncture should the driver degidefto attempt to short across conductors 92 and 94. The methodoften .used in practice by such drivers -is'to insert a pin or other sharp, conducting instrument in the cable andthusinterconnect conductors 9-2 and 94. However, the flexible conducting shield 100 extends Within the energiz ed;sta te, such being. effected by' the connection relay 4'4 and ground as at 8s. This energizes relay 44, thus pulling switches 44C and 44 tothe lower positions.

With-switch :44 in I the lower position, the circuit through the'ignition switch, conductor 58 conductor '60, and

1 conductor 62' to the; solenoid- 40 -i'sinterrupted. f This de-ener'giz'es' solenoid 40. and closes the valve 42 to shut off thefuel to the engine. 7

It may be seenfrom the foregoing that the vehicle will not longbe'operable under these conditions. Valve 42 may be located sufliciently distant from the cylinders of theengine such' that 'theengine will not immediately cease'operation', but it isevidentthat something else must so'on occur or the vehicle will haltL' Reference is now made to the. meter 38' which maybe a variety of conventional meters often used in the taxicab which closeswhen the handle of the meter is operated byfthe driveryto place the-'meterinoperation. This switch commonly connects; an electric lamp to the vehicle power source so that the passenger will be able to clearly readthe figures on the meter that display the amount of the fare. A cable having conductors 92 and 94 is connected to this switch, conductor 92being connected to relay-5.0;and conductor 94 being connected-to battery 12 through interconnection with conductor 76iat junction point 96. .Thus, when themeter is" rendered operable business'l. "Withinsuch meters is contained a switch-'90 the tamper-proof housing andjhas aconductor 102'conneeted thereto Whichterminatesia-t'junction point1 04," As i mentioned previously relay 46 normally is maintained'in of relay 46 to battery 12 through interconnection with conductor 76 and the junction point 104 and electrical side 64 of. seatswitch 30. Thus, acircuit is established throughrelay 46 from conductor. '76'to ground at 70.

A fuse 10,6 interconnects junction p'oint:104 'with electrical side 64 of switch.30 which,. through its connection with conductor 102; .enables any tampering with thecable from the meter. switch 90..to. bexdetected by the cab company oflicials. .Itmay' be seen' that a pin inserted .inthe cable;to interconnect conductors 92 'and 94 will necessarilyconnectconduct 94 with the shield 100. This connect-s fuse. 106. directly between junction point 96 and ground 70, junction point 9.6.initurnbeing connectedby conductor 76rto. battery 12; Thus, fuse 106 is connected directly across; battery '12' and the value of the fuse may be selected such thatthe fuse will'melt and the power circuit for relay thereby permanently interrupted. ThlS W111 cause switch 46" to move to the upper position thus breaking .the electrical circuitbetween conductors .60 and 62 ,to'derenergize solenoid 40 and close fuel valve 1 evident that some part of the vehicle 'is not functioning by the driver'of the vehicle, relay 50 is energized, thus moying switch 50'; to thelower-positionn This breaks properly as the. normal; operation lof starting the' 'vehicle will i be ineffective unle'ss the jumper isconnected. i This makes ltquite simple to determine who the. guilty party' is as such party will be fthe only driver capable of rapidly starting-the vehicle asahe, off course, isinstantly a'ware that the jumper must be connected before the vehicle' 'will start. i Another common method employed by dishonest drivas to leave the company unsuspecting.

ers in an effort to circumvent the control of the vehicle bylsuch control apparatus as described, is to cut the wires leading to the seat switches and 32. In the present invention, however, it may be noted that the severing of the conductors external of the tamper-proof housing connected to the electrical side 64 of seat switch 3%), or the electrical side 68 of seat switch 32, will interrupt the connection from relay 46 to ground '70 and thus cause deenergization of solenoid 40 in the same manner as previously described. Should the driver happen to sever

conductors

108 and 110 rather than the conductors in the power circuit of relay 46, then relay 48 will no longer be responsive to the presence of a seated passenger in the vehicle. For example, the severing of conductor 108 prevents seat switch 30 from closing the power circuit to relay 48 when a passenger is present. Thus, if the meter is operated by the cab driver, switch 50 will move to its lower position as described above, and relay 44 will be connected to its power circuit through conductor 86, switch 50', conductor 98, switch 48 in the position shown in the drawing, and conductor 76. It is now impossible for the vehicle to operate with the meter operating and with a passenger seated over switch 30. Therefore, it will be obvious to cab company personnel at the end of the day that this driver has been attempting to cheat the company because if this type of operation is continued for any length of time, the miles travelled by the cab will be grossly out of proportion to the receipts. In other words, the odometer on the vehicle will register mileage well out of proportion to the receipts deposited with the cab company. Generally speaking, it is the practice of cab drivers who indulge in these illegal practices to only pocket a small portion of the total receipts each day so This, of course, is now made impossible.

Another practice of dishonest cab drivers is to attempt to run the vehicle by connecting a jumper lead directly from the battery to solenoid 40, again in an effort to circumvent the control apparatus. This is prevented however, in the present invention as a fuse 112 is connected in series with the solenoid 40. Fuse 112 is of such a value that the fuse will melt when connected directly across the battery 12. The direct short will occur when a passenger is transported and the meter is not operated by the driver, as relay 44 will be energized as previously described, thus moving switch 44' to the lower position and creating a short circuit from the jumper lead through fuse 112, switch 46", conductor 60, and switch 44 to ground at 88. It is then impossible to operate the vehicle without the jumper lead. Therefore, as discussed above, it will be evident to the cab company personnel that the driver has been attempting to cheat the company.

Another possible way in which a dishonest cab driver might attempt to bypass the control apparatus is by disconnecting the battery 12 from the tamper-proof housing by cutting conductor 76 or disconnecting conductor 76 from junction point 78. If this is attempted, however,

the relay 46 will be deenergized and switch 46" will move to its upper position. With the ignition switch 14 in the on position (arm 22 engaged with switch position 18), an electric circuit is completed from the battery 12 through ignition switch 14, conductor 58, switch 44', conductcor 60, switch 46", and ground at 114. It will be noted that a fuse 116 is interposed in series with conductor 60.

Therefore, fuse 1 16 will melt due to the shorting currents therethrough from the battery 12 to ground at 114. It will then be impossible to operate the vehicle without the use of a jumper lead from battery 12 to solenoid 4-0 as the melting of fuse 116 prevents the energization of solenoid 40 even if the battery is reconnected to conductor 76. Again, the actions of the driver are easily traceable by the cab company.

Since fuse 116 and fuse 112 are connected in series in the power circuit of solenoid 4t), fuse 112 should have a lower rating than fuse 116 to insure that fuse 112 will melt before fuse 116 when it is attempted to operate the vehicle by connecting a jumper lead from the battery 12 to solenoid 4-19. This preserves fuse 116 for the tamper prevention function described in the foregoing paragraph. In this manner, company personnel, upon inspection of the fuses within the tamper-proof housing, may ascertain exactly in what manner the driver of the vehicle has been attempting to circumvent the control apparatus. Thus, company ofiicials will not only know when a particular driver has been attempting to cheat the company, but they will also be able to tell by examination of the fuses exactly which portions of the system have been tampered with. It should be understood that circuit breakers may be employed in place of fuses 106, 112 and 116. It is only necessary that a current-responsive circuit breaking device be employed that is capable of permanently interrupting an electric circuit until replaced by company ofiicials or reset for subsequent use, as in conventional circuit breakers.

An additional feature of the present invention is the coupling of signal light 34 and stoolie light 36 to switch 48". The coupling of signal light 34 is accomplished by conductor 11% and ground connection 120, while stoolie light 36 is connected to switch 48" by conductor 122 and the ground connection 120. It may easily be seen that when switch 48" is in the upper position as shown in the figure, that signal light 34 will be connected across the power circuit from conductor 76 to ground at 1219. Likewise, when relay 48 is energized and switch 48" is in its lower position, the stoolie light 36 will be connected across the power circuit by conductor 122. Signal light 34 is often mounted on the top of taxicabs to both display the name of the cab company and indicate if the cab is cruising and available for hire. Light 34 may be turned off during day-time operations by switch 124. It may be seen that the light 34 will be automatically connected to the battery when there is no passenger seated in the passenger seat of the vehicle, while the stoolie light 36 will automatically be connected to the battery when a passenger is seated. This stoolie light is generally a small lamp mounted externally of the vehicle and used primarily by cab personnel who are observing cab operations in a particular area, the stoolie light giving such personnel an indication of the activity of the particular cab.

The indicator light 28, which may be mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle, also supplements the present invention by providing a visual indication of the energization of relay 44. Such indication occurs only when starting is attempted and serves to inform the driver that the vehicle will not start due to the valve 42 being closed. The common cause of such a stoppage Would be due to the drivers failure to properly operate the meter 38 while transporting a passenger. As previously discussed, relay 44 will become energized if a passenger is present in the vehicle and the meter 38 is not placed in operation. The energization of relay 44 moves its associated switch 44" into the lower position, thus connecting light 23 through switch 44" to conductor 54 and the battery 12 when the ignition switch is in the start position (arm 22 engaged with position 20). This reminds the driver that the meter must be placed in operation if he intends to transport a passenger.

The indicator 28 will also light if starting of the vehicle is attempted while relay 46 is de-energized. Such would occur upon legitimate failure of relay 46 or upon failure of the fuse 1615 due to tampering with the cable from the meter switch 99 as previously described. In either event, the relay 46 will become de-energized and the fuel will cease to flow to the engine. A conductor interconnects junction point 82 and switch 46' to provide an electric circuit to relay 44 through conductor 132 upon movement of switch 46' to the upper position. Therefore, when a passenger closes one of the seat switches by seating himself in the vehicle and relay 48 thereby begenerators.

*comes energized, current flows from battery 12,,through conductor 76; switch 4 81and conductor 30, to junction pointB'Z and hence to the relay 44 along the 'path'afore said." This apparatus may also be operated'in diesel motor electrical systems utilizing alternators rather thanllC.

In such systems the alternator would replace generator 24, while a diode. would bfeconnected between the hot or ungrounded side otthealternator and'thepositive or ungrounded terminal (junction point 78), ofibatte'ry 12. V t V c Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is;

1'. In vehicles for hire wherein passengers are transported for a fee determined and registered by a meter which may be rendered operable or inoperable at the option' of the driver, and wherein said meter, contains a 7 switch that is actuated when the meter is operated, tam-. per-proofapparatus for actuating a fuel shut-ctr means to stop the vehicle if the meter is not, rendered, operable when a passenger is present in the passenger section of the vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

a tamper-proof housing; a source of electrical power externalofsaid housing; electrically responsive control means external of said housing and operable upon de-energization to actu ate the fuel shut-oif means; firstcircuit means COllllCCtlIlg Sflld control means to the power; source, ,said circuit means including con-" switching means internal of said housing responsive tosaid seat switching means;

means coupling said switching structure to the power source, said coupling means including conductors external, of said housing connecting said seat switching means in series with the power source and said second electrically responsive switching means;- second' circuit means internal of said housing operable to electrically couple said second electrically responsive switching means'to said first electrically responsive switching -means, said second circuit means including switching means responsive to the actuation ot thef 'm eter switch for preventing said 'ele'ctrical coupling when a seated passenger is present in the passenger section and the meters rendered operable, whereby said first electrically responsiveswitching means is actuatedto permit the actuation of the fuel shut-off means by the control means when the meter is not in operation while a passenger is transported; first conductor means including conductor externalof said housing electrically coupling the meter switch with said meter-responsive switching means and the power source; a shield-ofvconducting material surrounding the external conductors of said first conductor means and extending within said housing; i third electrically responsive switching means internal of-said housing interposed in said first circuit means for maintaining the continuity thereof only when said thirdelectrically responsive switching means is connectedto the power source; second conductor means connecting said third electrically responsive switching means to the power source; current responsive circuit interrupter means internal of, said housing interposed in series with said secr m e Power s ur n To pQI Q a. fee determined: and; registered by a. meter a conductoriinternal of said housing interconnecting said shield and said circuit interrupter means to a1- low the latterto permanently interrupt the electrical circuit therethrough if a pin or the like' is'forced through said shield contactinga conductor'of said first conductor means to provide a'flow of electric current through said interrupter means, whereby said third electrically responsive switching means will be disconnected-from the power source and said control means de-energized thereby;

2. In vehicles for hire wherein passengers aretransported for a fee determined and registeredby a meter which may be rendered operableor' inoperable at the.

option of the driver, taper-proof apparatus for actuating afuel shut-oil means to stop the vehicle if the meter is not rendered operable when a-passenger is present in the passenger section of the vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

atamper-proof housing; 3 a source of clectricalfpowerexternal of-said'housing; electrically responsive control means external of said housing and operable uponsde-energization to actuate the'fuel shut-oft means; c is first circuit means connecting said con-trol means to the power source, said circuit means includingconductors external of said housing and-first-electrically-'respon sive switching means internal of saidhousing o'perable to interrupt said. first circuit means to de-energize saidcontrol -means; r switchingstructurecomprising. switching means disposed external" of said ho'using in the seats of the passenger section operable by the presence ofa seated passenger and second electrically responsive switching meansinternal of said housing responsive to, said seatswitchingmeans; 1 1 a means couplingsaid switching structure to the power source, said coupling means including conductors external of" said housing connecting said seat switching means in series with-the power source and said I second electrically responsiveswitching means; second circuit means internalor said housing-operable to electrically couple said secondelectrically responsive. switchingmeans to said first electrically responsive switching rneans, saidsecond circuit means including switching means responsive to the operation ofithemeter for preventing-said electrical coupling when a. seated passenger is'present in thepassenger sectionand the meter is rendered operable, whereby'said first electrically responsive switching means is actuated to permit the actuation of the fuel shut-oft means: by the control means when-the meter, is not in operation) while a passenger is transported; i 7 third electrically. responsive,switchingmeans internalof said'rhousing interposed in said first circuit meansfor maintaining-the continuity thereof only when said third electrically responsive switching-means is connecte'd::to:-.the power source; and conductor means connecting said thi'r d electrically responsive switching means to oneelectrical'side of thecpowerr source, "said last4mentioned means being connected to the other electrical side ofthe powe'r source throughtthe external conductors connected to V thetcorresponding electrical side of said seat switch- 1 ing means, whereby the; severance or disconnection I of any of; the last-mentioned external conductors disconnects said third electrically responsive means from the power source and thereby'interrupts said first'circuitmeans and" deeenergizes said control means; l Y 3 ln' vehicles for hire whereinIpassengers are transwhich may be rendered operable or inoperable at the ,option ofr the driver, tamper-proofapparatu's for actuating a' fuel..shut-off means to stopithe vehicle if the meter .not rendered operable when ;a' ,pa'sse nger is present in the passenger section of the vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

a tamper-proof housing;

a source of electrical power external of said housing;

electrically responsive control means external of said housing and operable upon de-energization to actuate the fuel shut-oft means;

first circuit means connecting said control means to the power source, said circuit means including conductors external of said housing and first electrically responsive switching means internal of said housing operable to interrupt said first circuit means to deenergize said control means;

switching structure comprising switching means disposed external of said housing in the seats of the passenger section operable by the presence of a seated passenger and second electrically responsive switching means internal of said housing responsive to said seat switching means;

means coupling said switching structure to the power source, said coupling means including conductors external of said housing connecting said seat switching means in series with the power source and said second electrically responsive switching means;

second circuit means internal of said housing operable to electrically couple said second electrically responsive switching means to said first electrically responsive means, said second circuit means including switching means responsive to the operation of the meter for preventing said electrical coupling when a seated passenger is present in the passenger section and the meter is rendered operable, whereby said first electrically responsive switching means is actuated to permit the actuation of the fuel shut-off means by the control means when the meter is not in opera- Y which may be rendered operable or inoperable at the option of the driver, tamper-proof apparatus for actuating a fuel shut-oft means to stop the vehicle if the meter is not rendered operable when a passenger is present in the passenger section of the vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

a tamper-proof housing; a source of electrical power external of said housing; electrically responsive control means external of said housing and operable upon de-energization to actuate the fuel shut-d means; first circuit means connecting said control means to the power source, said circuit means including conductors external of said housing and first electrically responsive switching means internal of said housing operable to interrupt said first circuit means to deenergize said control means; an ignition switch in series with the power source and said first circuit means for establishing an electrical 7 connection therebetween when it is desired to oper- IEItC the vehicle;

switching structure comprising switching means disposed external of said housing in the seats of the passenger section operable by the presence of a seated passenger and second electrically responsive switching means internal of said housing responsive to said sea-t switching means;

second circuit means internal of said housing operable to electrically couple said second electrically responsive switching means to said first electrically responsive switching means, said second circuit means including switching means responsive to the operation of the meter for preventing said electrical coupling when a seated passenger is present in the passenger section and the meter is rendered operable, whereby said first electrically responsive switching means is actuated to permit the actuation of the fuel shut-oft means by the control means when the meter is not in operation while a passenger is transported;

third electrically responsive switching means internal of said housing interposed in said first circuit means for maintaining the continuity thereof only when said third electrically responsive switching means is connected to the power source;

conductor means including at least one conductor external of said housing connecting said third electrically responsive switching means to the power source; and

current responsive circuit interrupter means internal of said housing interposed in said first circuit means and operable to permanently interrupt said first circuit means whenever said third electrically responsive switching means is disconnected from said power source and said ignition switch is turned on to operate the vehicle.

5. In vehicles for hire wherein passengers are transported for a fee determined and registered by a meter which may be rendered operable or inoperable at the option of the driver, and'wherein said meter contains a switch that is actuated when the meter is operated, tamper-proof apparatus for actuating a fuel shut-oft means to stop the vehicle if the meter is not rendered operable when a passenger is present in the passenger section of the vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

a tamper-proof housing;

a source of electrical power external of said housing;

electrically responsive control means external of said housing and operable upon de-energization to actuate the fuel shut-off means;

an ignition switch in series with the power source and said first circuit means for establishing an electrical connection therebetween when it is desired to operate the vehicle;

switching structure comprising switching means disposed external of said housing in the seats of the passenger section operable by the presence of a seated passenger and second electrically responsive switching means internal of said housing responsive to said seat switch-ing means;

means coupling said switching structure to the power source, said coupling means including conductors external of said housing connecting said seat switching means in series with the power source and said second electrically responsive switching means; second circuit means internal of said housing operable to electrically couple said second electrically responsive switching means to said first electrically responsive switching means, said second circuit means including switching means responsive to the actuation of the meter switch for preventing said electrical coupling when a seated passenger is present in the passenger section and the meter is rendered ope-r- -able, whereby said first electrically responsive switching means is actuated to permit the actuation I of the-fuel shut -oifimeans by the control, means when the meter isnot is transported; I first conductor means in operation while a passenger including conductorsexternal of said housing electrically coupling the meter switch with said'meter-responsive switching means and the power source; V

ashield-of conducting material surrounding the externa-l conductors of said first conductor means and extending within said' 'housing;

thirdelectricallyresponsive switching means internal of saidhousing interposed in said first circuit means for maintaining the continuity thereof only when said thirdelectrically responsive switching means is connected to the power source; second conductor means including at least one conductor external of said housing connecting said third electrically" responsive switching means to one electrical side of the power' source, said last-mentioned means being connected to the other-"electrical side of thepower source through the external conductors connected to thecorrespon-ding electrical side of said seat switching means,- where'by the sever-anceor disconnection of any of the external conductors connecting-said 'third electrically responsive means to the-power source interrupts said' first circuit means I and tie-energizes said control means; I

first: current responsive circuitinterrup-ter means -internal of said" housing interposed in said first circuit means and operable-to permanently interrupt said first circuit means whenever said third electrically responsive switching means is disconnected from said-powersource and} said ignitionswitch is turned on-to operat-e the vehicle; g V second current responsive circuit-interrupter means internal of-said housing interposed in seriesw-ith the external conductors connecting said third electrically responsive switching means to said other side- :offthe I without the continued use of the jumper lead if such a lead is attached tosaidl controlmeans s 6. In vehicles for hire provided with fuel shutoff means wherein passengers are transported for a feedetermined and registeredlbyl a meterwhich maybe rendered operable or inoperable at the option of.the driver,vappar-atus in combination with the meter and the fuel shutoff means for stopping the vehicle if the meter is-not rendered opersaid housing interconnecting first circuit means responsive to the placing of a jumper lead from the .power source to saidcontrol means,- whereby the vehicle is rendered immobile able when a passenger is present in they passenger section of the: vehicle, said apparatuscomp'rising;

a source of electrical power electrically responsive operating means coupled with said fuel shutoif means for actuating the latter to halt the vehicle; first circuit'means coupling ,sa-id operating means with saidsource; I an electrically responsive switchingdevice interposed in said first circuittmeans and having a first operational state permitting current flow insa-id circuit a means and a second openational state preventing said flow; Y second circuit means coupling said device with said source for supplying electrical energy to the device 12012311861116 latter 'to'change from one of said operational states to the other state;- switchingstructure interposed in-said second circuit means and responsive-to the presence of a passenger in theipassenger section; switching means interposedin, said .second circuit meansand having afirst operational" state for permitting current flow in the second circuit means and a sccond operation-al state preventing said flow therein; I a means operably intercoupling said meter and said switching means, the latter being; operable to change from one of saidst'ates thereof to its other; state in response" to; [operation of v the meter, whereby the operational state of said device, and hence the actuation of thefuel shutotf'means, is controlled by the presence of a passenger in the, passenger section in conjunction with operation of the meter by the driver; and circuitinterrupter means interposed-in said first circuit means; c'oupledfwith' said device, and conditioned, upon placing of said device in the operational state thereofcor-respionding to presence of avpassenger in the passenger section and vfailure of the-driver to operate the meter, to interrupt the electrical continuity of the'first circuit means whena jumper lead is coupled 'betweenthe-po-wer source and'theoperatingmeans. 7

References Cited b'y tlie'Enamirier UNITED STATES" PATENTS 2,934,159 4/60" Butler 1s0 s2 3,039,55-6' 6/6'2 Canavotto .Q -82 A. HARRY LEVY, Primary Examiner.

Claims

6. IN VEHICLES FOR HIRE PROVIDED WITH FUEL SHUTOFF MEANS WHEREIN PASSENGERS ARE TRANSPORTED FOR A FEE DETERMINED AND REGISTERED BY A MATTER WHICH MAY BE RENDERED OPERABLE OR INOPERABLE AT THE OPTION OF THE DRIVER, APPARATUS IN COMBINATION WITH THE METER AND THE FUEL SHUTOFF MEANS FOR STOPPING THE VEHICLE IF THE METER IS NOT RENDERED OPERABLE WHEN A PASSENGER IS PRESENT IN THE PASSENGER SECTION OF THE VEHICLE, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING: A SOURCE OF ELECTRICAL POWER; ELECTRICALLY RESPONSIVE OPERATING MEANS COUPLED WITH SAID FUEL SHUTOFF MEANS FOR ACTUATING THE LATTER TO HALT THE VEHICLE; FIRST CONDUIT MEANS COUPLING SAID OPERATING MEANS WITH SAID SOURCE; AN ELECTRICALLY RESPONSIVE SWITCHING DEVICE INTERPOSED IN SAID FIRST CIRCUIT MEANS AND HAVING A FIRST OPERATIONAL STATE PERMITTING CURRENT FLOW IN SAID CIRCUIT MEANS AND A SECOND OPERATIONAL STATE PREVENTING SAID FLOW; SECOND CIRCUIT MEANS COUPLING SAID DEVICE WITH SAID SOURCE FOR SUPPLYING ELECTRICAL ENERGY TO THE DEVICE TO CAUSE THE LATTER TO CHANGE FROM ONE OF SAID OPERATIONAL STATES TO THE OTHER STATE; SWITCHING STRUCTURE INTERPOSED IN SAID SECOND CIRCUIT MEANS AND RESPONSIVE TO THE PRESENCE OF A PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SECTION; SWITCHING MEANS INTERPOSED IN SAID SECOND CIRCUIT MEANS AND HAVING A FIRST OPERATIONAL STATE FOR PERMITTING CURRENT FLOW IN THE SECOND CIRCUIT MEANS AND A SECOND OPERATIONAL STATE PREVENTING SAID FLOW THEREIN; MEANS OPERABLY INTERCOUPLING SAID METER AND SAID SWITCHING MEANS, THE LATTER BEING OPERABLE TO CHANGE