Patent ID: 8170526
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: B60R,H04M

Abstract:
1. A long-range communication and control apparatus for a vehicle having an on-board electronic controller, comprising: a primary cellular device and a secondary cellular device provided by a user of the vehicle; a docking station in the vehicle in which the secondary cellular device is received; a bi-directional communication link between the secondary cellular device and the on-board electronic controller, wherein the on-board electronic controller is programmed to recognize and accept calls placed to the secondary cellular device from the primary cellular device by the user, and thereafter to process vehicle-related requests communicated from the primary cellular device to the secondary cellular device by the user, wherein the secondary cellular device includes an internal charge storage device; and a power cable linking the docking station to a vehicle power outlet to supply power from the power outlet to the secondary cellular device via said internal charge storage device.