Abstract:
A system and method by which construction tools, electronics, and other electrically powered devices are protected from theft and unauthorized use is disclosed. A tool or electronic device is equipped with an electronic receiver that receives an authorization code from a remote transmitter. Should the item be stolen, the rightful owner can disable it remotely, rendering it worthless. Additionally, the system provides for a Global Positioning System Receiver (GPS) that allows the invention to determine its physical location to within a few feet anywhere on the face of the earth, and transmit its location to the original owner such that it may be recovered. The use of the present invention allows for increased security of portable tools and electronics in a manner that is quick, easy and effective.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/764,671 filed on Feb. 2, 2006. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a system and method by which construction tools, electronics, and other electrically powered devices are protected from theft and unauthorized use and, more particularly, to the equipment to be protected being equipped with an electronic receiver that receives an authorization code from a remote transmitter with the inclusion of a global positioning system such that the equipment can be recovered. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Security alarms are almost common items on homes, businesses, and motor vehicles in today&#39;s society. Their use has not only stopped many attempted thefts in progress, but the knowledge that they are there, has stopped many more before they are even started. While such alarms work well for homes, businesses, motor vehicles and other large structures, they leave smaller portable devices such as construction tools and portable electronics vulnerable. These devices such as drills, saws, compressors, generators, televisions, computers, notebook computers and the like are often very expensive, and present a financial hardship should they need to be replaced. Should insurance be utilized to cover such devices, the cost of the insurance is often as great as the device itself due to the high probability of being stolen. 
     Solving the problem described immediately above, is a unique system and method by which construction tools, electronics, and other electrically powered devices are protected from theft and unauthorized use. Upon initial observation of a power tool such as a saw or drill, or an electronic device such as a television or computer, nothing appears readily different. However, after closer observation, it can be seen that the tool or electronic device is equipped with an electronic receiver that receives an authorization code from a remote transmitter. This enables the equipment to operate. Should the item be stolen, the rightful owner can disable it remotely, rendering it worthless. Additionally, the system provides for a Global Positioning Receiver (GPS) that allows the invention to determine its physical location to within a few feet anywhere on the face of the earth, and transmit its location to the original owner such that it may be recovered. The use of the new and novel tracking system for tools and electronics allows for increased security of portable tools and electronics in a manner which is quick, easy and effective. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to effectively locate, tack, and command electrically-operated equipment from a remote location. U.S. Pat. No. 6,891,471, issued in the name of Yuen et al., discloses an expandable object tracking system and devices, wherein each device has an RF transceiver, memory, user interface, and a processor for coordination and management. Unfortunately, the Yuen et al. system does not include the use of GPS technology to track and locate these devices over a broad range. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,609,655, issued in the name of Elledge, describes a method and system for identifying lost or stolen devices, including a transmitter, a receiver, and a computer each coupled to the device. The device utilizes RF identification and operates an alarm. As in the Yuen et al. device, the Elledge patent does not incorporate GPS locating technology within the system. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,202, issued in the name of Tsuchimoto et al., teaches a data storage system, storage medium, and a method of controlling a data storage system. Such a data storage system does not fall under the scope of the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,981, issued in the name of Renney, discloses an item locator with an attachable receiver/transmitter, comprising a hand-held device and multiple sensors/chips applied to the device in question. The sensors receive a dedicated signal transmitted by the hand-held device and sound an audible alarm. The Renney device unfortunately differs from the present invention in that it does not have provisions for commanding such a sensor and also does not incorporate GPS locating technology. 
     Additional patents have been issued, based on systems for locating a lost object with an audible alarm, notably U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,050, issued in the name of Sacca et al.; and, U.S. Pat. No. 5,926,090, issued in the name of Taylor et al. 
     None of the prior art particularly describes device for locating and commanding electrically-operated equipment such as construction tools at a remote site utilizing GPS technology. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which construction tools, and portable electronics can be protected from theft, unauthorized use and should theft occur, subsequent recovery can be provided. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need of a means for monitoring a first location of electrically-powered devices from a remote location and also to transmit command functions from a remote location to a control module located on said equipment. 
     The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for an electrical device lock-out and locating apparatus utilizing GPS technology which provides a means for a system by which construction tools, electronics, and other electrically-powered devices are protected from theft and unauthorized use. 
     A further object of the present invention provides for such an apparatus to further comprise at least one control module which is removably mounted discreetly to said electrically-powered devices, thereby providing wireless data transmission to a handheld controller. 
     A further object of the present invention provides for said control module to further comprise a receiver for receiving specific commands entered on said handheld controller, such as operational permission and operational denial, to said electrically operated device. Said control module further generates and transmits physical location data back to said handheld controller and operates with any alternating current (AC) powered device using a power cord. 
     A further object of the present invention provides for said control module to comprise a plastic enclosure further comprising an electrical power cord, an indicator light, a power supply receiving an alternating current (AC) from said electrical power cord ahead of a main power relay, wherein said power supply produces and conducts a regulated output voltage to a GPS receiver, a control receiver and a controller. Said control receiver is a conventional digital data transceiver that communicates a receiver bi-directional RF data stream as received from said transmission relaying system to said controller and in a reverse path. Said controller is a digital-type controller such as a basic stamp package or an embedded processor and provides an electrical current to said main power relay, thus closing a circuit between said electrical power cord and an electrical power circuit of an electrically-operated device upon receiving a valid operational signal from said handheld controller via said transmission relaying system. Said controller also communicates said first location information as provided by said GPS receiver, to said control receiver for rebroadcast back to said handheld controller. Said indicator light provides a visual means to indicate current is being supplied to said electrically-operated device. 
     Yet another object of the present invention provides for a handheld controller which is used to access various functions such as control, permissive, lockout and location functions. The handheld controller operates wirelessly and is battery-powered. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention provides for said handheld controller to further comprise a graphic output screen, a controller antenna located on top of said handheld controller to transmit a transmitter bi-directional RF data stream to said transmission relaying system, a command-accepted light emitting diode located below said graphic output screen to confirm to a user that commands as entered into said handheld controller were acknowledged by said control module, a menu access button located below said graphic output screen for accessing menu functions, a numeric keypad located below said graphic output screen to access specific coded functions, an enter button and a clear button located below said graphic output screen, and, a series of selection keys located below said graphic output screen to access displayed items or options on said graphic output screen. 
     A further object of the present invention provides for such an apparatus to utilize available transmission relaying systems and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology so as to locate, disable, and/or recover said electronic devices in an accurate, quick, and effective manner. 
     Still a further object of the present invention provides for a system by which said control module receives location information from a series of Global Positioning Satellites (GPS), via an RF broadcast stream emitted in a one-way broadcast type signal from each Global Positioning Satellite (GPS), thus allowing said control module to establish its position on the surface of the earth to within a few feet via a triangulation method, utilizing said first location of said control module mounted on electrically-operated device and an accurate time signal. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a separate transmission relaying system, comprising available wireless systems, such as cellular telephone or PCS systems, satellite systems, or wireless area networks capable of sending and receiving a transmitter bi-directional RF data stream to and from said control module and sending and receiving a receiver bi-directional RF data stream to and from said handheld controller, respectively, thereby providing a tracking means of said control module mounted on said electrically-operated device. Said transmission relaying system is necessary due to low-power operation and long-distance operational requirements of both said handheld controller and said control module and achieves a full-duplex communication with each said GPS. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a pictorial operational representation of the electrical device lock-out and locating apparatus utilizing GPS technology  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the handheld controller  15  portion of the electrical lock-out and locating apparatus utilizing GPS technology  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up perspective view of the control module portion  20  of the electrical lock-out and locating apparatus utilizing GPS technology  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is an electrical schematic block diagram of the control module  20  portion of the electrical device lock-out and locating apparatus utilizing GPS technology  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is a functional block diagram of the operational logic employed by the electrical device lock-out and locating apparatus utilizing GPS technology  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 electrical device lock-out and locating apparatus  
               
               
                   
                 utilizing GPS technology 
               
               
                 15 
                 handheld controller 
               
               
                 20 
                 control module 
               
               
                 21 
                 indicator light 
               
               
                 25 
                 electrically-operated device 
               
               
                 30 
                 electrical power cord 
               
               
                 35 
                 Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) 
               
               
                 40 
                 position locating RF 
               
               
                 45 
                 transmission relaying system 
               
               
                 50 
                 receiver bi-directional RF data stream 
               
               
                 55 
                 transmitter bi-directional RF data stream 
               
               
                 60 
                 graphic output screen 
               
               
                 65 
                 controller antenna 
               
               
                 70 
                 command accepted light emitting diode 
               
               
                 75 
                 menu access button 
               
               
                 80 
                 numeric keypad 
               
               
                 85 
                 enter button 
               
               
                 90 
                 clear buttons 
               
               
                 95 
                 selection keys 
               
               
                 100 
                 plastic enclosure 
               
               
                 105 
                 power supply 
               
               
                 110 
                 main power relay 
               
               
                 115 
                 GPS receiver 
               
               
                 120 
                 control receiver 
               
               
                 125 
                 controller 
               
               
                 130 
                 electrical power circuit of an electrically operated device 
               
               
                 140 
                 first operational block 
               
               
                 145 
                 second functional block 
               
               
                 150 
                 second operational block 
               
               
                 155  
                 third functional block 
               
               
                 160  
                 third operational block 
               
               
                 165  
                 fourth functional block 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an apparatus and method for an electrical device lock-out and locating apparatus utilizing GPS technology (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for a system and method by which construction tools, electronics, and other electrically-operated devices  25  are protected from theft and unauthorized use. The apparatus  10  comprises a control module  20  which is installed discreetly to said electrically-operated devices  25 , thereby providing wireless data transmission to a handheld controller  15 . By utilizing available transmission relaying systems  45  and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, the apparatus  10  can locate, disable, and/or recover said electronic devices in an accurate, quick, and effective manner. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a pictorial operational representation of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises two major components. The first major component is a handheld controller  15  which is used to access the various functions of the apparatus  10  such as control, permissive, lockout and location functions. The handheld controller  15  operates wirelessly and is battery-powered. The second major component is a control module  20  removably mounted discreetly upon an electrically-operated device  25 . The control module  20 , receives specific commands entered on the handheld controller  15 , such as operational permission and operational denial, to the electrically-operated device  25 . The control module  20  further provides transmission of physical location data back to the handheld controller  15 . The apparatus  10  can comprise a single or a plurality of control modules  20 . The electrically-operated device  25  in  FIG. 1  is depicted as a portable power tool such as a table saw for illustrative purposes only. The control module  20  will work with any alternating current (AC) powered device  25  using a power cord  30 . Such electrically-operated devices  25  are envisioned to be equipment such as, but not limited to; portable power tools, yard care power tools, appliances, personal computers, notebook computers, electronic devices, entertainment systems, charging systems, and the like, and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. A further detailed description of the control module  20  along with its internal components will be provided herein below. The control module  20  receives location information from a series of Global Positioning Satellites (GPS)  35  whose operational sequences are well known in the art and are not within the scope of this disclosure. A position-locating RF broadcast stream  40  is emitted in a one-way broadcast type signal from each Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)  35  thus allowing the control module  20  to establish its position on the face of the earth to within a few feet. It should be noted that the current GPS positioning system as operated by the United States Government serves as the basis for this disclosure depicted, however, systems in place by other governments as well as future systems deployed by any government will work equally as well with the present invention and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. Should future GPS systems allow for two-way transmission of information, the principles of operation of the present invention will remain as noted, however, implementation will vary. The multiple position-locating RF broadcast stream  40  allows for triangulation of the position of the electrically-operated device  25  based upon known positions of the control module  20  and an accurate time signal. To accomplish transmission of data from the control module  20  to the handheld controller  15 , a separate transmission relaying system  45  is necessary. The transmission relaying system  45  provides a tracking means of the electrically-operated device  25  anywhere on the face of the earth. The transmission relaying system  45  is necessary due to the low power operation of both the handheld controller  15  and control module  20 , and the long distance requirements between the handheld controller  15  and the control module  20 . The transmission relaying system  45  comprises available wireless systems, such as cellular telephone or PCS systems, satellite systems, wireless area networks and the like, which are outside the scope of the present invention, and should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. The transmission relaying system  45  is capable of sending/receiving a receiver bi-directional RF data stream  50  to/from the control module  20  and sending/receiving a transmitter bi-directional RF data stream  55  to/from the handheld controller  15  respectively as indicated. The receiver bi-directional RF data stream  50  and the transmitter bi-directional RF data stream  55 , in conjunction with the transmission relaying system  45  provide full-duplex communication between the handheld controller  15  and the control module  20  which the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)  35 , in their current configuration, are not capable of. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front view of the handheld controller  15  portion of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The handheld controller  15  provides a graphic output screen  60 , such as an LCD screen or the like, to communicate with the user. A controller antenna  65  is located on the top of the handheld controller  15  to communicate with the transmission relaying system  45  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) via the transmitter bi-directional RF data stream  55  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and then subsequently with the control module  20  mounted on the electrically-operated device  25  via the receiver bi-directional RF data stream  55  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). A command-accepted light emitting diode  70  is provided directly below the graphic output screen  60  to confirm to the user that commands as entered into the handheld controller  15  were acknowledged by the control module  20  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Further information on the operation and functionality of the command accepted light-emitting diode  70  will be provided herein below. A menu access button  75  is provided on the face of the handheld controller  15  for accessing the menu functions of the apparatus  10 . A numeric keypad  80  is also provided to access specific coded functions of the apparatus  10 . An enter button  85  and clear button  90  is provided to work with the keypad  80  as well. The keypad  80  is depicted as a numeric type; however, may be provided with alphanumeric keys to enable transmission of alphabetic or text messages. Finally, a series of selection keys  95  is provided to access displayed items or options on the graphic output screen  60 . A functional description of use of the handheld controller  15  is provided herein below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a close-up perspective view and an electrical schematic block diagram of the control module  20  portion of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The control module  20  comprises a plastic enclosure  100  further comprising an electrical power cord  30 , and an indicator light  21 . It is envisioned that the plastic enclosure  100  would be installed internal to the electrically-operated device  25  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), thereby providing the utmost level of security. However, the control module  20  and its plastic enclosure  100  could be installed as an aftermarket kit for existing electrically powered devices. However, said aftermarket units may be less secure than Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) units due to the ease of access to the control module  20 . A power supply  105  receives alternating current (AC) from the electrical power cord  30  ahead of a main power relay  110 . Regulated output voltage from the power supply  105  is conducted to a GPS receiver  115 , a control receiver  120  and a controller  125 . The GPS receiver  115  comprises a conventional GPS receiver that is well known in the art and capable of communicating positional data to the controller  125 . The control receiver  120  is a conventional digital data transceiver that is also well known in the art. The control receiver  120  communicates digital data as received from the transmission relaying system  45  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) to the controller  125  and in a reverse path as well. The controller  125  is envisioned to be a digital type controller such as a basic stamp package or an embedded processor, though other types of controllers and programming languages could be utilized as well, and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. Upon receiving a valid operational signal from the handheld controller  15  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) via the transmission relaying system  45  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), the controller  125  provides an electrical current to the main power relay  110 , thus closing the circuit between the electrical power cord  30  and an electrical power circuit of an electrically operated device  130 . The indicator light  21  provides a visual means to indicate current is being supplied to the electrically operated device  130 . The normally open nature of the main power relay  110  thus ensures a fail-safe operation. If no enabling signal is present, the electrically-operated device  25  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) will not operate. Finally, the controller  125  is capable of communicating the location information, as provided by the GPS receiver  115 , to the control receiver  120  for rebroadcast back to the handheld controller  15  (as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ). 
     Referring finally to  FIG. 5 , a functional block diagram of the operational logic employed by the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The process of utilizing the apparatus  10  begins at a first functional block  135 . A decision is made to determine if the electrically-operated device  25  is lost or stolen at a first operational block  140 . A positive answer results in accessing the handheld controller  15  to determine the location of the electrically operated device  25  at a second functional block  145 . Upon obtaining the coordinates of the electrically-operated device  25 , the user can retrieve it, or make arrangements to secure said electrically-operated device  25  through local law enforcement agencies. A negative response to the first operational block  140  indicates that logic will continue to a second operational block  150 , wherein the user can determine if enabling the electrically-operated device  25  is required. A positive response allows an enabling action at a third functional block  155 . A negative response allows the user to determine if disabling the electrically-operated device  25  is required at a third operational block  160 . A positive response allows disabling to occur at a fourth functional block  165 , whereupon control returns to the first operational block  140  as is the case with the second functional block  145  and the third functional block  155  as well. A negative response returns the user directly to the first operational block  140 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: installing a control module  20  thereon an electrically-operated device  25  in general conformance with the schematic (see  FIG. 3 ); controlling the apparatus  10  by using the handheld controller  15  as follows: 
     To initialize any electrically-operated device  25  that contains a control module  20 : 
     Choose—Menu 
     Select—Enter serial number or Code and press the enter button  85 . The command-accepted light-emitting diode  70  on the handheld controller  15  will flash one time. 
     Initial programming is complete. 
     To disable any electrically-operated device  25  that contains a control module  20 : 
     Choose—Menu 
     Select—disable, or “LOCKOUT” 
     Select—The individual serial number or code of electrically-operated device  25  to be locked, or 
     Select—Complete categories of all electrically-operated devices  25  you would like to lock out. 
     Press—enter button  85 ; the command-accepted light-emitting diode  70  will flash 2 times. 
     The electrically-operated device  25  is now locked out and will not operate. 
     To enable any electrically-operated device  25  that contains a control module  20 : 
     Choose—Menu 
     Select—enable, or “UNLOCK” 
     Select—The individual serial number or code of electrically-operated device  25  to be un-locked, or 
     Select—Complete categories of devices you would like to un-lock. 
     Press enter button  85 ; the command-accepted light-emitting diode  70  will flash 3 times. 
     The electrically-operated device  25  is now un-locked and will operate as normal. 
     To locate any electrically-operated device  25  that contains a control module  20 : 
     Choose—Menu 
     Select—Use electrically-operated device  25  with GPS tracking, or “LOCATE” 
     Select—The individual serial number or code of the electrically operated device  25  to be located, or 
     Select—Complete categories of devices you prefer to locate. 
     Press—enter button  85 , the command-accepted light-emitting diode  70  will flash 4 times and will operate as normal with GPS tracking. 
     The tool or devices location can be monitored. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.