Patent GB-1256293-A (GB)
Title: Apparatus for controlling the initiation of starting of a vehicle engine
IPC: B60K28/06
Filed: 1969-03-27
Abstract: 1,256,293. Preventing unauthorized use of I.C. engines. BIVIATOR S.A. March 27, 1969 [April 9, 1968], No. 16052/69. Headings F1B. An apparatus controlling the initiation of engine starting comprises a luminous indicator which flickers at a frequency determined by a direct or indirect manual control and a contact closable when a predetermined frequency has been set, means operable at the end of or during each adjusting operation for automatically shifting the relation between the manual control position and the set frequency, the initial frequency from which manual adjustment of the predetermined frequency has to be effected being different for each adjustment. The indicator 1 is energized by a generator 2 at a frequency adjusted by a potentiometer 3 having a shaft 31 rotable by a motor 11 through a worm 10, a wheel 8 and a slipping clutch 9. The potentiometer casing mounts plates 17, 19 connected respectively to relays 21, 22 having self-holding contacts 23, 25 and breaking and making contacts 24, 26, the latter being in the circuit of a starting switch 27 e.g. an ignition lock switch. Operation:- In Fig. 1 shaft 31 is in its end position in the casing of potentiometer 3 to produce the highest generated frequency. The driver turns knob 13 in a frequency reducing direction so that shaft 31 turns without turning the potentiometer casing until flickering of the luminous indicator is observed, the knob 13 with sleeve 12 then being pressed inwardly. If the correct adjustment has been made pin 16 passes through opening 18 to contact plate 19 thereby energizing relay 22 which is held by its self-closing contact. Contact 26 is closed to allow the ignition circuit to be completed through the switch 27. If driver vigilance is reduced e.g. by alcohol, illness or fatigue, he is not able to adjust to the prescribed condition because the flickering frequency he can observe is below the nominal value. When knob 13 is pressed inwardly pin 16 contacts plate 17 whereby relay 21 is energized and holds itself through its contact 23 and breaks the energizing circuit of relay 22. Relay 21 is de-energized only after a time lag and relay 22 is de-energized whenever the ignition circuit is opened. During one or more phases of the operation motor 11 is energized sufficiently to reset the shaft 31 in the potentiometer casing into the end position corresponding to the highest frequency whereafter the shaft and casing are turned together so that the casing and knob are turned into an indeterminate position. A resistor 30 and switch 29 are provided in a test circuit to display the nominal flickering frequency. In modifications the motor 11, wheel 10 clutch 9 and slip rings 6 are replaced by a second potentiometer (36), Fig. 2 (not shown) which is connected either in series or parallel with the potentiometer (3) and driven through a ratchet drive (34, 32). Slip rings 6 may be avoided in Fig. 1 by driving the casing by a motor 11 through a cam or crank drive. Arm 15, pin 16 and plates 17 and 19 may be replaced by an electronic circuit. A variable transmission ratio may be arranged between the knob and the casing, the transmission ratio of which is changed after or during each adjusting operation. The continuously adjustable potentiometer may be replaced by a rotatable selector switch.