Peter O Foster

US Patent:

54941300, Feb 27, 1996

Filed:

Nov 2, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/333419

Inventors:

Peter J. Foster - Carlsbad CA

International Classification:

B60R 2500

US Classification:

180287

Abstract:

A system for preventing theft and hijacking of a motor vehicle. The system comprises a fuel cut-off valve operative to prevent the flow of fuel to the vehicle engine. The fuel cut-off valve is in communication with the vehicle ignition such that activation of the vehicle ignition will cause the fuel cut-off valve to close, unless a vehicle run switch is actuated contemporaneous with or immediately after the vehicle ignition. The vehicle run switch is preferably concealed from view and/or coded and/or keyed to limit its accessibility to only authorized operators of the vehicle. Additionally, to prevent hijacking, the system incorporates a driver's heat sensor capable of sensing when a human body is seated in the driver's seat. When the sensor determines that the driver's body has been removed from the driver's seat for more than a minimum time period (e. g. , 3 seconds) a controller/timer will begin timing a predetermined delay period.