Other

Omega Patents, L.l.c.

Robert L Drew

Kenneth E Flick

A vehicle tracking system includes a vehicle racking unit and a monitoring station communicating therewith. The vehicle tracking unit preferably includes a test switch, a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller. The controller is preferably for operating the at least one vehicle device and for cooperating with the wireless communications device and the vehicle position determining device to determine and send vehicle position information to the monitoring station. Moreover, the controller may be switchable to a test mode for test operation of the at least one vehicle device responsive to activation of the test switch. Accordingly, an installer, for example, can quickly check that the tracking unit has been properly installed.

Vehicle tracker with test features and related methods

A remote engine starting apparatus is for installation in a vehicle for bypassing a theft-deterring start control circuit to permit remote starting of a vehicle engine. The theft-deterring start control circuit includes: an ignition switch for receiving a designated key having a preselected resistance, a first connector coupled to the ignition switch, a resistance sensing circuit portion for preventing starting of the vehicle engine unless the preselected resistance is sensed, and a second connector coupled to the resistance sensing circuit portion. The second connector is preferably matable with the first connector. The remote engine starting apparatus includes an interface device which, in turn, includes: a housing, a bypass circuit comprising a bypass resistor and a switching relay for selectively coupling the bypass resistor to the resistance sensing circuit portion to thereby enable starting of the vehicle engine without the designated key being in the ignition switch. Third and fourth connectors are coupled to the bypass circuit and are removably mated with the first and second connectors, respectively, of the theft-deterring start control circuit to facilitate installation and removal of the interface device. A receiver is operatively connected to the bypass circuit for coupling the bypass resistor to the resistor sensing circuit portion to enable engine starting responsive to receiving the remote engine starting signal from the remote transmitter.

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Bowdon, GA, United States of America

Robert L Drew