GB267237A - Improvements in means for prevention of unauthorised use of internal combustion engines - Google Patents

Abstract

267,237. Gadsby, F. C. Dec. 14, 1925. Locking.-To prevent unauthorized use of an internal combustion engine, the induction pipe is fitted with an extra-air valve which can be locked in a position to admit air which would dilute the mixture to such an extent as to render it valueless as a working medium. The extra-air valve 16, Fig. 1, is secured to the dashboard 15 of a vehicle, and the stem 17 passes through a locking plate 19 and is cut away at 18 to engage a bush 36 securely held in the casing of a lock 22, which is provided with an actuating handle 20. The lock has a camplate 24, Fig. 4, adapted to be rotated by a key 23 and provided with projections 25, 26 which may engage a stop pin 27. The plate, when rotated, acts upon a projection 28<a>, Fig. 8, of a spring-loaded bolt 28, another projection 30 on which is adapted to enter a keeper or recess 31, Fig. 7, in a circular raised part 37 of the plate 19. A spring-pressed ball 33 in the lock casing is adapted to engage shallow recesses 32 in the plate 19 to hold the valve in certain positions. In a modified form, Figs. 10, 11, and 12, the stem of the actuating arm 43 is rotatably screwed into the lock casing 42 and is recessed at 44 to receive the reduced end 41 of the air valve stem 40. A spring-loaded pin 47 is adapted to enter one or the other of recesses 45, 46 in the lock casing when the arm 43 is moved to the "off" and "brake" positions. A hole 49, Fig. 12, is normally adapted to receive a plug 50 which is loaded by a spring 51, Figs. 10 and 12, and also by a lever 52 pivoted at 52<a> to lugs in the casing. The other end of the lever engages a plunger 53, Fig. 11, having an opening 54 to correspond with an opening 55 in the casing, so that a padlock 57 may be passed through both openings to lock the plunger. A further spring 58 keeps the lever 52 and plunger in the locked position. To lock the control, the arm 43 is rotated to bring the pin 47 opposite plug 50, which it depresses, and locks itself in this position. This turns the lever 52 to force the plunger 53 to the position where the holes 54, 55 coincide. To unlock the device the padlock is removed and the plunger 53 pushed inwards.