Security device for an electrically powered device

Abstract

A security device for an electrically powered device includes a remote location-tracking circuit for mounting in a power plug or power cable, a control means for mounting in the power plug or power cable with the remote location-tracking circuit, an immobilizing circuit which is a power shut-down circuit for immobilizing a tool positioned within the tool casing, wherein the power shut-down circuit includes a relay; and a power cable connected between the control means and power shut-down circuit, the power cable being adapted to supply power to the tool, and the power shut-down circuit being controlled by the control means, wherein if the remote location-tracking circuit is removed by severing the power cable, thereby disconnecting the control means from the power shut-down circuit, the power shut-down circuit is configured to automatically shut down the power supply to the tool via the relay until the control means is re-connected.

Claims

1. A security device for an electrically powered device comprising: a remote location-tracking circuit for mounting in a power plug or power cable; a control means for mounting in the power plug or power cable with the remote location-tracking circuit; an immobilizing circuit which is a power shut-down circuit for immobilizing a tool positioned within the tool casing, wherein the power shut-down circuit includes a relay; and the power cable connected between the control means and power shut-down circuit, the power cable being adapted to supply power to the tool, and the power shut-down circuit being controlled by the control means, wherein if the remote location-tracking circuit is removed by severing the power cable, thereby disconnecting the control means from the power shut-down circuit, the power shut-down circuit is configured to automatically shut down the power supply to the tool via the relay until the control means is re-connected.

2. A security device as claimed in claim 1, in which the remote location-tracking circuit includes a mobile SIM circuit.

3. A security device as claimed in claim 1, in which the control means and remote location-tracking circuit are mounted in a power plug attached to the power cable.

4. A security device as claimed in claim 1, in which the control means and remote location-tracking circuit are mounted partway along the power cable.

5. A security device as claimed in claim 1, in which the power cable between the control means and power shut-down circuit is a 5-core cable.

6. A security device as claimed in claim 5, in which the 5-core cable includes earth, live and neutral cores for powering the tool, and DC positive and negative cores for powering the relay of the power shut-down circuit.

7. A security device as claimed in claim 1, in which the control means and power shut-down circuit are a complementary pair, the power shut-down circuit being configured to automatically shut down the power supply to the tool via the relay unless the control means provides a valid authentication token.

8. A security device as claimed in claim 1, in which the control means includes a battery for powering the remote location-tracking circuit.

9. A security device as claimed in claim 8, in which the device further comprises a battery charging circuit for charging the battery when the device is connected to a power supply.

10. A security device as claimed in claim 1, in which the control means is configured to initiate the relay in the power shut-down circuit on receipt by the control means of a wirelessly-transmitted shut-down signal for remotely immobilizing the tool.

11. A security device as claimed in claim 1, in which the control means is configured to detect when the power cable is cut and send an alert to a remote system and/or device(s).

12. A cable for a tool or electrically powered device comprising a security device as claimed in claim 1.

13. A tool or electrically powered device comprising a security device as claimed in claim 1.

14. A tool or electrically powered device as claimed in claim 13, in which the tool is a drill including a casing, a power cable and a plug, the remote location-tracking circuit and control means being mounted in the plug or power cable, and the power shut-down circuit being mounted within the casing.

15. A method of protecting a tool or electrically-powered device, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a remote location-tracking circuit and a control means in a power plug or power cable of the tool or electrically-powered device, the power cable being adapted to supply power to the tool or electrically-powered device; and b) providing a power shut-down circuit including a relay in the power cable, and positioning the power shut-down circuit within the casing of the tool or electrically-powered device for immobilizing the tool or electrically-powered device, the power shut-down circuit being connected to and controlled by the control means, wherein if the remote location-tracking circuit is removed by severing the power cable, thereby disconnecting the control means from the power shut-down circuit, the power shut down circuit is configured to automatically shut down the power supply to the tool or electrically-powered device via the relay until the control means is re-connected.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, a preferred embodiment will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the security device of the invention in a first embodiment with the control means in a plug and a second embodiment with the control means set into a power supply cable; in use on a power drill, being satellite tracked and being monitored by a computer network;

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the second embodiment of security device of FIG. 1 with the power supply cable being cut; and

(4) FIG. 3 is schematic high-level view of the electrical circuit of the security device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(5) Referring firstly to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a security device of the invention is indicated generally at 10. The security device 10 is shown connected, by way of example, to a power drill 12, although it could be connected to any mobile tool or appliance utilising a power supply cable 14 including live, neutral and earth connections.

(6) An immobilising circuit, or power shut down circuit, 16 is built into the tool 12. A control means 18 for controlling the power shut down circuit 16 is mounted in a plug 20, in this case a fused 3-pin plug.

(7) An alternative second embodiment is generally indicated at 22. In this embodiment, the immobilising circuit, or power shut down circuit, 16 is again built into the tool 12. However, the control means 18 for controlling the power shut down circuit 16 is mounted in a housing 24 set into the cable 14. The cable extends from the housing 24 to a plug 26, in this case a conventional fused 3-pin plug. It will be appreciated that the type of plug can vary depending on country.

(8) A GPS tracking circuit is provided as part of the control means 18, enabling the device to be tracked by satellite services 27 and monitored by a computer portal 28.

(9) Referring to FIG. 2, the cable 14 of the first embodiment is cut. In other words, the cable 14 between the control means and power shut down circuit components is severed and the power supply to the tool 12 is immediately cut off by the power shut down circuit. In other words, the tool 12 is disabled. The GPS tracking circuit will continue to operate even when the cable 14 has been cut. The operation of the security device will be described further below.

(10) Referring now to FIG. 3, the supply cable 14 from the control means 18 is a 5-core cable. As indicated in dotted outline at 28, a standard AC supply is connected to the control means. The 5-core cable 14 includes an earth 14a, live 14b and neutral 14c.

(11) To power the control means 18, the power is passed to an AC/DC convertor 30, for example, a buck AC/DC transformer or similar power reduction circuit. Power from the convertor 30 passes to a number of integrated circuits including a battery charging circuit 32, which is connected to a battery 34. Power also passes to a GPS tracking circuit 34 with associated antenna 36, a central processing unit (or microprocessor) 38, immobilisation circuit 40 for remotely immobilising the tool, and mobile SIM circuit 42, also connected to an antenna 44, i.e. enabling GSM connection with the ability to send and receive data and SMS messages. The remote connection for data is GPRS or above (including 3G/LTE). Optionally, a speaker or buzzer 46 is provided to provide an audible alert.

(12) The 5-core cable further includes DC positive and negative cores 14d, 14e, which control a relay 48 in the power shut down circuit 16. The relay 48 is effectively a switch in the live supply 14b to the tool 12. The relay 48 is held within the casing of the tool and so is not easily removed or tampered with.

(13) The power shut-down circuit 16 and/or relay may be adapted to require a valid code or token in order to close the relay 48 to power the tool 12. This may be a physical token or key (not shown) which is engageable in the tool to close the relay 48. The token or key is preferably unique to that specific tool 12. It may also be a token or key provided by the CPU 38. The token is specific to the particular power shut-down circuit 16 and CPU pair. Therefore, using a replacement plug with the tool 12 would only power the tool if the CPU was programmed with the correct token or key.

(14) In operation, the battery charging circuit 32, which includes a secondary step-down circuit, powers the GPS tracker circuit 35 and battery charging circuit 32. The battery enables location and portal connection services for a few weeks when charged. The longevity of the service depends on tracking frequency, which can be set at the portal 28 or by the user.

(15) The tracker will sleep, then wake at set periods, this will then activate the GPS and locate the current coordinates, then use the GPRS functionality to send an encrypted information packet to the central portal server via a custom-built REST (Representational State Transfer) API (Application Programming Interface). It will be protected with encryption keys known only by the system, which protects data both at rest and in-flight. The frequency with which the tracker wakes/sleeps can be set remotely via the portal.

(16) When the security device or smart lead connects to the portal 28, it can also be triggered to download a small amount of information, such as the frequency of tracking, updates and also an immobilisation trigger—which will activate the immobiliser. If the cable has been cut, the GPS tracking circuit still sends data to the portal when it is active. Periodic communication with the portal means that the last known location of the tool is immediately available if the device is stolen or lost. The portal can then be used to enable periodic or continuous tracking of the device until the battery is depleted.

(17) When the tool 12 is plugged in, then the battery 34 is charged. The battery charging circuit 32 charges the battery when connected to a power supply, such as a mains supply. In the event of a tool being stolen, this means that the battery should have a full or near-full charge, to maximise the length of time the tool can be remotely tracked.

(18) The 5-core cable 14 makes it more difficult for an opportunistic thief to re-wire the cable once the tracker has been cut-off. The thief will need to identify the 2 DC control cores 14d, 14e and power up the relay to reconnect the live power supply 14b. For an opportunist thief, there is little chance of the tool 12 being powered up, once the control means 18 is cut off.

(19) When the control means 18 is built into the plug housing 20, the casing has been designed in such a way that it can cater for UK Plugs, European Plugs and Commando Plugs, thus maximising its compatibility and usage. This also allows for simplified manufacture, and cost reduction.

(20) In summary, the present invention provides a security device which enables both remote tracking and immobilisation of a tool (or other electrical device) fitted with the security device. Removing the plug effectively causes the tool to become permanently disabled, so there is limited value for an opportunistic thief to steal a tool fitted with the security device. If the plug is left in place, the tool can be tracked and can also be remotely immobilised. The security device provides a very cost-effective way to deter theft of tools and other electrical devices.

(21) It will be apparent that various modifications may be made to the embodiment disclosed, which is only an example. The invention is defined in the claims.