US3576527A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Safety alert for automobile brake systems
Assignee: Bendix Corp
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Filing: 1968-06-10
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Granted: 1971-04-27
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Expires: 1988-06-10
Abstract
Abstract This invention describes a system wherein the brake lights of an automobile flash on and off for a predetermined period of time after the actuation of the automobile brakes. After the lapse of the flashing period the brake lights remain in a steady on condition for the remainder of the braking period. The flashing of the brake lights is accomplished by incorporation of a solidstate circuit into the turn signal circuit presently available in most automobiles. The solid-state circuit includes a flasher unit which actuates the brake lights at the beginning of the automobile braking period. A current sensitive switch shorts out the flasher after a predetermined period of time, after which the brake lights remain steadily on.
Inventors
- 👤 William E Howard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 10:21
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/44; B60Q1/444
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
231 words
In a vehicle brake and turn signalling system having a power source, a plurality of signal lamps, a turn signal switch for connecting a first arrangement of said lamps to said power source for signalling an intended turn of the vehicle, a first flasher in circuit with said turn signal switch for periodically interrupting power to the lamps of said first arrangement, a second switch for connecting a second arrangement of said lamps to said power source to signal deceleration of the vehicle, a second flasher in circuit with said second switch for periodically interrupting power to the lamps of said second arrangement and means for disabling said second flasher after a predetermined lapse of time to provide uninterrupted power to said second arrangement of lamps, the improvement in said disabling means comprising: an electromagnetic relay having switch contacts connected to bypass said second flasher upon energization of said relay and thereby supply uninterrupted power to said second arrangement of lamps, a transistor controlling operating current for said relay and normally biased to a nonconductive state causing said relay contacts to be normally open, and a charging circuit receiving impulses of power from said second flasher and providing after the accumulation of a predetermined charge a bias output for overcoming the normal bias of said transistor to cause said transistor to conduct thereby energizing said relay and closing said relay contacts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
231 words
In a vehicle brake and turn signalling system having a power source, a plurality of signal lamps, a turn signal switch for connecting a first arrangement of said lamps to said power source for signalling an intended turn of the vehicle, a first flasher in circuit with said turn signal switch for periodically interrupting power to the lamps of said first arrangement, a second switch for connecting a second arrangement of said lamps to said power source to signal deceleration of the vehicle, a second flasher in circuit with said second switch for periodically interrupting power to the lamps of said second arrangement and means for disabling said second flasher after a predetermined lapse of time to provide uninterrupted power to said second arrangement of lamps, the improvement in said disabling means comprising: an electromagnetic relay having switch contacts connected to bypass said second flasher upon energization of said relay and thereby supply uninterrupted power to said second arrangement of lamps, a transistor controlling operating current for said relay and normally biased to a nonconductive state causing said relay contacts to be normally open, and a charging circuit receiving impulses of power from said second flasher and providing after the accumulation of a predetermined charge a bias output for overcoming the normal bias of said transistor to cause said transistor to conduct thereby energizing said relay and closing said relay contacts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The improvement claimed in claim 1 with additionally a connection to said charging circuit from said turn signal switch for providing a charge sufficient to bias said transistor conductive substantially immediately after closure of said turn signal switch and thereby immediately energize said relay to disable said second flasher.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
98 words
The improvement of claim 2 wherein: said second switch and said second flasher are connected in series between said power source and said second arrangement of lamps; said transistor and the electromagnet of said relay being connected in series and to said second switch whereby said relay is energized upon closure of said second switch and upon conduction of said transistor; and said charging circuit comprises a resistor and a capacitor connected in series, with said capacitor being connected to supply bias to said transistor and said resistor being connected to receive power impulses from said second flasher.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-04-26 | 1974-10-26 | 1975-04-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-04-26 | 1978-10-26 | 1979-04-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-04-26 | 1982-10-26 | 1983-04-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |