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Patent US3597729A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3597729A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Automotive vehicle condition indicator
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1968-12-04
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Granted: 1971-08-03
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Expires: 1988-12-04
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure relates to an automotive vehicle condition indicator for warning the vehicle operator when one or more of the conditions relating to vehicle operations are abnormal or are in a certain predetermined state. It comprises a master warning lamp, preferably positioned in the primary field of vision of the vehicle operator, and a plurality of warning or condition indication lamps, one for each vehicle condition, located out of the primary field of vision of the vehicle operator. Means are connected to each of the condition indication or warning lamps and to the master warning lamp for lighting or energizing the master warning lamp and one of more of the plurality of condition indicator lamps when one or more of the conditions relating to vehicle operations is abnormal or is in the certain predetermined state. A unilateral conducting means is connected in circuit with the master warning lamp and with each of the condition indication or warning lamps for preventing energizing of the remainder of the vehicle condition indication or warning lamps when one of them is energized. In addition, a means is provided, actuated by the vehicle operator, for proving out the master warning lamp and the vehicle condition indication or warning lamps.
Inventors
- 👤 Lawrence A Lopez
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 17:02
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07C; G07C5/00; G07C5/08; G07C5/0816; G07C5/0825
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
317 words
A condition indicator for an automotive vehicle for warning the vehicle operator when one or more conditions in vehicle operations are in a predetermined state, comprising: a source of electrical energy; a master warning lamp; a plurality of condition indication lamps; a plurality of electrical sensing means, each of said plurality of sensing means being actuated when a predetermined operating state to be sensed by it occurs; a housing, said plurality of condition indication lamps being positioned in said housing, said housing including a backplate constructed of conductive material; a printed circuit mounted on said backplate, said printed circuit comprising an insulating substrate positioned against said backplate and electrical conductors positioned on the insulating substrate opposite said backplate, said printed circuit including a first isolated conductive area and a second isolated conductive area; electrically conductive means connecting said first isolated conductive area to said backplate; means positioned in said backplate for connecting said printed circuit to said source of electrical energy and to each of said electrical sensing means, said means comprising a terminal block having a plurality of contacts, one of said contacts being positioned in engagement with said first isolated conductive area, said contact being connected to said source of electrical energy, and said terminal block having a second contact positioned in engagement with said second isolated conductive area, said second contact being connected to ground; a prove-out switch means mounted on said housing, said switch means including an electrically conductive means connecting the printed circuit conductors to said second isolated conductive area when said switch means is actuated; means coupling each of said condition indication lamps to said source of electrical energy through said backplate and each of said condition indication lamps to one of said electrical sensing means through said printed circuit; and electrical circuit means coupling said master warning lamp to said source of electrical energy and to said condition indication lamps.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
317 words
A condition indicator for an automotive vehicle for warning the vehicle operator when one or more conditions in vehicle operations are in a predetermined state, comprising: a source of electrical energy; a master warning lamp; a plurality of condition indication lamps; a plurality of electrical sensing means, each of said plurality of sensing means being actuated when a predetermined operating state to be sensed by it occurs; a housing, said plurality of condition indication lamps being positioned in said housing, said housing including a backplate constructed of conductive material; a printed circuit mounted on said backplate, said printed circuit comprising an insulating substrate positioned against said backplate and electrical conductors positioned on the insulating substrate opposite said backplate, said printed circuit including a first isolated conductive area and a second isolated conductive area; electrically conductive means connecting said first isolated conductive area to said backplate; means positioned in said backplate for connecting said printed circuit to said source of electrical energy and to each of said electrical sensing means, said means comprising a terminal block having a plurality of contacts, one of said contacts being positioned in engagement with said first isolated conductive area, said contact being connected to said source of electrical energy, and said terminal block having a second contact positioned in engagement with said second isolated conductive area, said second contact being connected to ground; a prove-out switch means mounted on said housing, said switch means including an electrically conductive means connecting the printed circuit conductors to said second isolated conductive area when said switch means is actuated; means coupling each of said condition indication lamps to said source of electrical energy through said backplate and each of said condition indication lamps to one of said electrical sensing means through said printed circuit; and electrical circuit means coupling said master warning lamp to said source of electrical energy and to said condition indication lamps.
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) | 1974-08-02 | 1975-02-01 | 1975-08-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-02 | 1979-02-01 | 1979-08-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-02 | 1983-02-01 | 1983-08-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |