US3613820A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic circuitry for vehicle speed responsive system
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1969-08-28
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Granted: 1971-10-19
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Expires: 1989-08-28
Abstract
Abstract Electronic circuitry coupled to an alternating signal generator driven by a vehicle wheel converts the alternating signal into a voltage that is proportional to vehicle speed. When the voltage reaches a predetermined value, the circuitry produces a signal that actuates an item of vehicle equipment. A voltage reference diode compensates the electronic circuitry for variations in the voltage provided by the vehicle energy source to produce a system having an accuracy of about 2 percent over a vehicle speed range up to 100 m.p.h. and with source voltage variations of 10-20 volts. Other diodes compensate the circuitry for temperature variations.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Bozoian
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:52
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01P; G01P1/00; G01P1/07; G01P1/08; G01P1/10; G01P1/103; F; F02; F02D; F02D41/00; F02D41/30; F02D41/3005; F02P; F02P5/00; F02P5/04; F02P5/145; F02P7/00; F02P7/06; F02P7/067; F02P7/0675; F02P9/00; F02P9/002; F02P9/005; F02D2400/00; F02D2400/22; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/10; Y02T10/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
A system for controlling vehicle equipment as a function of vehicle speed comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrical signal generator connected mechanically to a vehicle wheel, said signal generator producing an alternating signal having a frequency representative of vehicle speed, electronic circuit means for actuating said vehicle equipment when a predetermined vehicle speed is attained, said circuit means comprising converter means coupled to said signal generator, said converter means converting the frequency of the signal from said signal generator into a voltage having a value proportional to said frequency, and switch means having a first input terminal coupled to said converter means, an output terminal coupled to said vehicle equipment, and a second input terminal, said switch means being actuated to apply said source of electrical energy to said vehicle equipment when the voltage at said first input terminal exceeds a predetermined value, said switch means including voltage compensating means for compensating said switch means for variations in the voltage of said source of electrical energy, said voltage compensating means comprising means coupling said second input terminal to said source of electrical energy for applying variations in the voltage of said source to said switch means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
198 words
A system for controlling vehicle equipment as a function of vehicle speed comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrical signal generator connected mechanically to a vehicle wheel, said signal generator producing an alternating signal having a frequency representative of vehicle speed, electronic circuit means for actuating said vehicle equipment when a predetermined vehicle speed is attained, said circuit means comprising converter means coupled to said signal generator, said converter means converting the frequency of the signal from said signal generator into a voltage having a value proportional to said frequency, and switch means having a first input terminal coupled to said converter means, an output terminal coupled to said vehicle equipment, and a second input terminal, said switch means being actuated to apply said source of electrical energy to said vehicle equipment when the voltage at said first input terminal exceeds a predetermined value, said switch means including voltage compensating means for compensating said switch means for variations in the voltage of said source of electrical energy, said voltage compensating means comprising means coupling said second input terminal to said source of electrical energy for applying variations in the voltage of said source to said switch means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system of claim 1 in which the compensating means comprises a voltage reference diode connecting said second input terminal to the source of electrical energy, said diode being biased to the threshold of conduction at the minimum operating voltage of the source and increasing conduction at voltage above the minimum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
The system of claim 2 in which the output terminal of the switch means is connected to a switching transistor, said switching transistor being in series with a solenoid winding, said switching transistor being normally nonconducting and being switched into conduction when vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
197 words
A system for controlling vehicle equipment as a function of vehicle speed comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrical signal generator connected mechanically to a vehicle wheel, said signal generator producing an alternating signal having a frequency representative of vehicle speed, electronic circuit means for actuating said vehicle equipment when a predetermined vehicle speed is attained, said circuit means comprising converter means coupled to said signal generator, said converter means converting the frequency of the signal from said signal generator into a voltage having a value proportional to said frequency, switch means having a first input terminal coupled to said converter means and an output terminal coupled to said vehicle equipment, said switch means being actuated to apply said source of electrical energy to said vehicle equipment when the voltage at said input terminal exceeds a predetermined value, said switch means including voltage-compensating means for variations in the voltage of said source of electrical energy, and a switching transistor connected to the output terminal of the switch means, said switching transistor being in series with a solenoid winding, said switching transistor being normally nonconduction and being switched into conduction when vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
197 words
A system for controlling vehicle equipment as a function of vehicle speed comprising a source of electrical energy, an electrical signal generator connected mechanically to a vehicle wheel, said signal generator producing an alternating signal having a frequency representative of vehicle speed, electronic circuit means for actuating said vehicle equipment when a predetermined vehicle speed is attained, said circuit means comprising converter means coupled to said signal generator, said converter means converting the frequency of the signal from said signal generator into a voltage having a value proportional to said frequency, switch means having a first input terminal coupled to said converter means and an output terminal coupled to said vehicle equipment, said switch means being actuated to apply said source of electrical energy to said vehicle equipment when the voltage at said input terminal exceeds a predetermined value, said switch means including voltage-compensating means for variations in the voltage of said source of electrical energy, and a switching transistor connected to the output terminal of the switch means, said switching transistor being in series with a solenoid winding, said switching transistor being normally nonconduction and being switched into conduction when vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined value.
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) | 1974-10-18 | 1975-04-19 | 1975-10-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-10-18 | 1979-04-19 | 1979-10-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-10-18 | 1983-04-19 | 1983-10-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |