Patent US3665447A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3665447A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for preventing inebriated persons from operating vehicles
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1969-12-05
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Granted: 1972-05-23
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Expires: 1989-12-05
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for preventing an inebriated person from operating a motor vehicle utilizing the flicker fusion frequency phenomenon to identify the inebriate and automatically prevent him from operating the vehicle. The individual is exposed to a light source which randomly changes between an illumination which appears flashing to the sober individual and an illumination which appears steady. Means are provided to prevent operation of the vehicle until a signal from the individual and a signal representing the light change are received contemporaneously by said means.
Inventors
- 👤 Dennis P Bidwell
- 👤 Douglas R Davies
- 👤 John T Hanley Jr
- 👤 William K Hart
- 👤 Thomas A Henderson
- 👤 Thomas W Lovell
- 👤 Lloyd C Fogg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 22:09
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/16; A61B5/161; A61B5/18; B; B60; B60K; B60K28/00; B60K28/02; B60K28/06; B60K28/063; B60R; B60R25/00; B60R25/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
The method for testing individuals to prevent an inebriated individual from operating a motor vehicle which comprises exposing the individual to a light source which randomly changes between steady and flashing illumination, said flashing illumination being set at a standard flicker fusion frequency at which the light appears flashing to the sober individual and steady to the inebriate, and providing means for preventing operation of the vehicle until a signal from said individual and a signal representing said light change are received contemporaneously by said means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
86 words
The method for testing individuals to prevent an inebriated individual from operating a motor vehicle which comprises exposing the individual to a light source which randomly changes between steady and flashing illumination, said flashing illumination being set at a standard flicker fusion frequency at which the light appears flashing to the sober individual and steady to the inebriate, and providing means for preventing operation of the vehicle until a signal from said individual and a signal representing said light change are received contemporaneously by said means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said means for preventing operation of the vehicle is connected to the ignition system of said vehicle.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said means for preventing operation of the vehicle is connected to the fuel delivery system of the engine in said vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the said means is connected to a removable barrier in the path of said vehicle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus for testing individuals to prevent an inebriate from operating a motor vehicle which comprises means for varying the power frequency to a light so that for a small time period the light changes between steady and flashing illumination, said flashing illumination being set at a standard flicker fusion frequency at which the light appears flashing to the sober individual and steady to the inebriate, means for randomizing the time to effect said light change and means for preventing operation of the vehicle until a signal from said individual and a signal representing said light change are received contemporaneously by said means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
102 words
Apparatus for testing individuals to prevent an inebriate from operating a motor vehicle which comprises means for varying the power frequency to a light so that for a small time period the light changes between steady and flashing illumination, said flashing illumination being set at a standard flicker fusion frequency at which the light appears flashing to the sober individual and steady to the inebriate, means for randomizing the time to effect said light change and means for preventing operation of the vehicle until a signal from said individual and a signal representing said light change are received contemporaneously by said means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means to prevent operation is connected to the ignition system of said vehicle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means to prevent operation is connected to the fuel delivery system to the engine in said vehicle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means is connected to a removable barrier in the path of said vehicle.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2495708A
Cited
US3312508A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-23 | 1975-11-22 | 1976-05-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-23 | 1979-11-22 | 1980-05-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-23 | 1983-11-22 | 1984-05-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |