Patent US3009332A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3842397A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Ultrasonic distance detection for vehicles
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1973-08-27
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Granted: 1974-10-15
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Expires: 1993-08-27
Abstract
Abstract An ultrasonic distance detector for vehicles using a plurality of transducers located around the sides of the vehicle and connected to transmitters for sending sonic pulses to distant objects. Each of the transducers is connected to a receiver for detecting sonic echoes from close objects. The output of each receiver is connected to individual indicator lamps and a warning device such as a horn so that if any of the lamps are energized, the driver is warned that one side of the vehicle is in danger of a collision.
Inventors
- 👤 T Sindle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:01
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S15/00; G01S15/88; G01S15/93; G01S15/931; G01S15/87; G01S2015/937; G01S2015/938
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
An ultrasonic distance determining device for use on vehicles and the like comprising: a plurality of ultrasonic transducers each located along the sides of the vehicle; transmitter means having its input coupled to each of said transducers, said transmitter means comprising an individual transmitter coupled to the input of said transducers; receiver means coupled to each of said transducers, said receiver means comprising an individual receiver coupled to the output of each of said transducers; switch means coupled to the input of said transmitter means and said receiver means so as to selectively operate said transmitter means for each of said transducers and then operate said receiver means for a predetermined time interval; and indication means comprising a plurality of indicating lamps wherein each of said lamps are connected to the output of each of said receivers for providing an indication of the proximity of external objects located a predetermined distance from the vehicle corresponding to the predetermined time interval of the receiver for each of said transducers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
An ultrasonic distance determining device for use on vehicles and the like comprising: a plurality of ultrasonic transducers each located along the sides of the vehicle; transmitter means having its input coupled to each of said transducers, said transmitter means comprising an individual transmitter coupled to the input of said transducers; receiver means coupled to each of said transducers, said receiver means comprising an individual receiver coupled to the output of each of said transducers; switch means coupled to the input of said transmitter means and said receiver means so as to selectively operate said transmitter means for each of said transducers and then operate said receiver means for a predetermined time interval; and indication means comprising a plurality of indicating lamps wherein each of said lamps are connected to the output of each of said receivers for providing an indication of the proximity of external objects located a predetermined distance from the vehicle corresponding to the predetermined time interval of the receiver for each of said transducers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The ultrasonic distance determining device as recited in claim 1 wherein said switch means comprises at least one motor, cam means connected to the output shaft of said motor, and electrical contact means coupled to said cam and responsive thereto for alternately switching between saId transmitter means and said receiver means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
127 words
The ultrasonic distance determining device as recited in claim 2 wherein said electrical contact means comprises a double-pole single throw switch having its first pole connected to said transmitter and a second pole connected to said receiver and including a movable switch contact arm for movement between said first and second pole, and wherein said cam means comprises a caming surface having a first portion having a projection for urging said movable switch contact arm into engagement with said first pole so as to operate said transmitter means, a second portion including a recess so as to permit said movable contact arm to connect to said second pole to disconnect said transmitter means and operate said receiver means and a third caming portion for disconnecting said receiver.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
79 words
The ultrasonic distance determining device as recited in claim 1 wherein said transmitter means comprises a single transmitter having its output coupled to each of said transducers and said receiver means comprises a plurality of receivers, each of which is coupled to the output of said transducers, and wherein said switch means comprises a single switch having its output coupled to said transmitter and to each of said receivers so as to alternately operate the transmitter and said receivers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The ultrasonic distance determining device as recited in claim 1 wherein said indication means further comprises a horn coupled to said lamps so that said horn will be energized when one or more lamps are energized.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2801403A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-14 | 1978-04-15 | 1978-10-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-14 | 1982-04-15 | 1982-10-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-14 | 1986-04-15 | 1986-10-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |