US3885324A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and device for teaching safe driving
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-01-02
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Granted: 1975-05-27
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Expires: 1994-01-02
Abstract
Abstract A method of teaching safe driving utilizing the concept of making gradual changes of speed and direction. A device emits audible sounds to indicate when a prescribed speed change gradient has been exceeded. The device consists of a closed tubular system partially filled with an electrical conducting fluid such as mercury. An upright portion of the fluid system contains electrical contacts at different elevations. Changes in speed or direction of the vehicle cause the fluid to rise in the tube and contact the various electrical contacts. The contacts thus energized send electrical signals to a speaker which gives an audible alarm. An electrical system is provided which causes a different frequency tone to be emitted for various gradients of speed or direction changes. The device may be selectively programmed to emit audible signals at different sensitivities to changes in speed and direction.
Inventors
- 👤 Alvan F Davenport
- 👤 Ralph F Gerken
- 👤 Jacob H Wiens
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 17:42
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09B; G09B19/00; G09B19/16; G09B19/167
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A device for sensing acceleration and decelaration of a vehicle comprising: a. a closed tubular system having: 1. a pair of spaced vertical tubes; 2. a first generally horizontal tube connecting the lower ends of said spaced vertical tubes and extending outwardly therefrom; 3. a second generally horizontal tube connecting the upper ends of said spaced vertical tubes; 4. first and second connecting tubes each connecting an end of said first horizontal tube with one of said vertical tubes adjacent the lower end of said vertical tubes; b. a plurality of height gradient indicia marks spaced at ascending intervals on said vertical members for indicating the height of said fluid in said vertical tubes during acceleration or deceleration of said vehicle; and c. said tube system containing sufficient fluid to fill a portion of said first horizontal tube, all of one of said connecting tubes and a portion of said vertical tube to a height as great as the highest indicia marks on each of said vertical tubes.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
168 words
A device for sensing acceleration and decelaration of a vehicle comprising: a. a closed tubular system having: 1. a pair of spaced vertical tubes; 2. a first generally horizontal tube connecting the lower ends of said spaced vertical tubes and extending outwardly therefrom; 3. a second generally horizontal tube connecting the upper ends of said spaced vertical tubes; 4. first and second connecting tubes each connecting an end of said first horizontal tube with one of said vertical tubes adjacent the lower end of said vertical tubes; b. a plurality of height gradient indicia marks spaced at ascending intervals on said vertical members for indicating the height of said fluid in said vertical tubes during acceleration or deceleration of said vehicle; and c. said tube system containing sufficient fluid to fill a portion of said first horizontal tube, all of one of said connecting tubes and a portion of said vertical tube to a height as great as the highest indicia marks on each of said vertical tubes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
a first generally horizontal tube connecting the lower ends of said spaced vertical tubes and extending outwardly therefrom;
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
a first generally horizontal tube connecting the lower ends of said spaced vertical tubes and extending outwardly therefrom;
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
A tutor system for a vehicle providing variable acceleration, deceleration, and turning comprising: a. tutor means adapted for mounting on said vehicle; b. said tutor means having sensing means for independently sensing the degree of change in acceleration, deceleration and turning of said vehicle; c. said sensing means including a closed tubular system having:
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
A tutor system for a vehicle providing variable acceleration, deceleration, and turning comprising: a. tutor means adapted for mounting on said vehicle; b. said tutor means having sensing means for independently sensing the degree of change in acceleration, deceleration and turning of said vehicle; c. said sensing means including a closed tubular system having:
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
a first generally horizontal tube connecting the lower ends of said spaced vertical tubes and extending outwardly therefrom;
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
a first generally horizontal tube connecting the lower ends of said spaced vertical tubes and extending outwardly therefrom;
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
intermittent tone signaling circuit means for indicating excessive acceleration or deceleration.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
intermittent tone signaling circuit means for indicating excessive acceleration or deceleration.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
44 words
A system as described in claim 2 comprising: a. said fluid consists of mercury; and b. said first and second connecting tubes are inclined at an angle of about 15* and have a diameter of approximately one half that of said first horizontal tube.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
a second generally horizontal tube connecting the upper ends of said spaced vertical tubes; and
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
a second generally horizontal tube connecting the upper ends of said spaced vertical tubes; and
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
a second generally horizontal tube connecting the upper ends of said spaced vertical tubes;
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
a second generally horizontal tube connecting the upper ends of said spaced vertical tubes;
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
109 words
first and second connecting tubes each connecting an end of said first horizontal tube with one of said vertical tubes adjacent the lower end of said vertical tubes; b. a plurality of height gradient indicia marks spaced at ascending intervals on said vertical members for indicating the height of said fluid in said vertical tubes during acceleration or deceleration of said vehicle; and c. said tube system containing sufficient fluid to fill a portion of said first horizontal tube, all of one of said connecting tubes and a portion of said vertical tube to a height as great as the highest indicia marks on each of said vertical tubes.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
109 words
first and second connecting tubes each connecting an end of said first horizontal tube with one of said vertical tubes adjacent the lower end of said vertical tubes; b. a plurality of height gradient indicia marks spaced at ascending intervals on said vertical members for indicating the height of said fluid in said vertical tubes during acceleration or deceleration of said vehicle; and c. said tube system containing sufficient fluid to fill a portion of said first horizontal tube, all of one of said connecting tubes and a portion of said vertical tube to a height as great as the highest indicia marks on each of said vertical tubes.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
108 words
first and second connecting tubes each connecting an end of said first horizontal tube with one of said vertical tubes adjacent the lower end of said vertical tubes; d. said tube system containing sufficient electrical conducting fluid to fill a portion of said first horizontal tube, all of one of said connecting tubes and a portion of said vertical tube to a height as great as the highest electrical contact; e. a plurality of spaced electrical connectors mounted on each of said vertical tubes for making electrical contact with said fluid; and f. audible signaling means connected to said sensing means separately indicating said acceleration, deceleration and turning.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
108 words
first and second connecting tubes each connecting an end of said first horizontal tube with one of said vertical tubes adjacent the lower end of said vertical tubes; d. said tube system containing sufficient electrical conducting fluid to fill a portion of said first horizontal tube, all of one of said connecting tubes and a portion of said vertical tube to a height as great as the highest electrical contact; e. a plurality of spaced electrical connectors mounted on each of said vertical tubes for making electrical contact with said fluid; and f. audible signaling means connected to said sensing means separately indicating said acceleration, deceleration and turning.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as described in claim 3 comprising: a. said sensing means consists of a pair of said closed tubular systems placed at right angles to one another.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as described in claim 4 comprising: a. said signaling means consists of a speaker; and b. electrical circuit means connecting said electrical connectors and said speaker.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as described in claim 5 comprising: a. said signaling means consists of:
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
42 words
A system as described in claim 6 comprising: a. said steady tone signaling circuit means including a plurality of tone circuits each generating a different frequency so that an audible difference will be created for increasingly excessive turning or deceleration or acceleration.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system as described in claim 7 comprising: a. said signaling means comprises a time delay circuit to eliminate brief contacts in the signaling circuits caused by normal non-turning, non-accelerating and non-braking movements of said vehicle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-26 | 1978-11-25 | 1979-05-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-26 | 1982-11-25 | 1983-05-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-26 | 1986-11-25 | 1987-05-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |