US4017843A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle driver alertness apparatus monitoring steering wheel oscillations
Assignee: Nissan Motor Co Ltd
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Filing: 1976-02-05
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Granted: 1977-04-12
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Expires: 1996-02-05
Abstract
Abstract Steering wheel oscillations are detected and a first signal generated for each predetermined number of oscillations. A ramp generator is reset by each first signal and, if its output reaches a preset value, a comparator generates a second signal to indicate excessive time between first signals. An up-down counter is counted up by each first signal and down by each second signal. A comparator compares the contents of the counter with a present number and generates a third signal when the number in the counter falls below the present number. A timer consisting of an integrator and comparator generates a forth signal when the third signal has been present for a predetermined time. The forth signal causes an alarm device to alert the driver.
Inventors
- 👤 Takayuki Yanagishima
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 06:57
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/02; G08B21/06; B; B60; B60W; B60W2540/00; B60W2540/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A vehicle safety apparatus comprising: means for detecting movements associated with the driving activity of a vehicle driver to produce a first signal in response to a predetermined number of said movements; means for producing a second signal when the interval between successive first signals is greater than a predetermined period of time; an integration circuit for producing a third signal of which the magnitude increases in response to the first signal and decreases in the presence of the second signal; means for producing a fourth signal when the magnitude of the third signal reaches a preset value; and a utilization circuit responsive to the fourth signal to alert the vehicle driver.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
A vehicle safety apparatus comprising: means for detecting movements associated with the driving activity of a vehicle driver to produce a first signal in response to a predetermined number of said movements; means for producing a second signal when the interval between successive first signals is greater than a predetermined period of time; an integration circuit for producing a third signal of which the magnitude increases in response to the first signal and decreases in the presence of the second signal; means for producing a fourth signal when the magnitude of the third signal reaches a preset value; and a utilization circuit responsive to the fourth signal to alert the vehicle driver.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A vehicle safety apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detecting means comprises means for generating a pulse in response to each movement and means for counting said pulses to produce said first signal when said predetermined number is reached.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A vehicle safety apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said movements are derived from the oscillatory movements of a vehicle steering wheel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
60 words
A vehicle safety apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for producing a second signal comprises a ramp generator and a comparator whose input is connected to the output of said generator, said comparator comparing the magnitude of a signal from said generator with a preset value to produce said second signal when the preset value is attained.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
A vehicle safety apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said integration circuit comprises an up-down counter having up-counting and down-counting modes, said up-down counter being arranged to receive the first signal to permit it to operate in the up-counting mode and to receive the second signal to permit it to operate in the down-counting mode.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
A vehicle safety apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means for producing a fourth signal comprises a comparator which compares the magnitude of the third signal with a preset value to produce said fourth signal when the third signal is below the preset value.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
52 words
A vehicle safety apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said utilization circuit comprises a timing circuit responsive to the fourth signal to generate an alarm signal when said fourth signal has persisted for a predetermined time, and means for attracting the attention of said driver in response to said alarm signal.
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) | 1980-04-11 | 1980-10-11 | 1981-04-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-04-11 | 1984-10-11 | 1985-04-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-04-11 | 1988-10-11 | 1989-04-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |