US4594574A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle motion signalling system
Assignee: THURMAN MAJORIE E
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Filing: 1984-11-05
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Granted: 1986-06-10
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Expires: 2004-11-05
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to a signalling system for vehicles wherein an independent light signal is provided at both the front and rear of a vehicle for a situation wherein the vehicle is both moving and the brakes are being applied or released by the operator of the vehicle. The signal is provided by lights located at the rear and the front of the vehicle which are purple in color, for example. Actuation of the lights is dependent upon two electrical signals, one based on motion of the vehicle and the other based upon actuation of the braking system of the vehicle. The intelligence offered by the signal to an observer is that observation of the purple light indicates that the vehicle is both in motion and that a braking operation is in progress.
Inventors
- 👤 John S. Thurman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 16:43
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/44; B60Q1/442
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
310 words
In combination with a vehicle having a moter, a braking means controlled by operator actuation of a brake, a braking and stop combination light, said vehicle also having a plurality of wheels with at least one of said wheels being connected to said braking means and to a speedometer cable and said vehicle also having an electricity generator connected to said motor and powered by said moter, the improvement comprising: at least a first signal light located at the front of said vehicle and at least a second signal light located at the rear of said vehicle, an electrical circuit means connected to each said signal light and responsive for actuation of each said signal light, a motion sensor means, connected to at least one of said wheels via said speedometer cable and to said electrical circuit means, for sensing when said wheel is moving and simultaneously providing a first electrical signal output to said electrical circuit means, a braking sensor means for sensing actuation of said braking means and providing a second electrical signal output to said circuit means, said circuit means further comprising means for simultaneously directing electrical power to each of said signal lights upon actuation by a combination of the electrical signal output from said motion sensor means and the electrical signal output from said braking sensor means, said means for directing electrical power to each of said signal lights comprising a first power relay adapted to receive said electrical signal output from said motion sensor means, said first power relay being interconnected between said signal lights and said motion sensor means, said first power relay being actuated by an electrical signal from a second power relay, said second power relay being interconnected between said first power relay and said braking sensor means, said second power relay having an independent power supply comprising said electricity generator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
310 words
In combination with a vehicle having a moter, a braking means controlled by operator actuation of a brake, a braking and stop combination light, said vehicle also having a plurality of wheels with at least one of said wheels being connected to said braking means and to a speedometer cable and said vehicle also having an electricity generator connected to said motor and powered by said moter, the improvement comprising: at least a first signal light located at the front of said vehicle and at least a second signal light located at the rear of said vehicle, an electrical circuit means connected to each said signal light and responsive for actuation of each said signal light, a motion sensor means, connected to at least one of said wheels via said speedometer cable and to said electrical circuit means, for sensing when said wheel is moving and simultaneously providing a first electrical signal output to said electrical circuit means, a braking sensor means for sensing actuation of said braking means and providing a second electrical signal output to said circuit means, said circuit means further comprising means for simultaneously directing electrical power to each of said signal lights upon actuation by a combination of the electrical signal output from said motion sensor means and the electrical signal output from said braking sensor means, said means for directing electrical power to each of said signal lights comprising a first power relay adapted to receive said electrical signal output from said motion sensor means, said first power relay being interconnected between said signal lights and said motion sensor means, said first power relay being actuated by an electrical signal from a second power relay, said second power relay being interconnected between said first power relay and said braking sensor means, said second power relay having an independent power supply comprising said electricity generator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said first and second signal lights are purple.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The combination of claim 1 further comprises a first power amplifier adapted to receive said first electrical signal output and provide a first power amplifier output signal, said first power relay being adapted to receive the first power amplifier output signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
76 words
The combination of claim 3 further comprises a second power amplifier adapted to receive said second electrical signal output and provide a second power amplifier output signal, said second power relay being adapted to receive said second power amplifier output signal, said first power relay being connected to said second power relay whereby a first power relay output signal relays amplified power from both sensor means sufficient to turn on said first and second signal lights.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
The combination of claim 4 wherein said motion sensor means comprises a ferromagnetic toroid connected to teeth about its outer periphery and a gear attached to said speedometer cable, said gear being adapted and connected to rotate in conjunction with said speedometer cable, said toroid being adapted to rotably engage said gear.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combination of claim 5 wherein said motion sensor means comprises a first inductor through which said ferromagnetic toroid rotates.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
The combination of claim 5 wherein said braking sensor means comprises a ferromagnetic rod connected to said brake and oriented such that any movement of said brake commensurately moves said rod, and a second inductor oriented around said rod whereby any movement of said rod generates an electrical signal in said second inductor.
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) | 1989-06-09 | 1989-12-09 | 1990-06-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-06-09 | 1993-12-09 | 1994-06-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-06-09 | 1997-12-09 | 1998-06-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |