Patent US4945759A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4945759A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Vehicle performance monitoring system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1989-02-27
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Granted: 1990-08-07
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Expires: 2009-02-27
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for monitoring the operating performance of a vehicle. The vehicle speed, engine operating speed and manifold pressure of the vehicle are compared to corresponding preset threshold values. The total time during which each of the vehicle speed, engine operating speed and manifold pressure exceed its threshold value is recorded and provided to the driver in a real-time display. The total time during which the engine is operating and the total time during which the engine is idling are also recorded and provided to the driver in a real time display.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary F. Krofchalk
- 👤 Richard F. Dickey
- 👤 Courtney Hall
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 23:33
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07C; G07C5/00; G07C5/08; G07C5/0841; G07C5/085
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 33
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
A performance monitoring system for an engine-driven vehicle comprising: means for determining manifold pressure of said engine; means for comparing manifold pressure of said engine to a manifold pressure threshold value; means for determining the total time during which the manifold pressure of said engine exceeds said manifold pressure threshold value; and means for determining the total time during which said engine is operating.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
64 words
A performance monitoring system for an engine-driven vehicle comprising: means for determining manifold pressure of said engine; means for comparing manifold pressure of said engine to a manifold pressure threshold value; means for determining the total time during which the manifold pressure of said engine exceeds said manifold pressure threshold value; and means for determining the total time during which said engine is operating.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The performance monitoring system according to claim 1 further comprising means for displaying the total time during which the manifold pressure of said engine exceeds said manifold pressure threshold value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The performance monitoring system according to claim 1 further comprising means for providing an audible warning when the manifold pressure of said engine exceeds said manifold pressure threshold value.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
61 words
A performance monitoring system for an engine-driven vehicle comprising: means for determining manifold pressure of said engine; means for comparing manifold pressure of said engine to a manifold pressure threshold value; means for determining the total time during which the manifold pressure of said engine exceeds said manifold pressure threshold value; and means for displaying the manifold pressure of said engine.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
A performance monitoring system for an engine-driven vehicle comprising: means for determining manifold pressure of said engine; means for comparing manifold pressure of said engine to a manifold pressure threshold value; means for determining the total time during which the manifold pressure of said engine exceeds said manifold pressure threshold value; and means for displaying the manifold pressure of said engine.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
98 words
A performance monitoring system for an engine-driven vehicle comprising: means for determining manifold pressure of said engine; means for comparing manifold pressure of said engine to a manifold pressure threshold value; means for determining the total time during which the manifold pressure of said engine exceeds said manifold pressure threshold value; means for determining the operating speed of said vehicle; means for comparing the operating speed of said vehicle to a vehicle operating speed threshold value; and means for determining the total time during which the operating speed of said vehicle exceeds said vehicle operating speed threshold value.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
98 words
A performance monitoring system for an engine-driven vehicle comprising: means for determining manifold pressure of said engine; means for comparing manifold pressure of said engine to a manifold pressure threshold value; means for determining the total time during which the manifold pressure of said engine exceeds said manifold pressure threshold value; means for determining the operating speed of said vehicle; means for comparing the operating speed of said vehicle to a vehicle operating speed threshold value; and means for determining the total time during which the operating speed of said vehicle exceeds said vehicle operating speed threshold value.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The performance monitoring system according to claim 5 further comprising means for displaying the total time during which the operating speed of said vehicle exceeds said operating speed threshold value.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
96 words
A performance monitoring system for an engine-driven vehicle comprising: means for determining manifold pressure of said engine; means for comparing manifold pressure of said engine to a manifold pressure threshold value; means for determining the total time during which the manifold pressure of said engine exceeds the manifold pressure threshold value; means for determining operating speed of said engine; means for comparing operating speed of said engine to an engine operating speed threshold value; and means for determining the total time during which the operating speed of said engine exceeds said engine operating speed threshold value.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
96 words
A performance monitoring system for an engine-driven vehicle comprising: means for determining manifold pressure of said engine; means for comparing manifold pressure of said engine to a manifold pressure threshold value; means for determining the total time during which the manifold pressure of said engine exceeds the manifold pressure threshold value; means for determining operating speed of said engine; means for comparing operating speed of said engine to an engine operating speed threshold value; and means for determining the total time during which the operating speed of said engine exceeds said engine operating speed threshold value.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The performance monitoring system according to claim 7 further comprising means for displaying the total time during which the operating speed of said engine exceeds said engine operating speed threshold value.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
90 words
A performance monitoring system for an engine-driven vehicle comprising: means for determining manifold pressure of said engine; means for comparing manifold pressure of said engine to a manifold pressure threshold value; means for determining the total time during which the manifold pressure of said engine exceeds the manifold pressure threshold value; means for detecting vehicle speed; means for detecting engine operating speed; and means responsive to said means for detecting vehicle speed and said means for detecting operating speed, for determining the total time during which said vehicle is idling.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
90 words
A performance monitoring system for an engine-driven vehicle comprising: means for determining manifold pressure of said engine; means for comparing manifold pressure of said engine to a manifold pressure threshold value; means for determining the total time during which the manifold pressure of said engine exceeds the manifold pressure threshold value; means for detecting vehicle speed; means for detecting engine operating speed; and means responsive to said means for detecting vehicle speed and said means for detecting operating speed, for determining the total time during which said vehicle is idling.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The performance monitoring system according to claim 9 further comprising means for displaying the total time during which said vehicle is idling.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The performance monitoring system according to claim 9 further comprising means for determining the total time during which said engine is operating.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of evaluating the operation of a vehicle over a period of time comprising the steps of: setting a manifold pressure threshold value based on the operating characteristics of said vehicle; measuring the manifold pressure of said vehicle during said period of time; determining, for said period of time, the total time that the manifold pressure of said vehicle exceeds said manifold pressure threshold value; and determining, for said period of time, the total time that said engine is operating.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of evaluating the operation of a vehicle over a period of time comprising the steps of: setting a manifold pressure threshold value based on the operating characteristics of said vehicle; measuring the manifold pressure of said vehicle during said period of time; determining, for said period of time, the total time that the manifold pressure of said vehicle exceeds said manifold pressure threshold value; and determining, for said period of time, the total time that said engine is operating.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for evaluating the operation of a vehicle over a period of time comprising the steps of: setting a manifold pressure threshold value based on the operating characteristics of said vehicle; measuring the manifold pressure of said vehicle during said period of time; determining, for said period of time, the total time that the manifold pressure of said vehicle exceeds the manifold pressure threshold value; setting an engine operating speed threshold value based on the operating characteristics of said vehicle; measuring the engine operating speed of said vehicle during said period of time; and determining, for said period of time, the total time that the engine operating speed exceeds said engine operating speed threshold value.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for evaluating the operation of a vehicle over a period of time comprising the steps of: setting a manifold pressure threshold value based on the operating characteristics of said vehicle; measuring the manifold pressure of said vehicle during said period of time; determining, for said period of time, the total time that the manifold pressure of said vehicle exceeds the manifold pressure threshold value; setting an engine operating speed threshold value based on the operating characteristics of said vehicle; measuring the engine operating speed of said vehicle during said period of time; and determining, for said period of time, the total time that the engine operating speed exceeds said engine operating speed threshold value.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for evaluating the operation of a vehicle over a period of time comprising the steps of: setting a manifold pressure threshold value based on the operating characteristics of said vehicle; measuring the manifold pressure of said vehicle during said period of time; determining, for said period of time, the total time that the manifold pressure of said vehicle exceeds the manifold pressure threshold value; setting a vehicle operating speed threshold value; measuring the vehicle operating speed of said vehicle during said period of time; and determining, for said period of time, the total time that the vehicle operating speed exceeds said vehicle operating speed threshold value.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for evaluating the operation of a vehicle over a period of time comprising the steps of: setting a manifold pressure threshold value based on the operating characteristics of said vehicle; measuring the manifold pressure of said vehicle during said period of time; determining, for said period of time, the total time that the manifold pressure of said vehicle exceeds the manifold pressure threshold value; setting a vehicle operating speed threshold value; measuring the vehicle operating speed of said vehicle during said period of time; and determining, for said period of time, the total time that the vehicle operating speed exceeds said vehicle operating speed threshold value.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for evaluating the operation of a vehicle over a period of time comprising the steps of: setting a manifold pressure threshold value based on the operating characteristics of said vehicle; measuring the manifold pressure of said vehicle during said period of time; determining, for said period of time, the total time that the manifold pressure of said vehicle exceeds the manifold pressure threshold value; determining the total time said engine is operating; and determining, for the total time said engine is operating, the amount of time said engine is idling.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for evaluating the operation of a vehicle over a period of time comprising the steps of: setting a manifold pressure threshold value based on the operating characteristics of said vehicle; measuring the manifold pressure of said vehicle during said period of time; determining, for said period of time, the total time that the manifold pressure of said vehicle exceeds the manifold pressure threshold value; determining the total time said engine is operating; and determining, for the total time said engine is operating, the amount of time said engine is idling.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
133 words
Apparatus for assisting a driver in the operation of an engine-drive vehicle, comprising: a manifold pressure transducer positioned in the intake manifold of said engine, said manifold pressure transducer measuring the manifold pressure of said vehicle during the operation of said vehicle; means for continuously transmitting an electrical signal corresponding to said measured manifold pressure; a comparator circuit for receiving said continuously transmitted electrical signal, said comparator circuit continuously comparing during the operation of said vehicle, the manifold pressure measured by said transducer means to a manifold pressure threshold value; first timing means for accumulating the total time said manifold pressure measured by said transducer has exceeded said manifold pressure threshold value during the operation of said vehicle; and second timing means for accumulating the total time during which the engine is operating.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
133 words
Apparatus for assisting a driver in the operation of an engine-drive vehicle, comprising: a manifold pressure transducer positioned in the intake manifold of said engine, said manifold pressure transducer measuring the manifold pressure of said vehicle during the operation of said vehicle; means for continuously transmitting an electrical signal corresponding to said measured manifold pressure; a comparator circuit for receiving said continuously transmitted electrical signal, said comparator circuit continuously comparing during the operation of said vehicle, the manifold pressure measured by said transducer means to a manifold pressure threshold value; first timing means for accumulating the total time said manifold pressure measured by said transducer has exceeded said manifold pressure threshold value during the operation of said vehicle; and second timing means for accumulating the total time during which the engine is operating.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus according to claim 16 further comprising a warning light visible to said driver, said warning light being illuminated during the accumulation of time by said timing means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 17 further comprising audible warning means, said audible warning means issuing an audible warning when said timing means begins the accumulation of time.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
114 words
Apparatus for assisting a driver in the operation of an engine-driven vehicle, comprising: a manifold pressure transducer positioned in the intake manifold of said engine, said manifold pressure transducer measuring the manifold pressure of said vehicle during the operation of said vehicle; means for continuously comparing during the operation of said vehicle, the manifold pressure measured by said transducer means to a manifold pressure threshold value; timing means for accumulating in a display visible to said driver, the total time said manifold pressure measured by said transducer has exceeded said manifold pressure threshold value during the operation of said vehicle; and means for displaying the manifold pressure of said vehicle measured by said transducer.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
114 words
Apparatus for assisting a driver in the operation of an engine-driven vehicle, comprising: a manifold pressure transducer positioned in the intake manifold of said engine, said manifold pressure transducer measuring the manifold pressure of said vehicle during the operation of said vehicle; means for continuously comparing during the operation of said vehicle, the manifold pressure measured by said transducer means to a manifold pressure threshold value; timing means for accumulating in a display visible to said driver, the total time said manifold pressure measured by said transducer has exceeded said manifold pressure threshold value during the operation of said vehicle; and means for displaying the manifold pressure of said vehicle measured by said transducer.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
121 words
A method for evaluating at a central location, the performance of a driver operating a vehicle at a remote location comprising the steps of: setting a manifold pressure threshold value; measuring the manifold pressure of said vehicle during operation; determining a first total time during which said vehicle is operating; determining a second total time during the operation of said vehicle that the manifold pressure of said vehicle exceeds said manifold pressure threshold value; transmitting said first and second determined total times to said central location for processing; determining at said central location, a percent violation based upon said first determined total time and said second determined total time; and transmitting said percent violation to said driver at said remote location.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
121 words
A method for evaluating at a central location, the performance of a driver operating a vehicle at a remote location comprising the steps of: setting a manifold pressure threshold value; measuring the manifold pressure of said vehicle during operation; determining a first total time during which said vehicle is operating; determining a second total time during the operation of said vehicle that the manifold pressure of said vehicle exceeds said manifold pressure threshold value; transmitting said first and second determined total times to said central location for processing; determining at said central location, a percent violation based upon said first determined total time and said second determined total time; and transmitting said percent violation to said driver at said remote location.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method according to claim 20 further comprising the steps of: determining a third total time during the operation of said vehicle that the engine of said vehicle idles; transmitting said third determined total time to said central location for processing; and wherein said percent violation is determined based upon said first, second and third determined total times.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-08-06 | 1994-02-05 | 1994-08-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-08-06 | 1998-02-05 | 1998-08-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-08-06 | 2002-02-05 | 2002-08-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |