Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
An alarm system for a vehicle, including; light emitter means for generating a light beam; optical receiver means for detecting reflected light from said light beam; reflector means supported on the head of a driver of the vehicle to reflect said light beam, said reflector means being oriented to reflect said light beam toward said optical receiver when the head of the vehicle driver is in a position indicative of loss of wakefulness; and audio warning means responsive to a signal from said optical receiver means to generate an audio alarm signal to waken the driver.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
An alarm system for a vehicle, including; light emitter means for generating a light beam; optical receiver means for detecting reflected light from said light beam; reflector means supported on the head of a driver of the vehicle to reflect said light beam, said reflector means being oriented to reflect said light beam toward said optical receiver when the head of the vehicle driver is in a position indicative of loss of wakefulness; and audio warning means responsive to a signal from said optical receiver means to generate an audio alarm signal to waken the driver.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The alarm system of claim 1, wherein said light emitter means operates at a predetermined wavelength, and said optical receiver means detects said predetermined wavelength.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The alarm system of claim 2, wherein said reflector means includes a reflective material that is optimally reflective at said predetermined wavelength.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The alarm system of claim 3, wherein said reflective material is incorporated into an article of clothing worn on the head of the driver.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The alarm system of claim 3, wherein said predetermined wavelength is within the infrared light spectrum.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
The alarm system of claim 1, wherein said light emitter means and said optical receiver are secured within a common module, and further including means for securing said module within said vehicle with said light emitter and optical receiver directed toward the head of the vehicle driver.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The alarm system of claim 6, wherein said audio warning means is secured within said common module.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
77 words
An alarm system for a vehicle, including; reflector means supported on the head of a driver of the vehicle to reflect light of a predetermined wavelength, optical means operating at said predetermined wavelength to detect a position of the head of the driver that is indicative of loss of wakefulness and to generated an alarm actuating signal; and audio warning means responsive to said alarm actuating signal to generate an audio alarm signal to waken the driver.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
77 words
An alarm system for a vehicle, including; reflector means supported on the head of a driver of the vehicle to reflect light of a predetermined wavelength, optical means operating at said predetermined wavelength to detect a position of the head of the driver that is indicative of loss of wakefulness and to generated an alarm actuating signal; and audio warning means responsive to said alarm actuating signal to generate an audio alarm signal to waken the driver.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
37 words
The alarm system of claim 8, wherein said optical means includes light emitter means for directing a light beam toward said reflector means, and optical receiver means for detecting said light beam reflected from said reflector means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The alarm system of claim 9, wherein said light beam illuminates said reflector means when the head of the driver is disposed in a position indicative of loss of wakefulness.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
52 words
The alarm system of claim 9, wherein said light beam illuminates said reflector means when the head of the driver is disposed in a position indicative of wakefulness, and said optical means generates an alarm actuating signal when said receiver means fails to receive a light beam reflection from said reflector means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
The alarm system of claim 9, wherein said light emitter means and said optical receiver means are secured within a common housing, and further including adjustable angle mounting means for securing said common housing to an interior surface of the vehicle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
The alarm system of claim 12, wherein said adjustable angle mounting means includes a mounting bracket secured to said interior surface, and a swivel assembly secured between said mounting bracket and said common housing.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The alarm system of claim 8, wherein said reflector means includes a reflective material incorporated into an article of apparel warn on the head of the driver.