US5382953A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for detecting school bus stop arm violations
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1994-04-14
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Granted: 1995-01-17
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Expires: 2014-04-14
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a device for detecting and identifying school bus stop arm violations. The device includes a sensor positionable on a school bus for detecting the presence of a moving vehicle in a violation zone adjacent to the school bus. A detection mechanism detects the extension of the stop arm on the school bus. A control unit is operable with the sensor and the detection mechanism and provides a control signal indicating the presence of a vehicle in the violation zone when the stop arm is extended. A camera which is responsive to the control signal photographs the moving vehicle in the violation zone.
Inventors
- 👤 Wayne L. Hauptli
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 20:19
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08G; G08G1/00; G08G1/01; G08G1/017; G08G1/0175
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A device for detecting and identifying school bus stop arm violations comprising: a sensor positionable on a school bus for detecting the presence of a moving vehicle in a violation zone adjacent to the school bus; stop arm detecting means for detecting the extension of the stop arm on the school bus; a control unit operable with the sensor and the stop arm detecting means for providing a control signal indicating the presence of a vehicle in the violation zone when the stop arm is extended; and a camera responsive to the control signal for photographing the moving vehicle in the violation zone.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
103 words
A device for detecting and identifying school bus stop arm violations comprising: a sensor positionable on a school bus for detecting the presence of a moving vehicle in a violation zone adjacent to the school bus; stop arm detecting means for detecting the extension of the stop arm on the school bus; a control unit operable with the sensor and the stop arm detecting means for providing a control signal indicating the presence of a vehicle in the violation zone when the stop arm is extended; and a camera responsive to the control signal for photographing the moving vehicle in the violation zone.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising a manually operated trigger switch positioned between the control unit and the camera to provide a time delay in the control signal activation of the camera.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a magnetic flux sensor probe.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is positioned at a front of the school bus.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 4, wherein the camera is positioned at the rear of the school bus, at least 20 feet from the sensor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the stop arm detecting means includes means for detecting when a door handle of the school bus is moved to open the door on the school bus and wherein the stop arm is extended when the door handle is moved.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
The device of claim 6, wherein the means for detecting the opening of the school bus door includes a switch operable with the school bus door handle such that when the door handle is closed the switch is open and when the door handle is open the switch is closed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the stop arm detecting means is positioned on the stop arm.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
The device of claim 8, wherein the stop arm detecting means is a push button switch operable with the stop arm such that when the stop arm is extended the switch is closed and when the stop arm is retracted the switch is open.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 1, wherein the control unit is powered in association with an 8-way flasher control unit on the school bus.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising a protective box for housing the camera, the protective box being positioned on an exterior side of the school bus such that the camera photographs vehicles in the violation zone and the extended stop arm.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 11, wherein the protective box further includes a fan for preventing fogging within the protective box.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 11, wherein the protective box is accessible from an interior of the school bus.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
43 words
The device of claim 11, further comprising a splash guard for protecting a face of the protective box, the splash guard being movable away from the face to permit the camera to photograph vehicles in the violation zone and the extended stop arm.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device of claim 2, further comprising means for providing an audible signal indicative of a vehicle in the violation zone so that a bus driver is alerted to activate the manually operated trigger switch.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
10 words
The device of claim 1, further comprising a flood light.
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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) | 1998-01-16 | 1998-07-18 | 1999-01-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-01-16 | 2002-07-18 | 2003-01-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-01-16 | 2006-07-18 | 2007-01-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |