US5504478A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Radio frequency control system
Assignee: Gentex Corp
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Filing: 1994-01-12
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Granted: 1996-04-02
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Expires: 2014-01-12
Abstract
Abstract A radio frequency control system is provided which is particularly adapted for use in connection with an automotive vehicle. The system includes code generating means and a radio frequency transmitter operatively associated with the code generating means. A first antenna is provided which is connected to the transmitter, and a radio frequency receiver is provided which is connected to a second antenna. Decoding means is connected to the receiver and includes at least one output adapted to control a safety unit. At least one of the antennas is incorporated in a rearview mirror installed on a vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert C. Knapp
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 08:26
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q1/00; H01Q1/27; H01Q1/32; H01Q1/325; H01Q1/3266; B; B60; B60R; B60R1/00; B60R1/02; B60R1/08; B60R1/083; B60R1/088; B60R1/12; H04; H04B; H04B1/00; H04B1/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
In a radio frequency control system for use in connection with an automotive vehicle, the combination including code generating means, a radio frequency transmitter operatively associated with said code generating means, a first antenna connected to said transmitter, a second antenna, a radio frequency receiver connected to said second antenna, and decoding means connected to said receiver and having at least one output adapted to control a safety unit, one of said antennas including an electrically conductive surface incorporated in a rearview mirror installed on a vehicle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
In a radio frequency control system for use in connection with an automotive vehicle, the combination including code generating means, a radio frequency transmitter operatively associated with said code generating means, a first antenna connected to said transmitter, a second antenna, a radio frequency receiver connected to said second antenna, and decoding means connected to said receiver and having at least one output adapted to control a safety unit, one of said antennas including an electrically conductive surface incorporated in a rearview mirror installed on a vehicle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1, said radio frequency transmitter and said code generating means being portable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1, said radio frequency receiver being installed on a vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1, said radio frequency receiver being portable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1, said radio frequency transmitter and said code generating means being installed on a vehicle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1, said one of said antennas including an electrically conductive bus bar incorporated in said rearview mirror.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1, said rearview mirror including an electrically conductive surface, said one of said antennas including a bus bar electrically connected to said electrically conductive surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1, said rearview mirror including at least two electrically conducting surfaces, said one of said antennas including a bus bar effectively connected to each of said electrically conductive surfaces at radio frequencies.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
100 words
In a radio frequency control system, the combination including a radio frequency transmitter, a first antenna connected to said transmitter, a radio frequency receiver adapted to receive radio frequency signals emanating from said first antenna and having an output, code generating means operatively associated with said transmitter, decoding means operatively associated with said receiver, and a rearview mirror installed on a vehicle, said rearview mirror including an electrically conductive surface, and an electrically conductive bus bar electrically connected to said electrically conductive surface, said electrically conductive surface and said bus bar functioning as a second antenna connected to said receiver.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
100 words
In a radio frequency control system, the combination including a radio frequency transmitter, a first antenna connected to said transmitter, a radio frequency receiver adapted to receive radio frequency signals emanating from said first antenna and having an output, code generating means operatively associated with said transmitter, decoding means operatively associated with said receiver, and a rearview mirror installed on a vehicle, said rearview mirror including an electrically conductive surface, and an electrically conductive bus bar electrically connected to said electrically conductive surface, said electrically conductive surface and said bus bar functioning as a second antenna connected to said receiver.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The combination as set forth in claim 9, said radio frequency transmitter and said code generating means being portable.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The combination as set forth in claim 9, said radio receiver being installed on a vehicle.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The combination as set forth in claim 9, said radio receiver being portable.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The combination as set forth in claim 9, said radio frequency transmitter and said code generating means being installed on a vehicle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
15 words
The combination as set forth in claim 9 including amplifying means connected to said receiver.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The combination as set forth in claim 9, said rearview mirror including at least two electrically conducting surfaces effectively connected to said bus bar at radio frequencies.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1999-04-02 | 1999-10-02 | 2000-04-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-04-02 | 2003-10-02 | 2004-04-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-04-02 | 2007-10-02 | 2008-04-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |