Speed Patents (Class 340/466)
  • Patent number: 5016996
    Abstract: A rearview mirror having an operating condition display which is positioned in the forward part of a driver's cabin and is disposed interiorly of the vehicle, the improved rearview mirror having an operating condition display comprises a speed display light which is provided so as to selectively illuminate a specific indicating portion when the vehicle is operated at a rate of speed within a particualr speed range, the display being electronically interconnected with the speedometer of an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: Yasushi Ueno
  • Patent number: 4996442
    Abstract: A hoodscoop for attachment to a motor vehicle hood. The hoodscoop has a rear facing surface visible to the driver which is equipped with indicating instruments such as a tachometer, a pair of directional signal indicators, a pair of parking lamp indicators and a pair of high-beam headlamp indicators that are visible to the driver without taking his eyes off the road. The hoodscoop can have a removable back plate so that it can be alternatively a decorative panel or contain the indicating instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventor: Mark Wayne
  • Patent number: 4940962
    Abstract: A braking indicator for vehicles provides an indication from the front of the vehicle that the vehicle brakes are being applied. The indicator includes a plurality of lights, preferably two, which are mounted and viewable from the front of the vehicle. The first sensor is connected to the brake pedal to detect the initial depression of the brake pedal. A second sensor is connected to the brake system of the vehicle to sense further depression of the brake pedal. The first and second sensors are connected to certain of the front mounted indicator lights to energize certain of the front mounted indicator lights upon the initial depression of brake pedal and further depression of the brake pedal. Alternately, a sensor is connected to the speedometer of the vehicle to detect the speed of the vehicle. The speed sensor provides an output when the vehicle reaches a pre-determined speed, preferably a slow speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Inventor: Jerry L. Sarokin
  • Patent number: 4894641
    Abstract: A real-time speed display apparatus for displaying vehicle speed with different colors of light has a speed detector for detecting the speed of revolution of the transmission shaft of a vehicle and outputting a speed signal with its pulse rate varied as a function of the revolution speed. The speed signal is converted into a periodic signal through a timing gate under the control of a clock signal generated by a clock generator. A counter is used to count the number of the pulses within each period of the interval signal, based on which an encoder outputs a corresponding display control signal and transmits it to respective display drivers. Upon receipt of the display control signal, the drivers are started to drive the respective light units. Therefore, different color light is formed on a screen by combination of light emitted by the driven light units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Cotron Corporation
    Inventor: Bill Yang
  • Patent number: 4878042
    Abstract: An apparatus that detects an absence of ignition pulses for warning of an engine stall. The apparatus is connected between the power source of the vehicle and the vehicle lights. If an absence of ignition pulses is detected, the apparatus generates a flashing signal that causes a switch to alternately connect and disconnect the power source to the vehicle lights to flash the lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: J. Michael Eggiman
    Inventors: J. Michael Eggiman, Vance A. Dunlop
  • Patent number: 4843370
    Abstract: Intelligent electronic circuit apparatus is disclosed for automatically controlling the hazard warning system (such as a tail light) of a motor vehicle so as to assist in preventing accidents. The apparatus includes a switch for selectively connecting the tail light with a voltage source and a control device for automatically closing the switch, thereby connecting the tail light to the voltage source, in response to a condition indicating a hazard to other vehicles in the vicinity. The invention provides means for sensing the driving environment of the motor vehicle and for changing the condition of response in dependence upon the sensed environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: V-Tronics Corporation
    Inventor: Karl F. Milde, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4841276
    Abstract: An electronic vehicle slow-speed warning system operable automatically to activate the vehicle stop or brake lights if the operator neglects to do so while the vehicle is moving forwardly below a predetermined speed. Both the vehicle backup and stop lights are activated during backward travel at any speed. The warning system is designed for installation in conventional motor vehicles and is constructed entirely of solid state components free of moving parts. The system is selectively operable with either a frequency or optical speed signal sensor and with or without a micro processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Roy P. Abel
    Inventors: Roy P. Abel, Warren W. Welcome