Vehicular throttle idle signal indication
First Claim
1. ) Throttle position responsive vehicular rear facing status light apparatus comprising the combination of:
- visible light generating electrical energy to optical energy transducer apparatus disposed in a rearward facing orientation on a rearward portion of a first vehicle, in either the traditional left and right fender areas, the rear window deck area, or a center high-mount position;
a first vehicle-received source of electrical energy capable of energizing said visible light generating electrical energy to optical energy transducer apparatus;
electrical circuit apparatus connected in an electrical energy flow-controling relationship between said one or more visible light generating electrical energy to optical energy transducer apparatus and said first vehicle-received source of energy;
said electrical circuit apparatus including a first continuously closable electrical switch element responsive to vehicle throttle idle position in said first vehicle, and generating a continuous electrical energy flow in, and a continuous visible signal from, said first vehicle visible light generating electrical energy to optical energy transducer apparatus;
said electrical circuit apparatus including an electronic switch with a high input impedance circuit, said electronic switch actvated by input of minimum dc voltage from the throttle position sensor of a first vehicle, and outputing a dc current capable of energizing and closing said first continuously closable electrical switch;
said first continually closable switch may alternativly be operated by the idle position of the throttle control cable or linkage;
said electrical circuit apparatus including a second continuously openable switch, said openable switch in series with said first continuously closable switch, and responsive to said first vehicle braking action;
said first vehicle brake on condition operating said second switch that opens the electrical conductive path between said throttle responsive first closable switch and said electrical to optical energy transducer;
said first vehicle cruise control on condition operating said second switch that opens the electrically conductive path between said throttle responsive first closable switch and said electrical to optical energy transducer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A new illuminated signal to following vehicle drivers is disclosed. This signal would inform the driver of the following vehicle that the driver of the lead vehicle had removed accelerator pedal pressure. The following vehicle driver may anticipate the deceleration and braking of the lead vehicle. So fore-warned, the driver of the following vehicle may also remove accelerator pressure, preventing the following vehicle from inappropriately approaching the rear of the lead vehicle, and the need for heavy brake action. This advance warning of lead vehicle deceleration and braking will decrease the reaction time needed by following vehicle drivers to safely brake after the lead vehicle brake light is observed, reducing the potential for rear-end collisions. This new light signal, indicating removal of accelerator pedal pressure in the lead vehicle, would cease whenever the lead vehicle brake is applied, or the cruise control is switched on.
42 Citations
7 Claims
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1. ) Throttle position responsive vehicular rear facing status light apparatus comprising the combination of:
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visible light generating electrical energy to optical energy transducer apparatus disposed in a rearward facing orientation on a rearward portion of a first vehicle, in either the traditional left and right fender areas, the rear window deck area, or a center high-mount position;
a first vehicle-received source of electrical energy capable of energizing said visible light generating electrical energy to optical energy transducer apparatus;
electrical circuit apparatus connected in an electrical energy flow-controling relationship between said one or more visible light generating electrical energy to optical energy transducer apparatus and said first vehicle-received source of energy;
said electrical circuit apparatus including a first continuously closable electrical switch element responsive to vehicle throttle idle position in said first vehicle, and generating a continuous electrical energy flow in, and a continuous visible signal from, said first vehicle visible light generating electrical energy to optical energy transducer apparatus;
said electrical circuit apparatus including an electronic switch with a high input impedance circuit, said electronic switch actvated by input of minimum dc voltage from the throttle position sensor of a first vehicle, and outputing a dc current capable of energizing and closing said first continuously closable electrical switch;
said first continually closable switch may alternativly be operated by the idle position of the throttle control cable or linkage;
said electrical circuit apparatus including a second continuously openable switch, said openable switch in series with said first continuously closable switch, and responsive to said first vehicle braking action;
said first vehicle brake on condition operating said second switch that opens the electrical conductive path between said throttle responsive first closable switch and said electrical to optical energy transducer;
said first vehicle cruise control on condition operating said second switch that opens the electrically conductive path between said throttle responsive first closable switch and said electrical to optical energy transducer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification