Steering wheel vapor collection and sensing system using suction
First Claim
1. A vapor collecting and analyzing apparatus for mounting on a motor vehicle steering wheel, the apparatus comprising:
- a gas manifold configured for encircling the steering wheel, the gas manifold formed, in cross-section, as a crescent shape having an exterior concave panel conforming to the shape of the steering wheel for nesting therearound, and an exterior convex panel joined with the concave panel to form a hollow space between the panels, the convex panel providing plural first through-apertures for admitting vapors into the hollow space within the gas manifold;
an internal vapor sensing circuit mounted within the hollow space for contact with the vapors therein; and
a tubular conductor in vapor-flow communication with the manifold for drawing the vapors by suction, through the manifold via the first through-apertures;
electrical conductors joining the internal vapor sensing circuit with an external control circuit for electrical signal communication therebetween for establishing control of an ignition circuit of the motor vehicle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A gas manifold is configured for encircling a steering wheel, and formed, in cross-section, as a crescent shape having an exterior concave panel conforming to the shape of the steering wheel for nesting therearound, and an exterior convex panel joined with the concave panel to form a hollow space between the panels. The convex panel provides plural first through-apertures for admitting vapors into the hollow space within the gas manifold. An internal vapor sensing circuit is mounted within the hollow space for contact with the vapors. A tubular conductor is in vapor-flow communication with the manifold for drawing the vapors by suction, through the manifold via the first through-apertures. Electrical conductors join the internal vapor sensing circuit with an external control circuit for electrical signal communication, establishing control of an ignition circuit of the motor vehicle.
23 Citations
9 Claims
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1. A vapor collecting and analyzing apparatus for mounting on a motor vehicle steering wheel, the apparatus comprising:
- a gas manifold configured for encircling the steering wheel, the gas manifold formed, in cross-section, as a crescent shape having an exterior concave panel conforming to the shape of the steering wheel for nesting therearound, and an exterior convex panel joined with the concave panel to form a hollow space between the panels, the convex panel providing plural first through-apertures for admitting vapors into the hollow space within the gas manifold;
an internal vapor sensing circuit mounted within the hollow space for contact with the vapors therein; and
a tubular conductor in vapor-flow communication with the manifold for drawing the vapors by suction, through the manifold via the first through-apertures;
electrical conductors joining the internal vapor sensing circuit with an external control circuit for electrical signal communication therebetween for establishing control of an ignition circuit of the motor vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
- a gas manifold configured for encircling the steering wheel, the gas manifold formed, in cross-section, as a crescent shape having an exterior concave panel conforming to the shape of the steering wheel for nesting therearound, and an exterior convex panel joined with the concave panel to form a hollow space between the panels, the convex panel providing plural first through-apertures for admitting vapors into the hollow space within the gas manifold;
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5. A vapor collecting and analyzing apparatus for use in a motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
- a steering wheel providing a hollow space therein forming a gas manifold;
plural first through-apertures in the steering wheel for admitting vapors into the gas manifold;
an internal vapor sensing circuit mounted within the hollow space for contact with the vapors therein; and
a tubular conductor in vapor-flow communication with the manifold for drawing the vapors by suction, through the manifold via the first through-apertures;
electrical conductors joining the internal vapor sensing circuit with an external control circuit for electrical signal communication therebetween for establishing control of an ignition circuit of the motor vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (6)
- a steering wheel providing a hollow space therein forming a gas manifold;
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7. A vapor collecting and analyzing apparatus for use in a motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising:
- a gas manifold integrally encircling a steering wheel, the gas manifold formed, in cross-section, as a crescent shape having an exterior concave panel conformal with the steering wheel and non-removably engaged therearound, and an exterior convex panel joined with the concave panel to form a hollow space between the panels, the convex panel providing plural first through-apertures for admitting vapors into the hollow space within the gas manifold;
an internal vapor sensing circuit mounted within the hollow space for contact with the vapors therein; and
a tubular conductor in vapor-flow communication with the manifold for drawing the vapors by suction, through the manifold via the first through-apertures;
electrical conductors joining the internal vapor sensing circuit with an external control circuit for electrical signal communication therebetween for establishing control of an ignition circuit of the motor vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
- a gas manifold integrally encircling a steering wheel, the gas manifold formed, in cross-section, as a crescent shape having an exterior concave panel conformal with the steering wheel and non-removably engaged therearound, and an exterior convex panel joined with the concave panel to form a hollow space between the panels, the convex panel providing plural first through-apertures for admitting vapors into the hollow space within the gas manifold;
Specification