User carried radar detector

• US 4,725,840 A
• Filed: 10/14/1986
• Issued: 02/16/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vincent A. Orazietti
• Original Assignee: Vincent A. Orazietti
• Inventors: Orazietti, Vincent A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Tarcza, Thomas H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Sotomayor, John B.
• Application Number:
  US06/917,967
• Time in Patent Office: 490 Days
• Field of Search: 342/20
• US Class Current: 342/20
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/022 Road traffic radar detectors

Abstract

A superheterodyne radar detector includes a compact watertight and durable housing to which a variety of clips and fastening means may be attached. Batteries are provided for powering the radar sensing circuitry, as well as means for recharging and/or replacing batteries. Two antenna horns are mounted within the housing directed perpendicularly with respect to one another and a shield is provided for mounting over one of the two antenna horns. A sensed radar signal is indicated by an earphone and/or an indicator light and/or a speaker.

Claims

1. A bidirectional radar detector for sensing the presence of radar signals, comprising:

a compact housing defining slots along opposing housing sides, said housing being watertight;

a superheterodyne radar sensing circuit mounted within said compact housing and having first and second inputs and an output providing an output signal upon a radar signal being sensed;

a battery power supply mounted within said compact housing and connected to power said radar sensing circuit;

first and second directional signal focusing antennas mounted within said housing, said first directional signal focusing antenna being mounted to focus and sense radar signals from a first direction and said second directional signal focusing antenna being mounted to focus and sense radar signals from a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction to enable said radar detector to sense radar signals when mounted in either of two positions, said first and second signal focusing antennas being connected to respective ones of said first and second inputs of said superheterodyne radar sensing circuit to transmit focussed and sensed radar signals to said sensing circuit;

a radar signal shield of metal foil removably fastenable over alternate ones of said first and second signal focusing antennas to block stray radar signals from a selected one of said first and second signal focusing antennas;

an earphone connectable to said output of said superheterodyne radar sensing circuit to produce an audible signal upon receipt of said output signal from radar sensing circuit;

a first jack in said housing connected to said output of said superheterodyne radar sensing circuit;

a first plug connected to said earphone and selectivity connectable in said first jack to transmit said output signal to said earphone;

a deformable dummy plug of water resistant material selectivity connectable in said first jack to provide a watertight seal when said first plug is not in said first jack;

a speaker mounted within said housing and connected to said output of said superheterodyne radar sensing circuit to produce an audible signal upon receiving an output signal;

means for inhibiting the operation of said speaker when said first plug is connected in said first jack;

an indicator lamp in said housing and connected to said output of said radar sensing circuit to provide a visual indication upon receipt of said output signal;

means for selectivity fastening said housing in place including;

a base disposed adjacent said housing and spanning between said opposing housing sides;

a pair of tabs extending toward one another from said base and being slidably received in said slots in said opposing housing sides to permit said base to slidably move along said housing; and

a fastening member extending from said base for selective engagement;

means for connecting said superheterodyne radar sensing circuit to an external power supply including;

a third jack in said housing connected to said superheterodyne radar sensing circuit;

a third plug connectable to the external power supply and selectivity connectable in said third jack to transmit power from said external power supply to said sensing circuit;

a second deformable dummy plug of water resistant material selectivity connectable in said third jack to provide a water tight seal when said third plug is not in said third jack; and

means for inhibiting the provision of battery power from said battery power supply to said sensing circuit when said sensing circuit receives external power through said third jack from the external power supply.