Radio frequency control system

• US 5,504,478 A
• Filed: 01/12/1994
• Issued: 04/02/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 01/12/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Knapp, Robert C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yusko, Donald J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Rinehart, Mark H.
• Application Number:
  US08/180,565
• Time in Patent Office: 811 Days
• Field of Search: 455/345, 455/346, 455/347, 340/825.31, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 340/825.3
• US Class Current: 340/12.5
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3266 using the mirror of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/06 Receivers

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.

Claims

1. 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.

2. The combination as set forth in claim 1, said radio frequency transmitter and said code generating means being portable.

3. The combination as set forth in claim 1, said radio frequency receiver being installed on a vehicle.

4. The combination as set forth in claim 1, said radio frequency receiver being portable.

5. The combination as set forth in claim 1, said radio frequency transmitter and said code generating means being installed on a vehicle.

6. The combination as set forth in claim 1, said one of said antennas including an electrically conductive bus bar incorporated in said rearview mirror.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. The combination as set forth in claim 9, said radio frequency transmitter and said code generating means being portable.

11. The combination as set forth in claim 9, said radio receiver being installed on a vehicle.

12. The combination as set forth in claim 9, said radio receiver being portable.

13. The combination as set forth in claim 9, said radio frequency transmitter and said code generating means being installed on a vehicle.

14. The combination as set forth in claim 9 including amplifying means connected to said receiver.

15. 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.