Sleep warning device for mobile vehicles

• US 5,990,795 A
• Filed: 02/05/1999
• Issued: 11/23/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Bernard J. Miller
• Original Assignee: Bernard J. Miller
• Inventors: Miller, Bernard J.
• Primary Examiner(s): TONG, NINA C
• Application Number:
  US09/245,457
• Time in Patent Office: 291 Days
• Field of Search: 340/576, 340/439, 340/575, 340/425.5, 180/272, 180/273, 701/70
• US Class Current: 340/576
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/06 indicating a condition of sleep, e.g. anti-dozing alarms

Abstract

This invention provides a means of awakening the sleeping or unconscious operator of the vehicle by sounding a loud alarm with a recorded message within the cabin as well as alerting nearby and opposing drivers of other vehicles in motion that the involved vehicle is out of control. The invention involves securing to a shoulder belt a capacitance element including circuits to bring about a change in capacitance in the event of nodding of the operator'"'"'s head.

Claims

1. A sleep warning device responsive to nodding of the head of an operator of a mobile vehicle, said device comprising a seat belt including a shoulder belt to which a capacitance element including a capacitor circuit is adjustably secured, electronic circuitry operating on the vehicle'"'"'s battery source, said circuitry comprising an oscillator driving an amplifier with an interstage transformer output, the basic capacitor circuit including a center tapped secondary of an interstage transformer, said seat belt capacitance element being one arm of a bridge and a balancing capacitor being in the remaining arm whereby there is a change in electrical capacitance upon nodding of the operator'"'"'s head to activate a warning circuit.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the circuitry is contained in a housing which is attached to the shoulder belt.

3. The device of claim 1 wherien there is a capacitance sensor attached to the shoulder belt.