Speed limit control system

• US 6,166,658 A
• Filed: 11/22/1999
• Issued: 12/26/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David P. Testa
• Original Assignee: David P. Testa
• Inventors: Testa, David P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wu, Daniel J.
• Application Number:
  US09/444,829
• Time in Patent Office: 400 Days
• Field of Search: 340/901, 340/905, 340/932, 340/936, 701/65, 701/70, 701/93, 701/119
• US Class Current: 701/93
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 31/0058 responsive to externally generated signalling
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096716 where the received information does not generate an automatic action on the vehicle control
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096725 where the received information generates an automatic action on the vehicle control
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/09675 where a selection from the received information takes place in the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/096783 where the origin of the information is a roadside individual element

Abstract

A speed limit control system involving road monitors and speed limit controls in the vehicle which receive signals from road transmitters installed in illuminated signs such as highway signs, traffic lights, rural signs, shopping mall signs, and residential street signs that can automatically lower and restrain the vehicle to the posted maximum MPH speed limit.

Claims

1. A speed limit control system devoid of automatic brake control comprising:

a fixed speed limit control transmitter device adapted to transmit directional radio frequency signals to command receiving modules within a limited range on a road, wherein said fixed speed limit control transmitter device is incorporated in an existing illuminated traffic sign element selected from the group consisting of a traffic lights, highway signs, shopping mall signs, and residential street signs;

a throttle position sensor device located next to a throttle body in the engine compartment of a vehicle;

an accelerator position sensor device located under a dashboard of the vehicle;

a throttle body actuator device located next to the throttle body;

a vehicle speed sensor device located on the hub assembly of the vehicle;

a vehicle speed and fuel injection microcomputer control unit located under the dashboard; and

a speed limit control receiving and identifying memory module having an illumination means indicating reception of the speed limit control signal from the fixed speed limit control device, and mounted on the dashboard;

whereby the vehicle is automatically controlled to lower its speed to the posted speed limit due to the appropriate decrease in fuel injection to the engine implemented by the fixed speed limit control transmitter device.

2. The speed limit control system according to claim 1, wherein said illuminating means is an enlarged region illuminated by green diodes for enabling notification to law enforcement officials that the speed limit control system of the vehicle is functioning correctly.

3. The speed limit control system according to claim 1, wherein an override system in a free-lance mode is incorporated in the microcomputer control unit for immediate activation when the engine of the vehicle is started and in a functional mode in the event a local jurisdiction lacks electrical power for activating its speed limit control system components.

4. The speed limit control system according to claim 1, wherein turning off the ignition of the vehicle automatically disconnects voltage to the microcomputer control unit and clears its memory.