Speed control method and system for a motor vehicle

• US 7,469,767 B2
• Filed: 08/03/2005
• Issued: 12/30/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jasem A.L. Jasem
• Original Assignee: Jasem A.L. Jasem
• Inventors: Jasem, Jasem Al
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen; John Q.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Spisich; George D.
• Application Number:
  US11/195,730
• Publication Number:
  US 20070028888A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,245 Days
• Field of Search: 180/170, 180/171, 180/268, 180/281, 180/286, 180/287, 340/441, 340/466, 340/471, 701/110, 701/93
• US Class Current: 180/287
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/04 responsive to presence or absence of the driver, e.g. to weight or lack thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 28/12 responsive to conditions relating to doors or doors locks, e.g. open door
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 31/009 for maximum speed control
• CPC Class Codes: F02D 41/021 Introducing corrections for particular conditions exterior to the engine conjoint control of vehicle sub-units for propelling the vehicle B60W30/18
• CPC Class Codes: F02N 11/10 Safety devices F02N11/08 takes precedence

Abstract

A method for regulating the speed of a motor vehicle includes the steps of sensing an open door, verifying the authorization of a driver, and preventing the flow of fuel to the engine until an authorized driver has securely closed the vehicle doors. The method also includes the steps of sensing that the driver'"'"'s seat belt is securely fastened and limiting the flow of fuel to thereby provide a relatively slow speed until the seat belt is fastened and thereafter limiting the flow of fuel to provide a second pre-selected speed. Further, the method includes the steps of overriding the second pre-selected speed and activating a vehicle'"'"'s flashers when the second pre-selected speed is exceeded. Apparatus for accomplishing the method is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A speed control system for a motor vehicle comprising:

an internal combustion engine, doors for entering and leaving the motor vehicle, seat belts for fastening a driver and passengers to a seat in the motor vehicle and an exterior warning light having means for flashing said warning light on and off;

a source of liquid hydrocarbon fuel and control means including a fluid control valve for controlling the flow of fuel to said engine;

means for sensing driver authorization and for screening an authorization to operate the vehicle and means including said fluid control valve to stop the flow of fluid to the engine if an individual is not authorized to operate the vehicle;

means for sensing the secure fastening of said doors and means including said fluid control valve for preventing the flow of fuel to said engine in the absence of the secure fastening of each of said doors;

means for sensing occupied seats and the fastening of said driver'"'"'s and said passenger'"'"'s seat belts and means including said fluid control valve for limiting the flow of fuel to said engine to a first level to thereby restrict the speed of said motor vehicle to a first relatively slow speed when one of said seat belts is not fastened;

means including said fluid control valve for limiting the flow of fuel to said engine to a second level to thereby restrict the speed to a second pre-selected speed when said seat belts are fastened;

means for increasing the flow of fuel to said engine in excess of said second level to thereby increase the speed of said motor vehicle in excess of said second pre-selected speed;

means for activating said means for flashing said warning light on and off when the speed of the motor vehicle exceeds the second pre-selected speed;

remote means for preventing the flow of fuel to said engine in the event of an unauthorized user of said motor vehicle;

a communication receiver for receiving information on a speed limit in a specific area and means responsive to said information to limit the flow of fuel to said engine to thereby provide a third pre-selected level and thereby limit the speed of said motor vehicle to a pre-selected speed for said specific area;

means for sensing when a vehicle leaves a reduce speed zone and allowing the vehicle to proceed without flasher as long the vehicle is operated below the second pre-selected level of speed; and

means including a video camera for detecting a stop sign and for automatically reducing the speed of said motor vehicle as it approaches a stop sign.