Transmitter apparatus and system for remote signaling

• US 7,973,651 B2
• Filed: 07/13/2004
• Issued: 07/05/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Terry J. Stiles
• Original Assignee: Terry J. Stiles
• Inventors: Penman, Randal D. P., Stiles, Terry J., Kosolofski, Matthew J., Kokaji, Kenji
• Primary Examiner(s): Swarthout; Brent
• Application Number:
  US11/632,353
• Publication Number:
  US 20080258899A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,548 Days
• Field of Search: 340463-479, 340/431
• US Class Current: 340/431
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/305 Indicating devices for towed vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2900/30 Lamps commanded by wireless transmissions

Abstract

An electronic system is described for controlling vehicle message lighting including turn and stop indicator signal lights, which system does not require any pre-existing wiring harness in either a towing vehicle 101 or any towed vehicle 104 to be in serviceable condition. In one embodiment the system implements a reliable wireless detection method based on feedback to confirm the state of operation of any such pre-existing “vehicle indication signal drive line” and includes a control apparatus that wirelessly transmits 230 instructions to at least one local receiver 150 controlling a number of message devices, including, but not limited to, vehicle indication signal lights. Another embodiment of the system bypasses any pre-existing wiring harness and permits the operator to manually over ride its detector. Advantageously, the portable control transmitter apparatus and each receiver apparatus 150 of the invented system are easily installed by a nontechnical person requiring minimal tooling and then operated by an unskilled user.

Claims

1. A detector transmitter apparatus, for use as part of a vehicle indication signal system for remote secondary signaling, the apparatus comprising:

a base;

wireless detection means coupled to said base, for detecting at least one primary signal without coupling to a source of signals;

processing means communicably connected to said wireless detection means, for identifying said at least one primary signal and generating output instructions in response thereto; and

output means communicably connected to said processing means, for wirelessly sending said output instructions to at least one remote receiver that delivers at least one secondary signal,

wherein said wireless detection means comprises a scanner and at least one reflector affixed in a known position relative to a signal lever for detecting changes in position of said signal lever.