Patent · US Expired

Vehicle driver alertness apparatus monitoring steering wheel oscillations

US4017843A · kind A · utility

30Cited by
4References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 5, 1976
Grant dateApr 12, 1977
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 5, 1996

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60W2540/18
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Steering wheel oscillations are detected and a first signal generated for each predetermined number of oscillations. A ramp generator is reset by each first signal and, if its output reaches a preset value, a comparator generates a second signal to indicate excessive time between first signals. An up-down counter is counted up by each first signal and down by each second signal. A comparator compares the contents of the counter with a present number and generates a third signal when the number in the counter falls below the present number. A timer consisting of an integrator and comparator generates a forth signal when the third signal has been present for a predetermined time. The forth signal causes an alarm device to alert the driver.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.