Signaling self-contained add-on accessory for an analog metering device such as a speedometer and secondary device
US6600409B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 16, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 29, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01P1/08
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A self-contained accessory for an analog metering device such as a speedometer or tachometer. The accessory includes a sensor which is selectively adjustable to align with a plurality of positions in the range of movement of an output needle of the analog metering device. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor is alignable with gradation marks, e.g., miles per hour indicia on a speedometer, and the accessory provides a signal when a needle reaches a selected gradation. The signal is sent to a secondary device, such as a radar detector or central monitoring system. The signal may also be used to provide an indication that alerts a user that a selected gradation has been reached by an output needle of the analog metering device. The accessory attaches to a cover of the analog metering device and allows adjustment of sensor position without removal of the accessory from the cover. A preferred radar detector uses the signal to effect a modified operation where some functions of the radar detector are responsive to the signal of the accessory.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.