Pit road display

US7877172B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• John T. Sullivan · Marriottsville, US
• Steve Parks · Georgetown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 29, 2009
• Grant date: Jan 25, 2011
• Expiry date: Jul 29, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60K2360/167
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Instruments or gauges arranged to provide feedback detectable by the peripheral vision of a driver when vehicle operating parameters, such as engine speed, temperature, pressure, and voltage, are in a critical range, include one or more of the following types of instruments or gauges and/or features: (a) a tachometer that not only includes a primary numeric display, but also a secondary display made up of a plurality of discrete lights of different colors, the colors indicating whether the engine speed of a vehicle is within a relatively narrow range of engine speeds acceptable for the roadway leading from a race track to service areas, known as “pit road,” the high and low limits of the range being adjustable to meet pit road requirements at different tracks; (b) an instrument or gauge having a background that illuminates to indicate critical sensor readings; (c) an instrument or gauge having improved handling of sensor abnormalities to prevent false readings; (d) a non-linear analog gauge for a motor vehicle having a higher resolution in a particular range of interest, and a lower resolution outside that range; and (e) a boost pressure gauge that facilitates entry of gear informa…