Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-26
2001-03-27
Wu, Daniel J. (Department: 2736)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
C340S438000, C180S271000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06208256
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to carbon monoxide sensing devices and, more particularly, to carbon monoxide sensing system for motor vehicles
2. Description of the Related Art
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following patents disclose a method and apparatus for remote measurement of exhaust gas:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,831,267* issued in the name of Jack et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,975* issued in the name of Jack et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,418,366* issued in the name of Jack et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,367* issued in the name of DiDomenico et al; and
U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,095* issued in the name of Swanson, Jr.
Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,150* issued in the name of Fleury et al. describes a carbon monoxide sensor and processor with an audible and visual alarm.
Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,739,756* issued in the name of Margulies discloses a carbon monoxide detection system for motor vehicles.
Also, the following patents describe a carbon monoxide detector and deactivating mechanism for engines:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,703** issued in the name of James et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,397** issued in the name of Shelef et al.; and
U.S. Pat. No. 4,221,206** issued in the name of Haas.
Consequently, a need has therefore been felt for an improved but less complex mechanism that allows for the use of vehicle carbon monoxide sensors that interlock with various conventional elements of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved carbon monoxide sensing system.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved carbon monoxide sensing system for use with vehicles.
Briefly describe according to one preferred embodiment, the present invention operates in the same manner similarly as conventional carbon monoxide sensors found inside of homes. A dash mounted display continually informs the driver of the status of the system, current carbon monoxide level and the ability to test the system. The ability to always see the current level of carbon monoxide is important during winter driving, where long periods of idling with the windows closed up may result in elevated levels of carbon monoxide, that though not deadly, certainly impact the occupant's health. An interlock to the ignition system of the vehicle allows for the automatic shutdown of the engine upon sensing dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, as well as the inability to start the engine until the carbon monoxide levels have returned to a safe level.
One advantage of the present invention will allow for preventing accidental and intentional deaths from carbon monoxide as well as provides for the increased health of motor vehicle occupants by making them aware of carbon monoxide levels, thus allowing them time to take steps to reduce them.
Further, an engine interlock feature will allow for automatically shutting the engine on dangerously high carbon monoxide levels, and preventing vehicles from restarting until levels have receded to safe level.
DESCRIPTIVE KEY
10
automobile carbon monoxide
115
antenna
detection and control device
120
first wireless link
15
automobile dashboard
125
radio reception tower
20
automobile
130
central monitoring station
25
carbon monoxide sensors
135
land based communication
30
control panel
path
35
audible alarm horn
140
emergency response vehicle
40
numeric readout
145
public service frequency
45
motion sensor
150
second wireless link
50
power indicator light
155
satellite
55
help summoned indicator light
160
third wireless link
60
power window activation
165
first functional block
indicator light
170
first operational block
65
warning indicator light
175
second functional block
70
alarm indicator light
180
second operational block
75
test pushbutton
185
third functional block
80
motor vehicle electrical power
190
fourth functional block
source
195
third operational block
85
ignition switch
200
calculation block
90
ground connection
205
fifth functional block
95
engine shutdown relay
210
fourth operational block
100
power window electric motors
215
sixth functional block
105
speed detection sensor
220
fifth operational block
110
wireless transmitter
225
seventh functional block
REFERENCES:
patent: 4221206 (1980-09-01), Haas
patent: 4924095 (1990-05-01), Swanson, Jr.
patent: 5199397 (1993-04-01), Shelef et al.
patent: 5333703 (1994-08-01), James et al.
patent: 5371367 (1994-12-01), DiDomenico et al.
patent: 5418366 (1995-05-01), Rubin et al.
patent: 5591975 (1997-01-01), Jack et al.
patent: 5739756 (1998-04-01), Margulies
patent: 5764150 (1998-06-01), Fleury et al.
patent: 5831267 (1998-11-01), Jack et al.
patent: 6057755 (2000-05-01), Phillips
patent: 6072398 (2000-06-01), Hayes et al.
Fleming Allison A.
Fleming Raymond
Gugliotta John D.
Wu Daniel J.
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