US6011492A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle warning system for visual communication of hazardous traffic conditions
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1998-06-30
•
Granted: 2000-01-04
•
Expires: 2018-06-30
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle warning system consisting of a transceiver that augments the audible warnings of standard or emergency vehicles by transmitting and receiving a signal (in conjunction with activation of the typical audible warnings; e.g., horns and/or sirens) which, when received, triggers a visual stimulus to alert drivers to the hazardous condition within the vicinity of their vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Carl E. Garesche
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 14:40
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08G; G08G1/00; G08G1/09; G08G1/0962; G08G1/0965
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for a driver of a first vehicle to visually warn a driver of a second vehicle of impending danger, and for said driver of said first vehicle to receive a visual confirmation in said first vehicle of successful warning transmission, comprising the steps of: a. activating a horn in said first vehicle, b. transmitting a predetermined signal in response to the activation of said horn in said first vehicle, c. receiving said predetermined signal in both said first vehicle and said second vehicle, d. activating a warning light in both said first vehicle and said second vehicle, in response to the receipt of said predetermined signal in both said first vehicle and said second vehicle, whereby said first driver gets said visual confirmation in said first vehicle of successful warning transmission, and said second driver is visually warned by said first driver of the impending danger.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for a driver of a first vehicle to visually warn a driver of a second vehicle of impending danger, and for said driver of said first vehicle to receive a visual confirmation in said first vehicle of successful warning transmission, comprising the steps of: a. activating a horn in said first vehicle, b. transmitting a predetermined signal in response to the activation of said horn in said first vehicle, c. receiving said predetermined signal in both said first vehicle and said second vehicle, d. activating a warning light in both said first vehicle and said second vehicle, in response to the receipt of said predetermined signal in both said first vehicle and said second vehicle, whereby said first driver gets said visual confirmation in said first vehicle of successful warning transmission, and said second driver is visually warned by said first driver of the impending danger.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said predetermined signal is a radio signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said predetermined signal carries less than approximately 150 meters.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said warning light is one or more dashboard warning lights located in said vehicle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said warning light is augmented by an audible sound.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said first vehicle is equipped with a siren and, or, flashing lights.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 6 wherein transmitting said predetermined signal is in response to the activation of said horn, and, or, said siren and, or, said flashing lights of said first vehicle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said predetermined signal is a radio signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said predetermined signal carries less than approximately 400 meters.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said warning light is augmented by an audible sound.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
138 words
A visual alarm system for a driver of a first vehicle to visually warn a driver of a second vehicle of impending danger, comprising: a. a transceiver of a predetermined signal, and means for said transceiver to be triggered upon activation of a horn in said first vehicle, b. means for said transceiver in said first vehicle to activate a warning light in said first vehicle upon receipt of said predetermined signal, wherein said first driver gets visual confirmation in said first vehicle of successful warning transmission, and c. a transceiver of said predetermined signal in said second vehicle, and means for said transceiver in said second vehicle to activate a warning light in said second vehicle upon receipt of said predetermined signal, wherein said second driver is visually warned by said first driver of the impending danger.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
138 words
A visual alarm system for a driver of a first vehicle to visually warn a driver of a second vehicle of impending danger, comprising: a. a transceiver of a predetermined signal, and means for said transceiver to be triggered upon activation of a horn in said first vehicle, b. means for said transceiver in said first vehicle to activate a warning light in said first vehicle upon receipt of said predetermined signal, wherein said first driver gets visual confirmation in said first vehicle of successful warning transmission, and c. a transceiver of said predetermined signal in said second vehicle, and means for said transceiver in said second vehicle to activate a warning light in said second vehicle upon receipt of said predetermined signal, wherein said second driver is visually warned by said first driver of the impending danger.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 11 wherein said predetermined signal is a radio signal.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 11 wherein said predetermined signal carries less than approximately 150 meters.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 11 wherein said warning light is one or more dashboard warning lights located in said vehicle.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 11 wherein said warning light is augmented by an audible sound.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 11 wherein said first vehicle is equipped with a siren and, or, flashing lights.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 16 wherein means for said first vehicle transceiver to be triggered are upon activation of said horn, and, or, said siren and, or, said flashing lights of said first vehicle.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 17 wherein said predetermined signal is a radio signal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 17 wherein said predetermined signal carries less than approximately 400 meters.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 17 wherein said warning light is augmented by an audible sound.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-01-03 | 2003-07-05 | 2004-01-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-01-03 | 2007-07-05 | 2008-01-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-01-03 | 2011-07-05 | 2012-01-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |