Patent ID: 6424265
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: G01D,G01P,G08B

Abstract:
A steering wheel movement sensing apparatus for use with a vehicle having a steering shaft, said apparatus comprising:magnetic sensing means for detecting variations in magnetic flux, said magnetic sensing means attached at a fixed location within the vehicle in close proximity to said steering shaft, said magnetic sensing means producing a magnetic signal proportional to and in accordance with the magnetic flux impinging thereon; a magnetic strip having varying magnetic flux lines, said magnetic strip attached to said steering shaft and in close proximity to said magnetic sensing means so that magnetic flux emanating from said magnetic strip impinge upon said magnetic sensing means, and wherein said magnetic strip moves with respect to said magnetic sensing means when the steering shaft is rotated; circuit means responsive to said magnetic signal for producing an alarm signal in accordance with a lack of deviation in said magnetic signal; and alarm means responsive to said alarm signal for producing an audible sound in accordance with said alarm signal.