Patent ID: 7783399
Filing Date: 2010-08-24
Classification: B60Q

Abstract:
1. A turn signal apparatus for signaling a turn from a first heading to a second heading different from the first heading, the turn signal apparatus comprising: a magnetic compass which senses a magnetic field and provides heading values in response thereto; a turn signal switch; a control circuit, coupled to the magnetic compass and the turn signal switch, which, in response to activation of the turn signal switch indicating a turn from a first heading, reads a first heading value from the magnetic compass indicative of the first heading, and provides a turn direction output signal indicating a turn direction from the first heading, and cancels the turn direction output signal in response to the control circuit reading a second heading value from the magnetic compass different from the first heading value indicative of a second heading different from the first heading; a turn direction indicator coupled to receive the turn direction output signal; and the turn direction indicator includes an actuator element coupled to the turn signal switch, the control circuit providing the turn direction output signal in response to actuation of the actuator element.