Patent ID: 6020813
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: B60Q

Abstract:
An electrically self-canceling turn signal system for a vehicle, comprising:(a) a turn signal lever mounted accessible to the driver of the vehicle and being:(I) pivotable in one direction corresponding to a left turn to assume in sequence a first left turn switch position and after overtravel, a second left turn switch position; and(ii) pivotable in an opposite direction corresponding to a right turn to assume in sequence a first right turn switch position and after overtravel, a second right turn switch position;(b) a first pair of normally open, turn signal switches located respectively at said first left and right turn switch positions;(c) a second pair of normally open, momentary contact, turn signal switches located respectively at said second left and right turn switch positions;(d) closing means operatively associated with said lever for selectively closing each of said switches dependent upon the direction and extent of movement of said lever;(e) means for creating turn signals at each of said switches when closed by movement of said lever;(f) a sensor mounted for sensing motion of said vehicle and in the presence of such motion developing an electrical signal indicative of such motion;(g) a turn signal flasher operable to generate a respective left or right turn flash signal in response to receiving a corresponding turn signal from any of said switches; and(h) a timing circuit interposed between said turn signal flasher and said switches and having both inactive and active states, said active state being dependent on signals received from said sensor and in said active state said timing circuit serves to route a turn signal received from any of said switches through said timing circuitry to said turn signal flasher for some predetermined time, and after expiration of said predetermined time for a particular turn, with said signal indicative of motion still being present, and the lever being already in the actuated first switch position for that left or right turn, the turn signal flasher being reactivated for another of said predetermined time by the momentary closing of the second turn switch position by overtravel movement of the lever in the direction for that turn, and in said inactive state said timing circuit serves to bypass a turn signal received from any of said switches around said timing circuitry and to said turn signal flasher.