Patent ID: 6023221
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: B60Q

Abstract:
In a motor vehicle having hazard warning lights and a manual control switch, an improvement consisting of electronic circuitry which causes the hazard warning lights to automatically activate under circumstances of rapid decelearation and to remain activated until manaually reset by the vehicle operator or automatically reset by electronic recognition of a resumption of normal vehicle operation, said electronic circuitry comprising:sensing means to detect acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle;said sensing means including means to produce a signal indicating the rate of acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle;means to determine when the rate of deceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold level for a predetermined time interval;means to automatically activate the hazard warning lights when said rate of deceleration exceeds said predetermined threshold level for said predetermined time interval;means to maintain hazard warning light activity beyond the incident of deceleration which causes activation;means to automatically deactivate the hazard warning lights when the rate of deceleration drops below the predetermined threshold level for a predetermined length of time and changes in acceleration of the vehicle indicate normal vehicle operation; andwhereby the hazard lights are automatically activated to provide a warning that a rapid deceleration of the vehicle is occurring or has taken place and automatically deactivate when normal operation of the vehicle is resumed.