Back to results
US 4,540,979 AGranted
Grip-responsive operator alertness monitor
OwnerEdward J. Gerger, Scott A. Gergerinventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A grip-responsive operator alertness monitor for maintaining operator alertness includes a pressure sensor associated with a mechanism for controlling a vehicle. The pressure sensor detects operator fatigue as exhibited by a change in operator pressure on the control mechanism. An operator stimulus is coupled to the pressure sensor and, upon sensing fatigue, produces a stimulus such as a visual or audible alarm whereby alertness of the operator is maintained.
Claims5
In a vehicle having means manually gripped by an operator for controlling operation thereof, an improved monitor for maintaining operator alertness, said monitor comprising:
- means, operatively associated with said control means, for sensing operator grip pressure on such control means, said pressure sensing means including a flexible tube closed at one end;
- a pressure sensitive switch, operatively coupled to the other end of said tube of said sensing means trapping air within said tube, said switch being changed from a closed state to an open state for producing a signal when operator pressure decreases;
- and
- means, operatively coupled to said pressure sensitive switch for producing an operator stimulus in response to a signal from said switch, whereby operator alertness is maintained.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.