All-weather digital distance measuring and signalling system

A distance measuring & signalling system as set forth in claim, wherein said distance measuring & signalling system includes:

• a control unit for housing said output signal means, pulse generator means, & d.c. voltage source means;
• at least one t/r unit for housing said transducer means;
• and,
• a digital/audio display unit for housing the digital display means.

A method for installation of a distance measuring & signalling system in a vehicle whereby

• a control device is placed or fastened under the driver'seat, in a storage trunk or similar location of a vehicle;
• said control device is connected by connecting means to the positive terminal of wiring connecting the back-up lights of said vehicle and is connected by connecting means to either a ground (or negative) terminal wire of said back-up lights or to a metal piece grounded (or connected) to the frame of said vehicle;
• at least one transducer unit is attached as with nuts & bolts or similar fastening means to the rear bumper or portion of the vehicle with the transducer unit or units aligned so that the transducer signal may emanate in the direction of rearward motion;
• a digital display is fixed as with two sided adhesive tape or similar fastening means to the dashboard of the vehicle & readily visible to an operator of said vehicle;
• and,
• wiring is used to connect the digital display to the control unit, and, the control unit the transducer unit.

A digital distance measuring & signalling system for a motor vehicle, such as a truck or automobile, comprising:

• a transducer means both for receiving a pulsed electrical signal and generating a pulsed ultrasonic wave from said pulsed electrical signal and transmitting said ultrasonic wave, and, for receiving an ultrasonic wave and generating a pulsed electrical signal from said ultrasonic wave;
• an output signal means for generating an output signal corresponding to the distance of an obstruction from the transducer means as determined from the time lapse interval between the transmission & reception of the ultrasonic wave;
• a digital display means responsive to a varying output signal for producing a visual digital display &/or audible sounds;
• a pulse generator means for producing a pulsed signal and transmitting said pulsed signal to the transducer means;
• means for sending selected signals to the respective transducer means, output signal means, digital display means, & pulse generator means;
• means for sending a signal from said pulse generator means to said transducer means;
• means for sending a signal from said transducer means to said output signal means;
• means for sending a signal from said output signal means to said digital display means;
• a heater means for heating the transducer means during operation of said vehicle and when the transducer temperature is within a pre-determined temperature range;
• said heater means comprising
• at least one heating element;
• means for connecting the heater means to a pre-selected voltage source;
• and
• means for connecting said heating element to the transducer means.

A digital distance measuring & signalling system for a motor vehicle, such as a truck or automobile, comprising;

• a transducer means both for receiving a pulsed electrical signal and generating a pulsed ultrasonic wave from said pulsed electrical signal and transmitting said ultrasonic wave, and, for receiving an ultrasonic wave and generating a pulsed electrical signal from said ultrasonic wave;
• an output signal means for generating an output signal corresponding to the distance of an obstruction from the transducer means as determined from the time lapse interval between the transmission & reception of the ultrasonic wave;
• a digital display means responsive to a varying output signal for producing a visual digital display &/or audible sounds;
• a pulse generator means for producing a pulsed electrical signal and transmitting said signal to the transducer means;
• means for sending selected d.c. signals to the respective transducer means, output signal means, digital display means, & pulse generator means;
• means for sending a signal from said pulse generator means to said transducer means;
• means for sending a signal from said transducer means to said output signal means;
• and,
• means for sending a signal from said output signal means to said digital display means;
• said digital display means includes a means for receiving pulsed signals & storing the number of pulses, and, said output signal means includes
• digital control circuitry including
• means for receiving a signal from said transducer means at the time of transmission of an ultrasonic wave;
• means for simultaneously resetting said electronic components of the digital & audible control circuitry;
• a first receiver means for setting a pre-selected timed interval;
• a means for chopping the d.c. voltage into pre-selected pulsed signals corresponding to 0.1 foot intervals;
• means for delivering said pulsed signals to said digital display means;
• a means for forcing the release of the stored information of the digital display means at the end of said interval, if no returned signal received from said transducer means during said interval;
• and
• a means for forcing the release of the stored information of the digital display means during said pre-selected interval, if a returned signal is received from said transducer means within said interval;
• and
• audible control circuitry including
• a means for chopping the d.c. voltage into pre-selected pulsed signals corresponding to 0.1 foot intervals;
• counting means for counting the number of pulsed signals;
• a means for forcing the release of the stored information during said pre-selected interval, if a returned signal is received from said transducer means within said interval;
• separated path means for transmission of said information depending upon a pre-determined number of counted pulses corresponding to the distance of an obstruction;
• and,
• a beeper means;
• said separate path means acting to lengthen or shorten a pulsed signal which is sent to the beeper means, which is turn issues an audible signal corresponding to the length of the transmitted pulsed signal.