Aaron L Epstein

US Patent:

20030197606, Oct 23, 2003

Filed:

Apr 22, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/126909

Inventors:

Aaron Epstein - San Jose CA, US

International Classification:

B60Q001/54

US Classification:

340/466000

Abstract:

A rear light warning system for vehicles to indicate to drivers of trailing vehicles that the leading vehicle is slowing down, moving slow or stopping to reduce the likelihood of rear-end collisions. The system has rearwardly illuminating warning lights attached to the rear of the vehicle, a speed sensor and an integrated circuit, all of which are independent of the brake or accelerator pedals. The speed sensor determines the relative speed of the vehicle and the integrated circuit compares the electrical signal with that for a predetermined minimum base speed level. If the vehicle is traveling at less than the base speed level, then the warning lights are activated. The speed sensor can determine the relative speed by measuring the rotation of the wheel, rotation of an inner cable in a mechanical speedometer cable, a signal from an electronic speedometer or sensing a reflective wavelength off the ground.