Language selection

Search

Patent 1218734 Summary

Third-party information liability

Some of the information on this Web page has been provided by external sources. The Government of Canada is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability or currency of the information supplied by external sources. Users wishing to rely upon this information should consult directly with the source of the information. Content provided by external sources is not subject to official languages, privacy and accessibility requirements.

Claims and Abstract availability

Any discrepancies in the text and image of the Claims and Abstract are due to differing posting times. Text of the Claims and Abstract are posted:

  • At the time the application is open to public inspection;
  • At the time of issue of the patent (grant).
(12) Patent: (11) CA 1218734
(21) Application Number: 1218734
(54) English Title: SOBRIETY INTERLOCK
(54) French Title: VERROUILLAGE ANTI-IVRESSE POUR CONTACT D'ALLUMAGE
Status: Term Expired - Post Grant
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • B60K 28/06 (2006.01)
  • B60K 28/00 (2006.01)
  • B60R 25/20 (2013.01)
  • G01N 33/497 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • SIMON, JACK (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
(71) Applicants :
(74) Agent: MACRAE & CO.
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 1987-03-03
(22) Filed Date: 1984-02-01
Availability of licence: N/A
Dedicated to the Public: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): No

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
462,815 (United States of America) 1983-02-01

Abstracts

English Abstract


SOBRIETY INTERLOCK
Abstract of the Disclosure
Apparatus for detecting alcohol on the breath
including a microprocessor programmed to test breath
temperature to guard against circumvention of the test.
When the temperature test is passed, the breath alcohol
concentration is measured. Responsive to the alcohol
concentration, the microprocessor either: enables the
ignition for a sober driver; enables the ignition for a
tipsy but not drunk driver; disables the ignition, and
imposes a programmed wait before allowing the test to
be attempted again.
BBBBB2/9629-1
JLM11-ooo


Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


24
CLAIMS:
1. A sobriety interlock comprising:
a power supply;
a ground terminal;
an "ignition on" input terminal;
an "OK to drive" output terminal;
means defining a breath receiving port;
a temperature sensor adjacent and aligned
with said port, said temperature sensor being connected
to said power supply and said ground terminal and
having a temperature output line for electrical signals
generated in response to the temperature of a breath
sample flowing through said port;
a gas sensor adjacent to and aligned with
said port, said gas sensor being connected to said
power supply and said ground terminal and having an
alcohol level output line for electrical signals
generated in response to the alcohol level of a breath
sample flowing through said port;
an analog-to-digital converter having a first
input connected to the temperature sensor output line,
a second input connected to the gas sensor output line,
and a plurality of output lines for digital signals
indicating the temperature and alcohol level of a
breath sample flowing through the port;
a microcomputer responsive to a signal at the
"ignition on" terminal to read the digital signals on
the converter output lines and to provide a signal at
said "OK to Drive" terminal as a function of whether
the alcohol level in a breath sample is different from
a predetermined value, the computer having a plurality
of gauge output lines for providing signals indicating
computer operating states.
2. An interlock as in claim 1 further
comprising:

a clipper circuit connected to said "ignition
on" terminal;
an "ignition enable" circuit connected to said
"OK to Drive" line;
and wherein said clipper circuit is adapted to
be connected to the key switch in a motorized vehicle, and
said "ignition enable" circuit is adapted to be connected
between the key switch and the starter solenoid in the vehicle.
3. An interlock as in claim 1 further comprising
a heater drive circuit connected between said power supply
and said gas sensor, said driver circuit being responsive
to a signal from said computer to provide a current to said
gas sensor, and wherein said gas sensor has a heating element
powered by the heater drive.
4. An interlock as in claim 1 further comprising:
a separate indicator connected to each of the plurality of
gauge output lines of the computer.
5. An interlock as in claim 1 wherein said analog
to digital converter comprises:
a voltage reference circuit connected between
said power supply and said ground terminal and having separate
output lines on which said reference circuit provides electrical
signals indicative of each of:
an alcohol high reference;
an alcohol low reference;
a breath temperature high reference;
a breath temperature low reference;
an alcohol comparator circuit connected to the alcohol
sensor output line and having
a first comparator connected to compare the alcohol
sensor output to the alcohol high reference;

26
a first alcohol output line to which the
first comparator applies a signal indicative of the
high comparison result,
a second comparator connected to compare the
alcohol sensor output to the alcohol low reference; and
a second alcohol output line to which the
second comparator applies a signal indicative of the
low comparison result;
a temperature comparator circuit connected to
the temperature sensor output line and having
a third comparator connected to compare the
temperature sensor output to the temperature high
reference;
a fourth comparator connected to compare the
temperature sensor output to the temperature low
reference; and
a temperature output line to which said
temperature comparator applies a signal indicative of
the temperature comparison results.
6. A sobriety interlock as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said port defining means comprises a
mouthpiece member having a fluid passage therein for
receiving a breath sample, said temperature sensor
being near the downstream end of said fluid passage.
7. A sobriety interlock as set forth in
claim 6, wherein the temperature sensor includes a
thermocouple having a junction near the downstream end
of said fluid passage.
8. A sobriety interlock as set forth in
claim 7, wherein the junction of the thermocouple is in
the fluid passage at said downstream end thereof.
9. A sobriety interlock as set forth in
claim 8, wherein the thermocouple has means spaced from

27
the junction for heating the same so that the junction
will be at a temperature different from the temperature
of a normal breath sample passing through said filled
passage.
10. A sobriety interlock as set forth in
claim 9, wherein said heating means includes a sealed
envelope surrounding a portion of the thermocouple, and
an electrically actuated heating device within the
envelope in heat exchange relationship to the thermo-
couple.
11. A sobriety interlock as set forth in
claim 9, wherein is included a heat insulating tubular
member in surrounding relationship to said heating
means.
12, A sobriety interlock as set forth in
claim 6, wherein is included a tubular extension
secured to the mouthpiece and extending outwardly
therefrom, said temperature sensor extending through at
least a portion of said extension, said gas sensor
being in said extension downstream of the temperature
sensor with reference to the direction of flow of a
breath sample passing through the extension.
13. A sobriety interlock as set forth in
claim 6, wherein is included a housing coupled to the
outer end of the extension, said housing containing
said converter and said microcomputer, said housing
being of a size and weight to permit it to be hand-held
as a person blows into the mouthpiece member to deliver
a breath sample thereto.
14. A sobriety testing apparatus comprising:
a support;

28
an elongated, tubular mouthpiece mounted on
the support and extending outwardly therefrom, said
mouthpiece having a breath-receiving port;
means defining a source of electrical power;
a temperature sensor carried by the support
adjacent to and aligned with said port, said tempera-
ture sensor being coupled with said power source and
having a temperature output line for electrical signals
generated thereby as a function of the temperature of a
breath sample passing through said port;
a gas sensor carried by the support adjacent
to and aligned with said port, said gas sensor being
coupled with said power source and having an alcohol
level output line for electrical signals generated
thereby as a function of the alcohol level of a breath
sample passing through said port;
an analog-to-digital converter having a first
input connected to the temperature sensor output line,
second input connected to the gas sensor output line,
and a plurality of output lines for digital signals
indicating the temperature and alcohol level of a
breath sample passing through the port; and
a microcomputer responsive to an input signal
for reading the digital signals on the converter output
lines and to provide an output signal indicative of
whether the alcohol level in the breath sample passing
through said portion is different from a predetermined
level, the computer having a plurality of gauge output
lines for providing signals indicating computer operat-
ing states.
15. An interlock as in claim 14, further
comprising:
a clipper circuit,
an enable circuit,
said clipper circuit adapted to be connected
to a switch, and said enable circuit is adapted to be

connected between the switch and another operable electrical
component.
16. Apparatus as in claim 14, further comprising
a heater drive circuit connected between said power source
and said gas sensor, said driver circuit being responsive
to a signal from said computer to provide a current to said
gas sensor, and wherein said gas sensor has a heating element
powered by the heater drive.
17. Apparatus as in claim 14, further comprising:
a separate indicator connected to each of the plurality of
gauge output lines of the computer.
18. Apparatus as in claim 14, wherein said analog
to digital converter comprises:
a voltage reference circuit connected to said
power source and having separate output lines on which said
reference circuit provides electrical signals indicative of
each of:
an alcohol high reference;
an alcohol low reference;
a breath temperature high reference;
a breath temperature low reference;
an alcohol comparator circuit connected to the
alcohol sensor output line and having
a first comparator connected to compare the alcohol
sensor output to the alcohol high reference;
a first alcohol output line to which the first
comparator applies a signal indicative of the high comparison
result;
a second comparator connected to compare the
alcohol sensor output to the alcohol low reference; and
a second alcohol output line to which the second
comparator applies a signal indicative of the low comparison
result;
29

a temperature comparator circuit connected to
the temperature sensor output, line and having
a third comparator connected to compare the
temperature sensor output to the temperature high
reference;
a fourth comparator connected to compare the
temperature sensor output to the temperature low
reference, and
a temperature output line to which said
temperature comparator applies a signal indicative of
the temperature comparison results.
19. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14,
wherein said mouthpiece has a fluid passage therein for
receiving a breath sample, said temperature sensor
being near the downstream end of said fluid passage.
20. Apparatus as set forth in claim 19,
wherein the temperature sensor includes a thermocouple
having a junction near the downstream end of said fluid
passage.
21. Apparatus as set forth in claim 20,
wherein the junction of the thermocouple is in the
fluid passage at said downstream end thereof.
22. Apparatus as set forth in claim 21,
wherein the thermocouple has means spaced from the
junction for heating the same so that the junction will
be at a temperature different from the temperature of a
normal breath sample passing through said fluid passage.
23. Apparatus as set forth in claim 22,
wherein said heating means includes a sealed envelope
surrounding a portion of the thermocouple, and an
electrically actuated heating device within the envelope
in heat exchange relationship to the thermocouple.

31
24. Apparatus as set forth in claim 22,
wherein is included a heat insulating tubular member in
surrounding relationship to said heating means.
25. Apparatus as set forth in claim 19
wherein said support includes a tubular extension
secured to the mouthpiece and extending outwardly
therefrom, said temperature sensor extending at least a
portion of said extension, said gas sensor being in
said extension downstream of the temperature sensor
with reference to the direction of flow of a breath
sample passing through the extension.
26. A sobriety interlock as set forth in
claim 19, wherein said support includes a housing
coupled to the outer end of the extension, said housing
containing said converter and said microcomputer, said
housing being of a size and weight to permit it to be
hand-held as a person blows into the mouthpiece member
to deliver a breath sample thereto.

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


12~8~39~
The present invention relates to alcohol testing
devices and specifically to a device which uses the results
of a sobriety breath test -to control a switch in an auto-
mobile ignition system or in other machinery.
Description of the Prior ~r-t
Automobile driving by intoxicated persons is
a serious problem responsible for thousands of accidental
deaths and extensive property damage every year, yet
despite various preventive efforts the problem has defied
1~ solution. Many schemes have been sugges-ted to prevent
drunks from driving, but because the schemes have all
involved some driver inconvenience, none has gained wide-
spread acceptance. Alcohol intoxication can be detected
in various ways, all suffering from some drawback. A
practical preventive test must be executed automatically
without supervision.
Reaction time and dexterity test results such
as disclosed in U.S. Patents J,665,~4-/ and 3,610,943
respectively depend on individual abilities, are only
indirectly related to degree of intoxication, and are
not always meaningful. Alcohol intoxication is directly
measured in a driver's breath by U.S. Patent 3,186,508
by measuring the optical property change of a chemical
solution which is bleached by reacting with alcohol fumes.
This system requires an inconvenient frequent change
of the solution. U.S. Patent 3,823,382 tests intoxication
directly by an exothermic reaction of chemical granules
with alcohol in a breath sample with a mercury thermostat
to measure the amount of heat generated. The thermostat
must be replaced after a failed test. U.S. Patent 4,093,945,
tests intoxication by oxidizing any alcohol in a breath
sample and measures the heat given off by a change in the
electrical resistance of a sensor. That system is
relatively complex and expensive.
In short, prior art drunk-driving prevention
devices generally can be evaded, are inaccurate, unreliable,
tedious, inconvenient, or complex and prohibitively
expensive. For these and other reasons, no drunk-driving
prevention system has gained widespread acceptance. There
remains, therefore, a real need for a convenient, reliable,
and inexpensive sobriety interlock system.
.i. :
. c ~ -- 1 -- ~ ~
kh/~`i j

lZ~34
SUMM~RY OF Tl-IE INVE'ITION
_ . . .
It is the principal objec~ of this invention
to provide an improved sobriety interlock which takes
advantage of a microprocessor to achieve convenient,
reliable, and economical control over operation of
automobiles or other machinery by i~ebriated persons.
The microprocessor is programmed to make more flexible
and advantageous use of breath sensors than ~las previously
known. The interlock requires only a simple connection
to an elec-trical starter sys-tem and derives its power
from the starter system. No chemic~ls are used and rou-tine
replacement of material is not required. The microprocessor
first tests breath temperature, usi~g a thermocouple,
to guard against circumvention of the test. When the -
temperature test is passed, the breath alcohol concen-
tration is measured based on the balance between adsorption
and desorption of ethanol at the surface of a semiconductor
sensor. The balance causes a measurable resistance change.
Specifically, the invention includes a source
of electrical power and a breath receiving port; a
temperature sensor adjacent and aligned with the port,
the temperature sensor being connec-ed to a power supply
and having a temperature output line for electrical signals
generated in response to the temperature of a breath
sample flowing through the port; a sas sensor ad]acent
to and aligned with the port, the gas sensor being connected
to the power supply and the ground terminal and having
an alcohol level output line for electrical signals
generated in response to the alcohol level of a breath
sample flowing through the port; an analog-to-digital
converter having a first input connected to the temperature
sensor output line, a second input connected to the gas
sensor output line, and a plurality of output lines for
digital signals indicating the temperature and alcohol
level of a breath sample flowing through the port; a
microprocessor responsive to an input signal to read
the digital signals on the converter output lines and
to provide a signal as a function o whether the alcohol
level in a breath sample is differe~t from a predetermined
value, the computer having a plurality of gauge output lines
for providing signals indicating computer operating states.
Responsive to the alcohol concentration, the
- microprocessor either: activa-tes a steady green light
-- 2
kh k ~

lZ1~3734
and enables the ignition for a sober driver; activates a blinking
yellow light and enables the ignition for a tipsy but not
drunk driver; or activates a steady red light, disables the
ignition, and imposes a programmed wait before allowing the
test to be attempted again. The test may be repeated, after
waiting each time until passed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TXE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the sobriety interlock
10 used with a controlled system 100;
Fig. 2 is a preferred embodiment of the invention
showing details of circuits that may be used for the blocks
in Fig. l;
Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are examples of alter-
native circuits that may be used for the blocks in Fig. l;
Fig. 8 is a side elevational view, partly broken
away and in section, of the sobriety interlock, showing the
mouthpiece attached to a housing containing the electronic
circuitry of the invention; and
Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 but enlarged
to show the placement of a thermocouple relative to a breath
port or orifice.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The present invention, a sobriety interlock 10,
may be inserted as in Fig. 1 into a system controller, to
test a human operator for sobriety and to prevent system use
until the test has been passed. For example, the invention
may be used in the ignition system 78 (Fig. 2) of an auto-
mobile, or in other machinery that should not be operated
by intoxicated persons. The sobriety interlock is installed
in an automobile 100 by disconnecting line 98 between the
key switch 97 and the solenoid in the starter system 99. The
ends of disconnected line 98 are reconnected to the
X
-- 3 --
mab/i J~

~2~73~
input 89 and to the output 96 of an ignition enable circuit
90 controlled by microprocessor 80 (Figs. 1 and 2), preferably
Intel Model No. 8048. The interlock uses five volt power
line 5 supplied by power supply 40 which is connected directly
to the 12 volt car battery, not shown, allowing the interlock
to operate regardless of whether key switch 97 is closed.
In low temperatures, contaminants gradually adsorb into, and
bias the characteristics of, sensor 14 (Fig. 2), which is
preferably Model No. TGS 812 made by the Figaro Engineering
Co. Continuous standby activation of heater coil 15 (Fig.
2) by heater driver 70 keepsalcohol sensor 14 free of contami-
nation.
One begins the sobriety test by turning the key
in ignition switch 97. Referring to Fig. 2, the current in
line 89 passes through clipper 26 which clips spikes and smooths
the voltage level to produce an "ignition on" signal on line
27. "Ignition on" signal 27 resets processor 80 and starts
it on a routine such as the program in Appendix A, which works
with an Intel 8048 as processor 80. First, a "heater on"
signal is applied through line 71 to driver circuit 70 for
several minutes to heat coil 15 and sensor 14 from standby
to ready condition. Computer 80 may activate heater driver
70 by a 12 volt supply from line 41 alternated with, or instead
of, 5 volt line 5 in order to heat sensor 14 faster. During
the heat-up period, computer 80 blinks the three LEDs 85 in
rotation. Each LED preferably has its cathode connected through
a 220 ohm resistor to a computer I/O pin, and its anode connected
to the 5 volt supply. Even when free of previous contamination,
the sensitivity of alcohol sensor 14 is affected by temperature.
Heater coil 15 maintains the sensor at a known
constant temperature to minimize the effect of ambient air
temperature. Heater 15 is turned off by a low voltage on
driver 70, which pulls the base of
X - 4 -
mab/~

~L~21873~
transistor 74 low and prevents it Erom t~1rning on the
transistor. A high voltage on driver 70 provides
sufficient current through resis-tor 73 and the base and
emitter of transistor 74 for the transistox to conduct
'i cu~rent to its grounded emitter from collector line 75,
heater coil 15, and 5 volt supply 5 (or 12 volt supply
41). If alcohol sensor output line 16 were connected
directly (not shown) to one of -the computer input pins,
the computer could measure -the voltage drop across
semiconductor sensor l4 to determine its resistance and
thereby its tempera-ture, indicating whether the sensor
is ready.
When the sensor is heated and ready for a
test, green LED 81 lights steadily. The prospective
driver then breathes into port l2. To guard against
circumvention of the sobriety interlock, a breath
temperature sensor 20, preferably a type J monolithic
thermocouple amplifier model AD594 by the Analog
Devices Co., is used to measure the air temperature in
'0 breath port 12. Temperature sensor 20 varies the
voltage on line 22 according to the (breath) tempera~
ture at point 2l in breath port l2. To determine
whether the temperature in port 12 is within a ~5F
range around normal 98DF human breath temperature, the
~5 line 22 test voltage is compared by temperature compa-
rators 60 against a temperature floor reference 37 and
a ceiling reference 39. The temperature references may
be supplied through adjustable SK ohm resistors 36 and
38 in a reference voltage supply circuit 30~
Floor reference voltage 37, representing
95F, is applied to the negative input terminal of
comparator 67, and ceiling voltage 39, representing
105F, is applied to the positive input of comparator
69. The temperature test voltage 22 is applied through
respective resistors 23 and 24, both preferably 12K
ohms, to the positive input of floor comparator 67, and
to the negative input of comparator 69. Temperature

~aZ1~734
voltages 22 above ~he floor and below th~? ceilint3 cause
both comparators 67 and h9 to act as sources of c~rrent
flowing ou-l: through resisl,o.r 65~ pre~:e.labl.y 9.1K ohms,
to supply vol.t.age li.ne 5~ T]l:is reslllts .in greater than
i 5 volts on i'Temp O~" line 68, which acts as a "w.ired
AND" gate providing inpul. tv pin C28 of computer 80,
Althouyh the tempera-ture indication voltage on li.ne 22
will always satisfy at least one of the comparisons and
that comparator w.ill ~aise ~he voltage Oll line 68, .if
the line 22 voltage does no-t also satisfy the other
comparison, that other comparator will act as a sink
and pull the line 68 voltage bel.ow the s:ignal thres~lold
of computer illpUt pin C29. When l'trem~ OK" line 68 has
remained high for the programmed number of seconds r
LED display 85 change.s from steady green to all three
blinklng in unison while the alcohol level is tested
for about 1.5 seconds.
Rather than using compaLators 50 and 60,
voltaye reference supply 30, and their output lines,
`~0 A-D converter 25 may be used to supply digitized values
of temperature 22 and alcohol 16, Computer 80 is thus
self--cal.ibrating and would then compare against values
stored internally,
The proportion of alcohol present in the
breath is measured by gas sensor 13. Sensor 13 in-
cludes a tin dioxide semiconductor 14 whose resistance
is changed by absorption and desorption of ethanol
according to the gaseous concentration at the sensor
surface ~as well as the resistance being changed by
temperature). The sensor output voltage on line 16
indicates the ethanol concentration. Current flowing
to ground through resistors 17 and 19, preferably 1.5K
ohms and 6.8K ohms respectively, reduces the voltage
from line 16 to a lower voltage in line 18.
. 35 Empirical tests have determined that the
-' breath of a person having a blood alcohol level of
0.05% (tipsy, but not considered legally impaired) will

lZ1~373~
cause the sensor l~l co procll~ce 3.1 volts on line 18
Testing a person hav;ng a O.lO% blood alcohol l.evel.
will producc 1..9 volts on line 18.. Re.Ference voltacJe
supply c.ircuit 30 prov;des alcohol re:~exence vo:Lta(3es
; 33 and 35, equal to these level~, de.rived through
variable resistors 32 and 34 by whic:h the .references
may be calibrated. Comparator 55 compares the alcoho~
level voltage on line 18 agai.nst the 0.05% (lowe:r)
standard on line 35, and produces a current in i-ts
l~ output line 56 through resistor 57 according to the
outcome of the compar:ison. An alcohol level less than
low reference 35 causes comparator 55 to act as a
current sink, reducing the voltage in Line 56 to Less
than 5 volts. Conversely~ a test result voltage 18
L5 greater than low reference 35 causes comparator 55 to
act as a cur.rent source raising the voltage :in line 56
above 5 volts.
Comparator 53 operates similarly ~o cause a
currellt through preferably 9.2K ohm resistor 52 and
.20 produce less than 5 volts in line 54 for alcohol test
results less -than the high reference in :line 33, and
more -than 5 volts in line 54 :For test results greater
than reference line 33.
Microprocessor 80 uses the temperature
verification signal 68 and the alcohol level comparison
results 54 and 56 to decide whether the sobriety test
has been passed. An al.cohol level below 0.05~ acti--
vates the green LED continuously, and a high voltage
"OK to Drive" signal output on line 88 preferably
through a 1~ ohm resistor 47. A high signal on line 88
to the base of transistor 91, preferably a 2N4401, and
preferably current from the 5 volt supply through a lOK
ohm resistor 48, cause the transistor to conduct
current through its collector and a coil 92 in relay
93, preferably an AROMAT HBZE. Current flowing in coil
92 creates a magnetic field which attracts arms 94

~2~l8~34
~owards contacts 95, completing the circuit around
disconnectecl line 98.
~ blood alcohoL leveL between 0 05~ and 0 1U~
provides a "tipsy" flashing yellow LED 82 which l-ne~ns
that the vehicle should be drlven with cau-tion. ~ high
"OK to Drive" signal enables relay 93~
If the blood alcohol level is above 0O10%,
~he brea~h -test is failed and interlock 10 will not
allow the car 100 to be startedO "OK to Drive" line 88
L0 i5 held low, and red LED 83 blinks. The key switch 97
must be turned off and back on again to bring computer
80 to a 1'power up" condition and to re~start the test.
A four minute "long warm up" must be endured while
heater 15 clears the sensor and hopefully the Xidneys
clear the blood, of alcohol contamination.
A preferred embodiment of the structure
defining the mouthpiece and the support for the elec-`
tronic circuitry of sobriety interlock 10 is shown in
Figs. 8 and 9. This structure includes a housiny 110
~o which is of a suitable material, such as rigid plastic r
and which is rugged in construction. The housing is
provided to contain and to protect the circuit boards
and other electronic components contained therewithin
against damage, such as in the event that the housing
is dropped on a surace. One of the circuit boards 112
is shown in Fig. 8 within housing 11~ A cable 114
having leads 116 extending outwardly therefrom connects
the electronic circuitry with an external power source,
such as the battery of a vehicle, and also connects the
circuitry with the ignition system of the vehicle.
Housing 110 has a tubular neck 118 to which a
tubular extension 120 is secured. Member 120 is rigid
and can be formed from any suitable material, such as
aluminum. For purposes of illustration, extension 120
includes a metallic member 121; such as of aluminum and
a rigid plastic member 123 secured to and extending
outwardly from one end of member 121. The outer

~L2~8734
su.rface of mernber 1~1 has annular ribs 122 thereon tv
help ;n dissipating heat absorbed in the member,
Sensor l4 is rnounterl in any su.itab].e rnanlle:r~
such as by a press fit wit.hin member 121. near the oul:er
open end thereo, Gas se~so.r 14 is adjacent ~o a
.number of spaced openings 124 through member 1.21 so
that -the space 126 adjacent to the out~r ~ace of gas
sensor l4 communicates with tlle atmosphere to assist in
cleaning -the sensor as hereinafter described.
.n Member 123 conta;ns a -tubular, heat insulat-
ing element 130 typically of cork for shieldi.ng a
portion of the breath temperature sensor 20 which i.s
coupled by leads 132 to the circuitry in housing 110,
leads 132 extending through member 120 as do a pair of
leads ~not shown) coupled with gas sensor 14. Such
leads are connected to the circuitry contained in
housing 110~ Ternperature sensor 20 includes a thermo-
couple 134 shown in more detail in Fig. 9.
A mou-thpiece member 136 is secured to the
~o outer end of member 123 and has an outer end 138 over
which the mouth is placed for blowing a breath sampl~
into mouthpiece member 136, An internal bore 140 ;.II
mouthpiece 136 contains a tubular element 142 havins a
fluid flow passage 144 therethrough, whereby the breath
sample under pressure in bore 140 can enter the space
146 containing thermocouple 134.
Thermocouple 134 is shown in its preferred
location in Fig. 9 at the downstream end of passage
144. It can be seen from Fig. 9 that the thermocouple
junction 135 is physically at the end of passage 144.
The reason for this is that the thermocouple will be
immediately sensitive to the temperature of the breath
before the breath expands into space 146 and is thereby
cooled.
Thermocouple 134 has a heating element 148 in
heat exchange relationship thereto at a location spaced
a short distance, such as .25 to .50 inch, from

121~734
junction 135 as shown in Fig. 9 HeateL 148 comprises
d heating coil within a vacuum envelope 150 surrounding
~ portion of thermocouple l34. The purpose o~ heating
coil 1~8 is to eliminate the tendency for sobriety
~; interlock 10 to automatically turn itsel~ on if the
ambient temperature was about 98F. To eliminate this
problem, the heater 148 is placed ;n heat exchange
relationship to the thermocouple, specifically to both
wires thereof, to heat the thermocouple to a tempera-
ture above the 98~ normal breath -temperature. For
example, it can be heated to 130~F and this is con
trolled by microprocessor 80 so tha-t the temperature of
the heated portion of the thermocouple remains at about
130F. A small transistor can be switched on and off
lS to regulate and stay at this temperature level, this
heating being done by conduction to the junction 135 of
the thermocouple. Thus, when a person blows into
mouthpiece member 136 with the breath temperature at
about 98F, the thermocouple cools down from the 130F
temperature so that sobriety interlock 10 can then
commence a valid test.
Another important feature of the structure
shown in Figs. 8 and 9 is the use of passage 144 which
typically has a diameter of .075" to .130"; Thus~
~S passage 144, which provides, in effect, a small orifice,
forces a person to blow into the mouthpiece such that a
slight air pressure is developed in t~he mouthpiece
member This forces the lips of the person to maintain
an air seal about the mouthpiece member so as to
prevent outside air from entering the brea-th sample
directed into and -through passage 144. Outside air
would otherwise alter the results of the operation of
sobriety interlock 10.
Passage 144, because it has a finite length,
directs the breath flow onto the thermocouple junction
135 and then through extension 120 and onto gas sensor
14. To do this, a temperature of 95F must be sensed
. . . ~

1;~18734
1 l
hy the the~mocoupl.e for a pe~iod of a-t l~ast four
seconds so that a deep lung breath sample is measured.
~ince opellings 124 (Fig. 8) ar.e provided i.n ~ember l.~l,
the gas sensor will be in Eree ai.r which is essenti.a.l
for cleanup of the sensor. With the use o~ openings
12~, it is possible to conduct a first test and have
the senso:~ cleaned up in order to make a next test i
less than .l5 seconds~
Ano-ther feature of the present inverltion with
respect to the cleanup of gas sensor 14 involves the
use of a fre~uency (about 10 to 100 Hz) controlled
voltage source applied to the sensor during the cleanup
period. This frequency controlled voltage source is
used instead of a steady voltage source to heat the
sensor. Ordinarily, with a steady voltage, the cleanup
period is about ten seconds as recommended by the
manufacturer of the yas sensor. By using a frequency
controlled, variable vo:Ltage source ~enerated by
microprocessor 80 to heat the sensor, this cleanup time
is cut to less than five seconds. It is also possible
to improve the accuracy o:E the gas sensor results~
This is done by using the microprocessor R0 -to check
the level at which gas sensor 14 is cleaned up to, at
-the time a test is started. This starting point has a
significant bearing on the results of an alcohol breath
test. In the analog to digital version of sobrietv
interlock 10, compensation for any variation to
starting point can be adjusted automatically by the
mic.roprocessor 80.
Details have been disclosed to illustrate the
invention in a preferred embodiment of which adaptions
and modifications within the spirit and scope of the
invention will occur to those skilled in the art. The
scope of the invention is limited only by the following
- claims.
The program can also contain in software an
option such that, if a vehicle is not operated for 48

~Z18734
.l:la
hours or othe.r time pe.r:iod~ t.he autorrlatic c.leaning
cycle for the gas sensor i.s overridden t:o preverlt the
drain on the battery of the vehi.cle which supplies
powe.r t~ the circu:itry. Thus, the circuit shuts ltself
off. The only disadvantage of this is that clean:i.ny o~
the gas sensor may take a minute when the vehicl.e is
next operated rather than 10 seconds for nor~al
operation~
A con-trol program for: use with interlock :LO
is shown on the follow;n~ pag~s.
." . _.___ _ , ..................... _ , . ......... . . . . .
~....... ' ''
.

:~Z~8734
REGISI`ER USAtE
REGISTER ~ANK ZERO
3 ~ 1 0
} _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . .. . _ .. ,, .. , _, _ _ . , .. ~
I COUNTER USED BY LON~ARI~IUP AI~V GRACE~AlT
..... . . . , .-- .
, -- , _ ~,, -- , , _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , , _,, -- , _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, _ _ _ _, _ , _ _ , ,, _ +
~ UTILITY COUNTER USED BY PURGE ETC
_, ,, _ _ _ _ _ _-- _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ,_, _, _ _ _ ~
I - COU~TER FOR ~AIT 1 SEC BUT A~ORT IGN ON/OFF ~OUTINES
~ . . .. ., . ., . _ _ _ _ ._ _ ._ _ , ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ ,_ ,_ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .. _ _, .. _. _ _, . .. , ... . ._ _ _ ~
~ USED TO SAVE A DURING CLOCK INTERRUPT
~. _ ... , .. . , . . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , _ _ _, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .. , _ ... _ . _ , ...... , .. .. _ _ ~
OUTPUT VALUE TO SEND TO Pl
~ _ _ , _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , _ , _ _ _ , _ _ _ _ +
~ OUTPUT VALUE TO SEND TO P2
~ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ,_ _ _ _ _ _ , _ _ _ _ _ _ +
ipr~ ALC>~51 ¦ ¦ALC10 lALC05 ¦TE;-lPOK ¦IGN ON ¦
! BREAT~ TEST RESULTS ¦ INPUT STATUS
.~ ,, . _ . . _ . . . ,_ _ _ _ ._ _ ,_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . ., ,_ _ _ .. _ _ _ _ _ , . _ _ . _ _ _ ,, ~ .. _ ., . _ ,_ ,_ +
R ~ISTER BANK ON
6 5 4 3 ~ 1 0
* _ _ _ . , ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ ,_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ,_ _ _ ,_ _ _ _ _ _ ._, . _ _ ._ _ _ _ ~
I RE~ ¦YELLOW ¦ GREEN ¦ RED ¦YELLOW ¦ GREEN ¦ CYCLE ¦ BLINK ¦
¦ BASIC LED PATTERN ¦ CURRENT EED PAT~ERN J LED ACTIVIT~ l
~______ _____________________ _________________________ ________~
I DO-~.N COUNTE~ USED BY TICK TO CONTROL LED TIMING
_ _ , _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ +
_ _. ~ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ._ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ . ., .. _,, _ _ _ _ ._ ._ ._ _~ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , _ _ _ _ _ _ _, _ _ _ _ +
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ +
~__ _______ -- ---_ ____________________ ____,_________ ______~
I COUI~TER USED BY WAIT .01 SEC"
* _ ~ -- +
I CCUNTER USED BY .~AIT .Ol SEC
+_________ ___ _ ____ ___________________________________+
I COUNTER USED BY `:AIT 1 SEC~ l
_ _, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _-- _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
,

i~ 3~ .. 1218734
. . . . . .. . . .. . . ......... . . .. . .. .. ... . .. .. . .. . .. .. .. ..
I E5 pOWE~ON SEL l-lB0 PO~ER ON COI~ES H~RE
~1l J~P POWERUP
2 g
3 ~3 RETR DUt~l~Y 1N'r~R~1JP'r SER~tR
i S4 J1~P 'rlCK CL.OCK TICK SERV~R
~0
0 Eli PO~ERUP- SEL ~B0
l C~ SEL RB0
2 B~ MOV R5~0F
3 0F
4 BE 1~0V R6,~00
'5 a~ I
'6 3F MOV R7~r00
7 `3~
~8 23 1~0V A~7D
>9 7D
7A 62 1-10V T~A
~B 55 STRT T
2C 25 EN TCNTr
2D 00 NOY_ -
2E` 0e NOP
2F 00 NOP
54 i,ONG~AR~1'JP~ CALL SETL.CYCI,E START LEDS CYCLING
31 ~0
33 54 CALL ~EATON TURN ON HEATER
3~
3~ IIOV R0, ~F0 START 4 I~INU'rE T~MEOUT
;35 F0
;36 74 L~;Ul: _ CALL WAlTlSEC WAlT 1 SECOND
~3~
~3~ E8 DJNZ R0~LWUl LOOP TILL 4 MINUTES UP-
~3C, 3~ 1
~3~ ~3~ NOP
33~ a0 NOP
3 3 ~ 3 N O P
~)3~ ~0 NOP
a3~ ~0 NO~
~3~; ~0 NOP
040 54 IGNOFF: CALL SETLCYCLE START LEDS CYCLING
041 D~ I o
042 BD l'lOV R5, ~ EF
D43 EF
D44 BE ~IOV R6~00
D4S 130 . I
046 54 CALL PURGE
047 4a . I
04El 00 NOP
04g .00 NOP
~4A FF MOV A~R7
~4P . 12 . JB0 IGI~ON
~4C ' 60
D4D 04- ' J~'~P IGNOFF
/3

734
~ o P
14 .(GNON: CAL,L SHOR'I'\~RI~UP
D0 I
S~ ` CALL. BL,INKGRN
0~1 1
NOP
~0 NOP.
3~ CALI. '~s~l~BR~A
; ~0 NOP
J ~ NOP .
~ ~ MOV A,R7
3 F2 JB7 ~RUNK
' D2 J~6 TIPSY
-~' 78
00 ~OP
a 00 SOBER: NOP
~ 54 CALL S'rEADYGRN
3 28
4 ~0 NOP
~0 NOP
6 04 Jl~P ~RIVE
'7 80
18 00 TIPSY: NOP
1~ U0 NOP
7A 54 CALL. 8LI~KYEL
7B 30
7C 00 NOP
7D 0~ NOP
7E 00 ~ NOP
54 DRIVE: CALL HEATOF~
882 F8E ~OY A,R6
;83 43 ORL A,~10
'8~ AE 110V R6,A
,8G 00 WAlTIGNOFF: NOP
18-~ 00 NOP
~8~ FE` JB0 WAITIGNOFF
,88A 8064 J~1P GRhCE
08~ B0
0A1 00 DRUNK: NOP
aA2 ~ 54 CALL BLINKRED
ZA4 FF DRUNKl: JB~ DRUNKl
0A6 A4 1 / y

~Z~8734
BA l'lOV R2, " 0
F.A DJI`~0 R2 t ~'
A~
0`'1 J~P 1,ONG`~JARi`1lJP
3~ 1 .
F ~i~ACE. I`~IOV A,R~i DISA131,E STAR'~'ER
58 ANL A, ~ EF
AE J~OV R6,P.
I 54 . CALL HEATON
3 B13 ~lOV R0,nF0 4-~1INU'l`E GRACE PERIOD
3 74 GRACE~AIT: CAL.L ~JlSBAlON ~ ( W~
3~ 1
12 JB0 DRIVE IF lGN ON, GO S'rAR'r CAR
D E 8 DJNZ R 0 ~ G RA C E1~1 A I T
. E B%
04 JIYIP IGNOFF
:0 10
~0 5~ SHORT'~'ARMUP: CALL HEATON
D~ 10
D.f B8 MOV R0, ~ 20
D3 .~0
04 FF SWULOOP I~OV A, R7
D' 37 CPL A
D~ JB0 Sl~lUEXI'r
~D- DC~ ¦
`D~ 74 - CALL ~lSE3AIO
3D~ 2~ 1
)Dl~ E8 DJN2 R0, S`.~ULOOP
JDI' D~43 SI~UEXIT~ RET
l00 Ç30 TESTBRrATH: NOP
l0 1 00 NOP
l02 00 NOP
103 00 NOP
10-~ FF MOV A,R7
105 53 ANL A, ~ E3F
107 AF I~OV R7 ~ A
1 0 9 0 0 h'A I TS TAB LE: M OV R 2, '' 3 2
1 D t~ ws LOO P: ~i ov A, F~7 J~S--

734
.~ I
,. J~ XII'
JB1 WAlTSTABI,F: .
~ I , J'
7~ CAI.L. WAI'r01
1~?
XA D~NZ R2 ~.St.OO~ .
.
~ NOP .
B~ ~IOV R~ 9~ S'rAR'I' AL.COHOI, TEST .
9~ I .
~F AL{N~OOP ~OV A,R7 ,
37 CPL A
12 JB0 TBEXIT .
32
32 J81 WAlTSTABLE
0A
NOP
00 NOP
37 CPL A
53 ANL A,~0C
0
97 SI~AP A
~F ORL A,R7
AF MOV R7, A
NOP
0~ I~OP
74 CALL ~AIT01
EA DJN~ R2jALCLOOP
lA
0~ NOP
D0 NOP
00 NOP
~0 NOP
34 'I'BRET: CALL BLINKALI.
F8
74 CALL WlSBA:[O
7~1 CALL W15BA~O
2~ 1
00 ~OP
OP
- 83 RET
D5 B],~NKALL: SEL RB1
~8 - I~OV R0,~D
E~I) I -
C5 SEL R80
83 RET
D5 SETLCYCLE: SEL RBl
BB ~OV R0,-~26
26
B9 ~OV Rl,~01
~1 I /~ "' '

12~8~734
C~ , ".,1.. ~.
88 RET
~5 13LINKGRN~ SEL RBl
BB l'lOV R0/~5
C5 SEL RB0
83 RET
FU '.-~EATON: I~OV A,R5
43 ORI. A,N10
I
MOV R5,~
~-3 RET
E`~ HEATOFF: MOV A,R5
~ $3 ANL A,~EF
3 AD . ~IOV R5,A
_ ~3 RÉT
0 ~5 LEDSOFF: SEL RBl
1 B8 MOV RQ,~0
3 C5 SEL RB0
.4 83 RET
~ ~5 STADYGRN~ SEL RBl
~ MOV R0,~4
2(~24 SEL RB0
3~ DS BLINKYEL. SEL RBl
31 B8 MOV R~,~43
33 CS SEL RB0
38 D5 BLINKRED: SEL RBl
39 B8 lviOV R0,~9
333~C 83 SEL RB0
.
40 0~ PURGE: NOP
42 54 CALL HEATON
44 B8 ~OV R0,~05 CYCLE 5 SECONDS ON
4~ 5 / ~
. .

~L873~
1 2 J B0 L'UI~ .X.I i
~ I
74 CAI.L WlSBAlO~
E8 DJNZ R0,PONLOOP
'~6
~3~ CALL HEA'I'OF`F
OV P~0, ~j ~0
E~ P~!PELOOP~ MOV AIR7
~ JB0 PURGEXlT
58
7~ CALL WlSBAIO~I
3~ 1
~ - DJNZ R~,PO~ELOOP
51
~3 Pl;RGEX:I'r~ RET
O5 WAXTlSEC: SEL RB1
MOV R7,~64
64
C5 SEL RB0
74 ~`i]SECI,OOP: CALL WAI~01SEC
D5 SEL RBl
EF DJNZ R7,WlSECLOOP
~4 7
C5 SEL RB0
83 RET
D5 ;~AITDlSEC: SEL RBl
BE MOV R6,~08
0~ 1
BD W01SECLOOP: ~OV R5)~FA
E~ DJN~ R5,*
lS
EE. DJN~ R6,W01SECLOOP
1'~ 1
C5 SEL RB0
~ 83 RET
3 00 WlSBAIO: NOP
1 00 NOP
2 BB I~OV R3,~6
3 6~ 1
4 7~ WlSBAIOLP: CALL WAIT~lSEC
6 FF MOV A,R7
7 37 CPL A
8 12 JB~ WlSBAIORET
9 2C

i23L8734
~; ~, D,~ Z ~ L ~ J
B3 WlSBAIORET: RET
00 Wl:`BAION: NOP
B0 MOV R3, ~ f 4
74 Wl'iBAlOI\lLP: CALL WAI'r0:1SEC
FF tlOV A, Rl
12 J B 0 W l SB A I ON R ET
3C
EB riJNZ R3,~15BAIONLP
34
83 ~'lSBAIONRET- KErr
C5 TICK: SEL RB0
C I~OV Rq, A
F F MOV A,R7
53 ANL A,l,F0
F0
AF - MOV R7,.
09 IN A, Pl
3 0F
9 4F ORL A,R7
AF ~OV R7, A
B 23 MOV A, D`7D
E6 2 1~1 OV 'r, A
E`39 OUT Pl ,A
~l~E OUT P2,A
.2~0 l\lOP
4 00 NOP
50 0
:6~ig I~OP
~5 Dl)LE:DS: SEL RBI
E9 DJNZ Rl, DONELEDS

1 J~i~ L~ L 1 1. 1~ ~Z18734
72
32 J~1 CYCLE
53 Sl`EADY: ANL A,~E3
E3
~9 t~OV Rl,A
77 RR A
77 RR A
RR A
-53 ANL A,#lC
. 1~
~ 6~ J~P SETLED
L
~ A9 ~LINK: MOV R1,A
?. 7-7 RR A
77 RR A
-~7 RR A
~ 53 hNL A,~lC
7 lC
3 D9 XRL A~R1
9 53 A~ nlC
A lC
a 54 J~P SETLED
C 90
0 A9 CYCLE: MOV R1,A
1 E7 ~ RL A
2 53 A~L A,~18
3 1~5
14 96 J~ SETLED
~5 90
;6 23 MOV A ~04
57 0~ - I
~8 64 . J~P SETLED
3g 90
A8 SETL.ED: ~OV R0/A
31 F9 I~OV A,R1
3~ 53 ANL A,~E3
93 E3
94 48 ORL A~R0
A8 MOV R0/A
96 B9 MOV R1,~0A
97 ~A
98 C5 DONELEDS: SEL RB0
99 FD i~OV A~R5
9A 43 ORL A~E0
.9B E0
i9C AD MOV R5,A
59D F~ I~OV A~R7
59E 67 RRC A
;9F E6 JNC DONETICK
5Al O0 NOP
3A2 00 NOP
~A~ 00 NOP

~ D5
F~ I~OV A ~ ~0 lZl !3734
C5 SEL RB0
53 ANL A~ $ lC
lC
E~ Rl.o P~
~7 RL A
E7 RL A
~D XRL A, RS
Al~ I~OV R5, A
0~ NOP
~ I`lOP
FC DOI`lETlC~ lOV A jR~
3 RETR
t ~ t Y. ~ * * * * * * EN D O F PR OG R AI`I * * ~ .~ * ~ * ~ l * * A ~ * ~ * :'' * h * *
~2/
;''` '

:~Z~87:~4 '
,~,
r
SOLlF::RLIZER PROGRAM FLOW CHART
* ~ ,; .': * J~ t; ff * * * ~ * * * * * * ~ * * * * * * * * * * * ~ k * * * ~ A * -* ~ * * * ~ * * * * * * * * * ~ * * -,~ * r.
+ ~ , . :
PO~ER ON I
*.___ _ _ _ ___ __ __~ ..
~ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ~ ~:
¦ START CLOCK ¦ ..
¦ 10 MS~ TICK ¦
:.
.,
t -- -- ~ :
¦SET L.E.D.. CYCLING ¦ .
~_ __ _ _ ___ _ __ _ _ .____ _ ~.~
~_______ ______ ~ .
¦TURN ON HEATERS¦
_____._____ _____~
._ ._ _ _-- .---------- ---- . ------------ -- -- -- -t
j'~AIT 2 MINUTES TO HEAT UPi .
t ---------- -- ------ .--- -- -- .-- _ _ _ . . _ . ._ ~ ~
.~
.~ _________ __________ _ __ . _ _~ .
t'l`:~ t'N OF~ WAIT TILL IGI~IITION ON I .
CYCLE HEATER OE`F & ON ¦ .
} _ _ ._ _ _ _ ._ .
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
tTION O~ SET GREEN L. E.D. FLASHING¦ .,
~.______._ ________________ .. ~ ..
.~
~________._________________~
¦l.YAIT FOR TEI~P. OK & STABLE¦ .
~_________________.___ ___.._~.
~_______ _ ___ __ _ __. _ _,. ______. . _ ,~,
TEST ALCOHOL FOR 1 SECo I .
I IF TEMPTo NOT OK~ GO aAcK TO ¦ .
¦ PREVIOUS STEP S ET ALL L . E ~ D . ¦ :
¦ FLASHINC FOR 1 SECOND ; . .
, . ~__ ______________ ___________._,~ .
t -- -------------------------i
~ - - - ALCOHOL LEVEL?---- I
~_________--____--__________----------+ X

121B734
.. ~.. , . , . U~ ." . 1 V
<.10
T(, Sl~3ER 1'0 TI PSY 1'0 ORUI`l~
'~
O~IER~ TIPSY:
.. _ . .. ~ . .. _ _ .. _ . .~ _ ._ _ _ ._ .,. . _ _ _ ~ ,~ _ _ _ . _ _ _ ._ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _. ~
TURN ~IEM L.E.D. ON STEADILYII START FLASHING YELLOW LED I
~ t
_ _ ~ +
I ENABLE STARTER
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ -- ~
I
~ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ~
I WAIT FOR IGNITION TO GO OEE I -
t . __ _____ _ ~
~___-____ ________ ____ ________~
¦WAIT 1 MINUTE, IF IGNITION TURNS I
IBACK ON, GO BACK TO PREVIOUS STEP¦
.~ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .. _ _ . .. . _ _ _ _ _ .~
.~ _ _ .. _ _ _ ._ _ _ _ t
I TO IGNITION OFF
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
~ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . . . _ . . +
I?RiJ~K- ------->I STEADY RED L.E.D, I
~_____________ _______+
I
f _ __________ _
I ~AIT EOR IGNITION OFF I
~ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ~ *
CLOCK (ONCE EVERY .01 SECOND
*******~*************************
+_______________._________ _____~
¦TEST ALL INPUTS & RECORD VALUES¦
+____________________________.__.~
t -- --_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ +
IHAS E~OUGH TIME ELASPED TO CHANGE L.E.D.?¦-^---NO----+
__________________.________ __ _ ___ ___ ~, I
YES l
*____________ _ __ __ +
¦CHANGE L~E.D.STATE AS APPROPRIATE¦
+ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _-- t
^
~___________________+
IS IGNITION ON ? ¦ <----------------------------------~ .
+___________________+
YES / \ NO
+___. _________________+ ~_______________________+
I ENABLE L.E.D.S I ¦ DISABLE L.E.D.S
t ~ +
/
+_______________________+
I EXIT I ~ ~
~ + cSC .a
**A******~*********~***********~***********A*****~******~********~*~

Representative Drawing

Sorry, the representative drawing for patent document number 1218734 was not found.

Administrative Status

2024-08-01:As part of the Next Generation Patents (NGP) transition, the Canadian Patents Database (CPD) now contains a more detailed Event History, which replicates the Event Log of our new back-office solution.

Please note that "Inactive:" events refers to events no longer in use in our new back-office solution.

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Event History , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Event History

Description Date
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2022-09-09
Inactive: IPC assigned 2022-09-09
Inactive: IPC expired 2013-01-01
Inactive: IPC from MCD 2006-03-11
Inactive: IPC from MCD 2006-03-11
Inactive: Expired (old Act Patent) latest possible expiry date 2004-03-03
Grant by Issuance 1987-03-03

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
None
Past Owners on Record
JACK SIMON
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

To view selected files, please enter reCAPTCHA code :



To view images, click a link in the Document Description column. To download the documents, select one or more checkboxes in the first column and then click the "Download Selected in PDF format (Zip Archive)" or the "Download Selected as Single PDF" button.

List of published and non-published patent-specific documents on the CPD .

If you have any difficulty accessing content, you can call the Client Service Centre at 1-866-997-1936 or send them an e-mail at CIPO Client Service Centre.


Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Claims 1993-11-10 8 262
Abstract 1993-11-10 1 23
Drawings 1993-11-10 4 101
Descriptions 1993-11-10 24 687