초록 ▼

A sobriety interlock of the type connectable to a machine such as a vehicle and normally operating to disable the machine from starting unless a breath sobriety test is passed, is equipped with a service reminder timer operable to initiate an appropriate indication when the interlock is due to be se

A sobriety interlock of the type connectable to a machine such as a vehicle and normally operating to disable the machine from starting unless a breath sobriety test is passed, is equipped with a service reminder timer operable to initiate an appropriate indication when the interlock is due to be serviced and optionally, to provide one or more advance indications prior thereto. In the event the interlock is not serviced when due or within an optional grace period thereafter, appropriate action is preferably initiated. In one alternative form, this action includes disabling the vehicle or other machine to which the interlock is connected, regardless of whether a sobriety test or other condition normally imposed by the interlock is satisfied, until timely service is obtained. In a second alternative form, the sobriety interlock of the invention does not disable the vehicle for failure to obtain timely service. Instead, the sobriety interlock itself is effectively disabled to the extent that it ceases to impose restrictions on the starting of the vehicle until service is obtained and the timer is reset. Also disclosed are remote service devices intended for use by authorized service personnel to inter-alia, effect reading and/or setting of the service reminder timer.

대표청구항 ▼

A sobriety interlock for a machine, said sobriety interlock comprising: (a) sensor means for detecting an intoxicating substance in the breath of a person; (b) control means connected to said sensor means and connectable to the machine, said control means normally operating to enable starting of the

A sobriety interlock for a machine, said sobriety interlock comprising: (a) sensor means for detecting an intoxicating substance in the breath of a person; (b) control means connected to said sensor means and connectable to the machine, said control means normally operating to enable starting of the machine only if at least a first predetermined condition is satisfied, and (c) timer means and indicator means each operably connected to said control means, said timer means being operable to initiate generation of a humanly-perceptible indication at a first specified time to provide a reminder that the interlock is due for service, said timer means further initiating generation of a second signal at a second specified time after said first specified time, said second signal being received by said control means to cause said control means to thereafter enable starting of the machine, regardless of whether said first precondition is satisfied, until said timer means is reset in response to a coded signal which cannot ordinarily be generated by said person.