Inventors:
Stephen D. Ambrose - Rocky Hill NJ
Jeffrey W. Tunkel - Ellicott City MD
Joseph F. Shelley - Princeton NJ
International Classification:
H01H 314, H01H 3524, B60Q 100
Abstract:
A fluid responsive switching mechanism is located on a brake actuator in a vehicle to signal impending brake actuation as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of accidents such as rear end collisions. Direct contact with the brake actuator by the driver to initiate brake actuation causes the fluid responsive switching mechanism to immediately energize brake indicators upon such contact. In one example of the invention, an electric switch is located inside a fluid filled chamber located on a brake pedal in the vehicle. In a second example of the invention, an electric switch is located outside such fluid filled chamber.