| 摘要 |
If the driver of a vehicle becomes partially or totally incapacitated, the driver or a passenger can operate the push button of a ratcheting push button switch so as to close contacts which energize an air compressor whereby compressed air is supplied to an air cylinder adapted to actuate the existing brakes on the vehicle. A collapsible toggle linkage is connected between the brake pedal and the piston rod of the cylinder whereby the cylinder can operate the pedal without interfering with the normal operation of the pedal. Alternatively, a flexible cable is connected between the pedal and the air cylinder. As another alternative, an air cylinder is connected between the brake pedal and a pushable member for actuating the brakes. A collapsible toggle linkage is connected between the brake pedal and the body of the vehicle to limit return movement of the pedal. As another alternative, compressed air is supplied to the pressure chamber of a vacuum brake booster by a three-way valve which is energized by the push button switch. The ignition system of the vehicle engine is disabled by additional contacts of the switch whereby the engine ceases to produce power and provides a braking action to assist in bringing the vehicle to a safe stop. Optionally, a sleep indicator and a heart monitor are each adapted to energize a relay having contacts which duplicate the functions of the push button switch so that the vehicle is stopped automatically if the driver loses consciousness or suffers a heart attack.
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