GB1165136A - Reaction Tester - Google Patents

Abstract

1,165,136. Reaction testing devices. A. M. BOWDEN. 6 March, 1967 [30 March, 1966; 21 Sept., 1966], Nos. 14084/66 and 42147/66. Heading A5K. A reaction testing device comprises at least one indicator 2 for providing a succession of sensible signals at predetermined intervals of time adda control circuit associated with the indicator or indicators, the control circuit comprising elements which determine the tim-' ing of the signals, and a first switching device A which can be closed to initiate the succession of signals, and a second switching device B which can be opened so as to interrupt the succession of signals. As shown, the device comprises an electrical circuit including the switch A to be closed by an operator to start the device, a pulse generator with transistors 4, 5 arranged to cause a lamp 2 to flash at a predetermined rate to provide the signals, and the switch B to be opened by the patient to prevent the signals. The circuit also includes an amplifying transistor 3. In use, the operator closes the switch A, which causes a lamp 1 to illuminate and, after the predetermined interval, the lamp 2 to flash. The patient closes the switch B on the illumination of the lamp 1 and his reaction time is measured by the number of flashes, if any, made by the lamp 2. In an alternative embodiment (Figure 2 of the drawings accompanying the second Provisional Specification, not shown), when the device is switched on, lamps (6, 7, 8) illuminate one after the other at a predetermined rate and the patient, on seeing the first lamp (6) illuminate, switches off the apparatus using a second switch (5). The patient's reaction time is measured by the number of 'lamps (7, 8) which he,-has allowed to light up. The lamps may show different colours. Either embodiment may be provided in a casing having handgrips on which are the actuating switches and the device may be arranged to cause the immobilization of a motor vehicle if the patient's reaction time is excessive. It is stated that the device may use other than visual signals, e.g. mechanical or utilizing heat, sound, electricity, or magnetism.