Abstract: The improved system employs a logic unit coupled to the conventional brake switch, the turn signal and a clutch, or, optionally, an emission system low speed switch, and/or one or more safety-affecting parameters, viz., light level or other ambient conditions including fog or precipitation as sensed by applicable switch positions, to control the mode of illumination of the auxiliary light. The auxiliary light has the capability of operating in two illumination modes: steady-state as an extension of the main brake lights or flashing. Flashing of the auxiliary brake light can occur concurrently with or independent of the illumination state of the conventional main brake lights. Concurrent activation of both the brake and clutch or, optionally, the emission system low speed switch sets the flashing mode for the auxiliary high mount light. When one or more safety-affecting parameters are present, depressing only the brake pedal is necessary to set the flashing mode.

Abstract: A new Auxiliary Cap Light Kit for providing illumination to the interior of a pickup truck bed cap. The inventive device includes a cap light source providing illumination to the interior of the truck bed cap The cap light source is electrically coupled to a switch having a depressible actuator that turns on the light source when the tailgate of the pickup truck is opened. The cap light source is also electrically coupled to an adjustable light illumination timer that allows a user to control the length of time the light source is powered when the tailgate is left open.

Abstract: A system is described for causing automatic activation of vehicle low beam headlamps. Three voltage sensors, including a voltage slope detector for sensing engine start-up, cause activation whenever the engine is running. Separate master and slave modules allow for retrofit installation using the vehicle's existing wiring harness. Cables and cable connectors connect the system directly to the headlamp wiring harness, headlamp base, and vehicle battery without the need for splicing. The system can be bypassed or overridden by operation of the vehicle's standard headlamp switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an au room lamp are provided, in which the room lamp is lit up when the ignition key is extracted from the ignition switch with an automotive door being closed, to thereby provide convenience for the driver and the passengers to get out of a car. A control unit (1) detects the on/off states of the ignition switch (2), a door switch (3) and an ignition key insertion/extraction detecting switch (4). If it is judged that the ignition key is extracted from the ignition switch with the door closed, the control unit turns on the room lamp (5) at a second luminance which is lower than a first luminance provided when the room lamp is on with the door being open, keeps the luminance of the room lamp for a predetermined time, and then turns off the room lamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a car door warning system for use in a car door and warning against inadvertent opening of the car door, including: a warning device with at least one lighting device; a switch, mounted close to the handle of the car door and operated, when the handle is moved in order to open the car door; and wiring, electrically connecting the warning device with the switch; wherein moving the handle in order to open the car door causes an elecrical signal to pass through the wiring to the warning device, such that the lamp is lighted, generating an effective warning signal to prevent an accident.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for an automobile. The circuit includes a battery, turn signal switch, brake switch, parking light switch, flashers, diodes, a relay, turn lights, parking lights, tail lights, and brake lights. When the turn signal is activated, the parking lights and tail lights come on. When the brakes are applied, the tail lights come on in the daytime and go off at night.

Abstract: A lighting circuit for a discharge lamp comprises detection means for detecting a voltage and/or a current to be applied to a discharge lamp or a voltage and/or a current equivalent thereto, input voltage/current detection means for detecting an input voltage and/or an input current to the lighting circuit, and abnormality detection means for stopping power supply to the discharge lamp when detecting an abnormality in the discharge lamp or a circuit abnormality based on those detection signals. In the abnormality detection means, a plurality of reference values for comparison or a plurality of reference ranges are set for the detection signals, and determination times are set in association with the reference values or reference ranges.

Abstract: A visual warning system for a railway vehicle, particularly a locomotive, to illuminate the tracks or the right of way (sometimes called a ditch). The system has a first lamp and a second lamp. The first lamp is driven by a first lamp driver responsive to a first pulse width modulated signal, and the second lamp driver is driven by a second lamp driver responsive to a second pulse width modulated signal. A controller produces the first and second pulse width modulated signals in which the duty cycle of the first and second pulse width modulated signals is varied between high and low levels to alternatively turn the first and second lamps approximately fully on and approximately fully off. To turn each lamp approximately fully on, the controller increases, step-wise, the duty cycle of the lamp's respective pulse width modulated signal from the low level to the high level. The system may further include a switch for operating a horn on the vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle power and headlight controlling device with delay effect, including a delay circuit, an in-car sensing circuit, an out-car sensing circuit and a power supply circuit. The delay circuit is connected to both the in-car sensing circuit and the power supply circuit, while the out-car sensing circuit is connected to the in-car sensing circuit and powered thereby. After the delay circuit works, the in-car sensing circuit and the power supply circuit are delayedly energized. Only when the in-car sensing circuit works, the out-car sensing circuit is energized. Accordingly, at the stage of initially starting the vehicle, the excessive load on the battery is avoided so that the damage of the battery resulting from the excessive load can be obviated.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving electrical loads provided at a vehicle by feeding power to the electrical loads, includes a power source for feeding power to a plurality of the electrical loads provided at a vehicle. The plurality of electrical loads are divided into more than one group. Each of the groups is driven by each of a plurality of load drive circuits by feeding power to each of the load drive circuits from the power source, provided at the vicinity of each of set places in the vehicle at which a group of the electrical loads are concentratedly arranged. A power line is connected to the battery, wherein each of the load drive circuits has a pair of power input terminals, and the power line connected to the battery is branched into two branch power wires. Each of the branch power wires is connected to a power input terminal of each of a first two load drive circuits of the load drive circuits.

Abstract: An improved driver interface system provides prompts to an operator to adjust several vehicle parameters. In this way, the operator is assured to adjust the necessary components upon start up of the vehicle. This is particularly important when the driver is unfamiliar with the car, as with a rental car. In one embodiment, the driver may be provided with a transmitter that stores desired settings for at least some parameters. The transmitter can then transmit the operator's desired parameters to a control, and the vehicle components can then begin to be moved to the desired positions as the operator approaches the vehicle. In other aspects of this invention, improved switches are disclosed. A rotary switch rotates on a steering wheel rim. This switch is easily accessible to an operator, and does not require the operator to divert attention from the road. A second type switch includes an element which is sensitive to touch by the operator.

Abstract: A brake indicating apparatus for indicating braking of a vehicle having an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and brake lights powered upon actuation of a vehicle brake pedal including ABS input for sensing ABS actuation during braking of a vehicle and for producing an ABS signal, a warning switch for receiving a flash signal and for temporarily interrupting power to the brake lights, a warning module for receiving the ABS signal and for producing the flash signal to activate the warning switch, and the warning module including a delay circuit and a severity circuit for delaying activation of the warning switch for a predetermined time after reception of the ABS signal.

Abstract: A high voltage generator including a Marx Generator (1) provides an output of up to 200 kV at a pulse repetition rate of up to 1 kHz. Discharge is triggered by over-volting a first stage (2a) of the Marx Generator, each stage including a hydrogen spark gap switch (5). By inhibiting the charging power supply (7) for a short time after each discharge, recovery of the dielectric is ensured, enabling high repetition rates without the need for gas flow.

Abstract: A new Early Warning Signal System for producing a warning to a following driver of a speed reduction and possible braking. The inventive device includes a warning signal light powered by the vehicle power supply, and a control circuit including a switch actuated by an actuating linkage connected to an inlet valve of the carburetor and a flashing device, for controlling operation of the warning light. The flashing device periodically interrupts the current so that the warning light flashes.

Abstract: An improved alternating current generator control apparatus for a vehicle which is capable of preventing a lamp driving transistor from being damaged due to an over-current by controlling the current of the lamp driving transistor connected to an L-terminal when reversely connecting the L-terminal and an S-terminal connected to an external connector.

Abstract: A device and a method to detect dynamic changes in the level or ground clearance of a vehicle. The changes are determined indirectly by the instances of longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle which are analogous with these changes, preferably by calculation from signals of rotational speed sensors for the vehicle wheels. Such sensors are normally present in vehicles with anti-lock braking system or traction control systems.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle exterior illumination circuit includes a main headlamp circuit, including a headlamp switch, for operating the headlamps at full intensity and a DRL control incorporating voltage-dropping resistance in a daytime running headlamp circuit for achieving reduced intensity daytime running illumination. The resistance is provided by a plurality of resistance wires mutually connected in parallel in a wiring harness carrying electric current to the headlamp filaments. The headlamp switch is provided not only with the usual set of normally open contacts that close when the headlamp switch is turned on to provide full nominal supply voltage to the similarly rated headlamps, but also a set of normally closed contacts that allows DRL operation when the headlamp switch is off but disallows DRL operation when the headlamp switch is on.

Abstract: A windshield wiper-light control system provides running light functionality to vehicle headlights in association with the coupled operation of the vehicle's windshield wiper system and lights. A pulse generator provides a pulsed output to drive the headlight at a reduced effective power level. Further logic also disables the pulse generator when the vehicle's ignition is off. A light sensor system may be incorporated to allow automatic operation of the vehicle's lights in response to darkness. When the windshield wipers are engaged, the pulse generator is placed into a continuously on output mode, providing full power to the lights. Simultaneously power may be applied to other vehicle lights, such as the taillight and dashboard lights.

Abstract: A switching device for the lighting system of motor vehicles includes a rotary switch which can be adjusted in different rotating positions, and devices for wiring the connected electric light devices corresponding to the settings of the rotary switch. The rotary switch furnishes control signals in its rotating position which can be differentiated from one another. The control signals are guided to a decision logic. The lighting devices can be switched by load switches which can be controlled by the decision logic.

Abstract: An improved blackout control system located within the passenger compartment allows the driver to alter the normal and emergency lighting features of the vehicle. The blackout control system comprises an illuminated control panel unit modified by harness and control units which are attached to the lighting system of a conventional emergency vehicle. A four-position three-level emergency "Red" switch is provided as an improvement on the control panel. A second blackout reset switch is provided to restore power to the blackout switches. A third blackout switch is provided on the panel which disables the brake and backup lights of the vehicle. A fourth switch for blacking out the tail lights, parking and/or corner lights is provided. A fifth blackout switch is provided to disable headlight daytime running lights. A sixth high beam sneak light switch is provided to activate a high beam sneak light mounted on the front of the vehicle with less lighting than the driving lights.

Abstract: Device for displaying stationary/dynamic status of a car for assuring safety including a car stationary/dynamic state sensing part for detecting a change of speed of a predetermined time period sensed by a rotating slit plate mounted on a speed meter cable connecting device and a photo interrupter; a pulse generating part for converting an analog signal from the state sensing part into digital pulses and applying to an microcomputer; the microcomputer for reading in a driving data programmed in a built-in ROM in response to a signal from the pulse generating part and applying driving pulses to a relevant output port; a red LED operating part and a green LED operating part for turning on respective LEDs in a red LED array part and a green LED array part in response to the microcomputer operation output, thereby running states of car can be expressed in stationary/dynamic states of stop, slow running, acceleration, equal speed running, deceleration and reversing under the control of a microcomputer.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a lighting control circuit is provided in which various logic gates, transistors and other smaller-scale circuit elements are combined. The circuit receives as inputs the control signals from the vehicle, including the left and right indicator signals, the brake signal and the tail light signal. Each of these signals is fed into a first bank of logic gates whose outputs are supplied to a second bank of logic gates, whose output is in turn supplied to two transistors, each connected to a separate single filament bulb, one for the left side of the vehicle and the other for the right side.

Abstract: In the circuitry of this invention, variable DC voltage input is supplied to a pre-drive section through an input resistor. The value chosen for the resistor sets the base current which determines the gain of the pre-drive circuitry. The available gain controls the base current into the output driver which, in turn, supplies an output voltage to a load. The shape of the output curve is controlled by the available gain of both the pre-drive and drive circuitry. A control controls the pre-drive through a second resistor. The control also controls the power supplied to a second load through a second drive.

Abstract: A circuit (700) for an electric fence energizer (examples are 6 or 24 Joule versions) which synthesizes a pulse having a raised cosine waveform at a first or bus voltage uses a ferrite-cored output transformer (701) to multiply the voltage of the pulse to the required level. A raised cosine waveform has a low harmonic content and little filtering of high-power pulses is required in order to minimize electromagnetic emissions. On closure of a switch (707) in series with an inductor (705) a first capacitor bank (703) commences charging a second smaller capacitor bank (704) in parallel with the output primary and after the peak of the pulse any remaining charge is dissipated in a resistor (708) with the aid of a saturable inductor (702), acting as a switch. The saturable inductor may be the output transformer itself for lower output energizers. The output exhibits little or any reversal of polarity when matched to its load. The circuit may also be useful for applications such as strobe flashers in aircraft.

Abstract: A motor vehicle warning signal light assembly is installed within a car and near a back window, which includes stop signal light, an invertedly disposed V-shaped signal light, a control switch, a leftward turn signal light, and a rightward turn signal light. The stop signal light is synchronously operated with the stop lights of the motor vehicle. The invertedly disposed V-shaped signal light and the stop signal light form a triangle signal light, which can be manually turned on by the control switch. The leftward turn signal light and the rightward turn signal light of the assembly are respectively operated with the leftward turn signal light and rightward turn signal light of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for an automotive vehicle multi-functional apparatus employs an electronic control unit operably controlling a rear window wiper assembly. In another aspect of the present invention, an electronic control unit is operable as a multiplexed rear node for controlling a variety of liftgate devices and functions. In a further aspect of the present invention, an electronic control unit controls a single multi-functional electromagnetic device. The multi-functional electromagnetic device uses intermittent motion mechanisms to selectively operate differing devices driven therefrom. A method of operating the electronic control unit of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of controlling tail lamps of a vehicles capable of giving an alarm to the driver when the door of the vehicle is opened in ON state of the tail lamps, thereby ensuring the driver to recognize the ON state of the tail lamps.

Abstract: A tow adapter adapts tail light signals of a towing vehicle for suitable tail light signals of a towed vehicle. The tow adapter adapts a left turn signal, a right turn signal, and a brake signal from the towing vehicle to energize left and right tow lamps of the towed vehicle. To energize the left tow lamp, the tow adapter selectively generates a left energization signal and a left enable signal based on the left turn signal and the brake signal. The tow adapter then selectively outputs the left energization signal based on the left enable signal to energize the left tow lamp. The tow adapter similarly adapts the right turn signal and the brake signal to energize the right tow lamp. Circuitry for one embodiment for the tow adapter minimizes any voltage loss in adapting tail light signals and functions despite a burned-out or removed tail light lamp of the towing vehicle. The circuitry also adapts a brake signal for the towed vehicle despite a tow adapter malfunction.

Abstract: A circuit for implementing dual dimmer controls in an automotive vehicle having right- and left-side driver stations. The circuit can be used with existing control switches, thereby avoiding changing or redesigning those switches. The circuit uses several relays, connected in a novel configuration with other existing components.

Abstract: An electronic unit for a vehicle includes a control section for carrying out predetermined control management by detection signals transmitted through signal lines installed in the vehicle, a drive section for carrying out predetermined power management by control signals for said predetermined control management, which are outputted from the control section, a power branch circuit for separating one power generated from the drive section into three or more systems of power lines, and harness connecting connectors connected to terminals of the power branch circuit. Since the electronic unit per se has a "branch connecting" function of the wire harnesses, it does not require an exclusive junction box, so that the harness circuits can be simplified.

Abstract: A lighting switch assembly with an internal daytime running light control circuit, comprising a printed circuit board 15 mounted to a lighting switch assembly A, and electric elements 16 soldered to the printed circuit board 15 to form a daytime running light control circuit. The electric elements 16 are connected to fixed contacts 20 through terminals 18. A voltage regulator and an ignition switch with an engine start contact are both connected to the lighting switch assembly A. This construction eliminates the need for wires to provide an electrical connection between a daytime running light control circuit and a lighting switch assembly and, thus, simplifies the wiring arrangement of the vehicle. The arrangement also reduces the total weight of wires connected to a headlamp and eliminates the step of mounting the daytime running light control circuit to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises a backup power system to supply current to an electromechanical actuator (50) to position a mechanical device (52) to a fail-safe position upon failure of a primary electric power source (12). A capacitor (40) is provided for storing energy. The capacitor (40) is charged by the primary electric power source (12). A relay device (35) is also provided for disconnecting the primary control signal upon failure of the primary electric power source (12) and connecting the capacitor (40) to the electromechanical actuator (50) to supply electric current to the electromechanical actuator (50) to position the mechanical device (52) to a fail-safe position. The relay device (35) comprises a transistor (32) which is kept turned off by the primary electric power source (12) and upon failure of the primary electric power source (12), turns on and energizes an electric relay coil (34).

Abstract: An electric fence energizer is operated by an alternating current and has two storage capacitors (C.sub.1, C.sub.2), which are charged by a charging circuit (7) to a high voltage. The storage capacitors (C.sub.1, C.sub.2) are discharged through separate primary windings (L.sub.1, L.sub.2) in a transformer (T) and the secondary winding (L.sub.3) of the transformer is connected to the electric fence. The discharging processes are controlled by separate discharging circuits (R.sub.1, T.sub.y1 ; T.sub.y3 and T.sub.y3 respectively), so that for light loads only one of the storage capacitors (C.sub.1) is discharged, and for heavy loads also the other one (C.sub.2) is discharged starting a short time after the start of the discharging of the first one and during the same discharge cycle. Sense circuits (L.sub.2, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, C.sub.3, R.sub.10, R.sub.11, R.sub.12, T.sub.4, R.sub.13) provide signals PCHL; PPUL) to a microprocessor (7) and they represent the load on the transformer (T).

Abstract: An apparatus for triggering a warning device, in particular in a vehicle with an on-board controller to influence braking pressure and/or engine torque and/or steering as a function of the movement behavior of the vehicle wheels and/or of the vehicle, is described. In the event of a fault in the controller, ground is applied to the warning device by a control unit of the controller and the fault is thereby indicated. At least one comparator is provided, to which on the one hand a comparison voltage and on the other hand a further voltage can be applied, such that the comparator becomes conductive and applies to the warning device the ground applied to it, if the further voltage is less than a first comparison voltage and/or if the further voltage is greater than a second comparison voltage.

Abstract: A control system for automatically turning on and off at least some of the lights of a vehicle, such as an automobile. The control system includes a vacuum switch connected to a vacuum source on the engine. A vacuum delay valve is interposed between the vacuum source and the vacuum switch. When the engine is running, a vacuum produced at the vacuum source will actuate the vacuum switch to close a set of normally open contacts. When the contacts close, a source of electrical power is connected to at least the low beams of the headlights to illuminate the low beams during the operation of the engine without intervention by the driver. The vacuum delay valve ensures that intermittent interruptions of the vacuum at the source, e.g. as might be caused by vehicle acceleration, will not open the vacuum switch when the engine is still running.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for affecting signals which contains a first and a second circuit element or section (10, 11). A switch-on delay unit (35) is disposed in the second circuit sections (11) which, after start-up of the two circuit elements (10, 11), maintains the first circuit section (10) in a switched-off state for a predetermined time (T). During the predetermined time (T) an idle level occurs at an output (40) of a signal processing unit (41) which is provided for detecting a measured value occurring in the first circuit section (10), for example. The idle level is stored in a memory (38). At the end of the predetermined time (T), the idle level stored in the memory (38) is used for the correction of the signal. A fresh correction value is available after each new start-up of the two circuit sections or elements (10, 11), so that long-time changes are taken into consideration.

Abstract: A headlight circuit for an automobile which has two versions. One version can be used in automobiles which do not have daytime running lights and the other version can be used in automobiles which have daytime running lights. The circuit includes headlights which have high beam and low beam filaments, a high beam switch, a low beam switch, a battery, a turn signal switch, and three relays.

Abstract: A trailer voltage adapter includes a voltage converter which can be powered by the electrical system of a tractor and provide electrical power at a second voltage required by the electrical lighting system of the trailer. A plurality of relays are controlled by trailer lamp signals from the tractor and provide electrical power to the electrical lighting system of the trailer at the second voltage in accordance with the trailer lamp signals from the tractor.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a motor vehicle includes a key having a transponder. A lock has a keyhole for receiving the key. An antenna is in the vicinity of the lock. A control unit for controlling the antenna sends starting signals to the transponder and receives answer signals from the transponder. An assembly is turned on or off if the answer signals correspond to set-point signals. The antenna has a lighting device being controlled by the control unit for illuminating a region around the keyhole, at least before the key is inserted.

Abstract: An ignition activated automotive headlight system having a high beam circuit and a low beam circuit, the low beam circuit having a resistor in series connection therewith for daylight driving, the low beam circuit further having a photoelectrically operated by-pass circuit around the resistor, thereby permitting normal operation of the low beam circuit for nighttime driving.

Abstract: A system for converting the tail light signals of a towing vehicle to control the tail lights of a towed vehicle. The converter includes full buffering for all input signals thereby minimizing any loading effect caused by the converter or the towed vehicle. Also, the converter employs an override circuit so that the towed vehicle brake lights operate even if the emergency flashers have been activated on the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A circuit for the electrical system of an automotive vehicle, such as a truck, interfaces a brake switch, a combination turn signal/hazard warning signal switch, and an engine electronic control module (ECM) that has two separate brake signal inputs. The circuit is especially useful when the vehicle engine has a power take-off (PTO) to prevent unintended interruption of power flow through the PTO to an accessory device, such as a salt spreader, hydraulic pump, air compressor, etc. The circuit can be fabricated from conventional circuit components. A pre-existing vehicle can be retrofitted with the circuit by a jumper harness.

Abstract: An automobile headlamp and running light control system for controlling an operating state of automobile headlamps and tail/marker lamps, and determining an operating threshold for an automatic dimming rearview mirror system. The headlamp and running light control system including an ambient light sensing arrangement having an ambient light sensor which determines a present ambient light level in a vicinity of the vehicle, a first control arrangement for selecting an operating state of the vehicle lamps in accordance with an output of the ambient light sensor, a second control arrangement for determining the operating threshold of the automatic dimming rearview mirror system in accordance with the output of the ambient light sensor, and a lamp switching arrangement which activates and deactivates the vehicle lamps in response to the first control arrangement.

Abstract: In response to detecting activation of a safety indicator on the towing vehicle, a radio frequency control signal is transmitted from a transmitter means on the towing vehicle. Thereafter, the radio frequency control signal is received on a towed vehicle using receiver means powered by a power source located on the towed vehicle. In response to receiving the radio frequency control signal, a safety indicator on the towed vehicle is automatically connected to the power source on the towed vehicle to activate the safety indicator on the towed vehicle. The radio frequency control signal may be encoded in response to the detection of a particular one of a plurality of safety indicators on the towing vehicle. Upon receiving the encoded radio frequency control signal, a corresponding one of a plurality of safety indicators on the towed vehicle may then be automatically connected to the power source on the towed vehicle.

Abstract: An electrostatic windshield wiper and headlight control circuit, for coupling an automobile windshield wiper circuit with automobile lamps and remotely actuating the automobile lamps; comprising a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (Q1) and a relay. The metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (Q1) has an insulated gate for maintaining physical electrical isolation between the windshield wiper and automobile lamp circuits, and for operating with voltage only; it produces and uses static electricity to actuate the actuator circuit of the relay. The relay is for remotely controlling power to the automobile lamps. Voltage from the windshield wiper circuit is used to produce an electrostatic field, which actuates the actuator circuit of the relay, in effect, the isolated switching element of the relay becomes activated, and automatically transfers power directly from the vehicle's battery to connecting lamps. The lamps remain "on" after the wiper circuit is turned "off" to ensure safety.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an auxiliary control circuit for vehicle lights with a theft prevention function. The control circuit comprises a transmitter, a receiver, a CPU, an acoustic pickup, and actuating circuits. The CPU receives signals from loads such as hazard lights, brake lights, door locks and enters into preset functions such as a theft prevention function, a brake warning function, and a hazard light warning function.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device (10) consisting of a warning lamp such as the rear lamps (32) of a vehicle (30), a rearward facing light detector (12) that detects a vehicle approaching from the rear, and an activator (16) for turning on the rear lamps (32). The lamps (32) remain activated for a predetermined period when the presence of an approaching vehicle is detected by the light detector (12).

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a daytime running lamp (DRL) system for a motor vehicle includes a switchable connection from the headlamps of the vehicle to the neutral connection of the vehicle's alternator. Compared with the full system voltage of the vehicle, the neutral connection of the alternator is a lower-voltage source which can drive the headlamps at reduced brightness. Such reduced brightness is a typical characteristic of DRL systems. The system disclosed herein can be more cost-effective and provide greater energy efficiency than alternative DRL systems.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a daytime running light system for providing automatic illumination of a pair of headlamps at reduced intensity. The reduced intensity operation is accomplished by way of a switch mode power converter which operates to provide a daytime running light voltage that is less than the vehicle system voltage normally supplied to the headlamps. The switch mode power converter makes extremely efficient use of the vehicle electrical power by minimizing power dissipation in attaining a lower daytime running light voltage. Furthermore, the daytime running light system is amenable to simple calibration modification to implement varying daytime running light voltage levels in accordance with vehicle system and/or various international requirements.

Abstract: A rear mounted, brake light assembly which includes, inter alia, brake lights, back-up lights, turn signals and a signal for indicating that a following vehicle has its high beam or bright lights on.