Abstract: A tail light assembly for a motorcycle includes a first array of at least one LED in illuminated in at least a first color. The first group of LEDs operates in a non-operating condition, a running condition where each LED of the first array is illuminated at first intensity, and a braking condition where each LED is illuminated at a second, brighter intensity. A second array of at least one LED is illuminated in at least a second color. The second array operates in a non-operating condition, and a flashing condition where each LED of the second array alternates between being illuminated and not illuminated. Each LED of the first array is illuminated at the first or the second intensity while each LED of the second array alternates between being illuminated and not illuminated in the flashing condition.

Abstract: A vehicular lighting control system for controlling the illumination of a vehicle's external directional/turn signaling and/or hazard lighting, by controlling continuous illumination of pairs of the brightest filaments of single or dual filament bulb designed vehicles. The system controls to operate the brightest filaments when the operator wishes to draw attention to the vehicle for safety, or for visibility purposes, without the same system negatively affecting normal operation of existing turn signal/hazard warning systems. The system automatically and manually controls the light output as desired by the vehicle operator, incorporates the vehicle's internal turn signal bulb-failure indication subsystem to continuously monitor the target bulbs for any failure event, and employs a dynamic safety reconnect feature, an attribute which reconnects factory wiring with factory bulbs instantaneously with any signaling or hazards activation.

Abstract: An ambient light based illumination control system for motor vehicles. The system incorporates an ambient light sensor and provides control signals for controlling headlamp illumination and illumination of interior instrument panel lighting. The control system provides a variation of intensities for instrument panel lighting in transient ambient light conditions. The system may further be integrated into systems including navigation displays or other vehicle displays to provide adjustments for such displays in response to varying ambient light levels.

Abstract: A method for controlling the brake lights of a vehicle includes determining vehicle deceleration potential and modulating brake light activation based upon the vehicle deceleration potential, the modulating comprising changing at least one of brake light intensity and flashing of the brake lights.

Abstract: A higher voltage out of a battery voltage applied to an ignition voltage terminal or a control voltage applied to a control voltage terminal is supplied to a switching regulator via a diode. Then, a supply of current to an LED in the switching regulator is controlled in compliance with the control voltage while using an input voltage as energy. When a PWM signal is input into a control voltage terminal as the control voltage, transistors are turned off and on, whereby an instruction to turn on the LED in a dimmed lighting mode is issued to the switching regulator. Then, a current that is smaller than that supplied in a full lighting mode is supplied to the LED.

Abstract: A signaling control device apparatus (10) comprises at least one LED (20) having a light emitting surface (18). A sensor (24) is set to detect an external light load (16) directed to the light emitting surface (18) and generate a control signal indicative of a presence of the light load (16). An electrical control system (14) detects the control signal indicative of the light load (16) and sources an elevated current to the LED (20) while the light load (16) is present. The elevated current increases the contrast ratio making the signal perceivable by the users as being in a particular state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illumination device for vehicles with at least light-emitting diode (3) and a light control unit (1), wherein the light control unit (1) is connected to the at least one light-emitting diode (3) and a pulse-width modulated clock signal (PWM) can be generated and transmitted to the at least one light-emitting diode (3) with the light control unit (1). The illumination device for vehicles according to the invention comprises a circuit (2) arranged between the light control unit (1) and the at least one light-emitting diode (3), with which, depending on the control signal (S), the pulse-width modulated clock signal (PWM) can be fed via different resistors (R1, R2, R3) to the at least one light-emitting diode (3). The present invention further relates to a method for controlling an illumination device for vehicles with at least one light-emitting diode (3) and a light control unit (1).

Abstract: A power supply for a Light Emitting Diode (LED) traffic signal that controls the light intensity. The light intensity conforms to a predetermined pattern based on the input voltage root mean square value (Vrms). The input voltage is changed by acting on the amplitude of the sine wave or by using a triac and controlling the angle of fire. The power supply comprises a fuse module, an electromagnetic compatibility filter module, a power supply module, a LED load module, a current monitor module, a RMS-DC conversion module and a fuse blow out module.

Abstract: A PMOS transistor is inserted in a circuit connecting a power supply terminal of a power supply circuit and a battery terminal. When a control signal input terminal goes to a low level, it is decided that a PWM signal or an H control signal is input into the control signal input terminal. Then, transistors are turned on, and then the PMOS transistor is turned on to apply a battery voltage to the power supply circuit via a power supply terminal, whereby a supply of current to an LED is controlled by the control signal. When the control signal input terminal goes to a high level, it is decided that an L control signal is input as the control signal. Then, the transistors are turned off, and then the PMOS transistor is turned off to cut off a power supply to the power supply circuit from a battery, whereby a dark current can be prevented from flowing through the power supply circuit when the LED is turned off.

Abstract: A visual recognition support system includes a noise area determination function for determining a noise area where a visual noise is output to improve sensitivity of visual recognition of an object in need of attention of an operator of a vehicle. The intensity of the visual noise is determined based on a threshold of the visual perception.

Abstract: A dimmable window testing system comprises a light source configured to emit a beam of known intensity through a dimmable element of an electrically dimmable window system. A light intensity sensor measures a light intensity of light emitted from the light source through the dimmable element.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting control system is disclosed that includes a weather detecting device for detecting a weather condition and a degree thereof. The lighting control system also includes a control device for controlling the light emitting apparatus based on the weather condition and the degree of the weather condition.

Abstract: A rear lighting system for an automobile having the ability to serve several functions and to detect and compensate for burned out or damaged lighting elements.

Abstract: In a light control device for a vehicle, a control portion determines whether an illuminance detected by an illuminance sensor reaches a first reference illuminance, and performs a turning on or off control of lights of the vehicle based on the determined result. When the control portion receives an external environment change signal from an environment change detecting means, the control portion uses a second reference illuminance higher than the first reference illuminance, instead of the first reference illuminance, and performs the turning on or off control when the illuminance detected by the illuminance sensor reaches the second reference illuminance. Accordingly, vehicle lights can be suitably turned on or off in accordance with an external environment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lighting device control apparatus used in a vehicle which includes a headlight for illuminating a running direction of the vehicle; a first lighting device provided at a side of an external mirror of the vehicle; a second lighting device provided at a front side of the external mirror; and a direction indicator operating device, operated by a driver of the vehicle, for indicating the running direction of the vehicle, wherein the direction indicator operating device controls at least the on/off state of the first lighting device. The apparatus has a lighting device control device for producing a daytime on-state of the second lighting device, according to an on state of the headlight and an operational position of an ignition switch of the vehicle. The second lighting device, conventionally used as a direction indicator, can be used as a daytime running light for improving the visibility in the daytime.

Abstract: A bicycle display apparatus comprises a display device adapted to be mounted to the bicycle, wherein the display device displays various types of information to a rider; a light sensor; and a display control element operatively coupled to the display device and to the light sensor for controlling the display device in accordance with signals from the light sensor. An apparatus provided for shifting a bicycle transmission having a plurality of gear positions comprises a running condition detector that detects a running condition of the bicycle; a light sensor; and a gearshift control element operatively coupled to the running condition detector and to the light sensor and providing a control signal for controlling the bicycle transmission in accordance with signals from the light sensor.

Abstract: A daytime running light module for controlling the illumination of dual filament bulbs that act as vehicle parking lights and turn lights. The daytime running light module includes a pair of switches that are interconnected between the front vehicular lights and a power source to control the light emitted from the vehicular lights of the vehicle. The module operates to control when each filament of the two filament bulb or system is illuminated, such that the brighter filament of the bulb will be illuminated when the operator wishes to draw attention to the vehicle for safety purposes. The module may either automatically or manually control the light output as desired by the operator.

Abstract: Integral vehicle braking indicator. Comprises an electronic system for processing actual speed signals and engine revolutions signals and a segment of lights which through proportionality (controlled by the electronic system) between the vehicle's actual speed loss and the number of lights located in the rear part of the vehicle which light up (comprising the entire segment) and the rate at which they do conveys to other drivers rapid information on actual loss of speed as a result of action on the braking system or sudden slowing of the engine, the type of braking being applied (fierce or progressive) and whether at the end the vehicle is moving or stationary.

Abstract: A vehicular turning indicator is used for automatically showing a turning degree of a vehicle. The vehicular turning indicator includes a sensor sensing a turning angle of the vehicle; a control device asserting a control signal according to the turning direction, the turning angle and optionally the speed of the vehicle; and a plurality of lightening units in communication with the control device brightening to constitute a variable pattern in response to the control signal. The vehicular turning indicator can be implemented by currently existent vehicular lamps such as indicator light, brake light or head-up display, be incorporated into an existent vehicular accessory such as rearview mirror module or auxiliary brake light module, or independently mounted to the vehicle. Preferably, special flashing effects are performed to make the turning indication prominent.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising an array of light sources configured on a light support and in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a stationary light, strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, and an oscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationary light support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means.

Abstract: A Sign Sentry monitoring system for monitoring lighting. The Sign Sentry system includes a plurality of current sensors for inductively sensing current passing through each lighting circuit. The sign sentry system includes a monitoring panel mounted proximate the signage electrical panel (typically inside the building) which encloses a processor, memory, analog-to-digital transducers, and a modem (connected to a telephone line). A plurality of current sensors are deployed in the signage junction box and are connected from the junction box into the monitoring panel to transducers for converting the sensed current levels to digitized current levels. A software program sequentially polls the sensed current in each lighting circuit, and the current levels are compared to predetermined daytime and nighttime thresholds. If a fault condition is detected the processor generates and stores an error code in memory, the fault code comprising an indication of the site, affected lighting circuit, and nature of the fault.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for brightening and dimming a brake light of automotive vehicle for enhanced display indication of braking includes a pulse width modulation unit to be electrically connected to a brake lamp for sequentially modulating the supply energy to the lamp to generate a brightening and dimming of the lamp. A time extent of the modulation is detected so that the modulation can be stopped after a preselected time period and the light will be continually on as in a conventional braking operation. After the brake is released by the operator, a second preselected time period for locking out the sequential interrupting is timed down, for avoiding repetitive flashing during stop-and-go traffic.

Abstract: A front mounted vehicle warning light system extending sufficiently from the vehicle to be viewable from the front and front side of the vehicle to indicate if a vehicle is accelerating or de-accelerating.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp system with headlamps, each of which contains a lamp unit for emitting beams forward with a predetermined luminous intensity distribution. The system carries out beam emission with a luminous intensity distribution corresponding to the travel conditions of a vehicle. In an implementation, when the speed of one's own vehicle exceeds 25 km/h, a low-beam luminous intensity distribution P(L) is varied according to a vehicle-to-vehicle distance in relation to a preceding vehicle. Remote visibility is increased by positioning a cut-off line slightly upward when the vehicle-to-vehicle distance L is long, whereas when the vehicle-to-vehicle distance L is short the cut-off line is lowered slightly in order not to give a glare to the driver of the preceding vehicle.

Abstract: A system for publicly displaying messages includes elements carried by an automotive vehicle. In some embodiments the vehicle carries a publicly visible electronic display; a sensor for sensing the brightness of light in the vicinity of the display; and illumination varying circuitry for varying the brightness of light generated by the display in response to brightness detected by the sensor. In some embodiments the vehicles carries a publicly visible display formed by ganging together a plurality of displays, each having at least 640×480 pixels; and video drive circuitry for causing images to be shown on the ganged display with different portions of individual images being shown on each of the individual displays. In some embodiments the vehicle has an automotive electrical system and carries a publicly visible high-bright display, capable of providing over 1000 NITS illumination and having 640 by 480 or greater pixel resolution; and video drive circuitry causing images to be shown on the display.

Abstract: Gradually lighting/dimming wireless transmission indicator lamp used in a wireless data transmission apparatus. The wireless transmission indicator lamp includes at least one light emitting diode, a wireless transceiver circuit for receiving or transmitting radio signal and converting the received radio signal into digital pulse signal and a controlling circuit having an input terminal and at least one output terminal. The input terminal is connected with the wireless transceiver circuit. The output terminal is connected with the light emitting diode. The controlling circuit is controllable by the digital pulse signal to generate a slowly varying current for the light emitting diode, whereby the light emitting diode can gradually light and dim as human breath to indicate the connection state and transmission state of the wireless data transmission apparatus.

Abstract: The optical system of the present invention includes a lens system assembly, a spectral filter material and a pixel array configured such that small, distant, light sources can be reliably detected. The optical system of the present invention provides accurate measurement of the brightness of the detected light sources and identification of the peak wavelength and dominant wavelength of the detected light sources. Use of the optical system of the present invention provides the ability to distinguish headlights of oncoming vehicles and taillights of leading vehicles from one another, as well as, from other light sources.

Abstract: An electronic deceleration/accident warning system for a motor vehicle comprising a high energy flashing strobe light facing following traffic, and a control unit including a controller means for receiving input signals from a g-level sensor and a brake signal, and in response controlling the flash rate of the strobe light. Other optional inputs such as theft alarm and ABS are provided along with optional outputs such as safety belt tensioners and airbags.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp including a headlamp unit and an auxiliary lamp in which the brightness of an end portion of the low beam light distribution pattern formed by the beam irradiation from the headlamp unit is reinforced by the auxiliary light distribution pattern formed by the beam irradiation from the auxiliary lamp unit. The high luminous intensity area of the auxiliary light distribution pattern partly overlaps the high luminous intensity area of the low beam light distribution pattern, thus allowing the low beam light distribution pattern and the auxiliary light distribution pattern to be combined. Further, by way of controlling the beam irradiation intensity of the auxiliary lamp unit by a light control unit, the brightness of the low beam light distribution pattern is reinforced by the auxiliary light distribution pattern that has brightness in response to the vehicle running condition.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or culminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use on an emergency vehicle. The warning light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or cullminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling continuously variable headlamps on a controlled vehicle includes an imaging system capable of determining lateral and elevational locations of headlamps from oncoming vehicles and tail lamps from leading vehicles. The system also includes a control unit that can acquire an image from in front of the controlled vehicle. The image covers a glare area including points at which drivers of oncoming and leading vehicles would perceive the headlamps to cause excessive glare. The image is processed to determine if at least one oncoming or leading vehicle is within the glare area. If at least one vehicle is within the glare area, the headlamp illumination range is reduced. Otherwise, the illumination range is set to full illumination range.

Abstract: A reversing operation detecting device for a work vehicle, in which a forward and reverse travel operating lever is favorable in operability and which stably detects the reversing operation of the operating lever to be capable of issuing a vehicle reversing alarm. A non-contact type sensor detects the reversing operation of the forward and reverse travel-operating lever. A detected link is provided to perform opposite swinging motions in forward and reverse directions, respectively, following the swinging of the operating lever in forward and reverse directions, and the reverse swinging motion of the detected link intersects the non-contact type sensor for detection of reverse operation.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising an array of light sources configured on a light support and in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a stationary light, strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, and an oscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationary light support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic adverse weather rear light system which automatically activates the adverse weather rear light source or light sources. Also, to avoid outshining (masking) either the brake lights or the turn signal/emergency flasher lights the luminosity of these lights is automatically increased to where their luminosity always greater than the luminosity of the adverse weather rear light source or light sources. Another embodiment of the adverse weather rear light system automatically activates and progressively either increases or decreases the luminosity of the adverse weather rear light source or light sources as the current visibility conditions decrease or increase. Also, to avoid outshining (masking) either the brake lights or the turn signal/emergency flasher lights the luminosity of these lights is automatically increased to where their luminosity is always greater the luminosity of the adverse weather rear light source or light sources.

Abstract: A rear light unit for a vehicle including a plurality of reflectors and bulbs assigned for forming a rear light, a brake light and a rear fog light. The invention aims to provide a rear light unit which is more compact for an identical number of signal lights. To this end the rear light is made up of a row of four reflectors and bulbs, at least two of which reflectors have bulbs with two power levels. One reflector together with a bulb switched to the higher power level forms the brake light while the other forms the rear fog light. The reflectors are arranged at a distance from each other which complies with the legally required minimum separation between the brake light and rear fog light.

Abstract: In a method for producing a warning signal for switching on a vehicle lighting system when the environmental brightness is inadequate, the external light signal is transmitted as a radio signal, in a first step, and is received by the vehicle. In addition, further operating data are detected, an evaluation is then carried out by a control unit and, if necessary, a warning signal is produced for the operator. In an apparatus for use with the method there is control unit for detection and logic-processing of signals. This control unit produces a warning signal for the driver.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly suitable for use in a vehicle includes a mirror case and a variable reflectance reflective element, which comprises a mirror reflector. Preferably, an information display is positioned in the mirror case to the rear of the variable reflectance element. The information display preferably comprises a light source and a display element. The light source is positioned behind the display element so that light emitted by the light source impinges the display element. The display element comprises one or more indicia established at the display element by at least one of etching, printing, and forming on a surface of the display element. When the light source is illuminated behind the display element, the light emitted by the light source causes the information display to display at least one alphanumeric indicia, graphical indicia, or symbolic indicia. The mirror assembly also preferably includes a control for adjusting the light intensity emitted by the light source.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting control system according to the present invention includes an electronic module connected to the vehicle lighting and windshield wiper systems which provides daytime running lamps (high beams at fifty percent power) during normal, daytime operation a full complement of vehicle lights including the running lights and low beam headlights at full power, when the wiper system is activated. The full complement of lights is deactivated by turning off the ignition switch or turning the wiper switch to the “OFF” position, turning the headlight switch to the “ON” position, and then turning the headlight switch to the “OFF” position. As such, the driver is prevented from inadvertently shutting off the full complement of lighting in a low visibility situation. The present invention also incorporates an automatic delay feature which allows the driver to wash the windshield in non-rain conditions without activating the full complement of lights.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling continuously variable headlamps on a controlled vehicle includes an imaging system capable of determining lateral and elevational locations of headlamps from oncoming vehicles and tail lamps from leading vehicles. The system also includes a control unit that can acquire an image from in front of the controlled vehicle. The image covers a glare area including points at which drivers of oncoming and leading vehicles would perceive the headlamps to cause excessive glare. The image is processed to determine if at least one oncoming or leading vehicle is within the glare area. If at least one vehicle is within the glare area, the headlamp illumination range is reduced. Otherwise, the illumination range is set to full illumination range.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising an array of light sources configured on a light support and in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a stationary light, strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, and an oscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationary light support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means.

Abstract: A detection whether a vehicle is stopped or movable is executed, and based on the result, the light source is controlled to be in the first light emitting state when the vehicle is stopped while the light source is controlled to be in the second light emitting state when the vehicle is drivable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for signalling the deceleration of a motor vehicle. It comprises a signal lamp having an illuminating area divided into luminous sections, each equipped with its own light source, and means for controlling the lighting of a number of light sources which increases with the deceleration of the vehicle. The luminous intensity of the illuminating area remains substantially constant whatever the number of lighting sections lit. This constant intensity can be obtained by supplying the light sources with substantially constant power. The means for controlling the lighting of the light sources comprise a deceleration sensor and connection means which selectively link the light sources to an electrical-energy source as a function of an output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: A complex vehicle communicating system consisting of a onboard microelectronic miniature computer unit installed in the interior of a vehicle and a light emitting polymer (LEP) display panel unit located on the interior of the vehicle rear window. The Automotive Digital Rear Window Display (ADRWD) panel has a data connection input from the Automotive Digital Rear Window Display Unit onboard computer, and a direct data contact from the vehicle's microelectronic main computer. The vehicle operator who's driving the vehicle controls the ADRWD unit computer. It contains a selection of electronic computerized preprogrammed memory insert chips which displays messages that can be selected by the driver. The driver of the vehicle selects a message and commands the computer to transmit the data to the ADRWD unit array display panel. Commands from the vehicle main computer operate in conjunction with the ADRWD unit in regard to current conventional types of signaling devices now equipped on vehicles.

Abstract: Continuously variable headlamps offer greater flexibility for roadway illumination but offer challenges in automatic control design. Each continuously variable headlamp has an effective illumination range varied by changing at least one parameter from a set including horizontal direction aimed, vertical direction aimed, and intensity emitted. A system for automatically controlling continuously variable headlamps on a controlled vehicle includes an imaging system capable of determining lateral and elevational locations of headlamps from oncoming vehicles and tail lamps from leading vehicles. The system also includes a control unit that can acquire an image from in front of the controlled vehicle. The image covers a glare area including points at which drivers of oncoming and leading vehicles would perceive the headlamps to cause excessive glare. The image is processed to determine if at least one oncoming or leading is within the glare area.

Abstract: A passive warning system for communicating vehicular deceleration and other information through a warning light. A microprocessor-based warning system according to the invention accounts for variations in vehicular speed in generating a warning signal having an intensity level and a blinking rate related to the rate of deceleration of the automobile, the ambient driving conditions and the speed of the automobile. The microprocessor is also programmed to measure speed variations more frequently as the speed of the vehicle increases, allowing information to be communicated in a timely manner. In one embodiment of the invention, the microprocessor is programmed to maintain the highest intensity warning signal activated for a predetermined period of time in order to inform other vehicles of an earlier speed reduction.

Abstract: A sensor (20, 100, 200, 300) for detecting the approach and exit of a vehicle (42) to a tunnel (46). In one embodiment there is a sensor (20, 100, 200, 300) with a photodiode (22a) that receives light through an inclined channel (30, 30′) or aperture (32, 332, 432). The channel provides a field of view (44, 344, 31) ahead and above the vehicle. The photosensor (22a) is thus sensitive to the change in light from this field of view (44, 344, 31) as a vehicle enters (46a) and exits (46b) a tunnel (46). Some embodiments of the present invention include a second photosensor (22b) with a wider field of view (112, 112″, 111) for detecting ambient light.

Abstract: A trip computer is incorporated into a rearview mirror assembly for displaying trip information to the driver of a motor vehicle. The mirror assembly includes a reflective element, a housing for the reflective element, a trip computer for determining vehicle trip information, and a display device for displaying the vehicle trip information, where the display device is electrically connected to the trip computer and embedded within the reflective element.

Abstract: An unacceptable number of police, fire, ambulance and other emergency personnel are killed or injured when they pull over to the side of the road and exit their vehicle. These accidents occur when passing vehicles are not aware that an occupant is exiting the vehicle, and these passing vehicles travel too close to the stopped emergency vehicle. Inventions that automatically illuminate an open door call attention to emergency personnel responding to hostile situations involving gunfire, placing emergency personnel at risk. Safety features need to be easily disabled in order to protect the occupants as they exit an emergency vehicle in such hostile situations. This invention places blinking hazard lights in the doors of an emergency vehicle so that when any door is opened, the exposed rear facing surface of the door contains a hazard light that is selectively activated in order to blink in concert with the emergency lights on top of the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: An improved center high-mounted stoplight apparatus for a motor vehicle or other transportation apparatus. The apparatus includes a pulsating or flashing mode of operation used to indicate rapid deceleration of the vehicle. This pulsating or flashing mode is in addition to the regular continuous mode of operation used for normal braking and deceleration and is arranged to be of a maximal human visibility and attention-capturing operating cycle. A plurality of different signaling arrangements to a following vehicle including an incandescent lamp, a gas tube lamp, light-emitting diode devices and non light-based signaling are also contemplated. Additionally included is a maximal distance spanning attention-capturing operating mode entered into in response to, for example, a collision-related deceleration event and maintained over a prolonged operating time or until manually disabled.

Abstract: A conjugated diene sulfonation product represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 to R.sup.6, which may be the same or different, represent hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, aryl groups having 6 to 20 carbon atoms or --SO.sub.3 X groups (X represents a hydrogen atom, a metal atom, an ammonium group or a quaternary ammonium group), at least one of said R.sup.1 to R.sup.6 being the --SO.sub.3 X group, a polymer of the conjugated diene sulfonation product or a copolymer of the conjugated diene sulfonation product with a monomer copolymerizable therewith. The sulfonation product, the polymer and the copolymer are useful as a dispersing agent for preparing a solid fuel dispersion, a cement dispersion, a dye and/or pigment dispersion or a metal oxide dispersion or as a water-treating agent, a fiber-treating agent, a plating bath additive and an excavation-muddy water-viscosity-adjusting agent.