Turn Signal Patents (Class 340/475)
  • Publication number: 20130201014
    Abstract: Invention provides a more clear recognisable indicating of the maneuvering-intentions of a vehicle to improve the safety of traffic. More appropriate for human eyes way to recognise the turn- and stop-intention signals are provided. It makes it possible to estimate the current traffic situation certain and quickly, in spite of the usual technical obstacles to recognise the signal- and vehicle position (as, for example, in the darkness, a dazzling light of the head lamps of the vehicles which are moving in the opposite direction, or, in the day time, a bright surrounding under the shining sun, or a limited view from the driver seat, etc.).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Alexander Luchinskiy
  • Publication number: 20130176121
    Abstract: An automotive light assembly is revealed. The automotive light assembly includes a controller that is electrically connected to a daytime running light switch and a turn signal light switch of a vehicle. The controller is connected to each light source of a daytime running light set by at least one control cable. The controller is also connected to each light source of a turn signal light set by a plurality of control cables, allowing each light source emitting light in turn for indicating directions of vehicle movement. Thus not only the structure of the automotive light assembly is simplified and the production cost is dramatically reduced. By means of light from each light source of the turn signal light set, the direction the vehicle will be turned is indicated more precisely so as to achieve better warning effect and higher safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: CHENG QU CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tsung-Shueh TSAI
  • Patent number: 8482398
    Abstract: An electronic control circuit controls a vehicle's lamp to selectively operate as a turning signal, emergency signal, or vehicle running lamp. Notably, the circuit permits the lamp to operate as an emergency signal lamp even when the vehicle is off. The circuit includes a supply circuit, a control circuit, and a disrupt circuit. The supply circuit supplies voltage to the lamp if either or both of a vehicle running signal and a flash signal have a first input value. Meanwhile, the control circuit generates a control signal having a first control value if the vehicle running signal and the flash signal have different values, and a second control value if the signals have the same value. The disrupt circuit then connects the lamp to ground if the control signal has the first control value, but disrupts that connection if the control signal has the second control value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Custom Dynamics LLC
    Inventors: Dave Pribula, Evan J. Calarco, Vincent Forte, Frank Santostefano
  • Patent number: 8477025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a lorry or bus, provided with a device for issuing, in the event of the vehicle turning off, an acoustic warning signal in the direction of a warning region next to the vehicle, comprising: —at least one sound source for generating an acoustic warning signal; —at least one sound director, which is connected to the sound source, for sending the acoustic warning signal to the warning region in substantially one or more preferred directions with respect to the vehicle and attenuating the acoustic warning signal outside the warning region in the remaining directions with respect to the vehicle, —control means for switching on the sound source when the vehicle turns off or is about to turn off; wherein the sound director has at least one outlet which is formed at a distance from the vehicle wall such that the warning signal is amplified in the one or more preferred directions as a result of interference as a consequence of reflection against the vehicle wal
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Lichtveld Buis & Partners B.V., Lisa 2 Alert B.V.
    Inventors: Theodorus Bernardus Jozef Campmans, Robert Karel Gerard van de Moosdijk
  • Patent number: 8469563
    Abstract: A turn-indicator light module for an external rear view mirror assembly has at least one or more light emitting sources mounted on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs). A reflector and a front housing unit create a lens. At least a major portion of the light module follows a portion of said outer contour of the mirror assembly in the driving direction. The PCB is arranged with respect to the reflector to emit light indirectly by light reflection by the reflector along the major portion of the lens portion of the front housing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Hyok-Joo Hwang, Kwang-Ryeol Park
  • Patent number: 8466779
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly and a mirror reflective element sub-assembly having a mirror reflective element. A display indicator has a light source that is activatable to emit light. The light source is disposed behind the reflective element and light emitted by the light source passes through the reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the vehicle. The display indicator is associated with a blind spot detection system of the vehicle and the light source of the display indicator is activated responsive to sensing by a sensor of the blind spot detection system of an object in a blind spot at a side of the vehicle. During daytime operation of the vehicle and when the light source is activated, the display indicator, as viewed by the driver of the vehicle, has a luminance of at least about 5,000 nits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8456292
    Abstract: A door mirror includes a turn signal lamp for indicating a traveling direction; a foot lamp; and a housing that houses the turn signal lamp and the foot lamp, wherein the turn signal lamp and the foot lamp are provided in the housing such that the turn signal lamp and the foot lamp are provided with outer lenses lying adjacent to each other such that light based on a turning on of one lamp is guided to an outer lens of the other lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignees: Mitsuba Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yosuke Fukasawa, Akifumi Suzuki, Tatsuya Sugamoto
  • Patent number: 8446265
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system which integrates motor vehicle component operation into actuators located in the rim of a motor vehicle steering wheel. The two actuators of the system of the present invention are located in an arc segment of the steering wheel defined by the three o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the right-hand actuator and the nine o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the left-hand actuator. The actuators may operate in parallel with a conventional stalk switch or controls associated with an on board computer and only operate a motor vehicle component when activated and subsequently depressed. The integrated vehicle control system and apparatus of the present invention further provides for vehicle component operation which does not require a driver to remove his or her hands from the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Golomb Mercantile Company LLC
    Inventor: Adam Simon Golomb
  • Publication number: 20130093585
    Abstract: A system for enhancing the safety and functionality of a motorcycle or bicycle type helmet includes built-in turn and brake indicators, a transceiver for wireless communications with a corresponding transceiver mounted on a motorcycle, bicycle, or other vehicle, and a speaker and a microphone. The speaker and microphone permits two-way audio communications between the wearer of the helmet and others, either through a cellular network or through a wireless connection to the helmet of a passenger of the vehicle, and further permits such enhanced features as transmission of voice instructions to a navigation system and reception/playback of responsive navigation information, playback from a music system, and audio feedback that the turn signals are being operated, as well as anti-theft protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventor: Amar Vimal AMBANI
  • Publication number: 20130088595
    Abstract: A safety system for a single design racing automobile having a rear mounted airfoil member with an adjustable aerodynamic wing member includes a horizontal light panel with a multiple sections along the rear edge of the wing member, and a control unit programmed to control the sections of the horizontal light panel to be illuminated in synchronization with operation of the automobile's rear brake lights, reverse gear drive lights, turn signal lights, as well as emergency flashing of the lights. The safety system also includes one or more rearward facing cameras mounted to the rear edge of the adjustable aerodynamic wing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Richard S. Nauert
  • Publication number: 20130069777
    Abstract: The visibility of turn signal lamps in an oblique lateral view of a vehicle is improved in a structure including the vertical long turn signal lamps located at front portions of shrouds. A turn signal structure includes a left and right pair of front forks pivotally supporting a front wheel with a vehicle body frame including a head pipe steerably supporting upper portions of the front forks. A headlight is placed in front of the head pipe with turn signal units respectively placed in front portions of shrouds disposed on left and right sides of a vehicle body. Front faces of the left and right shrouds respectively extend to lateral sides of the left and right front forks, and the turn signal units are placed at the front faces of the shrouds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Yoshitaka SUZUKI, Kenji Tako
  • Patent number: 8378805
    Abstract: An automatic signaling system for a vehicle having a turn signal light, includes a sensor configured for sensing at least a portion of a lane, and a processor coupled to the sensor, wherein the processor is configured to activate the turn signal light of the vehicle based at least on a signal received from the sensor. A method for activating a turn signal light of a vehicle includes sensing at least a portion of a lane in which the vehicle is traveling, and automatically activating a turn signal light of the vehicle based at least on the sensed portion of the lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: Anita Au, Gerald Chan
  • Patent number: 8364077
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to solve a problem of a conventional semiconductor device in that although information such as whether the semiconductor device exists in a predetermined space and information on an ID and the like included in the semiconductor device can be obtained, a position where the semiconductor is located in the predetermined space cannot be identified. The semiconductor device includes a signal sorting portion which sorts a signal based on a signal output from the outside and a signal detecting portion for detecting the signal output from the outside. In a structure of the semiconductor device including the signal sorting portion and the signal detecting portion, a position detecting system is developed base on signals from a plurality of interrogators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Koyama, Shunpei Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8334762
    Abstract: A communications assembly is adapted for use with a helmet worn by a person riding a vehicle with a light indication system. The communication assembly includes a control circuit fixedly secured to the helmet. An illumination display is operatively connected to the control circuit and fixedly secured to a back surface of the helmet. The illumination display emits light rearward of the helmet. A transmitter is electrically connected to the light indication system of the vehicle for transmitting signals as a function of a status of the light indication system. A receiver is electrically connected to the control circuit for receiving the signals transmitted by the transmitter. The receiver forwards the signals onto the control circuit such that the control circuit operates the illumination display in concert with the light indication system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Randall Gerald Szeljack
  • Publication number: 20120303458
    Abstract: A system and method for displaying digital messages and images on a flat screen on the back and sides of a moving vehicle using GPS with an antenna, controller with a memory, wireless receiver and transmitter for communicating with an external controller. The system has software programmed to change the display based upon a geo-fenced area. The display may have a section for displaying brake lights and turn signals and public announcements. The system may have a vehicle counter to determine the number of potential viewers of the display on the flat screen in order to establish a rate for an advertiser to pay per thousand potential viewers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: John H. Schuler, JR.
  • Patent number: 8310357
    Abstract: A signal lamp control system for one rear side of a vehicle receives a signal or voltage from the vehicle (near side signal) originally intended to turn on all signal lamps on that side. Responsive to that signal, the signal lamp control system either turns on all signal lamps on that side or sequentially turns on the signal lamps on that side, depending on a status of a signal or voltage from the vehicle (far side signal) originally intended to control the signal lamps on the opposite rear side of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the signal lamp control system has knowledge of the state of the other side before the near side signal transitions on. This distinguishes between near-side signal activation (alone), brake activation, brake activation with near-side signal activation and hazard warning activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Donald J. Beach, Edmund C. Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20120280807
    Abstract: A signal converter and method of converting a signal are provided. The converter includes a power supply, microcontroller and current sensor. The microcontroller is connected to a power supply and is configured to receive inputs from a vehicle and output signals to loads of a second vehicle. The sensor is connected to the microcontroller to monitor current flow at the loads. The output channels are configured to stagger activity on the output signals. The microcontroller reduces the duty cycle of the output signals if the current flow rises above a first threshold and resumes the output signal to full strength once the current flow falls bellow a second threshold. The method includes receiving an input signal, sending an output signal, measuring current flow, measuring temperature, reducing the power of the output signal, and restoring the output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: CEQUENT PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Chandrakumar Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 8305678
    Abstract: A dual view display system that includes a display device and a first louver device. The display device is configured to display a first image at a display location to a first person at a first location and display a second image at the display location to a second person at a second location. The first louver device configured to substantially restrict a first field of view of the first image to the first person. The system may also include a second louver device configured to substantially restrict a second field of view of the second image to the second person. Such an arrangement restricts the fields of view so that, for example, a vehicle driver can not lean over and view something intended only for a vehicle passenger, such as a movie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick F. Kuhlman, Andrew P. Harbach, Dwadasi H. R. Sarma
  • Publication number: 20120262288
    Abstract: Signaling device designed to be arranged on the reflective element forming a mirror of a rear-view device comprising at least an illumination unit and at least an optical device, characterized by the fact that the optical device includes a symbol generation unit which is provided with at least a diffraction grating designed to form an illuminated image corresponding to a first illuminated symbol, the symbol generation unit being generally transparent and the diffraction grating being formed on the surface of the symbol generation unit without affecting its transparency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Hassan Moussa, Idriss El Hafidi, Laurent Tupinier
  • Publication number: 20120235811
    Abstract: The system, subject of this invention, designed to issue a warning upon braking or turning on the Vinker lights of a motorcycle that includes sensors that detects when the motorcycle's brakes and vinker lights are working, a control unit including a processor and an illumination panel that can be attached to the motorcycle driver's helmet or clothing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: YEHOSHUA RAHAMIM LEVI
  • Patent number: 8269619
    Abstract: A wireless light indication and control device connected with a helmet is provided. The wireless light indication and control device includes a direction detector, a wireless transmitter, and at least one light element, wherein the direction detector senses a movement of the helmet to generate a turning signal, the wireless transmitter receives the turning signal and cooperates with a frequency hopping unit and a matching unit to generate a wireless signal, and the light element includes a wireless receiver for receiving the wireless signal. As the user wears the helmet of the present invention, the light can generate warning effect based on the movement of the helmet, so as to provide the user a more comprehensive traffic safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Abocom Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Chien-Liang Lee
  • Patent number: 8248265
    Abstract: Display buttons and vehicle consoles include etched lenses operable to diffract light provided by a light source within a vehicle console such that the light emitted from the display button diverges from the first pathway within the button housing into a secondary pathway outside of the display button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Earnee Yasha Jones
  • Patent number: 8248005
    Abstract: A braking circuit is adapted to supply generatively produced energy of the motor as load resistance to a bipolar transistor. The braking circuit has a voltage regulator, which controls a voltage, applied to the base terminal of the bipolar transistor to achieve an associated controlled voltage based on a reference voltage. A first power supply connector of the electrical motor, in the generator mode of operation of the electrical motor, is coupled to a collector terminal of the bipolar transistor and to the voltage input of a voltage regulator. A second power supply connector of the electrical motor is coupled to an emitter terminal of the bipolar transistor and is coupled to a reference input of the voltage regulator via a resistive branch including at least one electrical resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Dorma GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin Römer
  • Patent number: 8242896
    Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly that includes a mirror reflective element fixedly attached to a mirror back plate attached to a mirror actuator. The mirror back plate includes a display indicator, fixedly secured thereto, having a light source that is activatable to emit light. The display indicator is associated with a blind spot detection system of the vehicle and the light source is activated responsive to sensing by the blind spot detection system of an object in a blind spot at a side of the vehicle at which the exterior mirror assembly is mounted. During daytime operation of the vehicle and when the light source is activated and with the exterior mirror assembly mounted at a side of the vehicle, the display indicator, as viewed by the driver of the vehicle, is operable to have a luminance of at least about 5,000 nits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8242898
    Abstract: A turn signal illumination controller monitors the lateral movement distance of a vehicle from when a turn switch lever is operated so as to illuminate a turn signal indicator. When the lateral movement distance is greater than or equal to a threshold value indicating completion of lane changing, the turn signal illumination controller cancels the turn signal indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takashi Ieda, Takao Imai, Kozo Nishimura, Syogo Yamaguchi, Takahiro Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20120154137
    Abstract: A traffic warning method comprises: a, preparing a light-emitting apparatus which is provided with plural warning lights arranged in rows, and the number of the warning lights in a middle row is greater than that of the respective rows at both sides thereof in such a manner that the number of the warning lights gradually decreases from the middle row toward those at both sides; b, designating the warning lights in a first row with sequential numbers and connecting the warning lights of the first row to the warning lights in other rows by broken line to form a plurality of groups of warning lights; c, turning on and off the warning lights one group by one group and the corresponding warning lights in the middle row can present a traffic sign—an arrow which gradually moves in a left or right direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Shu-Nu LIN
  • Patent number: 8198996
    Abstract: The present provides a system which integrates motor vehicle turn signal operation into actuators located in the rim of a motor vehicle steering wheel. The actuators of the system of the present invention, one for controlling the right-hand turn signal and one for controlling the left-hand turn signal, are located in an arc segment of the steering wheel defined by the three o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the right-hand actuator and the nine o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the left-hand actuator. The actuators may operate in parallel with a conventional stalk switch and only turn on the respective turn signal lights when activated and subsequently depressed. The turn signal lights turn off when the actuators are released. The integrated turn signal system of the present invention further provides for turn signal operation which does not require a driver to remove his or her hands from the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Adam Simon Golomb
  • Patent number: 8193928
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling visible and audible warning signals, particularly signals from light bars, traffic director lighting, and siren and public address outputs for police and emergency vehicle applications, is provided in a single unit. Mounted in a chassis of the unit in layered relationship are a siren board and a relay board. The siren board contains amplifier and associated circuitry for generating and amplifying siren signals, and for providing microphone signals and signals from a 2-way radio of the vehicle, to a speaker which projects these audible signals for warning of and controlling emergency conditions. The relay board contains circuitry for switching power from the vehicle battery to the traffic director lighting and warning lighting (as may be provided by light bars) mounted on or in the vehicle. A microcontroller switches the lighting to the selected lighting units via relays on the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Star Headlight & Lantern Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Cronmiller, Oriana J. Starr
  • Patent number: 8169307
    Abstract: To provide a vehicle rear-view mirror equipped with a display device, configured so that: a warning indication is easy to see from the driver and is hard to see from following vehicles and vehicles on the adjacent lanes; and when no warning is indicated, no discontinuities occur in the rear-area image reflected in the mirror and the warning symbol is unnoticeable. A mirror element 18 is configured by forming a semi-transmissive reflective film 24 or 56 formed of a dielectric multilayer film on the back or front surface of a transparent glass substrate 22. A dark color mask member 26 is arranged on the back surface of the mirror element 18. An opening 26a is formed on the mask member 26. A light-orienting tube 28 is arranged in such a manner that it protrudes in the backward direction of the mask member 26 so as to surround the opening 26a. The tube axis 28a of the light-orienting tube 28 is inclined in the direction toward the driver's viewpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Nakamura, Shinya Takayanagi, Atsunori Bandou, Yoshifumi Masuda
  • Publication number: 20120092151
    Abstract: An electronic control circuit controls a vehicle's lamp to selectively operate as a turning signal, emergency signal, or vehicle running lamp. Notably, the circuit permits the lamp to operate as an emergency signal lamp even when the vehicle is off. The circuit includes a supply circuit, a control circuit, and a disrupt circuit. The supply circuit supplies voltage to the lamp if either or both of a vehicle running signal and a flash signal have a first input value. Meanwhile, the control circuit generates a control signal having a first control value if the vehicle running signal and the flash signal have different values, and a second control value if the signals have the same value. The disrupt circuit then connects the lamp to ground if the control signal has the first control value, but disrupts that connection if the control signal has the second control value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Custom Dynamics LLC
    Inventors: Dave Pribula, Evan J. Calarco, Vincent Forte, Frank Santostefano
  • Patent number: 8134456
    Abstract: A wire is provided in a turn signal power cord drawn out from a turn signal indicator fixed to a front fork while achieving a good appearance. A turn signal indicator includes a lamp case housing a lamp, and a stay member coupled to the lamp case. The stay member includes an annular collar fitted around a circumference of a front fork shaft. A cord-housing groove is formed in an outer part of the annular collar. A turn signal power cord is drawn out from the lamp case to the annular collar through an arm part to the outside through the groove. The cord-housing groove is covered with a cover, which is formed integrally with a locking member that engages with a slot part of a top bridge, as an anti-rotation component of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Osugi, Kenji Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20120025970
    Abstract: A signal lamp control system for one rear side of a vehicle receives a signal or voltage from the vehicle (near side signal) originally intended to turn on all signal lamps on that side. Responsive to that signal, the signal lamp control system either turns on all signal lamps on that side or sequentially turns on the signal lamps on that side, depending on a status of a signal or voltage from the vehicle (far side signal) originally intended to control the signal lamps on the opposite rear side of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the signal lamp control system has knowledge of the state of the other side before the near side signal transitions on. This distinguishes between near-side signal activation (alone), brake activation, brake activation with near-side signal activation and hazard warning activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Donald J. Beach, Edmund C. Wiggins
  • Patent number: 8106760
    Abstract: Vehicle 4-way emergency flasher circuits are modified by circuit branches which enable flashing selected pairs of emergency lamps at a higher frequency or in other discernible different ways. These selected lamps become visible and recognizable as right or left turn signals while the 4-way flasher circuit is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Trixcel, LLP
    Inventors: Gregory J. Ekchian, Berj A. Terzian, Jack A. Ekchian
  • Patent number: 8102279
    Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly suitable for use for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror back plate having a generally planar portion and an indicator receiving portion established via a plastic injection molding operation. The indicator receiving portion includes a wall structure extending at an angle from the generally planar portion adjacent to an aperture established through the mirror back plate. A signal indication module has a light source and a housing that is at least partially received at the wall structure of the indicator receiving portion of the mirror back plate. When the light source is activated, light emitted by the light source emanates through the aperture of the mirror back plate and through the mirror reflective element at an angle relative to the generally planar portion of the mirror back plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8094004
    Abstract: A multi-function turn signal arrangement for an incorporating vehicle includes a user interface having a plurality of operator specifiable signaling modes including a right-direction-signal momentary blinking mode and a left-direction-signal momentary blinking mode. A controller is configured to receive input from the user interface indicative of an operator specified direction and mode and to initiate an automated signaling routine when one of the respective momentary blinking modes is specified and the controller determines that the incorporating vehicle is traveling at a speed within a predetermined speed range. The turn signal is maintained until a steering wheel of the incorporating vehicle is turned a predetermined amount in the signified direction and returned to the neutral, straight-ahead-driving position for a predetermined period of time and the vehicle remains in the predetermined speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Groeller, Joseph Deevy
  • Patent number: 8089374
    Abstract: A signal is described that includes one or more LEDs that emit light and a lens that receives and collimates the light from the LED array. A distribution optic receives light from the collimating lens and distributes the light in a predetermined pattern according to a specification. A light absorbing/reflecting element is located in an area proximate the one or more LEDs to minimize light received from an external source from exiting the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: GE Lighting Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Mark J. Mayer, Eden Dubuc
  • Publication number: 20110279257
    Abstract: An automatic signaling system for a vehicle having a turn signal light, includes a sensor configured for sensing at least a portion of a lane, and a processor coupled to the sensor, wherein the processor is configured to activate the turn signal light of the vehicle based at least on a signal received from the sensor. A method for activating a turn signal light of a vehicle includes sensing at least a portion of a lane in which the vehicle is traveling, and automatically activating a turn signal light of the vehicle based at least on the sensed portion of the lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Anita Au, Gerald Chan
  • Patent number: 8058977
    Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly includes a mirror back plate having a display receiving portion established thereat and being molded to have an integral light baffle at the display receiving portion. A display element attached to the display receiving portion of the mirror back plate and a light source is activatable to emit light through the display receiving portion and through the light baffle. The light baffle is configured to allow light emanating from the display element to pass through the light baffle at a predetermined angle so that light exiting the mirror reflective element when the light source is activated is viewable from one direction, while the light baffle substantially shields the light emanating from the display element so that the light is substantially non-viewable from another direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventor: Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8044790
    Abstract: A third light is added above the lower two rear turn signal lights of an automotive vehicle Detection hardware is included which senses when both lower lights begin flashing simultaneously due to activation of the vehicle's 4-way hazard warning system. Such detection also introduces current pulses to the third light which flashes simultaneously with the lower two lights to generate a triangular configuration of the three flashing lights. Retrofit circuitry is described to enable installing the modified triangular signal into existing vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Trixcel, LLP
    Inventors: Jack A. Ekchian, Berj A. Terzian
  • Patent number: 8033559
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle, for example, a self-propelled and/or pedal vehicle such as a tricycle, bicycle, scooter, micro-scooter, or collapsible scooter, for example, adapted for use by children or infants. Accordingly, a self-propelled vehicle comprising illuminatable direction indicator means comprising left turn and right turn indictor means, which selectably operate by turning of a steering means or column of the self-propelled vehicle to the left or to the right, respectively, the steering means or column comprising handlebars in one embodiment. The self-propelled vehicle may comprise a tricycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: H. Grossman Limited
    Inventor: Martin Grossman
  • Patent number: 8009031
    Abstract: A traffic signaling device system for motorcyclists comprising a safety brake and running light assembly (34) mounted to a motorcycle jacket (88). The safety brake light has an L.E.D. housing (22) supported by an outboard support member (20) and a leather piece (18). A plurality of snap buttons (16) can be used to secure safety brake light to jacket. The safety brake light has a six-conductor coil cable assembly (12) extending outside of jacket in front thereof is connected to a control box panel (44) so that the rider can view the operation of control box panel in a convenient seated position. At one end of control box is a six-conductor cable (50) which is electrically connected thereof to the existing wiring for a tail and brake light (78), a left turn signal light (80), and a right turn signal light (81) in such vehicles. Other embodiments are described and shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Inventors: Victor Manuel Pacheco, Chong Hui Kim
  • Patent number: 7986223
    Abstract: An automatic signaling system for a vehicle having a turn signal light, includes a sensor configured for sensing at least a portion of a lane, and a processor coupled to the sensor, wherein the processor is configured to activate the turn signal light of the vehicle based at least on a signal received from the sensor. A method for activating a turn signal light of a vehicle includes sensing at least a portion of a lane in which the vehicle is traveling, and automatically activating a turn signal light of the vehicle based at least on the sensed portion of the lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventors: Anita Au, Gerald Chan
  • Patent number: 7973651
    Abstract: An electronic system is described for controlling vehicle message lighting including turn and stop indicator signal lights, which system does not require any pre-existing wiring harness in either a towing vehicle 101 or any towed vehicle 104 to be in serviceable condition. In one embodiment the system implements a reliable wireless detection method based on feedback to confirm the state of operation of any such pre-existing “vehicle indication signal drive line” and includes a control apparatus that wirelessly transmits 230 instructions to at least one local receiver 150 controlling a number of message devices, including, but not limited to, vehicle indication signal lights. Another embodiment of the system bypasses any pre-existing wiring harness and permits the operator to manually over ride its detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventors: Terry J. Stiles, Kenji Kokaji, Matthew J. Kosolofski, Randal D. P. Penman
  • Publication number: 20110156894
    Abstract: A tail lamp system for a vehicle includes a dynamic signal unit, a control unit, a set of input lines electrically connecting the dynamic signal unit with the control unit, an LED display board, and a set of output lines electrically connecting the LED display board with the control unit. The dynamic signal unit provides a plurality of dynamic signals relating to various instant driving information of the vehicle. The control unit receives each of the dynamic signals of the dynamic signal unit and outputs a corresponding control signal. The LED display board receives the control signal from the control unit and displays a corresponding pattern according to the received control signal to indicate instant driving information of the vehicle, for example, turning, braking, temporary stop and breakdown of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HOU-YAO LIN, SHENG-JUNG YU
  • Publication number: 20110128142
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle minor apparatus operated in conjunction with left/right mirrors of a vehicle. The vehicle mirror apparatus may include a traveling information collection unit to detect a peripheral vehicle located in lateral and rear sides of the vehicle, and to collect traveling information corresponding to the detected peripheral vehicle, and a first display unit to display the collected traveling information using a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in a matrix type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Sung Jae BYUN
  • Publication number: 20110128141
    Abstract: A vehicle turn signaling apparatus includes a light source that is powered by a turn signal circuit of the vehicle. The light source is configured to project a low divergence visible line onto a driving lane adjacent to the vehicle in response to activation of the turn signal circuit to visibly warn other drivers where a driver of the vehicle may intend to move the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Connor Kent Purks, Kory Patrick Purks, Bryce Benjamin Purks
  • Patent number: 7948367
    Abstract: A wireless braking and turning indicator attached to a motorcycle helmet and a motorcycle mounted transmitter is herein disclosed. An illumination assembly is attached on the rear surface of the helmet by means of either double-sided adhesive or an elastic band. An integral wireless receiver powered by a rechargeable battery receives a signal from a transmitter mounted on the motorcycle and electrically connected to the brake and turn signal indication circuits. In such a manner, the helmet-mounted light assembly will illuminate whenever the motorcycle brakes are applied in much the same manner as a center-mounted high brake light on motor vehicles. Turning direction is also indicated in like manner. When used, the rider's head is at a sufficient elevation to be easily seen by following traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Alexander M. Arauza
  • Publication number: 20110119062
    Abstract: A control system is operable within a host vehicle to control the operation of signaling apparatus indicative of a driver intent to execute right, left or U-turn actions. The control system includes a voice recognition circuit for activating turn signal devices within the vehicle. In some embodiments, a wireless link facilitates aftermarket applications while in other embodiments original equipment manufacture is accommodated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Jewel L. Dohan
  • Patent number: 7944371
    Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly suitable for use for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate having an indicator receiving portion established thereat, and a signal indication module having a light source. The signal indication module attaches to the indicator receiving portion of the mirror back plate and the light source is activatable to emit light through the indicator receiving portion. The light source is established at a circuit element and the signal indication module includes a housing that substantially encases the circuit element therein. The circuit element has electrical terminals extending therefrom and protruding at least partially at a connector portion of the housing so as to be electrically connectable to a power source of the vehicle. The connector portion of the housing is configured to provide a plug-socket connection between the power source and the signal indication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 7944349
    Abstract: A vehicle deceleration warning apparatus is activated immediately when a driver of the vehicle intends to decelerate. The vehicle deceleration warning apparatus includes an ignition monitoring module, a first microprocessor module, a wireless transmitting module, a wireless receiving module, a second microprocessor module, and a display driving module. The ignition monitoring module receives an ignition signal and delivers it to the first microprocessor module. The first microprocessor module performs a calculation by adopting the ignition signal to generate a control signal. Then, the control signal is transmitted to the second microprocessor module wireless transmission. Finally, the second microprocessor module controls the display driving module to generate a display driving signal to a display device, such as a brake light and a warning lamp, so as to generate a warning light representing deceleration of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: X Y E Computer Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Fu-Han Liu