Abstract: The present invention relates to an active fixation system for automotive lighting modules or component assemblies; more particularly, an active fixation system and methods dynamically apply flexible contact and clip retention arrangements for securing component modules to an automotive vehicle body efficiently that securably maintain interfaces for extended durations; the invention benefits from fastener hardware count reduction and assembly process facilitation; furthermore, the active fixation system enhances overall fit and finish to ensure proper sealing improvements that prevent external environmental or weather penetration and promote features that can effectively secure component modules beyond ordinary life-cycles under various operating conditions inclusive of vehicle vibration, component rattling and proper connection retention capabilities.

Abstract: Provided is a power supply device for a lighting device for a vehicle composed of a plurality of unit lighting modules which is easy to install and disassemble due to excellent assembly capabilities, and which stably supplies power with excellent connection stability. In the power supply device for supplying power to the lighting device for the vehicle composed of a plurality of unit lighting module, the power supply device includes: a connection rail member provided in each unit lighting module to supply power to a PCB of the unit lighting module; and a connection pin member electrically coupled to the connection rail member in a male and female manner to electrically connect two adjacent power supply modules to each other.

Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting adapter housing for mounting one or more auxiliary lamps adjacent to a primary lamp mounted onto a lamp aperture provided within a portion of a vehicle. The adapter housing includes an adapter aperture, sized and positioned to align and communicate with the lamp aperture. One or more auxiliary mounts of the adapter housing are adapted to receive and accommodate auxiliary lamps. The housing includes multiple passages, and each passage connects a specific auxiliary mount to the adapter aperture.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting adapter housing for mounting one or more auxiliary lamps adjacent to a primary lamp mounted onto a lamp aperture provided within a portion of a vehicle. The adapter housing includes an adapter aperture, sized and positioned to align and communicate with the lamp aperture. One or more auxiliary mounts of the adapter housing are adapted to receive and accommodate auxiliary lamps. The housing includes multiple passages, and each passage connects a specific auxiliary mount to the adapter aperture.

Abstract: A visual indicator assembly and adaptor for a trailer includes an control circuit, an input lamp plug electrically coupled to the control circuit, an output lamp plug electrically coupled to the control circuit, and an identification lamp plug electrically coupled to the control circuit. The input lamp plug is connectable to a trailer lamp plug of a lamp wiring harness of the trailer. The output lamp plug is connectable to a stop lamp of the trailer. The identification lamp plug is connectable to a corresponding identification lamp plug of the lamp wiring harness. The control circuit is configured to supply a first voltage signal to a plurality of lamps of the trailer in response to a power signal and supply a second voltage signal to the plurality of lamps in response to a brake signal. The second voltage signal is greater than the first voltage signal.

Abstract: An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.

Abstract: Lamp plugs are disclosed, in which single intensity marker lamps that are desired to be flashed can be connected to a lamp driver employing an exclusive OR (XOR) logic circuit. In one embodiment, the lamp plug is an overmolded subsystem that is installed between the lamp and the lamp driver and allows the installer to use existing wire harnesses. In some embodiments, the overmolded subsystem is installed under a standard lamp where a plug is typically plugged in; therefore staying on the vehicle and not needing to be replaced with the lamp. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting energy interruption system for use with snow plows and like front-mounted vehicle accessories is disclosed which facilitates the interconnection of such systems to the lighting system of a vehicle upon which the vehicle accessory is mounted to provide power to and to control the auxiliary lights with the lighting system of the vehicle. The system provides first and second harness portions for respective installation on the vehicle and the vehicle accessory, with the first harness portion having a first configuration when it is not connected to the second harness portion and a second configuration when it is connected to the second harness portion. The first configuration allow the headlights on the vehicle to operate, while the second configuration allows only the headlights on the vehicle accessory to operate, with changes between the first and second configurations being accomplished without the need for a switch or a relay.

Abstract: A system for locating corresponding ends of a communications or data patch cable used to conduct a signal between computing or telecommunications devices. The invention provides a physical indication of the location of an opposite end of a given patch cable when a switching means on the first end of the same cable is activated. The invention utilizes an existing pair of wires in category-type cables to send a DC voltage when activated to illuminate a light emitting diode in the opposite end of a patch cable thereby providing an immediate indication of the location of the termination of the opposite end of a patch cable making it possible to visually identify a cable without removing the cable from service or from connection of the modular plugs on either end of the cable.

Abstract: A visual indicator assembly and adaptor for a trailer includes an control circuit, an input lamp plug electrically coupled to the control circuit, an output lamp plug electrically coupled to the control circuit, and an identification lamp plug electrically coupled to the control circuit. The input lamp plug is connectable to a trailer lamp plug of a lamp wiring harness of the trailer. The output lamp plug is connectable to a stop lamp of the trailer. The identification lamp plug is connectable to a corresponding identification lamp plug of the lamp wiring harness. The control circuit is configured to supply a first voltage signal to a plurality of lamps of the trailer in response to a power signal and supply a second voltage signal to the plurality of lamps in response to a brake signal. The second voltage signal is greater than the first voltage signal.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting energy interruption system for use with snow plows and like front-mounted vehicle accessories is disclosed which facilitates the interconnection of such systems to the lighting system of a vehicle upon which the vehicle accessory is mounted to provide power to and to control the auxiliary lights with the lighting system of the vehicle. The system provides first and second harness portions for respective installation on the vehicle and the vehicle accessory, with the first harness portion having a first configuration when it is not connected to the second harness portion and a second configuration when it is connected to the second harness portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a socket for a baseless vehicle light. The light includes a lens, a circuit board having plural through holes, and a socket. The socket possesses a plugging groove, two plugging holes formed in the plugging groove, a slot bored in each plugging hole, two terminals respectively inserted into one of the plugging holes, a conductive pin located at one end of each terminal to extend through the slot to connect with the circuit board, and plural connecting members set on one side to correspondingly engage with the through holes. A waterproof resin is injected into the lens to cover on the circuit board and the socket to keep the circuit board positioned in the lens. Thus, a plug of an vehicle is, not cut off, directly plugged into the socket, enabling the light conveniently installed in a vehicle.

Abstract: A socket for a vehicle lamp, including a base housing and at least two contact spring elements fixed in the base housing for housing and electrically contacting the lamp. The contact spring elements of the socket housing are fixed to the base housing by means of a base slide having a slot recess for receiving a leg of a first contact spring element, and an abutment surface for contacting a leg of the second contact spring elements.

Abstract: A lamp socket includes a housing case; a transformer to be housed in a transformer receiving section of the housing case; and a circuit board that is housed in a circuit board receiving section of the housing case and is assembled independently from the transformer. The transformer has a primary member and a secondary member, so that a voltage is applied on the primary member and a high voltage is output from the secondary member. In the lamp socket, an opening portion is provided in a barrier that separates the transformer receiving section and the circuit board receiving section, so that the primary member extends from the transformer receiving section to the circuit board receiving section. The opening portion is closed with a part that holds the primary member.

Abstract: An electrical indicator system and a method for operating the system includes a plug adapted to be electrically coupled to a power source remote from the vehicle and an indicator adapted to be mounted to the vehicle at a visible location. The indicator is operable to provide a first visual indication when electrical power is present at the plug. The indicator provides a second visual indication, different from the first visual indication, when current is flowing through the plug.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting energy interruption system for use with snow plows and like front-mounted vehicle accessories is disclosed which facilitates the interconnection of such auxiliary lighting energy interruption systems to the lighting system of a vehicle upon which the vehicle accessory is mounted to provide power to and to control the auxiliary lights with the lighting system of the vehicle. The independent lighting energy interruption system provides first and second harness portions for respective installation on the vehicle and the vehicle accessory, with the first harness portion having a first configuration when it is not connected to the second harness portion and a second configuration when it is connected to the second harness portion. The first configuration allow the headlights on the vehicle to operate, while the second configuration allows only the headlights on the vehicle accessory to operate.

Abstract: A bulb socket is provided with a rubber socket into which a bulb is mounted and a resin cover which is mounted on the rubber socket by being put over the rubber socket. A projection which protrudes outward is formed on the resin cover. The resin cover is put over the rubber socket, inserted into a housing, rotated to engage the projection with an engaging part in the housing, and thereby mounted on the housing. At this time, the rubber socket comes into close contact with a socket mounting slot and thereby stops the socket mounting slot water-tightly.

Abstract: A reconfigurable auxiliary lighting energy interruption system for use with snow plows and like front-mounted vehicle accessories is disclosed which facilitates the interconnection of such systems to the lighting system of a vehicle upon which the vehicle accessory is mounted to provide power to and to control the auxiliary lights with the lighting system of the vehicle. The system provides first and second harness portions for respective installation on the vehicle and the vehicle accessory, with the first harness portion having a first configuration when it is not connected to the second harness portion and a second configuration when it is connected to the second harness portion. The first configuration allow the headlights on the vehicle to operate, while the second configuration allows only the headlights on the vehicle accessory to operate, with changes between the first and second configurations being accomplished without the need for a switch or a relay.

Abstract: A connector structure for a vehicular light includes a connecting base. The connecting base has a compartment at one end and an insertion section at the opposite end thereof. The insertion section is disposed with holes interconnecting with the compartment. The compartment is provided with electric wires which extend through the holes and connect with electric contact points. The insertion section of the connecting base is inserted into a light base of a vehicular light for lighting up lighting elements.

Abstract: A lamp and socket assembly (10) comprises a housing (12) including a socket cavity (25). The socket cavity (25) is defined by side walls and a bottom wall (80). A vent hole (82) passes though the bottom wall (80) of the socket cavity. A lamp (16) has a lamp base (17). A lamp socket (14) is disposed in the socket cavity (25) and includes a through passage (42) for receiving the lamp base (17) and at least one retaining finger (38a, 38b) for retaining the lamp base (17) in the through passage (42). An electrical contact insert (26) is received in the socket cavity (25). A plurality of electrical contacts (28) are received in and retained by the contact insert (26). A plurality of blade terminals (46) are interlocked with the contact insert (26), with respective ones of the contacts (28), and with the housing (12).

Abstract: On a holder (8) to be mounted on a vehicle body (b), there are formed a connector-holding portion (12a) for holding thereon a female connector (5) and a male connector (4) fitted in the female connector (5); and a cap-holding portion (12b) for holding thereon a female cap (84) and a male cap (81) that can be mounted on the male connector (4) and the female connector (5) respectively, with the male cap (81) fit in the female cap (84).

Abstract: A fixation member, made of a single piece of elastic material, used for mounting an object to a frame, and in particular for mounting an automotive lamp in a reflector housing, includes a first portion and a second portion interconnected by first spring means. The first portion comprise first catch means for engaging with a frame to which the fixation member is to be fixed after the first portion is pushed towards the second portion, while the first spring means pushes the second portion against the frame. The first portion furthermore comprises second catch means for engaging with corresponding catch means of the second portion when the first portion is pushed further towards said second portion against an increasing force of the first spring means, whereby the catch means retracts and thereby disengages from the frame. The second portion is provided with second spring means for abutting against the frame thereby pushing the second portion in a direction away from the frame.

Abstract: A connecting device is provided which allows easy replacement with a light source device having a light emitting diode serving as a light source at low cost and without changing a vehicle-side connection configuration and the shape of a socket for attaching a bulb-type lamp. There is also provided a light source device connected to the connecting device. A power source adapting connector has an external shape formed so as to conform to a socket for attaching conventional bulb-type lamps. The power source adapting connector includes: a connector housing which contains therein a female connector and has positive and negative electrodes on the exterior thereof; the female connector which is contained in the connector housing and is to be connected to a male connector of a light source unit; and an attaching/detaching plate which is attached to an open end portion (upper end portion) of the connector housing.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for supplying power to a vehicle trailer. A connection device may be used to connect the vehicle trailer to a vehicle power line and to a control line from a vehicle electrical system. The trailer may include a main trailer electrical system and an auxiliary trailer electrical system. The main trailer electrical system requires power only when the vehicle trailer is in motion, and may be coupled to the connection device to receive power from the vehicle power line. A control unit may be coupled to the connection device, and may receive a control signal from the control line. The control unit may be used to switchably couple the auxiliary trailer electrical system to the vehicle power line based on the control signal.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting source adapter includes a holder, terminals, and cables connected to the terminals. The holder has a pair of insertion blocks at both sides and an insertion plate at a front end. The insertion plate includes an upper surface and a lower surface. Each of the upper and lower surfaces is disposed with a pair of connection channels. Each connection channel includes a first and a second fillisters. A retainer is disposed to each of the first and second fillisters. Each terminal is inserted into and partially exposed from the first fillister and has its snap portion restricted by the retainer.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting systems for use with snow plows and like front-mounted vehicle accessories is disclosed which facilitates the interconnection of such auxiliary lighting systems to the lighting system of a vehicle upon which the vehicle accessory is mounted to provide power to and to control the auxiliary lights with the lighting system of the vehicle. The independent lighting system provides first and second harness portions for respective installation on the vehicle and the vehicle accessory, with the first harness portion having a first configuration when it is not connected to the second harness portion and a second configuration when it is connected to the second harness portion. The first configuration allow the headlights on the vehicle top operate, while the second configuration allows only the headlights on the vehicle accessory to operate, with changes between the first and second configurations being accomplished without the need for a switch or a relay.

Abstract: A bicycle hub dynamo assembly is configured with a hub and a releasable electrical connector. The hub has a generator mechanism housed in a hub shell that generates electricity by rotation of the hub shell relative to a hub axle. The generator mechanism includes a first electrical connector with first electrical contacts. The releasable electrical connector includes mating electrical contacts configured to mate with the electrical contacts of the electrical connector that is fixed to the hub axle. The releasable electrical connector includes an inner housing part and an outer housing part with a fixing portion of the second electrical contacts retained between the inner and outer housing parts.

Abstract: A lamp with connector housing for motor vehicles comprising a push/push switch, a light source, and a backplate with a 3-way connector. The backplate with a 3-way connector further comprises a connection between point ground and point door and a connection between point ground and point B. This lamp with connector housing is twisted into the motor vehicle headliner with no screws or other fasteners, it has a compact size, and only uses one light source to illuminate the interior of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A holder for a light bulb, wherein the bulb is connected to a reflector, for example for vehicular lamps. The reflector has its rear provided with brackets of such a configuration that a cap flange of the bulb, and recesses present therein, fit in the brackets in such a way that the bulb sets in its position. The brackets are provided with opposing lips, against which the cap flange rests and the cap flange is securable to the lips by means of U-shaped gripping jaws of the holder.

Abstract: A circuit board assembly and a method for protecting and covering an interface opening of a connector. The circuit board assembly includes a bulkhead member having a bulkhead aperture, a circuit board having a connector with an interface opening and passing through the bulkhead aperture, and a cover member disposed over the interface opening. A coupling member is provided for coupling the cover member to the connector. The method comprises passing the connector including the interface opening through the bulkhead aperture, and releasably covering the interface opening with a cover member that is coupled to the connector.

Abstract: A switch accommodating recess (13) capable of accommodating a switch assembly (30) and a wire accommodating recess (15) capable of positioning an FFC (20) which is electrically connected to a room lamp are provided in a vehicle compartment-side surface of an insulating housing 11 in the room lamp which is fitted in a lamp fitting window having an opening in a roof trim covering a vehicle body panel. At the same time as bus bars (21) are mounted on the vehicle compartment-side surface of the insulating housing (11), press-connecting terminals (21b) are subjected topress fitting connection to the FFC (20) positioned in the wire accommodating recess (15).

Abstract: An automotive interior unit having an interior member with an opening and fixed to the frame of an automobile. An electrically equipped part holding portion provided on a non-room side of the interior member and in the vicinity of the opening. An electric wire holding portion provided on the non-room side of the interior member and in the vicinity of the electrically equipped part holding portion. An electrically equipped part held in the electrically equipped part holding portion and exposing partially from the opening to a room side of the interior member and having an electric wire connecting portion connected to wires held in the electric wire holding portion.

Abstract: An automotive lamp unit to be mounted in a vehicle includes a plurality of bus bars embedded in a molded resin and used for switching on an automotive lamp. The plurality of bus bars formed integrally with each other via a bridge portion are embedded in the molded resin, and are electrically separated from each other by being separated from each other at the bridge portion.

Abstract: A vehicular headlamp in which a light source and an actuator are connected to a power source using the minimum number of parts, lamp body waterproofing and dustproofing are assured, and each connector is firmly secured to the lamp body of the headlamp. The headlamp includes the actuator for operating a light distribution changing device that changes the distribution of light emitted from the light source. A hookup connector which is provided with a connection portion connected to a power side connector provided on a power cord connected to a vehicle power source at one end thereof and a connection portion connected to the light source side connector and the actuator side connector at the other end thereof is mounted in a hole formed in the lamp body. The hookup connector has a flange which covers the periphery of the opening.

Abstract: Vehicular lights that hold a bulb in a bayonet type socket are converted to receive light emitting diode assemblies that plug in with a simple translation motion instead of the push and then twist required for bayonet type connection. An adapter is provided along with an installation tool. The adapter fits onto the tool. The tool is inserted into the bayonet socket by a push and twist motion. The tool is the removed by a straight pull. The adapter has now converted the socket so that it can receive and properly connect any of a group of LED assemblies by simple translation of a plug on the assembly. Various light assemblies are disclosed including incorporating the external vehicle lens, and including a sonic element in the assembly to complement a back-up light.

Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle light harness which includes headlight connector to connect to a headlight, a power connector to connect to a headlight plug, an auxiliary light connector to connect to an auxiliary light, and a switch to control power to the headlight and/or the auxiliary light. The harness may include a control module to direct power to the auxiliary light and/or the headlight upon receiving a signal from the switch. The harness may further include a seal to protect the harness circuit from developing a short.

Abstract: A module construction employed in a car roof has a front unit including a plurality of functional components, a circuit board for electrical connection, and a first connector connected to the circuit board, a second connector associated with the first connector and resiliently supported on a roof body, and a bracket secured to the roof body. The bracket has both a hook engaged with an insertion hole provided in the front unit and a spring plate for resiliently supporting the first connector. The plurality of functional components may include an interior roof lamp, a lamp switch, an antenna, and a rear view mirror. The antenna may be arranged to overhang in an upper portion of a front glass of the car. The hook and the spring plate each are formed by bending to raise a part of the bracket. The second connector has a locking clamp engaged with the insertion hole of the roof body, the locking clamp being radially movable in the insertion hole.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp which can be manufactured without removing insulating covers from lamp-side cords to expose the core wires, and in which the lamp-side cords can be readily connected between terminals arranged in a socket or connector, the wiring and connecting of the cords is achieved in a short time, and can be automated. A connector and sockets are detachably mounted on a rear cover. The connector includes a connector casing, and a plurality of terminals. Each of the terminals has a cord connecting groove, the edge of which serves as an insulating cover cutting edge. When the connector casing is engaged with a mounting section and secured with elastic engaging pieces, the terminals are caused to push the cords so that the cords are pushed into the cord connecting grooves of the terminals. In this operation, the insulating covers of the cords are cut by the insulating-cover cutting edge, so that the core wires of the cords are electrically connected to the terminals.

Abstract: A lighting switch for use in a vehicle lighting system that comprises a switch housing, a plurality of electrical contacts on the switch housing and a manually operable contact engaging means. The manually operable contact engaging means, when in a first position, prevents electrical energy from flowing to either the headlights or the parking lights; when in a second position, permits electrical energy to flow from the battery to the parking lights with the headlights being electrically isolated from the battery and the ignition switch; and, when in a third position, permits electrical energy to flow from the ignition switch to the headlights and parking lights such that when the ignition switch is turned off no electrical energy flows to either the headlights or parking lights.

Abstract: A light device for vehicles has a housing mountable on a vehicle part and a light adjustably received in the housing. The housing is provided with a region which is curved in an adjustment direction of the light and the light abuts against the region. At least one mounting element extends through the housing and fixes the light so that when the mounting element is released, the light is displaceable inside the housing along the curved region, and a control element is arranged outside of the housing and follows an adjusting movement of the light. The control element is provided with indicating means for indicating an orientation of an optical axis of the light.

Abstract: An incandescent automotive lamp for mounting in a lamp socket comprising a light-transmitting envelope, an insulating base, and a plurality of conductive wires. The light-transmitting envelope contains an energizable light source and has a sealed-end portion. The insulating base includes a housing, a flange portion, a plurality of channels, and a divider portion. The housing has a cavity in which the sealed-end portion is secured. The flange portion is located on the housing and has a substantially bevelled frustum and a rim with diametrically opposed notches. Each channel passes through the housing and leads into the cavity. The divider portion depends from the bottom of the housing. The divider portion has a pair of substantially flat faces, a pair of sides, and a bottom. At least one of the faces is adjacent to the channels of the housing. Each side has a base notch. The conductive wires connect to the energizable light source and pass through the sealed-end portion of the envelope.

Abstract: An adapter bulb and connecting assembly facilitates an external electrical connection between a vehicle electrical system and the tail-lights of a trailer being towed by the vehicle.