Abstract: A plug assembly comprises a molded plug first and second ends, front and back surfaces, and extending along a longitudinal axis. The plug includes a socket extending from the front surface at least partially through the plug along a width axis. The socket defines at least one hole extending at least partially therethrough. The plug assembly also includes a retainer at least partially molded within the plug, with a first end adjacent the first end of the plug and a second end adjacent the second end of the plug. Additionally, the plug assembly includes a first wire set connected to the socket within the plug. The plug assembly further includes a first securing member securing the first wire set to the retainer within the plug, adjacent the first end of the retainer, to hold the first wire set in a fixed position within the plug during the overmolding process.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus according to the present disclosure comprises a molded device having a molded portion and being formed via an overmolding process. The electrical apparatus includes a wire set at least partially overmolded within the device, the wire set having an outer sheath surrounding a plurality of wires. The molded portion surrounds a portion of the wire set. The electrical apparatus further includes polyurethane bonding material occurring between the outer sheath and the molded portion. The polyurethane bonding material bonds at least a portion of the wire set to the molded portion during the overmolding process.

Abstract: A composite lamp assembly for use on a camouflaged military vehicle comprises a lamp housing colored to match the camouflaged scheme of the vehicle. The lamp housing defines an interior space, a first opening and a plurality of second openings in communication with the interior space. The lamp assembly includes a clear lens attached to the housing to occupy the first opening and a plurality of diffusers attached to the housing to occupy the plurality of second openings, the diffusers being colored to match the camouflaged scheme of the vehicle. The lamp assembly further includes a circuit board arranged within the interior space of the lamp housing having first and second pluralities of LEDs mounted thereto. The first plurality of LEDs is positioned to provide light through the clear lens and the second is positioned to provide light through the diffusers.

Abstract: A device configured to maintain an electric circuit in a fixed position during an overmolding process comprises a wire retainer configured to hold the electric circuit taut and in a fixed position while being molded within a molded item. The retainer has a first end and an opposite second end, and includes a first bushing defining a mounting hole for the molded item extending along a width axis. The built-in bushing includes front and back surfaces configured to be aligned and substantially co-planar with the front and back surfaces of the molded item. The device also includes a first securing member configured to secure a portion of the electric circuit to the retainer within the molded item, to hold the electric circuit in a fixed position within the molded item during the overmolding process.

Abstract: A turn signal switch assembly is constructed having a switch stalk and junction box rotatably coupled using a shoulder bolt. The shoulder bolt has a shoulder area useful for allowing the switch stalk to rotate freely relative to the junction box. The threaded end of the shoulder bolt is turned and tightened into at least one corresponding threaded aperture in the junction box, thereby mechanically coupling the switch stalk to the junction box. The threaded end of the shoulder bolt also extends past a surface of the junction box so that the threaded end is exposed. The threaded end is mechanically transformed by an orbital riveting device so as to act as a positive locking feature. The shoulder bolt thereafter secures the switch stalk to the junction box using the mechanical advantages of a threaded connection in combination with the positive locking feature of a riveted connection.

Abstract: A motor vehicle turn signal cancelling device operated by a turn signal cancelling member projecting from the steering wheel includes a frame structure and a mounting member attached thereto. A fixture having a central portion positioned between oppositely extending first and second arms is pivotally mounted to the mounting member at the central portion to move the first and second arms into the path of movement of the cancelling member. The device further includes a turn signal activating lever pivotally mounted between its ends to the frame structure. A cancellation arm is pivotally mounted to the mounting member and defines a slot near its distal end. An engagement post associated with the lever is received in the slot defined in the cancellation arm. The engagement post and the slot are positioned between the pivotal axis of the turn signal activating lever and the pivotal axis of the cancellation arm.

Abstract: A nosebox assembly for making electrical connection between a tractor and a trailer comprises a nosebox housing with an interchangeable connector assembly and a terminal plate assembly, both configured to mountable within the nosebox housing. The interchangeable connector assembly includes a plurality of primary conducting pins extending therefrom and configured as a socket, each of the pins being adapted to receive connection to a circuit. The interchangeable connector assembly is detachably mounted inside the nosebox housing and is easily removable for repair or replacement. The terminal plate assembly includes a plurality of secondary conducting pins extending therefrom. Additionally, the terminal plate assembly includes a plurality of auxiliary pins extending therefrom to provide additional connection points to the circuits received from the primary conducting pins.

Abstract: A transparent lighting system for a conveyance includes a transparent light active sheet material and an adhesive disposed on the transparent light active sheet material. The transparent light active sheet material includes top and bottom electrically conductive transparent substrates, a pattern of light emitting diode (LED) chips sandwiched between the electrically conductive transparent substrates, and a non-conductive transparent adhesive material disposed between the top and bottom electrically conductive transparent substrates and the LED chips. The LED chips are preformed before being patterned in the light active sheet material as an unpackaged discrete semiconductor device having an anode p-junction side and a cathode n-junction side.

Abstract: An illuminated push button, an illuminated instrument cluster for a conveyance, and a lighting system for a conveyance are discussed. The push button can include a light sheet mounted on a base portion, such that light from the LED chips in the light sheet travels away from the base portion. The illuminated instrument cluster can include a lens mask assembly; an appliqué disposed behind the lens mask assembly with translucent graphical information and optically transmissive diffusion material, a housing, a light sheet, and a printed circuit board configured to address and drive the light sheet material. The light active sheet material is mounted behind the appliqué, such that light from the LED chips travels through the graphical information of the appliqué. The lighting system includes a light sheet; and an adhesive disposed on the light sheet. The light active sheet material is formed as lighting for a conveyance.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a leadframe, and a light active sheet material laminated on the leadframe and electrically connected to the leadframe. The light active sheet material includes a transparent electrically conductive top substrate, a pattern of one or more light emitting diode (LED) chip(s) sandwiched between the leadframe and the top substrate, and a non-conductive transparent adhesive material disposed between the leadframe, the LED chip(s), and the top substrate. The LED chip(s) is (are) preformed before being patterned in the light active sheet material as an unpackaged discrete semiconductor device having an anode p-junction side and a cathode n-junction side. Either of the anode and the cathode side is in electrical communication with the top substrate and the other of the anode and the cathode side is in electrical communication with the leadframe.

Abstract: An indicator is provided that utilizes a side-emitting light-emitting diode to indicate the state of a vehicle. An example vehicle indicator is an automobile turn indicator. Other embodiments and features further provide for a conventional light-emitting diode additionally mounted to the vehicle indicator. Certain embodiments provide a cover that protects the vehicle indicator from damage and influences the pattern and/or frequency of light emanating from the vehicle indicator. Yet other embodiments provide a circuit board for converting power from the vehicle's power source to the particular power requirements, a timing mechanism for controlling illumination, and a heat dissipating apparatus for controlling the temperature of the side-emitting light-emitting diode. Still other embodiments provide an indicator that directs light toward the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A LED lamp mounting assembly for use in motor vehicle lamps is described. The LED lamp mounting assembly connects a LED lamp to a pre-existing incandescent lamp socket in a motor vehicle. The LED lamp mounting assembly therefore allows a LED lamp to be operated from incandescent lamp hardware. In one embodiment, the LED lamp mounting assembled includes a LED lamp assembly, a heat sink, a cradle, printed circuit boards and an electrical connector. The electrical connector is insertable into the incandescent lamp socket and connects to the printed circuit boards. The printed circuit boards power the LED lamp assembly and the heat sink adsorbs excess heat created by the LED lamp assembly. The motor vehicle lamp becomes a LED lamp without any changes to the existing incandescent lamp hardware.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and devices for electrically coupling wires in a turn signal switch assembly that prevents the entangling of wires with the different components of the turn signal switch assembly.