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: 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.

Abstract: A vehicle window includes a first window side and a second window side. The first window side includes an optical center and a plurality of grooves positioned about the optical center. The grooves have a number of dimensions including a depth and a width. The grooves define surfaces effective to redirect light that passes through said window. At least one dimension of the grooves is varied about the optical center. The window is effective to provide a plurality of angles of light redirection about the optical center.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid electrical connector for a lamp-to-harness interface, which comprises two connector halves. The first connector half includes an overmolded connector, preferably formed from injection molded PVC, which has terminals of a first sex at one end and wires at a second end. Each wire is electrically coupled to a respective one of the terminals. The overmolded connector has formed therearound a hard shell shroud which is substantially rigid and includes a first locking feature thereon. The second half of the connector comprises a hardshell connector having terminals of a second sex therein and a second locking feature thereon. By coupling the hardshell shroud to the hardshell connector and engaging the first and second locking features, the first terminals in the overmolded connector are caused to mate with the second terminals in the hardshell connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating a license plate includes a reflector, one or more light emitting diodes mounted on a substrate, all positioned within a housing. The light emitting diode or diodes project light directed at the reflector. The reflector has a surface geometry for redirecting the light through a window in the housing such that it substantially uniformly illuminates the license plate. The apparatus preferably does not include a lens. The apparatus may include a light emitting diode or diodes and a curved free form reflector. The apparatus may also include a plurality of reflectors or reflector segments, each corresponding to a light emitting diode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nosebox having an interchangeable connector assembly contained in a housing, for making electrical connection between a tractor and a trailer. The nosebox housing is sized to receive electrical conduits in excess of the size and/or number (seven) proscribed by the SAE J-560 standards and is adapted to securely attach to either the tractor or the trailer. The nosebox housing includes a cover member hingedly attached to a tray member. When closed, the cover member seals against the tray member, thus preventing water from entering the interior of the box. Additionally, the interior of the nosebox is contoured for directing electrical conduits without pinching them. The interchangeable connector assembly is detachably mounted inside the nosebox housing and is easily removable for repair or replacement. The interchangeable connector assembly also meets SAE-J560b standard.

Abstract: A multi-function stalk switch that incorporates a pushbutton switch, a first rotary switch and a second rotary switch onto the end of a stalk, wherein further switching functions may be executed by moving the entire stalk in either of two orthogonal planes. The stalk switch incorporates many design features that enable it to be assembled at low cost from a small number of parts. One such feature is the use of plastic-on-plastic detents to control positioning of the rotary switches so that they wipe across predetermined portions of a flexible printed circuit board. Another feature is the inclusion of a springloaded plunger detent riding in a concave centering mechanism that is operable to automatically return the stalk switch to its central (neutral) position after removal of external biasing forces. A further feature is the inclusion of magnets on the stalk switch and Hall effect sensors fixedly mounted nearby in order to sense movement of the magnets (and therefore the stalk) in two orthogonal planes.

Abstract: A theft resistant lamp assembly for a vehicle includes a lamp unit and a lens. The lamp unit is adapted to generate light and is enclosed in the lens. The lens has a body portion adapted to transmit light from the lamp and one or more lock tabs. A flange extends from the body portion. Each lock tab is constructed and arranged to resiliently deflect in order to secure the lens to the vehicle.