Abstract: This invention discloses a lamp housing adaptable for snapped-in installation of the lens member. The interior wall of the housing is provided with an annular step and integrally formed raised projections which together form slots for receiving the peripheral edge of the lens member. The raised projections are shaped to facilitate the installation and retention of the lens. The lens member, made of resilient material, is of sufficient flexibility that it can be pressed past the raised projections and be lodged in the slots. A gasket is interposed between the lens member and the annular step. The slots are so dimensioned that the raised projections press against the lens and the gasket to retain the lens in the slots and additionally seal the interior of the housing from the outside environment.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a mounting bracket that may be permanently mounted to a vehicle, such as by riveting. The mounting bracket includes at least one deflectable tab that is deflected away from a main plane of the bracket when the lamp assembly is pressed against it. The lamp assembly includes an extending surface which interacts with the mounting bracket tab in order to deflect the tab. Subsequent rotation of the lamp assembly in a clockwise direction causes the lamp extending surface to move under the mounting bracket, allowing the deflected tab to return to its quiescent position Any attempt to remove the lamp assembly from the mounting bracket by turning the lamp assembly in a counter-clockwise direction is prevented by interaction between the lamp extending surface and the now non-deflected mounting bracket tab. Theft of the lamp assembly is thereby prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clearance and sidemarker lamp assembly in which a three-section printed circuit board (PCB) is mounted to a three-section enclosure. The enclosure has a main center section coupled to two side sections by means of a hinge. When the enclosure is coupled to a lamp housing, the side sections are folded down and tucked behind raised retaining ribs formed in the housing. LEDs in the main center section thus provide illumination perpendicular to the lamp, while LEDs in the angled side sections provide illumination to either side of the lamp. A lens may cover the assembly in order to blend the light into a continuous arc covering 180°.

Abstract: An adjustable lamp mounting system consisting of a lamp housing, a mounting bracket and a mounting stud having an enlarged head and a guiding portion adjacent the enlarged head. The enlarged head of the mounting stud is configured to substantially correspond to the height of the interior chamber created between the mounting bracket and lamp housing, thereby maintaining the mounting stud guiding portion within a mounting bracket slot.

Abstract: A communication link between a tractor and trailer is established utilizing existing by dormant tractor and trailer circuitry. In one embodiment of the invention, a tractor communications device has a communications port connected to a turn signal circuit and a trailer communications device has a communications port connected to the same turn signal circuit. The two communications devices permit communications therebetween over the turn signal circuit as long as the turn signal circuit is inactive, and otherwise inhibits such communications. In another embodiment of the invention, such a communications link is used to transmit a fault signal, relating to an abnormally operating trailer anti-lock brake system (ABS), to the tractor for activation of an in-cab ABS warning device.

Abstract: A communication link between a tractor and trailer is established utilizing existing dormant tractor and trailer circuitry. In one embodiment of the invention, a tractor communications device has a communications port connected to a turn signal circuit and a trailer communications device has a communications port connected to the same turn signal circuit. The two communications devices permit communications therebetween over the turn signal circuit as long as the turn signal circuit is inactive, and otherwise inhibits such communications. In another embodiment of the invention, each communications device includes a second communications port connected to the remaining tractor/trailer turn circuit. If electrical power is being supplied to the first turn signal circuit, the two communications devices automatically switch communications to the remaining dormant turn signal circuit.

Abstract: A system for providing an electrical power and electronic communication link between a tractor and trailer includes a tractor module associated with the tractor and a trailer module associated with the trailer. The tractor module controls a plurality of switching devices operable to switch a corresponding plurality of electrical lines extending between the tractor electrical system and the trailer to one of an electrical power line, a ground line and a communication line. The trailer module similarly controls a plurality of switching devices operable to switch a corresponding plurality of electrical lines extending between the trailer lighting system and the tractor electrical system to one of an electrical system of the trailer a communication line.

Abstract: A completely solid state rotary beacon which produces a rotary beacon lighting effect without the use of mechanical components or rotating parts. The device of the present invention includes a plurality of light sources which are equicircumferentially spaced around the outer perimeter of the rotary beacon. These light sources are intermittently illuminated by an electronic controller in such a fashion that the illusion of a rotating light beacon is produced without the need for rotating mechanical components. The lighting sequence, in conjunction with the unique parabolic reflector arrangement of the present invention, create the illusion of a light source being rotated in a 360.degree. path. This effect is achieved by the present invention without the use of rotating mechanical components.

Abstract: A lamp, such as for truck trailers and/or tractors, is provided with LEDs mounted to a circuit board placed in a housing. The housing is thereafter partially filled with a liquid resin material and a lip portion of a lens member is pressed into the resin into contact with the circuit board. The resin material is cured with thermally conductive particles suspended therein for conducting excess heat to the outer aluminum housing and the outer environment. A hermetic seal is formed by the resin material between the lens member and the LED bearing circuit board. The lens member has a series of parallel, elongated lens ribs providing constant optics while allowing additional LEDs to be positioned in a row behind a lens rib. The lens member is completely recessed within the housing for enhanced protection from mechanical damage thereto.

Abstract: A clearance and side marker lamp, or PC lamp, such as for truck/trailer combinations, is provided with LEDs mounted to a plurality of circuit boards. The circuit boards are mounted at predetermined angles relative to each other for directing light in at least three directions. A lens is provided in front of the LEDs and includes a series of prism optics for spreading the light emitted from the LEDs into an arc of up to 180 degrees.

Abstract: An electronic self-canceling turn signal device for use with a motor vehicle, and most advantageously a semi-tractor/trailer, having turn indicators or indicator lights providing numerous features. The electronic self-canceling turn signal device provides for the driver of the vehicle to make a wide or sweeping turn maneuver in an indicated direction by initially turning the vehicle in a direction opposite or counter to the indicated turn direction and then executing the indicated turn without canceling the indicated turn signal. The electronic self-canceling turn signal device further provides a time delay between the point in time a tractor completes an indicated turn and the time that the electronic self-canceling device cancels the indicated turn signal so that trailers pulled by the tractor will complete the indicated turn before the turn signal is canceled.

Abstract: A lamp, such as for truck trailers and/or tractors, is provided with LEDs mounted to a circuit board placed in a housing. The LEDs and circuit boards are fully embedded in a resin material cured with thermally conductive particles suspended therein for conducting excess heat to the outer aluminum housing and the outer environment. The lens cover has a series of parallel, elongated lens ribs providing constant optics while allowing additional LEDs to be positioned in a row behind a lens rib. The LED circuit board has large traces to enhance heat dissipation.