Abstract: An apparatus for covering a face of a traffic light with a warning sign as a result of a power failure to the traffic light. A first member is rotatably mounted to one side of the traffic light and a second member is rotatably mounted to the other side of the traffic light. A first electromagnet and a second electromagnet are provided for securing the first and second members in a first position away from the face of the traffic light. A first coil spring and a second coil spring are mounted respectively to the members and to the sides of the traffic light and cause the members to rotate to a second position covering the face of the traffic light upon release of the members by the electromagnets. An electric motor is also provided and is connected to a pair of linkage mechanisms to rewind the first and second members to their first position upon resumption of electrical power to the traffic light.

Abstract: A hologram structure for use in a holographic center high mounted stoplight system for a vehicle. The hologram structure includes first and second hologram layers laminarly secured to each other, each having a plurality of holographic lenses formed therein, each holographic lens being configured to diffract light into a predetermined solid angular region.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the transfer of information in motor vehicle traffic between a fixed-position transmitter-building element near a roadway and a receiver arranged in a vehicle, the transmitter-building element emits a coded information signal and the receiver of the vehicle driving past the transmitter-building element displays information from the information signal in the vehicle. In order to make shielding measures unnecessary, with an uncomplicated supply of energy to the transmitter-building element and small construction costs therefor, the transmitter-building element (1) is built into roadway pavement (12). The energy necessary for transmitting the information signal is received by the transmitter-building element (1) from the vehicle (13) which is driving above it.

Abstract: A self-contained portable interface system (10) coordinates vehicle light response on separate vehicles. A power interface (13) plugs into a cigarette lighter (14) on the first vehicle (16). A turn signal detector (18) releasably engages a turn signal lever arm (22) on the first vehicle (16) for the purpose of detecting actuation of turn signal lights on the first vehicle (16). A flasher switch (25) is disposed on the turn signal detector (18) for concurrently actuating turn signal lights on the second vehicle (12). A control unit (24) communicates via a ribbon cable (42) to the power interface (13) and the turn signal detector (18). The control unit (24) has a light sensing switch (28), which is actuated by atmospheric light, for switching park lights of the second vehicle (12) during the absence of light. An inertia sensor (56) detects deceleration of the first vehicle (16) and causes actuation of brake lights of the second vehicle (12) in response to the deceleration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for inputting messages and other infotion, such as advertisements, to a vehicle while the vehicle is coupled to a local station, such as a recharging station or a refueling station. The messages can be selected in accordance with information received from the vehicle, including information that selectively identifies one, some, or all of: (a) a characteristic of an occupant of the vehicle (e.g., name, account number, address, etc.); (b) a characteristic of the vehicle (e.g., make, model, year, class, registration number, marker number, odometer reading, owner, etc.); (c) a destination of the vehicle (entered through a data entry console and optionally stored within a vehicle memory); and (d) any other characteristic of interest.