Abstract: A proportional brake light system having an LED display carried on a motor vehicle and capable of instantaneously warning motorists following from behind whether and how quickly the vehicle is likely to stop in response to an operator generated foot pressure being applied to the brake pedal shoe. The brake pedal shoe of the vehicle has a hollow interior, and an optical signal is transmitted along an optical transmission path extending therethrough. As the pressure applied by the operator to the brake pedal shoe is increased, more of the optical signal being transmitted along the optical transmission path is interrupted. A multi-stage comparator is responsive to an interruption of the optical signal so as to cause a corresponding number of LEDs from the display to be illuminated.

Abstract: A proportional brake light system having an LED display carried on a motor vehicle and capable of instantaneously warning motorists following from behind whether and how quickly the vehicle is likely to stop in response to an operator generated foot pressure being applied to the brake pedal shoe. The brake pedal shoe of the vehicle has a hollow interior, and an optical signal is transmitted along an optical transmission path extending therethrough. As the pressure applied by the operator to the brake pedal shoe is increased, more of the optical signal being transmitted along the optical transmission path is interrupted. A multi-stage comparator is responsive to an interruption of the optical signal so as to cause a corresponding number of LEDs from the display to be illuminated.

Abstract: A proportional brake light system having an LED display carried on a motor vehicle and capable of instaneously warning motorists following from behind whether and how quickly the vehicle is likely to stop in response to an operator generated foot pressure being applied to the brake pedal shoe. The brake pedal shoe of the vehicle has a hollow interior, and an optical signal is transmitted along an optical transmission path extending therethrough. As the pressure applied by the operator to the pedal shoe is increased, more of the optical signal being transmitted along the optical transmission path is interrupted. A multi-stage comparator is responsive to an interruption of the optical signal so as to cause a corresponding number of LEDs from the display to be illuminated. The LEDs are arranged in a pair of linear arrays that arc aligned in oppositely extending illumination paths, such that an identical number of LEDs from each array is simultaneously illuminated to create a highly visible bar graph display.

Abstract: A slip coupling. A tube having smooth outer walls is joined to a larger hollow outer casing using a slip coupling assembly. The casing has an interior cavity and a flanged end. An annular seal is placed adjacent the flanged end. A split flange is positioned adjacent the annular seal to compress the seal toward the flanged end. The split flange further includes a gasket seat for a gasket circumferentially extending around the smooth outer wall of the pipe, to form a fluid tight seal between the split ring and the outer wall of the pipe. One or more backing rings and a plurality of fasteners are utilized to secure (1) the flanged end of the outer casing, (2) the annular seal, (3) the split flange, and (4) the gasket, in a fluid tight relationship. The design is suitable for manufacture of parts in high density polyethylene.

Abstract: A proportional brake light system having an LED display carried on a motor vehicle and capable of instantaneously warning motorists following from behind whether and how quickly the vehicle is likely to stop in response to an operator generated foot pressure being applied to the brake pedal shoe. The brake pedal shoe of the vehicle has a hollow interior, and an optical signal is transmitted along an optical transmission path extending therethrough. As the pressure applied by the operator to the brake pedal shoe is increased, more of the optical signal being transmitted along the optical transmission path is interrupted. A multi-stage comparator is responsive to an interruption of the optical signal so as to cause a corresponding number of LEDs from the display to be illuminated.