Abstract: A novel vehicular light fixture (10) is disclosed. The light fixture (10) is compact, yet efficient, and employs semiconductor light sources (44) to produce output light in desired patterns. The fixture (10) can be used to produce fog lamps, driving lamps and other non-headlamp vehicle lighting functions. Depending upon the light output required, one or more semiconductor light sources (44) and a corresponding number of optical bodies (64) are employed in the fixture (10) to produce the desired light pattern.

Abstract: A novel vehicular light fixture (10) is disclosed. The light fixture (10) is compact, yet efficient, and employs semiconductor light sources (44) to produce output light in desired patterns. The fixture (10) can be used to produce fog lamps, driving lamps and other non-headlamp vehicle lighting functions. Depending upon the light output required, one or more semiconductor light sources (44) and a corresponding number of optical bodies (64) are employed in the fixture (10) to produce the desired light pattern.

Abstract: An automotive signal light is taught which employs multi-focal length light pipes to collect, collimate and direct, as needed, light emitted from one or more semiconductor light sources. Each multi-focal length light pipe includes at least one light transmission structure, each of which has a light receiving port to receive light emitted from a semiconductor light source spaced from the light receiving port by an air gap. The light transmission structure includes at least two superimposed parabolic reflecting surfaces, each having a common focal point at the light receiving port but having different focal lengths, and the superimposed parabolic reflectors operate to receive, collimate, spread and transmit the light from the semiconductor light source to a light emitting surface of the light pipe which is located adjacent to a lens of the signal light. The aesthetic arrangement of the light pipes is not particularly limited and a wide range of signal light functionalities can be provided.

Abstract: An automotive signal light is taught which employs multi-focal length light pipes to collect, collimate and direct, as needed, light emitted from one or more semiconductor light sources. Each multi-focal length light pipe includes at least one light transmission structure, each of which has a light receiving port to receive light emitted from a semiconductor light source spaced from the light receiving port by an air gap. The light transmission structure includes at least two superimposed parabolic reflecting surfaces, each having a common focal point at the light receiving port but having different focal lengths, and the superimposed parabolic reflectors operate to receive, collimate, spread and transmit the light from the semiconductor light source to a light emitting surface of the light pipe which is located adjacent to a lens of the signal light. The aesthetic arrangement of the light pipes is not particularly limited and a wide range of signal light functionalities can be provided.

Abstract: A headlamp is provided which employs semiconductor light sources, such as light emitting diodes, and which includes light sources which can selectively be illuminated to provide steerable light beam patterns, to illuminate areas adjacent the optical axis of the headlamp, and corner light elements which can be illuminated to illuminate the area adjacent the steerable light beam patterns further from the optical axis of the headlamp. The corner light elements can be illuminated after the steerable light beam patterns have been provided or can be illuminated independently of the steerable light patterns, for example responsive to the activation of a turn signal.

Abstract: A headlamp assembly which employs semiconductor light sources includes an optics chamber that is isolated from the surrounding environment to prevent the ingress of water, dirt, or other foreign materials into the optics chamber. At the same time, the headlamp assembly includes a plenum chamber, separated from the optics chamber, and airflow through the plenum chamber provides the necessary cooling for the semiconductor light sources.

Abstract: An automotive signal light is taught which employs multi-focal length light pipes to collect, collimate and direct, as needed, light emitted from one or more semiconductor light sources. Each multi-focal length light pipe includes at least one light transmission structure, each of which has a light receiving port to receive light miffed from a semiconductor light source spaced from the light receiving port by an air gap. The light transmission structure includes at least two superimposed parabolic reflecting surfaces, each having a common focal point at the light receiving port but having different focal lengths, and the superimposed parabolic reflectors operate to receive, collimate, spread and transmit the light from the semiconductor light source to a light emitting surface of the light pipe which is located adjacent to a lens of the signal light. The aesthetic arrangement of the light pipes is not particularly limited and a wide range of signal light functionalities can be provided.

Abstract: A light engine for use in systems such as automotive lighting systems employs two or more semiconductor light sources, such as LEDs. Light emitted from the light sources is captured by light pipes which are mounted such that the light capturing surface of the light pipes are properly positioned, with respect to the semiconductor light sources, substantially independent of changes in the dimensions of the light pipes which may result from thermal expansion or contraction of the light pipes. The light pipes transfer substantially all of the light captured from the semiconductor light sources to light emitting surfaces of the light pipes which can be appropriately located adjacent the output optics of the lighting system. The light engine can be easily assembled as the light pipes are retained in slots on a positioning member which is mounted at a known position with respect to the semiconductor light sources.

Abstract: A semiconductor light source element includes a substrate to which at least one semiconductor light source is mounted. An optical body is mounted to the substrate with its light receiving surface located adjacent the light emitting surface of the at least one semiconductor light source. The optical body has a shape and light output surface profile which are selected to produce a desired beam pattern with the light emitted by the at least one semiconductor light source. When two or more semiconductor light sources are employed in the semiconductor light source element, the light sources can be positioned at different locations about the light receiving surface to emit light from the front edge of the optical body in correspondingly diverse patterns.

Abstract: A turn signal indicator lamp is operated with LED light sources. The LED light sources produce white light which is filtered, before and/or after transfer of the light from the LED source to the lens, to obtain the desired amber light without unduly reducing the amount of light available to create the desired turn signal indicator light pattern.

Abstract: A bumper assembly providing an energy absorber, at least one connection support, at least one secondary component, and at least one insert. The energy absorber has at least one cavity that is defined by a plurality of walls. The connection support is integrated with the energy absorber, and is made of the same material as the energy absorber. The secondary component is integrated with the connection support. The at least one insert is in the cavity for altering the energy absorption characteristics of at least a portion of the energy absorber.

Abstract: A light engine for use in systems such as automotive lighting systems employs two or more semiconductor light sources, such as LEDs. Light emitted from the light sources is captured by light pipes which are mounted such that the light capturing surface of the light pipes are properly positioned, with respect to the semiconductor light sources, substantially independent of changes in the dimensions of the light pipes which may result from thermal expansion or contraction of the light pipes. The light pipes transfer substantially all of the light captured from the semiconductor light sources to light emitting surfaces of the light pipes which can be appropriately located adjacent the output optics of the lighting system. The light engine can be easily assembled as the light pipes are retained in slots on a positioning member which is mounted at a known position with respect to the semiconductor light sources.

Abstract: A headlamp assembly which employs semiconductor light sources includes an optics chamber that is isolated from the surrounding environment to prevent the ingress of water, dirt, or other foreign materials into the optics chamber. At the same time, the headlamp assembly includes a plenum chamber, separated from the optics chamber, and airflow through the plenum chamber provides the necessary cooling for the semiconductor light sources.

Abstract: A pair of laterally spaced support pads are attached to the understructure of the front end of a towage vehicle for engagement by a crossbeam adapted to fit between the vehicle understructure and the towing chain extending from a wrecker towing sling tow bar to the vehicle body behind the wheels. Each support pad includes an upper surface adapted for engagement against the vehicle understructure and the lower surface spaced vertically below the upper surface at a distance which positions crossbar to route the tow sling to eliminate or lessen the interference with the vehicle front end which would otherwise result from engagement of the crossbeam directly upon the understructure of the towed vehicle. A flange portion depends from the lower surface of the pad and is adapted for engagement by the crossbeam to assure a certain longitudinal positioning of the crossbeam.