Abstract: An ambiance lighting system for a vehicular passenger compartment has a variable color light output which is automatically responsive to temperature changes. First and second light sources of different colors (e.g., blue and red) are positioned immediately behind the air discharge vents and are selectively energized by a control circuit so that the first light source radiates light through the vent when the temperature falls below a predetermined value and the second light sources energizes the second color of light when the air temperature rises above a predetermined value. Sensors are used to detect the temperature of air, preferably in the ducting plenum. Various control strategies can be deployed to achieve aesthetically interesting light presentations which enhance ambiance within the passenger compartment.

Abstract: An electronic tilt switch for controlling an electrical circuit such as a vehicle hood lamp circuit according to the angle of inclination of the tilt switch. The tilt switch includes a housing, a sliding element, and a solid state electronic sensor, which can comprises a Hall effect sensor or a photo-optical interrupter. The sliding element moves within an axial bore of the housing according to the angle of inclination of the tilt switch. The solid state electronic sensor is mounted to one axial end of the housing and is capable of determining when the sliding element slides past a predetermined position within the bore. This allows the tilt switch to determine whether the vehicle hood has been opened or shut, and is used to turn the lamp on or off accordingly. The housing, sliding element, sensor, and associated electronics can all be environmentally sealed within a single package, which can additionally include one or more molded in connectors.

Abstract: An electronic tilt switch for controlling an electrical circuit such as a vehicle hood lamp circuit according to the angle of inclination of the tilt switch. The tilt switch includes a housing, a sliding element, and a solid state electronic sensor, which can comprises a Hall effect sensor or a photo-optical interrupter. The sliding element moves within an axial bore of the housing according to the angle of inclination of the tilt switch. The solid state electronic sensor is mounted to one axial end of the housing and is capable of determining when the sliding element slides past a predetermined position within the bore. This allows the tilt switch to determine whether the vehicle hood has been opened or shut, and is used to turn the lamp on or off accordingly. The housing, sliding element, sensor, and associated electronics can all be environmentally sealed within a single package, which can additionally include one or more molded in connectors.