Abstract: A microcomputer has a CPU, a charge and discharge control circuit connected to the CPU, an input/output port, and comparator. A capacitor is connected to the microcomputer through the input/output port. The comparator outputs a high level signal or a low level signal based on a voltage of the capacitor to the CPU. The charge and discharge control circuit is composed of a totem pole structure having a high side and a low side n-channel type MOSFETs whose common drain terminal serves as an output terminal of the circuit. The high side MOSFET charges the capacitor, and the low side MOSFET discharges the capacitor based on signals from the CPU through the input/output port. The high side MOSFET does not have a parasitic diode whose anode is connected to a power supply and cathode is connected to the common drain terminal.

Abstract: In a spark gap switch 12 of a pulse generating circuit 2 of a plasma generator T, an intermediate electrode 15, which is not connected to any electrical source, is disposed at a nearly middle position between a first spherical electrode 13 and a second spherical electrode 15 so as to hold respective spark gaps to the both spherical electrodes 13, 14. Further, in the spark gap switch 12, switching operation is performed between the both spherical electrodes 13, 14 by causing two-stage spark discharge in the first spark gap between the first spherical electrode 13 and the intermediate electrode 15, and in the second spark gap between the intermediate electrode 15 and the second spherical electrode 14. Thus, in the spark gap switch 12, pulse voltage of high voltage and high frequency is stably generated for a long time, and further the spark gap switch 12 may be made compact.

Abstract: A process for detecting the point of touching of a tactile surface. A high frequency signal is sequentially supplied to four corners of a plate having a capacitive surface. This is accomplished by supplying one diagonal with the others being idle. The output voltages are measured at the four corners for all the various possible positions of touching. Relations between voltages are established from these measurements obtained for each diagonal. During touching, the relations obtained are compared with those stored in order to locate the point of touching.

Abstract: Energy-supply systems that supply energy in the power range of a few Megawatts (MW) to Gigawatts (GW) within a pulse duration of a few milliseconds (ms) are referred to as pulse-current supplies. Such known energy supply system primarily comprises a charging device for charging an energy store, a plurality of plate-type capacitors as energy stores, a high-power switch for releasing the stored energy, and a pulse-shaping device. The structural shape required for storing the energy in particular makes known pulse-current supplies highly complex, voluminous and costly. In contrast, the present invention involves using wound capacitors (20) and high-power switches (4) instead of conventional plate-type capacitors and high-power radio paths, which reduces the structural space requirement. The pulse shaping is effected by a toroidal coil (5) and a free-wheeling diode (3). Light-switched thyristors mounted in the free space (5.1) of the toroid coil (5) can preferably be used as high-power switches (4).

Abstract: A high voltage pulse generator provides a short, fast rise, high voltage pulse from a very low impedance suitable for initiating high energy electrical discharges in liquids and high pressure gases. Its low impedance allows extremely high currents from external energy storage capacitors to be conducted through the invention once the invention has initiated an arc. Its fast rise time is suitable for initiating multiple arcs or even sheet surface discharges in high pressure gasses under suitable conditions.

Abstract: The method of obtaining the adjustable capacitor permits transforming all types of capacitors (including Electrolytic, Vacuum, Gas, high-voltage capacitors) into adjustable capacitors without mechanical parts inside capacitors and provides broad ranges of changing the capacity CA of an adjustable capacitor in electric circuits of direct and alternating currents.

Abstract: A pulsed-voltage generator circuit for producing a flash pulsed voltage for testing the capacitance of a unit under test has two stages (1, 2) which can be charged. Each stage (1, 2) comprises, connected in series, a surge capacitance (11, 21) and a switching spark gap (12, 22), a parallel resistor (13, 23) connected in parallel with the surge capacitance (11, 21) and the switching spark gap (12, 22), and, connected in series with them, a series resistor (14, 24). The two stages (1, 2) are connected to one another such that they can be charged connected in parallel and can be discharged connected in series. A load capacitance (4) is connected to the second stage (2), an additional circuit element (5) for reducing the overshoot of the pulse fronts of the flash pulsed voltage for the load capacitance (4) being arranged between the second stage (2) and the load capacitance (4). The additional circuit element (5) has a compensation capacitance (51) and, connected in parallel with it, a discharge resistor (52).

Abstract: A plurality of series circuits of saturable reactors and transferring capacitors are connected in parallel to a peaking capacitor, the plurality of saturable reactors are magnetically coupled, and saturable reactors for finely adjusting a transfer initiation time are connected in series to the plurality of saturable reactors. Otherwise, a plurality of series circuits of saturable reactors and transferring capacitors are connected in parallel to the peaking capacitor, the plurality of saturable reactors are magnetically coupled, and post-saturation inductances of the plurality of saturable reactors are made different.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for providing an optical signal at the rear of a vehicle to warn the following traffic of an ongoing electronic control intervention in the vehicle behavior. Such an electronic control function can be for instance ABS, TCS or automatic yaw control. A preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes the center brake light of a vehicle to emit an intermittent optical signal during electronic control. In case of ABS, the two side brake lights shine continuously to indicate a brake pedal actuation while the center brake light flashes in an on/off- mode according to the electronic antilock control.

Abstract: A lighting device comprises at least one door light (4) provided in a door (2) of a vehicle, the light source of which (6) is disposed behind a wall (7) of a door covering, in particular a trim (3), wherein the outer side of the wall (7) is formed, in this region (8), by a light-permeable decorative layer (10) which has a surface pattern when the light source (6) is switched off corresponding to the remaining surface decor of the wall (7). The light-permeable decorative layer (10) is introduced onto a transparent plastic (13) using the IMD method. It is thereby possible to impart an arbitrary surface design to the light-permeable decorative layer (10).

Abstract: The invention is a lamp burnout detecting unit with a branch connection function which provides the advantage of having simple wiring and that the wire harness thereof can be automatically laid. The lamp burnout detecting unit includes an upper casing on which terminal press-in type connectors and a burnout detecting circuit section 16 are mounted. A printed circuit board has a branch connection function. A lower casing 19 engages the upper casing to accommodate the printed circuit board therebetween. The connectors and the burnout detecting circuit section are connected to each other through a wiring pattern of the printed circuit board. One connector is connected to a wire harness, which is connected through switches to a battery. The other connectors are connected to a wire harness extended from the lamps.

Abstract: A water drop detection sensor for detecting water drops W adhering to or present upon a windshield by detecting changes in an amount of reflection light and also for detecting the ambient brightness outside of a car or other vehicle, comprising: a windshield 2; a light emitting means 5 for introducing detection light into the windshield 2; and a light receiving means 6 for detecting reflected detection light. The reflected detection light is reflected by total internal reflection within the windshield 2, and the light emitting means 5 and said light receiving means 6 are provided on the windshield 2.

Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle light harness which includes a headlight connector to connect to a headlight, a power connector to connect to a headlight plug, an auxiliary light connector to connect to an auxiliary light, a switch to control power to the headlight and/or the auxiliary light, a daylight signal receiver to receive a signal generated by a light sensor, and a switch mechanism to control power from the power source to said auxiliary light when receiving a signal from said daylight signal receiver. The switch mechanism is designed to direct power from the power source to the auxiliary light or diverts power from the power source away from the auxiliary light. The light harness includes a power modifier to reduce the power from the power source to the auxiliary light.

Abstract: A left/right turn, failure/overtaking vehicle signal light control system, which includes a holder frame, an actuating device pivoted to the holder frame and driven by a lever, two signal lights, first switch means controlled by the actuating device to flash one of the signal lights for left or right turn indication, second switch means controlled to flash the signal lights for failure/overtaking indication, and third switch means connected between the second switch means and the signal lights, wherein the actuating device is moved between a first position where the actuating device is maintained in contact with the third switch means, enabling the signal lights to be flashed for failure/overtaking indication when the second switch means is witched on, and a second position where the actuating device is disconnected from the third switch means, and the first switch means is driven by the actuating device to flash one of the signal lights for left or right turn indication.

Abstract: This invention relates to the production of a beam of light comprised of many microbeams, controlled by incoming radiation, employing a sensor to determine the location of light sources forward of the apparatus and using that information to control the intensity, and/or the angular position, of one or more narrow-angle microbeams, which are part of a large number of beams comprising the overall output beam.

Abstract: An external electrical connector for connecting one or more components of a snowplow blade unit. The electrical connector includes two housing components that are securable together. Each housing component includes an interface end and a coupling end. The coupling ends of the two housing components are designed to be connect together to form an electrical connection. Each of the interface ends includes at least one electrical connection interface that is designed to form an electrical connection with at least one external snowplow blade component. The number of electrical connection interfaces on the interface side of the two housing components is greater than the number of electrical connection interfaces on the coupling end of the two housing components. One of the housings components is secured to a component of said snowplow blade unit. Protection caps and housing holders are used to protect the parts of the housings when the housings are disconnected from one another.

Abstract: A headlight illumination field regulating apparatus includes an electromagnetic radiation emitter, a reflected radiation sensor, a comparing element, and a unit for adjusting the alignment position of the headlights. The electromagnetic radiation emitter operates to radiate two electromagnetic radiation beams on the road to the front of the automobile and the reflected radiation sensor senses reflected radiation and determines a relationship of a sensed characteristic of the first radiation beam and a sensed characteristic of the second radiation beam and creates a data point representative of the irradiated spot. The comparing element thereafter compares the determined relationship between the sensed reflected radiation characteristics with a predetermined desired position and subsequently generate a correction signal to control the regulation or adjustment of the headlights into a proper light projecting orientation which ensures a proper projection limit of the beam of the headlight.

Abstract: This device comprising a brightness sensor associated with analysis arrangement for controlling the operation of the member is characterized in that the analysis arrangement comprise arrangement (4) for periodically acquiring information about the instantaneous brightness at output from the sensor, arrangement (5) for calculating immediate brightness values by calculating the mean, over a first period of time, of the instantaneous brightness values, arrangement (6) for calculating immediate ambient brightness values by calculating the mean, over a second period of time, of the immediate brightness values, arrangement (7) for calculating natural ambient brightness values by calculating the mean of n first immediate ambient brightness values, over a third maximum period of time, and arrangement (8) for controlling the operation of the functional member on the basis of these natural ambient brightness values.

Abstract: A novel vehicle lighting control circuit for reducing the light intensity of a vehicle lighting element via pulse width modulation. A pulse width modulation adjuster is provided for producing a pulse width modulation control signal in order to operate the vehicle lighting element at a reduced light intensity. Such examples for use of the present invention include, but are not limited to, operation of: high beams at a low beam light intensity; daytime running lamps (DRLs); power balancing functions; and emergency lights.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system for allowing a user to easily align a hitch of a vehicle with a trailer hitch. The inventive device includes a control that is mountable to a visor of the vehicle in view of the driver, a receiver unit attachable to the bumper of the vehicle and in communication with the control unit, a transmitter unit removably attachable to a trailer hitch that transmits a locating signal that is detectable by the receiver unit, and a storage case. Electronic circuitry within the control unit determines the position of the transmitter unit from the receiver unit from the reception of the locating signal. The control unit includes a turn right indicator and a turn left indicator for visually indicating to the user whether to turn left or right while backing toward the conventional trailer. The control unit also includes a buzzer and stop indicator light for indicating to the user when the ball hitch is positioned below the coupler of the trailer hitch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an arrangement for indicating the braking intensity or the deceleration of a vehicle. A signal generating device generates a signal corresponding to a deceleration of the vehicle, or a brake pedal force of the driver. An indicating device, which has at least two brake lights, indicates braking information assigned to the respective signal and a controller controls the indicating device on the basis of the signal provided by the signal generating device. The indicating device outputs various signals which correspond to various respective levels of braking intensity. The braking signal information is provided in a detailed form which does not have to be learned separately but which can be perceived directly by the driver based on knowledge already stored in the driver's subconscious from normal driving operation and experience.

Abstract: A portable, radio controlled light bar magnetically affixable to a trailer or towed vehicle that receives signals from a transmitter magnetically affixable to the tow vehicle and electrically connected to its braking, turning and tail lighting systems. The light bar includes a pair of turn signals and a pair of tail/braking lights, each of which has a parabolic lens for magnifying the light emitted thereby requiring less light to provide sufficient brightness or lux. The transmitter includes a four prong receptacle that is readily connectable to a standard wiring harness on the tow vehicle. The radio frequency is adjustable so each unit has a unique radio frequency. The transmitter operates off of the voltage supplied by the tow vehicle while the light bar operates off of a rechargeable battery and the radio frequency signal received. A recharger is supplied on the light bar.

Abstract: An inventive rear lamp module for a vehicle incorporates a trailer tow connector to provide electrical signals to a trailer that is to be pulled by the vehicle. Preferably, two separate connectors are formed on a rear face of an electric lamp module. A first connector receives input signals from the vehicle and a second connector is an optional connector to be connected to a trailer connector when the trailer is connected to a vehicle. The present invention eliminates the need of a separate wire harness for the trailer connector, and thus reduces cost. In addition, by positioning the trailer tow connector within a plastic part mounted in a secure position in the vehicle, the trailer tow connector is easily maintained.

Abstract: The switching control system turns off the headlights of a vehicle when the vehicle'S brakes are applied and the vehicle is slowing down and possibly stopping at an intersection and turns the headlights on when the brakes are released. An auxiliary headlight switch turns the headlights on and off by processing signals from (1) the conductor which lights the brake lights and (2) an electrical signal from the speed indication system of the vehicle. The headlights are turned off when (1) the brakes are applied, sending power to the brake lights and (2) vehicle speed is below a designated level, as indicated by a unit which receives the speed signal and generates a signal when the speed is below the designated level. An indicator light is lit when the subject control switching is in effect. In an original equipment embodiment the control switching is powered by the fourth position on a 4 position headlight switch.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting device driven by an internal combustion engine is disclosed which is capable of lighting a discharge lamp without using a ballast constituted by a leakage transformer. The device includes a generator which is driven by the internal combustion engine and of which output characteristics exhibit drooping characteristics, so that an output voltage of the generator may be applied to a discharge lamp without using any ballast. Output characteristics of the generator are so set that an output voltage of the generator at a non-load state thereof may be higher than a break-down voltage of the discharge lamp, a short-circuit current of the generator may have a level sufficient to restrict a discharge current of the discharge lamp just after starting of discharge thereof to an allowable level or below, and a voltage across the discharge lamp and a discharge current thereof at a steady state thereof each are kept within a rated range.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light control system for controlling the operating lights of an emergency vehicle. The light control system (or LCS) will comprise a digital logic controller with a plurality of input pins which are adapted for connection with the operating light switches of the vehicle. The digital logic controller also has a plurality of output pins adapted for connection with the operating lights of the vehicle and a plurality of mode selection switches for selecting a plurality of different modes for controlling the operating lights. In a preferred embodiment, the digital logic controller is a microprocessor.

Abstract: An over-voltage protection apparatus includes a power feed line. A load has a given low impedance. A current supplying device operates for supplying a current to the load via the power feed line. A load drive device operates for controlling the supply of the current to the load by the current supplying device. An over-voltage detecting device operates for detecting an over-voltage at the power feed line. A discharge command device operates for, when the over-voltage at the power feed line is detected by the over-voltage detecting device, controlling the load drive device to enable a discharge current to flow from the power feed line into the load and thereby to remove the over-voltage from the power feed line through discharge. A current detecting device operates for detecting the discharge current.

Abstract: A device for current or voltage supply in a vehicle trailer or vehicle support which is connected with a pulling vehicle through at least one braking light conductor and an indicating conductor and has at least one electrical consumer, the device has an indicator formed so that a current flows through the indicator permanently and its intensity is selected so that in an error-free operation the indicator does not respond, while a voltage supply to an electrical consumer of the vehicle trailer is performed by the current.

Abstract: A high voltage electric-discharge lamp is used as a light source of a headlight device for use in an automobile vehicle. Light from the discharge lamp is reflected on the curved surface of a reflector disposed at a back side of the discharge lamp, and projected forward. To reduce high frequency electromagnetic noises emitted forward from the device, which interfere with radios and televisions mounted on a vehicle driven ahead, a shade to intercept light emitted directly forward from the discharge lamp is disposed in front of the discharge lamp, and the shade is grounded. To further enhance noise reduction effects, a second grounding passage is provided. The second grounding passage is formed by grounding terminals attached to the shade and a wire connecting the terminals to the ground. Other components constituting the headlight device may be also grounded to secure a higher shielding effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an alternating magnetic field by arraying a plurality of charged storage elements e.g. capacitors and a plurality of connecting elements e.g. transistors spatially around a physical area of magnetic field generation and in such a series circuit that electric current flows in one direction through the storage elements and in alternating directions around the physical area; and with pairs of the connecting elements interconnected with over-voltage protection elements.

Abstract: A strobe light warning system for school busses for visually notifying a passerby of an emergency when an emergency door of a school bus is opened. The strobe light warning system for school busses includes a first pair of strobe lights adapted for mounting on opposite sides of an emergency door of a school bus. Each of the strobe lights is in communication with a power source of the school bus. A first switch contacts the emergency door. The first switch is electrically connected to the strobe lights such that the first switch closes a circuit when the emergency door is opened thereby permitting power to flow to the strobe lights.

Abstract: A protection circuit protects from overheating a switching transistor that delivers current from a power source to a daytime running light on a vehicle. The protection circuit of the present invention open-circuits the switching transistor from the power source when the temperature at the switching transistor is sensed to be above a predetermined temperature. In this manner, excessive current is prevented from flowing through the switching transistor. In contrast, prior art protection circuits control only the gate of a MOSFET or base of a BJT switching transistor. In that case, if damage to the transistor results in an effective resistance, constant flow of current through such an effective resistance results in excessive overheating or even a fire. The protection circuit of the present invention open-circuits the conductive path from the power source through the effective resistance such that current does not flow through the effective resistance.

Abstract: A vehicle driver module 10 with circuit 12 for receiving a first signal from a vehicle's controller and providing a second signal responsive thereto. The circuit 12 being placed on a substrate 14 constructed as a heat sink and preferably formed into a U-shaped configuration. A plurality of terminals 16 are attached to the substrate 14 with collars 18 made of an insulative material and having posts 20 constructed to fit within openings 50 of the substrate 14 be fastened thereto and retain the terminals 16 therein. Each of the terminals 16 include a prong 24 projecting out one side of the collar 18 and a clasp 26 out the opposite side of the collar 18. Each clasp 26 is constructed to provide a snap electrical contact at a predetermined location on the circuit on the substrate. The prongs 24 are selectively spaced so as to be received in and mesh with the standard vehicle relay junction block.

Abstract: A power unit for creating discharge shock waves, which is excellent in performance, reliability, and durability is provided with: a plurality of capacitors (C1-C6), connected in series; first coils (L1, L2, L3) and switches (S1, S2, S3), which are connected to every other one of the capacitors (C1, C3, C5); first resistors (R11, R12, R13), which are connected in series with the first terminal of a power source (1); second resistors (R21, R22, R23), which are connected in series with the second terminal of the power source (1); and a discharge electrode (2), which is provided on the output side of the last capacitor (C6); wherein each switch (S1, S2, S3) has a first main electrode (a), a second main electrode (b), and a triggering electrode (c).

Abstract: A trailer is provided having an electrical power connector for coupling a multi-conductor jumper cable plug between trailers connected in tandem, the connector comprising a multi-prong electrical power receptacle mounted to a trailer. One prong of the receptacle is electrically connected with the electrical power to the rear stop lights of the trailer. The connector further contains a switch for interrupting electrical power to the rear stop lights of the trailer when the jumper cable plug is connected to the receptacle while allowing electrical power to pass from the prong into the plug to supply electrical power to rear stop lights of a following trailer.

Abstract: A flicker synchronizing signal generating section (23) generates a flicker synchronizing signal having a drive start-on time for front and rear hazard lamps (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) set shorter than a drive start-off time in each period in accordance with a hazard signal and using the drive start-on time as a trigger period, a respective hazard output signal generating section (34, 44) generates a hazard output signal for having a drive of the hazard lamps start within the trigger period in accordance with the flicker synchronizing signal, with a drive-on time and a drive-off time set equal in each period thereof and with an interval from a start of the drive within each current trigger period to a start of the drive within the next trigger period set equal to the period of the flicker synchronizing signal, and a respective lamp driving section (33, 43) drives to flicker an associated hazard lamp in accordance with the hazard output signal.

Abstract: If an ignition switch of a vehicle is ON and the vehicle speed is not zero (i.e., the vehicle is travelling), the lighting of a work lamp is prohibited even if the work lamp operating switch has been set to ON. This ensures that a work lamp does not remain lit by mistake while the vehicle is travelling, and that battery consumption by unnecessary lighting of a work lamp is minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition apparatus for a discharge lamp, in picular high-pressure discharge lamp for motor vehicle headlights. The ignition apparatus, which is preferably designed as a pulse ignition device, is accommodated in the lamp base. According to the invention, it has; a plate (1), which is composed of an electrically conductive material, is matched to the geometry of the base and on which at least the ignition capacitor (C1) and the spark gap (F1) are fastened, at least one first electrical connection of the ignition capacitor (C1) and at least one first electrical connection of the spark gap (F1) being electrically conductively connected to the plate (1).

Abstract: Continuously variable headlamps offer greater flexibility for roadway illumination but offer challenges in automatic control design. Each continuously variable headlamp has an effective illumination range varied by changing at least one parameter from a set including horizontal direction aimed, vertical direction aimed, and intensity emitted. A system for automatically controlling continuously variable headlamps on a controlled vehicle includes an imaging system capable of determining lateral and elevational locations of headlamps from oncoming vehicles and tail lamps from leading vehicles. The system also includes a control unit that can acquire an image from in front of the controlled vehicle. The image covers a glare area including points at which drivers of oncoming and leading vehicles would perceive the headlamps to cause excessive glare. The image is processed to determine if at least one oncoming or leading is within the glare area.

Abstract: A towing and brake circuit includes a power source and a switch electrically connected between the power source and a park brake solenoid. A flasher module is electrically connected to the park brake solenoid. A unidirectional current controller may preferably be electrically connected between the park brake solenoid and the flasher module to electrically connect the park brake solenoid to the flasher module. An engine oil pressure switch is electrically connected between a power source and the park brake solenoid to flow current from the power source to the park brake solenoid when engine oil pressure is generated.

Abstract: A brake and turn signal circuit permits a brake lamp to be used as a turn signal when both the brakes and turn signal are applied. Certain of the lamps may be caused to blink in a predetermined period and sequence particularly when both the brake and turn signals are actuated.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for turn signal, hazard signal, and brake signal lights of an automotive vehicle has first and second relays each having an energizable coil and contacts which are in a first configuration when the coil is not energized and a second configuration when the coil is energized. A brake signal switch is operable to supply relative high steady electrical current to the first and second relay contacts, the contacts of the first relay when in the first configuration conducting the relative high steady electrical current to left rear light and the contacts of the second relay when in the first configuration conducting the relative high steady electrical current to a right rear light.

Abstract: A light activated back-up alarm is provided for use with a vehicle having at least one white back-up light. It includes an optical sensor for attachment to the outside lens of the vehicle back-up light and an alarm circuit and battery encased within an alarm housing. The optical sensor is adhesively attached to the light and the alarm housing adhesively attached to some other portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A verification and monitoring system for signal and status indicators and voice and metering features which is particularly suited for a taxi cab is disclosed. The operational status of the indicators are initially verified each time the ignition system of an associated taxi cab is energized. The verification circuit detects the failure of individual indicators even though a plurality of indicators may serve as a single visual display. The voice and metering features are continuously verified.

Abstract: An electronic blinker circuit for a vehicle has an analog relay control section (24) and a digital circuit control section (25) arranged in a housing having only eight terminals. A holding circuit in the digital circuit section prevents an unintended oscillation when relay contacts are opened while a manual warn-blinker switch is still closed. When the engine ignition is switched off the blinker circuit requires a low quiescent current flow that is typically only 10 .mu.A.

Abstract: An automobile electrical circuit including a battery, turn signal switch, flashers, parking light switch, brake switch, relays, and front and rear lights. In the daytime or at night, the high filaments flash when the turn signal on that side is activated. At night, the low filaments flash synchronously with the high filaments when the turn signal on that side is activated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an automated back-up alarm on a mobile machine including a back-up detector to detect enablement of rearward motion by the mobile machine, a visual indicator, an audible indicator, and a controller. The apparatus detects enablement of rearward motion by the mobile machine and a parameter representative of ambient light, and responsively activates one of the visual indicator and the audible indicator as a function of the mobile machine being enabled to move in a rearward direction and the parameter representative of ambient light.

Abstract: An energy-efficient energizer for an electric fence for controlling livestock or the like, includes an output voltage sensor. By switching to extra storage capacitance and/or altering the charge voltage the energizer varies the duration of the output pulse and perhaps also the pulse voltage according to the sensed output, thus maintaining an effective livestock barrier and consuming high power only when required. Output pulses are about 8 kV (no load) down to 4 kV (wide range of loads). The control algorithm determines the capacitor charging time and initiates a charge sooner if a higher power pulse is to be delivered, so maintaining a constant pulse rate. The energizer includes a 12V DC power option and has a circuit for synthesizing a substantially unipolar pulse having low harmonic content.

Abstract: A passive warning system for communicating vehicular deceleration and other information through a warning light. A microprocessor-based warning system according to the invention accounts for variations in vehicular speed and ambient driving conditions in generating a warning signal having an intensity or blinking rate related to a rate of deceleration. The microprocessor is also programmed to measure deceleration more frequently as the speed of the vehicle increases, allowing information to be communicated in a timely manner. In one embodiment of the invention, the microprocessor is programmed to maintain the highest intensity warning signal activated for a predetermined period of time in order to inform other vehicles of an earlier speed reduction. Further, a warning system according to the invention can be configured to communicate a high intensity warning signal if the wheels of the vehicle become suddenly blocked or rotate at a rate that is disproportionate to the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A light assembly for a motor vehicle has at least one light source connected to a circuit, wherein the at least one light source has a light output that is adjustable according to external light conditions in order to prevent blinding of the driver in a following vehicle and in order to ensure proper light intensity during daytime operation.