Abstract: A touch panel for controlling a vehicle function includes a panel installed in a vehicle and a thin film switch disposed on the surface of the panel. The thin film switch is configured to control a vehicle function. The touch panel also may have a thin film range switch disposed on the surface of the panel. The range switch is configured to vary a setting of the vehicle function.

Abstract: A protection circuit prevents, from a short load, excessive current flow through a field effect transistor that delivers current to a daytime running light on a vehicle. The present invention uses commonly available devices, such as resistors and transistors, and a low number of such devices for low cost. Furthermore, the present invention includes a latching circuit for maintaining the switching transistor to be turned off once the current level through the switching transistor reaches an excessive level to prevent the daytime running light from flashing on and off. A voltage, which develops across a resistor that is coupled to the field effect transistor, is an indication of the current level through the field effect transistor. This voltage turns on a first transistor which couples the gate of the field effect transistor to a ground node when the current level through the field effect transistor is greater than a predetermined level.

Abstract: A twilight delay apparatus includes an automatic switching unit for switching a daytime running light control unit to an actuated state for a predetermined time, the daytime running light control unit being used to light the right and left head lamps by switching them to a series connection even in the daytime in response to a lit state maintaining output of a twilight delay unit instead of the operation of the start of an engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an early warning braking system whereby drivers are provided with the greatest opportunity to avoid a collision. This is accomplished by placing one or more photo sensor switches inside a vehicle to monitoring a driver's foot motion. The beam from the photo sensor switch is positioned in the path that the driver's foot would have to travel to apply the brakes. When the braking process occurs, the driver's foot breaks an optical beam (optical circuit), which is detected by a sensor. The sensor then triggers a relay switched that illuminates the brake lights, before engagement with the brake pedal, thereby illuminating the brake lights a moment in time before they would normally be illuminated. At 60 miles per hour this could give a driver an additional 22 to 88 extra feet of breaking distance.

Abstract: A lighting system for a towed off-highway vehicle has a left and right hazard warning lamps that flash in unison when the vehicle is not turning. When the vehicle is turning, the hazard warning lamp on the side of the turn flashes, while the other hazard warning lamp is illuminated steadily. Left and right turn indicator lamps are operated by a control circuit that receives signals which operate the hazard warning lamps. The control circuit responds to those signals by rendering the turn indicator lamps inactive when the vehicle is not turning, and operates the left and right turn indicator lamps in the same manner as the left and right hazard warning lamps, respectively, when the vehicle is turning.

Abstract: A control system is provided for controlling the energization of the headlamps on a first automotive vehicle, the headlamps being electrically energizable and each having a high beam state and a low beam state. The system includes means for collecting light emanating from a second vehicle and means for collecting ambient light. Sensing means is provided which is effective to selectively sense the intensity of the collected light emanating from the second vehicle and the collected ambient light. In addition, the system includes means controlling the state of the beams of the headlamps as a function of the sensed intensity of the beam of light emanating from said second vehicle, and means controlling the electrical energization of the headlamps as a function of the sensed ambient light.

Abstract: An illumination control system comprises a source of a lighting intensity control signal, the source having an intensity control signal output. The system also includes at least one first lighting element coupled for direct intensity control by the lighting intensity control signal. Further, the system comprises at least one second lighting element. Additionally, the system comprises a low-pass filter having a filter input and a filter output, the filter input coupled in electrical communication with the intensity control signal output. Also, the system includes a transistor responsively coupled to the filter output and intensity-controllingly coupled to the at least one second lighting element.

Abstract: A door opening warning system device actuatable when a door of a car is going to be opened, including a non-remote control type contact switch for providing a "POWER OFF" signal, a flash signal power feed controller, a contact switch for providing a "POWER OFF" signal, a flash device and warning lights. The non-remote control type contact switch may be installed at the ignition key or other suitable positions of the car. The flash signal power feed controller and the contact switch for providing the "POWER OFF" signal are connected via circuitry to the flash device and warning lights of the car. When the ignition key is turned to an "OFF" position or contact switches of other warning system devices are contacted before the driver opens the door to get off, power is connected to cause the warning lights to flash. When the doors are closed or locked, the contact switch for providing a "POWER OFF" signal will be actuated to cut off power supply.

Abstract: A circuit for activating automobile brake lights. The circuit includes a battery, rear lights, a horn, horn switch, a center brake light flasher, a brake pedal switch, and a dash indicator light. When the horn in activated, the brake lights come on. When the center brake light flasher is activated, the middle brake light comes on. When the brakes are activated, the dash indicator light comes on.

Abstract: An improved pulse generator for RF pulse generation in tuned loads, employing full cycle generators formed by pairs of parallely connected half-cycle SCR-triggered capacitor-charging and discharging generators each having its own separate d.c. power supply, and wherein reverse capacitor voltages are clamped by diode connecting the capacitor of each half-cycle generator to the power supply of the other half-cycle generator.

Abstract: In a method for regulating the headlight range of a vehicle as a function of the load, the vehicle speed is also taken into account to increase or decrease the headlight range at high or low speed. With the vehicle at rest, the headlight range can be further reduced by contrast with a vehicle operating at a lower speed. The same applies to driving on a highway with a rough surface.

Abstract: A daytime headlight system is provided including a pair of conventional headlights mounted on a front of a vehicle. Each headlight has a high beam light adapted to emit light with a first intensity upon the receipt of a predetermined voltage. A low beam light is adapted to emit light with a second intensity lower than the first intensity upon the receipt of the predetermined voltage. Also included is a vehicular electrical system having a low beam terminal adapted to supply the predetermined voltage upon the receipt of a low beam signal generated by a user controlled switch within a cab of the vehicle. Associated therewith is a high beam terminal adapted to supply the predetermined voltage upon the receipt of a high beam signal generated by the user controlled switch. An ignition switch provided to supply the predetermined voltage upon the insertion of a key within an associated key hole and rotation thereof.

Abstract: A system for use in monitoring the operation of motorcycle brake and tail lights is disclosed which, upon determination that a brake or tail light is not operating properly to provide a warning light signal, automatically provides an alternate warning light signal which is highly visible to traffic following the motorcycle. Current sensors are used to determine whether electricity is flowing through the brake light and tail light circuits, or, alternately, whether there is an open circuit condition in one or both circuits which is indicative of a burned-out bulb. If the tail light burns out, control switching elements are used to supply current to the left rear turn signal light, the right rear turn signal light, and the brake light to illuminate them, thereby providing a warning signal at the rear of the motorcycle.

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.

Abstract: A taillight fixture for a motor vehicle has at least one light window and a light arrangement with lights, including a brake light, a turn signal light, and a taillight, arranged behind the light window. Light beams emitted by the light arrangement pass through the light window to the exterior. At least one first light-sensitive sensor is positioned in the area of the light window. A control device is provided and the at least one first sensor is connected thereto. At least one of the lights of the light arrangement is connected to the control device, and the control device controls the luminocity of at least one light based on signals received from the first sensor.

Abstract: The high beam headlight includes a reflector (10) and a light source (12) containing two or more light emitting bodies (20,22). The reflector (10) and the light emitting bodies (20,22) are formed so that reflected light from one light emitting body (20) forms a concentrated or focused high beam issuing from the light source and reflected light from another light emitting body (22) forms a horizontally widened high beam due to horizontal scattering. A control device is provided so that the light emitting bodies (20,22) can either be operated simultaneously or one at a time according to vehicle operating conditions including the condition of the road in front of the vehicle. For example, the high beam formed by energizing only the one light emitting body (22) can be used to form the widened high beam at low vehicle speed, while the light beam formed by energizing only the other light emitting body (20) can be used to form the narrower high beam at high vehicle speed.

Abstract: A safety system for early lighting of stop lights in vehicles comprises the step of measuring the negative rate of change in the fuel supply to the engine, and converting same to an electronic analog or digital value; the step of comparing the value corresponding to the negative rate of change in the fuel supply to the engine to a preassigned threshold level; and the step of lighting the stop lights if the value is larger than the threshold value.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for a flasher system which is inserted in a current path connected to direction indicator lamps of a vehicle for cyclically opening and closing the current path so as to flash the direction indicator lamps. The integrated circuit 21 includes a resistor 213B connected between a pin 21B of the integrated circuit and an input 213E of a comparator 213A, which is provided in a lamp burnout detecting section 213 of the integrated circuit 21. A noise filter is formed of the resistor 213B and the capacitor 213C connected to the input 213E of the comparator 213A. A resistor 212B is connected between a pin 21E of the integrated circuit and an input 212E of a comparator 212A in an oscillator section 212 of the integrated circuit 21. A noise filter is formed of the resistor 212B and a parasitic capacitor 212C connected to the input 212E of the comparator 212A. An input end and an output end of the comparator 212A are connected together through a hysteresis setting element 212F.

Abstract: An automatic fog light cutoff, controlled by the headlights, is described for motor vehicles. The switching circuit for the automatic fog light cutoff is comprised of two current leads connected to each other through a normally-open relay. When the fog lights are switched on, the relay that is connected to the ground of the headlight current lead closes the fog light current lead and thus activates the fog lights. If the headlights are switched on, the current flow in the relay between the fog light current lead and the headlight current lead is interrupted, such that the currentless normally-open relay opens the fog light current lead and shuts off the fog lights.

Abstract: A circuit for generating an output voltage which is used during active time periods and not during inactive time periods. A DC/DC converter converts an input voltage to the output voltage. During the inactive time periods, a capacitor is charged with a quantity of charge which is then used to generate the output voltage during the active time periods. The quantity of charge is generated by a current from a current generator. The current is lead to the ground via the capacitor and a diode. As the capacitor is charged more and more, the current diminishes to zero. A control voltage switches the circuit during the active time periods so that the output voltage is obtained. The circuit can be used in a radio transmitter for portable radio equipment, in which the radio equipment is used in a radio system where transmissions occur in bursts.

Abstract: A non-linear dispersive transmission line includes a plurality of substantially block-like shaped capacitor elements (4) arranged in sequence in at least two arrays. The even numbered elements (4b, 4d etc) extend side by side to form a first array and the odd numbered elements (4a, 4c) etc extend side by side to form the second array. Each element (4) in one array is connected via inductors (3) to two immediately adjacent elements in the other array. Facing surfaces (5) of each two immediately adjacent elements (4a, 4c) in each array form cross link capacitors.

Abstract: A lighting circuit device of a discharge lamp for an automobile, has: a first circuit device for controlling lighting of the discharge lamp, the first circuit device including a microcomputer and an IC; and a second circuit device which is electrically connected to the first circuit device. At least one of the microcomputer and the IC controls the lighting of the discharge lamp according to a signal indicating a current and voltage intended for the discharge lamp, and the microcomputer generates information for driving the second circuit device on receiving internal or external information on the first circuit device.

Abstract: Electrical warning light circuitry for motor vehicles has a manually actuatable switch which in the ON position causes at least four blinking lights of the motor vehicle to be switched on simultaneously and to blink in intervals. This circuitry is made to operate with every shifting of a shift lever of the motor vehicle into reverse gear with the ignition switched on. For this purpose a switching device electrically coupled with the warning light circuitry is provided, which in the locked position of the gear shift lever into reverse gear is in operating position and via which the blinking lights are switched on simultaneously and at intervals, without switching on the manually actuatable switch.

Abstract: A communication link between a tractor and trailer is established utilizing existing by dormant tractor and trailer circuitry. In one embodiment of the invention, a tractor communications device has a communications port connected to a turn signal circuit and a trailer communications device has a communications port connected to the same turn signal circuit. The two communications devices permit communications therebetween over the turn signal circuit as long as the turn signal circuit is inactive, and otherwise inhibits such communications. In another embodiment of the invention, such a communications link is used to transmit a fault signal, relating to an abnormally operating trailer anti-lock brake system (ABS), to the tractor for activation of an in-cab ABS warning device.

Abstract: A high voltage pulse power generating circuit capable of eliminating secondary pulses due to stage mismatch in the stages of its magnetic pulse compressor circuit is disclosed. The pulse generating circuit source comprises a high voltage charge storing element which is periodically discharged into a nonlinear magnetic compressor circuit. A mismatch correction circuit coupled to each stage of the compressor circuit discharges the reflected energy due to stage mismatch and thus eliminates the reflected energy from being launched back into the load. In a preferred embodiment, the pulse power generating circuit of the present invention utilizes a diode and a resistor that is coupled to each stage of the magnetic pulse compressor circuit. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A double relay control circuit for connection between the ignition switch and starter switch of a vehicle and the vehicle power supply and exterior lights for providing automatic daytime running lights whenever the vehicle ignition switch is ON and the starter switch is OFF and subject to being overridden by the conventional light switches and ambient condition and vehicle condition sensors.

Abstract: A new Auto Light Sensor System for automatically controlling a vehicle's parking lights and headlights according to light conditions outside of the vehicle. The inventive device includes a first light sensor secured to the vehicle and electrically connected to the parking lights, and a second light sensor secured to the vehicle and electrically connected to the headlights.

Abstract: A daytime running lights adapter kit (10) which is designed to be installed in a vehicle to allow the vehicle to be equipped with daytime running lights. The kit (10) is enclosed within a single enclosure (12) that encloses an electronic unit (14). From the unit (14) extends a set of cable assemblies (40-46) that have attached a set of connectors (30-36). Each connector is keyed to fit into an existing vehicle receptacle (56, 58, 62, 64) that are each connected to the particular vehicle light that is to function as a daytime running light. The daytime running lights adapter kit (120) is enabled and turns on the particular lights only when the vehicle engine (50) is operating and the manual frontlight switch (54) is off. When the vehicle engine (50) is turned off or the frontlight switch (54) is placed in the on position, the kit (10) is disabled.

Abstract: An irradiation direction control apparatus for a vehicular lamp including: a vehicle state detection device for detecting a state of a vehicle; a drive device for directing irradiation light of a lamp toward a desired direction; and a compensation calculation device for performing a compensation calculation to keep the irradiation light of the lamp to a predetermined direction in accordance with a signal from the vehicle state detection device and sending a compensation signal to the drive device, whereby at the time of lighting the lamp or during lighting of the lamp, the compensation calculation device performs the compensation calculation to keep the irradiation light of the lamp to the predetermined direction in accordance with the signal from the vehicle state detection device and sends the compensation signal based on a calculation result to the drive device to drive the lamp or components thereof, whereas at the time of deactivating the lamp or during deactivation of the lamp and with a power source of

Abstract: A lighting circuit for a discharge lamp comprises abnormality detection means for detecting an input voltage and/or an input current to be input to a lighting circuit from a power supply and stopping power supply to a discharge lamp when detecting an abnormality in the value of the input voltage and/or the value of the input current. First and second reference values or reference ranges for comparison (the first reference value or reference range is smaller than the second reference value or reference range) are set for the input voltage and/or the input current. When the state where the value of the input voltage and/or the value of the input current is equal to or smaller than the first reference value or the first reference range continues for a predetermined time or longer, the abnormality detection means stops power supply to the discharge lamp.

Abstract: In the circuitry of this invention, a pre-drive controls the output voltage from the driver to the load. The drive includes a resistor and an output transistor. This circuitry lowers the heat dissipation of the transistor of the output driver. Variable voltage input may supply power to the pre-driver.

Abstract: A control circuit comprises a plurality of amplifier and filter stages for detecting ignition noise present on the battery line of a vehicle. It applies the filtered and amplified ignition noise signal to a hysteresis latch circuit for providing a control output signal for a solid-state switch coupled between the vehicle battery conductor and a load. Such a circuit provides accurate detection of only ignition noise to provide operating power from a battery line to a circuit to be powered thereby and is immune from extraneous noise frequencies and voltage levels.

Abstract: Novel gear shift knob flashes randomly utilizing a battery, motion responsive switch, a timing and illumination circuit.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a lighting control circuit is provided in which various logic gates, transistors and other smaller-scale circuit elements are combined. The circuit receives as inputs the control signals from the vehicle, including the left and right indicator signals, the brake signal and the tail light signal. Each of these signals is fed into a first bank of logic gates whose outputs are supplied to a second bank of logic gates, whose output is in turn supplied to two transistors, each connected to a separate single filament bulb, one for the left side of the vehicle and the other for the right side.

Abstract: A vehicle discharge lamp lighting circuit which prevents a current larger than the maximum allowable current IL.sub.max from flowing in the discharge lamp even if the battery voltage V.sub.BATT is higher than the lowest bulb voltage Vz of the discharge lamp. In the vehicle-discharge lamp lighting circuit, Z>(V.sub.BATT -Vz)/IL.sub.max is established, where Z is the DC impedance in the lighting circuit, except for the discharge lamp 7, as viewed from the DC power source 1, V.sub.BATT is the battery voltage which is set to 24V, Vz is the lowest lamp voltage of the discharge lamp 7 which is set to 20V, and IL.sub.max is the maximum allowable current which is set to 2.6 A. In this case, Z=(24V-20V)/2.6 A.apprxeq.1.54 .OMEGA. or higher, e.g., 1.6 .OMEGA.. Hence, in the case where V.sub.BATT =24V, Vz=20V, and IL.sub.max =2.6 A, the DC impedance Z in the lighting circuit, except for the discharge lamp, as viewed from the DC power source is set to 1.54 .OMEGA. or higher (Z=(24V-20V)/2.6 A.apprxeq.1.54 .OMEGA.).

Abstract: A device for generation of electric square pulses with a short rise time, comprises at least an energy-storing capacitor in the form of a coaxial cable with an insulated screen, wherein essentially the whole coaxial cable is wound up in an inner closed cylindrical container of metal, a direct-voltage source for charging this screen, and devices for short-circuiting the screen to zero potential during generation of pulses. These devices together with the inner cylindrical metal container are enclosed in an outer closed container of metal, and one end of the coaxial cable is intended for connection to a load and the other end of the coaxial cable terminates with a resistor which has the characteristic impedance of the cable. Between the inner cylindrical container and the outer container, a ferrite ring-core is placed around the devices for short-circuiting and both cable ends.

Abstract: A method for controlling the full-beam headlights of automotive vehicles, particularly cars, which headlights are provided with dischargeable light sources. The light source (2) is chosen so that when supplying the light source with its nominal power it will produce a luminous flux which greatly exceeds the luminous flux that is standard for full-beam lighting, supplying the light source (2) with a lower power causes the light source (2) to produce a luminous flux which is normal for full-beam lighting. A power level selection (7; 10, 4) is provided for enabling the light source (2) to be supplied selectively with the lower power or with its nominal power.

Abstract: A system for providing one-step dimming of indicator lights in an illuminating indicating device while allowing adjustable control of the general illumination of the device. The system includes a first current drain (176) coupled to an indicator light source (32-42) for drawing a first current through the indicator light source. A second current drain (186), controlled by control circuitry (198), couples to the indicator light source (32-42) for selectively drawing additional current through the indicator light source (32-42). In a preferred embodiment, the first current drain (176) couples to the second current drain (186) to regulate the additional current draw by the second current drain (186). Preferably, the control circuitry (198) is responsive to an illumination signal to prevent the additional current draw during a low ambient light condition. For general illumination of the indicator device (10), an illumination light source (56-60) responsive to the illumination signal may also be included.

Abstract: A flash charging circuit has first and second transistors (TR1, TR2) which are connected to opposite terminals of a primary coil of a transformer, a battery is connected to a center tap provided in a middle portion of the primary coil, and first and second drive pulse signals (S1, S2) are applied to the first and second transistors to drive them alternately with each other, to induce an alternating secondary current in a secondary coil of the transformer. Each of the first and second drive pulse signals have a shorter pulse duration (Pd) than a pulse separation (Ps). The phases of the first and second drive pulse signals are determined such that both the first and second drive pulse signals take a low level for a time (Ta) before and after each drive pulse of the first and second drive pulse signals, so that both the first and second transistors are OFF immediately before either of them is turned ON.

Abstract: Relay switching circuits for supplying power to a vehicle exterior lighting system to provide for daytime running lights and which are controlled by solid state logic circuits, depending upon the condition of either or both of the vehicle starter and ignition switches.

Abstract: An electronic flasher system in which a first hazard switch is mounted on a combination switch body of a steering column together with a semiconductor switch and a flasher circuit, and a second hazard switch is mounted in a location where a person sitting on a seat other than a driver's seat can operate it. In one embodiment, an electric current detection resistor having a bimetal structure serving also as a sound source is connected to the semiconductor switch for flashing the direction indication lamps. The electric current detection resistor is welded to terminals on a module composed of the semiconductor switch and the flasher circuit, which module is mounted on the combination switch body. A protrusion is formed on the module to produce a striking sound by colliding with the electric current detection resistor.

Abstract: A device is provided for the manual override of atmospheric light activated headlight switches. The device is placed over a switch located on the dash board of an automobile. The device has a shutter which is movable between a first position wherein light is blocked from impinging on a photosensitive panel of the switch, and a second one wherein said panel is uncovered for permitting impingement of atmospheric light onto the panel. The device and related method permit the manual override of the switch to allow a driver to easily maintain the headlights and taillights in an on status.

Abstract: A vehicle theft deterrent apparatus and method includes a flashing light emitting diode (LED) placed in a visible position within the passenger compartment of a vehicle to simulate an authenticate, armed security system. The flashing LED is powered by a DC power supply that is hidden behind a dashboard, under a carpet, in a glove compartment, or in some other remote, hidden location. An elongate, flexible conductor interconnects the LED and the power supply and is also hidden from view. The transverse cross section of the conductor enables it to be hidden at the base of a windshield or to extend through a small space between dashboard panels. The conductor is connected directly to the LED so that no housing for the LED is required and no holes need be drilled in the dashboard to accommodate a housing. A potential thief is deterred from a theft attempt because the only visible part of the apparatus is the flashing LED.

Abstract: The present invention is a device which installed in a vehicle that enables a vehicle trunk to be opened from the interior of the trunk and enables at least one of the tail lights to blink. The present invention can be retrofit to existing vehicles by connecting a prepared box and wiring harness to the vehicle power supply, trunk release solenoid, and taillights. The present invention has a ON/OFF switch which enables the circuit controlling the blinking of at least one tail light. A second switch activates the trunk release opening solenoid causing the trunk lock retract opening the trunk. The present invention is mounted in such a way as to be operable by an individual confined to the trunk and be concealed from the casual observer.

Abstract: A flashing motorcycle brake light enhancement system including a plurality of super bright light emitting diode (LED) modules which signal the driver of a following vehicle to slow down to avoid a rear-end collision. The application of the motorcycle's brake supplies input current to a plurality of (LED) modules via a flasher unit and connected wiring. The flashing circuit is controlled by a single, blinking light emitting diode, which is operated in combination with a resistor matched to a relay coil, to actuate a mechanical relay, which passes full battery voltage to the (LED) modules. In one embodiment the flashing (LED) modules are contained within weather-resistant housings which are attached in symmetrical arrangement and externally of the rear-mounted motorcycle brake light housing.

Abstract: The servosystem includes adjusting means (1) for changing the position of mechanical element (3), a first transducer (5) for forming an adjusting voltage which is a measure of a desired position of the element, a second transducer (15) for forming a response voltage which is a measure of the actual position of the element, and detection means (13) for forming an error signal (If) which is a measure of a difference between the response voltage and the adjusting voltage. The detection means (13) have a first and a second input (11, 21) which are connected to the first transducer and the second transducer, respectively, and an output (23) which is connected to an input (27) of control means (29) for generating, in dependence on the value of the error signal, a control signal (Vc1, Vc2), for controlling the adjusting means. A compensation resistor (31) is inserted in the connection lead (9) between, for example the first transducer (5) and the input (11) of the detection means (13) connected thereto.

Abstract: A simulated vehicle alarm including a housing formed of an electrically insulative material. A light-emitting diode is secured to the housing. A pair of electrically conductive leads are connected to the light-emitting diode and extend therefrom. A pair of electrical connectors are attached, respectively, to the free ends of the leads. Each of the connectors includes a strip of metallic foil having an adhesive layer applied to one of its sides. A strip of double-sided foam tape is secured to the housing for adhesively mounting the housing upon a supporting surface such as a vehicle windshield.

Abstract: A head lamp device for a vehicle by which a pedestrian on the opposing vehicle lane side can be easily perceived without giving glare on an opposing vehicle. The head lamp device comprises main light emitting mechanism capable of changing over a low beam and a high beam from each other; an auxiliary light emitting mechanism for lighting a front and upper portion on the opposing vehicle lane side; an opposing vehicle sensor for detecting existence of an opposing vehicle; and a control mechanism for controlling the auxiliary light emitting mechanism. The control mechanism decreases or turns off the light of the auxiliary light emitting mechanism in response to input of an opposing vehicle detection signal from the opposing vehicle sensor when the main light emitting mechanism emits the low beam and at the same time the auxiliary light emitting mechanism is turned on.

Abstract: A communication link between a tractor and trailer is established utilizing existing dormant tractor and trailer circuitry. In one embodiment of the invention, a tractor communications device has a communications port connected to a turn signal circuit and a trailer communications device has a communications port connected to the same turn signal circuit. The two communications devices permit communications therebetween over the turn signal circuit as long as the turn signal circuit is inactive, and otherwise inhibits such communications. In another embodiment of the invention, each communications device includes a second communications port connected to the remaining tractor/trailer turn circuit. If electrical power is being supplied to the first turn signal circuit, the two communications devices automatically switch communications to the remaining dormant turn signal circuit.

Abstract: A gear shift actuated deceleration indicator is provided including a gear shift module. A switch is included for indicating when the gear shift module switches from a first gear to a second lower gear. A brake light is mounted to a rear of the vehicle and is adapted for illuminating only upon the receipt of power. Finally, a control mechanism is connected between the switch and the brake light for transmitting power to the brake light upon the indication by the switch.