Abstract: An automatic illumination circuit (36) coupled to an ignition switch (14) of an automotive vehicle and to at least one light switch (24) therein. The circuit (36) continuously energizes at least one light (22) when a source of electrical energy (10) such as an alternator supplies electrical energy to the circuit (36) and the ignition switch (14) is in a first operating state for rendering the engine of the vehicle operable. At least one light (22) is automatically illuminated whenever the engine is running, regardless of the time of day or night, regardless of whether the vehicle is in motion, and regardless of whether the operator remembers to activate the light switch (24).

Abstract: A lamp output protective circuit for an electronic controller having a first npn transistor connected to an output terminal through which a lamp is supplied with electric power, a resistor connected between the emitter of said first npn transistor and the ground, and a second npn transistor having its collector connected to the base of the first npn transistor, its emitter to the ground and its base to a point between the emitter of the first npn transistor and the resistor. The base of the first npn transistor and the collector of the second npn transistor are connected to a signal line of the electronic controller connected to a power source.

Abstract: An electrical blinking light indicator device pluggable into an automotive cigarette lighter receptacle to generate a pulsing alarm signal for deterring unauthorized persons from entering or using the automobile. The indicator device includes a rechargeable battery for supplying electrical energy to a light-emitting diode in the absence of automotive electrical power at the cigarette lighter receptable. Circuitry within the device recharges the battery from the automotive power supply during normal vehicle operation.

Abstract: A light projecting angle adjusting apparatus for a vehicle headlamp, where the division voltage points of a resistor device, across which a supply voltage is applied, are selected one at a time, to provide different division voltages as set voltages. A division voltage provided by a reference resistor device across which the supply voltage is applied is defined as a reference voltage which is compared with the selected set voltage. An output signal is generated according to the result of comparison and the light projecting angle of the headlamp is adjusted to a value which is determined from the output signal.

Abstract: A laminated glass of the present invention includes as a photosensitive element a photodiode of such thickness that it can be buried in the plastic interlayer of the laminated glass between two outside glass sheets of the glass. The photodiode is coated in a plastic compatible with that from which the interlayer is made and mounted along one of the side edges of the glass, so that conductors from the diode and their terminals project out from the glass and can be connected to any suitable electric circuit. The electric circuit for use with the diode can be a lighting circuit of a motor vehicle so that the photodiode automatically controls turning on of the lights of the vehicle when ambient light falls below a certain threshold and turning off the same lights when ambient light exceeds a second threshold.

Abstract: An automatic light-extinguishing circuit (60) is disclosed for extinguishing, for example, the headlights (30) of an automobile some interval of time after the ignition switch (54) is opened. The circuit includes a temperature-actuated switch (72), switching relay (78), and diode (86). The heating element (74) of the temperature-actuated switch and a solenoid (80) of the switching relay are energized upon closure of the ignition switch, closing two normally open switch element (82 and 84). In this condition, current passes through the switch elements of the switching relay to the headlights and taillights. When the heating element causes the temperature of a switch element (76) to rise sufficiently, the switch element closes, forming an alternative path of current to the solenoid. When the ignition switch is opened, this path is maintained, ensuring continued flow of current to the headlights and taillights until the switch element cools sufficiently to open.

Abstract: A control system for turning on the headlights (and parking lights) of an automobile when the windshield wipers are turned on, has a gating circuit that operates relay circuits to the headlights, the gating circuit electronically latching "in" the headlight relay circuit so that the headlights remain on when the windshield wiper is turned off in order to avoid inadvertent turning off of the hedlights at night time and the gate circuit electronically turning off the headlight (and parking light) relay circuits whenever the headlight switch is turned on or whenever the ignition is turned off, thus assuring that the headlights will remain on until the headlights and ignition switches are turned off. The relay circuits controlled by the gating circuit may operate a mechanically or electrically latched relay device to hold the headlights (and parking lights) on until the relay circuit controlled by the gating circuit operates the mechanically or electrically latched relay device to turn the headlights off.

Abstract: A mobile speaker system including a speaker unit mounted in a speaker box, a plurality of light sources provided inside the speaker box for irradiating the illumination panel, and a switching circuit for controlling the light sources. The light sources emit light of a plurality of colors and are controlled by the switching circuit so as to be selectively turned on to irradiate the illumination panel.

Abstract: The control circuit of a towing vehicle is coupled to the signal lights of a towed vehicle to allow the signal lights of the towed vehicle to be controlled by the towing vehicle. The coupling itself is conveniently located and readily made or broken. A signal blocking circuit prevents signals from the towing vehicle from affecting control circuitry in the towed vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic reostat circuit having a pulse width modulated output for controlling energization of a device such as a vehicle dashboard illumination lamp. A comparator circuit compares a reference signal adjusted by a user with an alternating signal, preferably a saw tooth waveform, and generates a pulse width modulated output whose duty cycle varies directly with the size of the reference signal. The reference signal is generated by a tapped resistor array wherein contacts on the array are coupled to ground by a rotary switch contact which can be adjusted by the user. By raising and lowering the reference signal, the duty cycle can be changed from a minimum to maximum and thereby produce a minimum and maximum lamp illumination signal.

Abstract: A transparent eyelevel stoplight for vehicles is disclosed, which operates on an upconversion principle wherein red light in an otherwise transparent crystal is excited by invisible infrared radiation. The crystal may take the form of a transparent plate or an optical fiber applied to the vehicle rear window. The host crystal material is doped with a suitable rare-earth ion, which when illuminated by infrared energy produces visible light. An infrared laser may be used to illuminate the doped crystal, and is activated by the vehicle brakes. The crystal material is transparent to ordinary visible light and therefore will not obscure the driver's vision.

Abstract: A multiplexed transmission scheme that reduces the complexity of the normal electrical wiring harness of a vehicle is disclosed. The system directly routes electrical excitation to motorize devices and multiplexes the control of the motorized devices along with the control of lighting devices by means of an optical transmission scheme having a high intensity light source as its source of light energy. Various devices are disclosed that interface with a control buss, light busses, and power buss all related to the multiplexed system. Further disclosed are related optical devices that allow the operator of a vehicle to provide commands to the multiplexed transmission scheme so as to provide control of all of the operator selected electrical devices of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lighting peg having a solar cell and a battery installed in a casing including a number of sensors each including a photoelectric conversion element mounted on a side surface of the casing, a differential circuit provided on the subsequent stage of the conversion element, and a comparator which delivers a high level output when the output of the differential circuit exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A headlamp system provides for the high beam headlamp filaments to be connected in series across the supply voltage for half voltage energization in daytime running lamp operation when the ignition switch is closed, a DRL enabling switch is open and the headlamp switch is not in a headlamp on condition. In normal high beam headlamp operation, the high beam filaments are connected across the supply voltage in parallel for full voltage energization. The DRL enabling switch may be a park brake switch. The headlamp switch may have a fog lamp energizing condition to energize fog lamps; and the system permits such energization when the headlamps are connected in series but not when they are connected in parallel in normal high beam operation. A circuit is provided to sense when one of the high beam filaments is burned out and latch the daytime running light operation off with a signal to the vehicle operator.

Abstract: A vehicle warning system is provided having a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on a rearward facing portion of a housing, that may be attached to the side of the vehicle. A switching transistor selectively supplies current to the LED's, through a flashing circuit. The base of the transistor is driven by electrical connection to the junction of first and second phototransistors, which are mounted on the housing and directed skywardly and rearwardly, respectively. During the day the skywardly pointing phototransistor grounds the base of the transistor so that the LED's remain off. At night, the LED's are turned on responsive to the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, which will activate the rearwardly facing phototransistor.

Abstract: A flasher device flashes a selected one of a plurality of groups of indicator lamps selected by a flasher starting switch. An intermittent voltage is supplied to the selected group of indicator lamps to cause the lamps to flash. A capacitor is operatively connected to the selected group of indicator lamps and the rate of change of the voltage across the capacitor is indicative of the resistance of the selected group of indicator lamps. The frequency of the intermittent voltage supplied to the indicator lamps to flash the lamps is varied in response to the rate of change of the voltage across the capacitor. As the rate of change of voltage across the capacitor varies in relationship to the resistance of the selected group of indicator lamps, the change in the frequency of the intermittent voltage supplied the indicator lamps and thus the flash rate of the indicator lamps is representative of the resistance of the group of lamps.

Abstract: In a vehicle cornering lamp system, a control signal having a pulse width corresponding to a steering angle is periodically produced, and the amount of position shift between the actual direction of illumination of the headlamps and the target direction of illumination determined from the steering angle is detected according to the control signal thus produced. An electric motor is driven to change the direction of illumination of the headlamps so that the amount of position shift becomes zero, that is, the direction of illumination of the headlamps is linearly changed with the electric motor while following the steering angle.

Abstract: A high voltage pulse power converter comprises a modified type E pulse charging network (74) in series with a nonlinear magnetic switch (76). The network comprises a ladder of charging elements (78) each of which comprises a shunt section of a pulse charging module (80) in parallel with a pulse receiving capacitor (82), and a series section comprising an inductance (84). The pulse charging module (80) steps up power from a low voltage power supply (102) through a transformer (110) to charge the pulse receiving capacitors (82); the pulse receiving capacitors (82) discharge simultaneously when sufficient volt seconds have been applied to the nonlinear magnetic switch (76).

Abstract: In a lighting peg with a variable pulsation rate including a square outer casing provided with a solar cell and a battery and adapted to be installed at an intersection of two roads, light emitting diodes and a photoelectric conversion element are provided on each side surface of the square outer casing. An ambient light sensor for detecting ambient light and a pulse signal generating circuit for generating pulse signals are further provided together with vehicle sensors, each including the photoelectric conversion element, a differential circuit and a comparator.

Abstract: The apparatus for driving and monitoring a lamp includes a main drive circuit, a backup drive circuit, a monitoring circuit, all connected to a controller. If the controller determines that the main drive circuit cannot energize the lamp, the backup circuit is enabled to energize the lamp. For purposes of energizing the lamp, the lamp is connectable to one of two electrical ground references. If one of the ground references becomes open circuited from the remainder of the circuitry, then the lamp is energized through the other ground reference.

Abstract: A multi-function turn signal switch comprises a cylindrical switch body on which an operating lever is mounted for pivotal motion about a pivot located on the longitudinal axis of the body. Located internally of the body on a transverse end wall through which the lever passes, is a circular array of four sealed membrane switches, arranged at 90 degree intervals about the longitudinal axis. The lever is mounted in ball and socket type joint enabling the interior end of the lever to describe a frustoconical zone of swivelling. Internal mechanism, including an electromagnetic cancellation mechanism, within the body bears against the interior end of the lever to define various operating positions for the lever around the zone of swivelling, each correlated with actuation of a particular one of the membrane switches by means of a transverse circular disc that is on the lever between the lever mounting and the interior end of the lever.

Abstract: An automatic lighting system comprises a bypass circuit bypassing a manual lighting switch. During operation in an automatic lighting mode, headlamps and a clearance lamp of the automobile automatically turn on when the engine operation becomes stable upon completion of start-up operation. The stability in operation of the bypass circuit in the automatic lighting mode is increased by the provision of a delay circuit via which a voltage appearing at an alternator driven by the engine is applied to a base of a transistor that is used to close and open the bypass circuit. Closing a cranking motor switch to activate a cranking motor causes the bypass circuit to be inoperable so that the headlamps and clearance lamp will not turn on during engine cranking.

Abstract: Apparatus for conditioning high voltage pulses from particle accelerators in order to shorten the rise times of the pulses. Flashover switches in the cathode stalk of the transmission line hold off conduction for a determinable period of time, reflecting the early portion of the pulses. Diodes upstream of the switches divert energy into the magnetic and electrostatic storage of the capacitance and inductance inherent to the transmission line until the switches close.

Abstract: A lighting device for illuminating operation switches installed on a steering wheel inlcudes a light-emitting diode and an instrument light. The light-emitting diode is turned on by means of a constant-voltage generator which is connected to a power source via a light switch to apply voltage that is less than a predetermined value to said light-emitting diode via a slip ring in response to turning ON of the light switch. The instrument light is connected to the power source via the light switch and is turned on in response to turning ON of the light switch.

Abstract: A resonant power circuit which supplies pulsed power to a load, such as a pulsed laser, from a d.c. supply by cyclically charging a capacitor. The capacitor is discharged through the load on closure of a switch which should then open to allow the capacitor to re-charge. Occasionally the switch fails to open and the circuit of the invention then develops and applies a reverse voltage to the switch to force it to become an open circuit.

Abstract: A stop and turn signal system is provided for an auxiliary lamp mounted behind a rear window of a motor vehicle. The system consists of a logic circuit for converting the auxiliary lamp from a stop light to a stop and turn signal indicating light that will prevent some accidents.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for two automotive headlamps includes a power source supplying electrical power to the headlamps via two fuses, an electrical switch for establishing communication between the headlamps and the power source, a control unit for selectively establishing communication between the headlamps and the power source in series through a single fuse and between the headlamps in parallel and the power source through respective separate fuses, and for blocking communcation between the headlamps and the power source when connected in series and either of the fuses is open.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic launcher such as a railgun for propelling a projectile at high velocity, an overpulse energy recovery circuit is employed to transfer stored inductive energy from a source inductor to the railgun inductance to propel the projectile down the railgun. Switching circuitry and an energy transfer capacitor are used to switch the energy back to the source inductor in readiness for a repetitive projectile propelling cycle.

Abstract: This device is an electronic module activated by a vehicle's existing brake light switch which, when electrically connected to a motor vehicle's brake light circuit, will flash the brake lights several times before continuous illumination. In the preferred embodiment described, the brake lights flash each time the vehicle's brakes are applied.

Abstract: In a control device for a main-light circuit of a motor vehicle, relays are controlled by an electronic control unit which can be activated by a vehicle-light selector switch and a dimmer switch for switching between dipped beam and full beam. The control unit is constructed so that the headlights will always be switched to dipped beam when the vehicle main lights are switched on, and also so that the main lights can be switched on, even in the event of a malfunction.

Abstract: A vehicle room lamp shut-off device eliminates the annoyance to the driver by reducing the room lamp illumination level by a certain amount as the door is closed, then gradually reducing the illumination level further until the light is off.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for controlling the power consumption of high intensity motorcycle lamps which reduces the voltage across the lamps during long periods of operation and enables the lamps to alternate operation between full and reduced intensity. A mode selector switch is coupled to a relay switch for each lamp so as to vary the voltage thereacross as well as to a power control switch for full intensity operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electric fence energizer, including: two or more transformers, the primary windings of said transformers being connected to the main circuitry of the energizer and the secondary windings of the transformers being connected to an electric fence, the main circuitry including: a control circuit connected to the primary windings, said control circuit being responsive to the load upon the primary windings or secondary windings detected within the energizer; two or more energy generating devices connected to said control circuit and respectively controlled by said control circuit, said energy generating devices being also connected to the primary windings of the transformers, said control circuit being operative to active the energy generating devices in accordance with the load upon the energizer.

Abstract: A vehicle exterior light flashing unit for use with a vehicle having a pair of rearwardly projecting red and/or yellow lamps such as brake lights or turn signals and one or more white lamps such as backup lights. The unit, which can be connected to such vehicle without interrupting the existing lamp control circuit, energizes the red/yellow lamps alternatingly with the white lamps to produce highly visible alternating sequence of white and red light to indicate a hazardous condition. If the vehicle also includes a third center brake light, it may be energized together with the other red/yellow lamps to produce a pattern of light having an alternating geometric form of a triangle and a horizontal line to additionally enhance recognition.

Abstract: A wireless taillight system including a transmit module adapted to receive taillight control signals from a towing vehicle and provide radio frequency control signals corresponding thereto. The system also includes a pair of taillight modules adapted to be mounted upon a towed vehicle. The taillight modules receive control signals from the transmit module and energize a taillight system contained therein. The system is adapted to provide run, stop and turn signal functions to a towed vehicle. The invention is registered under the Disclosure Document Program as Disclosure Document No. 171509.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for automotive headlamp assemblies includes a switch assembly selectively operable between a first position at which the electrical power is supplied to high-beam valves of the headlamp assemblies, and a second position at which the electrical power is supplied to low-beam valves of the headlamp assemblies. The power supply circuit also includes means for establishing communication between a power source and the low-beam valves at the first position, so as to turn the low-beam valves on whenever the high-beam valves are turned on.

Abstract: An auxiliary light module for vehicles, giving "battery back-up" provisions, particularly useful for "semi" vehicles in which the pulling tractor electrically energizes the light systems of the pulled trailer by a connector strap or harness for interconnecting the tractor's output jack and the trailer's input jack; and the module provides a device conveniently connectable to both the tractor and trailer by jacking to the jacks now used by the jacks of such connector strap or harness. The module includes a battery, a switch, and circuitry for providing the electrical energization of the trailer's running lights and tail lights when the semi is stopped, and whether or not the tractor remains connected to the trailer, providing safety of the warning lights being lit, avoiding drain on the tractor's own battery, etc.

Abstract: Electric pulse generator having at least one capacitor in the form of a coaxial line section and a saturatable inductance coil serving as a switch. According to the invention, the saturatable inductance coil is located within the internal conductor of the coaxial line.

Abstract: A vehicle multiplex system includes a controller and a number of remote stations connected to the controller by a control bus. The controller receives multiplexed signals indicative of the desired operation of loads such as headlamps and motors. In order to obtain reduced intensity headlamp operation or reduced speed of a continuous DC motor, the controller automatically connects and disconnects the headlamp or motor and a DC power source with a selected duty cycle. The period of repetition is sufficiently small to prevent perceptible flicker or fluctuation in motor speed. In this way, headlamp intensity and motor speed can be varied as desired, without increasing the hardware requirements of the system.

Abstract: In a "two-wire" multiplexed lighting system, a square wave voltage alternating between positive and negative polarities is delivered by the two wires to both right and left lamps. Each lamp includes a diode, and the diodes are oppositely pulled with respect to each other so that one of the lamps is energized by one polarity of the square wave while the other lamp is energized by the opposite polarity. The magnitude of each polarity relative to ground is twice the continuous D.C. voltage rating of each lamp so that the average voltage applied to each lamp can be equal to the load's maximum continuous rating to thereby provide full intensity illumination.

Abstract: Intelligent electronic circuit apparatus is disclosed for automatically controlling the hazard warning system (such as a tail light) of a motor vehicle so as to assist in preventing accidents. The apparatus includes a switch for selectively connecting the tail light with a voltage source and a control device for automatically closing the switch, thereby connecting the tail light to the voltage source, in response to a condition indicating a hazard to other vehicles in the vicinity. The invention provides means for sensing the driving environment of the motor vehicle and for changing the condition of response in dependence upon the sensed environment.

Abstract: A coaxial type capacitor for a pulse generator including at least a capacitor for discharging charge accumulated therein upon generating a pulse and a capacitor for adjusting a waveform of a pulse to be outputted.The coaxial type capacitor includes at least first, second and third capacitors which are arranged coaxially and adjacently with each other. The first and third capacitors between which the second capacitor is arranged are connected in parallel so as to form the discharging capacitor of the pulse generator while the second capacitor is used as the waveform adjusting capacitor of the pulse generator.

Abstract: A pulse width modulation control unit for energizing a vehicle head lamp. During daylight operation of a motor vehicle the control unit energizes the head lamp by pulse width modulating the battery output and coupling the modulating output across the head lamp. As battery voltage changes the pulse width modulation is adjusted to maintain power output of the head lamp. An over current condition in a switching transistor is monitored and used to de-activate the pulse width modulation of the head lamp energization.

Abstract: An electronic vehicle slow-speed warning system operable automatically to activate the vehicle stop or brake lights if the operator neglects to do so while the vehicle is moving forwardly below a predetermined speed. Both the vehicle backup and stop lights are activated during backward travel at any speed. The warning system is designed for installation in conventional motor vehicles and is constructed entirely of solid state components free of moving parts. The system is selectively operable with either a frequency or optical speed signal sensor and with or without a micro processor.

Abstract: The invention consists of an electrical circuit for a vehicle headlight system whereby the conventional parallel circuit connection of headlights is automatically converted into a series circuit connection under conditions appropriate for daytime running lights, whereby the light output of the headlights is reduced as compared to that in conventional headlight circuit mode, and a method for interconnecting such circuit with conventional headlight systems.

Abstract: A battery (+V) operable information handling and control system, for example for an automotive vehicle electrical system, has a central unit (10) and a number of remote units (20) each connected to the central unit (10) by a respective signalling link (40). The central unit (10) includes processing and control circuitry (13) and power supply circuitry (11) which are turned on to operate the processing and control circuitry (13) in an active mode of the system and are turned off in a sleep mode of the system. During the active mode the processing and control circuitry (13) applies a clock pulse voltage to a data line (41) in each signalling link (40). One of the clock pulse lines (41) is connected to power supply control circuitry (12) in the central unit (10) and to activation voltage drive circuitry (80) in the respective remote unit (20).

Abstract: A plug in circuit component is provided for switching headlights of vehicles such as automobiles between two positions; full beam and half beam. When the headlight is switched from low to high beam, the low beam disappears in conventional systems, however with the present invention the low beam remains illuminated even when the high beam setting is on and this is accomplished preferably by the use of a diode in the device.

Abstract: A warning device for alerting passers-by, particularly oncoming motorists, before opening an automobile door will be installed on an automobile to produce a warning sign visible by passers-by. The device includes a door lock for locking and unlocking an automobile door, a door lock switch operable in association with the door lock, a relay operable by the door lock switch to turn on warning lights installed at the front end and rear end of the automobile, and a blinker for causing the warning lights to blink.

Abstract: Apparatus for causing an external light system of a motor vehicle to be actuated when the vehicle engine is running, the vehicle having an electrical battery associated with the engine, and the running of the engine causing an AC signal to appear with a DC component at a terminal of the battery. The apparatus has an electrical circuit with a filter for filtering the DC component from the AC signal to provide a filtered AC signal indicating an engine running condition. The filtered AC signal or other engine running signal obtained from the filtered AC signal is compared with a predetermined value and an actuating signal is provided when the engine running signal is above the predetermined value. An actuator responsive to receipt of the actuating signal causes the external light system of the vehicle to be turned on.

Abstract: A motor vehicle such as a truck or a van which has a powered liftgate and which includes a liftgate electrical circuit for activating the liftgate to raise and lower the liftgate and a hazard warning circuit for operating the pulsating hazard warning light system of the vehicle, is fitted with a power interrupting device in the liftgate circuit which is responsive to the operation of the hazard warning circuit to render the liftgate circuit operable when the hazard warning circuit is operating.