Abstract: An electrical device such as a ballast for fluorescent lamps and including a housing, a terminal, and a catch element for connecting the terminal to the housing, the catch element including a catch leg for connecting the terminal to the catch element and for connecting the catch element to the housing. Accordingly, the electrical device is designed such that the individual terminal sites of the terminal have minimal positional tolerance so that the terminal can be wired with an automatic installation machine without the danger of misinsertions.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp device is designed to provide the feeling that sufficient light quantity exists in the high beam (H-beam) mode despite the use of a single discharge light source. The headlamp can be produced at low cost and by simple construction without the need for installing an auxiliary reflective part on the reflective member. The vehicle headlamp device can include a discharge lamp light source, a switching device for switching between the high beam and low beam, and a lighting device which supplies electric power to the discharge lamp. The lighting device can be controlled such that the electric power supplied to the discharge lamp is increased only when the beam is switched to the H-beam mode by the switching device.

Abstract: An electrical taillight adapter circuit (6) interfaces a three-lamp vehicle lighting circuitry (2) with a two-lamp trailer lighting circuitry (6). The vehicle lighting circuitry primarily includes a group (10) of three right hand lamps (20, 22, 24) and a group (12) three of left-hand lamps (12). These lamps operate in response to signals generated by the vehicle operator, and are electrically connected to the adapter circuit. The trailer circuit generally includes a group (14) of two right hand lamps (34, 36) and a group (16) of two left-hand lamps (35, 37). The adapter circuitry receives electrical signals from the vehicle circuit (2), processes them, and outputs power to the appropriate trailer lamp. This electrical taillight adapter circuit (4) interfaces the nonconforming taillight circuit of a vehicle with that of a trailer, while providing the trailer lamps with improved output current and protecting the system from short circuit conditions.

Abstract: A lighting-direction control unit 1 for a lamp of a vehicle incorporates a vehicle-height detecting means 2 for detecting change in the height of an axle of front wheels or that of rear wheel of the vehicle. In response to a signal representing the detected height of the vehicle, the pitch angle of the vehicle is obtained to change the lighting direction of a lamp 6 to correspond to the change in the attitude of the vehicle. A means 3 for detecting the change rate of acceleration for obtaining the change rate of acceleration with respect to time in the direction in which the vehicle runs is provided. When the change rate with respect to time is high, a lighting control means 4 transmits a control signal to an operating means 5 in such a manner that the response of the control of the lighting direction of the lamp 6 is quickened. Therefore, delay in the control is prevented when the change in the acceleration is great.

Abstract: A bus system for the transmission of messages between a device and at least one peripheral unit is proposed, the messages being in each case transmitted via a sequence of high or low bit states. The control device can send high-priority messages and low-priority messages to the peripheral unit. The high-priority messages have a greater amplitude between the high and low bit states than the low-priority messages.

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: An arrangement for detecting the ignition of a high-pressure gas discharge lamp, in particular for use with a motor vehicle headlamp, comprising a circuit for supplying the high-pressure gas discharge lamp with burning energy, a control circuit and an ignition circuit. The ignition circuit is provided with an auxiliary voltage for the ignition. The control circuit is configured such that it detects the ignition of the high-pressure gas discharge lamp immediately via the behavior or the status of the auxiliary voltage (U.sub.H). The control circuit can be provided with a microcontroller (20). The auxiliary voltage supplied during the ignition is connected to the microcontroller in such a way that the microcontroller detects the ignition without delay. For this, the auxiliary voltage is supplied via a voltage divider (22, 23, 24) with logic potential to the external interrupt input (21) of the microcontroller.

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: 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: The improved system employs a logic unit coupled to the conventional brake switch, the turn signal and a clutch, or, optionally, an emission system low speed switch, and/or one or more safety-affecting parameters, viz., light level or other ambient conditions including fog or precipitation as sensed by applicable switch positions, to control the mode of illumination of the auxiliary light. The auxiliary light has the capability of operating in two illumination modes: steady-state as an extension of the main brake lights or flashing. Flashing of the auxiliary brake light can occur concurrently with or independent of the illumination state of the conventional main brake lights. Concurrent activation of both the brake and clutch or, optionally, the emission system low speed switch sets the flashing mode for the auxiliary high mount light. When one or more safety-affecting parameters are present, depressing only the brake pedal is necessary to set the flashing mode.

Abstract: A system is described for causing automatic activation of vehicle low beam headlamps. Three voltage sensors, including a voltage slope detector for sensing engine start-up, cause activation whenever the engine is running. Separate master and slave modules allow for retrofit installation using the vehicle's existing wiring harness. Cables and cable connectors connect the system directly to the headlamp wiring harness, headlamp base, and vehicle battery without the need for splicing. The system can be bypassed or overridden by operation of the vehicle's standard headlamp switch.

Abstract: A windshield wiper-light control system provides running light functionality to vehicle headlights in association with the coupled operation of the vehicle's windshield wiper system and lights. A pulse generator provides a pulsed output to drive the headlight at a reduced effective power level. Further logic also disables the pulse generator when the vehicle's ignition is off. A light sensor system may be incorporated to allow automatic operation of the vehicle's lights in response to darkness. When the windshield wipers are engaged, the pulse generator is placed into a continuously on output mode, providing full power to the lights. Simultaneously power may be applied to other vehicle lights, such as the taillight and dashboard lights.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle exterior illumination circuit includes a main headlamp circuit, including a headlamp switch, for operating the headlamps at full intensity and a DRL control incorporating voltage-dropping resistance in a daytime running headlamp circuit for achieving reduced intensity daytime running illumination. The resistance is provided by a plurality of resistance wires mutually connected in parallel in a wiring harness carrying electric current to the headlamp filaments. The headlamp switch is provided not only with the usual set of normally open contacts that close when the headlamp switch is turned on to provide full nominal supply voltage to the similarly rated headlamps, but also a set of normally closed contacts that allows DRL operation when the headlamp switch is off but disallows DRL operation when the headlamp switch is on.

Abstract: A lighting switch assembly with an internal daytime running light control circuit, comprising a printed circuit board 15 mounted to a lighting switch assembly A, and electric elements 16 soldered to the printed circuit board 15 to form a daytime running light control circuit. The electric elements 16 are connected to fixed contacts 20 through terminals 18. A voltage regulator and an ignition switch with an engine start contact are both connected to the lighting switch assembly A. This construction eliminates the need for wires to provide an electrical connection between a daytime running light control circuit and a lighting switch assembly and, thus, simplifies the wiring arrangement of the vehicle. The arrangement also reduces the total weight of wires connected to a headlamp and eliminates the step of mounting the daytime running light control circuit to the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for automatically turning on and off at least some of the lights of a vehicle, such as an automobile. The control system includes a vacuum switch connected to a vacuum source on the engine. A vacuum delay valve is interposed between the vacuum source and the vacuum switch. When the engine is running, a vacuum produced at the vacuum source will actuate the vacuum switch to close a set of normally open contacts. When the contacts close, a source of electrical power is connected to at least the low beams of the headlights to illuminate the low beams during the operation of the engine without intervention by the driver. The vacuum delay valve ensures that intermittent interruptions of the vacuum at the source, e.g. as might be caused by vehicle acceleration, will not open the vacuum switch when the engine is still running.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the electrical functions in a plurality of different locations of a vehicle comprises a plurality of electrical control units connected to a data bus (23) and distributed throughout the vehicle. All control units are identical and all are programmed to carry out all the electrical functions of the vehicle. Each unit incorporates means to detect the resistance at the point at which it is connected into the circuitry and to compare that resistance with the stored table of resistance and to select on the basis of that comparison the program for operation appropriate to the particular location in which the unit is disposed. In this way only one unit needs to be certified and units may be switched from location to location to provide a "get you home" service should one of the units fail in a particularly critical location.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle lighting system is disclosed having one or more emergency vehicle lights with a switch operable by movement of the emergency vehicle transmission shifter. An electronic circuit for disconnecting power to the emergency lights is provided when the emergency vehicle shifter is shifted into a park or neutral position. The circuit can comprise discrete components including a flip flop or a micro-processor circuit connected to the shifter switch to provide power to the emergency lights, and which has been programmed to cut off the lights when the switch indicates that the shifter has been placed in a park or neutral position.

Abstract: An encoder and decoder (multiplexer and demultiplexer) are used to control the rear operating lights (e.g., turn, brake, or running lights) of a trailer towed on the roads behind a tractor vehicle. Voltages powering the tractor vehicle's rear lamps are the inputs to a combinational logic unit with gates (AND, OR, etc.) for interfacing between different lighting systems on the tractor and trailer. The logic unit's outputs are fed to an encoder which converts the parallel outputs to serial data. The data are sent over a single wire to the decoder, mounted on the trailer. The decoder regenerates the parallel signals to control switches (power transistors) driving the trailer lamps with power from the vehicle battery.

Abstract: A motor vehicle light controlling device includes an operating switch and electronics assigned to the operating switch for supplying current to a multiplicity of lamps of the operating light system. At least one controlled switching component provides a clock-controlled supply of current to the assigned lamp circuit. The device is divided into a light switch module and a rear lamp module. A clock control provided, distributed over both modules, in order to influence the lamp currents of the vehicle operating lights. That is, in order to lower the luminosity of certain lights when required, and to be able to increase the on-board system voltage temporarily without the luminosity or lamp power changing as a result. The latter is of interest, for example, for the brief driving of electrical heating elements or servomotors to achieve an advantageously high utilization of conductor material.

Abstract: An automatic daytime running light system for a vehicle having an engine, an electric power source, a starter motor circuit for the engine, external running lights including headlights and parking lights, and input switches for ignition circuit and the external running lights, the system being responsive to the input switches and starter motor circuit to automatically control the operation of the external running lights, and the system including digital logic timer circuit means for automatically controlling the operation of the external running lights, and MOSFET output switching devices, which thereby provide high reliability and safety, redundant circuitry to thereby provide a higher level of reliability and fail-safe operation of the system, and MOSFET fault current monitoring circuitry which monitors the drain to source fault currents of the MOSFET output switch means, whereby upon detection of fault currents, the digital logic timer controls a fault current indicator to provide an indication of a fault

Abstract: A vehicle electrical-load limiting apparatus wherein the priority given over a plurality of electrical loads, for restricting the driving of the electrical loads mounted on a vehicle, is first decided in order of importance and the amount of drive restriction of each of the electrical loads is then determined based on the remaining capacity of a vehicle electric source, thereby restricting the driving of the electrical loads. A fuzzy inference is carried out by making use of membership functions corresponding to both (a) the deviation indicative of the difference between a standard value set for each electrical load attached to the vehicle and a value of an electrical load when now in use, and (b) the residual capacity of the electric source. Then, the amount of the drive restriction of each of the electrical loads is obtained from the result of the fuzzy inference.

Abstract: A vehicle's input switches relating to ignition, lights and moisture or rain provide responsive inputs that feed through a digital logic circuit to outputs of an electronic switching device for automatically activating the vehicle's lights and wipers.An alarm may be activated if certain input switches are turned on when the ignition is off.The digital logic circuit may be discrete, a programmable read only memory (PROM) or a programmable logic array (PLA).The electronic switching device may constitute a driver circuit and an integrated circuit which includes both a relay switching circuit and a switched circuit, for example a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) driver and a power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistor (MOSFET) integrated circuit.

Abstract: A system for controlling a set of electrical devices, e.g. in a motor vehicle, having a decoding module for a group of such devices, the decoding module receiving an electrical signal containing instructions to switch on and to switch off the electrical devices in the group and delivering control signals on the basis of those instructions, and a set of switches controlled by the control signals and each connected between a common electrical power line and a respective electrical device in the group. The controlled switches are mounted in the immediate vicinity of the corresponding electrical devices of the group, and the decoding module is housed in a housing which is separate from the controlled switches.

Abstract: A control system for automatically turning on the headlights (and parking lights) of a vehicle has an input section that includes the ignition switch, the manually operated windshield wiper switch, and condition responsive light sensor and moisture sensor switches. These switches operate through a logic circuitry through an output section to turn on and to keep turned on the lights when any of certain switch combinations are turned on:a) ignition, windshield wiper, light sensor and moisture sensor;b) ignition, windshield wiper and light sensor;c) ignition, windshield wiper and moisture sensor;d) ignition and windshield wiper;e) ignition, light sensor and moisture sensor;f) ignition and light sensor; org) ignition and moisture sensor.In the event that the windshield wiper is turned off the light level sensor causes the lights to be turned off.

Abstract: A lamp intensity control system combines the functions of the tail light, the brake light, and the turn indicator light signals into one signal for controlling a plurality of lamps in an automobile. The tail light, brake light and turn indicator light signals are combined into one signal and modulated wherein the percent of modulation determines the intensity of the brightness of the plurality of lamps. Temperature protection is provided wherein a temperature limit circuit monitors the temperature of a SENSFET and disables the SENSFET if its temperature exceeds a predetermined magnitude. Over-current and open lamp conditions are monitored by comparator circuits. An over-current condition causes the SENSFET to be disabled. An over-temperature, over-current or open-lamp condition is signaled by a fault output signal.

Abstract: A radiant energy transmitter for use with a motor vehicle wherein operation of the triggered radiant energy device of the transmitter is altered via an operation altering circuit portion when an alteration initiating switch assumes its alteration mode. Such alteration mode is automatically assumed when the operator carries out an action that is normally done after the motor vehicle is stopped. The operation altering circuit portion continues the altered operation even though the alteration mode of the alteration altering switch is subsequently discontinued.

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: A power supply control circuit for selectively supplying electrical power to either a first high-mount lamp installed on a detachable body component of an automotive vehicle body or a second high-mount lamp installed on a main body component thereof has a relay and two diodes. The relay establishes the communication between the second high-mount lamp and a power source in response to turning ON of a brake switch when the detachable body component is opened or removed from the main component and blocks the communication when it is closed. In this circuit, the power source applies voltage to relay coil via an ignition switch and one of the diodes or via the brake switch and the other of the diodes, so as to prevent electricity from continuously passing through the relay coil when the detachable body component is opened or removed from the vehicle body for a long time.

Abstract: Turning on either headlights or parking lights pulses a first control circuit and energizes a relay, closing normally open contacts in the light circuits. The closing of the contacts energizes a second control circuit which holds the relay on and supplies power to timers. Turning off an ignition switch starts a short headlight timer and a long parking light timer. The timers have outputs connected to disable the second control circuit and to thereby de-energize the relay. The output of the short timer is grounded through the headlights when the headlights are in a low resistance off condition.

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: 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.

Abstract: The amount of time required to produce a luminant output signal at the rear of a vehicle in response to the application of a brake is reduced by preheating the filament of the brake lamp and applying an overvoltage thereto when a brake switch is closed in response to the application of the brake. In accordance with the invention, preheating of the filament is achieved by switching a transistor in series with the filament at a fairly high frequency. The duty cycle of the switching operation can be adjusted to conduct a preheat signal through the lamp which results in little or no radiation of light from the filament. This corresponds to a filament temperature of approximately 2000.degree. K., and an increase in temperature of only approximately 800.degree.0 K., is required to produce a normal steady state rated illumination for the lamp.

Abstract: An automotive headlight control including means to detect when the automobile engine is operating and cause the headlights to be operated at reduced output. This ensures that when the vehicle is driven, the headlights automatically turn on and reduce the driving hazard.

Abstract: An auxiliary signalling and warning device for utilization on vehicles which make wide turns comprising a main body section that is at least partially reflectorized and a light lens member that is adapted to be secured to the main body section so as to form an enclosure. The light lens member is provided with a written message indicating that the vehicle negotiates wide turns. Light bulb retaining means is provided in the main body section for receiving and retaining light bulbs. Electrical connections from the light bulbs are adapted to interact with the existing vehicle directional turn signal lights. The enclosure is adapted for mounting to the rear of the vehicle so as to provide a highly visible flashing warning to following traffic.

Abstract: An automatic braking control system is capable of automatically maintaining a braking force once a vehicle has been stopped by the driver. The braking force is maintained until the clutch of the vehicle is engaged, at which time the force is automatically released so that the vehicle can be restarted. This system is especially useful for restarting a vehicle which has been stopped on an upward slope. In such a situation, the vehicle is prevented from rolling backwards, as commonly occurs when attempting to resume motion up the slope. The system is also capable of automatically turning off head lights of the vehicle when the vehicle is stopped in order to conserve battery power.

Abstract: A resonant degaussing circuit provides rapid recovery for use with computer monitors or video display apparatus where frequent movement of the display apparatus occurs. The degaussing circuit comprises a capacitor in parallel with a degaussing coil. Triggering of an SCR causes the capacitor to discharge, so that it resonates with the degaussing coil to produce the desired AC degaussing current. The SCR is triggered only when the vertical deflection current is substantially zero, in order to eliminate interference of the vertical flux with the degaussing current.

Abstract: A control circuit for a glow plug assembly serving as an engine preheating means is designed so as to effect a temperature control in harmony with the specified position established by selective operation of a key switch having three switching positions, i.e., OFF, ON and START positions.

Abstract: The device disclosed herein has a construction such that when a vehicle in motion is brought to a stop by depression of a foot brake, a lock engaging means thereof functions to lock a brake operating rod with the foot brake kept in the depressed state. When the headlights of the moving vehicle are turned on, the actuation of the lock engaging means automatically causes the headlights to be turned off and small lamps (parking lights) to be turned on instead. When the lock engaging means is released in preparation for starting the vehicle, the brake operating rod is released and the headlights are turned on again and the parking lights are turned off.

Abstract: An alarm circuit for vehicle headlights including a switching circuit which provides a warning when the headlights should be activated in accordance with ambient conditions, such as low light levels, as well as warning of when the headlights should be de-activated, as when the vehicle ignition system is switched off.

Abstract: A headlamp delay device comprising a switch having spaced contacts, a switch contact member movable to successively engage the contacts at different positions and detent means for holding the contact member in each of the positions. A housing has a piston and diaphragm dividing the housing into two chambers. A passage associated with one of the said chambers for connection to a source of vacuum and an inlet is provided to the one chamber. An orifice is associated with the inlet to the chamber for connection to a source of pressure higher than that supplied through the vacuum. A spring yieldingly urges the piston means in a direction opposite to that which the vacuum tends to move the piston. A shaft extends through the housing through the piston means and is connected to the switch contact member.