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

Abstract: A high-pressure gas discharge lamp is connected on one side to a lead across the secondary winding of a starter transformer and to a second lead on the second side. Starting energy is applied with a pulse. For this purpose, a controllable switch which becomes conducting on reaching a certain voltage or is connected by a drive is provided in series with the primary winding. A capacitor connected in parallel to the series connection is charged by voltage U between the input terminals across a resistor connected in series and a diode. An input circuit provided between these input terminals of the starter has a capacitor, a protective element or a combination of the two for protection against voltage peaks.

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

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

Abstract: A magnetic field controller has been developed, which allows magnetic deflection of the arc of an alternating current high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. The controller consists of a driving circuit and an electromagnet. The system delivers a fast switching magnetic field, which can follow the alternating current signal of an alternating current HID ballast. The method minimizes the electromagnet's inductance and uses fast reacting ferromagnetic materials (Ni--Zn ferrite). To achieve the required magnetic field, a current amplifier was developed to pick up the signal from the alternating current ballast and drive the electromagnet with up to two amperes. The alternating magnetically deflected HID lamp system allows the use of magnetic deflection for alternating current HID lamps. A vehicle headlamp system can achieve multiple beam functions (day light running, low beam and high beam) of a headlight system with only one alternating current lamp.

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

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

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

Abstract: A headlamp for a vehicle includes a lamp housing having an opening portion; a discharge lamp removably contained in the lamp housing; and a lighting circuit unit, mounted in such a manner so as to cover the opening portion from a rear surface side of the lamp housing, for lighting the discharge lamp. A plug is separated from a cord connector when the lighting circuit unit is removed from the lamp housing. Thus, when the work of removing the lighting circuit unit is completed, the plug is necessarily separated from the cord connector, to thereby cut off the power supply to the lighting circuit unit.

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 method and apparatus for operating a high pressure discharge lamp is disclosed. Oscillation in the discharge arc periphery, a problem that occurs with high frequency operation, is eliminated. A high pressure discharge lamp is operated by applying thereto a dc or rectangular wave current to which is superposed an ac component shaped by a high frequency ripple signal that has been amplitude modulated by a modulation signal for inducing instantaneous fluctuations in the power supply input to both ends of the arc gap. The ripple level is thereby temporally varied, and stable operating is possible even when exceeding the ripple level at which oscillation in the arc periphery begins.

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: A lighting circuit for a discharge lamp which reliably detects short-circuiting of, or current leakage from, a discharge. A lighting circuit 1 has DC-AC conversion means 3 for converting a DC voltage from the DC power supply 2 to an AC voltage and supplying the AC voltage to the discharge lamp 9. The lighting circuit further comprises sampling means 4 for sampling a lamp voltage or a lamp current of the discharge lamp 9 in synchronism with a drive signal Sp sent to the DC-AC conversion means 3 to generate an AC wave, and abnormality determining means 5 for determining short-circuiting of, or current leakage from, the discharge lamp 9 based on a detection signal from the sampling means 4. When an abnormality is detected, power supply to the discharge lamp 9 is stopped.

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 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 arrangement for igniting and operating a high intensity discharge lamp including a Buck converter. The Buck converter includes a switch, a rectifier and an inductor. The converter is connected to input terminals for connection to a supply source and output terminals for supplying the lamp with a current through periodic swithing of the switch alternately into a conducting and a non-conducting state. The Buck converter operates in a self-oscillatory mode during stable lamp opertion. The arrangement further includes circuitry for causing the Buck converter to operate in a forced oscillatory mode in dependence on the lamp condition.

Abstract: A visibility sensor system includes a housing having a sensor head opening. A removable sensor head assembly is removably coupled to the housing within the sensor head opening. The sensor head assembly has a sensor enclosure and a connector. An electronics module is coupled to the sensor head through the connector.

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: 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 socket portion is provided to project from one side surface of a transformer receiving portion to thereby form a body case, and a lighting transformer is received in the transformer receiving portion so that a high voltage side output end of a secondary coil of the lighting transformer is electrically connected to a terminal provided in the socket portion and a primary coil of the lighting transformer is connected to an external electric path directly or through a circuit portion. Accordingly, the transformer receiving portion and the socket portion are integrally formed with each other to thereby form a unit structure.

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: An assembly, in particular for the power supply circuit of a discharge lamp in a motor vehicle headlight, the assembly comprising a wound transformer together with a printed circuit on which said transformer is mounted, wherein said printed circuit is mounted on a metal soleplate forming a heat sink and wherein the ferrite element(s) of the transformer is (are) in thermal contact through its (their) whole surface directly facing the metal soleplate, with the printed circuit or with the metal soleplate.

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 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: A system and method for optimizing the signal range of a photocell for all ambient lighting conditions. A switched resistor circuit is serially connected to the photocell. The duty cycle of the switched resistor circuit is controlled to provide an optimal signal range for the photocell in both light and dark ambient light conditions.

Abstract: A lighting circuit for a discharge lamp has input terminals to which a DC power supply is to be connected, a DC power supply circuit for converting a DC input voltage to a predetermined voltage, and a DC-AC converter for converting the output voltage of the DC power supply circuit to an AC voltage and then supplying the AC voltage to the discharge lamp. A transformer is incorporated in the DC power supply circuit as insulator means for insulating the circuit portion at its input stage from the circuit portion at its output stage. The transformer has its high-voltage output terminal connected to a ground-side one of the input terminals to supply a negative rectangular-wave voltage to the discharge lamp.

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 head lamp device for a vehicle capable of changing a lighting region in front of the vehicle in right and left directions, in which change of the lighting region is suppressed so as not to give the driver a sense of incongruity when a steering wheel is operated in one direction and then rapidly in the other as in case of counter-steering.

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: 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 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 lighting system for a vehicle includes a meter lamp installed in the interior of the vehicle. The meter lamp backlights a dial board of a combination meter. The meter lamp is supplied with a voltage from a battery and lighted up when an ignition switch is closed. An interior lighting lamp is further installed in the interior of the vehicle. The interior lighting lamp is supplied with a voltage from the battery and lighted up when a lighting switch is closed. The system further includes a rheostat switch for adjusting illuminance of the meter lamp and the interior lighting lamp. When one of the meter and interior lighting lamps is lighted up, the rheostat switch adjusts the illuminance of that one of the meter and interior lighting lamps and, when the meter and interior lighting lamps are both lighted up, the rheostat switch simultaneously adjusts the illuminance of the meter and interior lighting lamps.

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 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 controlling a light width of headlights of a vehicle said displacing units adapted to be associated with the headlights and operative for changing a light width of a light bundle emitted by the headlights, at least one sensor unit provided with at least one deflection sensor which detects a deflection of a vehicle body at least on one axle of the vehicle, an evaluating unit connected with the sensor unit and at least approximately determining an inclination .gamma. of the vehicle body relative to a roadway from signals of the sensor unit and controlling the displacing units for at least approximately maintaining constant the light width of the light bundle emitted by the headlight, the at least one sensor unit being provided additionally with an inclination sensor which determines an inclination .beta. of the vehicle body relative to a direction toward a center of gravity.

Abstract: On one side, a high-pressure gas discharge lamp (10) is connected, by way of the secondary winding (16) of an ignition transformer (14), to a line (11) and, on its second side, to a second line (12). It is therefore connected to a first voltage U.sub.1. A third line (13) delivers a further voltage U.sub.2. The ignition energy is supplied with the aid of a pulse. For this purpose, a spark gap (17) is provided in series with the primary winding (15), which gap abruptly becomes conductive when the breakdown voltage is attained. A first capacitor (18) that is charged by the voltage U.sub.2 by way of a resistor (20) connected in series is disposed in parallel to the first capacitor. The series connection of a second capacitor (19) and a diode (22) is provided in parallel to the first capacitor. The connecting point of the second capacitor and the diode is connected to the second line (12) by way of a resistor (21). This second capacitor 19 is charged by the voltage U.sub.1.

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: When a discharge lamp repeatedly flickers out after illuminating for a long period of time because the same discharge lamp is nearing the end of its usage lifetime, a stored voltage of a capacitor rises gradually every time the discharge lamp flickers out. When the stored voltage of the same capacitor becomes no less than a predetermined voltage, a comparator generates a high level voltage which actuates a transistor. The transistor then terminates the operations of a PWM circuit to deactuate the discharge lamp.

Abstract: A pitch angle in the back-and-forth direction of the vehicle body is calculated based on output signals of height sensors disposed at front and rear wheels of the vehicle. A vehicle traveling speed is obtained. A vehicle acceleration is obtained from the vehicle traveling speed. Using the vehicle traveling speed and the vehicle acceleration, a judgement is made to determine the control mode corresponding to the vehicle traveling condition, by selecting one from the group consisting of a stopping mode, an acceleration mode, a deceleration mode and a constant-speed mode. An actuator target value (i.e., target aiming adjustment angle) is calculated in accordance with the determined control mode. To obtain this actuator target value, a filter is used to process the pitch angle so that the headlights do not dazzle an oncoming vehicle's driver. Then, the aiming adjustment for the headlights is performed by actuating actuators in accordance with the actuator target value.

Abstract: A direct voltage source (1) delivers a voltage (U.sub.B) at its output terminals, which is then converted by a direct voltage/direct voltage converter (2) to a higher value. This higher voltage value (U.sub.D) constitutes the input voltage for a controlled full bridge circuit (3), which generates a controlled alternating current (I.sub.L) or an alternating voltage (U.sub.L) from the supplied input voltage. This alternating voltage is present at the output terminals (4, 5) and constitutes the supply voltage for a high-pressure gas discharge lamp. A control circuit (7), which supplies its control pulses via a line (8) is provided to control the full bridge circuit. In addition, an ignition circuit (9) is provided, which supplies the ignition voltage via the line (10) to the high-pressure gas discharge lamp (6). In accordance with the invention, the full bridge circuit (3) is controlled by the control circuit (7) in such a way that the duration of the half-wave phases of the lamp voltage (U.sub.

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: 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 kinetically multicolored light source is described, comprising: a light source capable of producing a plurality of primary colors; oscillatory means for driving said light source; and means for moving said light source. The oscillatory driving means may drive the light source so that one or more of the primary colors is alternately turned on and off at a frequency above the critical fusion frequency of an observer, whereby each of the colors appears to emanate simultaneously and continuously thereby appearing to the observer as a single secondary color when the light source moves slowly with respect to the observer.The light source may move relative to the observer sufficiently rapidly that each of the oscillating primary colors if viewed alone would appear to the observer to emanate from bright segments of a curvilinear path with intervening dark segments.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting device in which the effects of heat generated by a discharge lamp on a noise filter circuit are reduced and a sufficient installation space for the noise filter circuit is provided. The discharge lamp lighting device includes a starter circuit which generates a start signal for a discharge lamp and applies the start signal to the discharge lamp, and a noise filter circuit which is interposed between the starter circuit and discharge lamp. The noise filter circuit is disposed in a mounting member for mounting the starter circuit, or otherwise the noise filter circuit can disposed in a mounting member for mounting therein a transformer which is included in the starter circuit and is used to generate a start signal for the discharge lamp.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle head lamp dimming system which includes an optical system and an imaging processing system. The optical system is configured to discriminate between head lamps and tail lamps and focus the light rays from the head lamps and tail lamps on different portions of a pixel sensor array. The optical system as well as the image processing system provides for relatively increased discrimination of head lamps and tail lamps of other vehicles and also enables the high beam head lamps of the control vehicle to be controlled as a function of the distance as well as horizontal angular position of other vehicles relative to the controlled vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle light system is provided for use with a vehicle having a rear window with a periphery defined by a linear top edge, a linear bottom edge, and a pair of side edges formed therebetween. Provided is a plurality of spaced red light emitting diodes formed along the top edge of the rear window. The red light emitting diodes include a first set of diodes situated to the left of a central extent of the rear window and a second set of diodes situated to the right of the central extent thereof. In use, the red light emitting diodes are adapted to illuminate only during the actuation thereof. Finally, a brake relay control mechanism is adapted to actuate the red light emitting diodes in sequence upon the braking of the vehicle with a short delay therebetween, wherein the red light emitting diodes are actuated in sequence from the central extent of the top edge of the rear window to a side extent thereof.

Abstract: A lighting circuit for a discharge lamp comprises detection means for detecting a voltage and/or a current to be applied to a discharge lamp or a voltage and/or a current equivalent thereto, input voltage/current detection means for detecting an input voltage and/or an input current to the lighting circuit, and abnormality detection means for stopping power supply to the discharge lamp when detecting an abnormality in the discharge lamp or a circuit abnormality based on those detection signals. In the abnormality detection means, a plurality of reference values for comparison or a plurality of reference ranges are set for the detection signals, and determination times are set in association with the reference values or reference ranges.

Abstract: A discharge lamp assembly has a discharge lamp, and an ignition device for the discharge lamp, the ignition device including at least one inductive component and at least one capacitive component, at least a part of one of the components being surrounded by at least a part of the other of the components, the ignition device further having a housing in which the components are arranged and which is connectable with the discharge lamp.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for an automobile. The circuit includes a battery, turn signal switch, brake switch, parking light switch, flashers, diodes, a relay, turn lights, parking lights, tail lights, and brake lights. When the turn signal is activated, the parking lights and tail lights come on. When the brakes are applied, the tail lights come on in the daytime and go off at night.