Abstract: New electrical circuits for controlling two-color side marker light systems on automotive vehicles are disclosed. There is a different control circuit for vehicles with OEM installed separate amber turn signal lights, OEM installed combination red directional, red brake lights, and OEM installed separate red turn signal lights. These circuits are designed to operate two-color side marker light systems in compliance with NHTSA Federal Motor Vehicle Standard No. 108. The side marker lights normally illuminate amber and turn red with the OEM brake lights. In the turn signal mode, the signaled side alternates between the OEM directional light color and off, while the non-signaled side is amber and will illuminate red with the brake light. A fourth new circuit for emergency vehicles will illuminate the marker lights red with the brake lights, or when switch activated will flash each side independently between two colors.

Abstract: The headlight device includes: a pair of left and right headlights, the one on the right road-shoulder side being a double filament type headlight which is switchable between low and highbeams, the other one on the left, oncoming vehicle's side, being a single filament type headlight dedicated for low beam only; and a lighting control circuit which activates the low beam filaments of both headlights in the low beam mode and which activates the high beam filament of the double filament type headlight and the low beam filament of the other headlight in high beam mode.

Abstract: A control system for daytime running lights (DRLs) is provided that includes a controller for controlling DRLs according to whether the ignition switch is ON and information from the dimmer switch signal of a combination switch, and a plurality of switches that undergo switching according to signals of the controller. Accordingly, if the combination switch is set to activate the DRL system when the ignition switch is ON, a closed loop is formed with both headlights, and the current available to each headlight from the battery is reduced to one half of what it would be if loops were made independently for each of the headlights. When the dimmer switch is selected to high beam, a separate loop is made for each headlight so that a normal amount of current is available to the headlights.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp has light sources having light emitting diodes that are vertically and horizontally disposed in the form of a square. A first LED group is disposed in the central position of the light source and is turned on in the tail lamp lighting mode. A second LED group surrounds the first LED group, and is turned on together with the first LED group in the stop lamp lighting mode. Thus, the light source appears as if the LEDs became luminous around the central position of the light source in any lamp lighting mode.

Abstract: A vehicle head light or auxiliary light assembly (10) that includes an inner housing (12) and an outer housing (30), wherein located between the inner and outer housings (12,30) is a light passage channel (46). At the center of the inner housing (12) is attached a central light bulb (28), and to each side of the outer housing (30) is attached a side light bulb (52). To the front of the outer housing (30) is attached a front lens (56) having around its perimeter (60) a plurality of light refracting serrations (62). When the lights of the assembly (10) are turned on by an electrical control circuit (70), the central light (28) illuminates in combination with the side lights (52). The side lights produce a light beam that is applied through the light passage channel (46), is refracted along the serrations (62) and is visible along the inner perimeter (60) of the front lens (56).

Abstract: An electrical control circuit for an automotive lamp module having an integrated ON/OFF switch to activate and deactivate the driver circuit associated with the lamp such that the driver circuit is only turned on when either the primary ON/OFF switch or a remote, door-ajar switch is closed. A microprocessor is used to respond to low-level current conditions indicative of a closed switch. A timer turns the driver OFF after a predetermined duration of continuous operation.

Abstract: A circuit device for sustaining the illumination of a vehicle used high illumination discharged (HID) lamps is disclosed. The circuit device comprises: a high/low beam switching delay circuit, and an HID lamp set power supply circuit. The high/low beam lamp switching delay circuit includes a lamp switch; a polarity correction circuit; a time delay circuit; and an isolation circuit. The HID lamp set power supply circuit includes an isolation circuit; a large current conduction circuit; a battery; an HID lamp circuit. By above mentioned circuit device, when the lamp switch switches between high/low beam lamps of a vehicle, the low lamp beam is sustained to light up continuously, thereby, the lifetimes of the electronic ballasts and HIV lamp are prolonged.

Abstract: A plurality of lamps 21 to 28 inclusive are supplied with a voltage one after another in sequence. A time duration during which the voltage is supplied to each of the lamps 21 to 28 inclusive is controlled in PWM fashion to restrict an amount of voltage supplied thereto. A current detect circuit portion 36 solely detects all of the voltages supplied to the lamps 21 to 28 inclusive, respectively. Each of the voltages exceeds a threshold value, a dead band between two adjacent voltage supply durations. Thus, it is possible to restrict possible electromagnetic noises which are generated upon voltage supply to lamps 21 to 28 inclusive in a vehicular lamp control apparatus in which the lamps 21 to 28 inclusive are supplied with voltage from a high voltage battery 11.

Abstract: In a discharge lamp lighting circuit 1, a control circuit 7 detects a failure in a discharge lamp 8 or the lighting circuit to stop supplying the power to the discharge lamp 8 or stop the operation of the lighting circuit, or lights another light source as a substitute light source for the discharge lamp and notifies the occurrence of a failure when the discharge lamp 8 can no longer be lit. A delay time generator circuit 31 is provided for a failure detection/determination circuit 22 such that the foregoing functions are prohibited until a predefined time period is elapsed after the time switch means SW1, SW2 are substantially simultaneously switched on to cause the lighting circuit to start operating.

Abstract: A method and device to automatically switch on and off the lights of a motor vehicle. The driving speed of the vehicle and the brightness readings from three light sensor cones of different sizes and directed in different directions are determined. The lights are switched either on or off based upon comparing the speed and three brightness readings to a set of possible conditions for each of the variables as the vehicle operates. The driving distance and time interval are also variables considered in determining whether to switch the lights on or off. Unnecessary on and off switching is avoided.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electrical circuit for operating warning lights that are commonly used on emergency and service vehicles. The electric circuit enables the use of pairs of 21 volt DC halogen lamps on a light bar installed on an emergency vehicle equipped with a 42 volt electrical system.

Abstract: A dimmer switch assembly includes a housing for supporting and enclosing the assembly components. A dimmer adjusting element is mounted on the housing and has a movable portion for movement in first and second directions. An elongated flexible triggering member has a first longitudinal end coupled to the movable portion of the dimmer adjusting element and a second longitudinal end provided in a socket defined by the housing. First and second detectors are spaced from and arranged opposite to one another. The elongated member is interposed between the detectors such that movement of the dimmer adjusting element in the first direction flexes the elongated member toward to activate the first detector, and movement of the dimmer adjusting element in the second direction flexes the elongated member toward to activate the second detector. The detectors have signals associated respectively therewith which are generated by the detectors when the detectors are activated by the triggering device.

Abstract: The headlamp system provides a reduced amount of illumination adjacent a driver's line of sight while providing a maintained or increased level of illumination from a source that is offset from the driver's line of sight.

Abstract: A process for diagnosing the proper operation of direction indicator lights of a motor vehicle includes the steps of temporally and alternately shifting the end of illumination of the right and left change of direction indicator lamps of the vehicle, measuring the current passing through a power circuit of the direction indicator lamps during the temporal shift, comparing the measured value with a reference value, and deducing therefrom whether at least one of the lamps is inoperative and in this case informing the driver thereof. A device for diagnosing the proper operation of the direction indicator lights of a motor vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A headlight includes a beam-type switching device equipped with an electrical power limiting device. The power limiting device can lower operational electrical power after a certain time interval has passed following initial application of operational electrical power to the switching device. The switching device can include an electromagnetic solenoid 5a with a coil. Sufficient electrical current can be applied to the switching device for an initial period when electromagnetic solenoid 5a requires comparatively high operational electrical power, and an electrical power limiting device can lower the electrical power applied to the switching device after a short time period. The size and cost of the switching device can be reduced, overheating can be avoided, and the longevity and reliability of the device can be increased.

Abstract: A visual alert system including at least two visual alert devices conductively connected to form an array. Each visual alert device includes a control circuit. The control circuits of the visual alert devices are connected by a flash mode interconnect line. The control circuits, thus interconnected are capable of sensing changes in voltage between the first and second control circuits across the flash mode interconnect line and therefore between the first and second visual alert devices. The visual alert devices, through their respective control circuits, may be programmed and selectively switched to operate in a variety of flash modes including an alternating mode or a synchronous mode.

Abstract: A device for compensation of voltage drop at light sources of a vehicle has light sources having a resistance R0 and connected to a vehicle battery. An auxiliary charging device with electric motor is provided. The electric motor has an on/off switch and is connected to the vehicle battery. The electric motor is connected parallel to the light sources. A resistor is serially connected upstream of the light sources and is selected, based on the resistance R0, such that a nominal current I flowing through the light sources causes a voltage drop &Dgr;E=I×R in the resistor that matches a voltage drop occurring when the electric motor is switched on. A first switch is connected parallel to the resistor for short-circuiting the resistor when the electric motor is switched on by the on/off switch.

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

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

Abstract: 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 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: An auxiliary vehicle light harness which includes headlight connector to connect to a headlight, a power connector to connect to a headlight plug, an auxiliary light connector to connect to an auxiliary light, and a switch to control power to the headlight and/or the auxiliary light. The harness may include a control module to direct power to the auxiliary light and/or the headlight upon receiving a signal from the switch. The harness may further include a seal to protect the harness circuit from developing a short.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting circuit which, when a discharge lamp is removed from a connecting member such as a socket or the like and the discharge lamp is judged unlighted, stops the power supply to the discharge lamp to thereby prevent ill effects caused by the wrong detection of connecting condition detect means used to detect a connecting condition between the discharge lamp and connecting member. The discharge lamp lighting circuit comprises lighting control which supplies an electric power to a discharge lamp through a given connecting member (such as a socket or the like) and controls the lighting of the discharge lamp, a lighting condition detector which is used to detect the lighted or unlighted condition of the discharge lamp, a connecting condition detector which detects whether the discharge lamp is connected to the connecting member or not, and a power supply control which controls the supply of power 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 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: 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: A device is provided for the manual override of atmospheric light activated headlight switches. The device is placed over a switch located on the dash board of an automobile. The device has a shutter which is movable between a first position wherein light is blocked from impinging on a photosensitive panel of the switch, and a second one wherein said panel is uncovered for permitting impingement of atmospheric light onto the panel. The device and related method permit the manual override of the switch to allow a driver to easily maintain the headlights and taillights in an on status.

Abstract: A 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 system for a vehicle including a pair of supplemental side lights located adjacent to the front and sides of a vehicle beneath the main headlights thereof, the side lights being angled to project the central rays of their beams outwardly from the central ray of the beams of the main headlights; a parabolic reflector operatively associated with each side light; and a battery with electrical components coupling the main headlights and the side lights, the electrical components including a common single pole single throw-type switch directly coupled with the main headlight and the side lights for ensuring that the side lights are only activated when the headlights are activated, a common single pole triple throw-type turn switch directly coupled to the side lights for indicating a left turn and a right turn by actuating one side light concurrently to the exclusion of the other side light, a single common single pole single throw-type dimmer switch directly coupled to the turn switch for increasing and

Abstract: A unit structure for a hazard switch used for automobiles. A knob (1) is mounted at a position adjacent to the driver's seat, the knob (1) has a moving block (2) at the rear position of the knob (1). A flasher unit (50) is disposed at the terminal block (B) of the hazard switch (4). The terminal block (B) is composed of a first terminal block (B1) and a second terminal block (B2) mechanically coupled to the first terminal block (B1). Upon an upper surface of the second terminal block (B2), there are mounted electric parts of a discrete type, such as a flasher relay (Ry), a shunt resister (R), electrolytic condensers (C1) and (C2), a jumper wire, and the like. The unit structure of the invention reduces the number of intermediate harnesses, terminals fabrication processes, and parts, and minimizes the size of the hazard switch per se and the current by changing the electric circuit and switch.

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: An ignition activated automotive headlight system having a high beam circuit and a low beam circuit, the low beam circuit having a resistor in series connection therewith for daylight driving, the low beam circuit further having a photoelectrically operated by-pass circuit around the resistor, thereby permitting normal operation of the low beam circuit for nighttime driving.

Abstract: A battery protection device disconnects vehicle electronic components from a motor vehicle battery to prevent a full discharge thereof including a plurality of switches switchable between ON and OFF positions, and a control unit electrically connected to each of the switches and capable of switching each of the switches between the ON and OFF positions individually.

Abstract: An electrostatic windshield wiper and headlight control circuit, for coupling an automobile windshield wiper circuit with automobile lamps and remotely actuating the automobile lamps; comprising a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (Q1) and a relay. The metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (Q1) has an insulated gate for maintaining physical electrical isolation between the windshield wiper and automobile lamp circuits, and for operating with voltage only; it produces and uses static electricity to actuate the actuator circuit of the relay. The relay is for remotely controlling power to the automobile lamps. Voltage from the windshield wiper circuit is used to produce an electrostatic field, which actuates the actuator circuit of the relay, in effect, the isolated switching element of the relay becomes activated, and automatically transfers power directly from the vehicle's battery to connecting lamps. The lamps remain "on" after the wiper circuit is turned "off" to ensure safety.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a daytime running light system for providing automatic illumination of a pair of headlamps at reduced intensity. The reduced intensity operation is accomplished by way of a switch mode power converter which operates to provide a daytime running light voltage that is less than the vehicle system voltage normally supplied to the headlamps. The switch mode power converter makes extremely efficient use of the vehicle electrical power by minimizing power dissipation in attaining a lower daytime running light voltage. Furthermore, the daytime running light system is amenable to simple calibration modification to implement varying daytime running light voltage levels in accordance with vehicle system and/or various international requirements.

Abstract: An external signal light system with two intensity levels. The system includes a dual-filament lamp bulb to alert observers that the vehicle brakes are being actuated. A power circuit connected to the vehicle storage battery provides electrical current to the bulb through a pair of serially connected switches. A first switch is closed upon actuation of the automobile's brakes. A second switch, controlled by a relay, delivers electrical current through the power circuit to either one of the bulb filaments in response to the energization state of the vehicle headlights. In the event that the headlights are energized, the second switch directs electrical current to the bulb's high wattage filament upon actuating the brakes. When the headlights are de-energized, however, electrical current is directed to the low wattage filament upon actuation of the brakes.

Abstract: An electrical system is provided in a motor vehicle to activate the headlights and taillights once the windshield wipers have been switched on. The electrical system also provides for the headlights and taillights to be deactivated once the ignition switch is off. At least one relay is placed between the windshield wiper switch and the headlights and taillights. A current entering the relays from the initiation of the windshield wiper switch, induces a magnetic field across the inductor, closing the switches within the relays, thus illuminating the lights. If two relays are used, then the second relay maintains the activation of the headlights and taillights if the windshield wiper switch is deactivated. If the lights (headlights and taillights) are not desired then a push button switch can deactivate the lights.

Abstract: An automobile safety device that includes an input wireable to the windshield wiper motor that automatically independently activates each headlight and the rear window defogger.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system, for use in automobiles or trucks has a tail lamp relay, connected so electrical current flows through the vehicle battery, a tail lamp, and the tail lamp relay when the relay is on; a tail lamp switch; a battery low voltage sensor; taillamp programming means; and means for sensing that the vehicle is in operation. The system also has control circuitry that turns on the relay in the first state when the vehicle is in operation and the tail lamp switch is on, or following the vehicle ceasing operation, the taillamp programming means is on, and the battery low voltage sensing means senses a high battery voltage, but where the relay is turned off when the vehicle is not in operation and either the taillamp programming means is off, the taillamp switch is off, or the battery low voltage sensing means senses a low battery voltage.

Abstract: A light-governed windshield wiper and headlight control system including a headlight switching mechanism and wiper switching mechanism. The wiper switching mechanism is coupled to windshield wipers and both switching mechanisms have a first orientation allowing direct current to flow from a power source and a second orientation for withholding direct current therefrom. A relay control mechanism is coupled between the wiper switching mechanism, headlight switching mechanism, power source, and headlights of an automobile. The relay control mechanism has a first orientation for allowing activation of the headlights via the headlight switching mechanism, and further has a second orientation actuated by the wiper switching mechanism for allowing coincident activation of the headlights and windshield wipers. Finally, a light-governed switch is coupled to the relay control mechanism allowing continued operation of the headlights despite deactivation of wiper switching mechanism when there is insufficient light.

Abstract: A circuit for internal illumination of motor vehicles having a controller, coupled to the internal illumination, that automatically turns the internal illumination on and off as a function of operating state parameters of the motor vehicle according to a predetermined switching program. The controller is a deliberately operable electrical controller. The circuit also includes a control device, coupled to and controlled by the controller, that switches the switching program off and the internal illumination permanently on in response to being controlled by the controller.

Abstract: A warning device for logically controlling headlights of a motor vehicle comprising a photocoupler which picks up signal voltage from a horn and triggers an astable multivibrator via a gate-controlled circuit to output a signal voltage in a predetermined time to a monostable multivibrator which outputs a continuous time-sequencing pulses to the encoding input terminal of a decoder via the gate-controlled circuit thereby causing the decoder to produce sequential output, the sequential output being divided by a multi-input gate-controlled circuit into two output voltages which are amplified by transistors to drive two relays connected with high beam and low beam thus making the high beam and low beam to give light alternately.

Abstract: A control circuit automatically provides power to the headlights of a vehicle once the windshield wipers have been turned on if the ignition switch is also turned on. Should the headlights already be turned on once the windshield wipers are turned on, the control circuit of the present invention has no effect on the operation of the headlights. However, should the headlight switch remain on after the ignition switch is turned off, an audible alarm is produced to alert the user of the vehicle that the headlights are still on.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling headlamps in response to windshield wiper controls is provided. A microcontroller senses the voltage levels of signals from a windshield wiper switch and a headlamp switch. If the microcontroller senses that the vehicle operator has turned on the windshield wiper switch, the microcontroller turns on the headlamps of a vehicle unless the windshield wipers are in intermittent mode or the operator of the vehicle has turned off the headlamps within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically turning out the headlights, and preferably also the tail/park lights, of a vehicle when the ignition switch is turned off, includes an auxiliary switch connected in electrical series between a vehicle light control switch and the vehicle headlights and tail/park lights so that both the light control switch and auxiliary switch must be closed to operate the headlights and tail/park light, and a bypass switch connected in electrical parallel with the auxiliary switch so that the bypass switch can be operated to bypass the auxiliary switch if the auxiliary switch is not working properly. The bypass switch is preferably also in electrical parallel with the vehicle light control switch so that the bypass switch can be used to bypass both the vehicle light control switch and auxiliary switch to operate the headlights and tail/park lights, for example, when the windshield wiper switch is on.

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: A photocell system for an automatic vehicle headlight controller which can efficiently and accurately activate vehicle headlights. Such a photocell system also operates effectively when mounted behind a grill of a vehicle, and is not dependent on an angle at which the photocell system is mounted. The photocell system features a photocell element which is formed inside a translucent tube. the translucent tube acts as a light diffuser. The photocell then detects the light which is diffused through the translucent tube. As a further feature of the present invention, a vehicle operator can control whether the vehicle headlights should remain on for a predetermined period of time after the vehicle is turned off.

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.