Abstract: An adaptive method of detecting a lamp outage condition is implemented in a vehicle flasher system including a plurality of lamps. The method includes the steps of: a) initializing an adaptive flasher current variable when the vehicle flasher system is powered on; b) monitoring the vehicle flasher system to detect a driver flasher signal request; c) measuring current output from the plurality of lamps in the vehicle flasher system; d) determining whether the level of measured current is indicative of a lamp outage condition by comparing the measured current to the adaptive flasher current variable; e) setting the adaptive flasher current variable equal to the measured current if the measured current falls within a predetermined learning range, thereby compensating for resistance changes in the flasher system over time to allow lamp outage detection; and f) returning to step b).

Abstract: A monitoring circuit for detecting a malfunctioning warning lamp circuit includes a first device for monitoring the voltage within the warning lamp circuit and a second device for monitoring the current through the warning lamp circuit. Each of the monitoring devices has an output which is connected to a decision device. The first device generates a first output signal when the monitored voltage is greater than a predetermined voltage and a second output signal when the monitored voltage is less than the predetermined voltage. The second device generates a first output signal when a current flows through the lamp and a second output signal when there is no current flowing through the lamp. The decision device is responsive to the output signals from the monitoring devices to generate a failure signal when the warning lamp circuit malfunctions.

Abstract: A signal translator that translates a device detectable signal into an electrical signal directed to an output that an operator with impaired hearing can perceive. Preferably, a detected signal is translated into a generated electrical signal directed to a loudspeaker. The loudspeaker then sounds a tone of a volume and a frequency selectable by an operator. Alternatively, the device detectable signal is a detected audio signal. The detected signal can also be a turn signal flasher of a vehicle. The detected signal is translated to a generated electrical signal transmitted to a loudspeaker. A strobe light from an emergency vehicle can also perform as the detected signal, when the invention includes an emergency vehicle signal decoder for discerning the strobe light from an emergency vehicle. The signal translator includes a trigger for translating a detected signal into a generated signal for transmission to an operator perceivable signal.

Abstract: An electronic flasher system that reduces the ON duty ratio of an intermittent signal inputted to a semiconductor switch device, thereby suppressing electric power imposed on the semiconductor switch device and, hence, heating thereof, in the event of abnormal heating caused in the semiconductor switch device. The flasher system includes a flasher circuit 21A, a semiconductor switch device 21B, and a device-temperature detecting section 21C arranged in one body to constitute a module unit 21. The device-temperature detecting section 21C is connected to the flasher circuit 21A. The flasher circuit 21A transmits an intermittent signal to the semiconductor switch device 21B so that a direction indicator lamp 1R, 1L connected to the semiconductor switch device 21B is caused to turn-signal flash. The device-temperature detecting section 21C detects a temperature of the semiconductor switch device 21B so that, when the temperature becomes high, the ON duty ratio of the intermittent signal is reduced.

Abstract: A motor vehicle warning signal light assembly is installed within a car and near a back window, which includes stop signal light, an invertedly disposed V-shaped signal light, a control switch, a leftward turn signal light, and a rightward turn signal light. The stop signal light is synchronously operated with the stop lights of the motor vehicle. The invertedly disposed V-shaped signal light and the stop signal light form a triangle signal light, which can be manually turned on by the control switch. The leftward turn signal light and the rightward turn signal light of the assembly are respectively operated with the leftward turn signal light and rightward turn signal light of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of controlling tail lamps of a vehicles capable of giving an alarm to the driver when the door of the vehicle is opened in ON state of the tail lamps, thereby ensuring the driver to recognize the ON state of the tail lamps.

Abstract: An apparatus for triggering a warning device, in particular in a vehicle with an on-board controller to influence braking pressure and/or engine torque and/or steering as a function of the movement behavior of the vehicle wheels and/or of the vehicle, is described. In the event of a fault in the controller, ground is applied to the warning device by a control unit of the controller and the fault is thereby indicated. At least one comparator is provided, to which on the one hand a comparison voltage and on the other hand a further voltage can be applied, such that the comparator becomes conductive and applies to the warning device the ground applied to it, if the further voltage is less than a first comparison voltage and/or if the further voltage is greater than a second comparison voltage.

Abstract: A driver safety parameter display apparatus for a motor vehicle includes a housing assembly and a timer assembly for recording time data for time of operation of the motor vehicle. A computer processor assembly is electrically connected to the timer assembly for receiving time data signals from the timer assembly. An array of individual illumination assemblies is supported by the housing assembly and is visible from outside the housing assembly. The illumination assemblies are electrically connected to the computer processor assembly for indicating sequentially and cumulatively an accumulation of time of operation of the motor vehicle. A connector assembly is provided for mechanically connecting the housing assembly to an outside surface of the motor vehicle. The array of illumination assemblies includes nine illumination assemblies arranged in a matrix of three rows and three columns and includes a tenth illumination assembly placed aside the matrix of illumination assemblies.

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: A circuit for compensating for failure of a light source includes a first light source having a first function and a first intensity associated therewith and a second light source having a second function and a second intensity associated therewith. A controller is connected to the first and second light sources, for detecting a current to the first light source. Upon detection of a failure of the first light source, the controller modulates the second light source to provide the function of the first light source with a substantially the first intensity.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for evaluating the self-diagnostic system of a controller in a motor vehicle having a control panel with a push-button switch with automatic return, and additional input elements and having a signalling element which is suitable for emitting a flashing code. In order to emit a structured flashing code of fault numbers, the range of possible faults which can be diagnosed is divided into fault classes, the faults within a fault class being assigned fault numbers which can be emitted, separated on the basis of fault classes, by flashing code. A specific fault class is selected by the operator by setting the input elements to a specific position combination which is assigned to the fault class, and operation of the push-button switch (for example, the recirculation push-button in the case of a heating controller).

Abstract: A circuit for triggering warning lamps including a self-conductive transistor circuit with a triggering circuit connected to the supply voltages. The triggering circuit keeps the transistor circuit blocked if the supply voltages are proper. If voltage fails, the transistors of the self-conductive transistor circuit open a current path from the warning lamp terminal to the control terminal of the power driver which results in switching on of the power driver and, thus, of the warning lamp.

Abstract: A vehicle current drain tester tests nominal current drain through a vehicle electrical system while preserving on-board vehicle memory. The tester includes a measurement current loop, an offset circuit and a fail indicator. The current loop includes first and second tester terminals for connection to the electrical circuit, first and second voltage source terminals for connection to a voltage source and a current sensor. The current sensor generates a measurement signal in response to current flowing in the current loop. The offset circuit is coupled to the current sensor and applies an offset to the measurement signal which represents a selected drain current level in the vehicle. The offset circuit generates a fail output signal as a function of whether the measurement signal exceeds the offset. The fail indicator is coupled to the offset circuit and is responsive to the fail output signal.

Abstract: An automotive opto-electric starter interlock for use in a motor vehicle for the purpose of preventing the engine from being remotely started unless the transmission is in neutral. The starter interlock includes an optical sensors array mounted to the transmission shift linkage. The output of the sensors is dependent upon the position of the shift linkage, hence allowing to determine if the transmission is in neutral. A microprocessor stimulates the sensors and observes their response to determine the position of the shift linkage. The information supplied by the sensors is also used to detect system malfunctions.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the illumination of a vehicular lamp and for monitoring the state of a switch electrically connected thereto. A feedback signal corresponding to a state of the switch is generated by a feedback circuit. A control signal is generated by a controller based on the feedback signal. A lamp drive signal is generated by a lamp driver based on the control signal for illuminating the lamp. A single multiplexed connector provides the lamp drive signal to the lamp during a drive operating mode and the feedback signal from the switch to the controller during a feedback operating mode.

Abstract: A lighting switch for use in a vehicle lighting system that comprises a switch housing, a plurality of electrical contacts on the switch housing and a manually operable contact engaging means. The manually operable contact engaging means, when in a first position, prevents electrical energy from flowing to either the headlights or the parking lights; when in a second position, permits electrical energy to flow from the battery to the parking lights with the headlights being electrically isolated from the battery and the ignition switch; and, when in a third position, permits electrical energy to flow from the ignition switch to the headlights and parking lights such that when the ignition switch is turned off no electrical energy flows to either the headlights or parking lights.

Abstract: A light switching device for a motor vehicle, in which a switching component, capable of more than one switching position, for switching on and off a plurality of lamps of the operating illumination of a motor vehicle, a indicator for illuminating functions and an electrical plug-in connection device are integrated, are insertable in one piece into the dashboard or the instrument panel of the motor vehicle. The device integrates the operating illumination control, the circuit fuses appertaining to the operating illumination and the circuit monitoring, such that the fuses are easily accessible at the level of the actuating handle of the at least one switching component for the illumination control. The device has a patchboard for exchangeable fuses, and at least one integrated semiconductor circuit, monitoring current paths for current flows, for realizing at least one checking and/or warning function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying electric lamps likely to fail due to a violated internal atmosphere monitor voltage through a resistor in order to ascertain a increasing internal resistance of the lamp. The apparatus of the present invention preferably includes a power supply and a resistor in series with the electric lamp. The apparatus further includes a data acquisition system for comparing a voltage drop across the resistor at a predetermined time with a predetermined minimum value. The method of the present invention utilizes the circuit of the apparatus and includes the steps of establishing a predetermined minimum value of voltage drop across the resistor for acceptable lamps, placing a test lamp in series with the battery and resistor, and supplying voltage to the test lamp for a test interval of time.

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 protective device for a lighting system to be used for a motor vehicle constituting a power supply and a light source energized with the power from the power supply. The power to be supplied to the light source is controlled by a driver. The driver is input with either a signal from a PWM pulse generator or a signal from a fixed duty pulse generator for the control of power to be supplied to the light source, and the changeover of these pulse generators is operated based on a detection signal from a voltage detector which monitors the voltage of the power supply.

Abstract: A lamp-diagnosing system comprising electronic current-indicating apparatus and a dashboard display scheme, for vehicles: The system provides a dashboard display which shows the actions of external signaling lamps and hence their status (monitoring mode). Another embodiment provides indication only when a lamp fails (alarm mode). The invention offers improved operator awareness of vehicular signaling, serviceability, improved safety, low cost, and ease of incorporation into existing circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the state of operation of lamp (2) in a public lighting network is provided comprising a sensing unit (6) associated with each lamp (2) for measuring the voltage of and luminous flux emitted by each lamp (2). Each sensing unit (6) also calculates the efficiency of lamp using an efficiency index given by the gradient of the line which, in a Cartesian diagram in which the voltage of the lamp is the x-coordinate and the flux the y-coordinate, represents the instantaneous relationship between the parameters.

Abstract: An emergency signalling system is disclosed that incorporates an emergency signalling device including a light source and reflector mounted for relative rotation in incremental steps in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions. A programmable control unit of the signalling system provides digital signals to a drive source for controlling the speed and direction of the relative rotation. In response to the digital signals, the signalling device executes a variety of different visual patterns. The signalling system can be programmed from a keyboard preferably integrated into a control head mounted to a dashboard area of a vehicle incorporating the emergency signalling system. Virtually any type of visual warning pattern based on the relative rotation of a light source and reflector can be executed by the signalling device if properly programmed.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable sheath includes a predetermined number of fiber optic cables, with each of the cables arranged such that a first end of each fiber optic cable is received within a display panel within a passenger compartment of the associated vehicle, wherein a second end of each cable is arranged in a facing confronting relationship relative to each light member of a predetermined number of lights of the vehicle such that extinguishing of any of the light members is immediately illustrated in the panel upon failure of light to be transmitted through that individual fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A directional and warning blink apparatus for a vehicle, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprises a directional warning blink sender (1) including a relay (12) with a driving circuit (5) therefor, a timing generator (4) and a control and logic circuit (3) for controlling timing operation of the timing generator. The control and logic circuit detects, via several input terminals, a chosen operational mode (warning blinking or directional blinking) as well as a blink signal lamp current and executes several control functions dependent upon these two items of information. An interior wiring of this directional warning blink sender can easily be adapted to various exterior wirings, in particular to varying numbers of blink signal lamps (26, 27).

Abstract: An integrated circuit including a comparator having two output states and being responsive to a voltage developed across a shunt in the circuit so that the comparator assumes one of its two output states when the voltage developed across the shunt is greater than a threshold switching voltage and the other of its two output states when the voltage developed across the shunt is less than the threshold switching voltage. The integrated circuit additionally includes a threshold switching voltage sensitivity control circuit, coupled to and controlling the comparator, for controlling a sensitivity of the threshold switching voltage to changes in a supply voltage of the lamp circuit and for controlling a sensitivity of the threshold switching voltage to changes in temperature of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A circuit is described for monitoring of loads having measuring resistors in the load circuit. The circuit evaluates the measuring voltage drops obtained at the measuring resistors. The circuit comprises at least one comparator stage made up of a reference current section and a comparator section. A temperature-dependent reference current is formed in the reference current section and supplied to the comparator section, with the temperature-dependent reference current comprising a voltage-independent component and a voltage-dependent component. The comparator section comprises one or more input branches, corresponding comparator branches, and a reference branch. The comparator branch compares the reference current flowing in the reference branch with the input currents flowing in the input branches and representing a measure for the measuring voltage drops obtained at the measuring resistors and applied to the inputs of the comparator stages.

Abstract: A motor vehicle high beam indicator comprising a flashing light and/or audible signal generator to inform a driver that his headlight high beams are turned on. The flashing light and audible signal ar automatically activated when the high beams are turned on and automatically deactivated when the headlights are switched to the low beam operating mode or turned off. The flashing light may also be switched to a non-flashing operating mode and the audible signal deactivated separately with a driver control. If the headlights are turned off in the high beam operating mode, the high beam indicator system automatically resets itself irrespective of whether the indicator system has been deactivated with the driver control.

Abstract: A lamp monitor provides a sense resistor for each lamp circuit as a special sense terminal member with a series resistance and sense terminals connected to a circuit board in a lamp monitor module. A multiplexing arrangement allows selection of the circuit to be monitored. The monitor samples the voltage across the series resistance by first connecting a capacitor across the sense terminals to be charged to the voltage and then disconnecting the capacitor from the sense terminals and connecting it across the input of an amplifier. The voltage across the lamps is sensed to provide a ratiometric reference for the digitizing of the amplifier output in an analog to digital converter; and a digital computer corrects the input digital signal with a stored non-linear normalization factor relating current to voltage in the lamps.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is utilized to control a switch so the flash rate and duty cycle of a flasher system is accurately regulated. The tighter control allows two flash rate and duty cycle combinations whereby a driver perceives a significant difference between the two settings, normal operation and lamp out operation. Such a feature allows one flasher to meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards when used as a combination flasher for a 3-lamp turn signal and a 6-lamp hazard warning lighting system in vehicles.

Abstract: A lamp monitor provides a sense resistor for each lamp circuit as a special sense terminal member with a series resistance and sense terminals connected to a circuit board in a lamp monitor module. A multiplexing arrangement allows selection of the circuit to be monitored. The monitor samples the voltage across the series resistance by first connecting a capacitor across the sense terminals to be charged to the voltage and then disconnecting the capacitor from the sense terminals and connecting it across the input of an amplifier. The voltage across the lamps is sensed to provide a ratiometric reference for the digitizing of the amplifier output in an analog to digital converter; and a digital computer corrects the input digital signal with a stored non-linear normalization factor relating current to voltage in the lamps.

Abstract: An inexpensive approach to identify automobile 3rd brake lamp failures by drilling 2 holes, 1 in the reflector, and 1 in the outer housing, then covering the inner portion of hole in the outer body with a red plastic lens to allow the flowing filament to shine thru the outer body, thereby allowing the driver to detect 3rd brake lamp malfunction by observing the housing assembly in the rear view mirror.

Abstract: A vehicle wind screen light assembly for use on a vehicle disposed in the field of view of the driver. This assembly includes, an auxiliary support member, such as a wind screen or bug deflector, mounted on the vehicle. A plurality of light signal units are supported by the auxiliary support member in a spaced apart arrangement in the field of view of a driver. A wiring subassembly connects the light signal units to respective light signal circuits.

Abstract: A lamp monitor provides a sense resistor for each lamp circuit as a special sense terminal member with a series resistance and sense terminals connected to a circuit board in a lamp monitor module. A multiplexing arrangement allows selection of the circuit to be monitored. The monitor samples the voltage across the series resistance by first connecting a capacitor across the sense terminals to be charged to the voltage and then disconnecting the capacitor from the sense terminals and connecting it across the input of an amplifier. The voltage across the lamps is sensed to provide a ratiometric reference for the digitizing of the amplifier output in an analog to digital converter; and a digital computer corrects the input digital signal with a stored non-linear normalization factor relating current to voltage in the lamps.

Abstract: A vehicle indicator system is set forth for a vehicle that has first and second instrumentation indicator lamps for indicating the condition of first and second vehicle systems. Instead of the first indicator lamp having a backup lamp in case the first indicator lamp burns out, the second indicator lamp serves a dual purpose as the backup lamp for the first indicator lamp.

Abstract: A circuit for monitoring electrical loads, e.g. lamps especially in motor vehicles, comprises a power supply line (14) for supplying electric current for illuminating a lamp (10, 12), and means (58) for providing a reduced electric current through the lamp when not illuminated. A resistor (24) is in series with the lamp, and a comparator (40) is arranged to compare the potential of a point between the resistor and the lamp with a reference potential when the lamp is not illuminated for generating a warning signal in the event of lamp failure. A further power supply line (48) is also provided, and means (50) for establishing a fixed potential difference between the further and the first power supply lines. The comparator is arranged such that the fixed potential difference provides a constant voltage power supply for the comparator.

Abstract: Monitoring of trailer indicator lights includes a flasher pulse generator provided for generating, upon the switching on of a direction signalling switch, fixed pulse frequencies which can be changed over as a function of deviations of the load connected to the flasher pulse generator from its nominal load. The monitoring is carried out without requiring a change over of the flasher pulse generator to a "trailer mode" of operation. When the trailer is electrically connected, and upon the failure of one of the trailer indicator lights which are to be switched on and operated via a separate voltage supply at the frequency of the flasher pulse generator, one of the indicator lights of the towing vehicle is isolated from the electrical load of the flasher pulse generator. As a result of this simulated light failure, the frequency generated by the flasher pulse generator is changed over the imminent generation of a control signal to the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A lamp monitor provides a sense resistor for each lamp circuit as a special sense terminal member with a series resistance and sense terminals connected to a circuit board in a lamp monitor module. A multiplexing arrangement allows selection of the circuit to be monitored. The monitor samples the voltage across the series resistance by first connecting a capacitor across the sense terminals to be charged to the voltage and then disconnecting the capacitor from the sense terminals and connecting it across the input of an amplifier. The voltage across the lamps is sensed to provide a ratiometric reference for the digitizing of the amplifier output in an analog to digital converter; and a digital computer corrects the input digital signal with a stored non-linear normalization factor relating current to voltage in the lamps.

Abstract: A drive circuit for driving a capacitive load (4) and for producing a signal (FIG. 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b) indicative of the condition of the load, the circuit comprising: a FET (26) applying current to the load; a resistance (30) sensing the level of the applied current; a differential amplifier (32) detecting when the sensed level exceeds a predetermined threshold; and a bipolar transistor producing a control signal (FIG. 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b) to limit the applied current until the load current falls below the threshold, whereby the control signal is a pulse width modulated signal whose pulse width is indicative of the condition of the load.

Abstract: A warning system for burned-out condition of automotive lamps including brake lamps, high-mount lamps and tail lamps, includes a detection circuit for monitoring the lamps to produce a first signal indicative of the presence of a burned-out lamp, and for monitoring a brake-lamp switch and a light switch to produce a second signal when the brake-lamp switch is ON and a third signal when the light switch is ON. The warning system also includes a control unit which receives the first, second and third signals and determines the identity of the lamp group including at least one burned-out lamp, and an indicator which indicates the identity of the lamp group including at least one burned-out lamp on the basis of the determination by the control unit.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting the condition of a lamp, activating a permanent memory two-state display of the lamp condition, and displaying said condition during the daylight when no power is connected to the lamp. The system includes an electrical circuit powered by electricity drawn from power lines connected to the lamp such that the circuit is energized only when the lamp is supposed to be lighted. A rectifier transforms the alternating current of the power lines into a direct current for the circuit. The current of the power lines connected to the lamp is detected and measured when the lamp is supposed to be lighted in order to determine the condition of the lamp, and provide an appropriate signal for controlling switches within the circuit. Two alternative current pathways, each including a capacitor and a switch responsive to input from the current sensor, are provided in the circuit.

Abstract: An electronic turn signal and hazard warning flasher of the kind generally used in automobiles. The flasher is composed of a lamp outage sense resistor, a pulse generator, and an outage sense deactivation circuit which deactivates the lamp outage feature of the pulse generator. The lamp outage deactivation circuit, which receives feedback signals from the turn signal lamps, can be installed in a variety of flashers to deactivate the lamp outage feature, and also can take on a multiplicity of forms. In one form, the outage sense deactivation circuit consists of a resistor and a switch control in parallel between the sense resistor and the pulse generator. In another form, the circuit consists of first and second resistors and a switch control.

Abstract: A protection system has a power supply connected to lamps by a low value resistor. The resistor is part of a voltage divider system which provides input signals to a number of comparators. These comparators provide appropriate signals to a microprocessor to indicate normal operation. When a malfunction is detected, the voltage drop across the low value resistor changes and alters the output of the comparators. The microprocessor thereafter produces an appropriate warning signal. In a vehicle turn signal circuit, the present invention is incorporated to detect a burned out bulb. A warning is provided to the vehicle operator when a bulb is out. Further, pursuant to federal safety regulations, the remaining functioning bulbs, when activated, flash at a substantially slower rate.

Abstract: The two wire device tests the continuity of conductors in a monitoring circuit having an open circuited apparatus. The device has a switch which is controlled by a sequencer and a clock. Upon the application of power, the device is energized if the continuity of the conductors is present. The clock provides a train of pulses that alternately opens and closes the switch. When the switch is closed, continuity across the conductors is provided to illuminate an indicator lamp. When the switch is open, a power storage unit charges from the monitoring circuit power supply. The power storage unit provides operating power to the sequencer and the clock. The output of the clock has a long duty cycle so that the time when the switch is open is very brief, thus causing the lamp to be perceived by a human as unaffected. The sequencer counts the number of oscillations produced by the clock and when a predetermined number has occurred, turns off the clock and leaves the switch open.

Abstract: A universal trailer lighting adapter permits connection of the lighting systems of American trailers to either American or foreign motor vehicles. Circuitry employing complementary metal oxide semiconductor logic elements in cooperation with solid state switches results in negligible current drain from the motor vehicle battery when the motor vehicle is not in use. The circuitry is powered directly from the battery of the motor vehicle, thereby eliminating additional loading of the motor vehicle electrical components and wiring and assuring full brightness of on both the motor vehicle and the trailer. The circuitry is fused or current limited to protect the electrical systems of both the motor vehicle and trailer from shorts that may occur in the trailer lighting system. A light emitting diode is provided to indicate a malfunction in either the adapter circuitry or the trailer lighting system to the driver of the motor vehicle.

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

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

Abstract: A brake signal for a vehicle utilizing a housing having a chamber and a base portion. The chamber includes a first opening leading to the inside from the exterior of the housing. A source of light, activated by the vehicle brake, is mounted within the chamber at a certain level above the base of the housing. A translucent pattern panel is mounted in the first opening. A second opening is also included in the chamber at a level above the source of light. The light source is positioned between the first and second openings to the chamber to permit the driver of the vehicle to ascertain the proper operation of the signal.

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

Abstract: A vehicle light testing system is provided for testing the lighting systems of a vehicle having a plurality of lights (which have different operating functions). The testing system includes an arrangement for scanning the plurality of lights in a predetermined scanning sequence. This scanning allows a single testing operator to check the different operating functions of the lights in a single trip around the vehicle. Thus, the scanning sequence can progress from the left turn signal to the brake lights to the right turn signal (and then repeat the cycle again) so that an operator in the back of the vehicle can watch the lights progress through this sequence. The system also includes a number of other features concerned with the testing of vehicle lights in conjunction with the scanning feature, including detection of shorts, bad grounds, and low testing battery voltage, as well as a "freeze" feature and a convenient system status indicator arrangement.