Abstract: A vehicle safety light system that includes at least one left and right light elements each having multiple light emitting devices arranged in a row, a light element controller in controlling connection with each of the multiple light emitting devices of the left and right light elements, an on/off switch in connection with an on/off input of the light element controller, a full-speed blink mode activation switch in connection with a full-speed blink mode input of the light element controller, a half-speed blink mode activation switch in connection with a half-speed blink mode input of the light element controller, and a vehicle brake pedal activated, light blinking speed controller having a variable resistance control output in connection with a variable blink speed input of the light element controller.

Abstract: A vehicle communications system having a remote control unit installed in the interior of a vehicle and a display unit located on the exterior of the vehicle. The display unit has an input from the remote control unit and an input from a vehicle interface module that has inputs from the vehicle such as the braking system and the turning signal system. The remote control unit is controllable by the driver in the vehicle and has a table of preset and preprogrammed messages selectable by the driver. The driver selects a message to be displayed and sends the message to the display unit. Any input to the vehicle interface module from the vehicle signaling systems overrides the signal input from the remote control unit unless the display unit is mounted on the front of the vehicle. The driver can select a message from a table of messages that are sequentially displayed on the remote control unit. The table of messages is stored on a flash memory in the remote unit and in a flash memory in the display unit.

Abstract: A dangerous condition indicating brake light system is provided including a brake switch adapted to transmit an activation signal only during the depression of a brake pedal. An outside temperature sensor is mounted on an exterior of the vehicle for transmitting a condition signal upon the detection of a temperature below a predetermined amount. A light is situated on a rear extent of the vehicle and adapted to illuminate only upon the actuation thereof. Control circuitry is provided for actuating the light upon the receipt of the condition signal in combination with the activation signal.

Abstract: A road safety system for vehicles employing built-in driving information, wherein it regards the conduct adopted by drivers when driving their vehicles as being manifested in the displacement of the accelerator pedal by pressure thereon, that having gathered this information and the indication of the normal/fog selector, it is conveyed to the position detector, and the output therefrom through a linking cable to the receiving module so as to illuminate an elongate luminous strip, installed in the rear part of the vehicle, so as to be visible to other drivers under the criteria which define the manner in which to illuminate, for the fully depressed or raised positions of the pedal, the whole of the green or red strip respectively, for intermediate positions, green and red patches, green indicating the proportional displacement of the pedal and red the difference to make up the strip.

Abstract: A light fixture for a vehicle includes a housing with a light-transmitting face divided into two adjacent light-transmitting face portions, which adjacent face portions are separate and discrete first and second face portions. A light-emitting diode (LED) array is positioned in the housing so as to emit light from the first face portion, the LED array including a plurality of adjacent rows of LEDs, each row of LEDs including a plurality of adjacent LEDs. A first electrical connector is provided for connecting the LED array to an electrical system of the vehicle so as to transmit light from the LED array when the vehicle running lights are on, when the vehicle is braking, and for signaling a vehicle turn. A further light source is positioned in the housing so as to emit light from the second face portion, and a second electrical connector is provided for connecting this light source to the electrical system of the vehicle so as to transmit light from the light source when the vehicle is backing up.

Abstract: A flashing motorcycle brake light enhancement system including a plurality of super bright light emitting diode (LED) modules which signal the driver of a following vehicle to slow down to avoid a rear-end collision. The application of the motorcycle's brake supplies input current to a plurality of (LED) modules via a flasher unit and connected wiring. The flashing circuit is controlled by a single, blinking light emitting diode, which is operated in combination with a resistor matched to a relay coil, to actuate a mechanical relay, which passes full battery voltage to the (LED) modules. In one embodiment the flashing (LED) modules are contained within weather-resistant housings which are attached in symmetrical arrangement and externally of the rear-mounted motorcycle brake light housing.

Abstract: The state of motion of a motor vehicle is indicated to a driver of a following vehicle by employing an array of lamps. The state of motion is determined by sensing vehicle velocity, deceleration being measured either directly via a transducer or being derived from measured velocity. When the subject vehicle is determined to be stationary, the lamps are illuminated in a time dependent sequence to produce an animated visual display in which the lamps are illuminated and selected pairs of lamps are sequentially de-actuated to provide a pattern cyclically moving outwardly from the center to both left and right ends of the array. The approach of the following vehicle to within a pre-set distance of the stationary vehicle is sensed and triggers a change in the display to a static visual display in which an outer pair of lamps remain illuminated. During deceleration, the level of deceleration is indicated by illuminating progressively more lamps with increasing deceleration.

Abstract: A safety zone guard resides in at least one articulated outwardly pivotable guard rail mounted to the transverse side of a vehicle and is deployable to an extended condition wherein in the deployed condition the guard extends perpendicularly to the transverse side of the vehicle to create a zone of safety therealong.

Abstract: The present invention is a front mounted, combination brake/signal/turn signal light. In one embodiment, an assembly with three light chambers is provided. The light in one chamber is connected to the ignition and brake circuits of the vehicle. Connection is made so that this first light lights when the vehicle is operating and goes out when the brakes are applied. The light in the second chamber is connected to the brake circuit of the vehicle. This second light is lighted whenever the brakes are applied. The light in the third chamber is connected to the turn signal circuit of the vehicle. The preferred colors are blue for the stop signal, white or clear for the daytime running lights and amber for the turn signal. Thus the assembly provides a visual signal that is white whenever the vehicle is in operation, changes from white to blue when the brakes are applied, changes from blue back to white again when the use of brakes is terminated and in addition flashes amber when the vehicle is turning.

Abstract: An automobile deceleration indicating device includes a signal generation unit which is coupled to the engine system for generating a signal of which the frequency is in general proportional to the operation speed of the engine, an amplifying circuit for amplifying the signal from the signal generation unit, a shaping circuit for generating a series of pulses from the amplified signal so that the frequency of the pulses representing the operation speed of the engine, and a micro-processor based circuit which receives the pulses and applies a control signal to the stoplight via power amplification circuit when the frequency of the pulses is decreased which indicates that the engine is slowed down.

Abstract: A display system for motor vehicles provides an array of lamps at the rear of a subject vehicle to provide an indication of the state of motion of the subject vehicle to the driver of a following vehicle. In a first mode of operation, the display indicates a level of warning dependent upon the rate of deceleration of the subject vehicle, the level of warning being determined by deceleration thresholds which are variable in dependence upon the measured speed of the subject vehicle. In a second mode of operation, the lamps provide an indication of the subject vehicle being stationary or near stationary as determined by comparing the measured speed with a threshold speed. An animate display is created by illuminating the lamps and sequentially deactuating selected pairs of lamps to create a pattern cyclically moving semetrically outwardly from the center of the row. The display is discontinued when the speed of the subject vehicle exceeds a second threshold defined independently of the first threshold speed.

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 vehicle display system has a stationary detector and an indicator, which form a stationary vehicle detection apparatus being operative to produce an indicator signal which is indicative of the vehicle being stationary. The vehicle display system also has a vehicle deceleration detector and an indicator. The vehicle deceleration detector measures the magnitude of deceleration of a vehicle and generates a signal to drive the indicator and thereby generate a display indicative of the magnitude of vehicle deceleration. The vehicle deceleration detector is independent of the vehicle braking system. In one embodiment, the indicator is an array of lamps and the stationary vehicle indicator signal is an inanimate display. One embodiment has an additional ranging device that detects a trailing vehicle within a predetermined distance of the vehicle employing the ranging device. The ranging device may be used to initiate a change of the display generated by the vehicle display system.

Abstract: An automobile speed indicator to be mounted to an automobile includes a speed sensor for generating a speed signal of the automobile to be transmitted to a microprocessor based controller for determination of the speed range of the automobile by being compared with pre-set reference. A lamp unit is electrically connected to the controller to be activated thereby for emitting light signals of different colors to indicate different speed ranges of the automobile.

Abstract: An accessory brake light system for automobile includes an elongated housing having a receiving cavity therein and a front transparent shield covering the receiving cavity, a lighting apparatus having a plurality of brake lighting LEDs mounted within the receiving cavity of the elongated housing, an electrical controlling device for connecting the lighting apparatus with the power source of the automobile and activating the lighting apparatus to provide lighting when the automobile is braked, and a mounting means for firmly securing the elongated housing to a frontmost central position of the automobile, such as a central position on the front bumper, the front license case, or a radiation cover positioning between the two front head lamps of the automobile.

Abstract: A vehicle signaling method and device for alerting drivers approaching from a rear of the vehicle including at least one light emitting signal arranged on an element of the vehicle facing rearward, a velocity measurement sensor for measuring an absolute velocity of the vehicle and a control unit coupled to the velocity measurement sensor for determining if the measured absolute velocity is greater than a threshold velocity. In one embodiment, there is a manual light activation unit which is connected to the control unit and the light emitting signal(s). The manual light activation unit is controlled by the control unit to enable the light emitting signal(s) to be activated only if the measured absolute velocity is less than the threshold velocity.

Abstract: Device for displaying stationary/dynamic status of a car for assuring safety including a car stationary/dynamic state sensing part for detecting a change of speed of a predetermined time period sensed by a rotating slit plate mounted on a speed meter cable connecting device and a photo interrupter; a pulse generating part for converting an analog signal from the state sensing part into digital pulses and applying to an microcomputer; the microcomputer for reading in a driving data programmed in a built-in ROM in response to a signal from the pulse generating part and applying driving pulses to a relevant output port; a red LED operating part and a green LED operating part for turning on respective LEDs in a red LED array part and a green LED array part in response to the microcomputer operation output, thereby running states of car can be expressed in stationary/dynamic states of stop, slow running, acceleration, equal speed running, deceleration and reversing under the control of a microcomputer.

Abstract: A brake light for a bicycle comprises a self-contained housing for attaching to the bicycle main frame below the seat. A microswitch controls the operation of the brake light. A spring biased pivoting actuating arm rests on the rear caliper brake cable adjacent a protrusion or projection on the cable. When the rear caliper brake is actuated, the cable is pulled forward, causing the actuating arm to ride up on the projection, thereby actuating the switch for the brake light. When the rear caliper brake is released, the cable and the projection move downwardly, causing the actuating arm to move down toward the cable, thereby deactivating the microswitch.

Abstract: A circuit for the electrical system of an automotive vehicle, such as a truck, interfaces a brake switch, a combination turn signal/hazard warning signal switch, and an engine electronic control module (ECM) that has two separate brake signal inputs. The circuit is especially useful when the vehicle engine has a power take-off (PTO) to prevent unintended interruption of power flow through the PTO to an accessory device, such as a salt spreader, hydraulic pump, air compressor, etc. The circuit can be fabricated from conventional circuit components. A pre-existing vehicle can be retrofitted with the circuit by a jumper harness.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle alert system for indicating changes in vehicle operation mode. The automotive vehicle rear end collision prevention system includes a power source, brake switching apparatus connected in series to the power source and responsive to the position of the brake pedal of the automotive vehicle, accelerator switching apparatus connected in series to the power source and responsive to the position of the accelerator pedal of the automotive vehicle, and a light disposed at a high point of the automotive vehicle rear and connected in series to the power source. When the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are both released, the brake switching apparatus and the accelerator switching apparatus closes illuminating the light and warning a trailing automotive vehicle that the automotive vehicle is changing operation which prevents rear end collisions, discourage tailgating and panic stops under normal traffic conditions, and improve visibility and perception.

Abstract: A signalling light visible through a rear window of a vehicle including a primary electrically energizable signaling light unit having a first array of green light-emitting diodes, a second array of red light-emitting diodes, and a third array of yellow light-emitting diodes. A pair of secondary electrically energizable signaling light units including a fourth array of red light-emitting diodes are positioned at a left extent of the rear window and a fifth array of red light-emitting diodes are positioned at a right extent of the rear window.

Abstract: An externally mounted vehicle speedometer display is disclosed comprising an external speedometer intended to be installed on the outer rear segment of a motor vehicle. Housing a green digital speedometer, a magnifying lens is provided to increase visibility to surrounding drivers. Designed to be wired to either new or existing vehicles, a memory chip is provided for storing and retaining speed history information for the vehicle over a limited time period, in order to provide speed information in case of an accident.

Abstract: The Third Brake Light and Illuminated Message Combination of this invention is powered by the vehicle battery and features a rotatable light box with a number of plane facets consisting of translucent, red-tinted, windows, each of which holds a different transparent strip with a message or graphic. The light box is placed on the rear window shelf of the vehicle. When the vehicle brakes are applied, electric lamps attached to a reflector inside the light box illuminate solely the facet and attached message which face to the rear where they can be seen by the driver of the following car. The number of facets can vary from two to eight. A control unit on the dashboard is wired to an actuator on the light box to permit the driver to rotate the light box to display different messages. The circuitry also illuminates a light panel on the control unit to indicate continuously which message is on display. The indicator light may be turned off by the driver, but will still light up every time the brakes are applied.

Abstract: Braking expectation control, based upon manual selection by the driver of the vehicle plus automatic activation (including override of the manual selection) operates to give the following motorist information concerning the type-of-stop. Blinking yellow lights warn of an easy slowdown such as occurs when coasting with the accelerator free. Red stop warning lights burn brightly for a standard stop, as is the case for currently manufactured vehicles. For the panicstop, however, all rear lights come on--red brakelights, red or yellow turn signals together as hazard warnings, hazard lights if separate from the turn signal lights, backup lights--followed by blinking yellow for a continuing warning. The automatic control takes sensor inputs for accelerator-free, foot-on-brake, brake pressure at two levels, stop and panicstop, and includes a timer to determine whether the brake activity is a tap or a more serious stop or panicstop.

Abstract: A control circuit for a center high mounted brake light of an automobile includes a tachometer for generating a voltage signal in response to a speed of the automobile, a preamplifier for amplifying the voltage signal from the tachometer to a predetermined voltage range, a voltage-controlled oscillator for outputting an oscillating signal in proportion to the voltage signal from the preamplifier, and a flicker circuit having a frequency divider for receiving the oscillating signal from the voltage-controlled oscillator and flickering the brake light in accordance with an output signal of the frequency divider,

Abstract: A deceleration warning unit and a method for the control thereof serve for reducing the danger of rear end collisions in road traffic or in other movements of bodies. In order to avoid the disadvantages of conventional brake lights and warning blinking systems the intensity of the warning by the deceleration warning system of a vehicle ahead is made dependent on the level of the danger factor G, which applied for such vehicle and may be relevant for the following vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the degree of the operation of the accelerator in an automobile is provided and the display apparatus for expanding shrinking the display detection of the sensor is provided in the automobile so that the display apparatus can be observed from the outside. A apparatus for detecting the number of rotation of engine and the depressing degree of the brake pedal also provided. The number of the engine and the depressing degree of the brake pedal as well as operation degree of the accelerator pedal is displayed inside the car and outside the car by using the light emitting display apparatus. Apparatus for detecting the running speed of vehicle and the apparatus for detecting the acceleration and the deceleration of the vehicle are provided a plurality of different meaningful of character strings are displayed outside the vehicle in accordance with the detection status of the detecting apparatus to that the running status of the automobile is displayed.

Abstract: Apparatus for the monitoring of the accelerator pedal in order to provide an early warning braking system and/or method therefor. The apparatus uses a detection mechanism to generate a signal representative of the pressure or force applied to the accelerator of the vehicle and utilizes a monitoring mechanism to monitor the signals provided by the detection mechanism. Also present are comparison and calculation devices to compare the monitored signals from the monitoring mechanism and to calculate the rate of change of pressure or force applied to the accelerator. There is a second comparison device to compare the rate of change in pressure or force on the accelerator with a pre-set limit signalling device operatively connected to the comparison device such that the signalling device is activated when the rate of change of pressure or force applied to the accelerator is above or alternatively below the pre-set limit.

Abstract: There is provided a car display device (100) mainly comprising a control unit (20), clips (30R, 30L), and a plug (40) for power source. An on-off signal which has a predetermined period to flash turn signal lamps (L.sub.L, L.sub.R) is input through either of the clips (30R, 30L) and its duration is begun to time. Then, a reference time for judgment is set to be longer than one period and shorter than two periods of the on-off signal. If the duration of the on-off signal is shorter than that of the reference times, the car display device 100 is actuated and the turn signal lamps (L.sub.L and L.sub.R) are being flashed for a predetermined time, simultaneously. Thus, the car display device (100) of the present invention has a simple construction and enables to send appreciation signals to a driver in a succeeding car with certainty.

Abstract: A display unit for presenting messages from a motor vehicle in which messages are selected for presentation based upon the number of interruptions in the power supplied to the display unit. A power supply provides power to an interrupter, which produces, within a first predetermined time frame, interruptions in the power. The power interruptions are sensed and counted, and a timer measures the first predetermined time frame in which the interruptions in the power occur. A message storage means is provided, in which is stored at least one message to be presented. A controller selects one of the stored messages for presentation, based on the number of interruptions sensed in the power and the first predetermined time frame during which the interruptions occurred, and the message is presented on a display panel. In a preferred embodiment the controller ceases the presentation of the message after a second predetermined time frame, which is most preferably about three seconds.

Abstract: A system (10) for enhancing perception of the illumination of a plurality of brake lights (910, 912, 914) is provided. System (10) includes an input line (111) which is coupled to a vehicle's brake switch (908) and may have an input (142) coupled to a vehicle's turn signal switch assembly (918) for determining when the flashing of the brake lights should occur. The voltage provided from brake switch (908) is coupled through a normally closed relay contact (32) for coupling to the output (132) of system (10), such being coupled to the respective vehicle brake lights (910, 912, 914). When the brake switch is closed the brake lights are flashed at a predetermined flash rate, for a first predetermined time period, as established by a first timer circuit (58). Re-initiation of the flashing sequence is inhibited for a second time period established by second timer (56).

Abstract: A new system to illuminate and maintain illuminated a brake light on a motorcycle anytime the throttle handle is in the idle position, or, primarily when the motorcycle is substantially stopped. In one system, an electrical switch linked with the brake light electrical circuit and mounted in the throttle handle assembly, is so positioned and aligned with a plunger molded on the throttle handle, to provide that anytime the throttle handle is in it's normal or released idle position, the plunger will actuate the switch to complete the circuit and illuminate the brake light. In another system, a control senses motorcycle movement, and illuminates the brake light when the motorcycle is sufficiently stopped, as at a traffic signal. Yet another system combines the two systems, automatically illuminating the brake light when the motorcycle has been stopped and the throttle handle is in the idle position.

Abstract: A vehicle deceleration warning light is disclosed that includes a pressure switch in fluid communication with the master hydraulic brake cylinder. When the pressure reaches a predetermined level that is representative of panic or emergency braking, the pressure switch activates a delayed and latched switch that, after a suitable interval, turns on a contrastingly colored flashing warning indicator on the rear deck of the motor vehicle to warn a following driver of the rapid deceleration. The flashing indicator continues its flashing for a predetermined amount of time, even after the pressure on the pedal has been released.

Abstract: Apparent motion is created in an object to stimulate rapid M cell response in an observer's visual system. In one embodiment, a vehicle is equipped with at least left and right pairs of brake lights spaced apart about 1 to 60 minutes of visual angle at the viewing distance. Vehicle braking activates the innermost of each pair of lights for duration T1, and after a duration T2, the outermost of each pair of lights is activated for the duration of the braking action. T1 is determined by luminous energy intensity from the innermost brake lights, and for incandescent lights is in the range of about 5 ms to about 50 ms. Duration T2 is selected to preclude an overlap in the observer's visual system between response to the end of the first-activated light, and the response commencing with the start of the second-activated light. For incandescent lights, T2 is in the range from about zero to about 50 ms.

Abstract: The invention provides a kit for a vehicle having an electrical system and a selectively operable cruise control, for advising persons outside of the vehicle that the cruise control system is controlling the speed of the vehicle. The kit comprises a light having a light bulb and a globe or light emitting diodes, an electrical cable and a connector to connect the cable to said vehicle electrical system.The invention also provides a vehicle comprising an engine and a cruise control coupling a speed sensor to the engine to maintain the vehicle at a fixed speed, and external warning means operable when the cruise control is engaged.

Abstract: A system for the protection and safety of cars, passengers and pedestrians is described, adaptable to be installed in automotive vehicles having a gas pedal, a brake pedal and a battery, such as cars, tractors, trailers, trucks, buses, and the like.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the degree of the operation of the accelerator in an automobile is provided and the display apparatus for expanding shrinking the display detection of the sensor is provided in the automobile so that the display apparatus can be observed from the outside. Apparatus for detecting the number of rotation of engine and the depressing degree of the brake pedal also provided. The number of the engine and the depressing degree of the brake pedal as well as operation degree of the accelerator pedal is displayed inside the car and outside the car by using the light emitting display apparatus. Apparatus for detecting the running speed of vehicle and the apparatus for detecting the acceleration and the deceleration of the vehicle are provided a plurality of different meaningful of character strings are displayed outside the vehicle in accordance with the detection status of the detecting apparatus to that the running status of the automobile is displayed.

Abstract: A system of the present invention for signaling panic braking of a vehicle at or above a preset rate. The vehicle has a brake pedal movable from a nondepressed position to a depressed position for braking the vehicle. The nondepressed and depressed positions correspond to open and closed positions, respectively, of a brake light switch. The vehicle energizes at least one brake light when the brake light switch is in its closed position. The system of the invention includes a mercury switch for detecting a deceleration rate of the vehicle and generates a signal representative of panic braking when the deceleration rate of the vehicle reaches or exceeds the preset panic braking rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating driving status of a vehicle includes a first light with a first color, a second light with second color, and a third light with a third color. The first light is turned on to emit the first color light when a driver of the vehicle is stepping an accelerator pedal of the vehicle. The second light is turned on to emit the second color light when the driver of the vehicle is stepping a brake pedal of the vehicle. The third light is turned on to emit the third color light when the driver is neither stepping the accelerator nor stepping the brake pedal.

Abstract: The enhanced auxiliary signaling device of the present invention includes a housing mounted on the rear of a vehicle with a control unit electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system and to a display panel on the housing to display various alphanumeric and graphic messages in response to activation of signals in the vehicle electrical system. The activation of a vehicle turn signal will cause a first alphanumeric message to be displayed along with a first graphic display. The second turn signal will display the first alphanumeric message along with a second graphic display. Activation of both turn signals will activate a second alphanumeric message, simultaneous with the first and second graphic displays. The activation of the vehicle brakes will activate a second alphanumeric message and a third graphic display.

Abstract: Mandated by law in most states is an original equipment manufacture (OEM) auto rear window brake-operated light which displays itself as a steady light signal when the brake is operated. This same light is now given a flashing mode to indicate the "cruise control" is on so that an approaching motorist is encouraged to make a safe lane change rather than to "tailgate".

Abstract: A sudden-stop brake-light warning system (10) that causes the brake lights (56) of a vehicle to intermittently pulsate. The pulsation of the lights (56) is achieved by a flashing brake-light circuit (12) that is only activated when the brake pedal is depressed during a panic stop. The circuit (12) consists of a mercury switch (51), located in an inertia operative switching circuit (16), that closes only when the brake switch (54) is depressed during a panic stop. When the switch (54) closes, the power from the vehicle battery (52) is applied to the gate of a silicon controlled rectifier (CR1) located in a silicon controlled rectifier circuit (18). The energizing of CR1 enables a multivibrator circuit (14) connected via a relay driven transistor (Q3) to the coil (20A) of a relay (K1) located in a relay drive/relay circuit (20). The relay is pulsed in accordance with the time constant of the multivibrator and as the coil (20A) pulses, so are the brake lights (56).

Abstract: A yellow warning light indicator that is located at the rear of a lead vehicle to be visible by a tailing vehicle and wherein the yellow warning light is lit when the driver of the lead vehicle releases his foot from the accelerator pedal so as to warn the driver of the trailing vehicle that the lead vehicle is slowing down.

Abstract: A vehicle having left and right lower rear brake lights and a center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) flashes the CHMSL when brakes are initially applied. The lower brake lights do not automatically flash. After a predetermined duration, the CHMSL remains continuously activated until brakes are removed. A semiconductor oscillator circuit is configured to be energized when brakes are applied. It produces an oscillating signal which is responsible for causing the CHMSL to flash. A semiconductor timer circuit is also configured to be energized when brakes are applied. It produces a time out signal which activates a predetermined duration after brakes are applied and which is responsible for causing the CHMSL to remain continuously activated. The outputs of the oscillator and timer circuits are combined at a semiconductor switch which drives the CHMSL.

Abstract: Emergency deceleration warning devices which may also be manually activated to provide a warning in situations where abnormal deceleration is not involved. The disclosed devices are self-contained units which include: (1) a flasher which is highly visible, even in bright daylight; (2) a circuit for turning the flasher on and off; and (3) a simple, enclosed decelerometer for enabling the flasher-operating circuit when a vehicle equipped with the warning device is decelerated at an abnormal rate.

Abstract: A casing includes a display side which is provided with a plurality of through holes that form a predetermined pattern. A light generating unit is disposed in the casing, and a light receiving unit is spaced from the light generating unit. The light receiving unit includes a mounting plate, a plurality of optical fiber bundles and a motor. Each of the optical fiber bundles has a first end fixed onto the mounting plate and a second end fixed in a respective one of the through holes in the display side. The motor rotatably carries a transparent circular disc and is mounted to the mounting plate. The transparent circular disc has different colored regions.

Abstract: An externally visible indication of incipient automotive vehicle motion is displayed based on information from the vehicle operator, the engine and the transmission, as interpreted by the vehicle controller, wherein acceleration information is selectively provided during throttle tip-in while the transmission is in a low gear, and wherein brake information is provided when the brake pedal is depressed. Unique external displays of the incipient motion, sensitive to ambient light levels, are provided in forward areas of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rearview mirror with an operating condition display to be positioned in front of a driver's seat within the passenger cabin of a vehicle is composed of an operating display provided with an operating condition display portion visible through the windshield by illumination of preselected portions thereof and a rearview mirror which is capable of being adjusted to a predetermined angle of use with respect to the operating condition display construction.

Abstract: The present invention entails a vehicle brake light system comprising an auxiliary brake light and a deceleration brake light both connected to a current source through a brake switch. A timer control module is operatively connected with the brake switch, auxiliary brake light and the deceleration light for causing the auxiliary brake light to flash "on" and "off" while the brake pedal switch is closed. In addition, the timer control module is operative to cause the deceleration light to flash "on" and "off" for a predetermined period after the brake pedal switch assumes an open state.

Abstract: An apparatus to indicate a car operating condition, which comprises a plurality of red, white and greeen warning lights mounted on the front and rear portions of a car to inform or warn an oncoming car of a trailing car about the existing driving and operation condition of the car on which the lights are installed. A set of red flashing lights is used to warn other drivers that the car is stopped or backing up; a set of white back-up lights provides an additional warning that the car is backing up. A set of green lights is used to advise other motorists that the car is moving forward in an accelerating mode. Two green flashing lights provide an indication that the car is moving forwardly without acceleration. Two continuously-on red lights are used to indicate that the car is being braked. The system of warning lights is designed to warn other motorists of the condition of the vehicle, or impending changes in the vehicle position, so that the other motorists can take action to avoid a car accident.