Abstract: A turn signal system includes at least one sensor detecting road markers and generating therefrom road marker signals. A turn signal deactivates in response to a control command generated by a controller. The controller receives the road marker signals, and determines at least one of whether the system is undergoing a turning condition or has completed the turning condition from the road marker signals. The controller generates the control command when the system has completed the turning condition. A redundancy system verifies the control command.

Abstract: A Multi-Directional Clustered Signal Light system for land vehicles is incorporated on opposing sides of a land vehicle's front and rear bumpers. The system signals the driver's intention to turn left, move forward or turn right by illuminating arrows within the cluster light. The left and right turn lighted arrows are color-coded and flash until the steering wheel is straightened upon completion of a turn. The move forward lighted arrow indication is color-coded and remains on for a period of about 0.5 minute to 1 minute. The system signals nearby drivers and pedestrians, to inform them concerning the vehicle's intended direction of movement. Safety margins are improved and accidents otherwise resulting from miscommunication between drivers are virtually eliminated. The signal light is connected using a single connector and installed as a single unit, thereby facilitating cost effective installation and replacement.

Abstract: Detection is made of an activated direction of a vehicular operator device capable of being activated in at least two directions. In response to activation, in a first direction, of the operator device, informing sound is generated which varies over time with a first characteristic, and, in response to activation, in a second direction, of the operator device, informing sound is generated which varies over time with a second characteristic generally opposite to the first characteristic. For example, when a right turn is instructed, informing sound is generated with a characteristic to progressively raise the sound pitch from a relatively low sound pitch, while when a left turn is instructed, informing sound is generated with a characteristic to progressively lower the sound pitch from a relatively low sound pitch (, or vice versa).

Abstract: This invention provides a system to detect in real time the condition of jackknifing tendency during vehicle-trailer backing up, and to provide steering direction assistance. The system utilizes rates of change of a vehicle-trailer articulation angle to determine a critical articulation angle.

Abstract: The difference between the U turn indicators art and other art is simple. The U turn indicators art demonstrates that a U turn is taking place, by flashing, blinking, or displaying, a U turn symbol. Other art shows things like right hand turning indicators, left hand indicators, and or backing up lights. The U turn indicators art shows a blinking U in the middle of the regular car light, although that function can take many forms. No other art exhibits what our art displays, and that is a sign that a U turn is in progress. So to sum it up; our art is different because it is the only art that indicates a blinking, or flashing U for the purpose of displaying that a U turn is in progress.

Abstract: A brake early warning system for a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle has (1) a steering column assembly (500) having a plurality of components, and (2) a vehicle broadcast system, which includes brake lights, a horn, and headlights. The brake early warning system includes a movement sensor (20) which is connected to the steering column assembly (500), and senses relative movement between two of the steering column assembly (500) components when a driver braces against the steering wheel (508) in an urgent braking situation. In such cases, movement sensor (20) senses relative movement, and generates a signal which activates the brake lights, horn, and headlights, thereby alerting any following driver, as well as others in the vicinity, that the vehicle has commenced rapid braking. In a second embodiment the brake early warning system includes inputs of both the weight of the driver and the force applied to the steering wheel, both of which affect the behavior of the system.

Abstract: An automotive device attachable to a vehicle has an external rearview mirror including a mirror element and an end support attachable to a vehicle and supporting the mirror element, and a lateral blinker including a light source and a supporting element which supports the light source, the supporting element with the light source being incorporated in the external rearview mirror.

Abstract: An adaptive cruise control system is provided for tracking a target vehicle through a curve. The adaptive cruise control system tests whether the target vehicle is traveling along the curve or whether the target vehicle is changing lanes. The test includes monitoring a change in travel directions between the target vehicle and the adaptive cruise control vehicle. In one embodiment, the test monitors a change relative velocity versus azimuth angle.

Abstract: A method of automatically switching a turn indicator on a vehicle on or off, whereby ambient data about the vehicle is detected for determining the location of the vehicle. On the basis of this ambient data, changes in lane and/or direction of travel are determined. Before a change in lane or direction of travel, the turn indicator is turned on and turned off after changing lanes and/or direction of travel.

Abstract: In a steering mechanism of steer-by-wire type which includes a first steering unit that is handled by a driver and a second steering unit that steers steered road wheels with the aid of a steering motor, there is employed a control system which input and output detecting sections that detect input and output of the steering motor, a road surface disturbance estimating section that estimates a disturbance of road surface based on both the detected input and output of the steering motor, and a steering reaction force calculating section that, based on the estimated disturbance of road surface, calculates a steering reaction force that is to be applied to a steering wheel of the first steering unit.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lighting system includes a master controller, a smart light, and a hot bus. The master controller is electrically couplable to a power supply and is adapted to receive an input signal corresponding to a left turn signal, a right turn signal, a run signal, or a brake signal. The master controller also includes a digital command signal output that is produced in response to the input signal. The smart light includes a light controller and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's). The light controller is adapted to control the LED's in response to the command signal. The hot bus electrically couples the master controller to the smart light. Power and the command signal are provided to the smart light over the hot bus.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or cullminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.

Abstract: A tracking and driving speed regulating device for motor vehicles, having a sensor device for detecting lane tracking, a steering regulator for evaluating signals from sensor device and for issuing steering commands to a steering actuator, and a speed regulator, acting upon the driving system of the vehicle, which may be switched to an operating state by a main switch and may be activated in the operating state by an actuation signal generated by an operating element, wherein the steering regulator may be switched to the operating state by a separate main switch independent of the speed regulator, and may be activated in the operating state by the same actuation signal as the speed regulator.

Abstract: A remote motor vehicle signal indicator system consists of a transmitter coupled to a vehicle indication signal drive line. The transmitter wirelessly transmits a receiver activation signal corresponding to a vehicle indication signal of the vehicle indication signal drive line. The vehicle indication signal is selected from the group consisting of a turn signal, a brake signal, a reverse gear signal, and a hazard signal. The system also includes a remote vehicle signal indicator coupled to a surface outside of the vehicle and includes a signal indicator display. The remote vehicle signal indicator receives the receiver activation signal from the transmitter and, in response, activates the signal indicator display. In some variations, a power supply not coupled to the vehicle power supply powers the remote vehicle signal indicator and the transmitter is powered by the vehicle indication signal.

Abstract: A misalignment detection system (12) for steering systems of an automotive vehicle (10) includes a logic device (14) coupled to a vehicle speed sensor (18) and a steering wheel angle sensor (20). The logic device is also coupled to a memory (16) that is used to store a steering wheel ratio map and a historic steering wheel angle or a wheel angle value derived from an automobile manufacturer's wheel alignment specification. The logic device (14) compares the signal from the steering wheel angle sensor (20) with the stored value of either the historic steering wheel angle or the value derived from the manufacturer's alignment specifications at a given vehicle speed to determine error. An indicator (28) may provide an indication to the vehicle operator to signal the presence of the misalignment condition of the steering system.

Abstract: A braking control system includes an object detector, a host vehicle speed sensor, and a control unit configured to be electronically connected to at least the object detector and the host vehicle speed sensor for automatically controlling, depending on a host vehicle speed and a relative distance, a braking force needed for an automatic braking operation, containing preliminary braking control and supplementary braking control, without driver's braking action when a host vehicle is approaching a frontally positioned object. The control unit detects the presence or absence of a driver's intention for lane-changing. In the presence of the driver's intention for lane-changing, the preliminary braking control initiated prior to the driver's braking action is inhibited or the degree of limitation on the supplementary braking control, through which a value of a controlled quantity is brought closer to a target deceleration rate needed for collision-avoidance, is reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of projecting a no turn warning to an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian. The no turn warning indicates the motor vehicle is proceeding in a straight pathway through an intersection rather than turning either to the left or to the right. At least one visible light is mounted to the frontal exterior of the motor vehicle for projecting the no turn warning. When more than one visible light is mounted to the frontal exterior of the motor vehicle, the no turn signal can flash serial, sequentially or concurrently, in accordance with the controller's preprogrammed paradigm.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting wheel lift of an automotive vehicle includes a yaw rate sensor (28) that generates a yaw rate signal, a lateral acceleration sensor (32) that generates a lateral acceleration signal, a roll rate sensor (34) generating a roll rate signal, and a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36) for generating a longitudinal acceleration signal. A controller (18) is coupled to the yaw rate sensor (28), the lateral acceleration sensor (32), the roll rate sensor (34), and the longitudinal acceleration sensor (36). The controller determines a dynamic load transfer acting on the plurality of wheels as a function of yaw rate, lateral acceleration roll rate, and longitudinal acceleration. Normal forces for each of the plurality of wheels is determined as a function of the dynamic load transfer. Wheel lift is indicated when at least one of the normal forces for each of the plurality of wheels is less than a normal force threshold.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire system includes a steering wheel; a steering wheel sensor coupled to the steering wheel for sensing the position of the steering wheel and producing a signal indicative of the position of the steering wheel; a controller in signal communication with the steering wheel sensor for receiving the signal indicative of the position of the steering wheel from the steering wheel sensor and producing a signal indicative of a desired steering wheel feedback torque; and a tactile feedback device in signal communication with the controller for receiving the signal indicative of the desired steering wheel feedback torque and providing a corresponding torque to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle lane change aid system includes a detector that is operative to detect the presence of an other vehicle adjacent the vehicle, an indicator for providing an indication that a lane change maneuver of the vehicle may affect the other vehicle and a control receiving movement information of the vehicle. The control develops a position history of the vehicle at least as a function of the movement information. The control compares the detected presence of the other vehicle with the position history and provides an indication when a lane change maneuver may affect the other vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of projecting a no turn warning to an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian. The no turn warning indicates the motor vehicle is proceeding in a straight pathway through an intersection rather than turning either to the left or to the right. At least one visible light is mounted to the frontal exterior of the motor vehicle for projecting the no turn warning. When more than one visible light is mounted to the frontal exterior of the motor vehicle, the no turn signal can flash serial, sequentially or concurrently, in accordance with the controller's preprogrammed paradigm.

Abstract: A safety system for automotive vehicles to automatically detect and monitor various movements of a driven vehicle and automatically communicate such movements to others and to the police. Among others, the system detects violations of the traffic laws, including speeding, running stop signs, aggressive driving, tail gating and others. It also detects turns, lane changes, U turns, accelerations, decelerations, proximity to other vehicles, slow driving, weaving from lane to lane and and others. Where a pattern of vehicle movements demonstrates aggressive driving of the vehicle a warning is given to other vehicles. The detected movements may be recorded and/or transmitted by wireless to the Police to enforce penalties against traffic violations. Warnings and other communications may be provided inside of the monitored vehicle to remind the driver and discourage fixture improper conduct and to assist impaired drivers that may lose concentration or hand-eye coordination in control of the vehicle.

Abstract: A misalignment detection system (12) for steering systems of an automotive vehicle (10) includes a logic device (14) coupled to a vehicle speed sensor (18) and a steering wheel angle sensor (20). The logic device is also coupled to a memory (16) that is used to store a steering wheel ratio map and a historic steering wheel angle or a wheel angle value derived from an automobile manufacturer's wheel alignment specification. The logic device (14) compares the signal from the steering wheel angle sensor (20) with the stored value of either the historic steering wheel angle or the value derived from the manufacturer's alignment specifications at a given vehicle speed to determine error. An indicator (28) may provide an indication to the vehicle operator to signal the presence of the misalignment condition of the steering system.

Abstract: A gear indicator provides a display to a motorcycle driver of which gear the motorcycle is currently operating in. The gear indicator is used with a gear position switch providing ground signal indication to a motorcycle CPU at a connection with a plurality of leads which reflect the gear a motorcycle is operating in, no indication indicating that the motorcycle is in first gear. The gear indicator bridges the gear position switch to the motorcycle CPU receiving this ground information through a bridge and a similar number of leads communicate with the gear indicator processor from this bridge. The processor of the gear indicator processes the information received to drive a display to reflect the gear to the operator.

Abstract: A retrofittable automatic turn signal deactivation system is provided including a pair of solenoid assemblies each having a retracted orientation and an extended orientation only upon the actuation thereof for forcing a turn signal lever to its neutral position. The solenoid assemblies are each mounted on a retrofittable collar which is positioned about a steering column of the vehicle. A timer mechanism is included for actuating at least one of the solenoid assemblies only after the cessation of a predetermined delay.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a volume control for an automobile turn signal indicator. The volume control allows the driver to raise or lower the volume of the clicking sound that is produced when a turn signal indicator is activated. As such, the driver is able to increase the volume of the audible clicking sound when operating in a environment having a high background noise (i.e. a radio or traffic) or when the driver is hearing impaired.

Abstract: In a steering device for a vehicle, the movement of a steering actuator driven by operation of an operating member is transmitted to vehicle wheels, in such a manner that the steering angle changes, without the operating member being coupled mechanically to the vehicle wheels. A first target yaw rate is calculated in accordance with the detected vehicle speed and a first steering angle set value, which corresponds to the detected amount of operation and vehicle speed. A second target yaw rate corresponding to the detected lateral acceleration and vehicle speed is calculated. A second steering angle set value, which corresponds to the difference between the detected yaw rate and a target yaw rate, as which the first target yaw rate or the second target yaw rate whichever has the smaller absolute value is taken, is calculated.

Abstract: A self-cancelling turn signal mechanism for use with a vehicle such as a motorcycle turned primarily by tilting or banking into a turn. The self-cancelling turn signal mechanism includes an inertia switch with a continuous curved track and a contact-closing member freely slidable therein, sliding from a rest position in the center of the track to either end of the track when a true turn is initiated. The ends of the track and the inertia switch include contact members which, when contacted by the contact-closing member, deliver a turn-confirming signal to a control module which generates a simple time delay cancel signal to cancel a previously activated turn signal after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

Abstract: In a vehicle attitude control apparatus, a steering actuator is controlled so that a steering angle matches a target steering angle. In an understeer condition; the braking force on the inside wheels is increased and drive power applied to the outside wheels is larger than applied to inside wheels. In an oversteer condition, the braking force on the outside wheels is increased and drive power applied to the inside wheels is larger than applied to outside wheels. The steering actuator is controlled so that a behavior index value corresponding to the change in the vehicle'behavior, that occurs based on the change in the steering angle, matches a target behavior index value that reflects the amount of operation of an operation member. A vehicle yaw moment and an amount of control of the steering actuator vary due to steer conditions, wheel lateral slip angle and brake force control.

Abstract: A taillight module for motor vehicles attached and coupled to the license plate groove comprising a base, a casing, and a display plate. The base is coupled to the license plate groove. A plurality of lamps is disposed in the base. The lamps are coupled to the circuits of brake light, signal light, and headlight of the motor vehicle to provide an illumination source. The display plate is disposed between the housing and the base. The display plate has labels of text, graphics, and symbols on the surface of the display plate. The taillight module provides a third set of rear light structure for motor vehicles to clearly display a third brake light, signal lights, reverse light, or decorative lights through the lamps.

Abstract: A steer by wire control system having a steering wheel unit responsive to a steering wheel torque command and a road wheel unit responsive to a road wheel unit command is disclosed. A master control unit may be employed to perform processing as necessary. A method for steering a vehicle including receiving a tie-rod force signal, a road wheel position signal, a vehicle speed signal, a steering wheel position signal, and a feedback torque signal. Combining these signals to generate the steering wheel torque command signal and road wheel command signal to provide the operator with tactile feedback, while road wheel command signals are sent to road wheel units to provide steering direction. An Ackerman correction unit may also used to correct the left and right road wheel positions to track about a common center.

Abstract: A closed loop steer by wire control system has three main components, a steering wheel unit, a roadwheel unit, and a master control unit. Signals generated by sensors in the steering wheel unit and roadwheel unit are passed back to the master control unit for processing. These signals include tie-rod force signals, and a steering wheel position signal. The master control unit uses these signals to calculate a steering wheel reaction torque signal which is sent back to the steering wheel unit to provide the operator with tactile feedback, while roadwheel command signals are sent to roadwheel units to provide steering direction. An Ackerman correction unit is also used to correct the left and right roadwheel positions to track about a common center.

Abstract: A system for detecting wheel lift of an automotive vehicle has a speed sensor (22) coupled to a wheel (12) of automotive vehicle (10). A torque control system (20) is coupled to wheel (12) to change the torque at the wheel. A controller (18) is coupled to the torque control system and a speed sensor. The controller (18) determines lift by changing the torque of the wheel, measuring the change in torque and indicating lift in response to the change in torque which may be indicated by wheel speed.

Abstract: In the lighting control apparatus, according to the present invention, for an automatic following travel system in which a leading vehicle is operated by an operator, and at least one following vehicle automatically follows the leading vehicle, the leading vehicle comprises a light operating device for turning on or off lights of the leading vehicle, and a transmitter for transmitting information indicating the operation of the light operating device, and the following vehicle comprises a receiver for receiving the information from the transmitter, and a light operating device for producing an operation signal for turning on or off a light of the following vehicle, based on the information received by the receiver.

Abstract: A flashing light sequence which is readily distinguished by drivers as the signal for a hazard alert as contrasted with turn signal flashes. An electronic hazard alert flasher unit is described which generates a hazard warning signal which is distinctively different in flash rate and pattern from standard turn signals and other on-off warning lights. One version of the hazard alert flasher unit is intended to replace the standard element presently used in highway vehicles to generate the turn signal and hazard flash pulse. A second version of the hazard alert flasher can be used to control the flash rate of free-standing emergency electric lanterns, illuminated emergency warning triangles, and LED substitutes for pyrotechnic flares. The proposed hazard alert flash pattern consists of three or more short flashes followed by a longer pause.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting system which provides additional light for right and left bearings of an automobile when driven at night. The lighting system includes a lighting body having a front protrusion and an interior compartment within which right and left lighting units are mounted, each of the right and left lighting units being arranged at an angle of about 45° from the front protrusion. The lighting body is mounted to the front part of the automobile and can be adjusted to direct the illumination generated by the lighting units more upwardly or downwardly relative to the road. A sensor operating piece and proximity sensors attached to the steering wheel provide input to a microcomputer circuit which actuates the right or left lighting unit in response to a right or left turn of the steering wheel, respectively.

Abstract: An automatic underspeed warning system warns travelers following a vehicle when the vehicle is traveling below a predetermined reference speed. The system may utilize the vehicle's existing warning lights as the warning indicator. The system provides for selecting one of two alternate reference speeds, so that one reference speed may be selected during highway driving and a lower reference speed may be selected during city driving. A latch circuit ensures that the warning indicator will not be activated until vehicle speed has exceeded the reference speed and then drops below the reference speed, thus ensuring that the warning indicator will not be activated during stop-and-go traffic. An inhibitor ensures that the warning indicator will not be activated while either of the vehicle's turn signals are active. This feature is utilized when the system is installed on a vehicle where the warning indicator uses the same lights as the turn signals.

Abstract: An auxiliary safety warning light system for a vehicle includes a light assembly having a first side lighting portion, a mediate lighting portion and a second side lighting portion and a control unit connecting the light assembly to the light-control system of the vehicle or independently to the steering panel of the vehicle. The light assembly can light and/or blink in different conditions so as to facilitate the identification of the state and intentions of the vehicle and decrease the likelihood of accidents to secure the driver's safety.

Abstract: A steering system for motor vehicles, has a steering handle, for example steering handwheel, capable of being operated by the driver. A steering actuating drive provides for the steering adjustment of steerable vehicle wheels. A steering-angle desired-value encoder is capable of being operated by the steering handle, and a steering-angle actual-value encoder operates via the steerable vehicle wheels. A regulating and control arrangement operates the steering actuating drive as a function of a comparison of the desired and actual values of the steering angle. The risk of a collision between a vehicle equipped with the steering system and an obstacle is reduced, and the steering system is suitable for steer-by-wire operation by equipping the steering system with collision prevention apparatus which determine steering angles (collision steering angles) making a collision possible between the motor vehicle and an obstacle.

Abstract: A steering angle detecting mechanism of this invention comprises: a plurality of photocouplers for detecting a steering angle of a steering wheel; a timer circuit for setting time; a first power source control unit which is controlled by the set time of the timer circuit and intermittently drives one of the plurality of photocouplers; a second power source control unit for driving the rest of the plurality of photocouplers; a wake-up circuit for generating a wake-up signal when a detection value of the single photocoupler is different from the immediately preceding detection value of the single photocoupler; and a micro control unit which is switched between a sleep mode and a wake-up mode.

Abstract: A self propelled windrower having no brake pedal is provided with a signal light system conforming to standards for agricultural equipment traveling on public roads. The ground speed of the equipment is sensed and, after it exceeds a threshold speed, computation of equipment acceleration/deceleration begins. When the deceleration exceeds a deceleration threshold, the brake lamps are enabled according to the settings of left turn and right turn signal switches. The brake lamps are enabled as long as the deceleration exceeds the threshold and for a short interval (2 sec) thereafter. If the speed drops below the speed threshold during the short interval, the brake lamps are enabled for an extended period (2 min).

Abstract: A trip computer is incorporated into a rearview mirror assembly for displaying trip information to the driver of a motor vehicle. The mirror assembly includes a reflective element, a housing for the reflective element, a trip computer for determining vehicle trip information, and a display device for displaying the vehicle trip information, where the display device is electrically connected to the trip computer and embedded within the reflective element.

Abstract: An electromechanical steering actuator for a steer-by-wire application in motor vehicles. An electronic closed-loop/open-loop control system generates steering signals for a pair of electric servomotors, which act via a gear unit on a steering control element of a rack-and-pinion steering system. The closed-loop/open-loop control system includes a pair of process computers which deliver corrective signals to the servomotors via drive units. The steering actuator is divided into two diversely redundant systems including two redundant process computers, each of which delivers corrective signals via two redundant drive units to two servomotors which act on a common steering shaft.

Abstract: A bicycle display unit is provided for displaying information to the rider. The bicycle display unit is preferably part of a bicycle computer that is battery operated. The bicycle display unit has a display panel with a front display surface and a backlight arranged to illuminate the front display surface for viewing the information displayed thereon. The battery is electrically coupled to the backlight to supply electrical energy thereto. The bicycle display unit also has a backlight switch command operatively coupled between the backlight and the battery to selectively turn the backlight “on” and “off”, and a control unit that extends the life of the battery by controlling the illumination of the backlight. The backlight switch command turns “on” the backlight upon receiving a predetermined operational command. The predetermined operational command can be a pre-selected time period, a shifting operation, a mode change, etc.

Abstract: An auxiliary signal to indicate a U-turn including a housing securable to an interior of a motor vehicle. The housing is defined by a closed forward face and an open rearward face. The open rearward face has a plate disposed therein. The plate has an inverted translucent U in a central portion thereof. A light is secured within the housing intermediate the open rearward face and the closed forward face thereof. The light is in communication with a battery of the motor vehicle. A receiver is disposed within the housing. The receiver is in communication with the light. A timer is disposed within the housing. A transmitter is securable within the interior of the motor vehicle adjacent to a drivers seat thereof. The transmitter is in communication with the receiver.

Abstract: A multifunctional safety warning device for a vehicle includes a mediate light bar zone having a first side and a second side; a left indicating light mounted on the first side of the mediate light bar zone and being adapted to light independently; and a right indicating light mounted on the second side of the mediate light bar zone and being adapted to light independently. In such a manner, the mediate light bar zone, the left indicating light, and the right indicating light are connected to and controlled by a control unit, whereby, the control unit is used to alternatively operate the mediate light bar zone, the left indicating light, and the right indicating light of the safety warning device, and to operate a set of breakdown light of the vehicle so that at least one set of light is used indicate a steering direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A audible pedestrian alert system for use with vehicles having a wide turning radius such as buses and trucks. A device is disposed in the rear wheel well of the vehicle and is operatively connected to a conventional vehicle turn signal circuit including a battery and a turn signal switch operable to selectively connect the battery through a switching device to at least a first turn signal indicator lamp through a first contact point and to at least a second turn signal indicator lamp through a second contact point. The device includes a sound generating device and a timing and signal conditioning circuit operably connected to the turn signal switch for connecting the battery to the sound generating device. Upon activation of the turn signal switch, a pulsed tone is audible for a pre-determined time.

Abstract: A auxiliary signal light system for visual enhancement of turn and brake signal lights. The auxiliary signal light system includes a housing for holding a brake light. The housing has a front face and a back face with a peripheral wall defining a periphery therebetween. The front face of the housing has a cavity therein. A brake light for signaling the braking of a motor vehicle is mounted in the well of the housing and is operatively coupled to a power source. A mounting block for mounts the housing to a rear portion of a vehicle. The mounting block has a distal wall and a proximal wall. The proximal wall of the mounting block is fixedly coupled to the back face of the housing. At least one pair of arms holds vehicle turn signals. The arms are coupled to the mounting and extend away from the mounting block. The arms extend to a point beyond the peripheral of the housing. A pair of turn signals warns of turning action of the motor vehicle. One of the turn signals is formed in the surface of each of the arms.

Abstract: A biological information detection apparatus including a biological information detection and transmission unit mounted on a steering wheel for detecting and transmitting biological information of an operator of a motor vehicle; a biological information receiver mounted on a steering column that receives biological information detection and transmission unit; and a steering wheel position detector that detects a rotational position of the steering wheel; wherein the biological information detection and transmission unit includes a sensor for detecting biological information and generating a detection signal memory for storing the detection signal from the sensor; a transmitter for transmitting a detection signal from the memory; and a controller for controlling the storage of the detection signal in memory and the transmitting of the detection signal from the transmitter when the steering wheel position detector detects that the steering wheel is in a substantially straight driving position; and the biologica

Abstract: A system provides feedback to an operator of a steer-by-wire system. In steer-by-wire systems, there is no direct mechanical connection between the vehicle steering wheel and the steering gears. The present invention utilizes a sensor to sense torque values at the steering gears. The sensor communicates signals back to the steering wheel as operator feedback. The sensed and communicated torque values include high frequency torque fluctuations to provide road-feel in steer-by-wire systems. Also, the torque can be used to make predictions of the operator's conditions and the condition of the steering system.