Abstract: A vehicle on-board unit of a host vehicle is configured to activate its brake lights upon determining a vehicle traveling condition exists that is indicative of a potentially inadequate safety zone between the host vehicle and a following vehicle. The vehicle on-board unit has a vehicle traveling condition detecting section, an automatic brake light triggering section and a brake light activating section. The vehicle traveling condition detecting section detects the vehicle traveling condition indicative of a potentially inadequate safety zone. The automatic brake light triggering section outputs a brake light activation signal upon determining a predetermined condition has been satisfied based upon the detected vehicle traveling condition. The brake light activating section activates the brake lights without a braking operation being performed upon receiving the brake light activation signal from the automatic brake light triggering section.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reliably carry out warning braking in a situation where the warning braking is needed and a crew can recognize the warning braking, and prevent the crew from feeling an unnatural sensation due to the warning braking in a situation where the warning braking is needed but the crew cannot effectively recognize the warning braking. If an obstacle is present ahead of the vehicle, the driver does not carry out brake operation, the driver is looking aside, and the vehicle may collide with the obstacle, the maximum target deceleration Gbt2max for the warning braking is computed. If automatic travel control is not carried out or if automatic travel control is being carried out and its target deceleration Gbt4 is less than a reference value Gbt4s smaller than the maximum target deceleration Gbt2max, the warning braking is carried out.

Abstract: A segmented brake light has a detecting module mounted in a vehicle near a brake pedal, a driving module connected to the detecting module and multiple light modules controlled by the driving module. The detecting module detects the pressures on the brake pedal to output signals to the driving module. The driving module based on the received signals to start the respective one or multiple light modules. Accordingly, other car drivers in the rear of the vehicle can recognize that whether the vehicle is going to brake.

Abstract: A method for balancing brake force is disclosed. The method includes determining whether a deceleration value reaches a first deceleration threshold in response to a braking event and determining brake condition and vehicle motion. Based on brake condition and vehicle motion determination and the first deceleration threshold determination, the method determines whether the deceleration value reaches a second deceleration threshold, and applies threshold balancing when the second deceleration threshold is reached.

Abstract: A switch-equipped lever of the type mounted on a vehicle steering column and having an end knob with a switch mechanism for controlling a remote vehicle system, in which the knob is provided with a wireless signal transmitter, the wireless transmitter controlled by the switch mechanism in the knob to control the remote vehicle system with a wireless signal.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a warning device for drivers of vehicles traveling behind in situations with strong braking deceleration. This warning device exhibits a warning signal transmitter, preferably formed by flashing indicators, a sensor for sensing the situation with strong braking deceleration and which is formed by the sensor for sensing an emergency braking situation of a braking assistance device, and a control unit for controlling the warning device, which is preferably embodied with the control device for controlling the braking assistance device as a common control unit, in particular in a common housing. This warning device proves very robust, very secure, and reliable in its operation.

Abstract: A speed control system employing a remote control system in which a vehicle is provided with a vehicle engine disabling/brake activating device capable of receiving a signal to immediately stop the vehicle when the remote control system has detected the presence of a pedestrian at a location, like a crosswalk, and the presence of the approaching vehicle. When a detector detects the presence of a pedestrian at a location, like a crosswalk, the remote control system is placed on stand-by status so that when the remote control system further receives a signal of the presence of an approaching vehicle, either due to a vehicle driving over a road safety bar or the vehicle being detected by an infrared detector, the remote control system transmits a signal to a vehicle engine disabling/brake activating device to disable the vehicle by either shutting down its vehicle engine and/or activating its brake system.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for modulated control of a vehicle lighting systems is useful for brake lights and/or running lights in a motor vehicle. Various vehicle operating parameters are monitored to determine an appropriate modulation control mode for the vehicle. In some examples, the engine speed (e.g., in revolutions-per-minute or rpm) or vehicle speed (e.g., in miles-per-hour or mph, kilometer-per-hour or kmh, etc.) is used as a parameter for modulated control of the lighting system. The modulated control scheme is used to control any number of features of the lighting system including illumination color, illumination intensity, selection of sequence illumination pattern, and adjustment of sequence rate. The modulated control scheme may be applied to off-road buggy whip-lights or other aesthetic vehicle lights and safety enhancements. The modulated control scheme may be applicable for off-road and on-road vehicle applications where localized government ordinances permit.

Abstract: An anti-theft vehicle alarm system includes an acceleration sensor acting as a tilt sensor, a microcomputer, a first power source for supplying a first voltage to the microcomputer, and a second power source for supplying a second voltage to the acceleration sensor. The microcomputer calculates a tilt angle of a vehicle from output of the acceleration sensor and activates an alarm in accordance with the tilt angle. If the second voltage is outside a predetermined voltage range, for example, due to a reduction in battery voltage, the microcomputer temporarily stops to activate the alarm to prevent a false alarm. The microcomputer monitors the second voltage not the battery voltage. Thus, even when the second voltage is outside the threshold range, for example, due to a breakdown in the second power source, the false alarm can be prevented.

Abstract: A sequential brake light system for road vehicles has a brake light array of plural lights in a linear, concentric or radial series. A master and slave controllers are connected to the array for lighting the lights in sequence and repeatedly at a rate that is proportional to a deceleration of the vehicle upon braking. A speed sensor senses the instantaneous vehicle speed and deactivates the master controller if the speed is below a threshold value so that the array is not powered in stop-and-go traffic. A brake position sensor senses a position of the vehicle brake pedal and an accelerometer measures deceleration of the vehicle, so that the master controller receives signals corresponding to the instantaneous speed of the vehicle, a signal corresponding to the position of the brake pedal and a signal corresponding to the deceleration of the road vehicle for properly warning a trailing drive of the braking condition of the road vehicle.

Abstract: The action driver signals consists of a breaking strip of lights that is expanding is size, which by pressing the break pedal is actuated correspondingly to the amount of the breaking force, and an accelerating strip of lights that is actuated correspondingly to the amount of the applied pressure on the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: In a method for traffic dependent light width adjustment of light width for headlights in a motor vehicle, at least two image capturing units are provided whose pictures are forwarded to a control unit for evaluation. A control unit for controlling the light width of the headlights is provided, and on the basis of the captured pictures of both image capturing units a classification of the light sources outside of the vehicle is conducted. A distinction is made between oncoming, standing, and distancing light sources. With this classification the light width of the headlights is adjusted.

Abstract: An information system is provided for transmitting data into a local area surrounding the transmitter. The transmitter may be used to provide information to pedestrians, or to passing road traffic. Data is stored in a local memory 64 associated with the transmitter such that data stored in the memory can be repeatedly and frequently transmitted to users 70 having suitable reception apparatus 18 in the vicinity of the transmitter.

Abstract: A car speed alarm system is installed in a vehicle and has a modulation module and a demodulation module. The modulation module sends a car speed signal to cars behind when the car is decelerating. The cars behind use their demodulation module to read the transmitted car speed signal and notify their drivers, so that the drivers know how and when to reduce their speeds.

Abstract: A communication system for use within a vehicle, between vehicles and other remotely located devices is disclosed. The communication system includes a control hub for managing and analyzing multiple incoming wireless and wired data streams. The system also includes at least one sensor module wirelessly in communication with the control hub. A sensor control panel interface may be used for reviewing information from the sensor modules and a distributed mesh network may be used for supporting at least two levels therein. The communication system may be wirelessly based and may be built for rugged harsh environments such as those found in military applications and other harsh industrial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an advanced warning system operable to provide a more precise indicator to the operator of a following vehicle as to the changes in vehicle speed of the leading vehicle. The present invention utilizes an indicator signal and/or an acceleration signal. The indicator signal produces a slowing signal that indicates to the operator of the following vehicle that the leading vehicle is slowing down prior to the operator of the leading vehicle actually depressing the brake pedal. The acceleration signal provides a speeding up signal to the operator of the following vehicle.

Abstract: A lightweight utility vehicle brake lighting system comprising a brake pedal position sensor, a controller and a brake light circuit. The brake pedal position sensor senses the position, e.g., amount of depression, of a vehicle brake pedal. The controller of interprets a brake pedal position signal from the brake pedal position sensor to determine the position of the brake pedal. When the controller determines that the brake pedal has been depressed to initiate a braking operation of the vehicle, the controller transmits a brake light signal to an electronic switching device, such as a relay switch, of the brake light circuit. Upon receipt of the brake light signal, the electronic switching closes to complete, or close, the brake light circuit to enable a current flow through the brake light circuit, thereby illuminating at least one brake light of the vehicle.

Abstract: A reversible front or rear mounted vehicle warning light system employing an accelerometer circuit to control the initiation of warning lights to indicate if a vehicle is accelerating or de-accelerating or losing traction in turns, or providing advertising messages on demand.

Abstract: A brake light illumination system for use with engine braking includes an automatic illuminator switch connected to an engine retarder output line. The automatic illuminator switch is configured to be in a closed position relative to the engine retarder output line when an engine retarder is actuated and in an open position relative to the engine retarder output line when the engine retarder is in an inactive state. The brake light illumination system also includes a diode connected to the automatic illuminator switch. Upon actuation of the engine retarder, the automatic illuminator switch and the diode are electrically connected to a brake light switch to illuminate a plurality of brake lights.

Abstract: A cargo reminder for a driver of a vehicle includes an accelerometer, a controller to detect an acceleration change in the vehicle based on output signals from the accelerometer, and an alarm connected to the controller. Different types of alarm may be used, including a visual alarm, an audio alarm, a plug-in vibrator clip, or a combination of these alarms. In use, the alarm is triggered by the controller when the acceleration change is larger than a preset acceleration threshold. The cargo reminder may also include an acceleration threshold input to allow the driver to input the preset acceleration threshold, a delay setting input to allow the driver to input a time delay between first and second alarm triggers, and an inclinometer. A method for reminding the driver of a vehicle of an external cargo being transported is also within the scope of the instant invention.

Abstract: A monitoring system for driver's braking habits comprising a sensor connected to brakes of a vehicle provided to sense and evaluate the following levels of pressure being applied to the brakes by a driver: normal pressure, above normal pressure and an excessive pressure level. The sensor is adapted to activate a warning signal element connected to the sensor and is provided to warn the driver when the pressure level exceeds the above normal pressure level and the excessive pressure level which facilitates correction of bad driving habits of the driver and development of preventive driving techniques. The sensor comprises a first sensor adapted to sense and evaluate the above normal pressure level, and a second sensor adapted to sense and evaluate the excessive pressure level.

Abstract: A vehicle on-board unit of a host vehicle is configured to communicate with other vehicle to alert the driver of a potential braking situation in a preceding vehicle. The vehicle on-board unit has an incoming message receiving section, an incoming message relevancy section and a driver warning section. The incoming message receiving section receives a preceding vehicle message containing throttle release data of a preceding vehicle located in front of the host vehicle. The incoming message relevancy section performs a relevancy determination of the throttle release data received. The driver warning section selectively alerts a driver of the host vehicle of a potential braking situation of the preceding vehicle based upon the relevancy determination.

Abstract: A vehicle on-board unit of a host vehicle is configured to activate its brake lights upon determining a vehicle traveling condition exists that is indicative of a potentially inadequate safety zone between the host vehicle and a following vehicle. The vehicle on-board unit has a vehicle traveling condition detecting section, an automatic brake light triggering section and a brake light activating section. The vehicle traveling condition detecting section detects the vehicle traveling condition indicative of a potentially inadequate safety zone. The automatic brake light triggering section outputs a brake light activation signal upon determining a predetermined condition has been satisfied based upon the detected vehicle traveling condition. The brake light activating section activates the brake lights without a braking operation being performed upon receiving the brake light activation signal from the automatic brake light triggering section.

Abstract: A speed control system employing a remote control system in which a vehicle is provided with a vehicle engine disabling/brake activating device or a vehicle speed control device capable of receiving a signal to immediately stop the vehicle or decelerate the speed of the vehicle when the remote control system has detected the presence of a pedestrian at a location, like a crosswalk, and the presence of the approaching vehicle. When a detector detects the presence of a pedestrian at a location, like a crosswalk, the remote control system is placed on stand-by status so that when the remote control system further receives a signal of the presence of an approaching vehicle, either due to a vehicle driving over a road safety bar or the vehicle being detected by an infrared detector, the remote control system transmits a signal to a vehicle engine disabling/brake activating device to disable the vehicle by either shutting down its vehicle engine and/or activating its brake system.

Abstract: A portable communication device detects a current speed of travel of the portable communication device independent of any vehicle temporarily transporting the portable communication device. A speed based setting controller of the portable communication device compares the current speed to at least one threshold value set at the portable communication device. Responsive to the current speed exceeding the threshold value, the speed based setting controller automatically assigns a separate speed based setting to a current setting for each feature assigned to the threshold value, wherein each current setting for each feature designates the operability of that feature within the portable communication device, such that the current setting for each feature adjusts with a speed of travel as detected by the portable communication device.

Abstract: Any presence of brake light emissions of another vehicle to the forward of a subject vehicle is sensed in a color camera and microprocessor system that detects (i) red light(s) illuminations in excess of other colors, that are any of (ii) appropriately sized, (iii) appropriately located, (iv) simultaneously occurring, (v) spaced apart in separation, (vi) substantially horizontal, and/or (vii) of approximately of equal intensity, as would be appropriate to a single brake light, or to a pair of brake lights, as the case may be. The brake lights of the subject vehicle are preferably applied either during (i) the persistence of any detection of the brake light(s) of any other vehicle(s) to the forward, or (ii) normal application of the subject vehicle's own brakes. The forward-sensed rearward-propagated brake light signal is preferably delayed in propagation, limiting any propagation of minor perturbations in traffic.

Abstract: An inertia controlled deceleration signal apparatus for use in a leading automobile vehicle, which apparatus is in addition to the standard brake signal light and transmits a warning light to a following automobile vehicle upon braking, and operates to initiate a warning light, which warning light is either on or off wherein to indicate a severe or panic braking operation or of increasing light intensity wherein to indicate a controlled braking operation.

Abstract: A vehicle safety lighting system includes a panel including light-emitting sources housed therein that are arranged in isolated series equidistantly juxtaposed along the panel. One light-emitting source series is continuously active during non-braking conditions. A mechanism is included for mounting the panel to a rear portion of a vehicle. A controller is coupled to a master brake cylinder of the vehicle and is electrically mated in parallel with the light-emitting sources such that selected ones of the light-emitting source series can be independently activated during driving conditions. In-line pressure sensors are conjoined to brake lines associated with the master brake cylinder for effectively determining a degree of force applied to a brake pedal. The in-line pressure sensors also generates and transmits notification signals to the controller while the brake pedal is engaged such that the controller can activate the light-emitting sources based upon a changing brake force.

Abstract: An integrated tire monitoring system for an agricultural vehicle control system comprises at lease one sensor integrally coupled to at least one tire on a farm vehicle; an external reader for obtaining tire revolution speed data from the sensor during each revolution of the tire; input means for delivering the tire revolution speed data to a vehicle control unit, the vehicle control unit calculating vehicle speed based on the inputted tire revolution speed data and outputting at least one control signal. The reader may input tire pressure data from the sensor into the vehicle control unit for the calculation of pressure adjusted vehicle speed. The sensor may store tire specific identification data accessible by the external reader and one or more control signals from the vehicle ECU may be used to control speed between a plurality of vehicle wheels; engine speed; wheel slippage; and/or tire air pressure.

Abstract: This invention proposes a wireless bike brake light that can respond to braking when bikes are in motion. The invention employs a MEMS (micro electro mechanical system)-structured accelerometer chip as sensor to detect related signals. A control circuits unit processes the signals, and then sends appropriate brake light to following vehicles based. The features of the invention are that (1) It can provide extra security when serving as a brake light with independence of braking system, (2) It is easily to install and durable, (3) It can be also applied to such sports as skiing, skateboarding, etc. that are not equipped with apparent brake devices, and thus hard to incorporate brake lights.

Abstract: The invention relates to a deceleration warning device for reducing rear-end collisions in road traffic, comprising: means (1) for detecting a longitudinal acceleration value a; a control device (3a; 3b; 3c; 3d) which is designed to receive the longitudinal acceleration value a at one of its inputs and to calculate an acceleration limit value upon exceeding of which a warning signal is emitted, the calculation of the acceleration limit value incorporating input parameters P, a filter device (2a; 2b) being interposed between the means (1) for detecting a longitudinal acceleration value and the control device, and display means for displaying an alarm state when the control device emits a warning signal.

Abstract: A bicycle signal output device comprises a magnet structured to be mounted to one of a first part and a moving part of a bicycle, a coil structured to be mounted to the other one of the first part and the moving part of the bicycle, and a signal generating unit that operates using electrical power generated by the coil in response to relative motion between the magnet and the coil.

Abstract: A speed reduction warning system that senses vehicle deceleration rate and upon reaching preset limits flashes an illumination device at different rates signaling the operator following the vehicle to the rate of deceleration. The system generally includes a processing unit, an input to the processor that senses deceleration or acceleration rate from the odometer of the vehicle, and an output illumination device. The illumination device includes an indicator that flashes at varying rates controlled by the processor. The processor includes storage having a plurality of ranges stored that are the deceleration rates that the system responds to. In application, with the vehicle in motion, the deceleration or acceleration rate of the vehicle is detected by the input device and supplied to the processor. A value is calculated by the processor representing whether the vehicle is decelerating and if so, the rate of deceleration.

Abstract: A speed control system employing a remote control system in which a vehicle is provided with a vehicle engine disabling/brake activating device capable of receiving a signal to immediately stop the vehicle when the remote control system has detected the presence of a pedestrian at a location, like a crosswalk, and the presence of the approaching vehicle. When a detector detects the presence of a pedestrian at a location, like a crosswalk, the remote control system is placed on stand-by status so that when the remote control system further receives a signal of the presence of an approaching vehicle, either due to a vehicle driving over a road safety bar or the vehicle being detected by an infrared detector, the remote control system transmits a signal to a vehicle engine disabling/brake activating device to disable the vehicle by either shutting down its vehicle engine and/or activating its brake system.

Abstract: A method of and system for detecting absolute acceleration along various axes relative to a desired movement vector while moving relative to a gravity source includes steps of determining a vertical acceleration, perpendicular to the desired movement vector and substantially anti-parallel to a gravitational acceleration due to the gravity source; determining a longitudinal acceleration, parallel to the desired movement vector and to output at vertical acceleration signal and a longitudinal acceleration signal; determining an inclination of the desired movement vector relative to the gravitational acceleration; and processing the vertical acceleration signal, the longitudinal acceleration signal, and the inclination signal to produce an absolute vertical acceleration signal and an absolute longitudinal acceleration signal.

Abstract: A lighting system adapted to mount on a motorcycle or bicycle helmet. The lighting system includes a one or more accelerometers coupled to the helmet and a processor adapted to process the signals from the accelerometers. The accelerometers may be mounted to the helmet, or the motorcycle or bicycle. The lighting system further includes a light mounted on the helmet that is responsive to the processed signal such that the light illuminates as result of a deceleration force. The system may also include filtering software to remove helmet motion artifact and other noise from the signal. Remote wheel speed indicators may also be used in conjunction with or in place of the accelerometers. Mounting tabs may also be included to releasably attach the lighting unit to the helmet.

Abstract: An acceleration sensing unit (1) includes an acceleration sensor element (4), wherein said sensing unit (1) emits an electric signal at a signal output (k3, k4), the sensing unit (1) is electrically active and supplied with electric energy through the signal output. In an assembly composed of the above-mentioned sensing unit and a control unit, the sensing unit includes at least one signal line (3) connected to control unit (2), with said control unit being in particular an electronic motor vehicle brake control unit, and the control unit (2) transmits the energy for the connected sensing unit(s) (1) by way of the signal lines (3).

Abstract: This device is a wireless tailgate braking and turn signal System, which will temporarily enable a driver of a vehicle to have taillights and/or a blinker system for emergency situations. This would insure road safety in all types of conditions, both in terms of extremes in temperature and inclement weather.

Abstract: Embodiments of an alarm circuit/device located in a livestock trailer that activates during the braking and/or turning of a trailer and tow vehicle combination is described along with a method of use. Upon activation, livestock in the trailer, such as horses, sheep and cattle, are alerted to further pending deceleration or centrifugal forces and can accordingly brace or otherwise prepare to avoid injury.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-collision system and method for is disclosed which provides drivers with additional time in which to react to significant roadway events which often precede accidents. The simplest implementation of the system and method (Phase I) employs a brake pedal mounted sensor packet for determining how hard a driver is braking. Hard braking information is relayed to approaching drivers by means of the reverse lights of the vehicle. Additional implementation phases (II through IV) are described wherein event information is communicated between vehicles over a communications link. Furthermore, additional vehicle information, such as an impact, swerving, emergency light activation, and roadway hazards may be communicated to approaching drivers by the communications link whereby drivers need not see the vehicle that has slammed on its brakes, or otherwise has created or responded to an event, in order to avoid an accident.

Abstract: An inertia-activated braking light (1) for attachment to pedal cycles and the like. A display of LEDs (15) is automatically illuminated on deceleration. This is achieved by an inertia mass closing a circuit on deceleration to provide electrical power to illuminate the light emitting diodes.

Abstract: An integrated LED warning and vehicle lamp according to aspects of the present invention has a base configured to directly replace an existing vehicle lamp by reception into the lamp's reflector shell. The integrated warning and vehicle lamp includes a first radial array of LEDs dedicated to producing the vehicle warning and/or illumination formerly produced by the vehicle lamp and a second radial array of LEDs dedicated to producing an emergency warning light signal. The second radial array may be electrically connected to an axial LED. The LEDs are supported by a lamp support at a location near the focus of the reflector shell. An interface electrical circuit modifies the electrical energy formerly fed to the vehicle lamp to a form appropriate for the LEDs in the first array. A warning signal electrical circuit energizes the second array of LEDs to produce the emergency warning light signal.

Abstract: A warning system housed in a license plate bracket and installed on a vehicle. The system includes a self-contained power source, an accelerometer to measure the deceleration force of the vehicle, and a microprocessor unit (including a microprocessor chip). When the system senses that the vehicle is decelerating at a rate greater than a threshold level, it illuminates warning lights provided on the license plate bracket to thereby alert drivers of neighboring vehicles of the vehicle's rapid deceleration. The warning system is self-contained and self-powered to avoid the need to, and associated drawbacks of, drawing from the vehicle's power source.

Abstract: A portable electronic device, like a cellular telephone is capable of detecting collisions between vehicles and notifying the proper authorities. The device includes a microprocessor and memory, in addition to an accelerometer and global positioning systems receiver. The memory includes at least one filter for screening out false positives, which are false collision detections. In one embodiment, the device determines its velocity. It then checks to see if its velocity falls within a range associated with moving vehicles. If so, the device monitors the accelerometer. When acceleration values in excess of a predetermined threshold are detected, the device pauses and again checks its velocity. If the velocity has fallen from the range associated with moving vehicles to a range associated with a vehicle that has sustained a collision, the device notifies emergency personnel that a collision has occurred.

Abstract: A vehicle braking alert system installed in a vehicle comprises a receiver installed at a head portion of the vehicle for receiving signals from a front vehicle; and transferring the received signals; a transmitter at a rear end of a vehicle for emitting signals to a vehicle behind the vehicle having the transmitter; a braking indicator at a rear side of the vehicle; and a signal processor receiving signals transferred from the receiver for determining to cause the transmitter to emit signals or cause the braking indicator to light up. By above components, when a first vehicle installed with the vehicle braking alert system brakes, the transmitter will emit signals to a second vehicle behind the vehicle and installed the vehicle braking alert system; the second vehicle receives the signals from the first vehicle so as to light up the braking indicator at the rear side thereof to alarm another vehicles.

Abstract: A warning light device includes a light member, and a coupling device for coupling the light member to the accelerator pedal of the vehicle, to actuate the light member to generate warning light when the accelerator pedal of the vehicle is released by the drivers, in order to indicate the releasing of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle, and for allowing the following drivers to have a longer time to make responses or to take actions. A rack may be coupled to the accelerator pedal, and a gear may be rotatably engaged onto a spindle of a generator, to actuate the generator to energize the light member when the accelerator pedal is released by the drivers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-function illuminating display for a motor vehicle combining an inverse function illuminating engine power indicator, a brake light, directional lights, and park lights. The segmented engine power display is fully illuminated at engine idle. Power display illumination decreases incrementally from each end as engine power increases, with minimum illumination at display center at maximum selected and adjusted power, and no illumination when power is above that point. Decreasing engine power to the maximum power point illuminates the center segments, followed by incrementally illuminating segments adjacent the center, until all segments are illuminated. Center segment illumination is of minimum intensity with increasing intensity of left and right side LEDs. The brake light inhibits power indication and illuminates the display as a brake light. Chasing directional lights have priority over the power indication and park lights, and are brighter than the park lights.

Abstract: A brake warning apparatus for a vehicle having a motor brake retarder system for warning a trailing vehicle the motor brake retarder system is activated and the vehicle is decelerating. The motor brake retarder system having a plurality of retarders disposed on respective cylinders of a motor of a vehicle for imposing a braking function to the respective cylinders of the motor, each retarder electrically connected to an electronic control module by one of a plurality of control leads. The brake warning apparatus includes an electrical interface electrically connected to each one of the plurality of respective control leads for receiving a control signal from the electronic control module. The brake warning apparatus also includes a brake warning switch for receiving the control signal from the electrical interface and in response to the control signal passing an electrical current to the brake warning light.

Abstract: The vehicle signalization retrofit kit according to the present invention comprises a limit switch assembly wherein a pair of limit switches are pre-wired with a colour coded wiring system and connectors, and are adjustably affixed to a post that is easily mountable by bonding to the firewall of a vehicle, between the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal. The wiring system has a connection to the battery of the vehicle such that no interference with the wiring system or the fuse box of the vehicle is required. The retrofit kit also has a pair of light modules each having colored lights of red, amber and green colours. One light module is mountable to the front end of the vehicle and the other is mountable to the rear end of the vehicle for communicating to nearby drivers and pedestrians various operating conditions of the vehicle, such as braking, decelerating and accelerating.

Abstract: A vehicle's operator can signal both the intended relative braking effort, and changes thereto, using a signal with a proportionately scaled and reactive display. A sensor measuring the current proportionate intensity of the intended and applied braking effort is attached to a vehicle's braking system. This sensor sends a signal to the associated external display (which may comprise multiple, separated areas). Each display area then shows that portion of its area commensurate with, or proportional to, the intensity of the intended and applied braking effort. The sensor, signal, and display(s) regularly repeat this at rapid intervals, thereby keeping the display responsive to and in accordance with the current intended and applied braking effort. In one enhancement, the outer limit of the display is activated when any braking effort is made, to enable rapid evaluation by any viewer between the relative effort applied and the potential full effort.