Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly (10) includes a frame member and a hitch receiver box (14). At least one mounting bracket (28) is carried on the frame member for securing the frame member to a vehicle. A utility light (40) is also carried on the hitch assembly (10) for lighting an area including the hitch receiving box (14).
Abstract: An apparatus for operating a reciprocating arm vehicular safety device with a lock for preventing inadvertent deployment of the reciprocating arm. The apparatus has a rotor provided with retaining fingers for engaging the reciprocating, rotatable between locked and unlocked positions. When the reciprocating arm is retracted the rotor rotates to the locked position, and drive circuitry deactivates the device in response to stalling of the rotor drive motor.
Abstract: A vehicle mounted warning assembly for providing highly visible safety measures for trucks and trailers upon roadways. The vehicle mounted warning assembly includes a display assembly being adapted to mount to a vehicle for providing a warning to other motorists, and including one or more plates, and also including an assembly of illuminating light being attached to the one or more plates; and also includes a support assembly being adapted to mount to a vehicle and supporting the display assembly.
Abstract: A lamp's optical axis control system for a vehicle includes vehicle speed sensor, steering angle sensor, a circuit for calculating driver's viewpoint and a controller for controlling the optical axis according to the position of the driver's view point. The controller indicates the position of the driver's viewpoint a certain time in advance according to the vehicle speed signal and the steering angle signal. Therefore, the illumination range of the headlamps can timely provides a desirable driver's view point.
Abstract: An apparatus for indicating signals for vehicles is provided, which includes: a U-turn indicating light which is connected to a U-turn indication contact and provided in the front and rear side of a vehicle; a left-side direction light which is connected to a left-side direction indication contact and provided in the front and rear side of one side in the vehicle; a right-side direction light which is connected to a right-side direction indication contact and provided in the front and rear side of the right-side in the vehicle; a switch lever which is selectively connected to the U-turn indication contact, the left-side direction indication contact, and the right-side direction indication contact, and selectively applies electric power to the U-turn indication light, the left-side direction light, and the right-side direction light; a power source for supplying power to the switch lever; an emergency indication light which is provided in the front and rear side of the other side in the vehicle to receive the
Abstract: A safety light for use in vehicles is disclosed. The safety light would comprise a brake light and a seat belt signal light. The brake light would function as a normal window-mounted brake light would function, with the seat belt signal light functioning when a driver does not have their seat belt properly installed.
Abstract: A modular warning signal light system comprising at least one support. The at least one support having at least one module receiving port. The module receiving ports constructed and arranged to removably receive the support engagement member of a module. Each module having at least one visible side. The at least one visible side having at least one light emitting diode light source engaged thereto. The at least one light emitting diode light source, module and support all in independent electrical communication with a controller. The controller constructed and arranged to selectively activate the at least one support, the at least one module, the at least one light emitting diode light source, and any combinations thereof to create at least one warning light signal.
Abstract: The present invention addresses the need to sustain brake lights illumination of a motor vehicle at substantially stationary state even after brake pedal is released in order to ensure traffic safety. This device employs a number of commonly available relays not only to sustain the power to the brake lights but also to monitor the state of the movement of the vehicle. The circuit is largely composed of three main sections: a power supply relay, a latching-unlatching relays and a sensor array. One common type of relays can be used to all three of these parts. Different from prior arts in this matter, no sensor on a power shaft is needed, although such device can be accommodated. Instead, simple tilting type mercury switches are used for sensing the acceleration of a vehicle. This device can be integrated with many other motion sensing devices. These sensor actions can also be blocked or supplemented by the engagement of the parking brake or the cruise control.
Abstract: A Moving Vehicle Comfort, Security and Safety Signaling System is disclosed. The system may be available as a kit for installation on a conventional vehicle, or it may be integrated into the vehicle (e.g. within a bicycle frame). The system further includes an improved lighted indicator assembly to provide other vehicles and pedestrians with additional information regarding the driver/rider's intentions. The system may be voice-activated or activated by manual switches, or both. The system may further include an anti-theft device for detecting if the vehicle is jostled. Furthermore, the system, when configured for a bicycle, may include a water misting system for dispensing fine water spray onto the rider's face area. A kit for installation on existing bicycles utilizes flat circuit tape for interconnecting the electrical components.
Abstract: A vehicle signaling system allowing selective and independent illumination of a vehicle's headlight and taillight systems. The vehicle signaling system may be made part of new vehicle manufacture, or a retrofit installation. The selective and independent illumination allows an overtaking vehicle and an overtaken vehicle to safely signal each other by means of independently activating and deactivating the headlight and taillight systems. The vehicle signaling system is connected into the vehicle's power source and ground, and incorporates a means for intermittently and independently activating and deactivating the headlight system and the taillight system, and may include a remote auxiliary means for activating the systems. An electrical circuit controlling means accepts a plurality of inputs and produces a plurality of outputs used to either interrupt, or supply, power to the headlight and taillight systems. The electrical circuit controlling means may include an integrated circuit.
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: An electronic deceleration/accident warning system for a motor vehicle comprising a high energy flashing strobe light facing following traffic, and a control unit including a controller means for receiving input signals from a g-level sensor and a brake signal, and in response controlling the flash rate of the strobe light. Other optional inputs such as theft alarm and ABS are provided along with optional outputs such as safety belt tensioners and airbags.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 23, 1994
Date of Patent:
June 1, 2004
Inventors:
Andrzej Wasilewski, Maurycy Kociszewski, Jaroslaw Kociszewski, Ronald Brookes
Abstract: A window cornice is designed to fasten with the external top edge of a window frame of an automotive vehicle for providing protection against the rain or sun. The window cornice is provided with at least one light-emitting device which is incorporated into the signal light system of the automotive vehicle.
Abstract: A hitch-mounted warning sign apparatus for a vehicle for alerting approaching motorists of road work being conducted in the area. The hitch-mounted warning sign apparatus for a vehicle includes a receiver hitch being adapted to be mounted to a vehicle and including a tubular member having an open end, a bore extending therein through the open end, and a hole being disposed through a side wall of the tubular member; and also includes a sign support assembly being fastenably mounted to the receiver hitch; and further includes a fastener being removably extended through the hole of the receiver hitch for fastening the sign support assembly to the receiver hitch; and also includes a light-emitting assembly being attached to the sign support assembly; and further includes a sign assembly being mounted to the sign support assembly.
Abstract: A vehicle headlamp including a headlamp unit and an auxiliary lamp in which the brightness of an end portion of the low beam light distribution pattern formed by the beam irradiation from the headlamp unit is reinforced by the auxiliary light distribution pattern formed by the beam irradiation from the auxiliary lamp unit. The high luminous intensity area of the auxiliary light distribution pattern partly overlaps the high luminous intensity area of the low beam light distribution pattern, thus allowing the low beam light distribution pattern and the auxiliary light distribution pattern to be combined. Further, by way of controlling the beam irradiation intensity of the auxiliary lamp unit by a light control unit, the brightness of the low beam light distribution pattern is reinforced by the auxiliary light distribution pattern that has brightness in response to the vehicle running condition.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for brightening and dimming a brake light of automotive vehicle for enhanced display indication of braking includes a pulse width modulation unit to be electrically connected to a brake lamp for sequentially modulating the supply energy to the lamp to generate a brightening and dimming of the lamp. A time extent of the modulation is detected so that the modulation can be stopped after a preselected time period and the light will be continually on as in a conventional braking operation After the brake is released by the operator, a second preselected time period for locking out the sequential interrupting is timed down, for avoiding repetitive flashing during stop-and-go traffic.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 20, 2001
Date of Patent:
April 13, 2004
Assignee:
TransAlert, Inc.
Inventors:
Clyde H. Boyer, Edward J. Stropkay, Robert C. Morris, Jr.
Abstract: A protective helmet navigation system includes a helmet shell having a housing constructed of padded material covering a portion of back and side portions of the shell. The housing is positioned to provide enhanced protection of the back of a user's head and defines a control compartment and a plurality of light compartments. A light source is positioned in each light compartment and is electrically connected to a battery within the control compartment. The system includes a transmitter capable of being connected to the brake and turn signal controls of a motorcycle for transmitting a signal corresponding to an operation of an respective control. A receiver is mounted within the control compartment and electrically connected to the battery and light sources for permitting current to energize respective light sources upon reception of a respective signal. A lens covers each light compartment.
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 safety warning and winker light for vehicle includes a soft illuminative sheet and a high-adhesive sticker. The soft illuminative sheet having a plurality of illuminators is disposed on front windscreens of cars by the high-adhesive sticker on the bottom side thereof. Thus the present invention provides obvious warning effect for the cars approaching from the opposite direction.
Abstract: A warning module for rear approaching cars aims at providing dual effects of safety and warning for passengers and the rear approaching cars. The module include a rearview mirror installed on a car door of a car to enable the passengers to see the rear approaching cars in a selected angular range and decide whether to open the car door. A warning light is also mounted onto the car door. The warning light includes a rear light face and a side light face for generating light when the car door is opened to alert the rear approaching cars, and to ensure the safety of the passengers and safe driving of the rear approaching cars.
Abstract: Circuitry and/or device(s) provide a flashing or blinking light in the rear of a vehicle to alert others of a reduction in speed or directional change to substantially increase driver and passenger safety while travelling.
Abstract: A vehicle signaling system allowing selective and independent illumination of a vehicle's headlight and taillight systems. The vehicle signaling system may be made part of new vehicle manufacture, or a retrofit installation. The selective and independent illumination allows an overtaking vehicle and an overtaken vehicle to safely signal each other by means of independently activating and deactivating the headlight and taillight systems. The vehicle signaling system is connected into the vehicle's power source and ground, and incorporates a means for intermittently and independently activating and deactivating the headlight system and the taillight system, and may include a remote auxiliary means for activating the systems. An electrical circuit controlling means accepts a plurality of inputs and produces a plurality of outputs used to either interrupt, or supply, power to the headlight and taillight systems. The electrical circuit controlling means may include an integrated circuit.
Abstract: A car airfoil light display to improve drive safety, comprised of two hollow light holders respectively secured to both ends of the airfoil, each light holder having an approximately conic head, a hexagonal retainer, and a threaded rod section extending for a proper length from the lower end of the retainer; a light emission device containing a conductor being inserted into the conic head, and the rod section being inserted through a hole in a flap of the airfoil and secured to the airfoil; the conductor being connected to a cornering light of the car to execute synchronous one-sided or two-sided flare with one cornering light on the same side or both cornering lights when the car is taking a turn or attempting to park.
Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an electrochromic mirror having a variable reflectivity, a glare sensor for sensing levels of light directed towards the front element from the rear of the vehicle, an ambient sensor for sensing levels of ambient light, a display positioned behind the partially transmissive, partially reflective portion of the reflector for displaying information therethrough; and a control circuit coupled to the sensors and the display. The control circuit determines whether daytime or nighttime conditions are present as a function of the ambient light level sensed by the ambient sensor. During daytime conditions, the control circuit responds to light levels sensed by the glare sensor to control a contrast ratio of light originating from the display and light reflecting from the partially transmissive, partially reflective area of the reflector.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 3, 2002
Date of Patent:
March 2, 2004
Assignee:
Gentex Corporation
Inventors:
William L. Tonar, Jeffrey A. Forgette, John S. Anderson, David J. Cammenga, Robert R. Turnbull, Philip B. Hall, Mark D. Bugno, Alan R. Watson
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: The present invention provides a light bar control system including a light bar controller connected to a control console interface through a power-line carrier communication network in a vehicle.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 21, 2002
Publication date:
February 26, 2004
Inventors:
Robert Ladow, Jim Buennagel, Mike Lamping
Abstract: A vehicle security system includes at least one vehicle sensor, a remote transmitter to be carried by a user, and a controller positioned in the vehicle. The controller may be switchable to at least one of an armed mode and a disarmed mode based upon the remote transmitter, and the controller may cause a light indicator circuit of the vehicle to selectively supply power to at least one vehicle light bulb upon switching to at least one of the armed and disarmed modes. The vehicle security system may also include a strobe light device at the vehicle and electrically connected to the light indicator circuit for providing a confirmation indication to the user that the controller has been switched to at least one of the armed and disarmed modes. This may be done based upon a leading or trailing edge of the power supplied by the light indicator circuit.
Abstract: A system and method for delivering parking information is disclosed. Embodiments of the present claimed invention utilize video imaging to analyze the availability of parking spaces. More specifically, a computer is used to process video images of a parking location to determine if a parking space is available.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 17, 2001
Date of Patent:
February 17, 2004
Assignee:
Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Inventors:
David Curbow, Eric Macintosh, Robert St. Pierre, Stephen Uhler
Abstract: An accessory brake light system for a vehicle comprising a secondary brake light attached to a front of said vehicle. A power source is provided for supplying power to a primary brake light. The primary brake light is attached to the rear of the vehicle. A switch connects the power to the primary brake light when the brake is engaged by an operator which causes the primary brake light to illuminate. A delay mechanism is provided which is capable of determining a delay period after the brake is engaged and the power is connected to the secondary brake light after te delay period thereby illuminating the secondary brake light.
Abstract: This disclosure concerns an invention used to deter auto collisions with animals, and more specifically to allow standard automobile horn to be altered in a manner such that the noise alerts animals, particularly deer, to the presence of an approaching vehicle. A timer/oscillator is selectively connectable between the vehicle horn actuator (e.g., the button on the steering wheel of the vehicle) and the vehicle horn. When the timer is connected between the horn actuator and the horn, a continuous input to the horn actuator is converted to an intermittent horn output (preferably cycling between 2-20 Hz), this intermittent horn output being synchronized with the timer pulses. Such cycling of the horn causes a flight response in animals when sounded in their vicinity.
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: Left and right lamps of rear are connected to switch to a stop lamp switch or a turn signal switch by left and right relays. When the turn signal switch is made ON to left and an intermittent signal is inputted from a flasher unit, a left relay is made ON by an output of a left integrating circuit and a left lamp is flashed in accordance with the intermittent signal. During the time period, an NAND circuit for inputting the intermittent signal is made H. Since a right relay is made OFF, when the stop lamp switch is made ON, a right lamp is continuously lighted. Thereafter, when the turn signal switch is made OFF, the NAND circuit is made L and the left relay is made OFF by rapidly discharging the left integrating circuit. Thereby, also the left lamp is shifted to light continuously without delay.
Abstract: A Moving Vehicle Comfort, Security and Safety Signaling System is disclosed. The system may be available as a kit for installation on a conventional vehicle, or it may be integrated into the vehicle (e.g. within a bicycle frame). The system further includes an improved lighted indicator assembly to provide other vehicles and pedestrians with additional information regarding the driver/rider's intentions. The system may be voice-activated or activated by manual switches, or both. The system may further include an anti-theft device for detecting if the vehicle is jostled. Furthermore, the system, when configured for a bicycle, may include a water misting system for dispensing fine water spray onto the rider's face area. A kit for installation on existing bicycles utilizes flat circuit tape for interconnecting the electrical components.
Abstract: An illumination system periodically directs a short burst of bright light onto rotating indicia which makes the indicia appear to be stationary. The exact location of the indicia on the sidewall of the vehicle tire is determined by an emitter and sensor during each revolution of the tire, and a short burst of bright light is then directed onto the indicia which makes the indicia appear to be stationary and therefore discernable. Repeating design features of a vehicle wheel may also be sensed with an accompanying short burst of bright light which makes the wheel appear to be stationary.
Abstract: A new illuminated signal to following vehicle drivers is disclosed. This signal would inform the driver of the following vehicle that the driver of the lead vehicle had removed accelerator pedal pressure. The following vehicle driver may anticipate the deceleration and braking of the lead vehicle. So fore-warned, the driver of the following vehicle may also remove accelerator pressure, preventing the following vehicle from inappropriately approaching the rear of the lead vehicle, and the need for heavy brake action. This advance warning of lead vehicle deceleration and braking will decrease the reaction time needed by following vehicle drivers to safely brake after the lead vehicle brake light is observed, reducing the potential for rear-end collisions. This new light signal, indicating removal of accelerator pedal pressure in the lead vehicle, would cease whenever the lead vehicle brake is applied, or the cruise control is switched on.
Abstract: A reference light for maneuvering a vehicle for providing a point of reference for the rear portion of a vehicle when maneuvering the vehicle. The reference light for maneuvering a vehicle includes a plate having a first surface and a second surface. The plate has a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. A plurality of fasteners is extended through the first and second surfaces for removably attaching the plate to a vehicle such that the first side edge extends toward a front side of the vehicle. A light emitting device is securely attached to the first surface.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 14, 2001
Date of Patent:
October 21, 2003
Inventors:
Isiah Isaacs, Arcenio J. Trujillo, Alberto Trujillo
Abstract: A highly reliable industrial control system is produced by opening multiple connections on a connected messaging network running a standard serial protocol. The two connections are used to transmit redundant data and include a reply message to the message producer. Errors in the messages or media failure may be detected using standard error detection codes, retry counters and deadman timers. Comparison of the data of the two messages can reveal other types of failure not apparent by these former techniques.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 21, 2000
Date of Patent:
October 7, 2003
Assignee:
Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
Kerry W. Vandesteeg, David A. Vasko, Joseph A. Lenner, Kenwood H. Hall
Abstract: A device is provided for controlling brake lights in a vehicle. The vehicle has a braking system designed for outside force actuation, a control device for controlling the vehicle brakes, and a brake light switch located in the vicinity of a brake pedal, which is connected with a control device for controlling at least one brake light. In order to indicate to following traffic a brake application by active braking intervention in a vehicle, the control unit is connected with the control device and operates the latter such that the brake light, even without actuation of the brake light switch, is activatable under first specified vehicle operating conditions and is deactivatable under second specified vehicle operating conditions.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 3, 2000
Date of Patent:
September 30, 2003
Assignee:
Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
Inventors:
Oliver Poguntke, Willibald Prestl, Thomas Toelge
Abstract: A device for preventing animal casualties from a vehicle, in particular in darkness has a control-and regulating a unit which obtains at least a first input signal and a second input signal, wherein the first input signal indicates a position of a light switch of the vehicle, so that when the position of the light switch is in a high beam position, the control-and regulating device, in response to obtaining the second input signal, turns off a high beam and turns on a low beam.
Abstract: A vehicular component includes a body part and an electroluminescent signaling device. The signaling device includes a flexible electroluminescent light source strand mounted on the body part, and is adapted to be connected to and controlled by a light controller of a vehicle so as to enable the light source strand to radiate a light output for signaling purposes.
Abstract: An automatic warning signal system for a leading vehicle (e.g., an automobile, car, truck, tanker, van, bus, motor home, motorcycle, or other vehicles, etc., as well as trailers of all kinds in-tow, etc.) including a detector for detecting when a following vehicle comes within a target area too close to the rear of the leading vehicle, and a circuit for coupling a signal device and an energy source to cause the signal device to produce a warning signal to caution the driver of the following vehicle when the detector detects the following vehicle within the target area too close to the rear of the leading vehicle, causing the driver of the following vehicle to slow down and thus increase the distance between the two vehicles and prevent rear end collision in case of an emergency.
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 protective helmet navigation system includes a helmet shell having a housing constructed of padded material covering a portion of back and side portions of the shell. The housing is positioned to provide enhanced protection of the back of a user's head and defines a control compartment and a plurality of light compartments. A light source is positioned in each light compartment and is electrically connected to a battery within the control compartment. The system includes a transmitter capable of being connected to the brake and turn signal controls of a motorcycle for transmitting a signal corresponding to an operation of an respective control. A receiver is mounted within the control compartment and electrically connected to the battery and light sources for permitting current to energize respective light sources upon reception of a respective signal. A lens covers each light compartment.
Abstract: A car airfoil light display to improve drive safety, comprised of two hollow light holders respectively secured to both ends of the airfoil, each light holder having an approximately conic head, a hexagonal retainer, and a threaded rod section extending for a proper length from the lower end of the retainer; a light emission device containing a conductor being inserted into the conic head, and the rod section being inserted through a hole in a flap of the airfoil and secured to the airfoil; the conductor being connected to a cornering light of the car to execute synchronous one-sided or two-sided flare with one cornering light on the same side or both cornering lights when the car is taking a turn or attempting to park.
Abstract: A visible light source adapted to be mounted on the vehicle for generating visible light to be used to create warning signals which are viewed by observers remote from the vehicle. A dichroic element adapted to be mounted on the vehicle and adjacent to the visible light source transmits at least some of the visible light generated by the light source and reflects at least some of the visible light generated by the light source. The transmitted and reflected light provides warning light signals within different wavelength ranges when viewed by an observer remote from the vehicle.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 5, 2002
Date of Patent:
July 1, 2003
Assignee:
Code 3, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert E. Kreutzer, Dennis A. Dohogne, Paul L. Stein
Abstract: A visible light source adapted to be mounted on the vehicle for generating visible light to be used to create warning signals which are viewed by observers remote from the vehicle. A dichroic element adapted to be mounted on the vehicle and adjacent to the visible light source transmits at least some of the visible light generated by the light source and reflects at least some of the visible light generated by the light source. The transmitted and reflected light provides warning light signals within different wavelength ranges when viewed by an observer remote from the vehicle.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 5, 2002
Date of Patent:
June 24, 2003
Assignee:
Code 3, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert E. Kreutzer, Dennis A. Dohogne, Paul L. Stein
Abstract: An aural warning system for buses is provided which comprises a logic controller circuit board in electrical communication with an audible alarm. The logic controller circuit board actuates the audible alarm in a preprogrammed response to input data. The input data is provided by one or more loading lights which sending an on/off signal to the logic controller circuit board, a speed sensor which provides information as to the speed of the bus to the logic controller circuit board, and an open/closed switch providing information regarding the open/closed status of one or more doors of the bus. The preprogrammed response actuates the audible alarm when the one or more loading lights are on, the speed sensor when the speed of the bus is less than a threshold speed and the one or more doors are closed.
Abstract: The progressive vehicle brake light system of the invention consists of a brake sensor arranged to sense the travel of a brake pedal and a brake light display arranged to illuminate or extinguish in sequence or progressively in response to the travel of the brake pedal. A microcontroller is provided for receiving a signal from the brake sensor and controlling the brake light display accordingly. The brake sensor is typically an optical sensor utilizing infrared transmitters and receivers arranged to sense the distance and direction of travel of the brake pedal. The brake light display consists of a row of light emitting diodes (LEDs) which are arranged to illuminate from the opposite ends towards the middle as the brake pedal is depressed and to extinguish in reverse sequence when the brake pedal is released.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 10, 2001
Date of Patent:
June 3, 2003
Assignee:
Intellibrake (Proprietary) Limited
Inventors:
Saul Lawrence Cohen, Gary Nathan Kessel, Larry Rubin Gordon
Abstract: A motorcyclist garment with illuminated traffic signals for providing better and more visible rear lighting for motorcyclists. The motorcyclist garment with illuminated traffic signals includes a garment having a back side, a neck opening, and arm openings; and further includes a light-emitting assembly including light-emitting members being disposed in the back side of said garment, and also including wires and a power cord being connected to the light-emitting members, and further including a connector plug being attached to an end of the power cord and being adapted to plug into a power jack of a motorcycle.
Abstract: A vehicle system is disclosed that includes a vehicle lamp assembly including a plurality of LEDs that emit white light so as to function as an illuminator light. The lamp assembly also may include a plurality of LEDs that emit colored light, such as red or red-orange, so as to function as a signal light. Alternatively or additionally, the lamp assembly may include a camera of a vehicle imaging system. The lamp assembly may serve as a center high mounted stop light or as a tail light. The system also includes a controller that rapidly pulses the LEDs on and off at a rate that is imperceivable by the human eye. The pulsing intervals of the LEDs may be related to the readout intervals of the camera sensor array. In this manner, the LEDs may be pulsed on during camera readout so as to increase their intensity while the camera is capturing an image, or may be pulsed off during camera readout to prevent feedback glare from interfering with image capture by a highly sensitive image sensor array of the camera.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 15, 1998
Date of Patent:
April 22, 2003
Assignee:
Gentex Corporation
Inventors:
Frederick T. Bauer, Lois Bauer, John K. Roberts, Joseph S. Stam