External Signal Light System Patents (Class 340/468)
  • Patent number: 8981922
    Abstract: A rear collision prevention system includes: a linkage coupled to a gas pedal, the linkage capable of sensing the position of the gas pedal, the linkage communicatively coupled to a transmitter, a transmitter with at least a first channel and a second channel, where the first channel receives a signal from the linkage when the gas pedal is depressed, and the second channel receives a signal when the gas pedal is released. The system also includes a receiver communicatively coupled to the transmitter. The receiver receives signals from the first channel and the second channel of the transmitter. An illumination device is communicatively coupled to the receiver, and the device illuminates in a first color responsive to the receiver receiving a signal on the first channel and illuminates in a second color responsive to the receiver receiving a signal on the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Bruno Israel
  • Publication number: 20150061857
    Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced safety signaling circuit for vehicles, in particular when a vehicle is traveling in reverse. The invention is connected to a vehicle's reverse light circuit and to signaling circuits, such as signal light circuits. The invention causes the signaling circuits to activate each time the vehicle is set to reverse. The invention can be used with existing automotive emergency flasher and reverse light circuits, or to additional light or acoustic signaling devices. The invention is designed to connect to a vehicle's existing circuits by various wire-splice connections without interfering with the normal location or operation of the existing circuits, and allows electronic components to energize the emergency flashing light circuits during the reversing process of a vehicle. The signaling can flash in an alternating pattern or simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Gregory D'Oliveira Henry
  • Patent number: 8963701
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automotive vehicle early open door warning system, including a first light device arranged in a first external area of a side of the vehicle, for emitting a warning light signal, prior to the opening of a door, a second light device arranged in a second area of the side of the vehicle spaced from the first area for emitting a warning light signal, and an electronic controller circuit in connection with the light devices, for controlling the first light device so that it emits the warning light signal prior to the opening of the door and the second light device so that it emits the warning light signal prior to or during the opening of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: Alejandro Rodriguez Barros, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Fernandez
  • Patent number: 8963704
    Abstract: A driver assist device is provided for an industrial truck (1) that has a load handling device (5). The driver assist device, when located on the industrial truck (1), projects a lighting effect onto the roadway (13). The lighting effect forms a position marking (12) of the load handling device (5) on the roadway (13) which will be reached by the load handling device (5) for a particular steering angle after the industrial truck (1) travels around a curve by a defined curve angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Linde Material Handling GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Adami
  • Patent number: 8947223
    Abstract: A lighting system for use with an emergency vehicle comprises at least one elongated lighting bar mounted to an exterior surface of the emergency vehicle, the lighting bar comprises a plurality of lighting elements operable to emit light, the at least one lighting bar operable to be placed in a first substantially horizontal lowered position and a second substantially vertical raised position, and a controller electrically coupled to the at least one lighting bar and configured to receive user input and controllably place the at least one lighting bar in one of a raised and lowered positions in response to the user input, the controller further configurable to operate the plurality of lighting elements in a predetermined repeating on/off sequence involving increasing number of lit lighting elements and increasing light intensity over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ROM Acquisition Corporation
    Inventors: John E. McLoughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Kiam Meng Toh
  • Publication number: 20150015392
    Abstract: A rear collision prevention system includes: a linkage coupled to a gas pedal, the linkage capable of sensing the position of the gas pedal, the linkage communicatively coupled to a transmitter, a transmitter with at least a first channel and a second channel, where the first channel receives a signal from the linkage when the gas pedal is depressed, and the second channel receives a signal when the gas pedal is released. The system also includes a receiver communicatively coupled to the transmitter. The receiver receives signals from the first channel and the second channel of the transmitter. An illumination device is communicatively coupled to the receiver, and the device illuminates in a first color responsive to the receiver receiving a signal on the first channel and illuminates in a second color responsive to the receiver receiving a signal on the second channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Bruno Israel
  • Publication number: 20150015391
    Abstract: A device namely a ‘Tackion’ that is able to emit light and sync both the color and rate of blinking of the light emitted by one Tackion device to other Tackion devices. They will serve as beacons to visually link one vehicle to another in order to show other drivers or bystanders the implied connection in between the two or more vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Miguel R. Pimentel
  • Patent number: 8933800
    Abstract: The third brake light accessory for use with a classic car includes a housing that resembles the front end or grille of a classic car, and which is placed against an inner surface of a rear window to operate as a third brake light. The third brake light accessory may further include turn signal lights that work in conjunction with the turn signal lights of the respective vehicle. The third brake light accessory is ideally designed for use with a particular make and model of a classic car, and which has a housing resembling the front portion of or grille of the respective vehicle, while acting as a third brake light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Tommy Rex Biles
  • Patent number: 8922388
    Abstract: A lighting system for the exterior of a vehicle that includes a housing, a sensor, a lamp assembly, and a controller. The sensor is carried by the housing and detects the presence of a hazard in a predetermined region on the ground adjacent to the vehicle. The lamp assembly is carried by the housing and has a light source for projecting light onto at least a portion of the region. The controller is coupled to the sensor and the lamp assembly. The controller has a light activation input and, upon receipt of a light activation command at the input, it controls the lamp assembly to project light from the lamp assembly of a first color or other visible characteristic when no hazard is detected by the sensor and of a second color or other visible characteristic when the hazard is detected by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventor: Todd Nykerk
  • Patent number: 8922389
    Abstract: A system and method for communication between an emitting motor vehicle (Ve) and at least one target, the emitting vehicle (Ve) including at least one light device, the method comprising the step of automatically modulating a light signal (S) emitted by the light device for a communication between the vehicle (Ve) and the target; and the light device being chosen from: a lighting device, a daytime running light (DRL), a position light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Christophe Dubosc, Zdravko Zojceski
  • Publication number: 20140368329
    Abstract: A system includes a processor and an external fuel indicator. The processor is configured to instruct powering of a digital display in response to detection that one or more power-up indicators has been satisfied. The processor is also configured to obtain fuel-related readings as a vehicle is fueled. Also, the processor is further configured to determine at least one fuel-related statistic other than a current fuel level. Further, the processor is configured to output the at least one fuel-related statistic to the external fuel indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Gregory P. Brown, Brian Thomas Aitken
  • Patent number: 8912921
    Abstract: A warning system for vehicles that comprises a transmitter and a receiver for respectively transmitting a signal to an approaching vehicle or receiving a signal from an approaching vehicle. A light actuated upon receiving a signal from another vehicle and visible to the other vehicle indicates to the other vehicle that it is approaching a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: James A. Reavell
  • Publication number: 20140354423
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for more-quickly locating an individual during a man-down situation is provided herein. During operation a light source on an officer's vehicle will be directed towards the downed officer when a man-down situation has been identified. Since a light source will be pointed at the downed individual, respondents responding to the man-down situation may more-quickly locate any downed individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: FONG MIN LUEI, DENNIS KEAT JEEN LIM, INTAN MAZLINA MOHD MOHDI, SYED ISA SYED IDRUS, TING FOOK TANG
  • Publication number: 20140347179
    Abstract: An example system for wirelessly changing a light flash pattern in a light element of a vehicle includes: a light element attached to a vehicle; a controller circuit located in the light element configured for receiving a light flash pattern signal, wherein the controller circuit includes: an antenna; a microcontroller configured for data communication; a lighting control circuit configured for controlling a light flash pattern of the light element; and an EEPROM used for storing the light flash pattern signal; and a transmitter device capable of transmitting the light pattern signal to the controller circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Vincent S. Fleszewski, Robert J. Hartke, Jeffery M. Loftus, Paul M. Gergets
  • Patent number: 8890671
    Abstract: A back window for a motor vehicle comprises a display element, wherein the display element comprises at least one light conductor panel. The light conductor panel comprises a first main surface, a second main surface and at least one marginal surface. The light conductor panel also comprises light-decoupling structures at least in a part region of a volume of the light conductor panel, wherein the light-decoupling structures are embodied as light-diffusing nano particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Nikolas Wagner
  • Publication number: 20140333428
    Abstract: A lighting system is provided with a plurality of devices that are disposed within a lamp assembly and configured to emit light in response to receiving electrical power from a power source. The detector is coupled to the plurality of devices and is configured to monitor an electrical characteristic associated with the plurality of devices. The detector is also configured to generate an output signal that is indicative of a discontinuity within the plurality of devices in response to the electrical characteristic being less than a threshold value. The lighting system also includes a controller that is coupled to the detector. The controller is configured to receive input indicative of a turn signal status and a rear closure position and to enable the detector in response to the rear closure position being closed and the turn signal status being on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: North American Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Markell
  • Patent number: 8860567
    Abstract: An automated vehicle crash warning system may include a lighting system configured to be attached to the outside of the vehicle; a vehicle crash detector configured to detect a crash of the vehicle; and a light controller configured to cause the lighting system to illuminate when a crash of the vehicle is detected by the vehicle crash detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Forcelights, LLC
    Inventors: Sunny P. Smith, Gene Y. Fridman
  • Patent number: 8854201
    Abstract: A safety light system integrated into a vehicle. The safety light system includes a safety light assembly receptacle carried by a body panel of a vehicle. The safety light assembly receptacle includes a light assembly receiving cavity for receiving and temporarily retaining a removable light assembly. The removable light assembly includes elements to provide a user controlled continuous red light, a flashing red light, and a continuous white light. The flashing red light provides a roadside flare configuration. The continuous white light provides a flashlight configuration. The continuous red light in conjunction with the flashing red light configuration provides a driving light configuration. The removable light assembly can include a securing mechanism for attaching the removable light assembly to an object to warn others of the extended object and/or support legs enabling operation as a roadside flare, spotlight, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Allen D. Hertz, Eric L. Hertz
  • Patent number: 8842009
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to control light output at one or more light fixtures based on input from one or more light detectors. Embodiments of the invention may also be used for auto commissioning, personal control and/or day lighting. Some embodiments of the invention can be used to ensure that light output at the light fixtures provides a combined uniform photometric distribution within an architectural space. Moreover, embodiments of the invention can respond to changes to ambient light, which illuminates the architectural space from a window, door, or television, etc., in a smooth and non-oscillating way. Embodiments of the invention can be implemented in lighting systems employing multiple light fixtures having one or more light source and multiple light detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: MoJo Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Morgan Jones
  • Patent number: 8823265
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus (12) for use with a vehicle (10) includes a lighting system (14) and a controller (16). The lighting system (14) includes at least three light engines (18). The controller (16) is configured to simultaneously illuminate at least two of the light engines (18) while simultaneously not illuminating at least one of the light engines (18) upon activation of the illumination apparatus. The controller (16) is further configured to alternate which of the light engines (18) are not illuminated and which two of the light engines (18) are simultaneously illuminated such that at least two light engines (18) are simultaneously illuminated during the entire illumination sequence. As such, at least two light engines (18) are illuminated upon activation of the illumination apparatus (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Thomas Tessnow, Howard Eng
  • Patent number: 8816842
    Abstract: A GPS enabled relay controller that interfaces with an electronic device, such as a street light, barricade light, refrigerator, and other similar applications for turning off power to an electronic device for energy savings. The relay controller invokes quantification of refractive photon diffusion to switch between on and off an electronic device based upon refracted photons diffused at the surface of the earth at a particular location and based upon sampling at the Earth's surface from before civil twilight start until after sunrise and from before sunset until after civil twilight end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Physics Laboratories, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Gookin
  • Patent number: 8816841
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a warning system mounted on a vehicle comprising detection means for detecting an object, and signalling means connected to said detection means, wherein said detection means are arranged to remotely detect an object in the vicinity of the vehicle and that said detection means is connected to said signalling means to automatically emit a signal that is detectable from at least one other side of the vehicle than the one where said object is present, and wherein said detection means (4) are arranged to avoid detecting objects lower than 0.5 m, preferably lower than 0.25 m from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Binar Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Leif Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 8803674
    Abstract: A turn signal system for a bicycle comprises a left and right front and rear turn signal and a rear alert signal that has multi-mode operation. The system is battery powered and can be adapted to an electric bicycle having a variety of power voltages. The system includes a controller and a multi-axis accelerometer to actuate the alert signal in the event of sudden deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Damon Langlois
  • Patent number: 8803711
    Abstract: An indicator device on a marine vessel is configured to display motion. A controller operates the indicator device according to at least a first mode wherein the indicator device displays motion and a second mode wherein the indicator device does not display motion. The controller operates the indicator device based upon an operational characteristic of the marine vessel to thereby inform a swimmer located proximate to the marine vessel of the operational characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Gonring
  • Patent number: 8791811
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system of changing a vehicle color and a method of changing a vehicle color according to a risk of an accident. According to the present invention, a driver of a vehicle and a surrounding pedestrian and drivers of other vehicles can easily recognize a risk situation and take measurement according to the recognized risk situation, such that it is possible to safely drive the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Seung Hwan Park
  • Patent number: 8786421
    Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing safety and traffic efficiency for vehicles transmitting information on an expected behavior of a driver of an ego vehicle in response to a stimulus including the steps of (i) sensing a parameter of the stimulus in order to generate a stimulus signal function of the sensed parameter, (ii) monitoring the stimulus signal function of the sensed parameter, (iii) calculating an expected future driver's behavior in response to the stimulus using said stimulus signal, (iv) comparing the expected future driver behavior with a standard driver behavior, and (v) emitting a warning signal to the surrounding of the ego vehicle in case the expected future driving behavior is not a standard behavior. Additionally, a system operating according to said method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Marco Dozza
  • Patent number: 8786422
    Abstract: A visual warning device has both a warning function to provide various colored flashing lights and a lighting function to adjustably project the lighting in preferable direction, which at least comprises a lighting device comprising an interior spotlight fixedly placed in the inside of the visual warning device and a beacon-like waterproof cover for mostly shielding the interior spotlight by outside exposure securely fastened onto the visual warning device, so that the interior spotlight has no required for an additional waterproof means pivotally mounted thereon as before; in particular, the interior spotlight further has both a vertical drive means and a horizontal drive means designed by uncovered structure, due to both the vertical drive means and the horizontal drive means unnecessarily concealed or placed in the inside of the interior spotlight as before, the interior spotlight has much simpler structure than before and more saving cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Mao-Shen Wang
  • Patent number: 8779937
    Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror back plate. The back plate has an indicator mounting portion. An aperture is established through the back plate generally at the indicator mounting portion. A heater pad is disposed between the mirror reflective element and the back plate. The heater pad has a light transmitting portion generally aligned with the aperture of the back plate. A self-contained substantially sealed indicator is mounted at the indicator mounting portion and has a light source that is activatable to emit light. When an equipped exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at a side of a vehicle and with the light source activated, light emitted by the light source transmits through the aperture of the back plate and the light transmitting portion of the heater pad and exits the mirror reflective element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8779914
    Abstract: A safety rearview mirror for the backseat of automobile vehicles, comprising a rigid plaque which has on one of its faces a finished and reflective surface and on the other face an opaque covering, except for at least, a zone free of the covering, wherein this zone corresponds to signs and/or drawings which are visible through transparency due to a light source associated with the other face. The light source may be of the LED/LCD type or an incandescent lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Luis Ros Santasusana
  • Patent number: 8766815
    Abstract: A light signaling device including a tubular body having an outer surface to which LEDs are mechanically connected. An inner surface of the body defines a channel inside the tubular body and has a heat dissipation unit through which the heat generated by the LEDs is dissipated. The light signaling device also comprises a lower air conveyor mechanically connected to the lower edge of the tubular body, partially closing the lower opening of the inner channel of the tubular body and is provided with separate conveyance channels, each of which extended between an inlet section thereof and an outlet section thereof according to a trajectory which has at least one component radial with respect to the main extension axis. Each of the conveyance channels is in communication with the light signaling device exterior via the inlet section and with the lower opening of the inner channel via the outlet section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Vincenzo Di Giovine
  • Patent number: 8742916
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an LED light bar that provides off axis lighting. The warning light system includes lights that do not need reflectors that rotate to provide good light effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Burke, Vincent Fleszewski, Charles Meyer, Christopher Radzik, George Frank, Sigmund Urbanski, Paul Gergets
  • Patent number: 8738244
    Abstract: An agricultural machine comprises an electronic control device, an actuator, which is actuated under external power, for adjustment of at least one working parameter of the agricultural machine, and a sensor, which is connected to the control device, for detection of the vertical position of the agricultural machine. It is proposed that the control device can be operated so as to derive from the signals of the sensor which topographical zone of a number of topographical zones of a field the agricultural machine is situated in each case, and to activate the actuator as a function of the respective topographical zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: James E. Lenz, Ole Peters
  • Patent number: 8723663
    Abstract: A control apparatus (100) for driving a luminaire with, a signal input (101), a signal output (102), and a signal processing apparatus (104), in which the signal input (101) is configured to receive a serial input signal (21) of the length N, the signal processing apparatus (104) is configured to shorten the input signal (21) by a control signal (23) of the length n, the signal output (101) is configured to output an output signal (22), which comprises the input signal (21) shortened by the control signal (23), and the signal processing apparatus (104) comprises a UART (11) and a switching element (10), the UART (11) being configured to switch the switching element (10) as the control signal (23) is input, with the result that the switching element (10) shortens the input signal (21) by the control signal (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Traxon Technologies Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Stahlkopf
  • Patent number: 8717155
    Abstract: A brake warning device and method includes acquiring acceleration data of a bicycle, and calculating a specific parameter according to the acceleration data acquired within a preset interval using a preset calculation method. The bicycle is determined to be decelerating if the specific parameter is less than a preset threshold value. A brake light of the brake warning device is turned on to warn that the bicycle is braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-I Lin
  • Patent number: 8710975
    Abstract: In an automated method for providing an indication, with the aid of a turn signal indicator, that a vehicle is leaving a parking space, a vehicle control system detects initially whether an executed driving maneuver is a maneuver related to leaving a parking space, in which case the maneuvering out of a parking space is indicated by activating the turn signal indicator, and the turn signal indicator is kept activated until the process of maneuvering out of the parking space has been concluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Pampus, Florian Raisch, Albrecht Irion, Marcus Schneider
  • Publication number: 20140104055
    Abstract: A motorcycle helmet indicator assembly is provided that includes a passive and active illumination means. The assembly is either built-into or is an attachable assembly for a motorcycle helmet, wherein a short range wireless protocol is utilized to synchronize the motorcycle brake lights and turn signals with two indicators along secured along the rear of the motorcycle helmet. Each of the indicator bezels is surrounded by a passive reflector surface, wherein the helmet is visible in low light whether the motorcycle indicators are energized or not. This promotes visualizing motorcyclist in traffic and in low light conditions, improving awareness of the motorcyclist's position in traffic and improving his or her safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Angela Boutte
  • Publication number: 20140104054
    Abstract: A beacon configured for mounting on a vehicle having an array of LEDs providing a flashing light signal to observers and having an array of LEDs providing scene illumination to a portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: CODE 3, INC.
    Inventor: Craig Weeks
  • Patent number: 8698610
    Abstract: An elevated stop indicator light system for vehicles such as school buses comprises a translucent or transparent tubular housing having a strip of light emitting diodes extending therethrough, the housing being secured to a drip rail extending along and above side and/or rear windows of the vehicle by clips fastened to the vehicle. Operation of the elevated light system is coordinated with conventional warning devices, such as a fold-out stop sign and flashing red lights of the bus. The elevation of the stop indicator light system provides a highly visible warning system for surrounding traffic when the view of the conventional warning sign on the side of the bus is obscured by traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: John Adam Krugh, IV
  • Patent number: 8698612
    Abstract: An apparatus for defining a safety zone for a vehicle, the apparatus comprising one or more radiation sources operatively coupled to the vehicle, the one or more radiation sources configured to create one or more visible identifiers at one or more locations, said locations defining a pre-determined position relative to the vehicle, and said one or more visible identifiers thereby defining the safety zone for the vehicle. There is also disclosed, the use of one or more vehicle-mounted radiation sources to direct radiation to one or more pre-determined positions to create a conspicuous safety zone proximal to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Gordon Toll
  • Publication number: 20140043156
    Abstract: A vehicle display device includes a power source, display screen, a microprocessor which includes a database and communications port. Various messages are input into the display device and stored in the database. The user selects a preloaded message(s) to be displayed on the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Howk, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140035739
    Abstract: An alert apparatus and related systems. The alert apparatus includes a controller and a wireless receiver connected to the controller and configured to receive data from a transmitter. The alert apparatus includes a packaging containing the controller and receiver and a visual indicator connected to be controlled by the controller and visible from outside of a vehicle on which the alert apparatus is mounted. The visual indicator is controllably activated by the controller based on the received data, and the alert apparatus is mounted on a windshield of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: LAMAR UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Harley Ross Myler
  • Patent number: 8638209
    Abstract: A traffic control board assembly as a self-contained unit is provided for mounting in an emergency response vehicle in a manner that accommodates deployment of a traffic control board above the top surface of the emergency response vehicle in any desired angular orientation about a vertical axis for visibility from any direction in relation to the emergency response vehicle. When docked, the top cover on the traffic board provides a weatherproof cover. Manual input and programmed control of a liftable rotation assembly on which the traffic board is mounted facilitate convenient and simple operation. A motion signal indicative of the emergency response vehicle moving can prevent deployment of the traffic control board and/or initiate returning it to a docked or stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Super Vacuum Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Oskroba, Ervin Weinmeister
  • Patent number: 8633834
    Abstract: An alarm apparatus includes a first camera facing a first direction of a road, a second camera facing a second direction of the road, a first output device facing the first direction of the road, a second output device facing the second direction of the road, a processor, and a storage unit including a detecting module and a controlling module. The detecting module stores a first instruction executed by the processor, thereby the processor receives the images captured by the first and the second cameras and determines what is the state of the road condition. The controlling module stores a second instruction executed by the processor, thereby the processor controls the first and the second output devices to send out appropriate alarming signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hou-Hsien Lee, Chang-Jung Lee, Chih-Ping Lo
  • Patent number: 8629768
    Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes at least one imaging sensor having a forward field of view with respect to a forward direction of travel of the vehicle. The imaging sensor captures image data representative of objects present in the forward field of view. A control is responsive to the imaging sensor and processes image data captured by the imaging sensor to determine an object present in the forward field of view. The control processes image data to determine a distance between the vehicle and the object determined present in the forward field of view. The control may determine the distance between the vehicle and the determined object at least in part in response to at least one of (i) size of the determined object, (ii) position of the determined object, (iii) light intensity of the determined object, and (iv) rate of approach of the determined object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Brent J. Bos, Kenneth Schofield
  • Patent number: 8629766
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicating display device which can be simply carried or worn. The indicating display device of the present invention comprises: a first display unit; a first transceiving unit for transceiving signals; a first sensor for sensing a motion; a first control unit for controlling the first transceiving unit, and controlling the first display unit in accordance with the signal received at the first transceiving unit or information sensed by the first sensor, such that the first display unit displays various states; a second display unit; a second transceiving unit for transceiving signals; a mode selection unit for selecting a mode; and a second control unit for controlling the second display unit and the second transceiving unit in the mode selected by the mode selection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Myung Su Lee
  • Publication number: 20140002260
    Abstract: The invention provides a remote controlled and driver operated flashing sign that fastens by suction cups to a rear glass of a car, van, pickup or SUV. When activated by the driver, The Apology Stick flashes a friendly waving hand along with the words I'm Sorry. The Apology Stick is an electronic sign, powered either by batteries or wiring into a vehicular electrical system. Activation and deactivation of The Apology Stick occurs as the driver presses and then releases an On and Off switch on the remote. The Apology Stick also incorporates a second message of Thank You to credit other motorists for acts of driving courtesy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Elta Wright
  • Patent number: 8610556
    Abstract: A communication system for use with an automobile having an accelerator, a brake, a cruise control, and a brake lamp includes a display, a transmitter, a receiver, and a cruise lamp visible from outside the automobile. The communication system includes a processor in data communication with the accelerator, the brake, the cruise control, the brake lamp, the display, the transmitter, the receiver, and the cruise lamp. The processor includes programming to actuate the automobile's cruise control to synchronize with the cruise control of a nearby vehicle having an activated cruise control. The processor actuates the accelerator to accelerate or decelerate according to cruise data received from the nearby synchronized automobile. The system may include a GPS such that current GPS and speed data may be compared with received GPS and speed data to determine a proximity and rate of closure between synchronized automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Van Neste
  • Patent number: 8604940
    Abstract: A vehicle communication system including a communications link and optionally a vehicle position indicator provided at a medical facility. A visual indicator is provided that is temporarily attachable to or usable in a non-official passenger vehicle to alert other road users that a vehicle is traveling in an emergency situation. A communications link and optionally a vehicle position locator are also temporarily attachable to or usable in a non-official passenger vehicle to communicate with the medical facility to alert the medical facility that the vehicle is traveling to the medical facility in an emergency situation. The visual indicator may be a flashing light, or a lighted warning message or symbol, and may be a one-time use light or may be operable only after receipt of an activation code from the medical facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Tremonti
  • Patent number: 8604922
    Abstract: A motor vehicle taillight comprising a frame configured to be removably mounted to a vehicle, a housing coupled to the frame, a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) positioned along the frame, and a programmable electronic system configured to received an input signal and to selectively provide power to the at least one sets of LED arrays based on a program selected by a user and received input signal. The programmable electronic system is also configured to be selectively placed into a program mode upon activation of a switch, and when in the program mode, to select one of the plurality of programs based on at least one of a turn signal or brake signal of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Glen Harris
  • Patent number: 8552852
    Abstract: A safety light system comprising a trailer hitch mounted configuration. The safety light system includes a safety light assembly receptacle carried by a trailer hitch mounting member. The safety light assembly receptacle includes a light assembly receiving cavity for receiving and temporarily retaining a removable light assembly. The removable light assembly includes elements to provide a user controlled continuous red light, a flashing red light, and a continuous white light. The flashing red light provides a roadside flare configuration. The continuous white light provides a flashlight configuration. The continuous red light in conjunction with the flashing red light configuration provides a driving light configuration. The removable light assembly can include a securing mechanism for attaching the removable light assembly to an object to warn others of the extended object and/or support legs enabling operation as a roadside flare, spotlight, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Allen D Hertz, Eric L Hertz