Hazard Warning Or Distress Signalling Patents (Class 340/471)
  • Patent number: 9867022
    Abstract: A method and system for providing emergency location detection service for a vehicle is disclosed. The method and system comprise receiving one or more dual tone multi frequency (DTMF) signals by a vehicle via an active communication channel. The one or more DTMF signals are decoded and perform a corresponding vehicle function. A system and method in accordance with the present invention allows Public Safety Answering Point or 3rd party emergency service provider to send (DTMF) signals over a communication channel to activate vehicle system functions remotely such as engaging vehicle horn, flashing of headlights and/or taillights or emitting radio signals for the purpose of identification of location of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Aeris Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: George Edward L. Schaefer, Jr., Robert B. Fultz, Steven A. Millstein
  • Patent number: 9849828
    Abstract: An indicator system for an autonomous agricultural vehicle includes a multicolor lighting assembly. The indicator system includes a controller comprising a memory operatively coupled to a processor. The processor is configured to select a status indication from a plurality of status indications that corresponds to a current operating state of a plurality of operating states. The processor is configured to output a second signal indicative of instructions to control the multicolor lighting assembly based on the status indication. The multicolor lighting assembly emits a light in response to the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignees: CNH Industrial America LLC, Autonomous Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Foster, Bret Todd Turpin, Mitchel R. Torrie, John H. Posselius
  • Patent number: 9796326
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a plurality of lamps disposed on a rear portion of the vehicle, a user-actuatable hazard light control component (e.g. a turn-signal stalk) having a plurality of states, and a hazard lamp controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of lamps, the user-actuable hazard light control component, and the user-actuatable hazard light controller. The hazard lamp controller is configured to illuminate the plurality of lamps in accordance with a lighting pattern responsive to the state of the user-actuatable hazard light control component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Erik C. Nordstrom, Kris S. Sevel, Stephen M. Cichy, Ryan A. Church
  • Patent number: 9721473
    Abstract: An asset tracking system including a dispatching system and a movable object module. The dispatching system includes a processing device configured for controlling the dispatching system, a position information receiver configured for receiving position information associated with a movable object, a position data store configured for storing the position information, and a report module configured for reporting the position information to a first non-owning entity, wherein the report module includes a verification unit configured for receiving verification information corresponding to the first non-owning entity; and a position information reporter configured for, upon receipt of the verification information, providing the position information to the first non-owning entity, wherein the position information is inaccessible to a second non-owning entity lacking the verification information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjaykumar R. Patel, Glenn Bramer, J. Trevor Harris, Adam Gardner
  • Patent number: 9709247
    Abstract: A portable light with light directing mechanism for providing different light modes includes a light source, a housing, a first lighting member, a second lighting member, a rotating means and a light guide. The light guide together with the light source is rotatable by the rotating means along a light guide axis between a first position where the light passage member provides a light passage from the light source to the first light inlet of the first lighting member and a second position where the light passage member provides a light passage from the light source to the second light inlet of the second lighting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Shiu-Fai Stephen Man
  • Patent number: 9705597
    Abstract: Techniques for communicating lighting commands through a controller area network (CAN) bus of a light bar system include generating a light code message. The light code message has a metadata portion and a value portion. The metadata portion defines a purpose of value portion. The value portion controls a state of a lighting device (e.g., a keypad's LED brightness or activation of a directional light module) in the light bar system. A data field is generated by encapsulating the light code message with an ISO-TP single frame header and a message subtype. A CAN controller generates a CAN message having an extended frame format and the data field. The CAN message is then transmitted through the CAN bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Electronic Controls Company
    Inventors: Mark W. Latham, William M. Cresse, Kevin David Brewster
  • Patent number: 9676322
    Abstract: This invention relates to a light linking system, which includes a plurality of casings and lamps, and two binding members as main components combined together. Said casing is a hollow shell structure provided with a first housing and a second housing, said first housing has a first inner recessed annular wall which is in line with the shape of the lamp, the first housing is provided with a first hinge mount and a second hinge mount set correspondingly on both sides of the first housing, to connect the first hinge mount and second hinge mount of adjacent casings correspondingly. Said first hinge mount and second hinge mount set with the limiting members(s) to get a pre-determined angle range and limit the bending angle range of adjacent casings. Said second housing has a second inner recessed annular wall which is in line with the shape of the lamp for clamping the lamp together by the first inner recessed annular wall of first housing and the second inner recessed annular wall of second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: KC HILITES INC.
    Inventor: Bobby Leang
  • Patent number: 9643535
    Abstract: The vehicle strobe brake light is a replacement device for a high mounted stop lamp in an automobile. The vehicle strobe brake light is a lighting unit that contains a plurality of brake lights and a strobe light. The plurality of brake lights operate as the normal brake lights of an automobile. The strobe light of the vehicle strobe brake light is designed to operate when the anti-lock braking system (hereinafter ABS) of the automobile. Specifically, the vehicle strobe brake light activates the strobe light when the ABS of the automobile is activated. The vehicle strobe brake light comprises a lighting unit and a control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Bryan Mellem
  • Patent number: 9598005
    Abstract: A turn signal control apparatus includes a switch, a flashing cycle control device, an operation device, a sharp deceleration-detection device, a bypass device, and a flashing cycle modification device. The flashing cycle control device is to determine a flashing cycle. The operation device is to open and close the switch according to the flashing cycle determined by the flashing cycle control device so that a turn signal lamp flashes. The flashing cycle modification device is to modify the flashing cycle determined by the flashing cycle control device to produce a modified flashing cycle according to a sharp deceleration-detection signal. The flashing cycle modification device and the bypass device are configured to operate to electrically connect an upstream side of the operation device and a downstream side of the operation device according to the modified flashing cycle in a case where the sharp deceleration-detection signal is outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tokujiro Kizaki, Atsushi Nishi
  • Patent number: 9421906
    Abstract: A system for controlling a directional indicator of a vehicle includes the directional indicator including a plurality of lamps turned on at different threshold voltages and indicating a turning direction of the vehicle. A controller is configured to change an input voltage that is supplied to the lamps to sequentially turn on/off the lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Ilo Yoon, Jisoo Park, Ho Deuk Song
  • Patent number: 9409512
    Abstract: A signal lighting beacon for a vehicle has a base and a plurality of LED arrays mounted on the base. the LED arrays are arranged to direct light signals outward in multiple different radial directions. Each LED array has an LED array circuit board having plurality of LEDs and an electrical connector mounted thereon. A common circuit board is connected to each of the plurality of LED arrays by electrical connectors on the common circuit board. The electrical connectors of single-sided LED circuit boards can be substantially identical to the electrical connectors on a single-sided common circuit board disposed at an angle relative to the LED circuit boards. The connectors can be connected to one another by inserting spade terminals into corresponding sockets from the sides of the sockets. The LED arrays can be pivoted relative to the common circuit board without withdrawing the spade terminals from the sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc
    Inventors: Paul L. Stein, Kyle Christopher Stuesse
  • Patent number: 9285095
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination type illumination apparatus that includes a lamp body, a lamp cap module and a LED light emitting module. The LED light emitting module is disposed on the lamp body. The lamp body has an accommodation hole and a center sleeve stored in the accommodation hole. The center sleeve includes a first joggle structure. The lamp cap module includes a second joggle structure. The second joggle structure of the lamp cap module is assembled to the first joggle structure of the center sleeve. With such structure configuration, manufacturers may assemble the combination type illumination apparatus in a joggling way instead of in a screwing or gluing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: LivingStyle Enterprises Limited
    Inventors: Ming-Yun Chen, Zuo-Cai Hong
  • Patent number: 9249960
    Abstract: A spotlight includes a lamp housing, a support pivotally supporting the lamp housing from below and a lamp assembly pivotally installed inside the lamp housing, wherein an electrically-conductive slip ring is provided at where the lamp housing is pivotally connected to the support to allow the spotlight capably providing 360-degree horizontal lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventor: Mao-Shen Wang
  • Patent number: 9239380
    Abstract: A driver assistance system for avoiding collisions of a vehicle with pedestrians, the system including a camera sensor and/or a beam sensor. When an object moving at a given speed on a pedestrian crossing is detected, the object is detected as being a pedestrian with a probability that is sufficiently high to output a warning to the driver, reducing the likelihood of a potential collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: ADC Automotive Distance Control Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Hegemann, Akitsugu Yoda, Rolf Adomat, Michael Darms, Raksincharoensak Pongsathorn, Masao Nagai, Ikuko Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9139130
    Abstract: A light coordination system for coordinating the operation of multiple lights systems/devices in multiple public safety vehicles is provided. The system includes a detection component that detects at least one vehicle and/or at least one light device on the at least one vehicle, a mode component in communication with the detection component that changes an operating mode of the system based on information from the detection component, an analysis component in communication with the mode component and the detection component that generates a light coordination scheme based on information from the detection component and the mode component, and an implementation component that implements the light coordination scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas J. Wolfe
  • Patent number: 9041525
    Abstract: A machine having a light control system is provided. The light control system includes a hazard light associated with the machine, a plurality of control locations provided on the machine, and a light control module provided at each of the plurality of control locations and communicably coupled to the hazard light. The light control module configured to receive an input signal from each of the plurality of control locations. The light control module is further configured to prioritize the input signal based on a time stamp associated with the input signal. The light control module is further configured to control an operation of the hazard light based, at least in part, on the prioritized input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Igor S. Ramos
  • Patent number: 8994524
    Abstract: An indication unit for vehicles is suggested, which comprises at least one LED and at least one electrical circuit in a housing. The indication unit is connected to a first control, which is arranged in the vehicle, and connected to an LED driver circuit. A second control circuit, which is arranged in or on the housing of the indication unit, operates the LED with pulse-width modulated signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Daniel Fritz, Soenke Goldschmidt
  • Patent number: 8963705
    Abstract: A wireless interface module is used with at least one of a light bar, a control head, and/or a siren so that a mobile device can wirelessly control the light bar and/or siren via a user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger L. Miller, Joseph Bakalor
  • Patent number: 8963706
    Abstract: To provide a direction indicating apparatus that is less susceptible to a change of a power supply voltage and can reduce the difference in brightness of a direction indicating lamp using an LED element between a direction indicating operation and a hazard operation. A direction indicating apparatus includes a pulse signal generating part, a first switching element, a variable resistor circuit, a direction indicating switch, a hazard switch, first and second direction indicating lamps, a voltage detecting part and a lighting status detecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Shindengen Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Ohki
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8942691
    Abstract: An aftermarket telematics unit is disclosed herein. The aftermarket telematics unit includes, but is not limited to a housing that is configured to be mounted to an internal surface of a vehicle. The aftermarket telematics unit further includes an angle detection unit that is associated with the housing and that is configured to detect a mounting angle of the housing. The aftermarket telematics unit still further includes a processor that is associated with the housing. The processor is configured to perform an initial configuration procedure and is further configured to discontinue the initial configuration procedure when the mounting angle is out of a target range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Kevin W. Owens, Steven S. Sauerbrey, Matt C. Videtich
  • Patent number: 8933817
    Abstract: A removable vehicle directional light unit for use on a police or emergency vehicle which will be highly visible from a long distance for directing traffic to one or more specified lanes to reduce congestion and avoid accidents, particularly accidents involving police and emergency vehicles parked in the vicinity. The device is removably installed onto the rear window, mounted on the rear deck, or mounted on the trunk or top of the vehicle when in use and has a plurality of highly visible flashing lights configured in the shape of an arrow pointing in the direction leading away from a traffic blockage. The vehicle directional light unit includes a control box with a selector switch and flasher units to cause light groupings to flash in a selected pattern indicating the intended lane or lanes which approaching traffic should use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Bobby Caudill
  • Publication number: 20150002288
    Abstract: An safety device for automatically enhancing lighting and alerting efficiency when a vehicle door is open includes at least one alert fixing strip arranged on a frame edge of the vehicle door, a plurality of light-emitting elements positioned on the inner side or the outer side or inside of the alert fixing strip, and a sensing switch connected to the light-emitting elements. The sensing switch senses whether the vehicle door is open, and the light-emitting elements illuminate when the vehicle door is open. By arranging the light-emitting elements on the frame edge of the vehicle door, the present invention provides light indication and alertness to other drivers so as to avoid accidents no matter how the vehicle door is opened and what the opened angle is.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Min-Shiou Lee
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8907779
    Abstract: An alerting safety device includes a pole formed from flexible material, a flag attached to the pole, a fastening member attached to a bottom end of the pole, a coupling attached to the fastening member and spaced from the pole, and a light-emitting section attached to a top most end of the pole above the flag. Notably, the light-emitting section is automatically toggled between on and off modes upon receiving input signals respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Sandra Ross
  • Patent number: 8878659
    Abstract: A control unit generates an annunciation sound signal including multiple frequency components. A sound emission device emits an annunciation sound to an outside of a vehicle according to the annunciation sound signal. The control unit changes a pitch of the annunciation sound signal according to a vehicle speed and changes an output level of the annunciation sound signal according to the pitch of the annunciation sound signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Anden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruyuki Tsuzuki, Kazuyuki Usami
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140300462
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a vehicle trunk lid and an improved hazard warning/signaling device, more particularly, to a vehicle trunk lid hazard warning/signaling device wherein a housing and a housing frame are sized and adapted for mounting upon the underneath side of the vehicle trunk lid which said device can be quickly and easily displayed upon activation of a vehicle's remote trunk release and upon engagement of a vehicle's hazard flashing system, or the like. The trunk lid hazard warning/signaling device is adapted to operate in concert with the vehicle's hazard flashing system and remote trunk release. The device can be utilized to direct traffic at any time during the day or night by warning the occupant of an on-coming vehicle that a vehicle stands on the road in his way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Derek Terrell Russ
  • Publication number: 20140300463
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an improved hazard warning/signaling device, more particularly, to a multiple color hazard warning/signaling device for trailing end of trunk lid for a vehicle(s) which becomes temporarily effective upon activation of the vehicle's remote trunk release, which places the device in a displayed position for other highway vehicles, and upon engagement of the vehicle's hazard flashing system, or the like. The device includes multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit different colors, or one color, through a single optical lens. This present invention enhances the safety of the vehicle by combining the advantages of a hazard flashing system into the multiple color hazard warning/signaling device for trailing end of trunk lid and cooperates to increase overall vehicle safety creating a synergistic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Derek Terrell Russ
  • Publication number: 20140300464
    Abstract: A warning device for a vehicle is provided. The warning device comprises a main body including a lateral side and a bottom side, a first light device configured on the main body and emitting a first light toward the lateral side, and at least one of a second light device and a laser module configured on the main body and emitting a second light toward the bottom side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Au-lite Lighting Inc.
    Inventor: Chang-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 8830082
    Abstract: A wide-angle LED warning apparatus has a heat sink base, a circuit board, multiple pillars, multiple LED devices and a transparent cover. The circuit board is mounted in the heat sink base. The pillars are formed in the heat sink base and each pillar respectively has an oblique surface, the oblique surfaces facing toward two opposite sides of the heat sink base. The LED devices mounted on a front surface of the circuit board and the oblique surfaces of the pillars. The transparent cover is mounted on the heat sink base. Hence, the LED warning apparatus of the invention can widely emit light due to the LED devices mounted on the oblique surfaces of the pillars to provide enhanced warning effect and security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Chen-Kuo Ku
  • Publication number: 20140225727
    Abstract: Turn signals for moving vehicles along both sides of the vehicle are reported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Sarfaraz K. NIAZI
  • 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: 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20140197943
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an on-board illuminating device comprising an illuminating unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit transmits a first control signal to the illuminating unit according to an event inside a vehicle (10) characterizing a preparation action for getting out of the vehicle, and the illuminating unit enters an illuminating state in accordance with the first control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Yi Lin Que, Marc Lünnemann
  • Publication number: 20140159890
    Abstract: A flasher interface module for a vehicle having factory or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) lights. The flasher interface module includes a plurality of input and output ports corresponding to the factory lights of the vehicle and a plurality of leads corresponding to each of the input and output ports. The flasher interface module is configured such that the input and output ports operate independently of the vehicle such that factory lights are independently controlled by the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Amanda Marissa Piersing, Roger Bodie Bracken
  • 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: 8742917
    Abstract: A warning triangle has a simplified structure and is operable in accordance with the requirement of energy saving and manufactured at lower cost. The warning triangle structure includes a first board body, a second board body and a third board body, which are assembled with each other. Each of the board bodies has a first face and a second face, which together define an internal cavity. At least one light source and a light guide strip for guiding light are disposed in the cavity. The second and third board bodies are pivotally connected with movable stands for supporting the warning triangle in use. The second and third board bodies can be selectively collapsed onto the first and second faces of the first board body to minimize the volume of the warning triangle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Chang-Hsien Ho
  • Patent number: 8723660
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a dual-vision driving safety warning device and a method thereof. The device of the present invention comprises an image capture unit, an image processing unit, a vehicle status sensing unit, a warning judgment logic, and at least one warning unit. The image capture unit includes at least two image capture devices installed in a user's vehicle and capturing the images of the front traffic environment. The image processing unit processes the images and uses the vehicle status signals detected by the vehicle status sensing unit to calculate the distance between the user's vehicle and a front vehicle in the image. The warning judgment logic sends out a control signal when the user's vehicle deviates from a driving lane or approaches a front vehicle too much. The warning unit receives the control signal and sends out a warning signal, such as a sound or a flash, to remind the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Automotive Research & Test Center
    Inventors: Yu-Sung Chen, Yi-Feng Su, Chia-Tseng Chen
  • Publication number: 20140125476
    Abstract: A light bar is described that is of a modular construction based on one or more large circuit boards that are populated with light beam assemblies and then fastened to an interior space of the light bar housing. Keys that automatically align the light beam assemblies on each of the boards precisely control placement of the assemblies on the board. In turn, each of the boards is keyed to the interior of the light bar housing so that when the board is fastened to the housing the light beam assemblies are automatically registered into alignment with the lenses in the housing so that the beams from the assemblies are properly oriented. The light bar is inexpensive to fabricate and can be assembled quickly and reliably, yet it provides for a high degree of customization, which is a requirement in the emergency vehicle lighting industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Gergets, Vince S. Fleszewski, Allan J. Mostello
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140104056
    Abstract: A machine having a light control system is provided. The light control system includes a hazard light associated with the machine, a plurality of control locations provided on the machine, and a light control module provided at each of the plurality of control locations and communicably coupled to the hazard light. The light control module configured to receive an input signal from each of the plurality of control locations. The light control module is further configured to prioritize the input signal based on a time stamp associated with the input signal. The light control module is further configured to control an operation of the hazard light based, at least in part, on the prioritized input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Igor S. Ramos
  • Patent number: 8698647
    Abstract: A warning lamp has a base, a luminous module, a lampshade, and a reflector. The luminous module is mounted in the base and is located in a center segment of the base. The lampshade is combined with the base and has a lucent portion that is formed on a sidewall of the lampshade. The reflector is mounted in the lampshade and has a cone portion protruding toward the luminous module, a first surface facing the lucent portion, and a reflective portion formed on the first surface. The light emitted from the luminous module irradiates the reflective portion. The reflective portion reflects the light emitted from the luminous module to pass through the lucent portion. Accordingly, the warning lamp has a luminous effect in a circular form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Chun-Ming Huang
  • Patent number: 8700011
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a method and system for presenting a transit indicator. For example, to reduce distraction, a person in communication with a mobile device user operating a vehicle is warned. A warning signal is generated when a determined speed of travel of a mobile device is greater than a predetermined threshold speed of travel and the mobile device is in communication with a communication device. The mobile device transmits the generated warning signal to the communication device to indicate to a user of the communication device that a user of the mobile device may be operating a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Navteq B.V.
    Inventor: Ramesh Konda
  • 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: 8688306
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to limiting the use of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by particular occupants based on permission data. More specifically, permission data may include destinations, routes, and/or other information that is predefined or set by a third party. The vehicle may then access the permission data in order to transport the particular occupant to the predefined destination, for example, without deviation from the predefined route. The vehicle may drop the particular occupant off at the destination and may wait until the passenger is ready to move to another predefined destination. The permission data may be used to limit the ability of the particular occupant to change the route of the vehicle completely or by some maximum deviation value. For example, the vehicle may be able to deviate from the route up to a particular distance from or along the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Nemec, Christopher Paul Urmson, Bradley Templeton, Nathaniel Fairfield, Anthony Scott Levandowski
  • Patent number: 8669853
    Abstract: A light affixed to the front of a school bus directs a beam of light across a road to enhance a safe crossing of the road by children boarding the bus. At least two red warning lights are mounted upon a front surface of the bus. A controller is operatively connected to the crossing light and warning lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen M. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20140062690
    Abstract: A vehicle warning device includes a lamp holder and a charging base. There are many LEDs at one side of the lamp holder and is a retaining member at the other side. The lamp holder comprises a power switch being outside the lamp holder and electrically connected to the LEDs; a power supply unit being in the lamp holder and electrically connected to the power switch; and a first electric connection unit being in the lamp holder and electrically connected to the power supply unit. The charging base has a charging unit electrically connected to the second electric connection unit, and a second electric connection unit electrically connected to the first electric connection unit. The lamp holder emits light by itself, warning other vehicle drivers or pedestrians. The lamp holder is at a random site outside a vehicle, thereby being featured with high security and high convenience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: ATBEL TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: CHIEN-HSIANG CHANG, CHE-HSING LIAO
  • Patent number: 8655951
    Abstract: Described are methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for conveying vehicle driving information. A hazard index indicating a level of driving safety is generated for a plurality of road segments. The generating comprises determining a hazard value for each of the plurality of road segments based on weather conditions data associated with the road segments, road conditions data associated with the road segments, and physical attributes of the road segments, and assigning the hazard value to the associated road segment. Location data associated with a remote device is received. Hazard information associated with one or more of the plurality of road segments and based on the location data and the hazard index is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Earth Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Dale Sloop, Robert S. Marshall