Auxiliary Signal Permanently Attached To Vehicle Patents (Class 340/472)
  • Patent number: 11934054
    Abstract: Interchangeable display assemblies are provided. A frame is configured to interchangeably accept any one of a number of digital side assemblies, each including an electronic display, a number of static side assemblies, each including a poster cavity which accepts signage, and a number of cover side assemblies at a first portion and any other one of the number of digital side assemblies, the number of static side assemblies, and the number of cover side assemblies at a second portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Manufacturing Resources International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Dunn, Kevin O'Connor, Marcos Diaz
  • Patent number: 11904952
    Abstract: A cargo bed system includes a side wall assembly of a cargo bed. The side wall assembly is configured to transition back-and-forth between a standard wall position and an extended wall position. The side wall assembly include an extendable portion and a fixed portion. The extendable portion extends and retracts relative to the fixed portion when the side wall assembly transitions back-and-forth between the standard wall position and the extended wall position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Ryan Mathew Sandor, Matthew B. Rutman, Dragan B. Stojkovic, Amol Borkar, Kirk E. Sanborn, Ronald Meredith, Jesse Rene Diephuis
  • Patent number: 11798443
    Abstract: A hazard warning system having a display panel operatively associated with two mounting elements. One mounting element is adapted for coupling to a trailer hitch, and another mounting element is adapted for engaging a ground-supported frame. The display panel is configurable to alert and instruct the public in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: Eric M. Janik
  • Patent number: 11744036
    Abstract: A rooftop mounted display assembly includes a first and second electronic display located at a housing for mounting to a roof of a vehicle. Apertures are vertically spaced apart along either end of thermal plates located behind the electronic displays. Fan(s), when activated, force ambient air through an inlet aperture located at a proximal end of the housing, the apertures at a first end of the thermal plates, channels located between the thermal plates and the electronic displays, the apertures at a second end of the thermal plates, and an exhaust aperture at a distal end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Manufacturing Resources International, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcos Diaz
  • Patent number: 11710398
    Abstract: A system includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores program instructions executable by the processor to make a first determination to provide light to operate a vehicle and, based on the first determination, actuate a first set of lights. The memory stores program instructions executable by the processor to make a second determination to provide a communication, and, based on the second determination, actuate a second set of lights to provide the communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Albert Ekladyous, Lisa Hohmann, Udayakumar Ramasami, Kelley Maria Adams-Campos, Sarbjit Singh, Ghassan E. Mady
  • Patent number: 11615649
    Abstract: Systems and methods for pairing for-hire vehicles with their associated medallion are disclosed. Some for-hire vehicles, such as taxis operate with a for-hire vehicle meter (taximeter). In some embodiments, the meter contains an identifier of a medallion that is associated with the meter. The meter may then determine if it is connected or properly associated with the medallion. If the meter is connected or properly associated with the medallion, it will then access the identification information of the medallion and determine if identification information matches its contained medallion identifier. If the identification information does not match, the meter may shut down and thereafter be non-engageable. The relationship between the medallion and the meter is advantageously used to enforce restrictions on the operation of the for-hire vehicle including, for example, time and location of pick-up restrictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: IVSC IP LLC
    Inventors: Michael Collins Pinkus, Mark A. James
  • Patent number: 11608960
    Abstract: An illuminations system placed on a rear cargo van door providing auxiliary lighting to improve safety. Light modules are attached to the rear cargo van doors so that when the doors are opened an amber warning light is illuminated along the edge of the open cargo van door pointing rearward. A task light preferably is incorporated in the light modules to provide downward task lighting. The lighting modules are attached adjacent edges of the rear cargo van doors without permanent modification to the cargo van.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas E. Schellens
  • Patent number: 11560087
    Abstract: A housing for connecting a light bar to a vehicle comprises at least a front surface comprising a lighting aperture, a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, and a top surface defining a hollow interior. The housing further comprises at least a first bracket and a second bracket located within the hollow interior. The first bracket is configured to connect a first interior face of the housing to a first side of the light bar while the second bracket is configured to connect a second interior face of the housing to a second side of the light bar. At least a portion of at least one of the front surface, the first side surface, the second side surface, the first bracket, and/or the second bracket is configured to connect to a surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: AAC Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Justin Hartenstein
  • Patent number: 11241997
    Abstract: A roof rack lighting assembly for a vehicle includes a base member configured to secure to the vehicle. The roof rack lighting assembly also includes a slider member slidably coupled to the base member and selectively moveable between a first slider position and a second slider position. A light assembly is pivotally coupled to the slider member and selectively moveable between a first light position and a second light position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
    Inventors: Stanley Robert Egbert, II, Colin P. Gorey, Brian K. Violet, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11210917
    Abstract: A vehicle-mountable child protective system including a vehicle door mountable device including a flag portion which is raisable to a raised position above a roof of a vehicle and a flag positioning assembly operative to selectably lock the flag portion in the raised position when the vehicle door mountable device is mounted onto a vehicle door and the vehicle door is closed, a remote controller and electronic circuitry responsive to exceedance of a separation distance between the vehicle door mountable device and the remote controller for producing a yarning alert at least at the remote controller and retaining the flag portion in the raised position until the vehicle door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: BABY FLAG LTD.
    Inventor: Gideon Copperman
  • Patent number: 11211721
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided with a fastener with an elongate body with a threaded portion to receive an electrical terminal, and to receive a threaded fastener to retain the electrical terminal. A conductive body cooperates with the elongate fastener body to engage the electrical terminal and to limit rotation of the fastener relative to the conductive body. A seal is provided between the fastener and the conductive body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Angel Molinero Benitez, Ramon Pinana Lopez, Joan Ignasi Ferran Palau, Joan Balana Avila, Josep Maria Pares Caselles
  • Patent number: 11161503
    Abstract: A vehicle control system for use with a host vehicle configured for travel along a path is described. The vehicle control system includes a processor configured to access a host location and host speed of the host vehicle. The processor is also configured to detect a follower location and follower speed of a following vehicle behind the host vehicle on the path. A tailgating distance is calculated between the host vehicle and the following vehicle. The following vehicle is identified as a tailgating vehicle when the tailgating distance is less than or equal to a first warning distance or when the follower speed is greater than the host vehicle within a second warning distance. A tailgating protocol of the host vehicle is initiated for the tailgating vehicle based on a differential speed between the host speed and the follower speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Inventors: Shigenobu Saigusa, Yoichi Sugimoto, Zeljko Medenica
  • Patent number: 11117512
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an illumination system for a vehicle. The illumination system includes an illumination device having a light source and a bracket connected to the light source. The bracket is adapted to be rotatably connected on an inner surface of a movable closure of the vehicle, and the bracket is adjacent to a top of the vehicle when the movable closure is in an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Derek Kang, Mauricio Acosta Loyola, Diego Elias Ramirez, Daniel Weckstein, Wei Xu
  • Patent number: 11002430
    Abstract: A sliding lamp includes a base having an electric conductive unit, a driving mechanism disposed on the base, and a slider having a light source and a light emitting area for emitting light out. The slider is disposed on the base in a way that the driving mechanism is capable of driving the slider to slide between a closed position and a wide-open position. When the slider is at the closed position, the light emitting area is completely covered and the light source is electrically disconnected from the electric conductive unit. In the process that the slider slides from the closed position to the wide-open position, the light source is electrically connected with the electric conductive unit and the light emitting area is gradually exposed. Therefore, the sliding lamp is turned on/off or adjusted in brightness by sliding and thereby changed in shape thereof at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Bradley N. Litwin
  • Patent number: 10870390
    Abstract: A system includes a first lead connecting to existing vehicle wiring for activating a signal light of a right side of a vehicle, and a first strobing light module having a first microcontroller connected to the first lead and operating a first light capable of strobing operation. A second lead connects to existing vehicle wiring for activating a signal light of a left side of the vehicle, and a second strobing light module having a second microcontroller connects to the second lead and operating a light capable of strobing operation. The first and second microcontrollers are communicatively coupled and each provides a signal to the other when it has detected activation of its respective lead. The first and second microcontrollers both strobe their respective light capable of strobing operation upon receiving the signal from the other and the signal from their own respective lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: ESS-Help, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Tucker, Mike Incorvaia, Stephen T. Powers, Austin Reece Tucker, Daniel Anthony Tucker
  • Patent number: 10773634
    Abstract: An array (166, 184, 194, 230, 256) of multiple light heads (170, 186, 194, 236) for a vehicle (100) has a primary Controller Area Network (CAN) serial data bus (108, 224) to carry first serial communications among spaced-apart CAN nodes (112, 118, 130, 136, 140, 154, 220, 260, 288) communicatively coupled thereto. The first serial communications initiate a flash sequence from the array via second serial communications provided to the multiple light heads communicatively coupled to a nested CAN serial data bus (180, 190, 200, 238). An array controller (130, 136, 140, 220, 260) segregates the nested CAN serial data bus from the primary CAN serial data bus while providing a communications bridge between nodes of the two buses. Accordingly, light heads on the nested bus provide self-identification and diagnostic information to other nodes such as a computer (288) configuration utility (290) featuring a graphical user interface (292).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Nelson Brower, Daniel Scott Pursley, Christopher Reineke Barber, Kevin Thomas Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10766407
    Abstract: A motorcycle including a body having a front part, a tail part and a central part between the front part and the tail part, front and rear wheels constrained to the body, a traction engine constrained to the body and operatively connected to at least one of the two wheels; a braking system, at least one front headlight fixed to the front part, at least one rear tail light fixed to the tail part, and at least one brake light fixed to the tail parts, an electronic control unit of the brake light operatively connected to the brake light adapted and configured to turn on the brake light upon the activation of the braking system, where the electronic control unit is adapted and configured to detect whether the speed of the motorcycle is either lower than or equal to a first threshold speed, and in that case turn on the brake light intermittently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: PIAGGIO & C. S.P.A.
    Inventors: Mario Donato Santucci, Onorino Di Tanna
  • Patent number: 10688921
    Abstract: An after-market, low cost and easily installed vehicular door safety warning light system using electromechanical actuation for automatically providing a visual warning to passing traffic that a car door is opening and passengers are about to exit the vehicle. The safety warning light system includes a magnetically actuated switch to effectuate the light-emitting elements, wherein the light-emitting elements are automatically switched on only when the car door is opened and are highly visible throughout the entire opening arc of the door and do not shut off until the vehicle door is closed. The light-emitting elements are uniquely housed as a single device in a single housing or a plurality of jointed sections adapted to fit and adhere to the variable contours and inner surface areas of and along an open car door regardless of the vehicle's make or model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Mary R. Berkowitz
  • Patent number: 10668868
    Abstract: A slider window assembly for a vehicle includes a frame portion having an upper rail and a lower rail fixedly attached to at least one fixed window panel, with the at least one fixed window panel defining an opening. A movable window panel is movable along the upper rail and the lower rail between a closed position, where the movable window panel is disposed at the opening, and an opened position, where the movable window panel is disposed at least partially along the at least one fixed window panel. A camera is mounted at an inner surface of the at least one fixed window panel and captures image data representative of the scene rearward of the slider window assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Darin J. Snider, David L. Guillozet, R. Scott Repp
  • Patent number: 10480756
    Abstract: A focusable lighting system is provided, comprising a base body, a first light source light source, a cover body, second light sources, convex lenses, and focus controllers. The first light source is disposed on the front surface portion of the base body. The cover body has a front opening portion connected to an inside of the cover body, a rear cover portion, top and bottom edge portions provided between the front opening portion and the rear cover portion, and two side portions. Each focus controller is installed on each convex lens in the inner space portion of the cover body and configured for controlling a distance between the corresponding second light source and convex lens and providing a light beam ranging from a directional narrow focused spot light to a wide spreading flood light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Inventors: Kwang J. Oh, Heidi Oh, Loren Oh, Austin Oh
  • Patent number: 10436315
    Abstract: A torque request module is configured to, while a vehicle speed is greater than a predetermined speed, decrease a torque request in response to a first signal from a start/stop switch being in a first state continuously for greater than a first predetermined period and less than a second predetermined period. A control module is configured to, as the torque request decreases, decrease torque output of at least one of an engine and an electric motor. A light control module is configured to: selectively turn exterior hazard lights on and off in response to a second signal from a hazard light switch being in a first state; and selectively turn the exterior hazard lights on and off in response to the first signal from the start/stop switch being in the first state continuously for greater than the first predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Fred W. Huntzicker, Pratyush Kumar
  • Patent number: 10337707
    Abstract: Described is a method for controlling the movement of LED devices in luminaires, specifically to a method relating to allowing both synchronized and independent pan and tilt movement of LED light modules in a light curtain. The LEDs may be mounted in a plurality of modules. The modules may be in a linear arrangement. The LEDs may be mounted in a plurality of modules that are arrayed in a two dimensional array. The modules in the linear arrangement or in the two dimensional array may be mounted in groups forming modular group assemblies where modular group assembly are independently articulated to pan and/or tilt the modules mounted thereon independent of other modular group assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Robe Lighting s.r.o.
    Inventors: Pavel Jurik, Josef Valchar
  • Patent number: 10259381
    Abstract: An LED light bar is provided, comprising an LED light bar body, a cover, and a light shut-off switch. The cover has a closing surface portion and a rear surface portion and is connected to the LED light bar body through hinges at the two side portions for closing and opening the first LED lights on the front portion, and the cover has at least two stable deploying positions including a closing position and an opening position. The light shut-off switch is provided on the first portion of the LED light bar body for turning off the first LED lights while the cover is in the closing position. The LED light bar may further comprise second LED lights disposed on the closing surface portion of the cover, and the light shut-off switch is further configured for turning off the second LED lights while the cover is in the closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventors: Kwang J. Oh, Heidi Oh, Loren Oh, Austin Oh
  • Patent number: 10189395
    Abstract: A light bar for a motor vehicle has a plurality of lights mounted to an elongated support member is rotatably connected to opposing end walls of a rectangular frame. An offset cam is connected to the support member and moved by an actuating mechanism between a first and second position which cause the support member and lights to rotate about an axis to corresponding first and second positions. When the support frame and lights are in a first position they are shielded by and substantially enclosed by the sides and ends of the rectangular frame, and when in a second position the lights extend above and generally parallel to the rectangular frame to shine above and forward of the rectangular frame. A power switch energizes the actuating mechanism to move the lights and support member between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Iddea California, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy J. Wymore
  • Patent number: 10168025
    Abstract: There is provided a beacon assembly (10) including an integral cast metal mounting base (11) having a mounting flange (12) bounded by a ventilated side wall portion (16) and an upper wall portion (17) combining to support integral cooling fins (20). The side wall portion (16), transparent housing (23) and mounting base (11) form an upper chamber (24). An integrally formed motor housing portion (32) supports a synchronous DC motor (36) driving an input spur gear (44) meshed with a carrier (53) and gear belt (58) assembly supporting a metallized polymer parabolic reflector (56). The thermal mount (30) mounts an LED Array (60) using thermal paste at the reflector (56) focal point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventors: Marc McNicol, Zhiqiang Huang
  • Patent number: 10150855
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for making a thermoplastic composition, comprising: melt polymerizing a polycarbonate, extruding and melt filtering the polycarbonate to form a melt filtered polycarbonate; forming the thermoplastic composition comprising the melt filtered polycarbonate, 0.03 to 0.05 wt % of a triacylglyceride release agent; and 0.10 to 0.14 wt % of a UV stabilizer; wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the composition; and extruding the thermoplastic composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Marco Roncaglia, Ignacio Vic Fernandez, Rein Mollerus Faber, Christianus Johannes Jacobus Maas, Cornelis Jan Maria Rijken
  • Patent number: 10115164
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for generating data representative of an individual's insurance risk based on actual driving behaviors and driving environment. The systems and methods may include collecting data from personal electronic device sensors, vehicle sensors, driver inputs, environment sensors and interactions of the vehicle, the driver and the environment. The systems and methods may further include analyzing the data to generate data representative of an individual insurance risk. The systems and methods may further include presenting the data representative of the individual insurance risk to an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Todd Binion, Andrea Lee Rhoades
  • Patent number: 10102782
    Abstract: The road side vehicle distress sign is adapted for use with a vehicle. The road side vehicle distress sign attaches to the vehicle. The road side vehicle distress sign is a sign that presents a sentiment indicating that the vehicle requires assistance. The sentiment presented by the road side vehicle distress sign is selected from a plurality of sentiments such that a selected sentiment informs passing vehicles of the type of assistance the vehicle requires. The road side vehicle distress sign attaches to the vehicle. The selected sentiment presented by the road side vehicle distress sign is illuminated such that the selected sentiment is readily visible to passing vehicles. The road side vehicle distress sign comprises a housing and a placard device. The placard device is contained within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Roman Konshin
  • Patent number: 10008057
    Abstract: Communications over short-range connections are used to facilitate whether access to resources is to be granted. For example, upon device discovery of one of an electronic user device and an electronic client device by the other device over a Bluetooth Low Energy connection, an access-enabling code associated with a user device or account can be evaluated for validity and applicability with respect to one or more particular resource specifications. User identity can be verified by comparing the user against previously obtained biometric information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Ives-Halperin, Harry C. Evans, III, David Johnson, Scott Wall, David Lilly, Ajay Pondicherry
  • Patent number: 9840187
    Abstract: A light bar cover for covering a light bar is provided, which comprises a cover portion, hinges, cover handles, hook rings, and one or more hooks. The cover portion is configured for covering a front portion of the light bar. The hinges are installed between the cover portion and the light bar, so as to open and close the cover portion about the hinges. Each of the cover handles is disposed on an exterior surface of the cover portion. Each of the hook rings is disposed on an exterior surface of the light bar. The hooks are configured for holding each of the cover handles and a corresponding hook ring, so as to hold securely the cover portion in an open position or a close position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventors: Kwang J. Oh, Loren Oh, Austin Oh, Heidi Oh
  • Patent number: 9783108
    Abstract: A mesh lighting system for emergency vehicles and method for retrofitting a vehicle with emergency lights is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of independent signalling light sources each supplied by a dedicated source of energy, a control module, and a low powered wireless network connecting said control module with the plurality of light sources. The plurality of independent signalling light sources emit at least one light flash in response to a control signal received from the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: 9609385 CANADA INC.
    Inventor: Timothy D. F. Ford
  • Patent number: 9709233
    Abstract: A vehicle light device comprising an element made up of a plurality of portions each having a functional surface, at least two consecutive portions being linked together by an articulation. The main feature of a light device according to the invention is that each articulation allows the displacement of the two consecutive portions until their functional surfaces come into continuity with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Valeo Vision Belgique
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Delourme, Marianne Gons
  • Patent number: 9291324
    Abstract: A center high mounted stop light assembly for use in a vehicle includes a stop light housing movable in a passage located center high on a rear end of the vehicle between a first closed position and a second extended position in which utility lights coupled to the stop light housing are deployable and operable to illuminate an area near the rear end of the vehicle. A position sensor detects and signals the position of the stop light housing within the passage. The stop light housing may be manually operated between the open and closed position or may use an automated device for push button operation including of the utility lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Artur Sakarian, Kristin Ann Hellman, Ryan Welch, Gerald Douglas Neely, Josh Greiner
  • Patent number: 9228713
    Abstract: The present application relates to a light beacon, light beacon assembly, and methods of its construction. In one aspect, a light beacon assembly includes a housing including a base and a lens cooperating to enclose an interior volume, the lens having a generally cylindrical shape. The assembly also includes a plurality of circuit boards positioned within the interior volume, where each of the plurality of circuit boards having a conductive tab extending from a first side, a conductive tab receiver near a second side, and a light emitting diode mounted thereon. The plurality of circuit boards are each positioned within the interior volume and extend perpendicularly from the base such that the tab of each circuit board is received at the tab receiver of an adjacent circuit board. The plurality of circuit boards are interconnected to form a structure having light emitting diodes oriented outwardly toward the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Tim Skertich, Jr., Duane P. Belitz, Robert R. March, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9010976
    Abstract: An illuminated vehicular sign is provided including a vehicle and luminescent planar sheet. The luminescent planar sheet is constructed to provide illuminated alpha-numeric characters which are mounted to the horizontal planar surfaces of a vehicle. The alpha-numeric characters are mounted substantially horizontally so as to be seen from the air such as by helicopters or planes. The illuminated vehicle sign includes a switching system electrically connected to the luminescent planar panels for selectively controlling the transfer of power from said power source to the luminescent planar panels. The switching system including one or more adjustable variable resistors electrically connected to the luminescent planar panels for allowing one to selectively adjust the wattage provided to them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Shipman
  • Patent number: 8988212
    Abstract: An electric vehicle pedestrian warning system includes an encapsulating container disposed in a location of an electric vehicle (EV) that is exterior to a cabin of the EV. The warning system also includes a speaker affixed to an interior portion of the container, an amplifier coupled to the speaker, a computer processor communicatively coupled to the amplifier, and logic executable by the computer processor. The logic is configured to transmit a sound file to the speaker through the amplifier over a vehicle network upon activation of the EV. The sound file includes a pedestrian warning sound. A first portion of the pedestrian warning sound is output by the speaker and amplified using acoustical properties of the encapsulating container. The first portion of the pedestrian warning sound is amplified in a low frequency range capable of being cancelled by an active noise cancellation system that is located in the interior cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Susan T. Carruthers
  • Patent number: 8981918
    Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle having an air suspension system can include an indicator, an event data recorder, and a controller. The controller can be configured to determine a load on a front axle and a rear axle when the vehicle is in a static condition and compare the determined load on the front and rear axles to a predetermined load threshold for each of the front and rear axles. A warning signal can be provided to the indicator indicative of at least one of the determined loads exceeding the corresponding predetermined load threshold upon the controller determining one of the determined loads exceeds the corresponding predetermined load threshold. Data indicative of at least one of the determined loads exceeding the corresponding predetermined threshold can be communicated to the event data recorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventor: Satish Panse
  • Patent number: 8967840
    Abstract: A vehicle auxiliary lighting system (VALS 10) having attached to the side of a vehicle a set of side lights that automatically illuminate in synchrony with a corresponding set of vehicle lights are activated by a vehicle driver. The side lights are attached to four moisture-resistant enclosures namely: a left front light enclosure (12), a right front light enclosure (28), a left rear light enclosure (38) and a right rear light enclosure (54). The enclosures, which are attached to a structure adjacent a set of disk brakes and a set of drum brakes, are viewed through openings on a set of spoked vehicle wheels. The side lights, which correspond to the vehicle's front facing lights, produce an amber light; the side lights that correspond to the vehicle's rear facing lights produce a red light; and the side light that corresponds to a vehicle's reverse light produces a white light. By utilizing the VALS (10) the margin of safety for both pedestrians and other motorists is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Curtis J. Haney
  • Publication number: 20150054643
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted warning light system comprises a housing containing a central light surrounded by several sets of outer lights. A controller is programmed to light the central first, and then each set of outer lights in sequence, while at the same time increasing the intensity of the lights, so that the system appears to an observer to be a single light that is getting bigger and brighter. This creates the illusion that the vehicle is travelling toward the observer faster than it actually is, thus prompting the observer to quickly yield right-of-way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: John E. McLoughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Kiam Meng Toh
  • Patent number: 8960988
    Abstract: An LED light device with special effects utilizes persistence of vision theory to cause an LED(s) or LED array to change faster than the human eye response time of 1/16 to 1/24 second to display a special message, time, drawing, light patterns, or color changes. In addition, the light device may be provided with a sealed-unit arranged to receive a variety of eye-catching shades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • 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: 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
  • 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: 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: 20140340214
    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: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: John E. McLoughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Kiam Meng Toh
  • Patent number: 8833993
    Abstract: A warning light assembly includes a frame with integral fastener anchors. The frame aligns and supports the anchors with openings in a vehicle body or other support surface. Fasteners pass through a warning light housing to spread retention legs behind the support surface. The anchors are connected by the frame and cannot rotate relative to the vehicle body or warning light. The frame defines a central opening for warning lights requiring additional depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon H. Lyons
  • Patent number: 8796931
    Abstract: A current regulating LED strobe drive circuit is disclosed for efficiently producing a LED strobe that is consistent in both intensity and color. The circuit may include an inrush control for limiting an amount of current that is allowed to flow through the drive circuit upon activation, an energy storage component for storing and supplying power for flashing a LED, a current regulator electrically coupled to the energy storage component for sensing and regulating a current supplied by the energy storage element, a LED electrically coupled to the current regulator, and a flash control element electrically coupled to the current regulator for communicating a flash pulse signal that provides a pulsed pattern with which current is allowed to flow from the current regulator to the LED. The circuit may further include an output control having an operator interface for allowing an operator to define a desired light output level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Savage, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8786423
    Abstract: A system comprising a power supply, an emergency warning light and a speaker, in combination with a control head. One or more processors controls operation of the system in response to received user input and provides system status for display. Storage media encoded with emergency warning light system instructions for execution by one or more of the processors controls the actuation of the emergency warning light system and controls light patterns generated by the emergency warning light system. The storage media is further encoded with siren system instructions for execution by one or more of the processors for controlling the actuation of the siren system and for controlling audible sounds generated by the siren system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Miller, Roger L. Miller, Daniel S. Pursley, John C. Davis
  • 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: 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