Abstract: A reversing operation detecting device for a work vehicle, in which a forward and reverse travel operating lever is favorable in operability and which stably detects the reversing operation of the operating lever to be capable of issuing a vehicle reversing alarm. A non-contact type sensor detects the reversing operation of the forward and reverse travel-operating lever. A detected link is provided to perform opposite swinging motions in forward and reverse directions, respectively, following the swinging of the operating lever in forward and reverse directions, and the reverse swinging motion of the detected link intersects the non-contact type sensor for detection of reverse operation.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising an array of light sources configured on a light support and in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a stationary light, strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, and an oscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationary light support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of projecting a no turn warning to an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian. The no turn warning indicates the motor vehicle is proceeding in a straight pathway through an intersection rather than turning either to the left or to the right. At least one visible light is mounted to the frontal exterior of the motor vehicle for projecting the no turn warning. When more than one visible light is mounted to the frontal exterior of the motor vehicle, the no turn signal can flash serial, sequentially or concurrently, in accordance with the controller's preprogrammed paradigm.

Abstract: A rollover sensing system (10) includes a roll rate sensor (14) operative to sense a roll rate of rotation of a vehicle (12) and to provide a roll rate signal having an electrical characteristic indicative thereof. A controller (26) is connected to the roll rate sensor (14) and is operative to determine a roll angle of the vehicle (12) based on the roll rate signal. The controller (26) includes a threshold having a value functionally related to roll angle. The controller (26) determines the occurrence of a vehicle rollover condition in response to the sensed roll rate crossing the threshold.

Abstract: A secondary alert light for a motor vehicle comprises a light holder, a light convergence ring and light emission devices; positioning posts on the light holder locking up the light convergence ring; the ring being light permeable having reflection units with each composed of angular crystals each having a cut at an inclination arranged at equal spacing and mating posts corresponding to the positioning posts on the light holder; at least two recesses being provided on the circumference of the light convergence ring each to house a pair of light emission devices; and the light convergence ring being locked to the light holder with the circumferences of the reflection unit to converge light emitted from the light emission devices to achieve alert effect.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or culminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use on an emergency vehicle. The warning light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.

Abstract: A vehicle theft indicating device for alerting the police and others that the vehicle is stolen. The vehicle theft indicating device includes a light-emitting support member being adapted to be securely attached to a top of a roof of a vehicle; and also includes a light-emitting assembly including a light socket member being securely attached to the light-emitting support member and being adapted to be connected to a power supply, and also including a light-emitting member being disposed in the light socket member, and further including a transmitter for activating the light-emitting member; and further includes a transparent cover being removably disposed over the light-emitting member and being securely attached to the light-emitting support member with fasteners.

Abstract: A light-emitting device is designed to cover removably a conic roadblock and is formed of a hollow conic body and a plurality of warning units. The hollow conic body is formed of an outer fabric layer and an inner fabric layer. The warning units are disposed on the outer fabric layer of the conic body. The conic body is fitted over the conic roadblock. The warning units are provided with a light-emitting diode to make the conic roadblock vividly visible to the operator of an approaching motor vehicle.

Abstract: A brake indicator system for a vehicle that includes a stop indicator sign assembly and a stop indicator sign illuminator having an illumination source electrically connectable in connection with a brake light circuit of a vehicle such that the illumination source emits light when the brake lights of the vehicle are on and does not illuminate light when the brake lights of the vehicle are off.

Abstract: An elevatable multi-function signboard system for highway vehicles, such as pavement/roadway sweepers, carries a warning/signal system that can be moved between a lowered position and an elevated position. In the lowered position, the signboard also functions to cover and protect auxiliary equipment mounted at the rear of the vehicle. The signboard is mounted to the vehicle by a multiple bar linkage and raised and lowered by a hydraulic cylinder arrangement under the control of the vehicle operator. The multiple bar linkage allows the signboard to swing-out rearwardly of the vehicle as the signboard is raised to effectively uncover any auxiliary equipment carried on the sweeper.

Abstract: A system for coupling a warning light to a rear of a vehicle. The system includes a coupling bar for connecting the unit to a conventional tow bar deployed on the rear of the vehicle. A beacon mount is pivotally connected to the coupling bar so that it may be pivoted away from the rear of the vehicle without removing the unit from the tow bar. A warning beacon is affixed to the top of the beacon mount such that when the system is deployed, the beacon is positioned at or above the height of the vehicle. A supplemental beacon guard may be deployed adjacent to the beacon so as to prevent direct viewing of the beacon by the vehicle driver. The coupling bar comes in two designs. The first includes a pair of extensions that terminate in rear-facing lights designed to enhance visibility behind the vehicle. Corner markers may also be employed on the ends of the extensions to provide the driver with a visual identifier of the rear corners of the vehicle.

Abstract: A taillight module for motor vehicles attached and coupled to the license plate groove comprising a base, a casing, and a display plate. The base is coupled to the license plate groove. A plurality of lamps is disposed in the base. The lamps are coupled to the circuits of brake light, signal light, and headlight of the motor vehicle to provide an illumination source. The display plate is disposed between the housing and the base. The display plate has labels of text, graphics, and symbols on the surface of the display plate. The taillight module provides a third set of rear light structure for motor vehicles to clearly display a third brake light, signal lights, reverse light, or decorative lights through the lamps.

Abstract: A programmable bus stopping system of a mobile vehicle in electrical communication with controllers or actuators for all of the safety and warning devices requiring actuation upon a vehicle stop for passenger egress. The electrical communication may be through an area wide network that may allow multiplexing. In addition the controllers or actuators, the communication network may be electrically engaged to an electronic system controller for coordinating operation of controllers and actuators. There may be a manual switch, push-button, or actuator accessible to the driver of the vehicle that allows communication to activate a series of activities that must occur upon a bus stopping to let on or let off passengers. The system activation points may be tied to vehicle speed or to vehicle position relative to a stop requiring a component or components to activate.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising an array of light sources configured on a light support and in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a stationary light, strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, and an oscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationary light support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means.

Abstract: An auxiliary light is adapted to removably mount on a body of a car at any selected position to function like a warning and decorating light. The removable auxiliary light for car includes a fixing seat for removably mounting onto the car, and a lamp connected to a top of the fixing seat. The lamp may also be directly coupled with a sidelight, a directional light, a stoplight or a reverse light of the car. A locating member may be turnably provided between the fixing seat and the lamp to allow angular adjustment of the lamp relative to the fixing seat via the locating member. The auxiliary light also has the function of testing a bank note for its genuineness.

Abstract: A described embodiment of the invention is known as a brake strobe system (BSS) providing a state of the art visual warning system designed to prevent accidents and multi-car pileups. When a driver quickly and forcefully applies his brakes, a strobe light (which is built into the third brake light or all brake lights) is activated. The harder a driver brakes, the faster and brighter the strobe blinks, thereby warning other drivers of potential hazards. The BSS also has the ability to brighten or dim the strobe to compensate for weather and day or night driving conditions. It also has the ability to change modes or presets according to the speed of the vehicle. In the event that a car's airbag deploys, the brake strobe system will automatically activate to warn other drivers and alert emergency response personnel.

Abstract: A supplemental warning apparatus for school buses which is mounted on the roof of the bus in a vertical plane spaced above the usual warning sign which is carried on the side of the bus, the warning apparatus including a display member carried by a base which display member is shiftable between a retracted position and an upright vertically extended warning position. The supplemental warning apparatus may be coupled with the warning sign assembly on the side of the school bus; the passenger door of the school bus; or may be directly operated by the driver of the bus, all to the end that a warning is given from the roof of the bus which can be seen by surrounding traffic when the view of the normal warning sign on the side of the bus is blocked by such traffic.

Abstract: A cruise control alert system that both visually alerts drivers in other vehicles that a cruise control is operating and the specific speed the cruise control is set. A voice chip within the vehicle informs the driver to set the cruise control at a given preset speed to prevent speeding. The display may be operator controlled or may be tied in to the cruise control to automatically display the notice the cruise control is operating and the speed at which set.

Abstract: A new tail light enhancement system for providing a brake light which variably directs light towards another driver behind a vehicle depending upon the amount of brake pressure applied. The inventive device includes a plurality of vertical or horizontal convex lenses adjacent to one another, a corresponding plurality of lights, a central processing unit electrically connected to the plurality of lights, and a rheostat electrically connected to the central processing unit. The concentric portion of the convex lenses directs a substantial amount of light directly towards the other driver, while the outer portion of the vertical or horizontal convex lenses directed increasingly away from the other driver. The rheostat is mechanically attached to a brake pedal within the vehicle for determining the amount of brake pressure applied. The central processing unit electrically activates the concentric portion and the outer portion of the lights corresponding to the amount of brake pressure applied.

Abstract: The duration of variations in the potential applied to a single electrical contact, when compared to a reference potential, are measured and employed to command either incrementing or decrementing of an address. The addresses are associated with a table of instructions and an addressed instruction, when read, will produce a discrete warning signal. A desired one of several light flash or audible patterns may be selected by step-wise scrolling through the table in response to manually varying the contact potential.

Abstract: There is herein described an emergency auto visual communication system that will enhance roadway, vehicular, and individual safety. A stranded motorist, accident victim, medical emergency, etc. is provided a viable means for communication of the situation to a casual observer, or proper authorities, precisely, and rapidly without having to leave the safety and confines of the vehicle. That is, the invention provides an advantageous means to prevent loss of life, save precious seconds, and provide the individual in need the proper help by use of the illuminated electronic message board attached to the rear window of a vehicle controlled by a alpha-numeric computer keyboard.

Abstract: A complex vehicle communicating system consisting of a onboard microelectronic miniature computer unit installed in the interior of a vehicle and a light emitting polymer (LEP) display panel unit located on the interior of the vehicle rear window. The Automotive Digital Rear Window Display (ADRWD) panel has a data connection input from the Automotive Digital Rear Window Display Unit onboard computer, and a direct data contact from the vehicle's microelectronic main computer. The vehicle operator who's driving the vehicle controls the ADRWD unit computer. It contains a selection of electronic computerized preprogrammed memory insert chips which displays messages that can be selected by the driver. The driver of the vehicle selects a message and commands the computer to transmit the data to the ADRWD unit array display panel. Commands from the vehicle main computer operate in conjunction with the ADRWD unit in regard to current conventional types of signaling devices now equipped on vehicles.

Abstract: Apparatus for informing a driver of a first vehicle that his headlights are blinding the driver of another vehicle, the apparatus including a dynamic retroreflector mounted on the other vehicle and arranged such that light from the headlights of the first vehicle is reflected by the dynamic retroreflector to the eyes of the driver of the first vehicle.

Abstract: An illuminant triangular warning arrangement includes a clothe body and a plurality of illuminating units provided on the clothe body. Each illuminating unit provides a transparent layer, a circuit board, a casing socket, a fitting washer, a photodiode (LED), a battery box, and a manual switch. With the combination of the above elements, the illuminant triangular warning arrangement is in used, its displaying area is large enough to catch other drivers attention from far away. When the illuminant triangular warning arrangement is not in used, it can be folded into a compact package, so that it would not occupy unnecessary space in the trunk of the vehicle for easy storage.

Abstract: CALL ME-TELEPHONE ME is an electronic device the purpose of which is that of transmitting a telephone number and/or a message to another following vehicle. It is attached to the rear window or the rear panel of the vehicle and is composed of a luminous display. It can be switched on or off according to one's needs simply for a few seconds or for a longer period of time. The luminous display transmits the telephone number or the message which has been programmed for the device by its installer or by whoever is in possession of the device. The programming of the message is done with the keyboard of a computer or a portable phone (an alphanumerial keyboard). Whoever is behind the vehicle and fitted with the device can read the message transmitted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a warning edge strip which is disposed at the edge of car doors and on whose rear side a light fitting and a detection loop are mounted. When the detection loop detects that the door is opened, a signal is immediately given to control the light fitting for lighting up or flashing in order to warn the vehicle behind that the door is going to be opened. The light fitting is lamp bulb, light emitting diode or luminescent plate which can be embedded.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a vehicle locator device with a deployable arm that is protected from bad weather conditions, and that can be secured to an existing vehicle's roof luggage fixture or directly secured onto a vehicle's roof. Upon a single activation of a remote control, a localization arm is deployed in a vertical position (or retracted in an horizontal position) and one or more light sources mounted on the arm as well as, preferably, an audible signal are activated (or deactivated) to help in visually locating the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle signaling system is provided including a vehicle with at least one light assembly including an array of lights. Also included is a plurality of inputs situated within the vehicle for generating an activation signal. Control circuitry is connected between the light assembly of the vehicle and the inputs. In use, the control circuitry is adapted to actuate the lights of the light assembly in a unique manner in response to the receipt of activation signals from each combination of the inputs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method warn drivers of a hazardous condition experienced by another driver. The apparatus generally includes a warning indicator, such as for example a strobe light, coupled to a vehicle warning controller. The vehicle warning controller is connected between a power source and a plurality of vehicle detecting circuits which detect the activation of a safety device. Vehicle detecting circuits can include an antilock braking system (ABS) detecting circuit, an airbag deployment detecting circuit, a rollover protection detecting circuit and an obstacle detector detecting circuit. When at least one of the vehicle's detecting circuits detects the activation of a safety device due to a hazardous condition, a signal is sent to the vehicle warning controller. The warning indicator is activated in response to a signal from the vehicle's warning controller. Therefore, driver intervention is alleviated in warning other motorists of potential danger.

Abstract: A vehicle blind spot detection display system displays indications from a blind spot detector. The system includes a first indicator assembly positioned on the vehicle in the vicinity of an exterior mirror and adapted to producing an indication at least of the presence of an object adjacent the corresponding side of the vehicle. A second indicator assembly is provided on the vehicle interior mirror assembly and adapted to producing an indication at least of the presence of an object adjacent the same corresponding side of the vehicle. In this manner, redundant indications are provided at both the interior and exterior mirrors in order to assist the driver in a premaneuver evaluation of conditions surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: A multifunctional safety warning device for a vehicle includes a mediate light bar zone having a first side and a second side; a left indicating light mounted on the first side of the mediate light bar zone and being adapted to light independently; and a right indicating light mounted on the second side of the mediate light bar zone and being adapted to light independently. In such a manner, the mediate light bar zone, the left indicating light, and the right indicating light are connected to and controlled by a control unit, whereby, the control unit is used to alternatively operate the mediate light bar zone, the left indicating light, and the right indicating light of the safety warning device, and to operate a set of breakdown light of the vehicle so that at least one set of light is used indicate a steering direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: An unacceptable number of police, fire, ambulance and other emergency personnel are killed or injured when they pull over to the side of the road and exit their vehicle. These accidents occur when passing vehicles are not aware that an occupant is exiting the vehicle, and these passing vehicles travel too close to the stopped emergency vehicle. Inventions that automatically illuminate an open door call attention to emergency personnel responding to hostile situations involving gunfire, placing emergency personnel at risk. Safety features need to be easily disabled in order to protect the occupants as they exit an emergency vehicle in such hostile situations. This invention places blinking hazard lights in the doors of an emergency vehicle so that when any door is opened, the exposed rear facing surface of the door contains a hazard light that is selectively activated in order to blink in concert with the emergency lights on top of the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: An auxiliary auto signlight system providing an auxiliary turn signal light, brake signal light, taillight, SOS emergency signal light includes a strobe module mounted on an upper portion of an interior of rear windshield, at least nine strobes are mounted thereon, and a signal device and a supplementary emergency are separately mounted on the side mirror housing for further signal indication. The auxiliary auto signlight system is equipped with an existing vehicle without any alteration of the vehicle that will highly increase the liability of driving.

Abstract: A vehicle motion indicator having a base; a shaft rotatably attached to the base; at least one winder having a hub attached to the shaft; a motor for rotating the shaft to rotate the winder; and switch means responsive to the brake system in the vehicle, such that: (1) when the brake system is engaged, the switch means electrically connects the motor to a power supply in the vehicle to rotate the winder, and (2) when the brake system is disengaged the switch means electrically disconnects the motor from the power supply to stop rotation of the winder.

Abstract: Improvements for an ALERT.RTM.-type vehicle-based control system are described. The improvements encompass the use of a multiple control unit architecture for more efficient processing of user interface functions and device commands. The improved architecture allows one control unit to manage the control functions for a first device set. The second, or subsequent, control unit offloads the management of device control functions from the first control unit. Devices and methods are also described for incorporating the control system into a vehicle data bus, such as the IDB.

Abstract: A communication system and a method for communicating simple coded messages from one vehicle to another are provided. The communication system includes a signaling module that includes a light source configured and placed so that the light source is visible to occupants of other vehicles. The system includes a control module in communication with the signaling module that is readily accessible to the driver or other occupant of a vehicle. Responsive to the selection of one of a series of possible messages by the driver or occupant, the control module causes the light source to turn on and off in a predetermined sequence of flashes. The predetermined sequence of flashes represents a code corresponding to the selected message. The messages associated with use of the communication system are selected for enhancement of safety and to avert the negative responses associated with road rage.

Abstract: A auxiliary signal light system for visual enhancement of turn and brake signal lights. The auxiliary signal light system includes a housing for holding a brake light. The housing has a front face and a back face with a peripheral wall defining a periphery therebetween. The front face of the housing has a cavity therein. A brake light for signaling the braking of a motor vehicle is mounted in the well of the housing and is operatively coupled to a power source. A mounting block for mounts the housing to a rear portion of a vehicle. The mounting block has a distal wall and a proximal wall. The proximal wall of the mounting block is fixedly coupled to the back face of the housing. At least one pair of arms holds vehicle turn signals. The arms are coupled to the mounting and extend away from the mounting block. The arms extend to a point beyond the peripheral of the housing. A pair of turn signals warns of turning action of the motor vehicle. One of the turn signals is formed in the surface of each of the arms.

Abstract: A light bar for mounting on an emergency vehicle to provide warning light signals. An elongate body portion has an elongate axis, the elongate body portion adapted to be mounted on the emergency vehicle so that the elongate axis traverses an axis coaxial with the direction of the travel of the emergency vehicle. At least three vertically spaced lighting layers are provided, each layer having at least one emergency light source, the emergency light sources on each layer cooperating to provide a transient high intensity warning light signal 360.degree. around the light bar. At least four linear rows of emergency light sources as viewed from the top of the light bar are also provided, the rows being substantially parallel to the elongate axis, each row having at least two emergency light sources, at least one row located in each of the layers and at least one layer having at least two rows, the emergency light sources in each row cooperate to provide a transient high intensity warning signal 360.degree.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of side illumination for passenger cars in which the side illumination is activated only when the light level received by a light receiving means such as a light dependent resistor (LDR) is below a pre-set value. The side illuminations are operable in four modes. A first mode is, equipped with a timer feature, operable on either or both sides of the car whenever a car door is opened. A second mode is activated whenever the car is reversing. A third mode, equipped with a timer, is activated on both sides of the car, whenever the centrally locking door is changed from a locked position to an unlocked position. A fourth mode on either or both sides of the car is activated whenever a switch is selected.

Abstract: A signal lamp for vehicles, specifically motor vehicles, has a housing in which at least one light source is positioned, and a light guide from which light is directed in a predetermined light exit direction, whereby the light guide is structured as a long stretched-out light-release element that extends at least in areas along an edge of a housing and/or of a reflector.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system for allowing a user to easily align a hitch of a vehicle with a trailer hitch. The inventive device includes a control that is mountable to a visor of the vehicle in view of the driver, a receiver unit attachable to the bumper of the vehicle and in communication with the control unit, a transmitter unit removably attachable to a trailer hitch that transmits a locating signal that is detectable by the receiver unit, and a storage case. Electronic circuitry within the control unit determines the position of the transmitter unit from the receiver unit from the reception of the locating signal. The control unit includes a turn right indicator and a turn left indicator for visually indicating to the user whether to turn left or right while backing toward the conventional trailer. The control unit also includes a buzzer and stop indicator light for indicating to the user when the ball hitch is positioned below the coupler of the trailer hitch.

Abstract: An emergency signalling system is disclosed that incorporates an emergency signalling device including a light source and reflector mounted for relative rotation in incremental steps in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions. A programmable control unit of the signalling system provides digital signals to a drive source for controlling the speed and direction of the relative rotation. In response to the digital signals, the signalling device executes a variety of different visual patterns. The signalling system can be programmed from a keyboard preferably integrated into a control head mounted to a dashboard area of a vehicle incorporating the emergency signalling system. Virtually any type of visual warning pattern based on the relative rotation of a light source and reflector can be executed by the signalling device if properly programmed.

Abstract: A mirror assembly security system for a vehicle includes an exterior mirror assembly and a light module removably positioned within the exterior mirror housing. The light module is moisture impervious and includes an enclosure, a light-transmitting opening in the enclosure facing generally downwardly and/or rearwardly of the vehicle, a cover for the light-transmitting opening, and a light source in the enclosure radiating light through the light-transmitting opening. The light source may be received in a socket which removably engages another opening in the enclosure. In this manner, the light source may be replaced by removing the module from the exterior mirror housing, removing the socket from the enclosure and replacing the light source. The enclosure and mirror housing preferably are configured to self-retain the module in the exterior mirror moving with no, or fewer than one or two, separate fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light control system for controlling the operating lights of an emergency vehicle. The light control system (or LCS) will comprise a digital logic controller with a plurality of input pins which are adapted for connection with the operating light switches of the vehicle. The digital logic controller also has a plurality of output pins adapted for connection with the operating lights of the vehicle and a plurality of mode selection switches for selecting a plurality of different modes for controlling the operating lights. In a preferred embodiment, the digital logic controller is a microprocessor.

Abstract: A light bar for mounting on an emergency vehicle to provide warning light signals. An elongate body portion has an elongate axis, the elongate body portion adapted to be mounted on the emergency vehicle so that the elongate axis traverses an axis coaxial with the direction of the travel of the emergency vehicle. At least three vertically spaced lighting layers are provided, each layer having at least one emergency light source, the emergency light sources on each layer cooperating to provide a transient high intensity warning light signal 360.degree. around the light bar. At least four linear rows of emergency light sources as viewed from the top of the light bar are also provided, the rows being substantially parallel to the elongate axis, each row having at least two emergency light sources, at least one row located in each of the layers and at least one layer having at least two rows, the emergency light sources in each row cooperate to provide a transient high intensity warning signal 360.degree.

Abstract: An apparatus and method warn drivers of a hazardous condition experienced by another driver. The apparatus generally includes a warning indicator, such as for example a strobe light, coupled to a vehicle warning controller. The vehicle warning controller is connected between a power source and a plurality of vehicle detecting circuits which detect the activation of a safety device. Vehicle detecting circuits can include an antilock braking system (ABS) detecting circuit, an airbag deployment detecting circuit, a rollover protection detecting circuit and an obstacle detector detecting circuit. When at least one of the vehicle's detecting circuits detects the activation of a safety device due to a hazardous condition, a signal is sent to the vehicle warning controller. The warning indicator is activated in response to a signal from the vehicle's warning controller. Therefore, driver intervention is alleviated in warning other motorists of potential danger.

Abstract: An electronic warning system made up of illuminated and colored placards for trailers carrying hazardous materials. The colored placards are changed as desired to signal different hazardous loads by a computerized control unit located in the cab. The placards are based on display panels of either light emitting diodes or liquid crystal. A remote mobile control unit can also be employed by itself or in conjunction with the cab's control unit to operate at least four colored placards on each side of a trailer to collectively identify the hazardous cargo being transported in compliance with federal regulations.

Abstract: This apparatus conceals an emergency warning device, which may be in the form of an array of laterally spaced lights and/or sirens, mounted on an emergency vehicle below a vertically movable roof section in an opening formed in the roof of the emergency vehicle. In a first lowered position, the lights are concealed below the roof line of the vehicle. A power source, such as an electric motor, can be selectively activated to raise the roof section above the roof line of the vehicle so that the lights attached thereto are also raised above the roof line and pivoted into a second operative position.

Abstract: An electronic blinker circuit for a vehicle has an analog relay control section (24) and a digital circuit control section (25) arranged in a housing having only eight terminals. A holding circuit in the digital circuit section prevents an unintended oscillation when relay contacts are opened while a manual warn-blinker switch is still closed. When the engine ignition is switched off the blinker circuit requires a low quiescent current flow that is typically only 10 .mu.A.

Abstract: A base adapted to be mounted on a vehicle supports a light source for generating a rotating light beam. A dome-shaped lens is positioned on the base over the light source to form an enclosure for the light source. A coating may be located on the top of the lens to prevent light passing therethrough and into the passenger compartment. Multiple flashes are created by a reflector positioned adjacent the rear portion of the lens to reflect the rotating beam as a plurality of discrete flashes within a sector relative to the base. A filter generally having a contour of the front portion of the lens may be mounted thereon. The multiple flashes may be of different colors depending on the range of wavelength of light transmitted by the lens and filter and reflected by the reflector. A person viewing the light sees at least four discrete flashes of light which may be of varying colors.