Turn Signal Patents (Class 340/475)
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Patent number: 9696000Abstract: An outer housing with a cover having a PVD coating; a lens; and an illumination device such as LEDs, light guides, light emitting surfaces and/or blinkers. The lens has a first area internal to the cover, and a second, transparent area extending to one side of the outer housing. The cover has a first cover element external to the lens and of a nature such that the illumination device is visible from the exterior when it is on and not visible from the exterior when it is off. The cover has a substantially opaque second cover element having an overlapping portion between the first area of the lens and the first cover element.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: FICO MIRRORS, S.A.Inventors: Sergio Hellin Navarro, Nestor Ruiz Ortega, Maria Luisa Novella, Carles Montero Foix, Josep Pujadas Beltran, Robert Lopez Galera, Jose Manuel Espinosa
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Patent number: 9586520Abstract: A directional indicator system includes a directional indicator that includes a plurality of LED series circuits each connected in parallel to another of the LED series circuits. Each LED series circuit includes LEDs connected in series. A driver is configured to control driving of the directional indicator. The driver includes LED drivers that are each configured to drive a corresponding one of the LED series circuits. The driver also includes a plurality of current detectors that are each configured to measure a value of a current in a corresponding one of the LED series circuits.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takao Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 9566902Abstract: A control circuit is provided for controlling the warning lights on a vehicle having first and second composite brake/turn lights. The control circuit receives two composite input signals from the vehicle generated by operation of the vehicle's brake and turn signal controls. The control circuit jointly processes the composite input signals to separate the brake and turn indications in order to determine the operational state of the vehicle and generates composite output signals to control the composite brake/turn signals. In one embodiment, a braking pattern is applied to both composite brake/turn signals when the vehicle is braking only. When the vehicle is braking and turning simultaneously, a turn signal pattern is applied to one of the composite brake/turn lights and the other composite brake/turn light is turned on without modulation.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Custom Dynamics LLCInventor: Dave Pribula
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Patent number: 9563010Abstract: The invention relates to an optical wave guide structure (1) comprising at least one optical wave guide (2, 2?; 11, 12) and at least two light input positions (A . . . E), each of which is associated with a light source (3, 3?; 4, 4?, 4?; 22a . . . e), the optical wave guide being designed to guide the input light and to emit light based on irregularities (6) embodied on the optical wave guide, and the light sources (3, 3?; 4, 4?, 4?; 22a . . . e) being associated with an actuating circuit (9), which is designed to control the brightness levels of the light sources according to predefinable dimming curves as a function of time.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: ZKW GROUP GMBHInventors: Markus Reinprecht, Thomas Graf, Anton Faffelberger
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Patent number: 9527431Abstract: A light system for a motor vehicle includes an exterior mirror head housing at least one lighting module having a plurality of LEDs arranged in sectors to provide different lighting functionalities. At least one LED of at least one light sector is activated in response to the speed of the vehicle, and other vehicle parameters such as steering angle, turn-signal blinker activation, and running lights activation. The LEDs of the lighting module may also function as marker lights or turn-signal blinker lights.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2012Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventor: Daniel Fritz
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Patent number: 9434298Abstract: In various embodiments, a direction indicator circuit for controlling a direction indicator in a vehicle is provided. The direction indicator circuit may include: a first terminal for connecting to a supply voltage; a second terminal for connecting to a direction indicator switch and a lighting means; a third terminal for connecting to a capacitor; and a switch for providing a current, wherein the switch is connected to the first terminal and to the second terminal; wherein the direction indicator circuit is designed to provide the lighting means with a current during an on state using the switch and with no current during an off state; wherein during the on state the direction indicator circuit checks the provided current at least once and goes into the off state if the check detects a current which is lower than a predefined current.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventors: Gebhart Dippold, Stephane Fraisse, Robert Illing, Albino Pidutti
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Patent number: 9321397Abstract: A full-screen display device of automobile taillights relates to a light-emitting display technology for automobile taillights, including left and right taillights, a linked switch and a light-emitting display controlling circuit. The left and the right taillights are divided into three light-emitting zones (I, II, and III), wherein light-emitting diodes (LEDs), respectively for displaying red, yellow and white light, are arranged in each light-emitting zone. The light-emitting display controlling circuit includes a signal inputting circuit, a single-chip microcomputer controlling circuit, a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOS FET) switching constant-current source circuit, a light-emitting executive circuit and a power source.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Inventor: Zhanping Lu
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Patent number: 9272724Abstract: The present invention provides a system which integrates motor vehicle component operation into actuators located in the rim of a motor vehicle steering wheel. The two actuators of the system of the present invention are located in an arc segment of the steering wheel defined by the three o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the right-hand actuator and the nine o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the left-hand actuator. The actuators may operate in parallel with a conventional stalk switch or controls associated with an on board computer and only operate a motor vehicle component when activated and subsequently depressed. The integrated vehicle control system and apparatus of the present invention further provides for vehicle component operation which does not require a driver to remove his or her hands from the steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Golomb Mercantile Company LLCInventor: Adam Simon Golomb
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Patent number: 9242597Abstract: An acceleration communication system may communicate acceleration information about a transportation apparatus to one or more persons. A lighting system may be attached to the transportation apparatus. An acceleration detector may detect the direction of lateral acceleration of the transportation apparatus. A light controller may cause the lighting system to illuminate in a manner that indicates the direction of the lateral acceleration detected by the acceleration detector.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: FORCELIGHTS, LLCInventors: Sunny P. Smith, Gene Y. Fridman
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Patent number: 9168862Abstract: A helmet apparatus for automated vehicle heading alert includes a carrier detachable from headwear of a driver, a plurality of light emitting elements, a gyroscopic device, a signal processing and decision-making (SPDM) processor, and a power device. The light emitting elements are installed on the carrier and include left and right light emitting elements. The gyroscopic device is installed on the carrier and includes a gyroscope for detecting an operation of a vehicle and outputting gyroscope signals corresponding to the operation. The SPDM processor receives the gyroscope signals to form operation signals, processes the operation signals, performs a discriminant decision-making procedure, generates consecutively discriminant signals corresponding to the operation signals, and drives accordingly at least one of the light emitting elements to turn on, turn off, or flashing.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2014Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: NATIONAL TAIPEI UNIVERSITYInventor: Chan-Yun Yang
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Patent number: 9150149Abstract: To provide a direction indicating apparatus that does not detect a break occurring in an indicator but can detect a break occurring in a direction indicating lamp incorporating an LED element with reliability. The direction indicating apparatus includes a pulse signal generating part, a first switching element, a direction indicating switch, first and second direction indicating lamp units, a break detecting part, a lighting state detecting part, an indicator part and an indicator driving part.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Shindengen Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Isao Ohki
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Patent number: 9132771Abstract: A turn signal canceling device for a motorcycle includes a straight-ahead travel or turn determining unit for determining whether the motorcycle is travelling straight ahead or is turning and a turn signal cancellation controller which automatically cancels turn signal operation. When a vehicle speed is not greater than a predetermined speed and a driving force is at least a predetermined driving force at a time the straight-ahead travel or turn determining unit determines that the motorcycle is turning, the turn signal cancellation controller enters a standby state. When the straight-ahead travel or turn determining unit determines that the motorcycle is travelling straight ahead during the standby state, the turn signal cancellation controller automatically deactivates a turn signal. When the driving force becomes smaller than the predetermined driving force or turn signal becomes manually deactivated during the standby state, the turn signal cancellation controller returns to the normal operating state.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Tetsuka, Takashi Hotei
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Patent number: 9096174Abstract: A motorcycle jacket includes a left-turning light provided on an upper-left back portion of the jacket; a right-turning light provided on an upper-right back portion of the jacket, a first sensor provided on a left-side torso portion of the jacket, and a second sensor provided on a right-side torso portion of the jacket. Actuation of the first sensor causes the left-turning light to turn ON. Actuation of the second sensor causes the right-turning light to turn ON.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2013Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Inventor: Daryl L Banks
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Patent number: 9054743Abstract: A method of auto-pairing a receiver/transmitter system for use with a vehicle having an operator portion and a transporting portion, the method including the steps of initiating, searching and sending. The initiating step initiates the transmitter into a pairing mode by way of an electrical power sequencing of the transmitter. The searching step searches for the transmitter to be in the pairing mode by the receiver. The sending step sends a signal to the transmitter that the transmitter is paired to the receiver upon the receiver finding the transmitter to be in the pairing mode in the searching step.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: June 9, 2015Assignee: ASA Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Gerald J. Maffetone
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Publication number: 20150145668Abstract: A vehicle tire pressure indicator and tire illumination assembly is provided. The assembly includes a light source located on the body of a vehicle near the wheel well and oriented to direct light onto a wheel assembly having a tire. A tire pressure indicator detects air inflation pressure of the tire. The light source illuminates the wheel assembly with a desired color to indicate a tire pressure status based on the detected tire pressure. In addition, the light source may be illuminated to provide puddle lamp and area lighting and turn signal indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Ali Ammar
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Patent number: 9041526Abstract: A directional indicator includes a momentary type turn signal lever supported to undergo a swing operation and automatically returning to a neutral position after the swing operation, a turn switch operated by the swing operation of the turn signal lever in a first zone for generating a turn signal for informing a driving direction of a vehicle and for setting an auto turn cancel mode for automatically canceling the turn signal, a manual switch operated by the swing operation of the turn signal lever in a second zone for setting a manual mode for manually canceling the turn signal, and a turn signal control section for controlling cancellation of the turn signal based on an operating state of the turn switch and the manual switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHOInventor: Kozo Nishimura
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Patent number: 9035754Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror reflective element that is fixedly attached at a mirror back plate. The mirror back plate includes an indicator structure that has a passageway that extends from the back plate at an angle relative to the portion of the back plate. At least one baffle is disposed within the passageway and is angled at the angle relative to the portion of the back plate. An indicator is mounted at an end portion of the passageway, and light emitted by the indicator passes through the passageway and through the mirror reflective element via an opening in the back plate. When the indicator is activated, light passing through the passageway and emanating from the mirror reflective element is at least partially shielded from direct view by the driver of the vehicle by the at least one baffle.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventor: Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 9002580Abstract: A system and a method for controlling an electrically-powered steering apparatus of a vehicle may include a selection switch adapted to select any of a plurality of steering modes, a control switch adapted to change a current for controlling the steering force, a control portion adapted to determine the current according to a signal received from at least one of the selection switch and the control switch and to transmit a control signal according to the determined current, and a drive portion adapted to control the steering force according to the control signal received from the control portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Nam Young Kim, Yoon Su Kim
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Patent number: 8994524Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.Inventors: Daniel Fritz, Soenke Goldschmidt
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Publication number: 20150070162Abstract: This invention relates to electronic wearable articles such as clothing. The invention is an integrated wearable article (e.g. an electronic glove) that allows a user to signal to others the user intent for direction. The electronic glove includes a glove, a chevron-shaped light integrated with the glove that points away from the user when glove is on the hand of the user to indicate intended direction, and an electronic circuit including a switch mechanism with a first contact assembly on the thumb and a second contact assembly on the index finger of the glove, wherein the electronic circuit detects when the first contact assembly touches the second contact assembly to actuate the light, and a battery to power the electronic circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Zachary James Vorhies, Murat Ozkan, Roger Fred Challender
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Patent number: 8963706Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Shindengen Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Isao Ohki
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Patent number: 8933800Abstract: The third brake light accessory for use with a classic car includes a housing that resembles the front end or grille of a classic car, and which is placed against an inner surface of a rear window to operate as a third brake light. The third brake light accessory may further include turn signal lights that work in conjunction with the turn signal lights of the respective vehicle. The third brake light accessory is ideally designed for use with a particular make and model of a classic car, and which has a housing resembling the front portion of or grille of the respective vehicle, while acting as a third brake light.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Inventor: Tommy Rex Biles
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Publication number: 20140368330Abstract: A mobile communication device is provided in a mobile object, and is capable of providing turn collision prevention support, so as to prevent a collision with another mobile object at a risk of collision when the mobile object turns. The mobile communication device includes: a communication unit for receiving information that includes information indicating a signal indication of a traffic signal; and a control unit for determining a notification mode to provide a predetermined notification to draw an attention via a notification unit when turning. The control unit determines the notification mode regardless of whether or not the another mobile object is present when the signal indication of the traffic signal for the traveling direction of the mobile object is an advance-prohibited signal indication with turning-permitted signal indication. Thus the device achieves smooth traffic and preventing excessive support through turn collision prevention support depending on a signal indication.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicant: SANYO Electric C., Ltd,Inventors: Kazuhiko Watanabe, Takahiro Ishida
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Publication number: 20140333428Abstract: A lighting system is provided with a plurality of devices that are disposed within a lamp assembly and configured to emit light in response to receiving electrical power from a power source. The detector is coupled to the plurality of devices and is configured to monitor an electrical characteristic associated with the plurality of devices. The detector is also configured to generate an output signal that is indicative of a discontinuity within the plurality of devices in response to the electrical characteristic being less than a threshold value. The lighting system also includes a controller that is coupled to the detector. The controller is configured to receive input indicative of a turn signal status and a rear closure position and to enable the detector in response to the rear closure position being closed and the turn signal status being on.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: North American Lighting, Inc.Inventor: Kevin Markell
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Patent number: 8866386Abstract: A direction indication lamp control device includes: a current control element including an end which outputs a drive current having a magnitude corresponding to amplitude of a pulse signal; a current clamp unit which limits the drive current to a current upper limit value; a voltage clamp unit which limits a reference voltage to a voltage upper limit value; and a wire disconnection detection unit which outputs a wire disconnection detection signal in a case where the drive current corresponding to the pulse wave of the pulse signal is equal to or less than a wire disconnection detection value, or in a case where the reference voltage is equal to the voltage upper limit value. The current upper limit value is smaller than the drive current flowing through a direction indication lamp when the reference voltage is the voltage upper limit value.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Shindengen Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenichi Kubota, Hideyuki Ono
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Publication number: 20140266666Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element having at least one glass substrate and a mirror reflector established at a surface of said at least one glass substrate. The mirror assembly includes a display element disposed at the rear of the mirror reflective element and operable to emit light that is viewable through the mirror reflective element. The display element includes a printable light emitting diode. The mirror assembly may include at least one of (a) a printable electrically conductive layer at a surface of the at least one glass substrate, (b) a printable heater pad established at a rear surface of the at least one glass substrate, (c) a printable touch sensor and (d) a moldable light emitting diode element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Hamid Habibi
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Patent number: 8830082Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Inventor: Chen-Kuo Ku
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Patent number: 8823265Abstract: An illumination apparatus (12) for use with a vehicle (10) includes a lighting system (14) and a controller (16). The lighting system (14) includes at least three light engines (18). The controller (16) is configured to simultaneously illuminate at least two of the light engines (18) while simultaneously not illuminating at least one of the light engines (18) upon activation of the illumination apparatus. The controller (16) is further configured to alternate which of the light engines (18) are not illuminated and which two of the light engines (18) are simultaneously illuminated such that at least two light engines (18) are simultaneously illuminated during the entire illumination sequence. As such, at least two light engines (18) are illuminated upon activation of the illumination apparatus (12).Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.Inventors: Lawrence M. Rice, Thomas Tessnow, Howard Eng
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Publication number: 20140225727Abstract: Turn signals for moving vehicles along both sides of the vehicle are reported.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Inventor: Sarfaraz K. NIAZI
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Patent number: 8803674Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Inventor: Damon Langlois
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Patent number: 8779937Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8773028Abstract: A direction indication lamp control device includes: a pulse signal generation unit that generates a pulse signal; a current control element having one end to which power supply voltage is supplied, a control terminal to which the pulse signal is supplied, and the other end which outputs a drive current, the other end of the current control element being connected to one end of an external direction indication switch, and the other end of the direction indication switch being connected to a direction indication lamp; and a leak detection unit that causes the pulse signal generation unit to decrease the amplitude of the pulse signal in a case where the drive current corresponding to a pulse wave of the pulse signal is equal to or less than a leak detection current value during a leak detection period.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Shindengen Electric Manufacturing Co., LtdInventors: Kenichi Kubota, Hideyuki Ono
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Patent number: 8749371Abstract: Signaling device designed to be arranged on the reflective element forming a mirror of a rear-view device comprising at least an illumination unit and at least an optical device, characterized by the fact that the optical device includes a symbol generation unit which is provided with at least a diffraction grating designed to form an illuminated image corresponding to a first illuminated symbol, the symbol generation unit being generally transparent and the diffraction grating being formed on the surface of the symbol generation unit without affecting its transparency.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc., Universite de StrasbourgInventors: Hassan Moussa, Idriss El Hafidi, Laurent Tupinier
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Patent number: 8700258Abstract: A park assist system for providing guidance to park a vehicle into a parking area is disclosed. The park assist system includes an imaging device, at least one indicator, and a control module. The imaging device acquires image data representative of a field of view (FOV). The indicator provides feedback to guide the vehicle into the parking area. The control module is in communication with the imaging device and the at least one indicator. The control module includes control logic for monitoring image data representative of the viewable area. The control module includes control logic for determining if a specific predetermined object is located within the FOV. The specific predetermined object indicates the presence of the parking area. The control module includes control logic for activating the at least one indicator to provide feedback regarding the parking area.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Edward D. Tate, Jr., Alan G. Holmes, Hsiu-Pang Chan, Donald Eng, Fred W. Huntzicker
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Publication number: 20140091920Abstract: A U-turn signaling system and method. The U-turn signaling system signals an intent to orient a vehicle in a substantially opposite direction. The U-turn signal might have an inverted U shape. The signaling system also includes a control circuitry for controlling the U-turn output signal responsive to user actuation of a U-turn signal switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2012Publication date: April 3, 2014Inventor: Ervin Thompson
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Publication number: 20140085075Abstract: In various embodiments, a direction indicator circuit for controlling a direction indicator in a vehicle is provided. The direction indicator circuit may include: a first terminal for connecting to a supply voltage; a second terminal for connecting to a direction indicator switch and a lighting means; a third terminal for connecting to a capacitor; and a switch for providing a current, wherein the switch is connected to the first terminal and to the second terminal; wherein the direction indicator circuit is designed to provide the lighting means with a current during an on state using the switch and with no current during an off state; wherein during the on state the direction indicator circuit checks the provided current at least once and goes into the off state if the check detects a current which is lower than a predefined current.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Gebhart Dippold, Stephane Fraisse, Robert Illing, Albino Pidutti
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Publication number: 20140085074Abstract: A direction indicator circuit for controlling a direction indicator may include: a first terminal for connecting to a supply voltage terminal; a second terminal for connecting to a direction indicator switch and a lighting means; a third terminal for connecting to a capacitor; wherein the direction indicator circuit is designed to provide the lighting means with a current during an on state and with no current during an off state, wherein the duration of the on state and the duration of the off state are determined by a voltage at the capacitor; wherein the direction indicator circuit has a first and a second circuit, wherein the capacitor provides the supply voltage for the first and second circuits during the on state; wherein the current which flows through the first circuit has a negative temperature coefficient, and the current which flows through the second circuit has a positive temperature coefficient.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Gebhart Dippold, Robert Illing, Alexander Mayer, Albino Pidutti
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Publication number: 20140085073Abstract: A direction indicator circuit for controlling a direction indicator in a vehicle is provided. The direction indicator circuit may include a first terminal for connecting to a supply voltage terminal; a second terminal for connecting to a lighting means of a direction indicator and to a direction indicator switch; and a third terminal for connecting to a capacitor; wherein the direction indicator circuit is configured to provide the direction indicator with a current during an on state and with no current during an off state, wherein the duration of the on state and the duration of the off state are determined by the size of the capacitor; wherein the capacitor is discharged essentially constantly during the on state, and wherein the capacitor is charged essentially constantly during the off state.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2013Publication date: March 27, 2014Applicant: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Gebhart DIPPOLD, Robert ILLING, Albino PIDUTTI
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Patent number: 8638208Abstract: There is provided a method for generating turn-signal sound of a vehicle and a device using the method which can output from a speaker the turn-signal sound close to operating sound of a mechanical relay. The method outputs a pulse signal for turn-signal sound having varying frequency and duty ratio from a PPG port of a CPU, integrates the pulse signal for turn-signal sound using an integration circuit to convert into an analog signal for turn-signal sound which is outputted to a speaker. The method also outputs a pulse signal for alarm having the constant frequency and duty ratio, integrates the pulse signal for alarm sound using an integration circuit to convert into an analog signal for alarm sound. Then the analog signals for turn-signal sound and for alarm sound are summed up and outputted to the speaker to produce simultaneously the turn-signal sound and the alarm sound.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Naohisa Ikeda
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Publication number: 20140022070Abstract: The present invention provides a system which integrates motor vehicle component operation into actuators located in the rim of a motor vehicle steering wheel. The two actuators of the system of the present invention are located in an arc segment of the steering wheel defined by the three o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the right-hand actuator and the nine o'clock and 12 o'clock positions for the left-hand actuator. The actuators may operate in parallel with a conventional stalk switch or controls associated with an on board computer and only operate a motor vehicle component when activated and subsequently depressed. The integrated vehicle control system and apparatus of the present invention further provides for vehicle component operation which does not require a driver to remove his or her hands from the steering wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2013Publication date: January 23, 2014Applicant: Golomb Mercantile Company LLCInventor: Adam Simon Golomb
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Publication number: 20140015665Abstract: A directional indicator system includes a directional indicator that includes a plurality of LED series circuits each connected in parallel to another of the LED series circuits. Each LED series circuit includes LEDs connected in series. A driver is configured to control driving of the directional indicator. The driver includes LED drivers that are each configured to drive a corresponding one of the LED series circuits. The driver also includes a plurality of current detectors that are each configured to measure a value of a current in a corresponding one of the LED series circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventor: Takao YAMAGUCHI
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Patent number: 8629766Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicating display device which can be simply carried or worn. The indicating display device of the present invention comprises: a first display unit; a first transceiving unit for transceiving signals; a first sensor for sensing a motion; a first control unit for controlling the first transceiving unit, and controlling the first display unit in accordance with the signal received at the first transceiving unit or information sensed by the first sensor, such that the first display unit displays various states; a second display unit; a second transceiving unit for transceiving signals; a mode selection unit for selecting a mode; and a second control unit for controlling the second display unit and the second transceiving unit in the mode selected by the mode selection unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Inventor: Myung Su Lee
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Publication number: 20130265152Abstract: An automatic signaling system for a vehicle having a turn signal light, includes a sensor configured for sensing at least a portion of a lane, and a processor coupled to the sensor, wherein the processor is configured to activate the turn signal light of the vehicle based at least on a signal received from the sensor. A method for activating a turn signal light of a vehicle includes sensing at least a portion of a lane in which the vehicle is traveling, and automatically activating a turn signal light of the vehicle based at least on the sensed portion of the lane.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Anita AU, Gerald CHAN
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Patent number: 8531285Abstract: A vehicle turn signaling apparatus includes a light source that is powered by a turn signal circuit of the vehicle. The light source is configured to project a low divergence visible line onto a driving lane adjacent to the vehicle in response to activation of the turn signal circuit to visibly warn other drivers where a driver of the vehicle may intend to move the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Inventors: Connor Kent Purks, Kory Patrick Purks, Bryce Benjamin Purks
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Patent number: 8525659Abstract: A tail lamp system for a vehicle includes a dynamic signal unit, a control unit, a set of input lines electrically connecting the dynamic signal unit with the control unit, an LED display board, and a set of output lines electrically connecting the LED display board with the control unit. The dynamic signal unit provides a plurality of dynamic signals relating to various instant driving information of the vehicle. The control unit receives each of the dynamic signals of the dynamic signal unit and outputs a corresponding control signal. The LED display board receives the control signal from the control unit and displays a corresponding pattern according to the received control signal to indicate instant driving information of the vehicle, for example, turning, braking, temporary stop and breakdown of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hou-Yao Lin, Sheng-Jung Yu
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Patent number: 8525697Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate and a blind spot indicator. The mirror back plate has a generally planar portion and an indicator mounting portion. The indicator mounting portion of the mirror back plate is angled relative to the generally planar portion, and an aperture is established through the mirror back plate generally at the indicator mounting portion. A heater pad is disposed at the rear of the mirror reflective element, and a light transmitting portion of the heater pad is generally aligned with the aperture of the mirror back plate. With the light source of the blind spot indicator activated, light emitted by the light source transmits through an indicia element, the aperture and the light transmitting portion and exits the mirror reflective element at an angle relative to the generally planar portion of the mirror back plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 8519840Abstract: A vehicle U-turn signal indicating system for identifying abrupt vehicle preferably includes a plurality of U-turn signal lights adapted to positioned on an exterior surface of a vehicle, a steering wheel having a U-turn signal activator pivotally coupled thereto, and an electronic switch relay electrically coupled to the U-turn signal activator and the U-turn signal lights. Advantageously, the U-turn signal activator is selectively displaced between first and second positions in such a manner that the electronic switch relay selectively toggles the U-turn signal lights between illuminated and non-illuminated modes respectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Inventor: Michael Banks
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Patent number: 8514064Abstract: A door mirror has a turn lamp that can be mounted easily and without an increased size. The turn lamp (2) has a housing (3) and an outer lens (4) that are formed by molding. A light emitting diode (6) is mounted in the housing (3), and the outer lens (4) covers the housing (3). The housing (3) and the outer lens (4) are integrated by a joint (7) produced by injection molding and placed at a butt section at which the housing (3) and the outer lens (4) are butted together. Steps (7c, 7d) are formed at the butt section integrated by the joint (7) of the turn lamp (2), and a lower end edge section (1c) and a left end edge section (1e) that form an opening (1b) of a body (1) of the door mirror (DM) are butted to the steps (7c, 7d).Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2008Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Mitsuba CorporationInventors: Yosuke Fukasawa, Yasushi Kawaji, Hitoshi Kurihara
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Publication number: 20130201014Abstract: Invention provides a more clear recognisable indicating of the maneuvering-intentions of a vehicle to improve the safety of traffic. More appropriate for human eyes way to recognise the turn- and stop-intention signals are provided. It makes it possible to estimate the current traffic situation certain and quickly, in spite of the usual technical obstacles to recognise the signal- and vehicle position (as, for example, in the darkness, a dazzling light of the head lamps of the vehicles which are moving in the opposite direction, or, in the day time, a bright surrounding under the shining sun, or a limited view from the driver seat, etc.).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Inventor: Alexander Luchinskiy
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Publication number: 20130176121Abstract: An automotive light assembly is revealed. The automotive light assembly includes a controller that is electrically connected to a daytime running light switch and a turn signal light switch of a vehicle. The controller is connected to each light source of a daytime running light set by at least one control cable. The controller is also connected to each light source of a turn signal light set by a plurality of control cables, allowing each light source emitting light in turn for indicating directions of vehicle movement. Thus not only the structure of the automotive light assembly is simplified and the production cost is dramatically reduced. By means of light from each light source of the turn signal light set, the direction the vehicle will be turned is indicated more precisely so as to achieve better warning effect and higher safety.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: CHENG QU CO., LTD.Inventor: Tsung-Shueh TSAI