By Predetermined Time Interval Or Distance Patents (Class 340/477)
  • Patent number: 11529953
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving vehicle speed measurements. A vehicle may detect the impact of a roadway irregularity to its front wheels and its rear wheels, and may calculate an instantaneous vehicle speed on the basis of its wheelbase and an elapsed time between the two impacts. This instantaneous vehicle speed may then be used to calculate one or more correction factors which may be used to correct a conventionally-acquired vehicle speed measurement, an operational parameter of the vehicle underlying such measurements (such as a wheel size or a final drive ratio), or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Tyler Kelly, Scott S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9208975
    Abstract: There is provided a turn signal indicator device that drives a turn signal indicators provided on a vehicle based on on/off states of a switch, and includes an operation state discrimination part that discriminates between first turn signal indication for lane change of the vehicle and second turn signal indication for course change of the vehicle based on on/off signals supplied from the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Mizuno, Hidehiro Akahori
  • Patent number: 9120424
    Abstract: A trailer signal converter includes a plurality of inputs, including a first towing vehicle turn light signal, a second towing vehicle turn light signal, and a trailer brake signal. The trailer brake signal is a pulse-width modulated signal. The trailer signal converter selectively drives the turn and stop light signals on the trailer based on the input signals. In a three-wire system, the signal converter is configured to receive a brake signal input and a brake light input and selectively drive the trailer stop light signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Cequent Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Motts, Larry Eccleston, Chandrakumar D. Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 9041526
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Kozo Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20150022336
    Abstract: A system for controlling a turn signal for a motor vehicle is disclosed to detect lane changes of the motor vehicle. The system includes a control device which acquires information provided by an environment sensor, and controls the turn signal as a function of a lane change status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Timo Mueller
  • Patent number: 8493881
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for maximizing the use of available bandwidth on an ISP communication system between an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and remote locations where at least one of the remote locations has a remote cache. An embodiment may create a pool of the cacheable objects being sent to the remote locations from the downstream traffic. An embodiment may determine bandwidth savings for each object in the pool of cacheable objects that would be achieved by remotely caching each object and prioritize the pool of cacheable objects based on the determined bandwidth savings for each object. An embodiment may create a queue of objects to multicast to the remote caches based on the pool of cacheable objects and the remaining multicast bandwidth and then multicast the queue to the remote caches. The remote caches may intercept and reply to requests for objects held in the remote cache without accessing the ISP communication system, thus, saving bandwidth on the ISP communication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Viasat, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond L. Mills, Erwin C. Hudson
  • Patent number: 8378805
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: Anita Au, Gerald Chan
  • Patent number: 8295189
    Abstract: A computing device configured for wireless communication may effectively control adaptation to channel conditions. The device may be configured to identify and classify conditions impacting performance of a channel so that appropriate adaptations may be made. Interference may be detected by correlating received signal strength and packet errors. High received signal strength correlated to a high packet error rate may signify presence of a source of interference. Once a source of interference is detected, other criteria may be used to determine the nature of the interference so that an adaptation that is minimally disruptive of applications can be selected. Additionally, channel degradation may be predicted by monitoring trends in error rates, including Forward Error Correction rates, and adaptation may be used before packet error rates exceed an unacceptable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Amer A. Hassan, Bernard D. Aboba, Jiansong Zhang, Kun Tan
  • Patent number: 8242898
    Abstract: A turn signal illumination controller monitors the lateral movement distance of a vehicle from when a turn switch lever is operated so as to illuminate a turn signal indicator. When the lateral movement distance is greater than or equal to a threshold value indicating completion of lane changing, the turn signal illumination controller cancels the turn signal indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Takashi Ieda, Takao Imai, Kozo Nishimura, Syogo Yamaguchi, Takahiro Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8094004
    Abstract: A multi-function turn signal arrangement for an incorporating vehicle includes a user interface having a plurality of operator specifiable signaling modes including a right-direction-signal momentary blinking mode and a left-direction-signal momentary blinking mode. A controller is configured to receive input from the user interface indicative of an operator specified direction and mode and to initiate an automated signaling routine when one of the respective momentary blinking modes is specified and the controller determines that the incorporating vehicle is traveling at a speed within a predetermined speed range. The turn signal is maintained until a steering wheel of the incorporating vehicle is turned a predetermined amount in the signified direction and returned to the neutral, straight-ahead-driving position for a predetermined period of time and the vehicle remains in the predetermined speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J. Groeller, Joseph Deevy
  • Patent number: 7986223
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventors: Anita Au, Gerald Chan
  • Patent number: 7860634
    Abstract: A method of determining the location information of a plurality of wheels mounted on a vehicle by obtaining a relationship between the lateral location of a wheel and the polarity of a transverse acceleration transmitted by an accelerometer of a wheel in response to a lateral turn of the vehicle in a direction of a lateral side of the vehicle and determining the lateral location of a wheel with reference to the polarity of the transverse acceleration signal transmitted by the accelerometer of the wheel upon the vehicle undergoing a lateral turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwan Wai Raymond To, Lap-Wai Lydia Leung, Ziyang Gao, Man Lung Ivan Sham, Chang Hwa Chung
  • Patent number: 7853377
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronous communication in a control system is disclosed. Within a first time interval, a first source task is executed to broadcast a first destination task, within a second sequential time interval, the first destination task is communicated over a channel to a first destination, and within a third sequential time interval, the first destination task is consumed. Within the first time interval, a second source task may be executed to broadcast a second destination task, within the second sequential time interval, the second destination task may be communicated over the channel to a second destination, and within the third sequential time interval, the second destination task may be consumed. The first source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the second source task, and the second source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the first source task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Fuhrman, Miroslawa A. Supal, Arnold W. Millsap
  • Publication number: 20100308988
    Abstract: A turn signal illumination controller monitors the lateral movement distance of a vehicle from when a turn switch lever is operated so as to illuminate a turn signal indicator. When the lateral movement distance is greater than or equal to a threshold value indicating completion of lane changing, the turn signal illumination controller cancels the turn signal indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Takashi IEDA, Takao IMAI, Kozo NISHIMURA, Syogo YAMAGUCHI, Takahiro SHIMIZU
  • Patent number: 7693628
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronous communication in a control system is disclosed. Within a first time interval, a first source task is executed to broadcast a first destination task, within a second sequential time interval, the first destination task is communicated over a channel to a first destination, and within a third sequential time interval, the first destination task is consumed. Within the first time interval, a second source task may be executed to broadcast a second destination task, within the second sequential time interval, the second destination task may be communicated over the channel to a second destination, and within the third sequential time interval, the second destination task may be consumed. The first source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the second source task, and the second source task is allowed to be scheduled ahead of the first source task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Fuhrman, Miroslawa A. Supal, Arnold W. Millsap
  • Patent number: 7482916
    Abstract: An automatic signaling system includes a processor having an input for receiving a signal from a sensor, and an output configured to be coupled to a signaling system of a vehicle, the signaling system having a turn signal light, wherein the processor is configured to automatically activate the turn signal light based at least in part on the signal received from the sensor. A method for activating a turn signal light of a vehicle includes receiving a signal from a sensor, and automatically activating the turn signal light of the vehicle based at least in part on the received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventors: Anita Au, Gerald Chan
  • Patent number: 7425890
    Abstract: If a turn signal switch is operated and a right-turn signal or a left-turn signal is input, a turn signal controller outputs a turn signal lamp lighting signal to a relay so as to make the turn signal lamp flash. Detection signals of an operating amount and an operating direction of a joy stick are input to a main controller, and the main controller detects a steering angle of the vehicle on the basis of the input detection signals, and outputs the steering angle to the turn signal controller. The turn signal controller determines that a course change is finished in a case the input steering angle becomes smaller than a second steering angle after becoming larger than a first steering angle, and stops a turn signal lamp lighting signal on an output state so as to turn off a flashing turn signal lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Tsukida, Minoru Wada
  • Patent number: 7417533
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a conventional tail light arrangement, and also includes an indicator light that can be actuated by a vehicle operator. The indicator light is configured to provide a signal to a driver of another vehicle that the other driver is “tailgating” or otherwise following the lead vehicle too closely. The indicator light arrangement may include a timer that turns the indicator light off a preselected time, such that the light is not turned on again unless the vehicle operator again actuates the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Owen
  • Patent number: 7173524
    Abstract: An intelligent turn signal control system for turning on and off left and right turn signals in a vehicle. The system includes a computer, such as an antilock braking system computer, with programmed software operably disposed on a vehicle, and a driver interface switch assembly as input to the computer. Sensors transmit angle, differential wheel movement or related data as input to the computer, while a circuit drives turn signal indicator lamps from conditionally computed output data from the computer to turn on and off turn signals in a situation-appropriate manner. Upon turn signal indication intent data input from the driver, extensive travel and turn data is computed, including yaw rotation and steering system position to turn off or cancel the turn signal at the appropriate point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Richard L. Ponziani
  • Patent number: 7129829
    Abstract: A module with various designs of signal and safety lights incorporated with a wide range rearview mirror for the exterior sides of motor vehicles. Within the module(s), a signal light(s) and a safety light(s) of varying shapes are included. The rearview mirror cover edge for the module mounting onto is designed with a curvature bending angle of at least 128 degrees within the range of 91 degrees to 180 degrees for the flashing of the signal light(s) and illumination of the safety light(s) can be seen from the rear, the side and the front. The wide range rearview mirror is a ÂĽ (25%) curvature reflective mirror in combination with a Âľ (75%) flat reflective mirror. This combination mirror provides minimal distortion while allowing a widened scope of view to cover the blind spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Jack Sing Chiow Chan
  • Patent number: 7102500
    Abstract: A system for automatically deactivating a turn signal displayed on a vehicle, the system including a sensor configured to measure a vehicle turn attribute, and a processing unit in communication with the sensor, wherein the processing unit deactivates the turn signal based on a comparison between the vehicle turn attribute and a predetermined data point referenced by the processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Arachnid, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Martin, Thomas P. Myers
  • Patent number: 6982638
    Abstract: A self-canceling turn signal includes an inner wheel rotating at an inner velocity and an outer wheel rotating at an outer velocity. An inner rotational velocity of the inner wheel and an outer rotational velocity of the outer wheel may be measured and compared, and a turn signal may be responsive to a differential signal substantially proportional to the difference between the inner and the outer rotational velocities. The turn signal may signal a turn while the differential signal is greater than a predetermined differential signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventor: John David Bernosky
  • Patent number: 6982637
    Abstract: A road vehicle road vehicle direction indicator light system 1 comprises front and rear lamps 2, 4 for the nearside and front and rear lamps 6, 8 for the offside of the vehicle, a battery 10 power source connected to an ignition switch 12, a hazard warning switch 14 and a flasher control unit 16 connected to an indicator switch 18. With the exception of the flasher control unit 16 the other individual elements of the road vehicle indicator light system 1 are fairly standard. The flasher control unit 16 is electronically controlled and comprises a microprocessor having a plurality of selectable lamp flash sequences stored in a non-volatile memory. The lamp flash sequences maybe pre-programmed into the non-volatile memory. Each flash sequence is assigned a unique number within the microprocessor coding. The flasher unit 16 has a receivable input signal from the indicator switch 18. The flasher unit 16 controls the frequency of the on/off flashing of the lamps 2, 4, 6, 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Neil Alistair Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6972675
    Abstract: A turn signal system includes at least one sensor detecting road markers and generating therefrom road marker signals. A turn signal deactivates in response to a control command generated by a controller. The controller receives the road marker signals, and determines at least one of whether the system is undergoing a turning condition or has completed the turning condition from the road marker signals. The controller generates the control command when the system has completed the turning condition. A redundancy system verifies the control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron L. Mills, Gerald H. Engelman, Liwen Xu, Samir Mohamad Beydoun
  • Patent number: 6933838
    Abstract: Detection is made of an activated direction of a vehicular operator device capable of being activated in at least two directions. In response to activation, in a first direction, of the operator device, informing sound is generated which varies over time with a first characteristic, and, in response to activation, in a second direction, of the operator device, informing sound is generated which varies over time with a second characteristic generally opposite to the first characteristic. For example, when a right turn is instructed, informing sound is generated with a characteristic to progressively raise the sound pitch from a relatively low sound pitch, while when a left turn is instructed, informing sound is generated with a characteristic to progressively lower the sound pitch from a relatively low sound pitch (, or vice versa).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yamaki, Motoaki Miyabe
  • Patent number: 6448548
    Abstract: A switching mechanism for controlling vehicle headlights, turn signals, and emergency flashers includes a housing mounted on a control stock rigidly mounted to the vehicle steering column. The housing includes depressions for each of the functions, and light source and optical responsive switch on opposite sides of each depression, the light source being aimed at the optical switch whereby a light beam traverses the depression. A controller is responsive to interruption of the beam by the vehicle operator placing a finger in the depression to control the corresponding vehicle function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Dee Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Emil Doczy, Earl H. Whetstone
  • Patent number: 6424255
    Abstract: An adjustable delay turn signal reminder device adapted for mounting on a motorcycle and other vehicles. The reminder device is designed with safety in mind and give a vehicle operator a visual and/or audio signal, after a predetermined time, that a left turn signal or right turn signal on the vehicle needs to be turned “off”. The reminder device includes an electrical circuit housing with housing carrier and straps for securing the housing on the instrument panel of the motorcycle. The electrical circuit housing includes electrical leads for connecting the housing to the vehicle's left and right turn signals, a lead for connecting to the vehicle's battery for providing a power source to the housing, leads connected to an audio/visual unit mounted on the instrument panel and a lead connected to the motorcycle's brake signal light. Also, the circuit housing includes an audio/visual control knob and a time delay control knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Sean Shanahan
  • Patent number: 6204759
    Abstract: The problem of the turn signal inadvertently remaining on is solved through the use of additional intelligence added on to the current turn-signal control system already existing within current late-model vehicles. The turn-control circuitry in a vehicle first sends a signal to the ABS system indicating to the ABS system that the turn signal has been turned on. The amount of distance traveled from a certain event, such as when the turn signal is turned on, can be ascertained by the ABS system, as distance traveled for odometer purposes has always been a product of the ABS system. Therefore, when a predetermined distance has passed since the turn signal was activated, the ABS system, sends a signal back to the turn-control circuitry, instructing the turn-control circuitry to turn off the turn signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven R. Jahnke
  • Patent number: 6195001
    Abstract: An auxiliary signal to indicate a U-turn including a housing securable to an interior of a motor vehicle. The housing is defined by a closed forward face and an open rearward face. The open rearward face has a plate disposed therein. The plate has an inverted translucent U in a central portion thereof. A light is secured within the housing intermediate the open rearward face and the closed forward face thereof. The light is in communication with a battery of the motor vehicle. A receiver is disposed within the housing. The receiver is in communication with the light. A timer is disposed within the housing. A transmitter is securable within the interior of the motor vehicle adjacent to a drivers seat thereof. The transmitter is in communication with the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: Nabeel Haddad, Sam Bandak
  • Patent number: 6144297
    Abstract: An automobile steering wheel and turn signal indicator for allowing a driver of an automobile to signal for a turn, includes a handle/hub arrangement adapted to be coupled to a steering column of the automobile, spokes disposed about the handle/hub and horizontally extended outward therefrom to the handle, and left and right turn signal indicators disposed on at least one of the handle, hub and spokes of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Irah H. Donner
  • Patent number: 6114954
    Abstract: An illuminated roof/luggage rack for automobiles and other vehicles incorporates turn indicators and/or side lights to enhance noticeability and safety. Preferably, the turn indicators are provided on all four corners of the rack structure, and the side lights run the entire length of the side members. Rear-facing braking lights may also be provided, all of which are operated in conjunction with the vehicle's electrical system. In one alternative embodiment, rows of lights on either side alternate ON and OFF to attract additional attention by appearing to flicker up and down or to simulate wave sequences. A somewhat different alternative embodiment includes illuminated side lettering or decorations. Such indicia, which may be permanent or changeable, may be used to exhibit commercial or personal messages, for example for HELP or for other announcements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventors: Anthony P. Palett, Gil Spear
  • Patent number: 6043740
    Abstract: This device for giving and controlling a vehicle U-turn signal comprises a U-turn signal indicator (1) and a control circuit. The U-turn signal indicator (1) can consist of an array of LEDs which makes a loop circuit with an arrow. One can be mounted on the front plate (2) of a vehicle, and another one can be mounted on the back plate. The control circuit consists of a rectifier, a first integrator, a second integrator, a counter, a switching transistor, and a relay. The output of the rectifier is connected to the inputs of the first and second integrators of which the outputs are connected to the CLK and to the RST of the counter respectively. The outputs of the counter and the rectifier are connected to the inputs of the NAND which controls the on or off working state of the switching transistor and the relay, to activate the U-turn indicator. The input of the rectifier is connected to the turn signal pulses of a vehicle. When certain pulse patterns are generated, the U-turn signal indicator is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Boon Yang Tan
  • Patent number: 6034600
    Abstract: A vehicle turn signal system (10), and an associated method, utilizes turn selectors (14, 16) located on a steering wheel (12). The system has right and left turn signal indicator circuits (34, 38) that are each energizable to indicate an intended movement of the vehicle toward the right or left, respectively. A micro-controller 20 controls the energization of the right and left turn indicator circuits (34, 38). Each of the right and left selectors (14, 16) is actuatable in a first manner for causing the micro-controller (20) to energize the respective indicator circuit (34 or 38) to perform a first indication operation and actuatable in a second manner for causing the micro-controller to energize the respective indicator circuit (34 or 38) to perform a second indication operation. In one embodiment, the first manner of selector actuation is a relatively short duration actuation, and the second manner of selector is a relatively long duration actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Browne, Michael Walter Malesko
  • Patent number: 6031451
    Abstract: An electrical circuit for turn signal, hazard signal, and brake signal lights of an automotive vehicle has first and second relays each having an energizable coil and contacts which are in a first configuration when the coil is not energized and a second configuration when the coil is energized. A brake signal switch is operable to supply relative high steady electrical current to the first and second relay contacts, the contacts of the first relay when in the first configuration conducting the relative high steady electrical current to left rear light and the contacts of the second relay when in the first configuration conducting the relative high steady electrical current to a right rear light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: ACD Tridon Inc.
    Inventors: Danny R. Graves, Timothy W. Brooks
  • Patent number: 6020813
    Abstract: The turn signal system of the invention utilizes a timing circuit to electrically activate and deactivate the flashing turn signal. The invention system also utilizes a pair (left, right) of auxiliary, spring-loaded, momentary contact, normally open switches arranged such that if the driver actuates the turn signal lever for a turn, even though the lever is in the actuated position for that turn, the turn signal flashing circuit is reactivated by the momentary closing of the auxiliary switch and the cycle is restarted. The system of the invention is also characterized by the timing circuit being dependent for its operation on signals received from the vehicle's speed sensor such that the timing circuit will not operate unless there is a signal from the speed sensor to indicate the vehicle is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventors: Carl N. Harris, Dewey F. Harris
  • Patent number: 6002330
    Abstract: A lighting system for a towed off-highway vehicle has a left and right hazard warning lamps that flash in unison when the vehicle is not turning. When the vehicle is turning, the hazard warning lamp on the side of the turn flashes, while the other hazard warning lamp is illuminated steadily. Left and right turn indicator lamps are operated by a control circuit that receives signals which operate the hazard warning lamps. The control circuit responds to those signals by rendering the turn indicator lamps inactive when the vehicle is not turning, and operates the left and right turn indicator lamps in the same manner as the left and right hazard warning lamps, respectively, when the vehicle is turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: J. W. Speaker Corporation
    Inventor: Brian E. Brandt
  • Patent number: 5808545
    Abstract: An electronic vehicular signalling system is disclosed. It has a novel turn signal switch having electromagnetic detents, novel electronic circuitry which provides all standard signalling functions and optionally features automatic cancellation of turn signal switch, an energy saving hazard warning mode, a police alert hazard warning mode, double-rate turn signal flashing on lamp burnout, Vehicular Lamp Status Display System, clicking sound in cadence with flashing or tone, and automatic turn signal timeout with choice of timeout intervals. Separate flasher units are not needed, nor a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: Douglas C. Brueggemann, Norman R. Dittmar
  • Patent number: 5801622
    Abstract: A new Signal Alarm for providing an audible beep when the turn signal is operating to notify the vehicle operator that the turn signal is on. The inventive device includes a control means for activating and deactivating a sound generating device operatively coupled to a vehicle turn signal timer can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Richard A. Chunick
  • Patent number: 5790017
    Abstract: A vehicle turn signal indicator control system for left and right turn signals in which the turn signal lever has three positions, on, off and intermediate. The system has circuitry that controls the number of pulses flashed by the left or right indicator lights when the signal lever is in intermediate position and automatically returns the lever to its off position after the predetermined number of pulses have flashed.The system includes a turn signal lever, a dip switch with at least two dual position toggle switches and control circuitry for energizing the signal indicators based on the position of the turn signal lever and the toggle switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Paul J. Berryhill
  • Patent number: 5614884
    Abstract: A directional indicator system for vehicles such as automobiles comprises a flasher unit and left hand and right hand marker lamps positioned on the vehicle. The flasher unit causes current to pulse through the marker lamps so that the marker lamps flash. Transmission of current to the marker lamps from the flasher unit is controlled by a timer circuit. The timer circuit includes switches that enables selection of one of the left hand and right hand marker lamps and then provide current to the selected left hand or right hand marker lamps for a predetermined duration. A plurality of timers can be provided and a plurality of time durations can be selected. The system can further comprise a complete turn shut-off switch that prematurely ends the operating duration of the timer circuit when a turn of sufficient radius is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Harold A. Evans
  • Patent number: 5581235
    Abstract: A control system controls the vehicle having turn signal lights mounted on both sides of the vehicle in response to deflection of a manually operated turn signal. The control system includes a control unit which senses vehicle speed and automatically interrupts a flashing mode after a flashing duration which is dependent upon the sensed vehicle speed. The turn signal control unit shuts off the flashing mode in response to deflection of the turn signal lever only for a brief time period and enables the flashing mode in response to deflection of the turn signal lever for a period of time which is longer than a pre-set time period. The control unit prevents cancellation of the flashing mode in response to a repeat deflection of the turn signal lever only for the brief time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jurgen Hollstein
  • Patent number: 5528218
    Abstract: An electronic self-canceling turn signal device for use with a motor vehicle, and most advantageously a semi-tractor/trailer, having turn indicators or indicator lights providing numerous features. The electronic self-canceling turn signal device provides for the driver of the vehicle to make a wide or sweeping turn maneuver in an indicated direction by initially turning the vehicle in a direction opposite or counter to the indicated turn direction and then executing the indicated turn without canceling the indicated turn signal. The electronic self-canceling turn signal device further provides a time delay between the point in time a tractor completes an indicated turn and the time that the electronic self-canceling device cancels the indicated turn signal so that trailers pulled by the tractor will complete the indicated turn before the turn signal is canceled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Grote Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce S. Rigsby
  • Patent number: 5497304
    Abstract: Side warning lights are provided for elongated motor vehicle such as a truck trailer or truck tanker combination. The side warning lights include first and second plurality of lights arranged on both sides of the vehicle. The lights are selectively energized so that under normal operating conditions one of the plurality of lights will be energized while under other operating conditions the other plurality of lights will be energized. The lights may be of different colors, such as red and yellow/amber. A third plurality of lights may be included which will operate in conjunction with the conventional directional turning lights of the vehicle. The purpose is to cause other drivers to perceive and respond soon to emergencies to thereby reduce collisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Harold A. Caine
  • Patent number: 5486809
    Abstract: Individual/driver-defined durations of lever-off automotive turn signaling are provided in response to the application of one or more "taps" to a vehicle's signal lever. A counter is incremented for each tap detected by monitoring circuitry. A non-zero tap count imparts the timing out of lever-off signaling. A timed-signaling duration is the sum of either one or a series of predetermined-length, tap-associated duration segments. As each segment is timed out, the tap counter is decremented. On-the-fly extensions of the duration are enabled. Reset provisions and the transparent invoking means preclude conflicts with non-timed signaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Ben Wadlington, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5455558
    Abstract: A turn signal alert device adapted to be easily retrofitted on an automobile which provides an audio signal when the turn signal indicator of an automobile is activated. This device includes a time delay element which delays turning on the audio signal for a predetermined time period after the turn signal indicator has been activated. A wafer-like connector couples the device across the flasher relay of the turn signal indicator, with the prongs of the flasher relay being inserted into openings in the connector with conductive elements at the openings to make electrical contact with the prongs. The device includes an audio element which is connected electrically across the flasher relay to one side of the battery power supply and the other side of the battery power supply through the filament of a light bulb in the turn signal indicator. A delay means provides a predetermined time period between a series of audio alert signals until the manually activated switch is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Albert P. Gregory
  • Patent number: 5438314
    Abstract: A directional indicator system for vehicles such as automobiles comprises a flasher unit and left hand and right hand marker lamps positioned on the vehicle. The flasher unit causes current to pulse through the marker lamps so that the marker lamps flash. Transmission of current to the marker lamps from the flasher unit is controlled by a timer circuit. The timer circuit includes switches that enables selection of one of the left hand and right hand marker lamps and then provide current to the selected left hand or right hand marker lamps for a predetermined duration. A plurality of timers can be provided and a plurality of time durations can be selected. The system can further comprise a complete turn shut-off switch that prematurely ends the operating duration of the timer circuit when a turn of sufficient radius is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Harold A. Evans
  • Patent number: 5414407
    Abstract: An indicating circuit provides an indication that a turn signal in a vehicle is activated. A timer receives an activation signal representative of the turn signal. The timer provides a reminder output signal based on the activation signal. The timer provides the reminder output signal during reminder periods which are spaced by delay time periods. The delay time periods are variable in length depending on operation of the vehicle. An indicator is coupled to the timer for providing an operator indication, based on the activation signal, indicating that the turn signal in the vehicle is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Turn Signal
    Inventors: A. Wilbur Gerrans, Galen N. Cameron
  • Patent number: 5353007
    Abstract: A turn signal warning device that uses logic circuits to monitor power leads to lights on vehicle that are lit for turn signals, brakes, and emergency blinkers. This device functions on vehicles whereon the same set of lights are used for turn signals and for brakes; and on vehicles on which separate sets of lights are used for turn signals and for brakes. The logic circuits function with a timing circuit and a piezoelectric alarm to provide an audible signal to an operator of the vehicle a predetermined length of time after the turn signals have been activated. The logic circuits sense when the brake pedal has been depressed and the emergency blinkers have been activated to prevent the audible signal from being generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventor: Paul M. Gullotti
  • Patent number: 5309142
    Abstract: An electronic flasher unit for one or more flashing lamps activated by flasher switches is described. The flasher unit has at least three control inputs and an integrated circuit for controlling a flashing relay with relay contacts. In addition, further switching means are provided that can be used to alter the operating state of the integrated circuit as a function of the switch settings of the flasher switches and the ignition switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Temic Telefunken microelectronic GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Fritz
  • Patent number: 5309143
    Abstract: A vehicle turn signal malfunction warning system that alerts the vehicle driver when a turn signal indication is not cancelled after a predetermined time period comprises a modular housing that is plug-compatible with all standardized flasher units in use, requires no wiring to be connected to the turn signal system or to the vehicle electrical system. The system includes a full-wave rectifier connected across the inputs of the standard turn signal flasher, and is powered solely by the voltage derived from the turn signal system. The warning system includes a first time base circuit, a second time base circuit, a gating means, and a tone generator means. The first time base circuit is arranged to be fully charged by the first turn signal pulse through the full-wave rectifier, and to discharge approximately 2.5 seconds after the turn signal pulse train ends. The second time base circuit begins charging when the first time base is fully charged, and accumulates a charge until the first time base circuit resets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Donald Adkins
    Inventors: Albert W. Brown, Donald W. Adkins