With Plural Bulbs Sequentially Flashed Patents (Class 340/478)
  • Patent number: 11486552
    Abstract: A method is described for deploying one or more illumination devices. The or each illumination device is self-contained and has a first state in which it is inoperative and a second state in which it is operative to provide illumination at at least one frequency within the range from and including infrared to and including ultraviolet. The method comprises the steps, optionally repeated at intervals, of: actuating a mechanism to move a said illumination device from a housing storing one or more illumination devices to an exposed position outside the housing; and automatically changing the state of the illumination device from its first state to its second state as a direct result of movement of the illumination device from within the housing to the exposed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: BDZ INVESTMENTS LTD
    Inventor: John Bernard King
  • Patent number: 11257372
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for implementing a reverse-facing anti-collision mechanism are described herein. An anti-collision system for a lead vehicle to provide an alert to a trailing vehicle behind the lead vehicle, includes a vehicle controller subsystem to receive from a sensor array interface, sensor data from a rear-facing sensor incorporated into the lead vehicle; determine, using a processor, from the sensor data that the trailing vehicle is a collision risk; and initiate, via a light controller, a visual alert to the trailing vehicle, the visual alert in addition to or in place of brake lights on the lead vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Lahav, Gal Zion
  • Patent number: 11031809
    Abstract: A lighting network (100) and methods therefore are disclosed. The lighting network (100) a plurality of lighting units (10) that can operate on AC power and DC back up power if the AC power is removed. A controller (15) is used to redistribute the DC power between the plurality of lighting units (10) in the event that DC power is low or exhausted in one of the plurality of lighting units (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Priya Ranjan Mishra, Rakeshbabu Panguloori, Venkata Sriram Pullela
  • Patent number: 10766406
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a method and a device for sequentially operating light source, in particular a lighting system for signalizing a change of driving direction of a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) connected in series, said diodes can be activated in a pre-determined sequence within a required time frame t0. The method comprises activating within a required time frame (t0) a sequential operation of a plurality of LEDs, wherein the operation of the first LED in the plurality of LEDs and operation of the last LED in the plurality of LEDs is carried out within an actual time frame (t1) of operation. The method further comprises activating after lapse of a safety time frame (t2) of all LEDs (11, 12 . . . 1n) simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: HELLA SATURNUS SLOVENIJA PROIZVODNJA SVETLOBNE OPREME ZA MOTORNA IN DRUGA VOZILA, D.O.O.
    Inventors: Peter Krzic, Martin Perkon, Jure Razpotnik
  • Patent number: 10373489
    Abstract: A system and a method for adaptively controlling of traffic are disclosed. The method includes receiving traffic data from one or more sensors at the intersection; detecting at least one pattern in the traffic data for a given period of time; identifying at least one variable in the pattern; determining if the at least one variable is associated with one or more available traffic patterns at the intersection; based on the determining, retrieving a current traffic control program implemented at the intersection; adaptively controlling the traffic at the intersection during the given period of time by adjusting one or more parameters of the current traffic control program to yield a modified traffic control program; and storing the modified traffic control program in a database for future use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Malkes, William S. Overstreet, Jeffery R. Price, Michael J. Tourville
  • Patent number: 9573515
    Abstract: A method for automatic activation of a vehicle turn indicator is disclosed. The method may include determining whether a lane change maneuver is impending in a specified direction. The method may also include determining whether the vehicle turn indicator has been activated through a driver interface. The vehicle turn indicator may be engaged when not activated through the driver interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chad T. Zagorski, Nikolai K. Moshchuk
  • Patent number: 9187031
    Abstract: A tail light assembly includes a lighting assembly and a control board. The lighting assembly includes a base plate and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The control board is electrically connected to each of the LEDs. The control board receives an activation signal from a device. In response, the control board sequentially sends an illumination signal to LEDs of each of a plurality of groups of LEDs to thereby sequentially illuminate the groups of LEDs. The control board also selectively and sequentially sends a termination signal to LEDs of the various groups of LED, in alternating relationship to sending the illumination signal. The sequential illumination and turning off of the plurality of LEDs simulates motion of waves propagating across the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations
    Inventors: Jay H. Ovenshire, Benjamin P. Zavala, Martin J. Davis
  • Patent number: 8947223
    Abstract: A lighting system for use with an emergency vehicle comprises at least one elongated lighting bar mounted to an exterior surface of the emergency vehicle, the lighting bar comprises a plurality of lighting elements operable to emit light, the at least one lighting bar operable to be placed in a first substantially horizontal lowered position and a second substantially vertical raised position, and a controller electrically coupled to the at least one lighting bar and configured to receive user input and controllably place the at least one lighting bar in one of a raised and lowered positions in response to the user input, the controller further configurable to operate the plurality of lighting elements in a predetermined repeating on/off sequence involving increasing number of lit lighting elements and increasing light intensity over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ROM Acquisition Corporation
    Inventors: John E. McLoughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Kiam Meng Toh
  • Patent number: 8604922
    Abstract: A motor vehicle taillight comprising a frame configured to be removably mounted to a vehicle, a housing coupled to the frame, a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) positioned along the frame, and a programmable electronic system configured to received an input signal and to selectively provide power to the at least one sets of LED arrays based on a program selected by a user and received input signal. The programmable electronic system is also configured to be selectively placed into a program mode upon activation of a switch, and when in the program mode, to select one of the plurality of programs based on at least one of a turn signal or brake signal of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Glen Harris
  • Publication number: 20130207799
    Abstract: A lighted exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing that houses a reflectance element. A turn signal indicator unit is disposed at a portion of the housing and has an enclosure and a light-transmitting cover joined with the enclosure. The turn signal indicator unit includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. At least some light emitting diodes of the plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, may individually emit light with a luminous intensity of at least about 500 mcd. When the plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, the pattern of light emitted by the turn signal indicator unit may be principally directed away from the side of the vehicle at which the lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
  • Patent number: 8310357
    Abstract: A signal lamp control system for one rear side of a vehicle receives a signal or voltage from the vehicle (near side signal) originally intended to turn on all signal lamps on that side. Responsive to that signal, the signal lamp control system either turns on all signal lamps on that side or sequentially turns on the signal lamps on that side, depending on a status of a signal or voltage from the vehicle (far side signal) originally intended to control the signal lamps on the opposite rear side of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the signal lamp control system has knowledge of the state of the other side before the near side signal transitions on. This distinguishes between near-side signal activation (alone), brake activation, brake activation with near-side signal activation and hazard warning activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventors: Donald J. Beach, Edmund C. Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20120025970
    Abstract: A signal lamp control system for one rear side of a vehicle receives a signal or voltage from the vehicle (near side signal) originally intended to turn on all signal lamps on that side. Responsive to that signal, the signal lamp control system either turns on all signal lamps on that side or sequentially turns on the signal lamps on that side, depending on a status of a signal or voltage from the vehicle (far side signal) originally intended to control the signal lamps on the opposite rear side of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the signal lamp control system has knowledge of the state of the other side before the near side signal transitions on. This distinguishes between near-side signal activation (alone), brake activation, brake activation with near-side signal activation and hazard warning activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Donald J. Beach, Edmund C. Wiggins
  • Patent number: 8106760
    Abstract: Vehicle 4-way emergency flasher circuits are modified by circuit branches which enable flashing selected pairs of emergency lamps at a higher frequency or in other discernible different ways. These selected lamps become visible and recognizable as right or left turn signals while the 4-way flasher circuit is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Trixcel, LLP
    Inventors: Gregory J. Ekchian, Berj A. Terzian, Jack A. Ekchian
  • Patent number: 7933690
    Abstract: A vehicle recognition allowing device is provided which allows the recognition of a traveling state of a vehicle, including a two-wheeled vehicle to be recognized and does not require a sophisticated image processing function. When a change in the speed, traveling state or both of the vehicle is detected by a traveling state detecting part, flickering frequencies of respective infrared ray markers are increased or decreased to a frequency corresponding to the change in speed, traveling state or both. Alternatively, flickering duty ratios of the respective infrared ray markers can be changed to a duty ratio corresponding to the new speed, traveling state or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumitsu Kushida, Mutsumi Katayama
  • Patent number: 7791465
    Abstract: A graphical taillight system for efficiently alerting a driver of a vehicle behind a signaling vehicle of the operations (e.g. braking, turning, reversing, etc.) of the signaling vehicle. The graphical taillight system generally includes a tail light cover including a rear surface, wherein the rear surface is comprised of a substantially nontransparent configuration. At least one signaling portion extends through the rear surface of the tail light cover, wherein the signaling portion is comprised of a substantially transparent configuration and wherein the signaling portion is graphically shaped to represent at least one operation of a vehicle. At least one light is aligned with the respective signaling portion, wherein the light shines through the signaling portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Amr S. El-Massry
  • Patent number: 7728718
    Abstract: The lighting system having a plurality of winker lamps disposed on front and rear portions of a vehicle body, a winker switch, and a lighting control circuit which performs changeover function allowing the winker lamps at a front portion of the vehicle body to lit as position lamps. The lighting control circuit is connected to a battery through an ignition switch. The lighting system further includes a power supply circuit which supplies, in an ignition off state, power to the lighting control circuit in response to an output signal from an antitheft apparatus to cause the winker lamps to light up or flicker. The output terminal of the antitheft device is connected to an electrical connection formed between the winker switch and the left and right rear lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Takeuchi, Tetsuya Kondo, Ryohei Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20090051523
    Abstract: Described is a sequential lighting system that is controlled by a control circuit. The sequential lighting system includes a series of LEDs, a housing having a plurality of compartments or devices with each compartment configured to contain one or more of said LEDs and a control circuit operable to illuminate said LEDs in a pre-determined sequence to signify a current state of said vehicle or an intended maneuver of said vehicle. Such a sequential lighting system provides a more noticeable and visible image than conventional lighting systems which comprise an on-off illumination of one or more LEDs forming the turn signal. An integrated light sensor also provides means for controlling the brightness of the LEDs when activated according to external lighting conditions. In an after market version, control means permits a flasher rate to be automatically determined upon installation of the lighting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Perkins
  • Patent number: 7484870
    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 cullminator, 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 by an emergency vehicle. These 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. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: 911EP, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Pederson
  • Patent number: 7466222
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing visual signals at an elevated position on a motorcycle, including one or more of running lights, turn signals, and brake light. A pair of light assemblies each include a light bar, a stem, and a stem bracket. The light bar includes a plurality of amber lights on the front, the side, and the rear and a plurality of red lights on the rear. The lights are selectively controlled to provide visual signals to others. The stems connect light bars to the stem bracket. In one embodiment, the stem brackets are attached to the handlebars. In one such embodiment, the stem brackets are mounted in conjunction with the handlebar mounted mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Rudy L. Scott
  • Patent number: 7425893
    Abstract: An integrated motorcycle light frame and turn indicator is provided. In one embodiment, the integrated light frame and turn siganal includes both turn-signals integrated into a headlight frame, or bezel. One feature of the present invention is that the manufacturer installed turn signal lights may be eliminated. Alternatively, the additional lights provided by the integrated light frame and turn signal assembly provided additional warning to on-coming motorists that a motorcycle rider wishes to turn. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Mathew Randolph Aron
  • 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: 7218212
    Abstract: A two-step control signal device is mounted on an automobile and has a turn signal, a U-turning signal and a two-step control circuit. The turn signal has base having a recess and a turn light. The turn light is mounted in the recess. The U-turn signal is mounted on the base and has a circuit board and multiple U-turn lights. The circuit board is mounted on the base and is connected electrically to the turn light. The U-turn lights are mounted electrically on the circuit board around the recess. The two-step control circuit is connected electrically to the turn signal and the U-turn signal, operates the turn signal when in a turn step and operates simultaneously the turn signal and the U-turn signal when in a U-turn step. The operating U-turn signal warns other automobiles nearby that the automobile is making a U-turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Chien-Chuan Hu
  • Patent number: 7163324
    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 cullminator, 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 by an emergency vehicle. These 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. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: 911EP, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Pederson
  • Patent number: 7119672
    Abstract: A turn proportioned turn signaling system for vehicles. The lamp arrays are provided signals from rotary sensors 30 from the steering column, the rack and pinion gear system, or trailer hitch mechanism that either directly affect the signaling pattern or drive a logic control unit that in turn drives the signaling pattern. The signal display panels may consist of a plurality of lamps or light emitting diodes intended to alert the surrounding people and vehicles. The display pattern selected by the logic control unit depends the magnitude and rate of turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Ramesh Subbaraman
  • Patent number: 7068160
    Abstract: An open door alert system for a vehicle causes an exterior light of the vehicle to flash if one or more vehicle doors are open. A sensor determines if the door, such as a sliding door of a van or minivan, is open. If the door is open, the exterior light flashes on and off to alert drivers of other vehicles that passengers may be entering or exiting the vehicle. Additionally, an interior vehicle light flashes concurrently with the exterior light to alert the driver that the door is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M Tourneur, Gayle Morris
  • Patent number: 7012515
    Abstract: An indicator 19 having LEDs 20 is mounted on a panel 5 which is provided at the center of a steering handle 6 for monitoring the winkers. The indicator 19 indicates the battery charge amount with the lit up LEDs 20 and also the right or left turn of the vehicle when a winker switch 14 is turned on for indicating the corresponding steering direction. For right turns, the LEDs 20 are lit up incrementally in a sequence from the left to the right. As the LEDs 20 all have been lit up, they are temporarily turned off and their action in the incremental sequence is then repeated. For left turns, the LEDs 20 are lit up incrementally in order from the right. As the LEDs 20 all have been lit up, they are temporarily turned off and their incremental action from the right is then repeated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasunori Yamamoto, Makoto Yamanaka, Yoshihiro Iijima
  • Patent number: 7002458
    Abstract: A vehicular turning indicator is used for automatically showing a turning degree of a vehicle. The vehicular turning indicator includes a sensor sensing a turning angle of the vehicle; a control device asserting a control signal according to the turning direction, the turning angle and optionally the speed of the vehicle; and a plurality of lightening units in communication with the control device brightening to constitute a variable pattern in response to the control signal. The vehicular turning indicator can be implemented by currently existent vehicular lamps such as indicator light, brake light or head-up display, be incorporated into an existent vehicular accessory such as rearview mirror module or auxiliary brake light module, or independently mounted to the vehicle. Preferably, special flashing effects are performed to make the turning indication prominent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Exon Science, Inc.
    Inventor: Wen-Wei Su
  • 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: 6842111
    Abstract: An integrated multifunction flasher system includes a pair of light units, each light unit housing an LED array, LED switches, and a programmed controller within an enclosure. The controllers of the pair of units are interconnected and are additionally connected to the turn signal wiring, the backup signal wiring, and to a manually operated switch. The controllers sense the operation of the turn signals, the backup lamps, and the manual switch and cooperate to generate flash patterns which parallel the turn and hazard flasher signals and which generate alternating strobe patterns in response to activation of the backup lamp or closure of the manual switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Bradley D. Smithson
  • Patent number: 6714129
    Abstract: The invention comprises an antenna holder integrating a brake light and a turn signal light visible from the rear of the vehicle for vehicles. The antenna holder may include a telescopic bracket to ensure effective positioning of the antenna. Additionally, the antenna holder may be specifically adapted for aftermarket use on vehicles, such as recreational vehicles or light trucks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Raul Luna, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6504477
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Yu-Chu Lin
  • Patent number: 6424256
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a sensor and signal for unsafe occurrences. In the preferred embodiment, a severe braking alert system is coupled to a vehicle for notifying trailing drivers that the vehicle is braking severely. Sensors in the system detect when the vehicle exceeds a predetermined deceleration threshold value thereby causing one or more of the vehicle's existing rear lights to flash for a predetermined time period. Alternatively, a dedicated light(s) can be incorporated. The flashing light(s) alerts trailing drivers to the dangerous condition and provide them with valuable information about the vehicle's rate of deceleration. This allows the trailing drivers to apply the appropriate amount of braking power to their vehicles in order to prevent a rear-end collision. Alternative flashing schemes can also be incorporated to notify the trailing driver about the degree of severity with which the lead vehicle is decelerating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Ryder
  • Patent number: 6333688
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventors: Tyrone A. Brown, Yvonne A. Brown
  • Patent number: 6181243
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Tzu Tsan Yang
  • Patent number: 6155694
    Abstract: A multi-flash strobe light pattern is superimposed on each individual light pulse produced by an incandescent lamp to provide a warning signal of enhanced visibility in a particulate laden ambient environment. The first pulse of each multi-flash strobe pattern is delayed for a time period, subsequent to energization of the incandescent lamp, which is equal to at least 80% of the time required for the incandescent lamp to achieve its maximum light output intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Wayne Lyons, James L. Stopa
  • Patent number: 6150933
    Abstract: A vehicle brake light system comprises a plurality of lamps arranged in endless array, a brake pedal linkage operable in response to depression of a brake pedal and a controller operable to effect brief illumination of the lamps in sequence around the array in response to operation of the brake pedal linkage. The rate at which the lamps are sequentially illuminated increases in accordance with the magnitude of the brake actuation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Kiyoto Matsumoto
  • 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: 6076948
    Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly is disclosed and which includes a supporting substrate having opposite first and second surfaces and having an area formed therein which allows electromagnetic radiation to pass therethrough; a reflector positioned adjacent to the second surface of the substrate and oriented in a given position relative to the area formed in the substrate; and an electromagnetic radiation emitter mounted on the second surface of the substrate and which emits a source of electromagnetic radiation which is reflected by the reflector through the area formed in the supporting substrate. An electromagnetic radiation receiver is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: K. W. Muth Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen A. Bukosky, Daniel J. Mathieu
  • Patent number: 6067010
    Abstract: An auxiliary safety warning lamp system for a vehicle comprising a lamp unit, a remote control unit including a receiver attached to the lamp unit, and an emitter controlled by an operator and emitting signals to the receiver for controlling operation of the lamp unit, a control unit connected between the receiver and the lamp unit for identifying the signals emitted from the emitter to the receiver so as to control functions of the lamp unit, and a switch-type power adjustable supply unit connected to the control unit for supplying power to the lamp unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Papacy Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Yung Wang
  • 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: 6028512
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Temic Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Schropp, Andreas Fritz
  • Patent number: 6025656
    Abstract: An automobile electrical circuit including a battery, turn signal switch, flashers, parking light switch, brake switch, relays, and front and rear lights. In the daytime or at night, the high filaments flash when the turn signal on that side is activated. At night, the low filaments flash synchronously with the high filaments when the turn signal on that side is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Benjamin Daniel Slater
  • Patent number: 6014596
    Abstract: An intelligent strobe system for vehicle applications includes strobe modules connected between the positive and negative DC power rails of the vehicle. One of the strobe modules includes a transmitter circuit for generating sinusoidal data and transmitting the data over the DC power rails. Other strobe modules include a receiver circuit to receive and decode the sinusoidal data to control the flash sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Presco, Inc.
    Inventors: Emery L. Bess, Dale C. Hessing, David Durlin
  • Patent number: 5900812
    Abstract: The invention comprises a vehicular wide turn warning device having a placard with a warning printed thereon. The placard also has mounted thereon a strobe lamp and a plurality of light-emitting mechanisms, the light-emitting mechanisms being arranged to form an arrow having a point and a tail. The invention also comprises a control circuit for operating the light-emitting mechanisms and strobe lamp mounted upon the placard. The control circuit is arranged such that the light-emitting mechanisms forming the arrow are sequentially and cyclically illuminated beginning with the light-emitting mechanisms forming the tail of the arrow and preceding to the light-emitting mechanisms forming the head of the arrow. The strobe lamp is cyclically illuminated in conjunction with the light-emitting mechanisms forming the arrow. A manually operable switching means located adjacent a driver of a vehicle activates a control circuit for the vehicular wide turn warning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Stanley Ruminski
    Inventors: Stanley Ruminski, William Carrell
  • Patent number: 5900813
    Abstract: The invention comprises a vehicular wide turn warning device having a placard with a warning printed thereon. The placard also has mounted thereon a strobe lamp and a plurality of light-emitting mechanisms, the light-emitting mechanisms being arranged to form an arrow having a point and a tail. The invention also comprises a control circuit for operating the light-emitting mechanisms and strobe lamp mounted upon the placard. The control circuit is arranged such that the light-emitting mechanisms forming the arrow are sequentially and cyclically illuminated beginning with the light-emitting mechanisms forming the tail of the arrow and preceding to the light-emitting mechanisms forming the head of the arrow. The strobe lamp is cyclically illuminated in conjunction with the light-emitting mechanisms forming the arrow. A manually operable switching means located adjacent a driver of a vehicle activates a control circuit for the vehicular wide turn warning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Stanley Ruminski
    Inventors: Stanley Ruminski, William Carrell
  • Patent number: 5877681
    Abstract: A lighting system and method for broadcasting colored lights as emergency warning signals from a light source. A centralized continuous light source is coupled via a fiber optic transmission medium to an external display location such as a lens or the like located on a vehicle. The color and the relative intensity of each color is periodically modulated to alternate between at least two states such that the contrast between these alternating states is perceived by observers to be a flashing source of light with no off-time. The frequency and the duty cycle of the repetition rate of alternating between the states may be further controlled to better draw attention to the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignees: Federal Signal Corporation, General ELectric Company
    Inventors: Jerry L. Williams, Dennis J. Hilburger, Jacek J. Jozwik, Kent A. Kekeis, Timothy J. Mazies, Gregory A. Sink, John M. Davenport, Richard L. Hansler, William J. Cassarly
  • Patent number: 5831522
    Abstract: A portable visual emergency signal device for generally indicating caution and for providing a beacon to guide emergency vehicles or personnel to an emergency site. The emergency signal device is sectioned into a plurality of wedges, each wedge having a translucent faceted face and a distinct color. The emergency signal device also contains a plurality of sequentially fired lamps and at least one reflective surface cooperating with the lamps to facilitate propagation of light energy. The emergency signal device further includes a battery and an alarm cooperating with the battery to indicate a low battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventors: Leonard E. Weed, Ronald J. Weed, Dwight V. Call
  • Patent number: 5831523
    Abstract: A vehicle light system is provided for use with a vehicle having a rear window with a periphery defined by a linear top edge, a linear bottom edge, and a pair of side edges formed therebetween. Provided is a plurality of spaced red light emitting diodes formed along the top edge of the rear window. The red light emitting diodes include a first set of diodes situated to the left of a central extent of the rear window and a second set of diodes situated to the right of the central extent thereof. In use, the red light emitting diodes are adapted to illuminate only during the actuation thereof. Finally, a brake relay control mechanism is adapted to actuate the red light emitting diodes in sequence upon the braking of the vehicle with a short delay therebetween, wherein the red light emitting diodes are actuated in sequence from the central extent of the top edge of the rear window to a side extent thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Edward A. Lange
  • Patent number: 5805061
    Abstract: A method and an electronic circuit are for monitoring the operation of a circuit including a plurality of intermittently powered parallel load elements, such as the flasher lamps of a vehicle. The total load current is directed through a measuring shunt resistor, and the resulting voltage across the shunt is measured and evaluated. The measured voltage initially arising across the shunt is used as a basis to establish a first voltage level for a load failure control threshold. A second voltage level greater than the first voltage level is established as a short-circuit control threshold. Then, the voltage value arising across the shunt during operation of the circuit is compared to the load failure control threshold and the short-circuit control threshold, and a load failure or a short-circuit is detected dependent upon and responsive to the result of these comparisons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignees: Hella KG Hueck & Co., Temic Telefunken Microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Fritz, Hans-Josef Evens, Robin D. Ray
  • Patent number: RE41243
    Abstract: A multi-functional side rear view mirror for a vehicle for preventing blind spots for viewers. The multi-functional side rear view mirror includes a housing for mounting to the vehicle, a pair of mirrors disposed in the housing for viewing behind the vehicle, a pair of side marker lights disposed on the housing for continuously illuminating while the external light system of the vehicle is activated for preventing blind spots for the viewers, a turn signal light disposed on the housing for flashing while the turn signal system of the vehicle is activated for preventing blind spots for the viewers, and a brake light disposed on the housing for continuously illuminating while the brake light system of the vehicle is activated for preventing blind spots for the viewers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: John F. Kurth