Abstract: An electric assist steering system (10) includes a steering torque sensor (110) and an electric assist variable reluctance motor (26) operatively connected to a steering member. A motor control signal is provided in response to a value of the torque signal for control of the assist motor (26). Energization sequence of the assist motor is dependant upon the relative position of the motor rotor (38) with respect to the motor housing and stator (32). A motor position sensor (54) provides a rotor position signal to (i) a drive control circuit (150) controlling motor energization sequence, and (ii) turn signal control function (130). Turn signal control function (130) controls turn signal indicators (121) in response to the sensed motor position.

Abstract: A U-turn indicator having a series of sequentially illuminated lights forming the shape of `U`. The indicator is for vehicles or vehicle travel paths. In combination with a vehicle, a plurality of indicators is used. Preferably, an anterior non-inverted `U`, a posterior inverted `U`, and a side laterally dispositioned `U`. In combination with vehicle travel paths, an inverted `U` indicator is used in conjunction with a conventional traffic light or the equivalent. The U-turn indicator is activated by an actuator (a operator accessible switch in a vehicle or a vehicle presence sensor in the path). The control module responds to the actuator and generates a control signal, thus sequentially illuminating the series of lights.

Abstract: A flasher for intermittently operating a third brakelight in response to a predetermined deceleration of a vehicle. The inventive device includes a flasher relay electrically couplable to the power supply line of the third brakelight. A mechanical deceleration sensor is electrically coupled to the flashing relay to effect operation thereof during a predetermined deceleration of the vehicle. The mechanical deceleration sensor is pivotally mounted to the vehicle so as to remain level during traversing of the vehicle over inclined or declined terrain.

Abstract: A completely solid state rotary beacon which produces a rotary beacon lighting effect without the use of mechanical components or rotating parts. The device of the present invention includes a plurality of light sources which are equicircumferentially spaced around the outer perimeter of the rotary beacon. These light sources are intermittently illuminated by an electronic controller in such a fashion that the illusion of a rotating light beacon is produced without the need for rotating mechanical components. The lighting sequence, in conjunction with the unique parabolic reflector arrangement of the present invention, create the illusion of a light source being rotated in a 360.degree. path. This effect is achieved by the present invention without the use of rotating mechanical components.

Abstract: This invention has an Automatic Safety Turn Signal Adapter mounted on the steering shaft of a vehicle to control the flow of electricity. When the steering shaft is turned to the right or left the electric current from the vehicle battery is directed by the adapter to the electrodes that control the right or left side turn signals of the vehicle. The negative terminal of the battery is grounded to the vehicle frame. Power input flows from the battery positive pole, to the electrical apparatus of the adapter, to the turn signal lamps, to the negative grounded frame, and back to the battery negative pole, completing the electric circuit. As the current flows from the positive pole of the battery it passes through an electric circuit breaker which causes the turn signals to flash. The adapter has a switch to manually turn the turn signals off and on and a switch to manually turn the 4-way safety flashers off and on.

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.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the degree of the operation of the accelerator in an automobile is provided and the display apparatus for expanding shrinking the display detection of the sensor is provided in the automobile so that the display apparatus can be observed from the outside. A apparatus for detecting the number of rotation of engine and the depressing degree of the brake pedal also provided. The number of the engine and the depressing degree of the brake pedal as well as operation degree of the accelerator pedal is displayed inside the car and outside the car by using the light emitting display apparatus. Apparatus for detecting the running speed of vehicle and the apparatus for detecting the acceleration and the deceleration of the vehicle are provided a plurality of different meaningful of character strings are displayed outside the vehicle in accordance with the detection status of the detecting apparatus to that the running status of the automobile is displayed.

Abstract: A signal light system includes an oscillator for generating pulse waves, a counter coupled to the oscillator, a controller connected to the counter, a decoder connected to the controller for receiving signal from the oscillator. A number of gates couple the decoder to a number of lamps for energizing all of the lamps when receiving low potential and for energizing the lamps in series when the gates receives no low potential. Another controller is connected to the gates for propagating low potential to the gates.

Abstract: The device according to the present invention allows the timed lighting in following phases of the structure and of the signals provided on two kinds of emergency triangles, a first one (2) provided on the vehicle, and a second one (3) that may be seen at distance, when the vehicle is forced to stop due to a damage.

Abstract: A system for flashing a plurality of light sources, such as the headlights, taillights, brake lights and/or turn signal indicators of an automotive vehicle which includes a plurality of light switching circuits wherein one light switching circuit is associated with each light source. Each light switching circuit is responsive to a predetermined input signal to switch its associated light source between an on and an off condition. A microprocessor has a plurality of output signal lines wherein one output line is electrically connected with each light switching circuit. The microprocessor is preprogrammed to generate the predetermined input signals to the light switching circuits on its output signal lines in a predetermined sequence.

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.

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.

Abstract: An externally visible indication of incipient automotive vehicle motion is displayed based on information from the vehicle operator, the engine and the transmission, as interpreted by the vehicle controller, wherein acceleration information is selectively provided during throttle tip-in while the transmission is in a low gear, and wherein brake information is provided when the brake pedal is depressed. Unique external displays of the incipient motion, sensitive to ambient light levels, are provided in forward areas of the vehicle.

Abstract: A traffic controller system to be utilized as a primary or a back-up unit capable of operating both with an A.C. or a D.C. power supply. The apparatus utilizes a single timing capacitor and an array of timing resistors to generate all timing information for the operation of a traffic light.

Abstract: Information as to a direction(s) to be followed to avoid a hazard is unambiguously transmitted by energizing lamps of an array in accordance with stored data whereby unique sequential flash patterns are generated. A selectable pattern includes a long initial flash followed by a plurality of relatively short flashes which progress in stepwise fashion in the direction of desired observer motion, the pattern ending with a terminal lamp of the array being flashed repetitively. The pattern is then caused to repeat after an off time which is of long duration relative to at least the short flashes of the pattern.

Abstract: A light sequencer for a toy having a simple way for individually varying the on and off times of each stage of a chain or ring. Each stage has a light controlling amplifier/switch whose gain is individually controlled by a hysteresis element. When the voltage across the hysteresis element is below its set breakdown voltage, it non-conducts, thereby causing the amplifier/switch to have negative gain, and the controlled light is not lit. When the voltage across a hysteresis element equals or exceeds its set breakdown voltage, it `fires` into a highly-conductive state, causing the amplifier/switch to have very high gain, and the controlled light is lit. The hysteresis element remains in its conductive state until the voltage across it drops below recovery voltage level. Then it switches back to non-conductive state, causing the amplifier/switch to have negative gain, and the controlled light is not lit. The difference between breakdown or `firing` voltage and recovery voltage is the hysteresis factor.

Abstract: A vehicle deceleration indicator device which operates with the braking system of the vehicle. The device includes an array of lights (A), inertia switch apparatus (32, 34, 36, 38) and interconnecting circuitry. The switch apparatus are mounted on a swingable arm (24) which at all times remains at true vertical. Arm brake apparatus (D) are actuated when the vehicle is braked to secure the arm at true vertical and inertia acts against the switch apparatus to sequentially activate the lights (54, 56, 58, 60, 62) of the array.

Abstract: A U-turn signal for vehicles, which includes a plurality of lights forming an inverted "U", a flashing arrangement for sequentially flashing the lights to indicate the intended direction of the U-turn, and an actuating arrangement for actuating the flashing arrangement, and wherein the U-turn signal is positioned rearwardly facing from the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle brake light and display system employs a display screen having an array of light emitting diodes arranged to transmit a selected pattern or message in red light. A fixed or programmable memory has sets of data stored therein that can be selectively extracted to energize certain of the light emitting elements and display a single line of a selected message. Upon actuation of the brake of the vehicle in which the display screen is mounted, display of the message is disabled, and all of the light emitting elements are energized to provide a solid display of red over the entire screen. As a further safety feature, the display is maintained in a disable condition until initial application of the brake, and thereafter subsequent applications of the brake will cause display of the brake light over the entire display panel.

Abstract: In a rear combination lamp assembly for a vehicle, a plurality of LEDs capable of being turned on and off independently of each other are mounted on a first printed circuit board. A plate-like lens element and a second printed circuit board are arranged with the first printed circuit board located between them. A control circuitry is mounted on the second printed circuit board, for selectively turning on and off the LEDs to display various patterns on a matrix display formed by the LEDs. The first printed circuit board, the lens element and the second printed circuit board are held in a united fashion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a signal warning light device designed to be mounted on the roof of an emergency vehicle. Normally this device, in use, would appear to be a frame holding a line of lights across the top of the vehicle. However, at the scene of an emergency, under control of the driver, bars pivoted at the two ends of the frame would be automatically swiveled upward. When raised fully, the bars would appear vertical and with its vertical array of lights woudl provide approaching drivers with an advanced warning. By limiting the movement of one bar to an acute angle and not fully raising the other bar the effect of a pointing arrow or spear head would be obtained. Thus by selectively controlling the bars to be raised, traffic could be directed to proceed left or right or if the both bars were raised partially, signals to stop, slow as well as right and left may be given. Sequential flashing of the bar mounted lights would emphasize the message when directed toward the "point".

Abstract: A portable multilight system is provided for traffic control, highway safety and to identify obstructions. A housing having a rechargeable power pack disposed therein includes a plurality of light blocks that are movable from a stored position within the housing to an extended position when developed to form an elongated spaced light block array. Each of the light blocks incorporates at least one Xenon tube stroke light with appropriate electrical connections and switching apparatus to permit selection of simultaneous flashing of the strobe light or serial flashing of the strobe lights from either end of the light block array. Flashing of the strobe lights can also be controlled from the standpoint of flash interval. The strobe light array can be used in many different arrangements for all types of traffic control, for identification of emergency helicopter landing sites and for identifying obstructions.