Brake Light Patents (Class 340/479)
  • Patent number: 11872930
    Abstract: An auxiliary third brake light which is installed on a truck bed enclosure or frame is disclosed. The auxiliary third brake light is not physically secured by adhesive or mechanical fastener to the truck bed, cab or body or any part of the truck. The parts of the auxiliary third brake light mounted to the truck bed cover and contact the truck bed, cab or body is pressed into contact. When the truck bed cover is collapsed or removed, the user can have full use of the truck bed. The parts of the auxiliary third brake light that contact the truck bed, cab or body are pulled off therefrom. When the truck bed cover is deployed to the erected position, the parts of the third brake light that contact the truck bed, cab or body are properly repositioned back into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 11760387
    Abstract: A method for determining driving policies for a vehicle includes: receiving, in real-time during a trip of a vehicle, at least a set of input multimedia content elements captured by at least one sensor deployed in proximity to the vehicle, determining a plurality of possible future scenarios based at least on the set of input multimedia content elements, determining a probability score for each of the plurality of possible future scenarios, determining at least one driving policy according to at least the probability score for at least one of the plurality of possible future scenarios, and controlling the vehicle according to the at least one driving policy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: AUTOBRAINS TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Igal Raichelgauz, Karina Odinaev, Yehoshua Y Zeevi
  • Patent number: 11752931
    Abstract: The condition responsive vehicular taillight is a safety device. The condition responsive vehicular taillight incorporates a vehicle and a control circuit. The control circuit mounts in the vehicle. The control circuit senses changes in the momentum of the vehicle. The control circuit generates a visual indication of the changes in the momentum of the vehicle. The visual indication is visible from the exterior of the vehicle. The visual indication is visible when viewed from the rear side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Inventor: Robert Smith
  • Patent number: 11745717
    Abstract: Provided herein is an actuation unit for a braking system. The actuation unit for a braking system includes a piston directly or indirectly connected to a brake pedal, an electronic control unit, a hydraulic pressure unit, an electronic memory unit mechanically connected to the hydraulic pressure unit, and a position sensor configured to detect movement of the piston connected to the brake pedal, wherein a signal of the position sensor is corrected, and data for correcting the signal is stored in the electronic memory unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: HL MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hansjoerg Feigel
  • Patent number: 11639781
    Abstract: An illumination system configured to be attached to a rear of a vehicle with a tow hitch, and positioned to direct light towards the ground behind the vehicle and the tow hitch. The illumination system including a housing, a socket with differently shaped fingers for attachment to the housing in a proper orientation. An LED light is received in the socket for directing light rays in a first direction, and an inner lens is coupled to the LED, and configured to receive the light rays such that a flat portion of the lens directs some of the light rays substantially along the first direction and an angled portion of the lens directs some of the light rays in a second direction different from the first direction. A protective outer lens surrounds the inner lens, and includes transparent and opaque portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Jose Hernan Hernandez
  • Patent number: 11628766
    Abstract: A notification device includes: a notification-sound output portion provided in a vehicle and configured to output a notification sound toward the outside of the vehicle; a notification display portion provided in the vehicle and configured to output a notification display toward the outside of the vehicle; a notification controlling portion configured to control the notification sound of the notification-sound output portion and the notification display of the notification display portion; and a stop-state determination portion configured to determine whether the vehicle during the automatic driving enters a stop state or not. When the stop-state determination portion determines that the vehicle during the automatic driving enters the stop state, the notification controlling portion outputs a stop-time notification sound as the notification sound by the notification-sound output portion and outputs a stop-time notification display as the notification display by the notification display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Junichi Morimura, Tomoyuki Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 11535246
    Abstract: A system for providing an alert to an occupant of a vehicle may include one or more processors and a memory. The memory may store a free space detection module, a target detection module, a path prediction module, an activation threshold module, and an alert module. The modules include instructions that cause the one or more processors to determine one or more dimensions of a free space located adjacent to a side of the vehicle, determine one or more dimensions of one or more targets, determine one or more predicted paths of one or more targets, selectively adjust an activation threshold for providing an alert according to the one or more predicted paths, and activate the alert to inform the occupant of a hazard associated with the one or more targets according to whether the one or more predicted paths satisfies the activation threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nathaniel Sherrit, Ryo Takaki, Joshua Goriesky
  • Patent number: 11524628
    Abstract: A notification device in a vehicle enables a person outside the vehicle to be notified of a predetermined operating state of the vehicle by the light emission, and includes: a plurality of spot-shaped light sources arranged at intervals to follow an upper edge of a windshield; a reflecting part reflecting light from the light sources to a front; an outer lens transmitting therethrough the light heading toward the front from the reflecting part; and a housing. The outer lens has on at least one of front and rear faces thereof a fine concave-convex face diffusing the light transmitted through the outer lens. Accordingly, the device is visible through an upper part of the windshield from a person outside the vehicle so that visibility is very good, and the light from the relatively small spot-shaped light source can be sufficiently diffused so that visibility can be further enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignees: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Takori, Miho Sasaki, Yuji Tsuchiya, Yuri Mitomo, Tomohiro Kaneko, Shota Suzuki, Miyoko Nagaike
  • Patent number: 11518303
    Abstract: A notification device includes: a notification-sound output portion provided in a vehicle and configured to output a notification sound toward the outside of the vehicle; a notification display portion provided in the vehicle and configured to output a notification display toward the outside of the vehicle; a notification controlling portion configured to control the notification sound of the notification-sound output portion and the notification display of the notification display portion; and a stop-state determination portion configured to determine whether the vehicle during the automatic driving enters a stop state or not. When the stop-state determination portion determines that the vehicle during the automatic driving enters the stop state, the notification controlling portion outputs a stop-time notification sound as the notification sound by the notification-sound output portion and outputs a stop-time notification display as the notification display by the notification display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Junichi Morimura, Tomoyuki Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 11511710
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a braking device for a vehicle. It is the purpose of the present invention to enable automatic braking upon detection of a braking action of a preceding vehicle which is concealed by an obstacle. The braking device for a vehicle according to the invention, comprises a brake pedal, a brake actuator, a control unit which is adapted to activate the brake actuator in dependence on the position of the brake pedal; wherein the brake actuator is activatable in dependence on a first signal, and wherein the first signal contains information about a first characteristic of a preceding vehicle covered by an obstacle, characterized in that the braking device is adapted to receive the first signal from a stationary transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Marco Scheffler
  • Patent number: 11440464
    Abstract: Systems and methods for replicating vehicular illumination are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system includes a detector configured to sense light emitted by a host light of a host vehicle for detecting a lighting state of the host light. The system also includes a communications system configured to communicate the detected lighting state between the host light and the remote light. Further, the system includes a remote light being located on one of the host vehicle and an operator of the host vehicle and configured to replicate the lighting state of the host light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: International Research Institute
    Inventor: Robert Ernest Troxler
  • Patent number: 11364841
    Abstract: An auxiliary third brake light which is installed on a removable or collapsible truck bed enclosure or frame is disclosed. The auxiliary third brake light is preferably not physically secured by adhesive or mechanical fastener to the truck bed, cab or body or any part of the truck. Rather, the parts of the auxiliary third brake light that are mounted to the truck bed cover and contact the truck bed, cab or body is pressed into contact. In this way, when the truck bed cover is collapsed or removed, the user can have full use of the truck bed. The parts of the auxiliary third brake light that contact the truck bed, cab or body are pulled off therefrom. When the truck bed cover is deployed to the erected position or put back on the truck bed, the parts of the third brake light that contact the truck bed, cab or body are properly repositioned back into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 11338726
    Abstract: An auxiliary spare tire brake light is provided for a vehicle having a spare tire with a rim that has spokes and openings and that is secured on lugs at the back of the vehicle. The auxiliary spare tire brake light includes a support disc having a central portion and a peripheral portion. An array of openings is formed in the central portion of the support disc and the openings are positioned to fit over the lugs at the back of the vehicle for positioning the support on the lugs behind the rim of the spare tire. An annular race extends around the peripheral portion of the support and a plurality of lights in the form of LEDs is disposed in the race. The LEDs are arrayed in a closely spaced substantially continuous array around the support to form a ring of LEDs. A wire and electrical connector electrically connect the plurality of LEDs to the brake circuitry of the vehicle so that the LEDs are illuminated when the vehicle's brake pedal is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: OMIX-ADA, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick W. Bennett
  • Patent number: 11325530
    Abstract: A system to enhance vehicle safety is disclosed comprising a vehicle having a front end and a rear end; at least one visual signal light apparatus positioned in the proximity to the front end of the vehicle; the visual signal light apparatus illuminates when the vehicle's is decelerating via its braking system; wherein the visual light apparatus is comprised of a rear view mirror having a first surface facing the front of the vehicle and a second surface facing the rear of the vehicle wherein at least one portion of solar panel is embodied to the first surface and at least one or more LED lights is embodied to the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Inventor: Yong Guk Yi
  • Patent number: 11292339
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for displaying safety-relevant information on a display device of a vehicle. A speed of the vehicle, environment data representing an environment of the vehicle, a driver reaction time, and an emergency braking reaction time for an emergency braking driver assistance function are input, and used to superimpose an emergency braking marker and a driver intervention marker on the map representing a lane in which the vehicle is travelling in the display device. The emergency braking marker represents a future point in time and/or future location for an intervention of the emergency braking driver assistance function, and the driver intervention marker represents a future point in time and/or a future location for the latest possible intervention of the driver prior to the intervention of the emergency braking driver assistance function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventor: Cosmin Tudosie
  • Patent number: 11173900
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for navigating based on sensed brake light patterns. In one implementation, a navigation system for a host vehicle may include at least one processing device. The at least one processing device may be programmed to receive, from a camera, a plurality of images representative of an environment ahead of the host vehicle; analyze the plurality of images to identify at least one target vehicle in the environment ahead of the host vehicle; identify, based on analysis of the plurality of images, at least one brake light associated with the target vehicle and at least one characteristic associated with changes in an illumination state of the at least one brake light; and cause a navigational change for the host vehicle based on the identified at least one characteristic associated with the changes in the illumination state of the at least one brake light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: MOBILEYE VISION TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Shai Shalev-Shwartz, Amnon Shashua, Shaked Shammah
  • Patent number: 11178353
    Abstract: A display system is provided for a vehicle equipped with a camera for supplying streamed video images of a scene rearward of the vehicle. The display system includes an image processing unit for receiving the streamed video images and processing the streamed video images, and a display for displaying the processed streamed video images. To perform processing of the streamed video images, the image processing unit is configured to: detect amplitude-modulated light sources in the streamed video images, classify the detected amplitude-modulated light sources into one of several possible classifications, select the streamed video images in which an amplitude-modulated light source is detected that flickers based upon the classification of the amplitude-modulated light source, and modify the selected streamed video images to correct for flicker of any amplitude-modulated light sources in the selected streamed video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tom B. Sherman, Daniel G. McMillan, Dale M. Radcliff, Igor Majdandzic, Gregory S. Bush
  • Patent number: 11103022
    Abstract: Under poor lighting conditions, it is difficult to distinguish whether multiple lights are attached to the same object or multiple objects, particularly when they are flashing. In some circumstances, lights flashing at different frequencies and/or with different periods may be presumed by other road users to be associated with different objects, thereby diminishing the value of multiple individual lights on a bicycle. Synchronized safety lighting enables a cyclist to synchronize multiple individual lights so that they may flash in unison with the same repeating pattern. This provides a stronger visual impression of a cyclist and their bicycle to other road users by visually tying the cyclist's lights together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: ARSENAL CYCLING LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Prehn
  • Patent number: 11097654
    Abstract: A door handle providing a superior visibility from both front and rear directions of a vehicle is provided. The door handle includes: an operating portion that bulges from a door outer surface, defining a space between the door outer surface and the operating portion, allowing a user to insert his or her hand into the space; a fixation portion arranged adjacent to the operating portion, including a lens as a translucent member; an outer surface provided in the lens, the outer surface having such a region that a vehicle rear side of the region is positioned outward as compared to a vehicle front side thereof; and a lighting body serving as a direction indicator allowing a transmissive illumination to be made from the inner surface side of the lens. Thus, the lens can be made visible not only from the vehicular lateral side but from the vehicular front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA ACCESS CORP.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Seki, Kenichi Nara
  • Patent number: 11077788
    Abstract: A method for controlling and switching operational modes of an additional lamp for a vehicle includes confirming a pre-set operating mode of the additional lamp. The additional lamp is switched from the pre-set operating mode to another operating mode only when a continuous first signal and intermittent plural second signals come from the vehicle. When the brake is operating and the additional lamp is in a non-flickering mode, the additional lamp generates non-flickering light. When the brake is operating and the additional lamp is in the flickering mode, the additional lamp generates flickering light. The additional lamp is turned off when the braking operation stops. When the braking operation continues and the additional lamp is in the flickering mode, the additional lamp keeps outputting flickering light. When the braking operation continues and the additional lamp is in the non-flickering mode, the additional lamp keeps outputting non-flickering light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: Mei-Hui Huang
  • Patent number: 11034291
    Abstract: An apparatus and garment with protective padding and covering for use by motorcycle or recreational vehicle operators having integrated turning signals and notification lights to be illuminated in the case of turning, braking, hazard, or emergency. A Garment configured to have the ability to communicate with the motorcycle electronic module via a wireless protocol to provide synchronous turning signals and braking notifications lighting to other vehicle operators in the rear or side or oncoming traffic. Control of lighting integrated and configured via electronic control unit with switches or toggles located in sleeves and cuffs of a Garment. Battery pack for electronics and lighting within interior of a Garment. Primary lighting control via wireless communication protocol and tethered power source or control mechanism integrated as a redundant option for control within a Garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Ejiawoko
  • Patent number: 11014570
    Abstract: A method includes observing one or more rear tires for a front car, the one or more rear tires include a left rear tire and a right rear tire, determining whether the one or more of the rear tires have an anomaly, observing a chassis of the front car to determine if there is an inclination, and sending an alert if the one or more rear tires have the anomaly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar Sadrach Reyes Baron, Jose Ramon Casillas Bracamontes
  • Patent number: 10991179
    Abstract: Safety around a vehicle can be improved when there is a disagreement between an operation state of the vehicle and the notification contents notified from the vehicle. Abnormality notifying apparatus includes a determiner that determines whether or not there is a disagreement in correspondence relationship between operation control and notification control based on a first signal related to the operation control of vehicle and a second signal related to the notification control for notifying notification information according to the operation control to outside vehicle. When there is a disagreement in correspondence relationship, abnormality notifying apparatus notifies information indicating that the vehicle is in an abnormal state to outside vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Tsukamoto, Hideki Tamura
  • Patent number: 10981496
    Abstract: A visual deceleration indicator signals to pedestrians and other vehicles that a vehicle is slowing down or coming to a stop. Illuminating devices, such as LEDs, contained in a license plate frame located in the front of the car or otherwise, are activated when the vehicle decelerates. An accelerometer or other sensory device detects deceleration and sends a signal to illuminate the LEDs, thereby letting others know the vehicle is slowing down. The license plate frame may be connected directly to a rear brake light component without the use of accelerometers or other sensors. When the brake is applied, the LEDs in the license plate frame are illuminated. The LEDs may be contained in other forms and located in different positions on the front or side of the car. The indicator might be one color to indicate braking and another color to indicate it is on, but not braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: PEDESTRIAN SAFETY SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Paul L. Schaye
  • Patent number: 10974640
    Abstract: A brake lamp control device is provided which includes: a brake state signal output unit configured to output a brake state signal indicative of ON and OFF states of automatic braking operation for a brake of a vehicle; and a turn-on controller configured to control turn-on and turn-off states of a brake lamp on the basis of the brake state signal and turns on the brake lamp for a predetermined interval after the brake state signal becomes the OFF state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Shimada
  • Patent number: 10960811
    Abstract: A system to enhance vehicle safety is disclosed comprising a vehicle having a front end and a rear end; at least one visual signal light apparatus positioned in the proximity to the front end of the vehicle; the visual signal light apparatus illuminates when the vehicle's is decelerating via its braking system; wherein the visual light apparatus is comprised of at least a main component and a mount component; wherein the mount component is suitable to mount the main component to a surface of the front of the vehicle; wherein the main component is comprised of a housing, an LED array, and a solar array; wherein the housing is comprised of a recessed portion housing the LED array; wherein the LED array faces the front end of the vehicle; and wherein the solar array is embodied to a top surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Yong Guk Yi
  • Patent number: 10913450
    Abstract: A method for detecting a committed rule infringement and/or an atypical vehicle state of a vehicle. The method includes: receiving environmental data acquired with the aid of an environmental sensor system; ascertaining a vehicle behavior and/or a vehicle state of a vehicle based on the environmental data; detecting a committed rule infringement and/or an atypical vehicle state of the vehicle based on the ascertained vehicle behavior and/or vehicle state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Heiko Freienstein, Florian Oesterle, Joerg Moennich
  • Patent number: 10883695
    Abstract: Light bars, and lighting systems and vehicles that include light bars. The light bars include a plurality of light emitting modules coupled together at flexible joints to allow a single light bar to be affixed to surfaces of varying curvatures, such as an interior window surface of a vehicle. The size of the light bar is easily customizable due to its modular nature. In some examples, a controller or other electronic element is adapted to detect a number and/or configuration of modules in a given light bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Duane P. Belitz, Tim Skertich, Jr., Robert A. Czajkowski, Paul M. Gergets, Jeffery M. Loftus
  • Patent number: 10871856
    Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, a display device for a vehicle includes: a display module configured to be installed in the vehicle and configured to display a GUI (Graphical User Interface); and a processor configured to change a touch area corresponding to the GUI according to a motion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Chui Hee Lee, Hyunkyu Kim, Kibong Song, Sangkyeong Jeong, Jun Young Jung
  • Patent number: 10807513
    Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled rechargeable brake light control circuit is a compact package with connectors that includes a rechargeable power source, a power supply sensor, and a non-volatile memory connected to a microprocessor. When power is abruptly disconnected, as when the brake is disengaged, there still is enough power to the device from the rechargeable power source for a period of time that allows a microprocessor to store an indication, such as a time stamp, of approximately where in time the pulse sequence terminated. When the brake is again depressed and power is restored to the circuit, that time stamp may be used as a reference point to restart the pulse sequence. Pulsing of the brake light is through a MOSFET switch pulse circuit that receives vehicle power when the brake pedal is depressed and imprints a pulse pattern on that vehicle power responsive to pulse sequence command from the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: Greg Paterno
  • Patent number: 10700782
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for implementing an anti-collision mechanism are described herein. A system for a lead vehicle to provide a visible light communication (VLC) message to a trailing vehicle behind the lead vehicle includes a vehicle controller subsystem of the lead vehicle, to: receive from a sensor array interface, sensor data from a forward-facing sensor incorporated into the lead vehicle; determine, using a processor, from the sensor data that a hazard exists; initiate the application of brakes with a braking force; and initiate, via a light controller, a VLC message to the trailing vehicle, the VLC message including the braking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Brady, Ruben Trejo Calle, William Anthony Rafferty, Diarmaid O'Cualain, Jelle Sels, David Relihan, Tommy Grealy, Michael O'Reilly, Keissy Guerra Perez
  • Patent number: 10692380
    Abstract: A method for determining potential collision with another vehicle by a vehicle equipped with a vision system includes providing, at the equipped vehicle, a vision sensor including a camera and at least one non-vision sensor, and determining presence of a leading vehicle ahead of the equipped vehicle. A time to collision to the leading vehicle is determined based at least in part on a determined distance to the leading vehicle and a determined relative velocity between the equipped vehicle and the leading vehicle. A braking level of the equipped vehicle is determined to mitigate collision of the equipped vehicle with the leading vehicle. A weighting factor is employed when determining the braking level, and the weighting factor is adjusted responsive at least in part to determining, via processing of image data captured by the camera, that a brake light of the leading vehicle ceases to be illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: William J. Chundrlik, Jr., Dominik Raudszus
  • Patent number: 10343597
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle equipped with a hydraulic brake system and a braking signalling system. The braking signalling system includes detection equipment (2; 3; 4), which include the first radio communication equipment (19) based on Bluetooth Low Energy and a pressure sensor (21) coupled to the hydraulic braking system to detect any pressure changes in the hydraulic braking system. In addition, this brake signalling system also includes a beacon (6) designed to emit a light signal in response to any pressure change detected by the pressure sensor (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventor: Francesco Pavoni
  • Patent number: 10328848
    Abstract: The trailer hitch signaling device is a visual signaling device. The trailer hitch signaling device is configured for use with a vehicle. The vehicle is further defined with a hitch. The trailer hitch signaling device is configured to attach to the hitch. The trailer hitch signaling device physically moves to indicate an action selected from the group consisting of: 1) the vehicle is braking; 2) the vehicle is preparing to turn left; and, 3) the vehicle is preparing to turn right. The trailer hitch signaling device further comprises a lamp. The lamp generates illumination to further signal that the vehicle is braking. The trailer hitch signaling device comprises the puppet and a control circuit. The control system is contained within the puppet. The control system is electrically connected to the vehicle. The control system further moves the limbs of the puppet and illuminates the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph Schaufele
  • Patent number: 10267480
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for lighting and/or signaling in a motor vehicle that palliates the disadvantages resulting from the reflection and focusing of solar rays by focusing means of a lighting module for lighting and/or signaling in a motor vehicle onto a mask disposed under a lighting module. The lighting assembly comprises means for emitting and means for focusing one or more light beams, together with a mask, a part of which extends under the focusing means. A part of the mask is transparent to light, so that solar rays reflected and focused by the focusing means onto the mask pass through the transparent part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Puente, Marc Brassier
  • Patent number: 10262212
    Abstract: In one aspect, an example method includes (i) determining, by a computing system at a first time, a first height of a bumper of a leading vehicle relative to a reference height; (ii) determining, by the computing system at a second time that is later than the first time, a second height of the bumper relative to the reference height; (iii) making, by the computing system, a determination that the determined first height and the determined second height lack a threshold extent of similarity based on an established tolerance level; and (iv) responsive at least to making the determination that the determined first height and the determined second height lack the threshold extent of similarity based on the established tolerance level, causing, by the computing system, the light source to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: CSAA Insurance Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Donald Eiden
  • Patent number: 10155676
    Abstract: A process for extracting a surfactant from a mixture using a boronic acid modified material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin L Bicker, Robert William Tilford
  • Patent number: 10140531
    Abstract: A method and a device for determining a warning condition on the basis of brake light detection. Image data are received from a front camera of a vehicle. It is determined whether a brake light of a preceding vehicle is active. An initiation threshold is lowered or a confidence value is raised if the brake light is active. An estimated risk value is derived from the image data of the front camera and a warning signal is produced, if the estimated risk value exceeds the initiation threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: CONTI TEMIC MICROELECTRONIC GMBH
    Inventors: Muhammad Alrefai, Mihai Baneu, Guido Fuchs, Mario Götz, Yasir Mannisseri
  • Patent number: 10131272
    Abstract: A warning light system that is provided for a motor vehicle includes a warning light assembly and a heating element carried on a windshield of the motor vehicle, vehicle forward of the warning light assembly. The heating element is dedicated to providing a clear sight path to the warning light and thereby increasing its effectiveness. A related method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Steven Ban, Jr., Matthew Cramer Mullen
  • Patent number: 9981658
    Abstract: An autonomous driving vehicle system includes: a surrounding information detection unit that is configured to detect surrounding information on a vehicle; and at least one electronic control unit including: a travel plan generation unit configured to generate a travel plan along a pre-set target route based on the surrounding information and map information; a traveling control unit configured to autonomously control a traveling of the vehicle based on the travel plan; and a warning light control unit configured to turn on a warning light earlier than a start time of a braking of the vehicle in the travel plan, the warning light informing a following vehicle about the braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kentaro Ichikawa, Toshiki Kindo, Katsuhiro Sakai, Masahiro Harada, Hiromitsu Urano
  • Patent number: 9827956
    Abstract: A method for detecting a braking situation of a vehicle located on a traffic route, which has a task of ascertaining a red component of at least one image area of an image which depicts at least one section of the traffic route, and includes a task of determining the braking situation based on the red component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Johannes Foltin
  • Patent number: 9818241
    Abstract: An output limiting control is carried out for limiting an output of a driving source when an acceleration pedal as well as a brake pedal is operated at the same time. An acceleration opening degree for a malfunction diagnosis is set based on a detected acceleration opening degree. A required output value for the malfunction diagnosis is calculated based on the acceleration opening degree for the malfunction diagnosis. A malfunction determining threshold is set in accordance with the required output value. An estimated output value of the driving source is compared with the malfunction determining threshold in order to determine whether there is a malfunction in a control system for the driving source. The acceleration opening degree for the malfunction diagnosis is limited to a predetermined limiting value, when the acceleration and brake pedal are operated at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshifumi Murakami, Toshifumi Hayami
  • Patent number: 9809160
    Abstract: An illumination system for a vehicle includes a truck bed defining a cargo space, a bumper positioned vehicle rearward of the truck bed, and a tailgate defining a recessed surface and rotatable between substantially open and substantially closed positions. A first optically interactive portion is positioned on the truck bed and a second optically interactive portion is positioned on the tailgate. A light source is positioned on the recessed surface of the tailgate. The light source and the first and second optically interactive surfaces are configured to illuminate the cargo space when the tailgate is in the substantially open position and illuminate the bumper when the tailgate is in the substantially closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, James J. Surman
  • Patent number: 9649975
    Abstract: A visual indicator assembly and adaptor for a trailer includes a control circuit electrically coupled to a plurality of lamps positioned in a rear header of the trailer. The control circuit is configured to supply a first voltage signal to the plurality of lamps in response to a power signal and supply a second voltage signal to the plurality of lamps in response to a brake signal. The second voltage signal is greater than the first voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventors: Rodney Ehrlich, David Pickup
  • Patent number: 9592769
    Abstract: A tow package cargo support for providing a structural support for items which extend beyond the back edge of a vehicle cargo bed and includes a support body which provides a substantially U shaped frame, an attachment beam which allows for the attachment of the support body to a vehicle tow package, and two vertical side extensions which extend up vertically from opposing sides of the support body. The support body additionally includes a vertical body extension which connects the cargo support and attachment beam. In one embodiment, the tow package cargo support may be employed with an auxiliary bed sized and shaped to be placed with one end resting on the cargo bed of a vehicle and the other end on the support body, providing an extended, contiguous bed surface in conjunction with to the cargo bed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: James Oliver
  • Patent number: 9475424
    Abstract: An electronics device is configured for installation in the brake light circuitry of a vehicle braking system. The electronics device is particularly configured to provide a flashing or pulsing appearance for a brake light, such as an automobile CHMSL. The pulsing is accomplished in a precise manner and that provides additional operational safety features than standard automotive brake lights. The electronics device is configured to avoid over-triggering of the pulsating lights due to multiple application of the automobile's brakes in a short time frame. The electronics device is further configured to function correctly even if the automobile is equipped with sophisticated computer systems that analyze the brake light circuitry, and is configured to avoid detection as a problem by the vehicle's diagnostic systems. At the same time, the electronics device will still allow the vehicle's diagnostic scans to detect any actual problems with the brake light system without hindrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: KINETECH LLC
    Inventors: Mark Olson, Todd Utley, David Seal
  • Patent number: 9441832
    Abstract: A compact lighting assembly includes a circuit board having a battery, a light, a switching circuit and a push button switch selectively powering the light with the battery via the switching circuit. The operating life of the compact lighting assembly is increased by using a rechargeable battery charged by a photovoltaic device such as a solar cell. Even greater operating life is achieved with the use of a light-actuated switch, such as a photocell or photodiode, which limits or cuts off battery draw and illumination of the light in daylight or lighted ambient conditions and enables illumination of the light in dark ambient conditions such as nighttime and low light environments. An indicator such as a visible light is provided for identifying whether or not an infrared light is on and drawing power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Glenn Bushee
  • Patent number: 9352685
    Abstract: The illuminated license plate frame is a frame adapted to receive a license plate and to mount the license plate on vehicles. The illuminated license plate frame further comprises a safety device formed from a first LED string and a second LED string. The first LED string is wired to illuminate when the left turn signal or the brake light is illuminated. The second LED string is wired to illuminate when the right turn signal or the brake light is illuminated. The illuminated license plate frame comprises a frame, a first LED string, a second LED string, a plurality of protective covers, and an electric circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Mel Abramowitz
  • Patent number: 9305460
    Abstract: A warning light detector and system to alert a motorist of warning lights is provided. The warning light detector includes a camera that takes digital images of a field of view in front of the automobile, and a detection program to detect any warning lights analyzes these digital images. A control system of the detector activates an alert feature, such as a sound and/or light, to alert the motorist of a warning light when one has been detected by the detection program. An alert feature may be a sound emitted from a speaker or light that flashes and the alert feature may be configured on the detector or be transmitted through the automobile's stereo, warning, or navigational system, for example. A detector may be a mobile device, such as a mobile phone and a warning light detector application program may be downloaded to the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: John Justine Aza
  • Patent number: 9272663
    Abstract: A tow vehicle operating system is provided for wirelessly connecting a first lighting system of a towing vehicle to a second lighting system of a towed vehicle. A wireless transmitter on the towing vehicle broadcasts a linking signal having an identification code and an associated data indicating a present status of lights of the towing vehicle based on an illumination signal from the towing vehicle, over a selected one of a plurality of distinct channels or frequencies. A wireless receiver on the towed vehicle receives the linking signal and verifies the identification code, and transmits an acknowledgement signal to the transmitter, thereby locking in the selected channel or frequency for a wireless communication between the first and second lighting systems. Lights of the towed vehicle are operated in response to the associated data of the linking signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Tiger Accessory Group, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Smith, Roger Latimer