Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to improve and upgrade the existing automobile brake system. Currently, when a motorist pushes the foot brake in the car to decelerate a Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicator mounted on the trunk and in the rear windows of a vehicle lights up to indicate slowing down and stopping. In most vehicle LED systems, the distinction between a deceleration, hard braking, and a stop cannot be indicated or differentiated. The goal of the invention is to create a braking indication system that will demonstrate how fast a car is decelerating with LED arranged in a fashion to turn on proportional to the amount of pressure applied to the brake. Once pressure is applied, the brakes are applied and the brake light will let the vehicle behind know how quickly the vehicle is slowing down by showing an approximation using the LED display. Therefore if a driver is to lightly tap on his brakes, the brake indicator will light a small amount of LED to symbolize slowing down but not stopping.

Abstract: A secondary brake light illumination circuit useful for storing excess power applied to a primary vehicle brake light illumination circuit during activation thereof and subsequently selectively discharging stored power to secondary illumination devices to provide a temporary decorative or informational display.

Abstract: An improved brake light warning system is provided that warns the driver of an intelligent vehicle of the need to brake while simultaneously alerting the driver of a following car prior to the driver of the intelligent vehicle stepping on the brakes. A highly intelligent vehicle processor monitors inputs from various sources and compares the reactions of the driver of the highly intelligent vehicle to that of a virtual competent driver in the same context. In response to the presence of an obstacle, the leading car may brake or decelerate. The highly intelligent vehicle detects the response of the leading car via a remote sensing device, determines a context from the physical data, determines what the virtual competent driver would do, determines if the driver should brake, and sends a warning signal to the driver. In one embodiment, a pre-brake signal is also sent to the brake light assembly. The brake light assembly illuminates and is observable by the driver of the following car.

Abstract: An automatic vehicle brake light flashing system for identifying an extremity of a vehicle braking force includes a plurality of brake lights connected to a G-force meter. A power supply source transmits a brake power signal to the G-force meter only when the brake switch is activated during vehicle braking procedures. The G-force meter determines a G-force value inside the vehicle only upon receiving the brake power signal. A processor generates and transmits corresponding brake light signals to the brake lights so that the brake lights are caused to flash at different frequencies upon automatically receiving the corresponding brake light signals. Such frequencies may include: fast flashing brake lights for hand force braking/sudden stopping; moderately slow flashing brake light for medium force braking; regular solid brake light for light braking; and contestant emergency warning flashing lights for front and rear end collisions.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror assembly is designed for a motor vehicle. The external rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror housing. A mirror glass carrier is operatively connected to the mirror housing. A piece of mirror glass is fixedly secured to the mirror glass carrier and is movable with respect to the mirror housing. The mirror glass defines a peripheral edge. An attaching part is fixedly secured to the mirror glass carrier wherein the attachment part extends about a portion of the peripheral edge.

Abstract: Vehicle brake lights, hazard lights, bicycle lights, and safety lights for pedestrians, walkers, and runners. The human eye perceives light differently depending on its frequency (or wavelength) relative to the condition or degree of ambient lighting. Moreover, the human visual system perceives changes more readily than a static scene or state. Additionally, light in the green/blue part of the visual spectrum is perceived with much greater apparent intensity compared to red, particularly in low ambient light conditions. Accordingly, a lighting system and method that includes using brake lights that provide continuous changes in color during deceleration and, moreover, that uses blue, green, blue-green, yellow-green, and amber (or yellow) light or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A multi-functional alert safety helmet assembly, comprises a safety helmet having a base plate, the base plate being installed with a wireless receiving module and a control unit; the safety helmet further installed with a display panel and indication lamps which are at the base plate; and the display panel is formed by light emitting elements; two sides of the display panel having the indication lamps; the light emitting elements flashing sequentially to present textures or patterns. The base plate is connected to the display panel and indication lamps for displaying signals from the wireless transmitting module; the flash of the indication lamps are controlled by the control unit; and display of the light emitting lights of the display panel; when turning right, right indication lamps will flash and when turning left, the left indication lamps will flash.

Abstract: A light fixture includes multiple sets of light-producing devices, such as bulbs. A first set of bulbs is illuminated. When one or more bulbs in the first set of bulbs fails, the failure is detected, and a second set of bulbs is illuminated: If a number of good bulbs remaining falls below a predetermined threshold, the light fixture provides a notification that a bulb change is required. The notification may include visual, audio, or electronic notification. By providing multiple sets of bulbs and a controller to detect a bulb failure and automatically switch to a different set of bulbs, the light fixture and method of the preferred embodiments provide high-reliability lighting that automatically compensates when a bulb burns out.

Abstract: This invention proposes a wireless bike brake light that can respond to braking when bikes are in motion. The invention employs a MEMS (micro electro mechanical system)-structured accelerometer chip as sensor to detect related signals. A control circuits unit processes the signals, and then sends appropriate brake light to following vehicles based. The features of the invention are that (1) It can provide extra security when serving as a brake light with independence of braking system, (2) It is easily to install and durable, (3) It can be also applied to such sports as skiing, skateboarding, etc. that are not equipped with apparent brake devices, and thus hard to incorporate brake lights.

Abstract: The invention provides a stop lamp lighting controller able to improve durability of a relay while unnecessary automatic turning on and off are avoided. A stop lamp is lit through a main line at a gentle braking time. At a sudden braking time, the stop lamp is switched on and off by disconnecting and connecting the main line in a predetermined period. At a breakdown time of the main line, the main line is switched to a subline and a lighting function of the stop lamp is secured. The main line is formed when both a first relay and a second relay are in a de-energizing state. The main line is disconnected and connected by periodically opening and closing the first relay. The main line is switched to the subline by energizing the second relay.

Abstract: A deceleration warning device for reducing rear-end collisions in road traffic includes a sensor for detecting a longitudinal acceleration value, a control device receiving the longitudinal acceleration value, determining an acceleration limit value, and generating a warning signal if the longitudinal acceleration value exceeds the acceleration limit value, and a rear lighting display for displaying an alarm state when the control device emits a warning signal. Determination of the acceleration limit value is based upon a plurality of signals including an anti-lock braking system (ABS) signal and a brake pedal position signal. The control device is operable in one of three levels depending upon a detected quality of the signals.

Abstract: A light system for a vehicle includes a light casing that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. The light casing includes brake, fog and spacer sections with the spacer section separating the brake section from the fog section. A controller is fixedly secured to the light casing for receiving electrical power and control signals from the vehicle. A brake light source is disposed within the brake section of the light casing and is electrically connected to the controller to receive the control signals and to selectively emit light based on the signals. The light system also includes a fog light source disposed within the fog section of the light casing. The fog light source is electrically connected to the controller to selectively emit light based on the control signals. The spacer section allows one that is following the vehicle to distinguish between the brake and for light sources.

Abstract: An Abrupt Braking Indicator (ABI) that complements a vehicle's existing rear brake light by determining the difference between regular brake pedal usage and dangerous abrupt stops or abrupt-braking that often causes accidents. It is when, and only when, an abrupt stop or hard brake occurs at the differential gravitational value of 0.5 G or more that the present invention emits highly noticeable flashing lights that warn following drivers of the sudden hazard ahead.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for lighting a brake lamp for a vehicle. The apparatus includes a brake pedal arm including a brake pedal at one end thereof, a pedal arm stop bracket integrally formed on the brake pedal arm at the upper side of the brake pedal arm, and a non-contacting switch that is separated from or comes in contact with the pedal arm stop bracket so as to be turned on or off depending on the operation of the brake pedal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lamp for a vehicle provided to a forward inclined face of a roof of a vehicle. The forward inclined face inclines downward and forward of the vehicle from a top of the roof. The lamp for a vehicle is provided with a light emitting face at least on a top face thereof.

Abstract: The invention can be used to increase the comfort and safety of road traffic by using a more appropriate notification of braking and acceleration of transport vehicles. According to the invention, the indicator includes an acceleration speed (a kick) sensor, a switch and one or more groups of sources of electric light. During the braking, the kick sensor emits a signal to the switch in order to switch the braking indication lamps so as to create a visual effect of lights running in all directions; the more intense braking is, and the more marked is this visual effect. In this manner, it is possible to imitate the increase of visible (angular) dimensions of transport vehicles, which are perceived very quickly by a human eye. In a similar way, during the acceleration of the transport vehicle the acceleration indication lights are switched so as to create an effect of lights approaching each other.

Abstract: A brake light warning system provides a warning to nearby motorists whose vehicles are within a warning area adjacent a user vehicle. The warning system may provide a visual warning to these motorists by illuminating one or more brake lights of the user vehicle. A user alert device may also be activated to alert the user to a nearby vehicle that is within the warning area. The warning area may be fixed or may bet set based on the speed of the user vehicle to warn nearby motorists that they are too close to the user vehicle. The warning system may provide a warning via a brake light without activating the braking system of the user vehicle. The warning system may utilize components of the user vehicle to detect vehicle speed, nearby vehicles, provide warnings, provide alerts, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: This is a red and or dark orange brake light indicator to be located on the front end of an automobile. The purpose of this light is to provide braking information to the driver of each automobile and pedestrians entering an intersection or anytime visual automobile braking or stopping indication is needed in front of an automobile.

Abstract: A system for providing warning lights for emergency vehicles in which the warning lights are incorporated into standard appearing accessories of the vehicle. A hood mounted deflector includes warning lights and takedown lights. Side window vent visors include warning lights, alley lights, and a convenience light. A rear spoiler includes warning lights. The warning lights are connected to at least one controller that provides various patterns of warning lights involving at least one color. In one embodiment, the takedown lights are connected to a controller that provides for flashing the takedown lights in addition to operating them continuously. The convenience light is connected to the interior lights of the vehicle. An operator panel in the vehicle is connected to the controllers and the alley lights.

Abstract: A vehicle brake light system includes a plurality of lighting units arranged in a horizontally and vertically spaced apart relation on the rear of a vehicle. Horizontally spaced apart lighting units which are lower in position have a greater distance between their centers of gravity, and are adapted to be turned on when a larger braking force is applied to a brake pedal.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed where a third brake light assembly contains solar cell panel and battery where the solar cell panel charges the battery, driving light and brake light wherein the driving light draws electricity from the battery, a radio frequency receiver that activates the driving light; a radio frequency transmitter that is coupled to a vehicle driving light switch, where the radio frequency transmitter receives instruction from the driving light switch and transmits instruction to the radio frequency receiver. Likewise, a method to add driving light to a vehicle's third brake light assembly is disclosed which includes providing solar cell panel, battery, and driving light where the solar cell panel charges the battery and the battery supplies power to the driving light, and providing radio frequency transmitter that is coupled to a vehicle driving light switch and it receives instruction from the driving light switch and transmits instruction to the radio frequency receiver.

Abstract: An indicator light assembly is provided for use with a towed object having a substantially planar rear end, at least one substantially planar side orthogonal to the end, and an intersection between the side and the end. The indicator light assembly includes a transmitting assembly and at least one tail-light assembly. The transmitting assembly transmits wireless signals corresponding to vehicular indicator light signals when coupled to an indicator light energizing circuit of the vehicle. The tail-light assembly includes a support structure, as well as an indicator light, a receiver, and a controller attached to the support structure. The support structure includes a first planar portion and a second planar portion orthogonal to the first portion, where at least one of the first and second portions includes a plurality of apertures for receiving fasteners. The receiver receives the wireless signals.

Abstract: A vehicle on-board unit of a host vehicle is configured to communicate with other vehicle to alert the driver of a potential braking situation in a preceding vehicle. The vehicle on-board unit has an incoming message receiving section, an incoming message relevancy section and a driver warning section. The incoming message receiving section receives a preceding vehicle message containing throttle release data of a preceding vehicle located in front of the host vehicle. The incoming message relevancy section performs a relevancy determination of the throttle release data received. The driver warning section selectively alerts a driver of the host vehicle of a potential braking situation of the preceding vehicle based upon the relevancy determination.

Abstract: A brake lighting system for a lightweight utility vehicle is provided. The brake lighting system can comprise a pressure sensitive brake light switch (PSBLS) operably connected to a brake pedal subassembly of the vehicle. The PSBLS is configured such that depression of a brake pedal included in the brake pedal subassembly compresses the pressure sensitive brake light switch. The brake lighting system additionally can comprise a brake light circuit that can comprise at least one brake light and an electronic switching device communicatively connected to the PSBLS. The electronic switching device is responsive to a brake light signal transmitted by the PSBLS when the PSBLS is compressed. Upon receipt of the brake light signal, the electronic switching device enables a current flow through the brake light to illuminate the brake light.

Abstract: A traffic signaling device system for motorcyclists comprising a safety brake and running light assembly (34) mounted to a motorcycle jacket (88). The safety brake light has an L.E.D. housing (22) supported by an outboard support member (20) and a leather piece (18). A plurality of snap buttons (16) can be used to secure safety brake light to jacket. The safety brake light has a six-conductor coil cable assembly (12) extending outside of jacket in front thereof is connected to a control box panel (44) so that the rider can view the operation of control box panel in a convenient seated position. At one end of control box is a six-conductor cable (50) which is electrically connected thereof to the existing wiring for a tail and brake light (78), a left turn signal light (80), and a right turn signal light (81) in such vehicles. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: An improved system to produce the standard slowing, stopping, and being stopped signal and display it simultaneously and uniformly in all applicable rear-end signal lamps for vehicles is disclosed, which system includes connectivity to all rear end warning lights that are allocated for said purpose on vehicles, and which system includes the manner of switching these lamps on and off so that said switching manner lights these lamps according to their present manner of display but also when the vehicle begins slowing by the brake pedal being depressed or by any other means such as engine braking, air braking or the vehicle is actually in a condition of being stopped, by any means, these lamps remain on until the vehicle accelerates—except when in a reverse motion the lamps are not maintained on or activated by any other means than by the brake pedal having been depressed.

Abstract: A segmented brake light has a detecting module mounted in a vehicle near a brake pedal, a driving module connected to the detecting module and multiple light modules controlled by the driving module. The detecting module detects the pressures on the brake pedal to output signals to the driving module. The driving module based on the received signals to start the respective one or multiple light modules. Accordingly, other car drivers in the rear of the vehicle can recognize that whether the vehicle is going to brake.

Abstract: A common inexpensive device such as an automotive internal rear view mirror, cell phone, or CHMBL (center high mounted brake light) incorporates an emergency warning system to detect a predefined signal emitted by an right of way vehicle such as an ambulance, police car, fire engine, or train. The right of way vehicle sends out a specific predefined signal to a predefined area. The specific predefined signal is picked up by a receiver of the present emergency warning system, which is preferably housed in a rear view mirror or cell phone, and which is always on, whether the internal rear view mirror, cell phone, or CHMBL is powered on or powered off. Then, after verification of the specific predefined signal, the internal rear view mirror, cell phone or CHMBL emits a warning, preferably an audio warning from a speaker housed in the internal rear view mirror, cell phone, or CHMBL. The emergency warning system can be incorporated into a telematics unit.

Abstract: An improved brake light warning system is provided that warns the driver of an intelligent vehicle of the need to brake while simultaneously alerting the driver of a following car prior to the driver of the intelligent vehicle stepping on the brakes. A highly intelligent vehicle processor monitors inputs from various sources and compares the reactions of the driver of the highly intelligent vehicle to that of a virtual competent driver in the same context. In response to the presence of an obstacle, the leading car may brake or decelerate. The highly intelligent vehicle detects the response of the leading car via a remote sensing device and sends a pre-brake signal to the brake light assembly that comprises a pre-brake indicator, a brake indicator, and optionally a reverse indicator, and/or a turn indicator. The pre-brake indicator of the brake light assembly illuminates and is observable by the driver of following car.

Abstract: Left and Right Front Side Panel Vehicle Safety Brake Lights will provide motorists approaching from either direction a visual indicator of the use of, and continued application of, the brakes on any vehicle that is about to enter or cross the flow of traffic. At present, there is no way for oncoming motorists to know whether such vehicles have brakes activated or not. Motorists partially cross a divided highway at speeds that suggest they might keep going; vehicles stick out into the lane of oncoming traffic; motorists appear distracted by cellular telephones, grooming or external stimuli; they simply aren't looking; or visibility is limited due to road curvatures, hills, or weather conditions. The visual indicator of the front side panel brake lights will alert oncoming motorists if vehicles awaiting entry into the flow of traffic are braking, or if they are about to pull out in front of oncoming traffic.

Abstract: A calling-help warning device of a third brake light of an automobile includes a remote controller and a calling-help warning device. The remote controller has at least one battery, a switch, a plurality of control buttons and a wireless signal emitter that are sequentially linked up. The calling-help warning device is provided with a wireless signal receiver, a control unit, at least one inductor, a third brake light, a setting switch, a plurality of brake lights, and a power supply. If a car is parked, a driver can utilize the remote controller to activate the calling-help warning device. If the car is intruded by a thief, the at least one inductor can activate the third brake light to keep on flashing to warn people thereabout for help.

Abstract: A tail light assembly for a motorcycle includes a first array of at least one LED in illuminated in at least a first color. The first group of LEDs operates in a non-operating condition, a running condition where each LED of the first array is illuminated at first intensity, and a braking condition where each LED is illuminated at a second, brighter intensity. A second array of at least one LED is illuminated in at least a second color. The second array operates in a non-operating condition, and a flashing condition where each LED of the second array alternates between being illuminated and not illuminated. Each LED of the first array is illuminated at the first or the second intensity while each LED of the second array alternates between being illuminated and not illuminated in the flashing condition.

Abstract: A rear light for a motor vehicle has a light chamber for holding at least one lighting device for a flashing light and further has at least one light chamber which adjoins the light chamber for the flashing light and has the purpose of holding at least one lighting device for a reversing light, for holding at least one lighting device for a tail light, for holding at least one lighting device for a brake light and/or for holding at least one lighting device for a fog light. Wherein a plurality of LEDs are positioned in the light chamber for the flashing light and transmit light toward the rear for the flashing light. Accordingly, the rear light contains at least one LED which transmits light for the flashing light into a light chamber which is positioned adjacent to the light chamber for the flashing light.

Abstract: A switch-equipped lever of the type mounted on a vehicle steering column and having an end knob with a switch mechanism for controlling a remote vehicle system, in which the knob is provided with a wireless signal transmitter, the wireless transmitter controlled by the switch mechanism in the knob to control the remote vehicle system with a wireless signal.

Abstract: A brake-actuated message device. An illustrative embodiment of the brake-actuated message device includes a device casing having a front panel, a plurality of lights carried by the front panel, a message panel carried by the front panel generally adjacent to the plurality of lights, a message provided in the message panel, a lighting module connected to the plurality of lights and brake circuit wiring connected to the lighting module.

Abstract: A speed control system employing a remote control system in which a vehicle is provided with a vehicle engine disabling/brake activating device capable of receiving a signal to immediately stop the vehicle when the remote control system has detected the presence of a pedestrian at a location, like a crosswalk, and the presence of the approaching vehicle. When a detector detects the presence of a pedestrian at a location, like a crosswalk, the remote control system is placed on stand-by status so that when the remote control system further receives a signal of the presence of an approaching vehicle, either due to a vehicle driving over a road safety bar or the vehicle being detected by an infrared detector, the remote control system transmits a signal to a vehicle engine disabling/brake activating device to disable the vehicle by either shutting down its vehicle engine and/or activating its brake system.

Abstract: A safety helmet system for motorcycle and bicycle riders includes a lightweight impact resistant helmet having an on/off switch. A power supply lights an electroluminescent strip surrounding the outer periphery of the helmet, signaling at eye level the presence of the rider to all drivers in the vicinity. The power supply also powers a single axis accelerometer having its sensitive axis oriented along the Cycle's travel direction. A microprocessor captures maximum deceleration in a braking cycle. The captured deceleration is segmented into low, medium and high values. A plurality of LED lights are mounted on the back face of the helmet. The microprocessor turns on LED arrays to create progressively increasing LED lit areas in direct proportion with the Cycle deceleration rate.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for modulated control of a vehicle lighting systems is useful for brake lights and/or running lights in a motor vehicle. Various vehicle operating parameters are monitored to determine an appropriate modulation control mode for the vehicle. In some examples, the engine speed (e.g., in revolutions-per-minute or rpm) or vehicle speed (e.g., in miles-per-hour or mph, kilometer-per-hour or kmh, etc.) is used as a parameter for modulated control of the lighting system. The modulated control scheme is used to control any number of features of the lighting system including illumination color, illumination intensity, selection of sequence illumination pattern, and adjustment of sequence rate. The modulated control scheme may be applied to off-road buggy whip-lights or other aesthetic vehicle lights and safety enhancements. The modulated control scheme may be applicable for off-road and on-road vehicle applications where localized government ordinances permit.

Abstract: Embodiments for lighted see-through displays include a plurality of light elements positioned thereon at select points arranged to convey information. The light elements may be selectively lit to provide fixed or moving information, or may even be programmed to change or even display like a marquee or even a television. Particular embodiments of the invention employ a lightweight, flexible substrate to support the light elements. Other embodiments employ one or more comparatively rigid substrates supporting rows of light elements. Particular applications for the lighted sign embodiments include display in vehicle windows such as police vehicle windows, construction and utility vehicle windows, and school bus and public transportation windows. Global Positioning System and radio signal receiver components allow for regional display of pertinent information in particular embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A pressure sensor is positionable on the steering wheel. An emergency light is positionable on a wheeled object facing rearwardly. An electrical assembly has an input electrically coupled to the pressure sensor. The electrical assembly has an output electrically coupled to the emergency light. In this manner when a signal in the input is produced upon compression of the pressure sensor, the electrical assembly produces a signal in the output which activates the emergency light.

Abstract: A sequential brake light system for road vehicles has a brake light array of plural lights in a linear, concentric or radial series. A master and slave controllers are connected to the array for lighting the lights in sequence and repeatedly at a rate that is proportional to a deceleration of the vehicle upon braking. A speed sensor senses the instantaneous vehicle speed and deactivates the master controller if the speed is below a threshold value so that the array is not powered in stop-and-go traffic. A brake position sensor senses a position of the vehicle brake pedal and an accelerometer measures deceleration of the vehicle, so that the master controller receives signals corresponding to the instantaneous speed of the vehicle, a signal corresponding to the position of the brake pedal and a signal corresponding to the deceleration of the road vehicle for properly warning a trailing drive of the braking condition of the road vehicle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for controllably illuminating automotive brake lights. In one embodiment, an automotive brake lighting system comprises a brake light including first and second light sources, a sensor to sense a level of an operating condition associated with at least one of a brake assembly or a brake pedal of a motor vehicle for illuminating the brake light, and a controller configured to monitor information provided by the sensor. The controller, in response to the level of the operating condition, selectively powers the at least one of the first or second light sources of the brake light based at least in part on the monitored information to generate a variable visual indication relating to braking of the motor vehicle from the brake light over a range of at least two different visual indications that indicate a variable braking rate of the motor vehicle over a corresponding range of at least two different braking rates.

Abstract: A method for controlling the brake lights of a vehicle includes determining vehicle deceleration potential and modulating brake light activation based upon the vehicle deceleration potential, the modulating comprising changing at least one of brake light intensity and flashing of the brake lights.

Abstract: An automobile auxiliary lamp includes a lamp and a connector. The connector is installed at a proper location of an automobile and connected with the terminals of related control devices of the automobile for receiving electricity supplied by the automobile, and the lamp is engaged with the connector. When a user operates a related control device of the automobile, the lamp will synchronously be triggered through a control connecting line to function and emit light, able to enhance warning effect of the automobile lamp. In addition, the auxiliary lamp can also be removed from the automobile to be independently used as a common illuminating lamp, enabling a user to use the lamp for various purposes.

Abstract: In a tailgate for a motor vehicle, which comprises a lower tailgate body (18), on which a rear window (22) is mounted, on whose upper area a supplemental brake light (24) is provided, the rear window (22) is lowerable into the tailgate body (18), wherein the rear window, at least when the vehicle is driven, is lowerable only so far that its upper area provided with the supplemental brake light (24) upwardly projects from the tailgate body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an advanced warning system operable to provide a more precise indicator to the operator of a following vehicle as to the changes in vehicle speed of the leading vehicle. The present invention utilizes an indicator signal and/or an acceleration signal. The indicator signal produces a slowing signal that indicates to the operator of the following vehicle that the leading vehicle is slowing down prior to the operator of the leading vehicle actually depressing the brake pedal. The acceleration signal provides a speeding up signal to the operator of the following vehicle.

Abstract: A lightweight utility vehicle brake lighting system comprising a brake pedal position sensor, a controller and a brake light circuit. The brake pedal position sensor senses the position, e.g., amount of depression, of a vehicle brake pedal. The controller of interprets a brake pedal position signal from the brake pedal position sensor to determine the position of the brake pedal. When the controller determines that the brake pedal has been depressed to initiate a braking operation of the vehicle, the controller transmits a brake light signal to an electronic switching device, such as a relay switch, of the brake light circuit. Upon receipt of the brake light signal, the electronic switching closes to complete, or close, the brake light circuit to enable a current flow through the brake light circuit, thereby illuminating at least one brake light of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner mounted center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL) including a light source disposable between a vehicle roof base layer and headliner generally aft of a vehicle, and a CHMSL frame disposable between the vehicle roof base layer and the headliner adjacent the light source. The CHMSL frame may be releasably mountable to the vehicle roof base layer by a fastener for mounting the headliner to the vehicle roof base layer. The invention also provides a method of mounting and servicing a CHMSL, including the steps of attaching the CHMSL to a vehicle roof base layer and/or a headliner, such that the CHMSL is disposed between the vehicle roof base layer and the headliner generally aft of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle brake light system comprises a brake light assembly and a brake light controller. The brake light assembly includes a plurality of braking effort intensity indication lights each configured for being selectively illuminated through the application of electrical power and an alert light configured for being selectively illuminated through the application of electrical power. The brake light controller is electrically connected to the lights of the brake light assembly. The brake light controller causes electrical power to be selectively applied to at least a portion of the braking effort intensity indicating lights dependent upon a relative degree of braking effort being sensed by the brake light controller. The brake light controller causes electrical power to be intermittently applied to the alert light during a prescribed braking effort upper threshold being sensed by the brake light controller and/or the brake light controller receiving a signal corresponding to the motor vehicle being stopped.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting control system for a school bus allows automatic activation of hazard mode operation of the vehicle's signaling lights in response to activation of other warning lights. Deactivation follows upon the vehicle exceeding a predetermined maximum speed.