Abstract: A pitch angle calculating device includes height detecting units arranged in front and rear positions of the vehicle for detecting front and rear vehicle heights and a calculating section for calculating a pitch angle of the vehicle by the vehicle heights and a distance between the front position and the rear position. In the device, the pitch angle is divided into a plurality of pitch angle ranges &thgr;0˜&thgr;1, &thgr;1˜&thgr;2, &thgr;3˜&thgr;4, . . . , the calculating section integrates periods residing in each pitch angle range and subsequently determines the pitch angle of the vehicle on a basis of the integrated periods referred as “residence time”. With the calculation, it is possible to avoid instantaneous changes in pitch angle due to the vehicle's getting over irregularities and obstacles on a road.

Abstract: An aiming mechanism of a headlamp for an automobile, comprises: a lamp housing which is mounted on a vehicle body; a headlamp unit supported tiltably about a tilting fulcrum provided in front of the lamp housing; a hollow cylindrical nut member supported rotatably about an axis by a bearing provided in the lamp housing; and an aiming screw which is threadedly engaged with the nut member, extends forward, is prevented from rotating with respect to the headlamp unit, and is adapted to advance and retract in an axial direction to tilt the headlamp unit connected to a forward end thereof as the nut member is rotated, wherein a crown-shaped gear capable of meshing with teeth of a screwdriver disposed in a direction perpendicular to the aiming screw is formed integrally on the nut member, and at least two screwdriver guides for guiding the screwdriver are provided in vicinities of the bearing.

Abstract: A motor vehicle lighting system comprises a lighting switch having a daylight signaling position and two night driving illumination positions, with a running light (or headlight) having a discharge lamp cooperating with a reflector to produce a night driving beam essentially without any cut-off. The running light has a discharge lamp cooperating with a reflector to produce a night driving beam which essentially has no cut-off. The system includes a means such as an absorbent element which, when the lighting switch is put in its daylight signaling position, diverts a fraction of the light intensity of the emitted beam so as to produce a beam of reduced intensity as compared with the same lamp powered under the same conditions.

Abstract: The reflective surface of a reflector 16 is divided through steps into a plurality of vertically elongated reflective surface elements. In each of those reflective surface elements, the light incidence section to which the output light of a light source bulb is applied is made up a convex cylindrical curved surface and a concave cylindrical curved surface which are arranged substantially in parallel with the step adjacent to the light incidence section. Accordingly, when the lamp is turned on, and the reflector is observed from the front, the light incidence sections function as follows; that is, the apex portions of the cylindrical curves surfaces look glittered as bright sections. Therefore, the reflective surface looks more sparkling.

Abstract: An external rearview mirror for a vehicle includes a base for attachment to a vehicle, a mirror head connected to the base, and a holder for a mirror glass. A blinker light on the mirror head provides light which is radiated rearwardly, as viewed in the direction of forward travel of the vehicle. The rearward light is radiated at an angle of at least 55 degrees relative to a straight line that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and that substantially extends beyond the contour of the mirror head.

Abstract: A device for an automotive vehicle to signal braking, deceleration, turning of the vehicle or an emergency situation. The device has two bodies facing rearwardly, mounted near the top of the back or the highest point of the vehicle adjacent the sides of the vehicle. Each body has a base and a cover with translucent lenses. Light sources and reflectors are disposed on the base for illuminating the lenses to create the signaling as required. Lighting one or more lenses in the cover indicate braking while lighting an arrow shaped lens in the cover and a side lens facing out from the vehicle indicate intended turning. The light transmitted through the lenses in the cover is directed downwardly either by a downward tilt to the cover or by directional configurations formed on the lenses. The lenses signifying braking are formed from red material while the arrow shaped and side lenses signifying turning are formed from red or yellow material.

Abstract: A retractable truck light assembly for trucks that provides increased lighting and visibility when a truck is towing a trailer. The truck light assembly includes a retractable light housing that is affixed to the truck bed side wall. The housing further includes a pivotal mount whereby the truck light housing swivels outward from the truck body to an extended position and swivels inward to the truck body to a retracted position. The truck light assembly also includes an adjustable rod attachable to the truck bed side wall. The adjustable rod includes a concave receptor shaped and positioned to receive the truck light housing in its retracted position such that the truck light housing does not substantially protrude beyond the aerodynamic plane of the truck bed side wall. In the preferred embodiment, the truck light system includes a pair of truck light assemblies for positioning on the driver and passenger sides of the truck, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety lighting device for use on a snowmobile. The safety lighting device includes a light emitting diode for providing illumination, an energy source for providing a current, a switch for controlling electrical connectivity between the light emitting diode and the energy source, and an energy source mounting assembly for holding the energy source on a snowmobile. The light emitting diode preferably provides a luminous intensity of at least about 1,000 mcd at 25° C. and a forward current of 20 mA. The energy source preferably provides a current of between about 1 and about 5 volts. The energy source mounting assembly preferably includes a first surface constructed and arranged for mounting to a snowmobile, and a second surface constructed and arranged for holding the energy source. Preferably, the energy source is either an alkaline battery source or a lithium battery source. It is expected that two size AA lithium batteries will meet the requirements of the present invention.

Abstract: A controllable auto-heating type heat source is located at a periphery of a light source and light reflecting layers are placed between the light source and the controllable auto-heating type heat source. Therefore, use of a temperature detector and a control circuit in order to control the heat source are unnecessary, so that thermal runaway of the heat source is avoided. Further, the light reflecting layers reflect the light irradiated from the light source, so that the amount of the beam of light shielded by the heat source is decreased.

Abstract: A protected lamp mounting assembly for an operator's cab roof of a work vehicle having a front edge, two side edges and two outwardly angled edges extending between the front edge and the exterior side edges. Two lamp housings are mounted to the side edges of the roof. The lamp housings are provided with a top plate corresponding to the roof and outwardly angled flanges corresponding to the outwardly angled edges of the roof, so that the roof and top plates and the outwardly extending edges and outwardly angled flanges provide a smooth transition between the roof and the lamp housings. The lamp housings are also provided with a mounting flange and a lamp mounting plate that extends downwardly from the top plate. The lamp housing is secured to the vehicle by the mounting flange. The lamp mounting plate in turn is provided with a lamp aperture having a specified perimeter that is smaller than the outer dimension of the lamp. The lamp is provided with a bulb portion and a rubber lamp deflector.

Abstract: In a lamp fixture for a vehicle lamp comprising a lamp body and a lens that has an outer edge portion curved backward and is mounted on the lamp body, a hook is formed on the outside wall of an attaching grooved portion of the lamp body, and a hook engaging portion is formed on the attaching leg portion of the lens, the front end surface of the hook engaging portion being substantially parallel to the rear surface of the outer edge portion of the lens so that once the hook engaging portion of the lens is engaged with the hook of the lamp body they are not easily separated.

Abstract: A new and improved lighting display comprising a base having an upwardly facing top surface. The top surface is reflective and has a plurality of spaced apart apertures therein. A light is positioned in each of the apertures such that a light beam from each light shines upwardly away from the reflective top surface. A frame is supported on the base and extends over the apertures. Ornaments are hung from the frame over each of the apertures whereby the light beams may be dispersed by the ornaments during use. In specific embodiments of the invention, light displays for use in motor vehicles as supplemental stop lights and turn signal lights is provided. In other specific embodiments, an ornamental light display is provided for decorative purposes.

Abstract: A locking element (30) is arranged slidable between an unlocked position and locked position on the lighting unit (10). An operating element (58) is rotatably mounted on the lighting unit (10). The operating element (58) is coupled with the locking element (30) by means of an eccentrically mounted finger (69) on it, so that a rotational motion of the operating element (58) is converted into a sliding motion of the locking element (30). A pin (20) is arranged on the vehicle part (12) on which the locking element (30) is lockable for securing the lighting unit (10). The operating element (58) allows the locking element (30) to be locked on the pin (20) when it is not directly accessible.

Abstract: An illuminated automotive emblem for mounting on a vehicle. The emblem has a decorative housing frame with an overall shape preferably similar to existing automotive manufacturer's emblems (Ford, Chevrolet, etc.). The frame has a central open area that surrounds indicia on a display template that may be any type of printed matter. A portion of the display template substantially fills the central open area of the frame. A rear enclosure housing an illuminant mounts behind the template to emit light through the display template and indicia. The housing frame, display template, rear enclosure and illuminant disassemble from each other so that the parts are replaceable and various housing frames and indicia can be displayed. The housing frame and rear enclosure fasten internally through the use of adhesive strips, magnetic material or interior studs that mate to open bores. The interior studs and open bores are of such dimension that a “snap” tight frictional type bond is created.

Abstract: An integrated instrument cluster assembly for use in an instrument panel 400, the assembly comprising: (1) a generally flat instrument cluster appliqué 110 having a first surface 112, an opposed second surface 114, and a perimeter 116 thereabout; (2) a generally flat light pipe/diffuser 120 sandwiched against the second surface 114 of the appliqué; and (3) at least one generally flat circuit board 130 sandwiched against the light pipe/diffuser. The at least one circuit board 130 is/are disposed such that a first rigid edge card connector portion 140 thereof extends outward generally beyond the perimeter 116.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp includes a beamforming waveguide having an input face, an output face, and a guide portion extending between the input face and the output face. A light source is positioned at the input face of the beamforming waveguide. A lens is positioned at the output face so that light output by the beamforming waveguide passes through the lens to provide vehicle forward illumination. The beamforming waveguide is shaped to generate a desired headlamp beam pattern and can be formed as a block of solid material, a bundle of plastic or glass fibers, or a solid molded wedge that can be moved between two positions to provide both high and low beam forward illumination.

Abstract: An automobile headlamp automatic leveling apparatus is provided. A headlamp whose light axis is tilted upward and downward in relation to a vehicle body by means of an actuator, a control unit for controlling the operation of the actuator, vehicle speed detection means for detection of the speed of the vehicle; and pitch angle detection means for detecting a pitch angle of the vehicle are included in the leveling apparatus. The control unit controls the operation of the actuator on the basis of a detected pitch angle such that the light axis of the headlamp maintains a constant, predetermined angle in relation to the road surface. While the vehicle is stationary, the control unit controls operation of the actuator at the time of illumination of the headlamp. Subsequently, while the vehicle remains stationary, the operation of the actuator is controlled at given time intervals which are counted by an interval timer.

Abstract: A lighting system using piped light is provided for a compartment such as the cargo space of a truck. An electrically energized light source is mounted adjacent the compartment. A side-fire light pipe is optically coupled to the light source. An elongated light pipe enclosure is disposed around and supports the light pipe. The enclosure comprises an elongated mounting flange adapted to fasten the enclosure to a compartment inner surface, an elongated face panel that extends integrally from along the length of the mounting flange, and a longitudinal elongated channel that is recessed into the face panel. The channel includes parallel opposing channel edges that define a longitudinal gap in the face panel. The channel is configured to receive the light pipe in frictional engagement through the gap. The light pipe can be inserted into the channel after the enclosure has been installed and protects the light pipe from damage during such operations as cargo loading into and cargo unloading from the compartment.

Abstract: A vehicle light assembly for use with a vehicle comprising a base plate, a detachable and replaceable circuit board and a lens attached to the base for covering the circuit board. The base plate has plug-in terminal connectors. Each terminal connector has a prong which extends upwardly from the base plate and a socket which extends downwardly from the base plate for connecting to a power source. The circuit board has illuminating members and ring connectors which are coupled to the illuminating members. The circuit board is installed on the base plate such that the plug-in terminal connectors on the base plate are respectively inserted into the ring connectors of the circuit board for providing electrically continuity.

Abstract: A vehicle head lamp which includes: a lamp body having a front side being opened; a lens mounted on the front side of the lamp body; a discharging lamp; a reflector being disposed within a space defined by the lamp body and the lens while supporting the discharging lamp, the reflector being tiltable with respect to the lamp body; a discharging lamp unit supplying a discharging voltage to the discharging lamp; and a connecting member. The connecting member includes, a plural number of connection cords connecting the discharging lamp and the discharging lamp unit, wherein one of the connection cords is a high voltage cord to which a high voltage is applied, a protecting tube covering the high voltage cord, and a cylindrical member being conductive and flexible wherein the cylindrical member covers the protecting tube as well as covers connection cords which are not covered with the protecting tube.

Abstract: A vehicle beam lamp, particularly an additional automobile headlight, comprising a housing, a reflector, a cover plate connected to the reflector, and a frame for fastening the cover plate and reflector to the housing, has the reflector, cover plate, and frame firmly connected to each other to form an insert that closes off the housing. A procedure for mounting a vehicle beam lamp comprising a housing, a reflector, a cover plate, and a frame connecting the reflector and cover plate to the housing involves gluing the reflector, the cover plate, and the frame together into an insert that is separably connected to the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety lighting device for use on a snowmobile. The safety lighting device includes a light emitting diode for providing illumination, an energy source for providing a current, a switch for controlling electrical connectivity between the light emitting diode and the energy source, and an energy source mounting assembly for holding the energy source on a snowmobile. The light emitting diode preferably provides a luminous intensity of at least about 1,000 mcd at 25.degree. C. and a forward current of 20 mA. The energy source preferably provides a current of between about 1 and about 5 volts. The energy source mounting assembly preferably includes a first surface constructed and arranged for mounting to a snowmobile, and a second surface constructed and arranged for holding the energy source. Preferably, the energy source is either an alkaline battery source or a lithium battery source.

Abstract: A bireflective lens element comprising a light input surface and a direct transmitting area communicating with the light input surface. A light source is disposed adjacent to the light input surface for projecting light into the lens element to create a light emitting assembly. A first portion of input light is directed through the lens elements in a first predetermined pattern. A primary and a secondary reflecting area is between the light input surface and an illumination surface surrounding the direct light transmitting area. A second portion of input light is redirected through the lens element to the illumination surface in a second predetermined pattern. Specifically, the secondary reflective area has a plurality of extracting facets extending inwardly into the secondary reflective area for intercepting light from the primary reflective area.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp with ram air vent having lamp housing, light source, ram air tube, and a second vent tube is disclosed. The vehicle lamp with ram air vent yields an air cooled lamp interior without acquiring excess water.

Abstract: The turn signal system of the invention utilizes a timing circuit to electrically activate and deactivate the flashing turn signal. The invention system also utilizes a pair (left, right) of auxiliary, spring-loaded, momentary contact, normally open switches arranged such that if the driver actuates the turn signal lever for a turn, even though the lever is in the actuated position for that turn, the turn signal flashing circuit is reactivated by the momentary closing of the auxiliary switch and the cycle is restarted. The system of the invention is also characterized by the timing circuit being dependent for its operation on signals received from the vehicle's speed sensor such that the timing circuit will not operate unless there is a signal from the speed sensor to indicate the vehicle is moving.

Abstract: The vehicle headlamp uses a light shield with a interior surface with a rough, black ceramic coating. The ceramic surface absorbs almost all the visible light shone on it. The surface is highly resistant to the heat generated by the light absorption, and the roughness breaks up visible light images in any small amount of reflected light. The ceramic material does not outgas or deteriorate so as to leave a film on the other lamp elements.

Abstract: A head lamp device for a vehicle capable of moving a lighting region of a head lamp in front of the vehicle in rightward and leftward directions.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for mounting a lamp or a headlight in an opening of a vehicle wall part in which there is at least a partial overlap between the lamp or headlight and the edge of the opening and the lamp or the headlight can be fastened to a second vehicle wall part by at least one fastening device pivotally connected to the lamp or headlight so that the lamp or headlight can be retained in the opening in the first vehicle wall part. This makes it possible to fasten lamps or headlights, such as additional brake lights or side indicator lights, between two vehicle wall parts without any need for accessibility between the vehicle wall parts. As a result, it is possible for such lamps to be mounted in vehicle wall parts which border cavities in vehicle parts.

Abstract: The headlight has a light source (10) and a reflector (12) by which light is reflected to a light guiding or deflecting device (18). The light guiding device (18) has a number, advantageousely from a few hundred to a hundred thousand, of individual reflecting elements (22) which are movable independently of each other between at least two different positions. Each reflecting element (22) is connected with an electrically operable adjusting element (26) which is controlled by a controller (30). The light reflected from the reflector (12) is reflectable from the light guide device (18) to form a light beam issuing from the lighting device. Reflected light from each reflecting element (22) in one of its positions forms a part of the light beam and does not contribute to the light beam in one of its other positions.

Abstract: A light emitting reference point is set for a light source attached to a reflecting mirror having an opening on one end thereof, and it is assumed that a point light source is set on the reference point. Then, a reference surface formed as a set of half lines extending from the reference point to an arbitrary point on a front end edge of a socket arranged so as to interrupt rays of light from the point light source. Then, a partial surface of the basic surface of a reflective surface around the socket is arranged so that the partial surface projects more frontward than the reference surface, and a curved form of the partial surface is arranged so that the rays of light emitted from the point reach everywhere on the surface. Then, a group of paraboloids of revolution formed by a number of paraboloids of revolution whose focal distances are different from one another, is prepared, and intersecting lines between the basic surface and the group of paraboloids of revolution are obtained.

Abstract: An illumination arrangement for a small moving object of the type which includes a main object arranged to be moved when an outside force is applied to the object and a moving base arranged to permit the main object to move when the outside force is applied to the main object by overcoming a resistance to movement of the main object which would otherwise be present, includes an illumination arrangement mounted between the moving base and the main object. The moving object can for example take the form of a skate, skate board, or a toy such as a toy car.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp having a discharge bulb which prevents radiation of electromagnetic waves toward the forward positions of the lamp. Radiation into the other directions is prevented by shielding members disposed around the lamp. A shade disposed in front of a discharge bulb attached to a reflector is made of metal and a stem of the shade is secured to the reflector in a state where the stem is electrically connected to a socket fixture. The shade is placed at ground potential through the fixture. Thus, the front portion of the discharge bulb is shielded and prevents radiation of the electromagnetic waves to positions in front of the lamp.

Abstract: A lighting device for use on roller skates and the like that attaches to the lower portion of a skate and provides a bright colorful light source to make a skater more visible in low light level conditions. The device is a light bar or strip that is battery powered. The light bar is a clear acrylic bar of various preselected colors having a light source at one end. The light is transmitted through the bar producing a light stick of nearly any color. An alternate embodiment uses an electro-luminescent light strip. The light bar or strip and battery power source is quickly and easily attached to any skate by a small strap and screw or by a strap having hook and loop type fasteners.

Abstract: A device for an automotive vehicle to signal braking, deceleration, turning of the vehicle or an emergency situation. The device has two bodies facing rearwardly, mounted near the top of the back or the highest point of the vehicle adjacent the sides of the vehicle. Each body has a base and a cover with translucent lenses. Light sources and reflectors are disposed on the base for illuminating the lenses to create the signaling as required. Lighting one or more lenses in the cover indicate braking while lighting an arrow shaped lens in the cover and a side lens facing out from the vehicle indicate intended turning. The light transmitted through the lenses in the cover is directed downwardly either by a downward tilt to the cover or by directional configurations formed on the lenses. The lenses signifying braking are formed from red material while the arrow shaped and side lenses signifying turning are formed from red or yellow material.