Bus Or Railway Rolling Stock Patents (Class 362/478)
  • Patent number: 11934887
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a distributed model compilation system. A master node of the system determines the logic calculation graph of the model based on model information, divides the logic calculation graph into multiple logic calculation sub-graphs, generates a distributing message for each logic calculation sub-graph, and then transmits the distributing message to a slave node. Each of the slave nodes allocates a local computing resource to compile the logic calculation sub-graph based on the received distributing message, and transmits compilation completion information to the master node. The master node determines the completion of model compilation based on the compilation completion information returned by each slave node, and executes the target work based on the compiled model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG LAB
    Inventors: Hongsheng Wang, Fei Wu, Guang Chen, Feng Lin
  • Patent number: 11718230
    Abstract: A mirror assembly for use with mirror housing on autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, including a reflector for collecting and distributing emitted light to a plurality of icon regions, a circuit board, a plurality of light sources mounted to the circuit board and positioned to selectively emit light to illuminate the icon regions, wherein the circuit board provides selective illumination of the icon regions via the light sources in response to one or more received signal inputs from the vehicle indicating an imminent autonomous vehicle maneuver, a mirror having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the reflector is secured at least indirectly to the rear surface and a plurality of icons visible along a driver viewing axis relative to the front surface of the mirror during illumination, wherein the plurality of icons are positioned over the icon regions to allow for selective icon illumination via a selected icon region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Muth Mirror Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff A. Ruel, Pat C. Miller, Dan J. Mathieu
  • Patent number: 11554715
    Abstract: A school bus stop arm and drive unit therefor are disclosed. The stop an includes a stop sign and a drive unit for moving the stop sign between a retracted position and a deployed position. The drive unit comprises a motor operably coupled to the stop sign, one or more position sensors operable to detect the presence of the stop sign, and a controller for controlling operation of the motor. The controller configured to, monitor one or more operating characteristics of the motor for conditions indicative of an obstruction to movement of the stop sign, monitor the position sensor for a confirmation signal indicative of the presence of the stop sign in the deployed or retracted position, and based on the conditions indicative of an obstruction and the confirmation signal, determine if the stop sign has reached one of the deployed and retracted positions or is being obstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: SMARTREND MANUFACTURING GROUP (SMG), INC.
    Inventors: Michael Yudelevich, Kevin Peter Smith, Bradley Dale Brown, Andrew Allan Clark McKay, Cam Forman, David Beernaert
  • Patent number: 11021265
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to stowage bin lighting interfaces. An example apparatus includes a panel portion, and a set of fasteners configured to couple the panel portion to a stowage bin such that a curvature of the panel portion aligns with a curvature of the exterior of the stowage bin. Each fastener is configured to extend through the stowage bin into a back portion of the panel portion to couple the panel portion to the stowage bin. Aligning the curvature of the panel portion with the curvature of the exterior of the stowage bin enables the stowage bin to open and close when the panel portion is coupled. The apparatus further includes a lighting interface configured to couple between the panel portion and the exterior of the stowage bin at a position that enables the lighting interface to provide illumination through openings in the panel portion and ambient lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Sean R. Cysewski
  • Patent number: 10741784
    Abstract: An organic light emitting diode (OLED) incorporating an enhanced light extraction apparatus in the transparent conductive oxide layer is disclosed. The apparatus for light extraction may comprise a transparent substrate, a transparent electrode comprising one or more discontinuities, and an organic light emitting material stack. The transparent electrode may be disposed on the transparent substrate and comprise a series of features or discontinuities that enhance light extraction improve energy efficiency in the OLED device. The discontinuities may be discrete or continuous and may interrupt the conductivity of the transparent conductive oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Dana Craig Bookbinder, Michal Mlejnek, Dean Michael Thelen
  • Patent number: 10434938
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting system includes a plurality of lights. A controller is in communication with a sensing system for detecting the presence of an electronic device carried by a vehicle occupant. The controller is configured to assign a seating area to the electronic device based on a detected cabin location of the device and operate the lights based on the assigned seating area and information indicative of an impending vehicle departure of the vehicle occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner, James J. Surman, James Stewart Rankin, II
  • Patent number: 10137829
    Abstract: A lighting system is provided herein. The lighting system includes a number of lights and a portable electronic device carried by a vehicle occupant. A controller is in communication with a sensing system and configured to detect a cabin location of the electronic device, assign a seating area to the electronic device, and operate only the lights associated with the seating area based on information indicative of an impending departure of the vehicle occupant from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner, James J. Surman, James Stewart Rankin, II
  • Patent number: 9896020
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for a vehicle is provided herein. The lighting assembly includes first and second sets of light sources disposed on a bumper of the vehicle. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on the lighting assembly and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the first or second sets of light sources. A detection system is configured to detect an object disposed proximately to the vehicle. The first or second set of light sources illuminate upon the detection of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Marla Johnston, Stuart C. Salter, Christopher Anthony Danowski, Jason C. Rogers, Pietro Buttolo
  • Patent number: 9266464
    Abstract: A vehicle passenger side safety lamp system is a light with control circuitry mounted to the passenger side of a bus or tractor trailer rig to illuminate the right rear tire area beside the vehicle to increase driver visibility and thereby promote public road safety. The light assembly is crescent shaped and is wired to the right turn signal circuit to light automatically with the turn signal, and may be wired to illuminate automatically when a greater than 40 degree right turn is made. The light assembly becomes lighted when a reverse gear is entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Matthew Kovacs
  • Publication number: 20150138788
    Abstract: Provided are an optical member capable of implementing optical images having a desired shape and a lighting device using the optical member. The optical member can include a base substrate and a plurality of unit patterns sequentially arranged on a first surface of the base substrate and each having an inclined surface with respect to the first surface. Each unit pattern can be extended in a pattern extension direction, respectively. The plurality of unit patterns and the inclined surfaces thereof can be structurally arranged on the first surface of the base substrate such that any beam of incident light that strikes a unit pattern at a right angle to the pattern extension direction in which said unit pattern extends is guided away from the optical member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Dong Hyun LEE, Jin Su KIM, Seung Jong BAEK, Jae Hyuk JANG
  • Publication number: 20150078019
    Abstract: A light strip, lighting fixture or lamp band for installation in an interior passenger compartment of a rail vehicle includes a plurality of elongate light covers that can be connected to each other in the longitudinal direction thereof to form the light strip. A double-walled intermediate cover is provided between at least two successive light covers in the longitudinal direction of the light strip. The inner wall of the light strip protrudes opposite the outer wall in the longitudinal direction of the light strip so that a gap resulting between the intermediate cover and the adjacent light cover is concealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Lohmann, Dirk Rohwerder
  • Patent number: 8931938
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly comprising a housing forming an internal chamber and forming an opening to one side, at least a first light source having a first illumination axis, the first light source mounted in a central portion of the internal chamber substantially at a first depth, at least a second light source having a second illumination axis, the second light source mounted in a circumferential portion of the chamber substantially at a second depth wherein the first depth is greater than the second depth, a first aspherical lens formed about a first optic axis, the first aspherical lens mounted within the opening with the first optic axis aligned with the first illumination axis and a second aspherical lens formed about a second optic axis, the second aspherical lens mounted within the opening with the second optic axis aligned with the second illumination axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: J.W. Speaker, Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley William Kay
  • Publication number: 20140254185
    Abstract: A railcar shove light for attachment to a railcar rear coupler, the railcar shove light incorporating a turbine; a turbine case having a compressed air input port and an air output port, the turbine being rotatably mounted within the turbine case; an electrical alternator; a rotary drive linkage interconnecting the turbine and the electrical alternator; an array of electrical light emitters; electrical wires interconnecting the electrical light emitters and the electrical alternator; a light case housing the turbine, the turbine case, the alternator, the drive linkage, and the light emitter; and incorporating a brake line connectable air conduit for supplying and driving the turbine; the light case being mounted to a support post having lower end coupler engaging pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Terry D. Smith
  • Patent number: 8529107
    Abstract: There is provided a system for use in illuminating a feature of a railway. In one embodiment, a system can include an illumination unit disposed for illumination of a railway feature. The illumination unit can include a light source bank, a solar panel, and a rechargeable battery for energizing the light source bank that is rechargeable utilizing energy collected by the solar energy panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Tripsplusone, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Andrew Moran, Milton Brill, Danny Thomas Forster
  • Patent number: 8485703
    Abstract: An aircraft cabin lighting kit includes: at least one lighting unit configured for installation in an aircraft cabin; a driving/dimming module generating output signals for controlling illumination of the at least one lighting unit according to command signals from a cabin management system; and at least one wire assembly interfacing the driving/dimming module with a power bus for receiving operational power, and a communication bus for receiving the command signals and for communicating the output signals to the at least one lighting unit. The present aircraft cabin lighting kit is certified by a governmental aviation-regulating body for installation in multiple aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Eckel, Seckin Secilmis
  • Publication number: 20130051045
    Abstract: A headlamp assembly comprising a housing forming an internal chamber and forming an opening to one side, at least a first light source having a first illumination axis, the first light source mounted in a central portion of the internal chamber substantially at a first depth, at least a second light source having a second illumination axis, the second light source mounted in a circumferential portion of the chamber substantially at a second depth wherein the first depth is greater than the second depth, a first aspherical lens formed about a first optic axis, the first aspherical lens mounted within the opening with the first optic axis aligned with the first illumination axis and a second aspherical lens formed about a second optic axis, the second aspherical lens mounted within the opening with the second optic axis aligned with the second illumination axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Bradley William Kay
  • Publication number: 20120320621
    Abstract: A luminous vehicle glazing, containing: a first sheet containing a mineral or an organic glass having a first main face, a second main face, and an injection edge; a peripheral light source with an emitting face, which faces the injection edge; a guided-light extracting element; a peripheral functional element, bonded to the first sheet, which is fluid-tight, including a cavity for placing the peripheral light source; a covering element, which covers the cavity and the peripheral light source, which is fluid-tight, and which is selected from i) a cap combined with an interfacial element, for interfacial fluid-tightness or ii) a fluid-tight sealing mastic covering the peripheral light source and sealing the peripheral functional element. In addition, a method of manufacturing the luminous vehicle glazing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Christophe Kleo, Bastien Grandgirard, Alexandre Richard, Adele Verrat-Debailleul
  • Patent number: 8182125
    Abstract: A light source along the mirror mounting arm of a school bus or other passenger vehicle to reduce the risk of people or other objects being injured by the school bus. The light source may be mounted directly on the mirror mounting arm or embedded within a mirror mount. The light source may be focused downward to illuminate the ground and may provide vehicle status information and guiding information. Additionally the light source may sweep the ground back and forth or be directed under the control of the driver. The light source may be activated automatically when movement is detected near the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Rosco Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Englander, Julian Serer, David Mcdonald
  • Patent number: 8075169
    Abstract: A lighting strip along the side of a schoolbus or other passenger vehicle between a door near the front of the schoolbus and the back side of the schoolbus to reduce the risk of people or other objects being injured by the schoolbus. The lighting strip may be focused downward to illuminate the ground and may provide vehicle status information and guiding information. Lighting strips may be provided on both sides of the schoolbus, and may also be provided on the back side of the schoolbus and on mirrors or mirror arms. Further, the lighting strips may be provided on the underside of the schoolbus along the passenger side. One or more floodlights may be provided on the roof or near the top of the schoolbus along the side with the door. An expandable crossing gate on the driver's side of the exterior wall is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Rosco Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Patent number: 8021028
    Abstract: Lights for attachment to a vehicle including a first illuminating means directed substantially perpendicular to a surface plane of the light and a second illuminating means directed substantially parallel with the surface plane of the light. The second illuminating means may be mounted solely within a lower hemisphere of the light. The light may also include a covering hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: CRS Electronics
    Inventor: Scott Arthur Riesebosch
  • Patent number: 7784737
    Abstract: A vehicle including a body having an exterior surface and a protrusion extending outward from the surface. The vehicle further includes a fairing mounted on the surface directly adjacent and behind the protrusion. The fairing has a forward end, an aft end opposite the forward end, and opposing sides extending between the forward end and the aft end. The opposing sides become progressively closer together from the forward end to the aft end so that the bracket has a tapered shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert Michael Lee, Brian G. Evans
  • Publication number: 20100157615
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, architectural lighting comprises a luminaire with a light source and a waveguide having forward and rearward surfaces. The waveguide can be disposed with respect to the light source such that light from the light source is input into the waveguide and guided therein. The waveguide can include a plurality of turning features that turn the light guided within the waveguide out the forward surface and one or more mounting fixtures for mounting the luminaire on an architectural structure. Some embodiments include a luminaire comprising a light source, a waveguide, turning features, and a lamp stand. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Wayne Gruhlke
  • Publication number: 20100103688
    Abstract: Lights for attachment to a vehicle including a first illuminating means directed substantially perpendicular to a surface plane of the light and a second illuminating means directed substantially parallel with the surface plane of the light. The second illuminating means may be mounted solely within a lower hemisphere of the light. The light may also include a covering hood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Scott Arthur Riesebosch
  • Publication number: 20090185360
    Abstract: A chemiluminescent lightstick evacuation station consisting of a wall mountable fixture that stores a plurality of lightsticks that are accessed by opening the fixture cover. The fixture cover is opened by pivoting from a closed position to an open position wherein a lightstick restraint causes the activation of one lightstick so as to illuminate the remaining lightsticks to facilitate their removal during an emergency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: William R. Palmer, Stephen L. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20090021955
    Abstract: A transit vehicle lighting system has a plurality of LED-based lighting fixtures for providing interior illumination. A control network comprises a plurality of slave nodes for controlling the LED-based lighting fixtures, and a master node for controlling the slave nodes. The master node may be connected to the slave nodes by a combined power/communication bus in a daisy chain fashion. The slave node may include a power regulator and a controller for providing a target current command to the power regulator, and may adjust the target current based upon temperature measurements or a recorded age of the LEDs. An optical sensor may provide automatic dimming. A reduced number of LEDs may be used in an emergency mode. The lighting fixture may include a ceiling panel fixture and a riser panel attachable by way of a hinge mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: I/O CONTROLS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Baixiong Kuang, Jerry Lin, Yongchang Wang, Chin Seong Khor
  • Publication number: 20080175013
    Abstract: A multiple illumination element lamp apparatus is disclosed of a carriage that includes a proximal reflector having abase and a surrounding sidewall extending from the base to define a proximal reflector interior separated from an exterior environment. The multiple illumination element lamp also includes a first and a second illumination element both disposed within the proximal reflector interior, wherein the first illumination element produces a substantially high brightness light level an the second illumination element produces a substantially low brightness light level. Further, in the multiple illumination lamp the fist and second illumination elements are sized and configured to produce substantially a same light beam shape and projection with the high and low brightness levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Jon F. McClelland
  • Patent number: 7175320
    Abstract: An adjustable, elevated and externally mounted lighting device (21) for vehicles such as school busses (22) and other types of vehicles, that provides a pool of light (23) to passenger loading and unloading areas for better visibility of passengers, vehicle drivers, and other vehicle operators in the vicinity during hours of darkness. The light's adjustability, combined with a diffused lens (29), provides a broad and bright pool of light (23) without obstructing passenger visibility or driver use of side mirrors (30). The light (21) is connected to the vehicle's on-board electrical power system and is activated automatically without distracting driver attentiveness, but with provisions for manual over-ride activation if needed in special circumstances such as emergencies or wheelchair loading/unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Lynn Emerson Burgess
  • Patent number: 6752521
    Abstract: A lighting arrangement for public transport vehicles comprising a light source and a reflective surface for reflecting light emitted from the light source to a passenger cabin in a public transport vehicle, whereby the upper part of the passenger cabin in the public transport vehicle substantially comprises an upper structure arranged above the seats of the passenger cabin, the structure comprises one or more handrails in the passenger cabin, and the light source is arranged inside the handrail of the upper structure in the public transport vehicle, and the handrail comprises one or more light-permeable apertures, and the handrail apertures are arranged to direct the light generated from the light source to the upper structure of the passenger cabin in the public transport vehicle, the upper structure being arranged to function as the reflective surface for providing the passenger cabin with indirect lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Teknoware Oy
    Inventor: Jouko Kuisma
  • Patent number: 6474832
    Abstract: A rail-car status-indicating assembly is provided for mounting to the axles of railcars. A solenoid and a magnet are part of the assembly installed each to one of a non-rotating structure and a rotating structure which co-rotates with the axle so that each time the solenoid enters the magnets field a current is induced. Preferably, a housing forms the rotating structure for protecting the inductive components. A bearing and pendulum are mounted within the housing to form a non-rotating structure. Magnetically induced co-rotation is eliminated by mounting of the electrical components to an offset pivoted structure. One form of low-power status device is light emitting diodes, electrically connected to the solenoid for repeated emission of light visible to oncoming motorists. Other embodiments include use of low power temperature sensors and the use of LEDs to transmit two or more status condition or via RF transceivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Wayne H. Murray
  • Patent number: 6454209
    Abstract: A comfort and illumination unit especially for a passenger space in an aircraft is constructed for cooperation with a straight wall panel that can be integrated in or secured to a vertical straight wall and/or a horizontal straight ceiling wall. The unit has a mounting base and a cover with passenger convenience elements mounted to the base under the cover which is provided with cut-outs for access to the convenience elements. Fluorescent bulbs form a frame around the convenience elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Bock, Andrew Muin, Markus Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20020118547
    Abstract: A lighting system for an off-road vehicle includes one or more exit lights that are activated upon operator demand and that are automatically deactivated a designated period of time after exit lights activation, thereby facilitating the operator's departure from the vehicle. The lighting system includes an electrical power source, at least one running light, at least one exit light, and a control system that is coupled to the power source and to the lights and that controls operation of the running light and the exit light. The control system includes a manually operated switch movable between (1) an OFF position in which neither the running light nor the exit light is coupled to the power source, (2) a running light activation position in which at least the running light is coupled to the power source, and (3) an exit light activation position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Case Corporation
    Inventor: Shawn A. Holthaus
  • Patent number: 6422728
    Abstract: A safety light for a vehicle is provided. The safety light includes a housing defining a retaining space. The housing is mountable to the vehicle proximate the rear end thereof. The safety light further includes a light source supported within the retaining space of the housing such that the light source projects a visual line of reference from the housing and onto a roadway on which the vehicle is traveling substantially coextensive to the rear end of the vehicle and perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle so that the driver of the vehicle is able to determine the position of an adjacent obstacle relative to the rear end of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Russel A. Riggin
  • Patent number: 6402353
    Abstract: A lighting system for preferentially illuminating the seating area of a mass-transit vehicle includes a light fixture with a lamp housing longitudinally disposed above the seating area An electrically energized light source is mounted at least one end of the light fixture. At least one solid-core semi-rigid light pipe extends from and is optically coupled to the light source. The light pipe receives light from the light source, transmits the light along its length, and emits the light laterally into the passenger compartment. The light pipe runs parallel to and is suspended from the lamp housing between the lamp housing and the seating area so that the lamp housing can direct laterally emitted light from the pipe into the seating area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Transmatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Onward K. Dealey, Jr., Ben V. Domas, Alvin D. McCauley
  • Patent number: 6350048
    Abstract: A public transit vehicle has a vehicle body having a roof defining an interior ceiling surface, two side walls each extending longitudinally of the vehicle including an upper side wall portion connecting to the roof and a row of windows underneath the upper portion, a central aisle and two rows of seats each on a respective side of the aisle and along the side wall at the windows and a lighting fixture supported in the vehicle along the ceiling surface longitudinally of the vehicle at a position above each row of seats. Below the lighting fixture is provided an elongate advertising card support panel member for receiving and supporting an advertising card. The housing is substantially continuous along the vehicle and supports a plurality of fluorescent tubes mounted in the light housing. Between each tube and the next is provided a web member having an inner surface matching that of the housing and an outer surface butting edges of the individual lens/covers mounted on the light housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventors: William H. Stanton, Paul A. Wasney
  • Publication number: 20020003706
    Abstract: A lighting system for preferentially illuminating the seating area of a mass-transit vehicle includes a light fixture with a lamp housing longitudinally disposed above the seating area. An electrically energized light source is mounted at least one end of the light fixture. At least one solid-core semi-rigid light pipe extends from and is optically coupled to the light source. The light pipe receives light from the light source, transmits the light along its length, and emits the light laterally into the passenger compartment. The light pipe runs parallel to and is suspended from the lamp housing between the lamp housing and the seating area so that the lamp housing can direct laterally emitted light from the pipe into the seating area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Applicant: Transmatic, Inc.
    Inventors: Onward K. Dealey, Ben V. Domas, Alvin D. McCauley
  • Publication number: 20010000305
    Abstract: A rail-car status-indicating assembly is provided for mounting to the axles of railcars. A solenoid and a magnet are part of the assembly installed each to one of a non-rotating structure and a rotating structure which co-rotates with the axle so that each time the solenoid enters the magnets field a current is induced. Preferably, a housing forms the rotating structure for protecting the inductive components. A bearing and pendulum are mounted within the housing to form a non-rotating structure. Magnetically induced co-rotation is eliminated by mounting of the electrical components to an offset pivoted structure. One form of low-power status device is light emitting diodes, electrically connected to the solenoid for repeated emission of light visible to oncoming motorists. Other embodiments include use of low power temperature sensors and the use of LEDs to transmit two or more status condition or via RF transceivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: April 19, 2001
    Inventor: Wayne H. Murray
  • Patent number: 5938320
    Abstract: A mirror assembly has a housing that defines a cavity therein. A mirror is disposed within the cavity. The mirror transmits and reflects at least a portion of the light incident thereupon. A light guide has a first surface spaced a predetermined distance apart from the second surface. The light guide is placed within the mirror housing. A plurality of light sources are coupled to the light guide and direct light between the first and second surfaces. Light is reflected out of the light guide and transmitted through the mirror to provide an indicator function on the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Harman Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Crandall
  • Patent number: RE44787
    Abstract: An adjustable, elevated and externally mounted lighting device (21) for vehicles such as school busses (22) and other types of vehicles, that provides a pool of light (23) to passenger loading and unloading areas for better visibility of passengers, vehicle drivers, and other vehicle operators in the vicinity during hours of darkness. The light's adjustability, combined with a diffused lens (29), provides a broad and bright pool of light (23) without obstructing passenger visibility or driver use of side mirrors (30). The light (21) is connected to the vehicle's on-board electrical power system and is activated automatically without distracting driver attentiveness, but with provisions for manual over-ride activation if needed in special circumstances such as emergencies or wheelchair loading/unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Bus Safety Lights, LLC
    Inventor: Lynn Emerson Burgess