Automobile Patents (Class 362/487)
  • Publication number: 20090251909
    Abstract: A tail light for an automobile includes a plurality of first illuminating elements and a plurality of second illuminating elements. The first illuminating elements are arranged to form a logo pattern of the automobile, and each of the first and second illuminating elements are configured for providing an adjustable illuminating brightness. The tail light is capable of selectively operating between a braking state and a non-braking state. In the braking state, the illuminating brightness of the first illuminating elements is greater than that of the second illuminating elements. In the non-braking state, the illuminating brightness of the first illuminating elements is less than that of the second illuminating elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Ying Wu
  • Publication number: 20090231870
    Abstract: A wraparound light assembly for a vehicle. A lens is attached to a housing. A body panel defines an interior vehicle space, and the body panel includes a recessed portion defining an aperture. The housing overlays at least part of the recess. A grommet is disposed in the aperture and extends through the body panel into the interior vehicle space. The grommet defines a receptacle having an opening facing the housing. A projection extends from the housing. The projection is configured to be slidably engaged in the receptacle along an installation axis and to extend into a portion of the receptacle in the interior vehicle space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Carlos Gerardo Zavala, Jeffrey Alan Mesko, Thomas W. Schumacher, Kent J. Agne
  • Publication number: 20090231871
    Abstract: A direction indicator lamp mainly includes lamp fittings in pairs and corresponding sensing and emitting modules. The light fitting has a light source, a receiver, and a battery set disposed therein. The sensing and emitting module senses a signal frequency when the direction lamp is operated, or senses lights when the direction lamp emits lights, so as to generate a control signal. Then, the light fitting is actuated to emit lights by means of a wireless transmission technique, so as to omit fussy procedures and complicated wiring process during installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Yung-Fa LIN
  • Patent number: 7589622
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Farley's Custom Auto Services, LLC
    Inventor: William Farley
  • Publication number: 20090213586
    Abstract: Disclosed is a LED sticker, which includes a sticker body made out of a flexible plastic material and having multiple light transmissive portions, a plurality of light emitting diodes respectively embedded in the light transmissive portions, a control circuit assembly mounted on the sticker body and electrically connected with the light emitting diodes with a respective lead wire for controlling operation of the light emitting diodes and having a battery cell for providing the light emitting diodes with the necessary working voltage, and a flexible magnetic pad or double-sided adhesive member fixedly provided at the bottom side of the sticker body for securing the sticker body to a vehicle by means of magnetic attraction or adhesion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Kuan-Lin Peng
  • Publication number: 20090207627
    Abstract: A fighting system comprising: a light harness; and a fiber optic light pipe having a body with an outer diameter, and a jacket that substantially covers the entire length thereof between a proximal and distal end about the outer diameter; where said proximal end is cooperatively connected to said light harness; said second end is cooperatively connected to a diverging lens yielding an output of light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Richard C. Engel
  • Publication number: 20090196057
    Abstract: A work vehicle is provided including a frame having a side and an end, the frame structurally carrying a cab structure having a brim. A housing is configured to receive a first light source and a second light source. The housing is structurally carried by the cab structure in close proximity to the brim and disposed above an operator's viewing position. The first light source provides illumination generally directed perpendicular to the end of the frame, the second light source providing illumination generally directed perpendicular to the side of the frame. The first and second light sources are sufficiently disposed within the cab structure for protection from vertically falling objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Michael David Case, Carl Joseph Hagele, Salvatore Virgilio, Kyle Brenner
  • Publication number: 20090190367
    Abstract: The unplugged night lights, mainly comprises a base made of a soft material, a light-emitting device, a housing wrapping around the light-emitting device, and a thin-film solar cell pack. The light-emitting device is provided on the base, of which one terminal is connected to the thin-film solar cell pack. An electric energy transformed by the thin-film solar cell pack is thereby stored and supplied to the light-emitting device to give out a light source. A bottom of the base is coated with an adhesive layer to make the lamp directly adhere to the body of vehicle. Thus, it is easy to install the unplug night lamp and meets the goals of environmental protection and energy saving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Haw-Hui CHU
  • Publication number: 20090180291
    Abstract: Apparatus for replacing existing light emitting device and method for installation without modification to existing equipment, with a continuous pattern of Light Emitting Diode (LED) assembly forming a distinct light pattern, at least one LED(s) mounted on flexible PCB formed about the LED assembly, the LED assembly has open end that can pass through a mounting hole for installation, the LED assembly is flexible to bend for installation, the LED assembly will return to original shape after installation, installation of the LED assembly by feeding assembly through mounting hole in a rotating forward motion, and the LED assembly has of transmitting power from power source to LED(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Fai Koi Tam
  • Publication number: 20090175047
    Abstract: The present invention provides an auxiliary luminous trim strip of a car lamp. The trim strip has a long strip body, a car lamp mating surface mating with the surface of the car lamp, a light-emitting surface, placed in front of the strip body, a locating component, used to locate the strip body and car lamp, a plurality of luminous bodies, assembled onto the light-emitting surface in a predefined configuration, and a power supply portion, used to supply power required for the luminous bodies. The luminous trim strip generates a trimming effect by the color, texture and shape of the strip body and enhances illumination intensity through the light emission of the luminous bodies, further enhancing the warning effect of the car lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: KENG LIEN INDUSTRIAL Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lin-Mei TSAI
  • Publication number: 20090175048
    Abstract: A lamp mounting seat is adapted for mounting a lamp on a lamp mounting frame of a vehicle. The lamp mounting frame includes a plate body formed with a mounting hole, and the lamp mounting seat includes a seat body and a retaining ring. The seat body includes a base wall and a surrounding wall, which cooperate to define a receiving space adapted for receiving the lamp therein. The surrounding wall includes first and second stop units and a plate engaging groove. The seat body is adapted to be extended through the mounting hole of the lamp mounting frame such that a periphery of the mounting hole is received in the plate engaging groove, thereby mounting the seat body in the mounting hole. The retaining ring is detachably mounted on the surrounding wall for preventing removal of the lamp from the receiving space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Woody Hwang
  • Publication number: 20090168441
    Abstract: An illumination device includes a light emitting module (20) and a mounting housing (10) for receiving the light emitting module therein. The light emitting module includes a light guide plate (21) and a light source (23) optically coupled to the light guide plate. The mounting housing includes a top plate (12), a mounting plate (14) and a side plate (16) interconnected between the top plate and the mounting plate. A receiving space (15) is cooperatively formed by the top plate, the mounting plate and the side plate of the mounting housing for receiving the light guide plate therein. A gap (120) is defined in the top plate above the light emitting module. An opening (160) is defined in one end of the side plate for allowing the light emitting module to insert into the receiving space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: FOXSEMICON INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: MEI-JIUN LIN, JUI-WEN FANG, HUNG-CHIH YANG, SHU-HUI HSIEH, CHIH-MING LAI
  • Patent number: 7553054
    Abstract: The reflection surface of a reflector is formed by a parabolic cylindrical plane extending in the horizontal direction orthogonal to an optical axis. A light emitting element is configured to have five light emitting chips arranged in a T-shape and these light emitting chips are lighted in two lighting modes. In the first lighting mode, a special light emitting chip and a pair of the left and right side special light emitting chips which front end edges are aligned on the focal line of the parabolic cylindrical plane are lighted simultaneously, whereby a light distribution pattern having a narrow vertical width and a prolong shape is formed. In the second lighting mode, a special light emitting chip located at the center portion and two general light emitting chips disposed in series on the backward side thereof are lighted simultaneously, whereby a light distribution pattern having a large vertical width and a prolong shape is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Yagi
  • Publication number: 20090154182
    Abstract: An electrical device includes a circuit board having one or more electrical components mounted to the circuit board. At least a portion of the circuit board is encapsulated in a thermoplastic polymer material to encapsulate the electrical components. The device may be fabricated by at least partially shielding the electrical components with polymer material, followed by overmolding the polymer material with thermoplastic polymer material. The shielding material may comprise a pre-formed component, or it may comprise thermoplastic polymer material that is molded around the electrical components in a first molding step or “shot”.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas J. Veenstra, Jason R. Mulder, Eric L. Fleischmann
  • Publication number: 20090135618
    Abstract: A circuit apparatus of an LED vehicle lamp is disclosed. The circuit apparatus includes an input unit, an LED unit and a current limiting unit. The LED unit includes at least one light-emitting device. Each light-emitting device includes at least one LED and a protection device. The protection device and each one LED are connected in parallel. The circuit apparatus of an LED vehicle lamp protects the element of the LEDs from being damaged, increases traveling safety and simplifies maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Abram CHANG, Shih-Jen Chuang
  • Publication number: 20090129106
    Abstract: An exterior component for a vehicle includes a first member having a decorative surface provided at an external portion thereof for transmitting light, the first member further including a first engaging portion, a second member having a second engaging portion engaging with the first engaging portion of the first member, the second member attached to the vehicle, the first member and the second member forming a double layered structure under the first engaging portion of the first member engaging with the second engaging portion of the second member, and a light-emitting member provided in the double layered structure of the first member and the second member for lighting up and shutting off the light in response to a supply of electricity supplied from the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Izuru Sugiura, Takashi Sugie
  • Publication number: 20090122566
    Abstract: A tail light assembly includes a plurality of tail lights having substantially same appearance affixed on the rear light panel of a vehicle and the assembly is electrically connected to the rear light control of the vehicle. Each of the tail lights includes an open housing having a reflective chrome interior surface and an axially disposed light bulb socket at a rear end of the surface; a colorless LED light bulb disposed in the light bulb socket; and a clear colorless front cover affixed upon a front perimeter of the housing. When the tail lights are not activated, the plurality of tail lights have a uniform chrome appearance, and when being activated, one or more tail lights emits a colored light substantially different from the chrome appearance, to indicate braking, turning or backing up of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Glen Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7527403
    Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element, a frame portion around a perimeter of the reflective element, and one or more user inputs or buttons movably mounted to the frame portion. At least one bezel segment is positioned partially around the perimeter of the reflective element and frame portion and defines a space or gap along the frame portion between opposed and spaced apart ends of the bezel segment or segments. The input or button is mountable to the frame portion at the space and is movable by a user to engage and actuate an electronic switch within the mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Donnelly Corp.
    Inventor: John T. Uken
  • Publication number: 20090097266
    Abstract: An illuminating warning lamp includes a first light source and a second light source assembled on a lamp socket. An irradiation direction of the first light source and that of the second light source form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to each other. Additionally, a first lamp casing for encapsulating the first light source is further formed with a through hole at one side thereof, and a second lamp casing corresponding to the second light source is assembled within the through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Yung-Fa LIN
  • Patent number: 7517120
    Abstract: A mounting foot assembly including a base member with a front wall having a front surface and a foot member with a rear wall having a rear surface. The foot member is adjustably secured to the base member with the rear surface of the rear wall being in facing relationship with the front surface of the front wall of the base member, whereby the angular position of the base member relative to the foot member may be varied. A bracket may be mounted on the foot assembly having a rear crossbar portion adapted to be positioned in a cross channel in the base member and a forward portion extending down in front of the rear wall of the foot member to which a light unit may be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin M. Smith
  • Patent number: 7517124
    Abstract: A lighting and/or signaling device for an automobile comprising a xenon lamp and a mating part comprising a reflector and a lamp holder providing the holding of a bulb of the discharge lamp in front of the reflector. A system for fixing the xenon lamp on the mating part comprising a rigid ring able to be mounted, so as to be able to move in rotation, about the lamp holder and a flexible annulus mounted inside the rigid ring and fixed to the lamp holder so as to be non-removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Daniel Josquin, Jean Masse
  • Publication number: 20090086499
    Abstract: A car spoiler having a light-emitting effect includes a plate body, a light-emitting module and a cover. The plate body is a light-transmitting plate and is provided with notches thereon. The light-emitting module is provided on one side of the long side of the plate body and has a plurality of light-emitting units. The illuminating direction of each light-emitting unit is oriented from the long side toward the interior of the plate body. The cover is used to cover the exterior of the light-emitting module and is connected with the plate body. Via this arrangement, the light emitted by the light-emitting module can be projected on the plate body uniformly, thereby increasing the aesthetic effect of the spoiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Rocky Yi-Ping LIN
  • Patent number: 7507008
    Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle including a display panel and vehicle accessory includes a light source disposed within the display panel that illuminates the display panel. The display panel includes at least one aperture that selectively permits light from the light source to pass through the display panel to illuminate the vehicle accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell J. Clauw, Chi-han Chen, Jeffrey C. Dennis, Nicholas J. Novak, George Walczowski
  • Publication number: 20090073706
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp is arranged to switch between a low beam and a high beam. The high beam illuminates a first illumination area, which lies ahead of and square to a center of a vehicle, and a second illumination area, which includes portions lying horizontally further leftwards and right wards and vertically further upwards than the first illumination area. When switching from the low beam to the high beam, the luminous intensity of the second illumination area is increased and thereafter the luminous intensity of the first illumination area is increased. When switching from the high beam to the low beam, the luminance intensity of the first illumination area is decreased and thereafter the luminance intensity of the second illumination area is decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naohisa Tatara, Kazutami Oishi, Michihiko Hayakawa
  • Publication number: 20090073590
    Abstract: A vehicle mirror with integrated lighting is provided. The vehicle mirror may be a cross-view mirror for a vehicle such as a school bus. The mirror may include a mirror assembly having a mirror lens providing a field of view for a driver of the vehicle and a support affixed to the mirror lens. The mirror lens may include a light transmitting portion configured to allow light to pass through from behind the mirror lens to an area outside of the mirror lens. The vehicle mirror may include a light source positioned within the mirror assembly to emit light through the light transmitting portion of the mirror lens and illuminate the field of view provided by the mirror lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Benjamin ENGLANDER, David MCDONALD
  • Publication number: 20090073709
    Abstract: A lighting fixture for a vehicle includes: at least one light source; and a housing including a housing main body and an outer lens. The housing includes a partition wall which partitions a housing space, formed by the outer lens and the housing main body into a housing space exposed portion and a housing space shielded portion which houses and shields the at least one light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Yasuo YAJIMA, Satoru OKADA
  • Publication number: 20090071737
    Abstract: A utility vehicle (100) with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. The ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features enhance the utility of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Joshua J. Leonard, Richard Raymond Maki, Eric Bjerketvedt, Mitchell D. Johnson, Bradley Robert Morisch, Brian D. Krosschell, Louis J. Brady, James Bergman, Larry Holter, Richard Nelson, Lionel Hoff, Doug Moman, Michael D. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7500771
    Abstract: Light for vehicles, preferably for motor vehicles. The light has a housing having at least a housing front part and a housing rear wall, said housing being provided with at least one lighting source whose rays pass to the outside. In order to design the light such that it can be manufactured easily and economically in any desired conformation, the lighting source is attached to a lighting source carrier whose conformation corresponds at least in part to the inside contour of the light housing. The light is advantageously used for motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignees: odelo GmbH, Visiocorp Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Arne Schmierer
  • Patent number: 7497605
    Abstract: An automobile light includes a base forming a plurality of spaced and arrayed mounting holes and hollow cylinders extending from the base and surrounding the mounting holes respectively; and a plurality of light guide rods each having a front end face forming a cavity and a rear end face forming a curved projection. The light guide rods are respectively received and retained in the hollow cylinders and partially project beyond the mounting hole respectively. With the base fixed to a shielding hood containing therein a light source, the light emitted from the light source is received by and subjected to refraction caused by the light guide rods to her spread the light in the form of multiple light beams for simulating multiple beam effect provided by simultaneous lighting of multiple light-emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Chi-Hsiang Pan
  • Publication number: 20090052197
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Oliver Peters, Heinz Redlich
  • Patent number: 7494257
    Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device, particularly for automobiles, with a light source and a light conductor that emits the light from the light source conducted within it via a light decoupling surface, whereby light decoupling elements are positioned on the side opposite the light decoupling surface that divert light toward the light decoupling surface, whereby the light decoupling elements possess at least two diverting surfaces, and the first diverting surface is positioned closer to the light source than the second diverting surface of a light decoupling element, each of which subtends an angle with the light decoupling surface whereby the angles of the diverting surfaces are so selected that at least a portion of the light striking the second diverting surface is transmittable through it under refraction, and may be again coupled into the light conductor by means of the first diverting surface of the subsequent decoupling element, whereby this light is at least partially conducted from the f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Gebauer, Steffen Wiersdorff
  • Publication number: 20090003009
    Abstract: An LED lamp (10) has a housing (12) with an interior wall (14) defining a cavity (16). An LED light source (26) is positioned in the cavity (16) and project light in a forward direction. A reflector (28) having a reflective surface (30), a forward opening (32) and a rear opening (34) surrounds the light source (26) and a complex lens (38) closes the forward opening. The lens (38) comprises a first optical refractive element (40) arranged around a peripheral edge (42) and a second optical refractive element (44) centrally located on the lens (38); the first optical refractive element (40) including a plurality of flute lenses (40a) and the second optical refractive element (44) comprising a concavo-convex lens (44a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Tessnow, Mike Tucker, Vipin Madhani, Peter Frey
  • Publication number: 20090003006
    Abstract: An automatic warning light control device is applicable to an automobile and includes a controller electrically coupled to directional signal lights of the automobile. The controller is electrically coupled to a warning light system, a windshield wiper system, at least one door of the automobile, and a trunk lid. When the windshield is activated in a rain condition, or when the door or the trunk lid is not properly closed, the controller automatically activates the warning light system, wherein both directional signal lights blink simultaneously. When the directional signal lights are used for indication of direction, the directional signal lights are automatically switched from the warning mode to a direction indication mode where only the designated directional signal light blinks. Once the direction indication operation is completed, the directional signal lights automatically go back to the warning mode to blink simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Tsung Hsun TSAI
  • Publication number: 20080316757
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter can include a vehicle lamp having a favorable light distribution and an effective heat dissipation structure. The vehicle lamp can include a light source and a casing in which the light source is sealed. The casing can be configured in a tubular shape and a reflector can be configured in a hollow of the casing. The casing can be sealed between the reflector and a front lens configured to allow light emitted from the light source to pass therethrough. The inner surfaces of the casing and the reflector can be configured to form a predetermined light distribution via the front lens. The outer surfaces of the casing and the reflector can be exposed to the outside and can be configured to radiate heat generated from the light source to the outside using heat conductive material. Thus, the lamp can be miniaturized and provide favorable light distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Koji Sato, Daisuke Nagafuchi, Nobuyuki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20080304274
    Abstract: An ambient light control module and method of operating an ambient light control module selectively actuates light modules to provide a desired light color and intensity. The disclosed ambient light control module selectively actuates light modules that are controllable to provide desired colors. The light control module produces uniform signals across the several light modules such that each separate light module will emit the same color. The disclosed example light control module includes a microcontroller with a plurality of output channels including output compare channels and pulse width modulated channels. The output channels are matched to a common clock so that a uniform signal is emitted from any channel to provide the desired uniformity between lighting modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS US, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas J. King, Brian K. Morrison, Scott Lucy
  • Patent number: 7461959
    Abstract: Cigarette lighter having a main unit comprising a substantially cylindrical heating insert and a substantially sleeve-like lighter body to receive the heating insert, comprising a substantially annular attachment of transparent and light-guiding material which is slid onto the main unit, for illuminating a region of the cigarette lighter which is visible to a viewer when the cigarette lighter is in the installed state, which attachment has an entry opening for light to couple light into the attachment to enable the attachment to be illuminated, and comprising a lighting unit, fastened to the attachment, having a receiving unit to receive a lighting insert which can be inserted as an exact fit, the lighting insert having at least one light-producing means, characterized in that the receiving unit is provided with at least one aperture serving as an exit opening for light and in that the lighting insert is arranged in the receiving unit between the entry opening for light in the attachment and the exit opening
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Casco Schoeller GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Baldauf, Ronald Schwarzbach, Norbert Graeser
  • Publication number: 20080285294
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are lighting devices which may include one or more sheets with lighting components on the sheet or sheets, and also a mounting device for securing the lighting device to a surface. The lighting devices are typically configured to position the sheet or sheets in a deployed position wherein the lighting components are substantially visible, and a retracted position wherein the lighting components are substantially obscured. The disclosed lighting devices may move the sheet between the retracted and deployed positions by winding or unwinding the sheet. The disclosed lighting devices may be configured for attachment to a building or vehicle. In some examples, two of the disclosed lighting devices may be connected together. The connection may provide for substantially joint movement of the two lighting devices. Some disclosed lighting devices may also include a picture that may or may not be fully or partially formed by the lighting components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Y. Kim
  • Publication number: 20080285293
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to widely illuminate a road surface at a side of a vehicle body along a front-rear direction of the vehicle body before and after housing of the outer mirror. An outer mirror of the present invention is pivotally movable in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body around a base end portion of the outer mirror, and includes a mirror housing which is thrust laterally from a side surface of the vehicle body. In the mirror housing, a light unit and a lens fixed on an optical axis of the light unit are provided. Any one of the light unit and the lens is moved to illuminate identical or substantially identical area on the road surface at the side of the vehicle body before and after pivotal movement of the mirror housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Murakami Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Sato
  • Publication number: 20080285295
    Abstract: The invention relates to a LED collimator element for a vehicle headlight with a low-beam function, which emits at least visible light of one color from at least one region of a light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventor: Josef Andreas Schug
  • Publication number: 20080272616
    Abstract: An air guidance device for the rear section of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle has at least one first tail light and at least one second tail light. The tail lights are disposed at the respective sides of the vehicle and they are spaced apart by a spacing distance in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The air guidance device is movable between a rest position, in which the air guidance device lies substantially within the vehicle contour, and an operating position, in which the air guidance device extends beyond the vehicle contour. In the rest position, the air guidance device covers at least partially the area between the first tail light and the second tail light. The maximum width of the air guidance device is greater than the spacing device between the first tail light and the second tail light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Thomas Wolf
  • Publication number: 20080273343
    Abstract: A bulb retainer device for use with bulbs such as halogen burner bulbs on vehicles subject to vibration and oscillation. The bulb has a flat burner glass press area and a receptacle is used for mounting the bulb in position to function as a light. A one piece metal sheet bulb retainer is mounted on the receptacle. The retainer has a circular drawn cup in its surface for slidably mounting the retainer on the receptacle. The retainer further has a plurality of arcuate fingers in the cup and sized to engage the bulb flat burner glass press area to restrain movement thereof. The preferred number of fingers is four and the retainer is fixedly mounted on the retainer after assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Alton E. Runions, James H. Chambers
  • Publication number: 20080266888
    Abstract: A control for a vehicle mounted accessory that has an electrically operable device. The accessory is operated by a switch that is mounted on the vehicle remote from the accessory. The switch and the electrically operable device are electrically connected by programmable controllers and a communications bus. The control has the capability of automatically determining the presence of a vehicle DRL mode, and the accessory turn signal lights are automatically illuminated to provide an accessory DRL mode. The control can automatically detect different accessories and reprogram itself to control them. The control provides a secured communications link between it and the accessory to prevent accessory theft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: DOUGLAS DYNAMICS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Edwin A. Wayne, Clarence J. Rand
  • Publication number: 20080259620
    Abstract: A light guide unit which includes a front light emitting surface, a rear surface to which a light reflecting treatment is applied and a side end face which constitutes a light introducing plane and which is formed solid of a light transmissive material as a whole is divided by a vertical slit which reaches the rear reflecting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Oba, Akihiro Misawa, Tetsuya Arakawa
  • Publication number: 20080259622
    Abstract: An LED illumination device includes at least one LED plate including a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on an upper surface of a flat substrate and a device body having a mouth ring engageable with an illumination device socket disposed at a predetermined installation location, the LED plate and the device body being connected to each other by an electrical cable. The LED plate has an underside formed with an applying portion. The device body has an outer surface provided with a receiving portion. The applying portion of the LED plate is detachably applied to the receiving portion of the device body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Tsutomu Totani
  • Publication number: 20080259621
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle side light system for signaling an event that is directly connected to a vehicle's signaling system and power source. The system comprises at least one series of lights having multiple light emitting devices set in a row, a flexible circuit attached to at least one circuit of a vehicle and at least one digital shift register coupled to at least one schmitt trigger circuit. The lights in the system are automatically sequentially activated by the schmitt trigger circuits to signal the occurrence of an event. The light system may alternatively be attached to an independent power source to add instinctive awareness to an object or situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Timothy Patrick Peron, Michael Christopher Peron, Ralph Eugene Sposato
  • Publication number: 20080258489
    Abstract: A safety device for a motor vehicle with a front portion and at least two headlamps spaced apart from each other is described. The vehicle includes a front hood which, in an accident, is displaced from its closed initial position into a raised safety position in which a gap is formed between the front hood and the front portion. To increase pedestrian protection, in the regions of the headlamps the safety device includes at least one covering element which is movable between a retracted position and an extended position in which the gap is closed by the covering element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: DAIMLERCHRYSLER AG
    Inventors: Martin Ebner, Oliver Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 7438453
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly includes a mirror member, a housing and a light member. The mirror member is supported in the housing. The light member is attached to the housing to radiate light, having a luminous body and a lens mask configured to cover the luminous body. The housing has an outermost portion which lies outwardly furthest with respect to a width direction of a vehicle. The light member is disposed inside of the outermost portion with respect to a width direction of the vehicle and the lens mask is formed so that its shape smoothly continues to the outermost portion. A projection is formed on the lens mask so that a surface of the projection is inside of the outermost portion with respect to a width direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Saitoh, Tomohiko Sano, Takayuki Domon
  • Publication number: 20080253140
    Abstract: A light for motor vehicles and the like includes one or more LEDs that are embedded in a polymer material. The light may be positioned on an exposed surface of the vehicle, and the encapsulation of the LEDs and other electrical components provides a waterproof assembly that is substantially impervious to ambient conditions. The light may include a light source and a light guide that are disposed in a watertight housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Eric L. Fleischmann, Nick J. DeVries, Thomas J. Veenstra, Michael K. Judge
  • Publication number: 20080247183
    Abstract: A disclosed bus stop arm includes an extendable arm for protruding from a bus and including signage instructing motorists to stop, a socket in the extendable arm for receiving a lamp, and a lamp having a connector configured to be received in the socket. The lamp includes at least two light emitting diodes, the light emitting diodes projecting light in substantially opposite primary directions. A disclosed lamp for a bus stop arm includes a connector configured to fit in a lamp socket on a bus stop arm, and at least two light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes project light in substantially opposite primary directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Lyn Brandon BILLINGSLEY
  • Publication number: 20080247184
    Abstract: A conventional keyless entry system uses a radio wave as an unlocking or locking signal and is therefore substantially non-directional. For example, when an unlocking operation is performed, keys of all doors are unlocked, so that for example in a vehicle having a certain slide door or a kick-up door, an occupant of the vehicle may forget to lock the door. According to the presently disclosed subject matter a keyless entry system for locking and unlocking lock(s) of a vehicle can include an infrared light projector having a narrow radiation angle, and a light receiving/emitting unit corresponding to operating conditions of keys/locks. The light receiving/emitting unit can include a combination of a light receiving element for receiving the infrared light and a light emitting element for indicating the position of a key/lock which is operated correspondingly to the infrared light received by the light receiving element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, Hiroshi Uematsu, Takuya Kushimoto, Yutaka Ishiyama