Roof Patents (Class 362/493)
  • Patent number: 11254258
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicular component which include an illumination device capable of favorably illuminating the periphery of a host vehicle. There is provided a vehicular component that includes an illumination device (3) installed on a roof part (30) and configured to cover a vehicle interior space from above. The illumination device (4) includes a light source unit (100) and a light emitting unit (300). The light emitting unit (300) configured to emit light by light emitted from the light source unit (100) is provided along an outer peripheral edge (31) of the roof part (30) in a top view of the vehicle (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Tatara, Toshihiro Okamura, Takeshi Masuda, Osamu Endo
  • Patent number: 11084419
    Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus for an automobile sunroof with a changing display pattern is provided, comprising: a light-guiding layer, a light-emitting module, and a fixing batten; wherein a coating layer is provided on the first surface of the light-guiding layer, and the coating layer includes a first pattern and the second pattern, the second surface of the light-guiding layer includes a third pattern; the light-emitting module includes a plurality of first light-emitting elements, second light-emitting elements, third light-emitting elements, and limiting blocks; the first light-emitting element emits ultraviolet light to make the first pattern produce a fluorescent reaction; the second light-emitting element emits infrared light to make the second patterns produce a fluorescent reaction; the third light-emitting element emits primary color light to make the third pattern appear through reflection and refraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Keng-Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 10596955
    Abstract: A multifunctional automobile alarm lamp includes an LED lighting device, a lamp housing, a rod mounting base and a lighting control device. The LED lighting device is installed in the lamp housing; the rod mounting base includes a connecting rod, a connecting board and a fixing bracket; the connecting board is for connecting the lamp housing; the connecting rod is for connecting the connecting board; the connecting rod is connected to the fixing bracket by a sliding sleeve method; the fixing bracket is installed to the top of the police car at where the alarm lamp is situated; the lighting control device is connected to the LED lighting device for controlling the lighting method of the LED lighting device. The present invention can expand the application functions of the LED alarm lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: NINGBO KAISHUO LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yanhua Gao
  • Patent number: 10583776
    Abstract: The present invention is a brake level indication device that indicates brake force applied by front vehicle driver to rear vehicle driver by switching ON and OFF series of LEDs or bulbs. It includes sensor which converts force applied to the brake in the form of variable electrical signal. The variable electrical signal is digitized into different levels by peripheral interface of microcontroller. The microprocessor processes the digitized data, depending on the level of output signal, turns ON the series of LEDs or bulbs. If full brake is applied, then all the bulbs or LEDs will be turned ON and also emergency flash light is turned ON. Providing braking information of front vehicle and indicating it to rear vehicle will reduce death rate due to vehicle collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Inventors: Luis R. Ortiz, Pedro J. Lopez
  • Patent number: 10507760
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for real time visual based taxi vehicle authentication for customers and drivers for smartphone application based taxi services. The method includes providing a visible display on a taxi vehicle in a conspicuously visible location. The display is configured for real time selective displaying changeable unique visual identification signals. The method includes selecting a specific visual identification signal by the smartphone application for a given customer, driver and vehicle for a specific use and sending this visual identification signal to the customer and to the driver via the smartphone application, wherein the visual identification signal is selectively viewable by the customer and displayed on the customer's smartphone; and displaying the visual identification signal on the display at least at a time when the vehicle is in proximity to the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: Rock A. Ferrone
  • Patent number: 10436416
    Abstract: A vehicle light assembly is provided herein and includes a light source, an optic configured to output light emitted by the light source, and a thermal conductive member enclosing the light source and the optic. The thermal conductive member is thermally coupled to a vehicle body via a thermal transfer adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, David Brian Glickman
  • Patent number: 10322668
    Abstract: An automatic alarm warning lamp includes a red LED component, a blue LED component, an L-rod mounting base, a warning lamp housing, and a reinforcing plate. The red and blue LED components are installed in the warning lamp housing; the L-rod mounting base is disposed on an outer side of the top of a police car for fixing the warning lamp housing to the outer side of the top of the police car; and the reinforcing plate is disposed on an inner side of the police car for reinforcing the fixation of the warning lamp housing. The warning lamp further includes a control component coupled to the red and blue LED components for controlling the light emission of the red LED component and the light emission of the blue LED component. This disclosure improves the automation level of the warning lamp used in the police car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Ningbo Kaishuo Lighting Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yanhua Gao
  • Patent number: 10030832
    Abstract: A detachable warning lamp has a base, a light-emitting module disposed on the base, and a cover disposed on the base. The base has two retaining walls and two engaging grooves. The light-emitting module has a circuit board disposed on the base and multiple light-emitting elements. The light-emitting elements are electrically connected to the circuit board and are respectively detachably disposed on the base. Each one of the light-emitting elements has a first engaging portion inserted into a corresponding one of the two engaging grooves, multiple first cushioning lugs abutting a corresponding one of the two retaining walls, a second engaging portion, and multiple second cushioning lugs. The cover has two baffles abutting the second cushioning lugs and two stopping surfaces abutting the second engaging portion. The light-emitting elements are detachably engaged on the base without the use of a screw and a hand tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Neng-Chen Yeh
  • Patent number: 9758088
    Abstract: A roof rack assembly is provided herein. A pair of support racks are provided on a roof structure of a vehicle. A first light source is coupled to each of the support racks and is disposed to downwardly project a light beam across a hood of the vehicle. A second light source is coupled to each of the support racks and is disposed to downwardly project a light beam to illuminate a corresponding ground area proximate a corner of the vehicle. A third light source is coupled to each of the support racks and is disposed to downwardly project a light beam to illuminate a corresponding ground area proximate a door of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Aaron Bradley Johnson, James J. Surman, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Patent number: 9656597
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting system is provided primarily for use with emergency response vehicles. The lighting system preferably includes a planar plate mounted to one of the horizontal surfaces of a vehicle. A luminescent planar sheet is constructed to provide illuminated alphanumeric characters affixed upon the planar plate so as to illuminate upwardly so as to be seen from the air. Preferably the luminescent planar sheet can selectively produce visible light, or infrared light, or both. The vehicle lighting system also includes a light bar affixed to the planar plate. The light bar is positioned to illuminate primarily horizontally so as to be seen by those on the ground. Preferably, the luminescent planar sheets are connected by wiring to the light bar so that luminescent planar sheet obtains power from the light bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Shipman
  • Patent number: 9650005
    Abstract: A vehicle shield is provided according to the invention. The vehicle shield is constructed to avoid excessive hood flutter. The shield includes a vehicle shield region and an attachment region. The vehicle shield region is constructed for extending across at least a portion of a vehicle hood for protecting the vehicle hood. The attachment region is constructed for attaching the vehicle shield region to a vehicle. Also provided is a method of installing the shield to a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Lund, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Patelczyk, Mitch Fogle, Chris Morin, Greg Razor, Robert R. Chapman, Luis Serentill
  • Patent number: 9487132
    Abstract: An emergency light system for an emergency vehicle. The light system can have a low profile configuration for improved aesthetics and aerodynamics. Further the light system can be configured to allow for customization of the individual emergency lights and/or easy access to the individual emergency lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Halcore Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Van Arnam, Randy Hanson, Adam Wilson, Steve Dillard
  • Patent number: 9346397
    Abstract: An emergency system for a vehicle integrates many disparate equipment into single housing, including the power supply for the equipment. In one embodiment of the invention, the emergency system is a light bar. The light bar houses a power source comprising solar cell panels, a Lithium-Ion battery pack and a connection to an external supply such as the vehicle's electrical power. Energy for operating the light bar is provided by one or more of the power sources, depending on operating conditions of the light bar and each of the power sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Gergets, Jacek J. Jozwik
  • Patent number: 9291328
    Abstract: An interior lens is provided for a light bar mountable onto the roof of a vehicle. The interior lens has a plurality of fluted lenses or lens segments forming a ribbon shaped to receive illumination prior to exiting the light bar outer dome. The fluted lenses extend vertically parallel to each other and are each shaped to increase the horizontal viewing angle of light from the light bar. The ribbon of fluted lenses may continuously extend within the light bar around the optical assembly to improve performance of light projected from different sides of the light bar, thereby providing an improved optical assembly for a light bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Star Headlight & Lantern Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy L. Andrew, Stephen T. Vukosic, R. Michael Datz, Elvis Pacavar, Andrew Mack
  • Patent number: 8985414
    Abstract: A vehicle article carrier system for use on an outer body surface of a vehicle, where the system may make use of a light emitting diode (LED) and a pair of support rails assemblies secured parallel to one another along a major longitudinal axis of the vehicle. At least one of the support rail assemblies may have a light pipe in optical communication with the LED. The light pipe may operate to radiate light generated by the LED outwardly from the support rail assembly along the length of the light pipe to thus illuminate a portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: JAC Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Aftanas
  • Patent number: 8950913
    Abstract: An emergency system for a vehicle integrates many disparate equipment into single housing, including the power supply for the equipment. In one embodiment of the invention, the emergency system is a light bar. The light bar houses a power source comprising solar cell panels, a Lithium-Ion battery pack and a connection to an external supply such as the vehicle's electrical power. Energy for operating the light bar is provided by one or more of the power sources, depending on operating conditions of the light bar and each of the power sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Gergets, Jacek J. Jozwik
  • Patent number: 8912921
    Abstract: A warning system for vehicles that comprises a transmitter and a receiver for respectively transmitting a signal to an approaching vehicle or receiving a signal from an approaching vehicle. A light actuated upon receiving a signal from another vehicle and visible to the other vehicle indicates to the other vehicle that it is approaching a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: James A. Reavell
  • Patent number: 8805550
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for designing improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars, and a mesh network connectivity to other fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Digital Lumens Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian J. Chemel, Colin Piepgras, Steve T. Kondo, Scott D. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8786422
    Abstract: A visual warning device has both a warning function to provide various colored flashing lights and a lighting function to adjustably project the lighting in preferable direction, which at least comprises a lighting device comprising an interior spotlight fixedly placed in the inside of the visual warning device and a beacon-like waterproof cover for mostly shielding the interior spotlight by outside exposure securely fastened onto the visual warning device, so that the interior spotlight has no required for an additional waterproof means pivotally mounted thereon as before; in particular, the interior spotlight further has both a vertical drive means and a horizontal drive means designed by uncovered structure, due to both the vertical drive means and the horizontal drive means unnecessarily concealed or placed in the inside of the interior spotlight as before, the interior spotlight has much simpler structure than before and more saving cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Mao-Shen Wang
  • Patent number: 8757856
    Abstract: A vehicular warning device comprises a light bar with at least one light source and a light bar support. The light bar support includes a frame member and a light bar mounting member. The frame member is rigidly mounted to a portion of a vehicle and the light bar mounting member is mounted to the frame member. The light bar is mounted to the light bar mounting member. Illumination from the at least one light source can be shifted between at least a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Matthews
  • Patent number: 8742916
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an LED light bar that provides off axis lighting. The warning light system includes lights that do not need reflectors that rotate to provide good light effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard Burke, Vincent Fleszewski, Charles Meyer, Christopher Radzik, George Frank, Sigmund Urbanski, Paul Gergets
  • Patent number: 8636395
    Abstract: A light bar is described that is of a modular construction based on one or more large circuit boards that are populated with light beam assemblies and then fastened to an interior space of the light bar housing. Keys that automatically align the light beam assemblies on each of the boards precisely control placement of the assemblies on the board. In turn, each of the boards is keyed to the interior of the light bar housing so that when the board is fastened to the housing the light beam assemblies are automatically registered into alignment with the lenses in the housing so that the beams from the assemblies are properly oriented. The light bar is inexpensive to fabricate and can be assembled quickly and reliably, yet it provides for a high degree of customization, which is a requirement in the emergency vehicle lighting industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Gergets, Vince S. Fleszewski, Allan J. Mostello
  • Patent number: 8636398
    Abstract: A room lamp for a motor vehicle, including a lamp assembly having a resin clip; a vessel having an opening; and a reinforcing member. The resin clip is engaged with a peripheral edge of the reinforcing member through the opening of the vessel to integrally attach the lamp assembly, the vessel and the reinforcing member. The resin clip has an inverted U shape, is made of an elastic member and includes a base part, an inverted U shape part and a lock. The resin clip has a protruding piece in a lower part of the lock, a side protruding piece formed in a lower part side of the protruding piece which is located in an engaging recessed part of an opening peripheral edge of the vessel which has a clip abutting surface when the resin clip is engaged with the peripheral edge of the reinforcing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Shingo Chiba
  • Patent number: 8622596
    Abstract: A lamp assembly to be attached with a reinforcement through an opening formed in a roof panel is provided. A clip to be locked with the reinforcement is provided in the lamp assembly. The clip includes a base portion connected to the housing, an inverted U-shape portion connected to the base portion, a lock connected to the inverted U-shape portion, a projecting piece projected from a lower end of the lock, an extension portion extended further downwards from the projecting piece, and a side projecting piece formed on a side surface of the extension portion at a lower portion. A front projecting piece which faces the side projecting piece with a space provided therebetween is formed on the housing. The side projecting piece comes in contact with the front projecting piece in a state where the clip is locked on a circumferential edge of an opening of the reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuro Takasaki
  • Patent number: 8585263
    Abstract: An illuminated vehicular sign is provided including a vehicle and luminescent planar sheet. The luminescent planar sheet is constructed to provide illuminated alpha-numeric characters which are mounted to the horizontal planar surfaces of a vehicle. The alpha-numeric characters are mounted substantially horizontally so as to be seen from the air such as by helicopters or planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Shipman
  • Patent number: 8564665
    Abstract: My idea either adds lights and cameras to existing lights and cameras, or in some cases it adds a whole new system. The idea can be used on any vehicle, but is designed for emergency vehicles in particular. The idea would be very beneficial in dark areas like in the country. The system could be very advantageous at night for accident scenes, crime scenes, etc. I know it will be a great asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: James Leonard Tidgwell
  • Patent number: 8550674
    Abstract: The present patent application provides a slim light bar. The light bar includes a base (1), two upper side covers (2), a top cover (3), a straight light unit (4), a curved light unit (5) and a plurality of supporting legs (6). The top cover (3) is disposed in the middle of the top of the base (1). The upper side covers (2) are disposed at the two ends of the top of the base (1). The straight light unit (4) is connected to the straight sides of the base (1). The curved light unit (5) is connected to the curved sides of the two ends of the base (1). The supporting legs (6) are connected to the bottom of the base (1). The height of the base (1) is 26 mm to 29 mm. The present patent application uses LEDs with a diameter of 4.5 mm and the corresponding lenses have a maximum diameter of 14 mm so that the height of the base (1) is only 26 mm to 29 mm and the materials used for making the light bar are saved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Ningbo Yinzhou Self Photoelectron Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng Yu
  • Patent number: 8540406
    Abstract: A solar light bar includes a battery isolator adapted to be connected between a bus and a vehicle charging system for isolating a vehicle battery from the bus and for selectively connecting the bus to the charging system. A light source switch connects the light source and the bus for selectively electrically connecting the light source to the bus. When the light source switch is closed, the light source is energized by electricity from at least one of the solar panel, the charging system and the auxiliary battery. When the light source switch is open, the light source is isolated from the bus. The auxiliary battery is adapted to be selectively charged by electricity from at least one of the solar panel and the charging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle C. Stuesse, John C. Davis, Michael Lloyd, Steve J. Herberholt, Roger L. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130229814
    Abstract: An illumination device can be arranged along a contour of a component in a motor vehicle so that the contour of the component is recognizable in the dark as a bright strip. The illumination device allows producing a light strip along a predetermined distance. For this, the illumination device has a longitudinally shaped light conductor for distributing light along the distance and a coupling-in element which is connected to the light contour for coupling light into the light conductor. The light conductor is supported positionally fixed relative to the component in a region by means of a fixed-bearing device. The coupling in element on the other hand is supported by means of a floating-bearing device for movement relative to the component along at least one direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventor: Marcus Pfeil
  • Publication number: 20130229815
    Abstract: An illumination device for producing a light strip along a predetermined distance includes light sources and light conductors, wherein light of a first one of the light sources is distributable along a first section of the distance by a first one of the light conductors up to an end region of the first light conductor, wherein light of a second one of the light sources is distributable along a second section of the distance by a second one of the light conductors up to an end region of the second light conductor, and wherein the end region of the first light conductor and the end region of the second light conductor are arranged adjacent one another along the distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventor: Marcus Pfeil
  • Patent number: 8506142
    Abstract: A resettable break-away joint for a pole assembly includes a lower end of an upper pole member and an upper end of a lower pole member. A biasing mechanism urges the lower end of the upper pole member toward engagement with the upper end of the lower pole member to urge the upper pole member toward an upright position until the upper pole member is moved to a collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David J. Macke
  • Patent number: 8425098
    Abstract: A light bar for use on firefighting or other emergency vehicles includes an elongate base that provides a versatile mounting platform for primary visual and audible warning devices as well as providing a mounting platform for other types of equipment such as secondary visual and audible devices, optical devices, cameras, weather monitoring equipment, GPS devices, preemption devices, running lights and other devices that have been traditionally mounted on a firefighting or emergency vehicle roof and/or other exterior surface area of the emergency vehicle. The light bar is versatile in both allowing many different types of equipment to be selectively mounted and adjustably positioned on the base, and on pairs of support plates that are attachable to the opposite ends of the base and provide support for different combinations of signal lights and other equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: PowerArc, Inc.
    Inventor: W. Kenneth Menke, III
  • Patent number: 8414168
    Abstract: A roof rack assembly for a vehicle having a roof is presented here. The roof rack assembly includes a first stanchion for structural attachment to the roof, a second stanchion for structural attachment to the roof, and a bar coupled between, and held above the roof by, the first stanchion and the second stanchion. The bar has a securing feature integrally formed therein, which holds an electric powered light-emitting component. Accordingly, the roof rack assembly employs a roof rack bar having a light-emitting element integrated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Jutila, Robert E. Boniface, Jeffrey A. Diegel, Joel T. Bachler, Ronald J. Wojciechowski
  • Patent number: 8342725
    Abstract: A light bar may include a light head with chip-on-board (COB) light emitting diode (LED) and an optic component mounted adjacent to the COB LED. The light bar may comprise short and long center modules. The light bar may include a plurality of housing modules where each housing module includes a light head and a lens cover having a top portion that is substantially impervious to ultraviolet radiation, and a lens portion extending downward from the top portion in generally opposing relationship with the light head. The light bar may include a circuit board including a wire-to-board connector, and a light head including a wire-to-board connector mated with the wire-to-board connector on the circuit board to electrically connect the light head to the circuit board. The light head may include a holographic diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul L. Stein, Timothy B. Murray, Roger L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8292478
    Abstract: A signaling system for mounting to an exterior surface of an emergency vehicle is provided. The signaling system includes a light bar and a pair of mounting feet. The light bar can include a plurality of signaling devices supported on and distributed along a base member and enclosed by a cover. The light bar can be secured to the mounting feet via a plurality of fasteners. The mounting feet can be connected to the emergency vehicle via roof straps. Each mounting foot can include a base, which can have a support portion, a contoured portion, and a pair of compartments; a pair of seals associated with each compartment; a pair of covers, which can be translucent, removably mounted to the base to enclose the compartments; and a roof strap secured to the base. Each compartment can house a signaling device, such as a lamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph F. Bader, Jan C. Mol, Sigmund S. Urbanski, Charles P. Meyer, Robert A. Czajkowski
  • Publication number: 20120224383
    Abstract: An illuminated vehicular sign is provided including a vehicle and luminescent planar sheet. The luminescent planar sheet is constructed to provide illuminated alpha-numeric characters which are mounted to the horizontal planar surfaces of a vehicle. The alpha-numeric characters are mounted substantially horizontally so as to be seen from the air such as by helicopters or planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Shipman
  • Publication number: 20120201041
    Abstract: An emergency system for a vehicle integrates many disparate equipment into single housing, including the power supply for the equipment. In one embodiment of the invention, the emergency system is a light bar. The light bar houses a power source comprising solar cell panels, a Lithium-Ion battery pack and a connection to an external supply such as the vehicle's electrical power. Energy for operating the light bar is provided by one or more of the power sources, depending on operating conditions of the light bar and each of the power sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: FEDERAL SIGNAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul M. Gergets, Jacek J. Jozwik
  • Patent number: 8228177
    Abstract: An automobile security device includes an enclosing housing mounted to a roof of a vehicle. An erectable, pivoting mooring post is located within the housing. A motion control and power delivery system erects the mooring post upon activation providing power and control to devices mounted to the post. Means are provided for activating and controlling the control system. Various surveillance devices are mounted to the mooring post including a video camera, a lighting system to illuminate an area surrounding the vehicle and sound recording equipment to record sounds adjacent the vehicle. The means for activating and controlling the motion control and power delivery system includes manual controls located within the vehicle, a wireless remote control, timing systems linked to starting and turning off of the vehicle electrical system and sound and motion detectors located on the vehicle. The system is provided as original equipment and as an after market product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Stanley Toshio Yamada
  • Patent number: 8210725
    Abstract: A light bar has several modular light source heads which may contain different types of light sources as well as different technologies mounted in cages by shock absorbing grommets. The cages are mounted on a bottom member so that the heads can be arranged along opposite sides and the ends of the bottom members. The heads are captured, and assembled with the bottom member, by a top member which also captures translucent or transparent members or lenses along the sides of the light bar and, transparent or translucent end caps which may also provide lenses for the light source heads at the ends of the bar. The end caps are removably connected to the top and bottom members at the ends of the bar by screws extending through the end caps. The light source modules have the same wiring connected thereto by connectors from a connector board to connectors along the back ends of the light source heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Start Headlight & Lantern Co., Inc.
    Inventors: R. Michael Datz, Robert J. Gross, Steven W. Neufeglise, Stephen T. Vukosic, J. Douglas Richardson, Michael F. Mastin
  • Publication number: 20120031939
    Abstract: A roof rack assembly for a vehicle having a roof is presented here. The roof rack assembly includes a first stanchion for structural attachment to the roof, a second stanchion for structural attachment to the roof, and a bar coupled between, and held above the roof by, the first stanchion and the second stanchion. The bar has a securing feature integrally formed therein, which holds an electric powered light-emitting component. Accordingly, the roof rack assembly employs a roof rack bar having a light-emitting element integrated therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: BRIAN J. JUTILA, ROBERT E. BONIFACE, JEFFREY A. DIEGEL, JOEL T. BACHLER, RONALD J. WOJCIECHOWSKI
  • Patent number: 8079724
    Abstract: The combined spotlight caution light apparatus provides the advantages of both a spotlight and a caution light. Both lights are housed one above the other within the transparent circular dome. The apparatus provides the advantage of removably mounting each needed light to a vehicle, without brackets, vehicle modifications, or hardware or electrical harness invasion. The apparatus provides the advantages of rotating caution light warning. And, the apparatus separates and combines controls for the spotlight and caution light with the control within the connecting wire that plugs into the vehicle cigar lighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Curtis D. Klaver
  • Patent number: 8070334
    Abstract: The work machine has an operator's cab, an engine hood, an exhaust pipe, a first headlight, and a second headlight. The engine hood is disposed in front of the operator's cab. The exhaust pipe projects upwards from the engine hood. The first headlight and the second headlight are provided at a front part of the operator's cab spaced in a lateral direction and disposed so that optical axes of the first and second headlights are mutually intersect but not to overlap with the exhaust pipe when viewed in a top plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Yomogita, Masamichi Miyazaki, Keita Muto, Koji Nagami
  • Publication number: 20110156589
    Abstract: A light bar is described that is of a modular construction based on one or more large circuit boards that are populated with light beam assemblies and then fastened to an interior space of the light bar housing. Keys that automatically align the light beam assemblies on each of the boards precisely control placement of the assemblies on the board. In turn, each of the boards is keyed to the interior of the light bar housing so that when the board is fastened to the housing the light beam assemblies are automatically registered into alignment with the lenses in the housing so that the beams from the assemblies are properly oriented. The light bar is inexpensive to fabricate and can be assembled quickly and reliably, yet it provides for a high degree of customization, which is a requirement in the emergency vehicle lighting industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Gergets, Vince S. Fleszewski, Allan J. Mostello
  • Patent number: 7954984
    Abstract: An interior lamp can achieve both an excellent illumination function and an excellent illumination effect (providing a comfortable environment) and may possibly provide high merchandizability characteristics. The interior lamp can include an LED light source unit having a substrate and a plurality of white LED lamps and colored LED lamps mounted on the substrate. A cover case can be provided to serve as a light illumination unit. The light illumination unit can include a double-layer structure having a light diffusion layer and a light transmission layer. The light diffusion layer can have a plurality of penetrating holes. The light transmission layer can have a plurality of convex lens portions. The center axes of the penetrating holes and the corresponding lens portions can coincide with corresponding optical axes of the white LED lamps, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Okawa, Han O
  • Publication number: 20110128755
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting assembly wherein a trim ring, containing a lighting assembly, is mounted on a vehicle headliner. The lighting assembly contains a lighting element having a light engine. The light engine having a housing and a light source mounted within the housing. The housing optionally containing a circuit board adapted to control light emitting from the light source. The light source contained within the housing may either be an LED or a traditional light bulb. The light source may optionally be colored, or textured, to provide unique ambient mood light options. The assembly further provides a light pipe having at least one light pipe aperture. The lighting element positioned adjacent, or connected to, the light pipe aperture. The light source in the lighting element directs light down the light pipe thereby creating a uniform output of light along the light pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Adam Michael Ludwig, Jim Scheerhorn, Ralph Spooner
  • Patent number: 7940166
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an emergency assistance beacon signal methodology for law enforcement, emergency and military personnel by which such personnel who encounter an imminent need for assistance or rescue while on duty in a vehicle, may utilize such methodology to invite the assistance or rescue of other such personnel. Upon a first personnel determining that assistance or rescue is needed, the first personnel activate a powerful light element attached to a such that the powerful light directs a beam of light upwardly and non-horizontally from the vehicle. Upon a second personnel recognizing the beam of light, travels to a general area of the beam of light to locate the first and provides first personnel assistance or rescue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Konstantinos Koliopoulos
  • Patent number: 7918596
    Abstract: A warning light and warning light assembly are disclosed. The warning light includes a housing including a base and a translucent cover. The warning light includes one or more light emitting diodes within the housing, each of the light emitting diodes operable to emit light substantially along an optical output axis. The warning light also includes a reflector within the housing, the reflector including a reflective surface having a curve section disposed substantially perpendicular to the optical output axis of at least one of the one or more light emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: George Frank, Paul Gergets, Vince Fleszewski, Robert Czajkowski
  • Patent number: 7914189
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Izuru Sugiura, Takashi Sugie
  • Patent number: 7905640
    Abstract: A light bar is described that is of a modular construction based on one or more large circuit boards that are populated with light beam assemblies and then fastened to an interior space of the light bar housing. Keys that automatically align the light beam assemblies on each of the boards precisely control placement of the assemblies on the board. In turn, each of the boards is keyed to the interior of the light bar housing so that when the board is fastened to the housing the light beam assemblies are automatically registered into alignment with the lenses in the housing so that the beams from the assemblies are properly oriented. The light bar is inexpensive to fabricate and can be assembled quickly and reliably, yet it provides for a high degree of customization, which is a requirement in the emergency vehicle lighting industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Gergets, Vince S. Fleszewski, Allan J. Mostello
  • 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