Turn Signal Indicator Patents (Class 362/498)
  • Patent number: 9753208
    Abstract: An illuminator includes a strip-shaped light guide and a plurality of light sources. The light sources are disposed along one end surface in the width direction of the light guide to allow light to be incident on the one end surface. The light guide guides the light of the light sources from the one end surface to the other end surface in the width direction of the light guide. The one end surface and the other end surface of the light guide are light-diffusing surfaces. The width of the light guide is larger than the thickness of the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignees: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuya Ban, Kentaro Shimizu, Masahiro Sagawa, Kotaro Oku
  • Patent number: 9174690
    Abstract: A wiring structure to supply power to a license light provided in a two-wheeled vehicle includes a wire, a connector, a vehicle-body-side harness, and a plug. The wire is connected to the license light attached to a fender support. The fender support is attached to a back surface of a rear fender which is detachably attached to a vehicle body. The connector is attached to a leading end of the wire and to the fender support. The vehicle-body-side harness is fastened to a vehicle-body frame with a fastener at a position lower than an attachment position of the connector. The vehicle-body-side harness extends upward toward the connector. The plug is provided to the vehicle-body-side harness and is connected to the connector to supply power from the vehicle body to the license light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Suzuki, Kazuhiko Ono, Katsuhisa Yamada
  • Patent number: 8967840
    Abstract: A vehicle auxiliary lighting system (VALS 10) having attached to the side of a vehicle a set of side lights that automatically illuminate in synchrony with a corresponding set of vehicle lights are activated by a vehicle driver. The side lights are attached to four moisture-resistant enclosures namely: a left front light enclosure (12), a right front light enclosure (28), a left rear light enclosure (38) and a right rear light enclosure (54). The enclosures, which are attached to a structure adjacent a set of disk brakes and a set of drum brakes, are viewed through openings on a set of spoked vehicle wheels. The side lights, which correspond to the vehicle's front facing lights, produce an amber light; the side lights that correspond to the vehicle's rear facing lights produce a red light; and the side light that corresponds to a vehicle's reverse light produces a white light. By utilizing the VALS (10) the margin of safety for both pedestrians and other motorists is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Curtis J. Haney
  • Patent number: 8845156
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes a long solid-core shaped light guide; a first light source that irradiates an end portion of the long solid-core shaped light guide in a longitudinal direction such that light is radiated long from an end side of the vehicle lamp toward another end side of the vehicle lamp; and a second light source that irradiates the another end side of the vehicle lamp to a lateral outer side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsuba Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Fukasawa, Yasushi Kawaji, Hitoshi Kurihara, Tatsuya Sugamoto
  • Patent number: 8833995
    Abstract: A lighting module, comprising a printed circuit board, which on the front side thereof, is populated by at least one light source as well as at least one light sensor; a hollow optical waveguide element, which laterally surrounds the at least one light source circumferentially; and a cover at least for the light sensor, arranged on the printed circuit board externally to the optical waveguide element, it being possible for a window to be located in the optical waveguide element to which window is connected a hollow light channel formed in and/or on the cover which leads to the light sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: OSRAM GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Frost, Stefan Lorenz, Peter Sachsenweger, Simon Schwalenberg
  • Patent number: 8827518
    Abstract: A universal automotive light includes a main housing constructed and arranged for accommodating a stop/tail/turn light assembly, a pair of opposed side marker apertures disposed on either side of stop/tail/turn light assembly, and a side marker light assembly constructed and arranged for engagement in a selected one of the side marker apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Tiger Accessory Group, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Smith, Steve Rovtar, Chris Riley
  • Patent number: 8764257
    Abstract: An optical device, in particular for a motor vehicle, such as a lighting or indicating device, this device comprising at least two light sources associated with different predetermined photometric functions and a principal light guide comprising an emergent end and arranged to guide the light generated by the light sources towards this emergent end, so that this emergent end defines a common illuminating surface for the two photometric functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Antoine De Lamberterie
  • Patent number: 8714792
    Abstract: A bumper adapted for mounting to a trailer is provided. The bumper comprises a tail skirt extending horizontally across the rear of the trailer. Upright bars mount to and intersect the tail skirt. The tail skirt comprises a groove for receiving a recessed light bar comprising multiple signal lights. The wiring harness extends from the light bar into a space behind the upright bars and passes through openings in the tail skirt behind the upright bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Fontaine Trailer Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Adams
  • Patent number: 8690403
    Abstract: A multifunction vehicle light has a housing, at least one light emitter mounted within the housing, and a lens mounted in cooperation with the light and the housing. A filter has a first position and a second position, with the first position being in a light path and the second position being out of the light path. The lens has a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion having a first color and the second portion having a second color. In one embodiment, the filter also has the first color; for example red. The light from the lamp appears to be entirely in the first color when the filter is in its first position and the light from the lamp appears in both the first and second colors when the filter is in its second position, with the colors corresponding to the first and second portions of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hella KGAA Hueck & Co.
    Inventor: Sandeep Saxena
  • Patent number: 8439535
    Abstract: A motorcycle taillight includes a base, a light source unit, and a hood. The base includes a first bulb seat, which receives a primary light source of a light source unit mounted therein. An extension section extends from an underside of the first bulb seat in a direction toward the rear side of the motorcycle. The extension section has an underside to which a second bulb seat is mounted. The second bulb seat is located at a free end of the extension section to receive a license plate light of the light source unit mounted therein. The hood has a shielding section corresponding in position to the second bulb seat of the base. A cover is arranged under the shielding section. As such, the white light that is used to illuminate a license plate cannot be seen from the rear side of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Chih Yu
  • Patent number: 8414169
    Abstract: An assembly for creating the appearance of flames emerging from a vehicle exhaust, including a partially transparent tube connected to the vehicle, a light emitting array positioned within the tube, a plurality of reflective generally flame-shaped streamers extending at least partially into the partially transparent tube, an air pressure source operationally connected to the tube, a power source electrically connected to the light emitting array and an electronic controller operationally connected to the light emitting array. Actuation of the air pressure source waves the streamers within the tube and the streamers are visible through the tube when waving. The light emitting array is positioned to shine light onto the waving streamers and the electronic controller is operable to sequence the actuation of the light emitting array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Cary E. Gloodt
  • Patent number: 8371732
    Abstract: A body panel for a vehicle includes an outer lens and a light engine projecting a light into the outer lens. The body panel includes a duct, which is disposed at a substantially equal vertical elevation as the outer lens. The light engine is positioned relative to the outer lens to allow the duct to pass directly behind the outer lens, at approximately the same vertical elevation, to improve air flow through the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott P. Charnesky, Jason W. Guenzel, Mark R. Gordon
  • Patent number: 8360622
    Abstract: An LED light bulb that includes a base providing an electrical connector and a substantially hollow envelope extending from the base. The light bulb further includes a metal space separator having a top side, bottom side and side wall that has a plurality of holes connected by at least one channel that extends through the interior of the separator, such that air can pass through the separator. At least one LED is mounted on the separator in electrical connection with the base connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GE Lighting Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Mora, Jozsef Fulop, Laszlo Petras, Peter Lucz
  • Patent number: 8328399
    Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle has a handlebar cover 27 covering at least a front portion of a handlebar 14. The vehicle includes a turn signal device having mounting stays 26 jointed to the handlebar bar 14, and lamp members 25 supported on the mounting stays 26. The handlebar cover 27 covering the front portion of the handlebar 14 has opening portions 47 formed so as to face in a vehicle body forward direction. The mounting stays 26 penetrate the opening portions 47 and extend in the vehicle body forward direction from the handlebar 14. The lamp members 25 are connected to front end portions of the mounting stays 26. The mounting stays 26 are jointed to end portions 14c of the handlebar 14. Stay covers 45 which cover the mounting stays 26 can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuki Tajima, Takashi Sumada, Tomonori Hayashi, Taiki Sakane
  • Patent number: 8322902
    Abstract: An optical system for a motor vehicle, the optical system performing at least one main optical function and including in particular a diffusion screen, at least one light source of the LED type, each LED of the optical system producing a set of rays of light to be propagated in the diffusion screen wherein the screen is in the form of a curved sheet, with an upper lateral flange and a lower lateral flange which meet at a periphery which has in particular a rear face and a front edge and the principal function is performed essentially via an output face constituted by the front edge of the diffusion screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Laure Martin, Benjamin Vernisse, Benjamin Thierry, Nicolas Vathonne, Jean-Claude Gasquet
  • Patent number: 8317379
    Abstract: The invention provides a car lighting unit comprising a reflector and a light source arranged to generate light. The reflector circumferentially surrounds the light source and has a reflector opening. The reflector is arranged to reflect at least part of the light from the light source through the reflector opening. The car lighting unit further comprises a source-related 3D hologram and a source-unrelated 3D hologram. The car lighting unit is 5 constructed to generate a beam of light and a source-related holographic 3D image, using light from the light source, during operation of the lighting unit, and a source-unrelated 3D holographic image when the lighting unit is not in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Wilhelmus Johannes Leonardus Oomen, Lingli Wang
  • Patent number: 8308326
    Abstract: A lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle which is capable of emitting a linear beam in the direction of an optical axis and which comprises a point light source that emits light rays radially around a source; a light ray guiding plate; wherein the light guiding plate is shaped so that the light rays generally propagate in incident propagation planes normal to the plate between the light source and the reflection edge and in reflected propagation planes normal to the plate between the reflection edge and the output edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Christophe Dubosc, Antoine De Lamberterie
  • Patent number: 8215813
    Abstract: A flasher support apparatus is provided which lets an external force applied to a lighting apparatus main body escape effectively in a flasher support structure supporting the lighting apparatus main body via a tubular lighting apparatus stay having elasticity. A flasher support structure includes a bottom wall portion disposed on a first axial end of a flasher stay, the bottom wall portion including a mounting hole (a center insertion hole) of a front flasher and an insertion hole (a rear end insertion hole) of a flasher cable; and a peripheral wall portion extending from an outer edge portion of the bottom wall portion toward a vehicle body side so as to widen an opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Yoshida, Kazunori Kawame
  • Patent number: 8147105
    Abstract: For a turn lamp unit, a reflecting member is disposed in an inner space formed by a housing and lens section, wherein the reflecting member is fixed to the housing by a screw. The head portion of the screw is disposed inside a screw housing space arranged at the housing, and an opening of the screw housing space is closed by a waterproof moisture-transmission section. Further, since the inner space and screw housing space are communicated with each other through a breathing hole, one end of the breathing hole is continuous with the inside of the screw housing space closed by the waterproof moisture-transmission section, and the other end of the breathing section is continuous with the inside of the inner space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Murakami, Corporation
    Inventors: Shungo Ikeno, Masahiro Motomiya, Akira Fukai, Ryo Inuzuka
  • Patent number: 8147103
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a flasher 101 to be mounted on a rear portion of a straddle type vehicle includes a lens 120, a cover 160 mated with the lens 120, and a leg 180 connecting the cover 160 with a vehicle body. A mating face of the cover 160 and the lens 120 is slanted with respect to a direction in which the leg 180 extends. The lens 120 is shorter in a vehicle widthwise direction than in a vehicle lengthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kouji Kageyama
  • Patent number: 8113701
    Abstract: A vehicular lamp has an opening portion extending in a left-right direction provided on a side that wraps around toward a rear of a vehicle on an end side of an outer side wall of a mirror housing that supports a side mirror body has a main lamp body. The vehicular lamp has a lamp body and a front lens. The main lamp body is formed into a shape that generally follows the curved opening portion. The front lens is attached to the mirror housing so as to slightly project from or be on generally the same plane as the opening portion. The vehicular lamp has a surface-emitting light guide inner lens provided along the front lens in a curved lamp chamber space. The lamp chamber space is defined by the lamp body and the front lens. The lamp chamber space is elongated in the left-right direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomomi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8070336
    Abstract: A lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle which is capable of emitting a linear beam in the direction of an optical axis and which comprises a point light source that emits light rays radially around a source; a light ray guiding plate; wherein the light guiding plate is shaped so that the light rays generally propagate in incident propagation planes normal to the plate between the light source and the reflection edge and in reflected propagation planes normal to the plate between the reflection edge and the output edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Christophe Dubosc, Antoine De Lamberterie
  • Patent number: 7976203
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp including a light-emitting semiconductor device can have high visibility even in an area outside of the standard light distribution pattern. The vehicle lamp can include at least one light-emitting semiconductor device and at least one lens that includes both a first lens formation and second lens formation. An optical axis of the at least one lens can correspond with that of the at least one light-emitting semiconductor device. The first lens formation can receive a strong light that is within the range of a half-value angle of light emitted from the at least one light-emitting semiconductor and which forms a standard light distribution pattern. The second lens formation can receive a weak light that is beyond the range of the half-value angle and forms a light distribution pattern in an area outside of the standard light distribution formed by the first lens formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hidetaka Okada
  • Patent number: 7758210
    Abstract: One embodiment of a light-emitting diode (LED) optic comprises a light-transmitting element having a plurality of segments, each segment associated with an optical axis and comprising a linearly projected cross-section. For each segment of the light-transmitting element, the LED optic comprises at least one LED positioned such that a central light-emitting axis of the at least one LED is angled at about 0° relative to the optical axis associated with that segment. In one embodiment, the about 0° has a tolerance of ±10°. Each segment of the light-transmitting element comprises a light-entering surface, a light-exiting surface and a light-reflecting surface. In one embodiment, for each segment the at least one LED comprises a plurality of LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Dialight Corporation
    Inventor: John Patrick Peck
  • Patent number: 7753541
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has an exterior coating. A fluorescing and/or phosphorescing substance is added to the exterior coating or forms a part of the exterior coating. The fluorescing and/or phosphorescing substance serves to emit light, in particular red, green and/or blue light, in a visible range upon irradiation by light in an invisible range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Pao Chen, Derek Pai, Brian Ng, Arne Stoschek
  • Patent number: 7717596
    Abstract: A family of rearview mirror assemblies for motorized vehicles. Each assembly includes a housing, a mirror with at least one multidimensional graphical image etched through the reflective layer and illuminated by light sources such as LEDs located within the housing and behind the graphical image(s). The mirror assemblies operate properly with or without an external flashing circuit. The light source is energized at a first light level during normal operation of the vehicle to function as running lights, decorative lighting or accent lighting. When the light source is operated at a second light level (either higher or lower), the lighted graphical images may also provide additional functionality. The exterior rearview mirror assembly may optionally include additional light sources, light from which is viewable outside of the outer surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Alan Bell
  • Patent number: 7674025
    Abstract: The exterior rearview mirror has a mirror head, which is provided with a mirror glass and with at least one illuminant, which radiates light through at least one light permeable section to the exterior. Furthermore, the exterior rearview mirror has a mirror base. In order to provide the exterior rearview mirror, so that the light function is performed in an optimum manner through the simple provision of the mirror, at least part of the housing of the mirror head and/or of the mirror base is comprised of at least two plastic layers, having different light permeability. In the light permeable section, the plastic layer with the lower light permeability is missing, or it only has such thickness, that the light emitted by the illuminant radiates to the exterior with sufficient light intensity. The plastic layer with higher light permeability can be used as a light pane for the illuminant disposed behind it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Alf Liesener
  • Patent number: 7661860
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting and/or signalling device for a motor vehicle for lighting in a longitudinal emission direction. The lighting and/or signalling device has: at least one light source emitting light rays; and at least one light guiding sheet in which the light rays issuing from the light source spread by successive reflections, such that the guide sheet comprises at one end a reflective layer so as to redirect the light rays into the at least one sheet, and in that an output contour the sheet, at the end remote from the reflective layer, comprises a reflective profile, in particular inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of said sheet, so as to reflect the light rays reflected generally in an emission direction which is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Antoine De Lamberterie
  • Patent number: 7588357
    Abstract: A multi-function lamp system includes a lamp, which may include illuminable text, position beneath the door of a vehicle. The lamp may be illuminated to perform at least the following functions: side blinker and running board illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventors: David P Onopa, Jeffrey Robert Cotner, Charles J Groeller
  • Patent number: 7537362
    Abstract: A vehicular lighting system that enhances motorcycle visibility is provided. Vehicle front headlights, arranged so as to be laterally symmetrical, are formed in a shape of eyes capable of evoking a face. A headlight includes a circular main light forming a pupil portion, an annular ring forming an iris portion, plates each forming a sclera portion (white of eye), an upper frame forming the contour of an upper eyelid portion, and a lower frame forming the contour of a lower eyelid portion. When the main light and the plates are made to emit light, and the ring is non-light emitting, the pupil portion and the sclera portion are clearly discriminated from each other, thus enabling recognition as “eyes” not only in the daytime but also in the nighttime. The light emitting portions may be set as the main light, the upper frame and the lower frame, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumitsu Kushida, Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, Yutaka Murata
  • Patent number: 7452113
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in controlling the direction of light rays and apparatus incorporating the improvements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Newton, John K. Roberts, Timothy A. Bonardi, Jeremy A. Fogg, Timothy J. Thomas, Darin D. Tuttle, Jeremy A. Walser
  • Patent number: 7408455
    Abstract: An intelligent turn signal control system for turning on and off left and right turn signals in a vehicle. The system includes a computer, such as an antilock braking system computer, with programmed software operably disposed on a vehicle, and a driver interface switch assembly as input to the computer. Sensors transmit angle, differential wheel movement or related data as input to the computer, while a circuit drives turn signal indicator lamps from conditionally computed output data from the computer to turn on and off turn signals in a situation-appropriate manner. Upon turn signal indication intent data input from the driver, extensive travel and turn data is computed, including yaw rotation and steering system position to turn off or cancel the turn signal at the appropriate point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Richard L. Ponziani
  • Patent number: 7350947
    Abstract: A light assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a lens holder that supports an internal lens. The light assembly includes a light source powered by the vehicle. The internal lens includes an undulating surface facing the light source. A reflective metallic layer is disposed along the undulating surface to provide enhanced scattering of light and heat away from a reflex lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Anthony Reading
  • Patent number: 7306355
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in controlling the direction of light rays. Various assemblies incorporating these inventive concepts are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Walser, Darin D. Tuttle, John K. Roberts, Jeremy A. Fogg, Timothy J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7303320
    Abstract: A bracket (10) for mounting accessories on a pick-up truck cab (20) consisting of a Z-shaped elongated body (22) having a forward upper horizontal mounting flange (24), a rearward lower horizontal mounting flange (28), and an integral arcuate upright section (26) located in between. The upright section (26) conforms to the shape of the truck cab (20) and includes a recessed cavity (30) in reverse image of a truck third brake light socket (32) that is formed within the truck cab. A number of threaded fasteners (54) are used for attaching the third brake light onto existing threaded mounting holes (38) in the truck third brake light socket (32) when the bracket is inserted into the socket (32), thereby securely retaining both the light and the bracket in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: David M. Ashley
  • Patent number: 7295105
    Abstract: A turn indicator unit includes a light source, a matching module, and a current interrupter. The light source is coupled across an output side of a flasher. The matching module is coupled across the light source. The current interrupter is coupled between the light source and the matching module so as to interrupt periodically current flow to the matching module when the light source is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: T.Y.C. Brother Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiang-Chen Wu, Ming-Shan Kuo
  • Publication number: 20070247862
    Abstract: A lighting or signalling device in which a particular output unit of the device in question is formed, the output unit consisting of a stack of screens, independent of one another; each screen comprises a plurality of optical patterns produced in its thickness, able to divert light signals emitted by a light source; the spread of the light beam emerging from the device in question is thus adjustable in a first diffusion direction (OX), corresponding, for each screen in question, to a direction parallel to a plane defined by the screen and containing the optical patterns, and in a second diffusion direction (OZ), corresponding to a direction parallel to a plane roughly perpendicular to the planes defined by the screens, the spread on the second diffusion plane depending on the relative positions of the various screens. In this way in particular a “block of illuminated material” effect is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Alcina TANGHE, Jean-Claude GASQUET, Benjamin THIERRY
  • Publication number: 20070217213
    Abstract: A direction lamp of a vehicle is disclosed. A direction lamp is embedded in a rear windshield of a vehicle body. The direction lamp being formed with a plurality of recesses; a plurality of LED lamps being embedded into the recesses. The LED lamps are connected to the direction lamp through a printed circuit. The direction lamp is connected to a brake lamp. The direction lamp is arranged as an arrow or characters, such as a word of right or left.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventor: Yuan-Tai Chang
  • Patent number: 7241019
    Abstract: A reflective rear light for a truck includes a bottom base, a light base, a circuit board, a reflective plate unit and a light lens unit. The circuit board is formed integral, provided with plural LED lights divided into plural indicting sections. Further the LED lights of all the indicating sections are matched with a reflective plate for reflecting light to reinforce the LED lights and to gain better effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Lucidity Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsi-Hsien Tsai, Li-Chun Lin, Zheng-Chang Zheng
  • Patent number: 7210830
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an illuminated license plate and/or a license plate cover and/or frame. More specifically, the invention includes an illuminated license plate and or license plate cover or frame which may be used to indicate the breaking or turning of a vehicle. Further, the invention may be used for vanity purposes and/or safety purposes. The invention is particularly useful for law enforcement agencies. The license plate may be constructed with the illuminating devices already inserted or the license plate and/or license plate cover or frame may be altered to allow the insertion of the illuminating devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Gary Mayo
  • Patent number: 7142345
    Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a housing, an angularly adjustable power pack, wires for supplying power and mirror angle control, an electrochromic mirror subassembly including a heater, and a turn signal device. The components include individual connectors that plug into a multi-prong connector on the bundle of wires, or that piggyback into each other. Optionally, the heater incorporates an internal wire with end connectors for communicating power to opposite sides of the heater, and also includes layers of light-transmitting/diffusing material for diffusing light passing from the turn signal device through the diffusing material. A printed circuit board fits into a pocket in the panel-shaped carrier, and an integral retainer releasably secures the printed circuit board. The power pack is attached to the carrier via a ring of resilient fingers, and a continuous hoop flange prevents distortion of the carrier and in turn of the glass elements in the mirror subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy A. Bonardi, Randall J. Beute, Randall S. Braun, Bradley L. Busscher, Kenton J. Ypma, Gregory A. Bosch, Edward L. DeNave, Daniel J. Bostwick, Wayne M. Jordan, John K. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7102538
    Abstract: The present invention provides an LED signal light device comprising a central processing unit, a control panel, an LED signal light, an output and input interface, a battery and an adapter. The central processing unit comprises a microprocessor, a memory and an interface circuit for controlling the operation of the whole device, and outputting a signal and receiving a command through the output and input interface. The control panel is a printed circuit board recorded a circuit therein. The LED signal light consists of plural LEDs, which are three coloring LEDs or color changing LEDs. The LEDs actively show a light display in a closed circuit and show various colors accompanying with various arrangements into abstract symbols for indicating various traffic situations. The device can be connected to an AC power supply of 110 V or 220 V, and the AC power is converted to DC power by an adapter, which also stabilizes the current provided to the whole device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Kuo-Chin Chen
  • Patent number: 7055996
    Abstract: A lamp comprising a housing, at least one planar substrate supporting a plurality of light sources, and a light directing member comprising a plurality of reflective surfaces. Each of the reflective surfaces is generally parabolic and reflects light emitted from the plurality of light sources. A lamp comprising a housing, at least one planar substrate, a plurality of light sources supported by each planar substrate, a lens, and a light directing member that reflects light emitted from the plurality of light sources. The light directing member produces a light distribution pattern spanning substantially five degrees to substantially ninety degrees in one direction along the longitudinal axis of said lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Truck-Lite Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Pond, Todd Kolstee, Philip Roller
  • Patent number: 7008091
    Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation assembly is described and which includes, a supporting substrate having a region through which visibly discernable electromagnetic radiation forming a signal may pass; first and second electromagnetic radiation emitters are provided and which are positioned adjacent to one of the surfaces defined by the substrate, and which, when energized, emit electromagnetic radiation; and a single reflector is disposed in eccentric reflecting relation relative to the first and second electromagnetic radiation emitters, and wherein emitted electromagnetic radiation is reflected by the single reflector and passes through the supporting substrate region which passes electromagnetic radiation, in different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: K.W. Muth Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Mathleu, Daniel R. Todd
  • Patent number: 7001052
    Abstract: A trailer for vehicles having trailer lights that are mounted on stanchions present on the left rear and right rear corners of the trailer. An electrical light is mounted at an elevation so that the driver can see the front of the electrical light from the driver's seat of the towing vehicle. The electrical light is formed so that light is emitted both toward the rear of the trailer and toward the front of the trailer. The housing for the electrical light comprises concave lenses that are positioned so as to be resistant to breaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: John K. Cullinan
  • Patent number: 6982638
    Abstract: A self-canceling turn signal includes an inner wheel rotating at an inner velocity and an outer wheel rotating at an outer velocity. An inner rotational velocity of the inner wheel and an outer rotational velocity of the outer wheel may be measured and compared, and a turn signal may be responsive to a differential signal substantially proportional to the difference between the inner and the outer rotational velocities. The turn signal may signal a turn while the differential signal is greater than a predetermined differential signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Mack Trucks, Inc.
    Inventor: John David Bernosky
  • Patent number: 6897614
    Abstract: A light emitting circuit includes: a first circuit H1 in which is provided a main light source 5, 6; and a second circuit H2 connected in parallel with the first circuit H1 and in which is provided an auxiliary light source 1, 2 and 3; wherein a drain (D) and a source (S) of an field effect transistor 4 are connected in the second circuit H2, and a gate (G) of the field effect transistor 4 is connected to the first circuit H1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatomo Matsumoto, Masaru Ishizaki, Isamu Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 6876300
    Abstract: An intelligent turn signal control system for turning on and off left and right turn signals in a vehicle includes a computer, such as an antilock braking system computer, with programmed software operably disposed on a vehicle, a driver interface switch assembly as input to the computer. Two or more wheel speed sensors transmit differential wheel movement data as input to the computer, a circuit drives turn signal indicator lamps from conditionally computed output data from the computer to turn on and off turn signals in a situation-appropriate manner. Upon turn signal indication intent data input from the driver, extensive travel and turn data is computed, including yaw rotation and steering system position to turn off or cancel the turn signal at the appropriate point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Richard L. Ponziani
  • Patent number: 6848819
    Abstract: An LED array surface-mounted on a circuit board and applied to a cooling member, such that any generated heat is optimally eliminated. The cooling member can be in any desired shape so that motor vehicle lights, such as blinkers, can be adapted to the outside contour of the vehicle. For a rotating light, the circuit board can be applied around a cooling member fashioned as a hollow cylindrical member which is adapted to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: KarlHeinz Arndt, Guenter Waitl, Georg Bogner
  • Patent number: 6840661
    Abstract: The flush fitting front LED turn signal is adapted to provide a streamlined and nearly seamless transition to a motorcycle fairing. The present invention replaces bulky eternal front mounted motorcycle turn signals and utilizes the existing openings in the front fairing of the motorcycle. The present invention has an aluminum housing, and a LED assembly with a translucent dome extending outward from a bore within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Gregg P. Desjardins