Including Brake Or Emergency Patents (Class 362/499)
  • 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: 8752988
    Abstract: There is provided a taillight for vehicles or trailer trucks with built-in RF signal communication antenna which, according to its features, enables the creation of a taillight with its own specific structure, electromechanical type and destined to place a lighting module with lighting function and a RF signal communication antenna with RF signal communication function regardless the frequency or type of signal on the surface of vehicles or trailer trucks in general, in order to enable an extremely practical, safe and precise way to optimize the procedures for placing communication RF signal antennas and their signal transmissions in vehicles or automotive trailers, with complete invisibility and excellent elimination of any interference in these transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Naira Hosana Silvestrini Maschio
    Inventor: Naira Hosana Silvestrini Maschio
  • Patent number: 8721147
    Abstract: The present invention is a supplemental brake light in communication with a brake of a vehicle that includes an existing brake light, a triangular or inverted triangular casing that is disposed within the existing brake light and a plurality of LED lights that are housed within the casing. A second embodiment of the supplemental brake light includes an existing brake light, a plurality of LED lights that are housed within the existing brake light and a center LED light disposed within the center of the existing brake light. A third embodiment of the supplemental brake light includes a pair of existing brake lights, a generally rectangular casing positioned between the existing brake lights and a plurality of LED lights that are disposed within the generally rectangular casing. The LED lights become brighter and flicker as the brake is increasingly depressed in all three embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: R. Scott Lunsford
  • 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: 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: 8604922
    Abstract: A motor vehicle taillight comprising a frame configured to be removably mounted to a vehicle, a housing coupled to the frame, a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) positioned along the frame, and a programmable electronic system configured to received an input signal and to selectively provide power to the at least one sets of LED arrays based on a program selected by a user and received input signal. The programmable electronic system is also configured to be selectively placed into a program mode upon activation of a switch, and when in the program mode, to select one of the plurality of programs based on at least one of a turn signal or brake signal of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Glen Harris
  • Patent number: 8523413
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Josef Andreas Schug
  • 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: 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: 8235569
    Abstract: The invention provides a light assembly to enable various light functions, such as braking lights, tail lights, license plate lights, flashers, etc., using LEDs that consume low power and have a long service life. The LEDs are located on a single, two-sided printed circuit board (PCB), which reduces the assembly costs and the size of tail light, as well as the complexity of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventors: Joe Allen Chambers, Nadeshda Alexsandrovina Zelikovskaya, Felipe De Jesus Domingo Mehado Moya
  • 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: 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: 7871188
    Abstract: A motorcycle rider illuminating system includes a motorcycle that includes a rear wheel, a seat and a fender mounted over the rear wheel. A housing is mounted on the fender. An upper light emitter is mounted on an upper side of the housing and is electrically coupled to the motorcycle. The upper light emitter is turned on and emits light when the motorcycle is turned on. The upper light emitter emits light toward the seat to illuminate a motorcyclist's back when the motorcyclist is positioned on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: H Robert Turby
  • 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: 7744260
    Abstract: A straddle type vehicle includes a movable cover on a rear trunk space and a light assembly having a first light unit extending in a generally horizontal direction and a second light unit extending in a generally vertical direction. The assembly can also include two vertical light units, one positioned on the left side of the movable cover and the other positioned on the right side of the movable cover, and one horizontal light positioned below the movable cover. Connectors and fastening mechanisms can be utilized to connect the light units and movable cover of the assembly. In addition, the first light unit and the second light unit can both be a light-emitting diode (LED) light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Yamamoto
  • 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: 7661857
    Abstract: The light unit includes a lens, shadow-forming surface, and a shadow casting surface. Outside light entering the light unit is at least partially blocked by the shadow casting surface so as to cast a shadow on the shadow-forming surface. The shadow casting surface may be embedded within or on a surface of the lens or otherwise supported above the shadow forming surface. The shadow casting design is preferably spaced from the shadow-forming surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Gen Ohzono
  • 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: 7525418
    Abstract: A segmented brake light has a detecting module mounted in a vehicle near a brake pedal, a driving module connected to the detecting module and multiple light modules controlled by the driving module. The detecting module detects the pressures on the brake pedal to output signals to the driving module. The driving module based on the received signals to start the respective one or multiple light modules. Accordingly, other car drivers in the rear of the vehicle can recognize that whether the vehicle is going to brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Chou-Pai Tsai
  • Patent number: 7404653
    Abstract: Optical signalling device (1, 20, 30) for vehicles (A), comprising: a support element (2) fitted to the abovementioned vehicle (A), a revolving element (3) arranged on the support element (2) and coupled to drive means (4) able to cause rotation thereof and one or more optical signalling elements (8) associated with the revolving element (3) and electrically connected to an electric power source able to illuminate them. Each optical signalling element (8) comprises one or more laser light generators/emitters (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Meridiana Investmenti SAGL
    Inventor: Thomas Bleiner
  • Patent number: 7314245
    Abstract: A protective guard mounting system that provides a shock absorbing and dissipating means of attachment for vehicle exterior components or protective devices. The protective guards are adapted to protect vehicle components such as headlights, taillights, signal/corner and/or driving lights, or painted/non-painted steel/plastic body parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Robert W. Shymkiw
  • 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
  • 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: 7154387
    Abstract: A warning system housed in a license plate bracket and installed on a vehicle. The system includes a self-contained power source, an accelerometer to measure the deceleration force of the vehicle, and a microprocessor unit (including a microprocessor chip). When the system senses that the vehicle is decelerating at a rate greater than a threshold level, it illuminates warning lights provided on the license plate bracket to thereby alert drivers of neighboring vehicles of the vehicle's rapid deceleration. The warning system is self-contained and self-powered to avoid the need to, and associated drawbacks of, drawing from the vehicle's power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Walter McKinley Boomershine, III
  • Patent number: 7077549
    Abstract: A vehicle warning light system employs sensors associated with the brake and accelerator pedals to generate warning light signals at the front and rear of the vehicle to indicate whether the vehicle is in a coasting state, or is undergoing mild or severe deceleration. An electronic equivalent of the light signals is also generated and transmitted to a following vehicle which converts the electronic signals to corresponding light signals at the rear of the following vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph J. Corliss
  • Patent number: 7040790
    Abstract: An improved LED light bulb for use in a brake light bulb socket of an automobile or similar vehicle wherein selected numbers of LED are energized at full intensity depending upon whether the automobile is in the brake light mode or the tail light mode. The light emitting diode lamp includes first and second printed circuit boards having first and second pluralities of light emitting diodes mounted thereupon for emitting monochromatic light in response to power signals supplied from the automobile. All LED's are on full intensity in the brake light mode and less than the full number of LED's on the first and second printed circuit boards are on at full intensity for the tail light mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Ledtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Pervaiz Lodhie, Steven R. Becerra
  • 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: 6937146
    Abstract: A front mounted vehicle warning light system extending sufficiently from the vehicle to be viewable from the front and front side of the vehicle to indicate if a vehicle is accelerating or de-accelerating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Randy Lee Tracy
  • Patent number: 6918690
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp has a red bulb which is made by coating its exterior surface with a red paint including iron oxide as a red pigment. A mean particle size of the iron oxide is controlled to a range of approximately 10 to 100 nm, and a PWC concentration of the iron oxide is controlled to a range of approximately 60 to 90%. As a result, a red marker lamp can have an appropriate luminous flux (120±20% lm) and desirable chromaticity (y<0.335 and z<0.008) and satisfactory heat resistance (350° C. or higher).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Mitobe, Michihiro Mabe, Koichi Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20040246737
    Abstract: A proportional brake light system having an LED display carried on a motor vehicle and capable of instantaneously warning motorists following from behind whether and how quickly the vehicle is likely to stop in response to an operator generated foot pressure being applied to the brake pedal shoe. The brake pedal shoe of the vehicle has a hollow interior, and an optical signal is transmitted along an optical transmission path extending therethrough. As the pressure applied by the operator to the brake pedal shoe is increased, more of the optical signal being transmitted along the optical transmission path is interrupted. A multi-stage comparator is responsive to an interruption of the optical signal so as to cause a corresponding number of LEDs from the display to be illuminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Dean Voelker
  • Patent number: 6824299
    Abstract: A marker lamp for a vehicle that has a tail lamp function and a stop lamp function including a bulb, light-emitting diodes and a reflector which are disposed in a lamp chamber defined by a lamp body and a front cover that covers the front portion of the lamp body. The bulb is positioned at the center of the reflector, the reflector is formed with a plurality of openings around the bulb and a primary reflective surface that reflects the light from the bulb substantially forward, and the light-emitting diodes are disposed so as to surround the bulb and face the front cover through the openings formed in the reflector. The tail lamp function is executed by lighting the bulb, and the stop lamp function is executed by lighting the light-emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumihiko Mohri, Hiroki Fujinami, Hideyuki Aihara, Norihiro Nishitani
  • Patent number: 6814478
    Abstract: An electric current path for an oscillating warning light of an emergency vehicle includes a spring that is connected between a stationary base of the warning light and an oscillating assembly of the warning light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Fire Products Company
    Inventor: W. Kenneth Menke
  • Publication number: 20040165399
    Abstract: An electric current path for an oscillating warning light of an emergency vehicle includes a spring that is connected between a stationary base of the warning light and an oscillating assembly of the warning light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: W. Kenneth Menke
  • Patent number: 6764210
    Abstract: A stop lamp for a vehicle comprises a substrate, a plurality of LED chips, at least one connecting wire and a cover made. The substrate has a plurality of openings and a surface that faces towards a panel of a rear window of the vehicle. The substrate has an arrangement for fixing to an inner surface of the panel. One LED chip is arranged in each opening on the substrate. The connecting wires are arranged on the substrate and electrically connect the LED chips to one another and to a voltage source. The cover is transparent and provided to protect the LED chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyohiro Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20040114391
    Abstract: An emergency light signal adapted to be mounted to a motor vehicle using at least one motor vehicle license plate mounting bolt. The light signal is comprised of a signal housing having at least one high-intensity light-emitting diode deriving power from circuitry which when activated from within the passenger compartment of a vehicle, generates a brilliant flashing signal to draw the attention of nearby vehicles or pedestrians. The switch within the passenger compartment may be hardwired to the signal housing or alternatively may be activated by remote control. The light signal may draw power from either the vehicle's own battery, or may be powered by a separate voltage source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Leslie Watkins, Michael Alerich
  • Patent number: 6690272
    Abstract: An accessory brake light system for a vehicle comprising a secondary brake light attached to a front of said vehicle. A power source is provided for supplying power to a primary brake light. The primary brake light is attached to the rear of the vehicle. A switch connects the power to the primary brake light when the brake is engaged by an operator which causes the primary brake light to illuminate. A delay mechanism is provided which is capable of determining a delay period after the brake is engaged and the power is connected to the secondary brake light after te delay period thereby illuminating the secondary brake light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Darren K. Hall
  • Publication number: 20030189836
    Abstract: A boat trailer has a plurality of light sources housed within a sealed enclosure. The sources are electrically connected to a towing vehicle's lighting system and optically coupled through light condensing means to fiber-optic connecting fittings. Electrical circuitry for light source emitting elements is disposed within the enclosure and a multi-conductor electrical bulk-head connector is on the enclosure. A plurality of fiber-optic cables have environmentally securing end connectors. Fiber-optic cable tap devices function to extract a specific percentage of the light transmitted through a fiber-optic cable to a side outlet for distribution among a plurality of emitting apertures performing similar lighting functions. Light emitting apertures with light diffusion and control from the entering beam to the full area of the light emitting aperture is accomplished through lenses and/or critical angle reflectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Teddy Burch Sparling, Jordan Lee Gay
  • Patent number: 6520669
    Abstract: Exterior lighting assemblies for use on vehicles include a flexible substrate on which are mounted a plurality of solid-state light emitting devices. Preferably, light emitting diodes (LEDs) are used for the solid-state light emitting devices, although other types of devices can alternatively be employed. The light emitting devices are connected to flexible conductive traces provided on the flexible substrate and leads are provided to connect to the power supply on the vehicle so that electrical current can be selectively supplied to energize the light emitting devices. The flexible substrate is adapted to be mounted on the exterior surface of a vehicle, for example, as a tail lamp assembly, or as a headlamp. Light emitting devices that emit different colored light can be used to provide red light to indicate slowing of the vehicle due to braking, amber light for turn signal indication, and white light to illuminate the surface over which the vehicle is traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Light Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Chen, Darrin Huston
  • Publication number: 20030016543
    Abstract: A stop lamp for a vehicle comprises a substrate, a plurality of LED chips, at least one connecting wire and a cover made. The substrate has a plurality of openings and a surface that faces towards a panel of a rear window of the vehicle. The substrate has an arrangement for fixing to an inner surface of the panel. One LED chip is arranged in each opening on the substrate. The connecting wires are arranged on the substrate and electrically connect the LED chips to one another and to a voltage source. The cover is transparent and provided to protect the LED chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyohiro Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20020181241
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp comprises at least one light source in the form of a light emitting diode. To improve dissipation of the waste heat generated in the series resistor the series resistor includes a flat resistor portion which can be so arranged that it is in areal heat-conducting contact with a portion of the vehicle to which the lamp is fitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: FER Fahrzeugelektrik GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Tietze
  • Publication number: 20020154512
    Abstract: A warning light device includes one or more suckers each having a housing extended from the rear portion for receiving one or more light bulbs. One or more batteries may be coupled to the light bulbs to generate the warning light through the sucker. The light bulbs may be coupled together with electric wires. One or more integrated circuits may be coupled to the light bulbs to energize or to control the light bulbs simultaneously or alternatively. A cover may be engaged onto the housing for retaining the light bulb in the housing of the sucker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Jack Shy
  • Patent number: 6404334
    Abstract: A taillight module for motor vehicles attached and coupled to the license plate groove comprising a base, a casing, and a display plate. The base is coupled to the license plate groove. A plurality of lamps is disposed in the base. The lamps are coupled to the circuits of brake light, signal light, and headlight of the motor vehicle to provide an illumination source. The display plate is disposed between the housing and the base. The display plate has labels of text, graphics, and symbols on the surface of the display plate. The taillight module provides a third set of rear light structure for motor vehicles to clearly display a third brake light, signal lights, reverse light, or decorative lights through the lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Kiwi Auto Accessories Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lance Chao
  • Patent number: 6357899
    Abstract: The trailer hitch attachment disclosed is made up of a 12-volt illuminated receiver style trailer hitch cover 10 with a decorative or logo design 26 on the lens face 34. The cover 10 lights when the brake pedal 52 of the vehicle 12 is pushed. The receiver cover is designed to fit into a two-inch standard receiver trailer hitch 14 and plugs into the existing trailer hitch wiring harness 18 from which it receives its power. There is a square tube 28 mounted thereon which tube is inserted into the vehicle trailer hitch receiver socket 14. An automotive light bulb 38 is mounted at the opening between the tube and the face of the socket for illumination. The lens 34 is a two-color, plastic lens which has a variety of decorative designs 26 on its face. The lens face 34 can be decorated with different vinyl decals to create a wide variety of designs for the face of the trailer hitch cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: James R Craven
  • Patent number: 6357902
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) assembly designed to be used in a light bulb mounting assembly in a vehicle, such as taillight or turn indicator assembly. The LED assembly having a plurality of LEDs mounted upon a single circuit board that may be arranged in numerous colors, patterns and shapes to give a distinctive look to the light generating assembly. The LED assembly is contained within a durable water and shock resistant structure with a compatible plug member to be used in conjunction with existing light bulb mounts present in the vehicle. The LED assembly can be used to easily replace existing incandescent light bulbs present in the vehicle and provide additional color and lighting patterns eliminating the need for tinted glass bulbs or light transmissive covers to generate variations in colored light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Brian Horowitz
  • Patent number: 6276809
    Abstract: A meter that has a dial plate, a pointer, a light transmitting plate disposed at a rear side of the dial plate and a light source. The light transmitting plate has a shaft hole into which a shaft of the pointer is inserted, and a convex portion formed into a substantially conical shape protruding toward a rear side of the light transmitting plate in the vicinity of the shaft hole. The light source is disposed at a rear side of the light transmitting plate to face the convex portion. Light emitted by the light source enters the light transmitting plate from the convex portion at a relatively large incidence angle and illuminates the dial plate from the rear side of the dial plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Denso Corp.
    Inventor: Makoto Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6254262
    Abstract: A signaling lamp allows improved serviceability and dependability. The lamp includes a light source, housing, backing and removable sealing mechanism. The housing includes a casing for coupling the housing to the backing, and a lens with a plurality of convex nodes along the interior surface for more efficiency collecting light from the light source. The modular structure and a pigtail socket achieve improved serviceability by allowing components to be individually replaceable and by increasing connectivity. Gaskets and an o-ring in conjunction with an o-ring slot formed in the backing of the lamp enhance sealing of the components. A heat sink on the backing operates to remove heat from the interior of the lamp. A current draw circuit and LED-based light source reduce the current draw to allow the lamp to use the standard battery from the primary vehicle as a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Paul D. Crunk, Peter J. Crunk, Katherine A. Crunk
  • Patent number: 6250788
    Abstract: A motor vehicle light arrangement includes a light having a first plurality of red light-emitting diodes distributed over the entire area of the light and other pluralities of light-emitting diodes of the same color, which may be red or another color, located in different functional regions of the light to indicate different motor vehicle conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Michael Müller
  • Patent number: 6200006
    Abstract: Diffusing reflector elements 14s are assigned respectively to a plurality of sector segments S centering on the optical axis Ax of reflector 14; the surface geometry of each diffusing reflector element 14s is set as a convex curved surface referenced to a paraboloid of revolution P which, among a plurality of paraboloids of revolution P having different focal lengths that center on the optical axis Ax with a common focus F lying at a single point on the optical axis, passes the edge of a side a closer to the optical axis of the sector segment S to which said diffusing reflector element 14s is to be assigned on a free curved surface Cf. As a result, the diffusing reflected light from each diffusing reflector element 14s can be controlled in diffusion with reference to the direction of the optical axis Ax and, in addition, when the lighting device is lit up and viewed right from the front, the entire part of the reflective surface 14a is visible and can be seen bright although in a discrete manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Natsume, Mitsuru Kubota
  • Patent number: 6076948
    Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly is disclosed and which includes a supporting substrate having opposite first and second surfaces and having an area formed therein which allows electromagnetic radiation to pass therethrough; a reflector positioned adjacent to the second surface of the substrate and oriented in a given position relative to the area formed in the substrate; and an electromagnetic radiation emitter mounted on the second surface of the substrate and which emits a source of electromagnetic radiation which is reflected by the reflector through the area formed in the supporting substrate. An electromagnetic radiation receiver is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: K. W. Muth Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen A. Bukosky, Daniel J. Mathieu