Abstract: The present invention relates to a light emitting device for use in a wheel which induces the generation of electricity using a rotary power due to rotation of the axle and induces the lighting using the electric power thus induced. In general, the vehicle wheel is installed at both sides of the vehicle body and tires are attached to the wheels, respectively. Regardless of the materials of the wheel, all the wheels are attached to and detached from the axle by fastening means. However, all the light emitting devices for use in a wheel usually employ the power of the vehicle or an additional battery. For this reason, there is a significant limitation in the use. According to the present invention, the lighting is induced by the generation of electricity due to a rotary power of the wheel so that the power can be stably supplied and the lighting can be accomplished when the vehicle is traveling.

Abstract: A holster assembly for releasable attachment of an object, such as a light source, to a target structure. The holster assembly has a barrel portion operable to receive the object within it and an attachment portion coupled to the barrel portion for releasable attachment of the holster to the target structure through a latching mechanism. The assembly is attached to the target structure upon activation of the latching mechanism and released from the target structure upon deactivation of the latching mechanism. The barrel portion may optionally have a release mechanism operable to release the object seated within it in which case the object may be released from the barrel portion upon activation of the release mechanism of the barrel portion.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement including a contact switch, a motion dependent switching means and motion detection means, said contact switch being alternatively movable between a first switching position and a second switching position corresponding to the alternative first and second making (or breaking) positions, said motion detection means include means to generate an actuation signal when said motion dependent switching means moves between said first and said second switching positions according to a first predetermined sequence and within a first predetermined time.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel illumination system is a device having four separate light assemblies that are affixed above a tire and within the wheel well above the respective tire. Each light assembly includes a housing formed from a base, a wall and a cap that is removable. The base houses the electrical wiring that is coupled with a bulb stem. A bulb is inserted into the bulb stem to provide illumination. The cap includes a translucent lens through which the illuminated bulb is transmitted. The housing further includes mounting means for attaching the housing to the wheel well. The electrical wiring is further coupled to the electrical system of the automobile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article of manufacture having a reflective design thereon, as well as a method for manufacture thereof. The article of manufacture, such as a tire cover, comprises a substrate having a display surface, at least one adhesive material disposed on the display surface, and a first pigmented material arranged in a first design pattern and adhered to the display surface by the adhesive material, where the first pigmented material includes a plurality of glass particles operative to reflect light received from a light source. A second pigmented material, such as a reflective or non-reflective material of a different color, may be adhered to the display surface in a second design pattern. The present invention also provides a transfer pattern, and method for forming the same, that is for use in transferring a reflective design to a display surface.

Abstract: A wheel cover includes a cover body having an outer side, an opposed inner side, a holding slot formed on the cover body to communicate the outer side with the inner side, and a plurality of attaching arms extended from the inner side of the cover body for detachably attaching the cover body on the wheel. A self generating light arrangement includes a power generating unit coaxially mounted on the inner side of the cover body, wherein the power generating unit is adapted for self-generating electricity by means of induction when the cover body is rotated with respect to the wheel, and at least an illuminating unit, which is electrically connected with the power generating unit, securely mounted at the holding slot of the cover body in such a manner that when the cover body is driven to rotate, the illuminating unit is activated for providing a light effect.

Abstract: A wheel lighting device for illuminating a wheel of a vehicle to increase safety and enhance aesthetics. The device produces the appearance of a “ring of light” on a vehicle's wheels as the vehicle moves. The “ring of light” can automatically change in color and/or brightness according to a vehicle's speed, acceleration, jerk, selection of transmission gears, and/or engine speed. The device provides auxiliary indicator lights by producing light in conjunction with a vehicle's turn signals, hazard lights, alarm systems, and etc. The device comprises a combination of mechanical and electronic components and can be placed on the outer or inner surface of a wheel or made integral to a wheel or wheel cover. The device can be configured for all vehicle types, and is electrically powered by a vehicle's electrical system and/or battery.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus which lights up portions of a pair of bicycle tires on a bicycle when the bicycle is in motion is disclosed. The present invention would comprise a generator and two aluminum disks that light up light emitting diodes (LED's) on both tires of a bicycle while the bicycle is being ridden by a user. The aluminum disks would be located in the center of each bicycle tire, while the LED's would be located on two spokes on each tire. On each tire, the spokes that the LED's would be located would be opposite one another, with the spokes being wide enough the entire length of each spoke to accommodate the placement of a plurality of LED's. Each spoke that has LED's attached would have LED's attached to both sides of that particular spoke. The present invention would be configured such that the forward motion of the bicycle would energize the generator, which in turn, would provide energy to the aluminum discs and the LED's.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroluminescent illumination system, more particularly to an electroluminescent light system that allows vehicles to be visible during periods of low light, for example bicycles. The EL panels can be selective affixed to any of the bicycle frame members or wheels, where the EL panels are electrically connected to the power source. The power source applies an AC signal to the conductive substrates of the EL panels resulting in the EL material charging and discharging to emitting light.

Abstract: A wheel cover of an automobile is formed with several holding holes on an outward side thereof, and has light emitting members fixedly disposed in respective holding holes; each light emitting member consists of a circuit board, an electricity-activated light emitting element connected to an outward side of the circuit board, cells, and a vibration-activated switch fitted to the circuit board, which can make the light emitting element activated with the cells when making circular movement; thus, light can be emitted from the light emitting members when an automobile equipped with the wheel cover is driven, and in turns, lateral sides of the automobile can be easily noticed by other people.

Abstract: A wheel having an accelerating electricity charging device includes a wheel, an accelerating gear set, a shaft sleeve, a generator, and a shaft. The wheel comprises an inner gear. The accelerating gear set comprises a pair of driving gears, a driven gear and a fixing plate. The driving gears mesh with the driven gear and are secured on the fixing plate. The shaft sleeve is inserted through the driven gear. The generator comprises a magnet and a coil. The magnet of the generator is secured to one end of the shaft sleeve with the shaft inserting through the shaft sleeve and the magnet inserted through the coil. The shaft is provided with engaging surfaces engaged with the hole of the fixing plate.

Abstract: An illumination system periodically directs a short burst of bright light onto rotating indicia or vehicle design features which makes the indicia or design features appear to be stationary or animated. An exact location of the indicia on the sidewall of the vehicle tire may be determined by an emitter and sensor during each revolution of the tire, and a short burst of bright light is then directed onto the indicia which makes the indicia appear to be stationary or animated. The system may simply comprise a flasher connected to a battery and a control that causes the flasher to periodically flash onto a vehicle wheel and/or tire at a fixed frequency independent of the rotational speed of the wheel. In another embodiment, an illumination system has a housing that rotates with a vehicle wheel, and the housing has a cavity with lighting and controls within the cavity.

Abstract: A cosmetic lighting system designed to shine white or colored visible light through or between the spokes of automobile wheels, wherein the system comprises a light diffusion disk having an outer rim, a hub comprising a plurality of apertures in numbers and locations for receiving the vehicle's lug nuts, a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub, a plurality of translucent and, or transparent diffusion areas and reflective foil pieces embedded in the translucent material, structure for routing light from a light source to the inside of the wheels and filters for protecting the light routing structure and coloring light emitted from the light source.

Abstract: An illuminating apparatus for an exhaust tail pipe and particularly an exhaust tail pipe equipped with an illuminating apparatus to provide an alarming effect mainly has a lighting means screwed on the tail end of the exhaust tail pipe. The lighting means has a body housing a holding dock to hold an axle of a lighting wheel which has fan blades located thereon. When the vehicle is moving, discharged exhaust gas flow drives the fan blades to rotate and consequently drives a polar plate located in a low speed generator in the light means to rotate relative to a stationary magnet coupled on the axle to generate electric power to light LED lamps connected to the polar plate. Thus a rotating lighting ring is formed to alert the rear vehicles.

Abstract: A lighting structure of an alarm lamp used to a wheel is disclosed. The lighting structure has a body. A battery is installed within the body. One end of the body is installed with a light guide element. A light emitting element is installed in the light guide element. An eccentric force from rotation of the wheel will cause the battery to supply power to the light emitting element; so that the light emitting element lighting up; the light guide element guides light from the light emitting element so as to have a safety alarm effect. One end of the body is firmly secured with a spring so that the battery resists against the spring. The circuit control device is connected to the light emitting element. The circuit control device includes an oscillating circuit.

Abstract: An automatic power-generating device for decorative lamps has a weight-distributing plate or a heavy weight inside. Rotation of an exterior object produces an eccentric force (a centrifugal force) to rotate the weight-distributing plate or the heavy weight together with a coil and a magnet. The coil and the magnet rotate at different speeds due to the law of inertia to force magnetic field produced vicissitudes and to generate an inductive current (based on a principle of electromagnetic induction) to supply decorative lamps with power for lighting. Thus, the automatic power-generating device is able to save electricity and is convenient to be installed.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for a motion activated decorative light connectable to a predetermined article. A housing connects the light to the article. A power source is positioned within the housing for energizing a light source. A switch is connected to the power source and to the light source so as to energize the light source responsive to motion. The housing comprises a material which allows light from the light source to shine through so that it may be seen by a person observing the moving vehicle, and preferably includes a fluorescent material excited by an LED which emits ultraviolet light. The light may comprise an ornamental shape for forming a visually perceptible light image when the light source is energized.

Abstract: A wheel incorporating a flashing light feature includes a power source, a plurality of lighting elements and a flashing circuit to selectively provide lighting signals to the plurality of lighting elements. The wheel incorporating a flashing light feature further includes at least two motion switches to activate the flashing circuit. The at least two motion switches include a spring having a fixed end and a free end and a metal cap positioned proximate the free end of the spring for electrical engagement by the free end of the spring. Examples of articles with a wheel incorporating a flashing light feature include scooters, roller skates, in line skates, roller shoes and other types of wheeled footwear.

Abstract: A light generator includes a generator housing, an axle, a magnet, a coil device, a lamp unit, and a resistance unit. The generator housing is adapted to be secured to a rotatable object for co-rotation therewith, and is formed with an axle hole. The axle is mounted rotatably in the axle hole, and has a coupling end that extends out of the axle hole. The magnet is disposed in the generator housing, and is mounted co-rotatably on the axle. The coil device is mounted in the generator housing, and surrounds the magnet. The lamp unit is connected electrically to the coil device. The resistance unit is mounted on the coupling end of the axle to resist axial rotation of the axle. Rotation of the generator housing with the rotatable object induces electrical currents to enable the lamp unit to generate a light output.

Abstract: An illuminating device with flashing lights may is adjustably affixable to ice skates or in-line skates. The illuminating device may include a number of lamps or light emitting diodes (LEDs) and is controlled by a motion switch or other switch. The lamps or LEDs are visible from the inside of a transparent box which is installed in the hollow between the shoe portion of the skate and the blade or wheels of the skate. The illuminating device is necessarily compact in nature, consisting primarily of flashing lights and a power-and-control circuit that controls and enables the flashing of the lights. The lights may be flashed sequentially, in-phase, randomly, or in other desirable patterns.

Abstract: A safety tire with illumination including a tire adapted for operative positioning on a vehicle. The tire has a plurality of treads extending circumferentially around a perimeter thereof, and annular recesses between the treads. Fluorescently colored rubber is disposed within the annular recesses of the plurality of treads of the tire. Fluorescently colored steel belts of a contrasting color extend within the treads to indicate when the tire is unduly worn.

Abstract: An automatic power-generating device for decorative lamps has a weight-distributing plate or a heavy weight inside actuated by rotation of an exterior object to produce an eccentric force (a centrifugal force) and rotate together with a coil and a magnet. The coil and the magnet rotate at different speeds due to the law of inertia to force a magnetic field produce vicissitudes and generate an inductive current (based on a principle of electromagnetic induction) to supply decorative lamps with power for lighting, able to save electricity and convenient to be installed.

Abstract: An assembly for providing illumination to an automobile wheel having an at least partially transparent wheel covering. The assembly includes a bracket nondestructively secured to a non-rotating portion of an automobile wheel, a light emitting array connected to the bracket, and a power source electrically connected to the light emitting array. The light emitting array is positioned to intermittently shine light through the at least partially transparent wheel covering. The bracket is adjustably positionable relative the non-rotating portion of the wheel.

Abstract: A photoswitch-controlled wheel light for a vehicle wheel having an air-valve stem. A housing is adapted to connect the light to the wheel's air-valve stem. A power source is positioned within a housing to power a light source. A photoswitch activates the light source when it is placed in a darkened environment. Thus the wheel light of the invention provides a visually stimulating image as the wheel to which it is attached rotates in a darkened environment, for example, nighttime driving.

Abstract: A light-producing structure for a wheeled traveling case assembly includes a mini generator having a rotary shaft with a frictional wheel connected thereto to frictionally contact with an adjacent wheel of the assembly. When the wheel rotates, the frictional wheel and the rotary shaft are brought to rotate, enabling the mini generator to output currents, which are supplied to light-emitting elements provided on handle grip and traveling case of the assembly in order to give light. Each wheel of the assembly is internally provided with an induction coil and a plurality of small bulbs. A ring-shaped magnetic rotor is fixedly mounted on an axle of each wheel to locate in a central hole of the induction coil. When the wheel rotates, the induction coil rotates relative to the magnetic rotor to generate induced currents, which are supplied to the small bulbs in the wheel for the bulbs to give light.

Abstract: A tire illuminating apparatus 12 for illuminating the tires 14 of a vehicle 10 is provided. The tire illuminating apparatus 12 includes a base member 20 which is coupled to the vehicle 10 above the tire 14. The illuminating apparatus 12 is also provided with a light directing member 36 which is coupled to the base member 20 which directs light so that diagonally extending light beams are cast on the tire 14. An illuminating member 44 for providing a predetermined source of light is also provided. The illuminating member 44 is coupled in the base member 20 so that light is provided to the light directing member 36 to illuminate the tire 14 as desired.

Abstract: An universal illuminating automobile wheel device light system capable of transmitting consistent electric current at high surface speeds to 2 conductive rings which are rotatable in current, comprising of a rotating body containing brush blocks including silver alloy contacts, adjustable aluminum brush mounting brackets, monolithic made slip rings with flexible circuit board and LED lighting, allowing the device to fit and work on nearly every wheel made.

Abstract: A lighted wheel rim system illuminates the wheel of a vehicle by projecting visible light through decorative openings disposed in the rim of a tire. The lighted wheel rim system includes a light unit which is stimulating and aesthetically pleasing to the human eye. The lighted wheel rim system has two major parts, including a light housing assembly and a lighting assembly. Brackets and fasteners are configured to connect the light housing assembly to the brake rotor splash guards or brake shield of a vehicle. The brackets are dimensioned to correspond to the outer curvature, shape, and size of the brake shield and to hold the light housing assembly in spaced apart relation therefrom. Each wheel of a vehicle is configured with a ring light unit as an integrated electrical system.

Abstract: A wheel made of an optically conductive material is provided at a hub thereof with a power supply device. A plurality of light emitting elements are connected to the power supply device and separately disposed in spokes of the wheel. Alternatively, a plurality of optically conductive elements, which may have a specially designed configuration, shape or color, are separately fixedly mounted on the spokes of the wheel with the light emitting elements mounted therein. Light beams emitted from the light emitting elements are transmitted outward via the spokes or the optically conductive elements to provide a visually good warning effect. Such wheel is particularly suitable for use with bicycles, tricycles, and strollers.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel illumination device. The illumination device utilizes a source of light, such as automotive light bulbs, to project light onto the inside portion of a wheel's rim. Providing that the wheel's rim has at least one slot or other opening therethrough, the light will emanate out of the wheel's rim, being visible to an individual outside of said vehicle. The device utilizes a frame having a pair of arms, each arm connecting with a bulb and socket. This frame attaching to the frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel having an illuminating device includes an illuminating assembly with a ring-shaped magnet located in a center of the illuminating assembly. The ring-shaped magnet has a central hole and two flexible bushes are respectively engaged with the central hole from two sides of the ring-shaped magnet. The ring-shaped magnet is located between two bearings. Two wheel frames clamp the illuminating assembly positioned and a shaft extends through the two flexible bushes. Each of the wheel frames has apertures for receiving the illuminating items.

Abstract: A lighted wheel rim system illuminates the wheel of a vehicle by projecting visible light through decorative openings disposed in the rim of a tire. The lighted wheel rim system includes a light unit which is stimulating and aesthetically pleasing to the human eye. The lighted wheel rim system has two major parts, including a light housing assembly and a lighting assembly. Brackets and fasteners are configured to connect the light housing assembly to the brake rotor splash guards or brake shield of a vehicle. The brackets are dimensioned to correspond to the outer curvature, shape, and size of the brake shield and to hold the light housing assembly in spaced apart relation therefrom. Each wheel of a vehicle is configured with a ring light unit as an integrated electrical system.

Abstract: A wheel lighting device for illuminating a wheel of a vehicle to increase safety and enhance aesthetics. The device produces the appearance of a “ring of light” on a vehicle's wheels as the vehicle moves. The “ring of light” can automatically change in color and/or brightness according to a vehicle's speed, acceleration, jerk, selection of transmission gears, and/or engine speed. The device provides auxiliary indicator lights by producing light in conjunction with a vehicle's turn signals, hazard lights, alarm systems, and etc. The device comprises a combination of mechanical and electronic components and can be placed on the outer or inner surface of a wheel or made integral to a wheel or wheel cover. The device can be configured for all vehicle types, and is electrically powered by a vehicle's electrical system and/or battery.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel illumination system is a device having four separate light assemblies that are affixed above a tire and within the wheel well above the respective tire. Each light assembly includes a housing formed from a base, a wall and a cap that is removable. The base houses the electrical wiring that is coupled with a bulb stem. A bulb is inserted into the bulb stem to provide illumination. The cap includes a translucent lens through which the illuminated bulb is transmitted. The housing further includes mounting means for attaching the housing to the wheel well. The electrical wiring is further coupled to the electrical system of the automobile.

Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus for a rim cover is disclosed. The light-emitting apparatus includes a light source and a generator. The light source is attached to the rim cover. The generator is attached to the rim cover. The light source is connected with generator. When the rim cover is rotated, the generator generates electricity in order to power the light source.

Abstract: An assembly for providing illumination to an automobile wheel having an at least partially transparent wheel covering. The assembly includes a bracket for securing to the a non-rotating portion of an automobile wheel and a light emitting diode or diode array operationally connected to the bracket. A rechargeable battery is electrically connected to the light emitting diode and the light emitting diode, when energized, shines light through the at least partially transparent wheel covering when the wheel covering is rotating.

Abstract: An assembly for providing illumination to an automobile wheel having an at least partially transparent wheel covering. The assembly includes a bracket for securing to the a non-rotating portion of an automobile wheel and a light emitting diode or diode array operationally connected to the bracket. A rechargeable battery is electrically connected to the light emitting diode and the light emitting diode, when energized, shines light through the at least partially transparent wheel covering when the wheel covering is rotating.

Abstract: An illumination device and system for illuminating wheels of a motorized vehicle comprising of a wheel-mounted illumination source and a movable contact electrical connector assembly. The movable contact electrical connector assembly comprises of a concentric set of conductive rings insulatedly mounted on the back of the wheel to be in constant movable contact with a corresponding set of electrical contact brushes insulatedly mounted to the vehicle suspension. The concentric conductor rings are connected to the wheel mounted illumination source while the electrical contact brushes are connected to the vehicle's stationary electrical power system. The use of diodes in conjunction with capacitors or by themselves in the electrical circuit of the invention are used to prevent arcing between the brushes and rings during high speed revolutions of the wheel to allow for constant energization and illumination of the invention during high speed operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for a motion activated decorative light connectable to a predetermined article. A housing connects the light to the article. A power source is positioned within the housing for energizing a light source. A switch is connected to the power source and to the light source so as to energize the light source responsive to motion. The housing comprises a material which allows light from the light source to shine through so that it may be seen by a person observing the moving vehicle, and preferably includes a fluorescent material excited by an LED which emits ultraviolet light. The light may comprise an ornamental shape for forming a visually perceptible light image when the light source is energized.

Abstract: A lighting assembly for vehicle wheel is disclosed, which includes a casing holding a battery cell in a receiving open chamber in one end thereof, a circuit board having a LED disposed outside the casing and two annular metal contacts disposed inside the receiving open chamber and respectively connected to the two electrodes of the LED, a lead frame mounted in the receiving open chamber and electrically connected between one pole of the battery cell and one annular metal contact of the circuit board, and an elastic metal contact member suspended from the circuit board and connected to one annular metal contact and adapted to close the circuit of the battery cell and the LED when forced by centrifugal force upon rotation of the wheel in which the casing is installed.

Abstract: A wheel with sound and light effects includes a fork for supporting a wheel, a magnetic element, and a plurality of lamps. A plurality of lamps are installed at the spoke of a wheel. Each lamp is installed with a magnetic receiving element made by winding a coil. Each magnetic receiving element is connected to a capacitor and a light emitting element. Two outer sides of the rim each are installed with a magnetic element and are locked to the fork. Thereby, a rotating wheel may light up in the whole cycle as it rotates.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses lighted wheels using centrifugal force from a turning wheel 12 to close a magnetic switch 54, turning on a light source 26, 28 powered by batteries 56. The present invention consists of a control housing 18 which is placed inside the inner portion of a motorcycle rim 20 so that it may be acted upon by centrifugal force. The control housing 18 has a lighting control 62 with a plurality of magnetic switches 34 to activate selective lighting 26, 28 and batteries 56 to power the lighting and a processor 58 to give the lighting a blinking or oscillating effect. Within the housing are tension springs. 60 having varying lengths so that different amounts of centrifugal forces are needed to activate the switches.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting device has a housing, a plurality of light guides extending in radial fashion from the substantially center part of the housing, a reflector within the housing, and a plurality of LED light sources. The surface of each light guide has a reflective region with a reflecting means along the longitudinal direction thereof and an transmissive region in which the reflecting means is not provided. The transmissive region faces forward, and the reflective region faces rearward. The reflector is disposed further to the rear than the light guides, and in opposition to the reflective regions. Each LED light source is in proximity to one end of a light guide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rotary patterned lamp, which includes a supporting frame to connect with a rotator. The rotator has a downward link to connect with a patterned lamp having lighting string thereon. The frame is provided with two pins, each of which is contacted with a conductive ring around the rotator and a conductive rod between the frame and the rotator. The two pins are connected with the electrical wire extendedly to the power source to provide the power to light up the bulb of the patterned lamp that obtains a rotary decorative improved lighting effect.

Abstract: A wheel with sound and light effects includes a fork for supporting a wheel, a magnetic element, and a plurality of lamps. A plurality of lamps are installed at the spoke of a wheel. Each lamp is installed with a magnetic receiving element made by winding a coil. Each magnetic receiving element is connected to a capacitor and a light emitting element. Two outer sides of the rim each are installed with a magnetic element and are locked to the fork. Thereby, a rotating wheel may light up in the whole cycle as it rotates.

Abstract: The disclosed safety light is designed to provide automatic operation for lights placed on elastic tires. Wheel (100) comprises a hub (84), a urethane tire (88), and a safety light circuit molded into the urethane tire and hub. The safety light circuit is formed on a circuit board which holds electrical components comprising, a battery (B1), deformation-activated switch (SW1), photo sensor and delay(CDS1, D1, R1, R2, Q1, C1), and illumination devices (LED1 and LED2). Battery(B1) provides electromotive power to operate all circuitry, with switch (SW1), photo sensor CDS1, and illumination devices (LEDp1 and LED2) placed substantially in series electrically. Switch (SW1) is designed to conduct current when a change in deformation or a specified rate-of-change in deformation of the tire material is detected. The photocell (CDS1) signals the photo-sensor to conduct current when photocell (CDS1) detects a sufficiently low level of light.

Abstract: An electrical power generating device particularly adapted for mounting onto a rotary wheel can automatically produce electrical power to get LED lamps secured to the surface of wheels illuminated. The power generating device is an electrical motor having an output shaft and is fixed to the interior of a box. A speed retarding device including a counterweight or a wind operated wheel having a plurality of wind catching blades is attached to the output shaft of the motor so as to keep the shaft relatively still with respect to the motor rotated along with a rotating wheel. So, the motor serves as an electric generator producing electric power to get LED lamps illuminated. The LED lamps can be electrically actuated by way of such a power generating device on a vehicle moving on road.

Abstract: An illuminated tire valve cap includes one or more loops or sockets for removably receiving a corresponding number of small, chemiluminescent rod(s) therein. The chemiluminescent element(s) is/are separably replaceable from the valve cap, thereby allowing retention of the cap for further use when spent chemiluminescent elements have been removed. The chemiluminescent element retaining loop(s) may be provided across the top or along the side(s) of the valve cap, at any practicable orientation desired. The present illuminated valve cap “dresses up” the appearance of a vehicle wheel (automobile, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.) without requiring relatively fragile, heavy electrically powered systems, which would unbalance the wheel and tire assembly and which would not provide the desired reliability. The present illuminated valve cap is also valuable in locating the cap at night or in poor lighting, for checking tire pressure and other tire maintenance tasks.

Abstract: A bicycle lighting system has a lighting mechanism attached to a wheel of the bicycle. As the wheel revolves, an actuator activates the light at a predetermined point. The actuation may be physical or electromagnetic in nature. The actuation triggers the lighting of light contained in the lighting mechanism. The light beams may emanate parallel to the path defined by the spokes, or perpendicular to the emanating spokes. To an observer from the front, the light travels downward over the effective wheel height, transforming the light into an elongated light source equal to the wheel height. The rate at which the light source travels downward gives rotational information. The lighting may be for a predetermined time. Or, either of the lights may be strobed. A timing circuitry sensitive to rotational information allows the lights to be switched on and off at predetermined times and/or points in the revolution of the wheel. Delays may be introduced, and strobing effects may be also introduced.

Abstract: A rail-car status-indicating assembly is provided for mounting to the axles of railcars. A solenoid and a magnet are part of the assembly installed each to one of a non-rotating structure and a rotating structure which co-rotates with the axle so that each time the solenoid enters the magnets field a current is induced. Preferably, a housing forms the rotating structure for protecting the inductive components. A bearing and pendulum are mounted within the housing to form a non-rotating structure. Magnetically induced co-rotation is eliminated by mounting of the electrical components to an offset pivoted structure. One form of low-power status device is light emitting diodes, electrically connected to the solenoid for repeated emission of light visible to oncoming motorists. Other embodiments include use of low power temperature sensors and the use of LEDs to transmit two or more status condition or via RF transceivers.