Visual Identification Light Patents (Class 362/540)
  • Patent number: 7270452
    Abstract: A light emitting handle includes a handle body, a light emitting device mounted on the handle body to emit light outward, and a light guide device mounted on the handle body to guide and reflect the light of the light emitting device outward from the handle body. The light emitting handle is mounted on the door of a car or on two sides of the tail portion of a motorcycle. Thus, the light emitting handle emits light outward constantly so that the light emitting handle has a lightening effect when the car or motorcycle is turned around so as to provide a warning effect to other person, thereby preventing the car or motorcycle from incurring a traffic accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Yu Lin Enterprise Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Ming-Cheng Wang
  • Publication number: 20070206389
    Abstract: Undercarriage lights are positioned under a truck adjacent to parts of the truck requiring regular visual safety inspections to light up the parts. A control module operates the lights in coordination with an ignition switch, a manual switch outside the truck, a timer, a low light sensor, and an indicator light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventor: Joe Martin Salazar
  • Patent number: 7264386
    Abstract: An illumination property of headlights 4 is controlled so that light quantity or color in a belt-like region B including a virtual line segment A may be different from those in other regions, and thereby the virtual line segment A which uniformly inclines downward from an apex T deviated from a driver toward opposite sides in a vehicle-width direction is indicated on a road surface. The virtual line segment A thus indicated can suppress inclinations of forward visibility and also suppress the sway of ahead inclination angle when a vehicle turns, thereby stabilizing a driving posture of a driver and suppressing steering disturbance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhito Ito, Kenya Uenuma, Keijiro Iwao
  • Patent number: 7261451
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp (10) has a first light source (12) for illuminating an area forward of the light source (12). The first light source (12) is preferably a filamented tungsten halogen capsule or an arc discharge source. The first light source (12) is arrayed along a longitudinal axis (14) and emits substantially white light. A second light source (16) in the form of a plurality of light emitting diodes is arrayed about the first light source (12), and the second light source (16) emits light via an optic 42 for providing a daylight running light. Via the optic 42 light is emitted in a forward direction as well as toward the reflector to increase the lighting area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Charles M. Coushaine, Thomas Tessnow, Michael Tucker
  • Patent number: 7255464
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rear-view mirror for vehicles, which consists of compatible, combinable and exchangeable modules such as: (A) and (B), or integrated (A+B), functional, signal, lighting and sensor modules, and structural (C), (D) and (E) modules; cover-housing, body-housing and support which may include functional modules. (A), (B) and (A+B) fulfill their function even if the rear-view mirror is folded. They use a multifocal light source of LED's inserted into a flexible and orientable circuit and/or a mixed rigid-flexible circuit-combining LED's+bulbs and other lighting elements, with variable optical and reflective means enabling more than one signal from one same transparent surface with direct light output, indirect-reflected light output and/or through intermediate optical light guides depending on the directions required in the front, the side, the back and the lateral ground for different commands, applications and safety signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Alejandro Rodriguez Barros, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Fernandez
  • Patent number: 7252405
    Abstract: A lighting device having a plurality of LEDs mounted on a heat sink that serves to transfer heat from the LEDs to the outside environment. The lighting device is positioned within a fresnel lens to produce a distribution of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Automatic Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Trenchard, Alan Trojanowski
  • Patent number: 7246920
    Abstract: A portable light source has a base, an attachment mechanism adapted for removably attaching the base to a surface, and a substantially tubular arm pivotally connected to the base such that it can pivot between a horizontal position and a vertical position. A white light source and an ultraviolet light source are positioned within the arm and operably connected to a rechargeable battery to emit white light and ultraviolet light in outward directions from the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Timothy Nevin Hopkins
  • Patent number: 7229197
    Abstract: A vehicle side mirror apparatus for looking backward circumstances of a vehicle has: a housing that is of a transparent or semitransparent material with a cross section having a predetermined thickness, the housing having a light entering end into which light enters, and a light radiating end that faces the back of the vehicle; and an LED lamp that is disposed in the vicinity of the light entering end. Light emitted from the LED lamp enters into the light entering end of the housing, passing through within the cross section, being radiated to the back of the vehicle from the light radiating end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Tanaka, Akihiro Misawa
  • Patent number: 7226194
    Abstract: Exterior rearview mirrors have mirror base, a mirror body, and a lighting unit with a lighting means. A lighting unit can be a repeating direction indicator lamp or, for example, a lamp for illuminating the surroundings. In order to enable the lighting unit to be easily mounted while requiring little mounting space, the lighting unit is part of an add-on element, which is physically separate from the exterior rearview mirror. The lighting unit with the lighting means can be easily produced and mounted. No mounting space is required inside the exterior rearview mirror. The lighting unit can be easily accessed for mounting. The exterior rearview mirror is used in motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Patents S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Roland Oehmann
  • Patent number: 7220028
    Abstract: To provide a winker apparatus in which assembly thereof is improved by eliminating the necessity to check biting of the winker cord. A front winker includes a winker holder mountable to a front fork. A winker body is mountable to one side of the winker holder via a winker supporting base. A winker cord is lead from the winker holder via the winker supporting base. The winker holder is formed with a storage groove for accommodating the winker cord. A cover is provided for covering the storage groove so as to retain the winker cord in a state in which the winker cord is stored in the storage groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Nakayama, Hiroyuki Osugi, Yoji Kanaoka, Shinichi Maeda
  • Patent number: 7217019
    Abstract: In a vehicle lamp, in particular a side marking lamp for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one light source and at least one optical system (6a, 6b) arranged in the beam path of the light source, the substantially conical light beam issuing from the light source impinges directly on the optical system (6a, 6b) and shines therethrough, wherein the optical system (6a, 6b) is such that it produces therefrom a cruciform light distribution (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Fer Fahrzeugelektrik GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Wimbert, Hermann Werner, Reingard Wolff
  • Patent number: 7210831
    Abstract: A vehicle illumination lamp including a projection lens 14 disposed on an optical axis Ax extending in a longitudinal direction of a lamp and a light-emitting element 12 disposed to the rear of the projection lens 14. The light-emitting element has a light-emitting chip 22 disposed adjacently to the rear of a rear focal point F of the projection lens on the optical axis Ax; a translucent cover 26 for covering the light-emitting chip from the front side thereof with a predetermined clearance therefrom; and a light-shielding film 28 formed on a lower region of the translucent cover. In this configuration, the translucent cover is disposed so as to intersect the optical axis Ax at the rear focal point F; and the light-shielding film is formed such that an upper edge 28a thereof passes through the rear focal point F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ishida
  • Patent number: 7204626
    Abstract: A lighted vehicle grille includes a grille or grille insert mounted to the front of a vehicle with a plurality of lights mounted to the vehicle grille. The lights may be mounted within holes in the grille or may be otherwise attached to the grille. The lights are connectable to the electrical circuitry of the vehicle, and are adapted to turn on simultaneously with the selective turning on of other vehicle lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Putco, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Elwell
  • Patent number: 7195385
    Abstract: A vehicle light has at least one vehicle light housing having an open end and configured to be arranged on an inner side of a vehicle part of the vehicle. At least one illumination element is arranged in the vehicle light housing. The vehicle part has a light-transmissive area covering the open end of the vehicle light housing, wherein the light-transmissive area allows rays emitted by the illumination element to pass through to the exterior. The vehicle part can be the trunk lid or the exterior rearview mirror of the vehicle. The light-transmissive area is covered with a coating having a thickness such that, when the illumination element is switched off, the light transmissive area is invisible from the exterior of the vehicle and such that light emitted by the illumination element passes through the coating when the at least one illumination element is switched on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Germany GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Zimmermann, Bernd Rommel
  • Patent number: 7183939
    Abstract: A shining fan structure for displaying images of patterns or characters by reflection mainly includes a fan. A plurality of blades of the fan are provided with reflective patterns or characters. Light-emitting elements are provided on the periphery of the fan base. Each light-emitting element is angled to directly irradiate the front of the blade. When the fan rotates, the light-emitting elements provided on the periphery of the base irradiate the patterns or characters provided on the blades with the lightening frequency being synchronous with or different from the rotation speed of the fan, a shining effect can be seen from the front or side of the fan by reflection or transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: ACT-Rx Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lo, Chih-Ming Cheng
  • Patent number: 7175324
    Abstract: An illuminated exterior decorative device for vehicles includes a decorative part and an illuminating part. The illuminating part illuminates the decorative part from behind and includes a light source and a light diffusion portion. The light source of the illuminating part is embedded in the light diffusion portion. The light diffusion portion of the illuminating part is optically transmissive, preferably transparent. The light source is disposed along the edge of the decorative part. The light source includes a plurality of light emitting device (LED). The illuminating part has substantially the same pattern as the decorative part. The decorative part may be provided as metal coating on the illuminating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Young Chul Kwon
  • Patent number: 7172322
    Abstract: The invention related to framing (8) for the window of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, the framing having a support face between an inside edge (8a) and an outside edge (8b) of the framing and designed to be covered by the periphery of a window (6) connected in sealed manner to said outside edge. On its window-supporting face, the framing has an arrangement (15) for receiving a light source (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Maelig Pommeret, Stephanie Ader
  • Patent number: 7168838
    Abstract: To enlarge the design and technical use options of a vehicle lamp, in particular for motor vehicles, which includes at least one functional lamp and a light exit cover covering the internal space of the vehicle lamp, provided on surface regions of at least one component (1) of the vehicle lamp, which are visible from the exterior and which do not cover the at least one functional lamp, is an electroluminescence arrangement which includes at least one flat capacitor (20) which includes at least a rear base electrode (25), a pigment layer (27) which in operation lights up, and a transparent cover electrode (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: FER Fahrzeugelektrik GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Moser
  • Patent number: 7163325
    Abstract: A road indication device is provided. The road-guidance indicating device has a light projection unit including light control means for controlling a lamp and light emitted from the lamp. The light projection unit project a light whose peak luminosity is 30000 cd or more, i.e., the light has a luminosity equal to or larger than a peak luminosity of a headlight of a car running on the road. Since a light pillar of light having a high light output and a thick light pillar is projected from the light projection unit, the visuality of the light pillar is improved even in the bad weather and the boundary between the driveway and the shoulder on the road can be affirmatively guided and indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kojima, Tomoko Ishiwata, Takashi Ichijo, Kozo Ogawa, Yasuharu Takano
  • Patent number: 7163320
    Abstract: A grille for a car grille includes a frame, a filter net mounted on a side of the frame, and a light emitting device mounted between the frame and the filter net. Thus, the arcuate convex faces of the reflective plate of the light emitting device reflect the light rays firm the light emitting members toward the pattern plate, so that the light rays from the light emitting members are projected onto the pattern plate evenly and smoothly, thereby enhancing the outstanding appearance of the grille when the car is driven at the night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Yao-Huang Liu
  • Patent number: 7163321
    Abstract: The present invention is an inconspicuous emergency vehicle grille designed with emergency lights built flush therein thereby allowing the lights to be unobstructed by the grille and conspicuous when lit. This invention further provides the opportunity to retrofit the emergency vehicle grille with minimal effort by simply replacing the existing grille with a new grille prefabricated with the emergency lights. Alternatively, this invention is an emergency vehicle grille designed with emergency light sockets for the installation of flush mounted emergency lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Contarino
  • Patent number: 7163324
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or cullminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: 911EP, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Pederson
  • Patent number: 7150554
    Abstract: Automotive lamps are configured having at least one array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) supported within the lamps. A bezel is positioned in each lamp adjacent to the LEDs, the bezel having a dark surface, the dark surface having a high gloss finish with reflector shaped surfaces to reflect light from the LEDs while absorbing visible light from external sources. A lens of light transmitting material covers the array of LEDs. The automotive lamp is especially useful as a rear combination lamp having red LEDs serving both tail light and stop light functions, as well as amber or red LEDs providing turn and hazard signals. A center, high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL), also using an array of LEDs surrounded by a dark bezel with high gloss reflector shaped surfaces, is used in combination with a pair of the rear combination lamps. In one embodiment the rear combination lamps include side marker LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Jose Calderas
  • Patent number: 7140756
    Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly is disclosed which incorporates a bezel formed generally beneath the mirror housing. The bezel accommodates a rearward facing light source assembly to provide a rearward facing signal. The bezel may be integrally formed with the rear view mirror assembly or may be a separate component attached to the rear view mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Inc.
    Inventors: Graham B. McCloy, Ronald R. Raymo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7129829
    Abstract: A module with various designs of signal and safety lights incorporated with a wide range rearview mirror for the exterior sides of motor vehicles. Within the module(s), a signal light(s) and a safety light(s) of varying shapes are included. The rearview mirror cover edge for the module mounting onto is designed with a curvature bending angle of at least 128 degrees within the range of 91 degrees to 180 degrees for the flashing of the signal light(s) and illumination of the safety light(s) can be seen from the rear, the side and the front. The wide range rearview mirror is a ¼ (25%) curvature reflective mirror in combination with a ¾ (75%) flat reflective mirror. This combination mirror provides minimal distortion while allowing a widened scope of view to cover the blind spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Jack Sing Chiow Chan
  • Patent number: 7114836
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tail light structure of a motorcycle/scooter and a motorcycle/scooter equipped with the tail light structure, which can provide a better indication of the rear indicators for safe driving. The tail light structure includes a base and a tail light, and the base can be connected to the rear cover and the fender of the motorcycle as an integrated module to improve rigidity. The base includes a first securing plate, a second securing plate and an extending plate, the extending plate including a first extending portion and a second extending portion, the front of the second securing plate being connected approximately perpendicular to the bottom of the first securing plate, and the first extending portion being perpendicularly disposed below the rear of the second securing plate. The top of the second extending portion is connected to the bottom of the first extending portion, and the second extending portion backwardly tilts at an angle to the first extending portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Motor R&D Taiwan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Ching Sheu, Chia-Hsien Lee
  • Patent number: 7111961
    Abstract: A lighting device having a plurality of high flux LEDs mounted on a heat sink and surrounded by a diffuser. The heat sink serves to transfer heat from the LEDs to the outside environment. In one embodiment the lighting device is positioned within a fresnel lens to produce a distribution of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Automatic Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Trenchard, Alan Trojanowski
  • Patent number: 7108410
    Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly is disclosed which incorporates a warning light actuatable in conjunction with the vehicle turn signals to alert adjacent motor vehicles of an anticipated turn. The warning light is integrated into a first decorative cover member and may be connected to the vehicle turn signal circuit by way of connectable electrical leads or by an integrally formed plug and outlet arrangement. A second decorative cover member may be substituted for the first decorative cover member when it is not desired to incorporate the warning light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Stidham, Dale Gathergood, Charles Furlotte
  • Patent number: 7108408
    Abstract: The invention includes a trailer light kit. The kit comprises: a bracket for mounting a light to a trailer, the bracket including an extension holder; an extension, insertable into the extension holder; and a light mechanism, comprising a light and a light harness for attaching the light into a trailer receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: C.M.T. Mfg. Inc.
    Inventor: Terry J. Tinklenberg
  • Patent number: 7104676
    Abstract: A signaling assembly is disclosed and which includes a reflective substrate having opposite first and second surfaces; an electromagnetic radiation emitter for emitting visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation and which is borne by the second surface of the reflective substrate; and a light channeling assembly positioned near the electromagnetic radiation emitter, and which directs the emitted visibly discernible electromagnetic radiation in a direction where it may be viewed from a location which is forward of one of the first and/or second surfaces of the reflective substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: K.W. Muth Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen A. Bukosky, Daniel J. Mathieu, Daniel R. Todd
  • Patent number: 7088045
    Abstract: A tailgate controlled light system for automatically illuminating the interior of a pickup box upon opening of a tailgate. The tailgate controlled light system includes a light unit attachable within a pickup box, a control switch electrically connected to the light unit and attachable within the opening of the pickup box, and an override switch electrically connected to the control switch and to the vehicle power supply. The control switch is positioned to be depressed by the tailgate when closed thereby terminating power to the light unit. When the tailgate is opened away from the control switch the light unit is activated with power. The override switch is used to terminate power to the light unit regardless of the position of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Justin D. Zich
  • Patent number: 7048419
    Abstract: An auxiliary trailer lighting system includes a base plate that has a back side attached to a trailer. A top wall is attached to the plate and extends outwardly away therefrom. A lip is attached to the top wall. A reflective wall is attached to the lip and extends toward a bottom edge of the base plate. A translucent covering is removably attached to the lip and extends from the lip and over the reflective wall so that a first compartment is defined between reflective wall and the covering. At least two light emitters are mounted in the first compartment. A control is electrically coupled to a turn signal system and a running light system of a truck. The control is electrically coupled to the light emitters. The control turns on the light emitters when both of the running light and turn signal systems are turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7048425
    Abstract: A light device including side emitting status indicators that provide a true indication of whether light is being output in a primary output direction. The light device includes a light source of at least one LED configured to generate light in the primary output direction. The light generated by the at least one LEDs passes through a lens device, that may also reflect a portion of the light generated from the at least one LED. Collection optics are provided to capture a portion of the generated light and/or the reflected portion of the light generated from the light source, and are configured to output the captured generated and/or reflected light in a direction other than the primary direction, i.e., in a direction for the side emitting status indicators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Dialight Corporation
    Inventors: Chenhua You, John T. Adinolfi, Kurt A. Kulberg, Michael F. Picciotti
  • Patent number: 7048423
    Abstract: An integrated light and accessory assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes at least one lamp for illumination of a vehicle, and also includes reflective, conductive and insulative portions inside a housing, and a module for controlling or accessorizing the assembly. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the assembly. The method includes providing materials for molding or shaping the components of the assembly, selectively etching conductive materials, molding the materials into a desired configuration, connecting a lamp and an accessory module to the conductive portions, and enclosing the components in a housing. A portion of the module may be removed for emergency lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Kuzma Stepanenko, Jay DeAvis Baker, Lawrence LeRoy Kneisel, Richard Keith McMillan, Brenda Joyce Nation, Cindy Maria Rutyna, Charles Frederick Schweitzer, Peter Langer
  • Patent number: 7048420
    Abstract: A turn indicator light and a position light are provided for a rear mirror assembly mounted in a vehicle body. A light body for the turn indicator light is a filament light bulb and a light body for the position light is a light emitting diode. Positioning the lights in the rear mirror permits the width of the vehicle to be more recognizable. The turn indicator light and the position light are provided with individual light bodies, respectively, for allowing independent service to be performed with respect to each light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuniaki Arakawa
  • Patent number: 7032920
    Abstract: An embellished vehicle trailer hitch-ball assembly (10) that is comprised of an upper ball receptor (12) having an upper surface (14) and a lower surface (16) that is integrally molded to a frame attachment platform (18) from where extends a threaded mounting rod (20). The mounting rod (20) is inserted into a frame bore (28) located on a rear vehicle frame (26) and tightened by a mounting nut (22). On the upper surface (14) of the upper ball receptor (12) is located an embellishment element consisting of at least one LED that is illuminated by a source of electrical power supplied by a vehicle electrical circuit (44). The power applied to the at least one LED is controlled by either a manually operated power switch (64) or when the vehicle's brake pedal is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Vincent Peng
  • Patent number: 7033036
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or culminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use on an emergency vehicle. The warning light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: 911EP, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Pederson
  • Patent number: 7033055
    Abstract: A emergency light system for providing emergency lighting identification of a vehicle. The emergency light system includes a plurality of light emitting members being designed for being coupled to the vehicle whereby each of the light emitting members emits light to visually indicate the location of the vehicle. Each of a plurality of holder members selectively receives one of the light emitting members. Each of the holder members is designed for being coupled to the vehicle whereby each of the holder members is for selectively securing the light emitting members to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: David Rutter, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7018081
    Abstract: A pole light has a substantially tubular pole having two ends, a navigation light mounted at one end of the pole, and an ultraviolet light source positioned within the pole. The pole light is operable to emit ultraviolet light in an outward direction from the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Timothy Nevin Hopkins
  • Patent number: 7008089
    Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly is disclosed which incorporates a bezel formed generally beneath the mirror housing. The bezel accommodates a rearward facing light source assembly to provide a rearward facing signal. The bezel may be integrally formed with rear view mirror assembly or may be a separate component attached to the rear view mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Inc.
    Inventors: Graham B. McCloy, Ronald R. Raymo
  • Patent number: 7004601
    Abstract: A signaling device for sighting systems, for example for rescue crafts in the nautical field and the like, comprising at least two lamps arranged so that their respective filaments are mutually perpendicular, so as to achieve a circular luminous emission that is uniform over 360°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: S.I.E.M. S.r.l.
    Inventor: Jorge Miguel Aguglia
  • 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: 6994452
    Abstract: The invention relates to LED-based lamps, luminaires and lighting systems for buildings particularly, though not exclusively, for providing emergency light in the event of power failure. In particular it provides a light-emitting diode lamp comprising a support (26) and an array of light emitting diodes (58) on the support, an optical axis (72) passing through the middle of the array (58) and diodes increasing in number and increasing in inclination with distance from the optical axis (72). It also provides a luminaire (24) comprising a lamp as described above and a lens (30) having facets for generally un-deviated and un-reflected passage of light from off-axis diodes, and a building emergency lighting system comprising luminaires (24) as described above. In an alternative embodiment inclination of the light is through progressively increasing inclination of the facets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventors: Simon Grant Rozenberg, Ian Shaun Lawry, George Alan Limpkin
  • Patent number: 6986596
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly (10, 110) for a vehicle includes a housing (14, 114) connectable to a vehicle (12). A mirror (18) is disposed in an opening (16) in the housing (14, 114). A member (70, 170) connected to the housing (14, 114) has a reflective portion (78, 178) for reflecting light from another vehicle. The member (70, 170) also has a turn signal lens (88, 188) through which a turn signal light (36, 136) shines. A second lens (46) may direct light from the turn signal light (36) to the turn signal lens (88).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Peter A. Evans
  • Patent number: 6986597
    Abstract: A lighted vehicle grille includes a grille or grille insert mounted to the front of a vehicle with a plurality of lights mounted to the vehicle grille. The lights may be mounted within holes in the grille or may be otherwise attached to the grille. The lights are connectable to the electrical circuitry of the vehicle, and are adapted to turn on simultaneously with the selective turning on of other vehicle lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Putco, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Elwell
  • Patent number: 6960008
    Abstract: A proportional brake light system having an LED display carried on a motor vehicle and capable of instaneously 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 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. The LEDs are arranged in a pair of linear arrays that arc aligned in oppositely extending illumination paths, such that an identical number of LEDs from each array is simultaneously illuminated to create a highly visible bar graph display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Dean Voelker
  • Patent number: 6955459
    Abstract: A vehicular marker lamp including an auxiliary light emitting portion disposed near a tail/stop lamp (a main light emitting portion) having a red exterior appearance which is a lamp function color of the tail/stop lamp. The auxiliary light emitting portion is structured by a colorless and transparent light guide plate and a plurality of red light emitting diodes disposed so as to allow light from the light emitting diodes to be incident to the light guide plate so that when the tail/stop lamp is lit the light guide plate emits red light by the light which is incident from the light emitting diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Miki Mochizuki, Kazunori Natsume
  • Patent number: 6953271
    Abstract: The invention proposes an indicator lamp comprising an optical axis oriented from the rear to the front, on which there is a light source which is provided for emitting a light flux towards the front, and of the type comprising an optical device for recovering and distributing the rays of light emitted by the source, with a view to providing an indicating faction that meets the regulations, wherein the optical device comprises a coaxial annular reflector and, in front of the light source a central optical part known as the light engine which is provided for distributing the rays of light emitted by the source in directions that are generally transverse about the optical axis, towards the coaxial annular reflector that is provided for distributing the rays of light axially towards the front.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Aynié, Jean-Claude Gasquet
  • Patent number: 6945677
    Abstract: A manual-operation sound and light emitting device is used in a vehicle, particularly in a bicycle. Moving a movable rod, a gear will rotate. Then steel balls resists against a cover so as to rotate the cover. The rotation of the cover will drive a central rod and a bell body to rotate. Then a coil, a transparent light mask, and a hammer of the bell body displace to touch a block of a seat. By the elasticity of a spring, a hammer will vibrate after passing through the block so as to knock the bell body to emit sounds. A plurality of inclined grooves in the gear and the steel balls cause the bell body to rotate unidirectionally. When the central rod rotates, a coil will be driven. A magnet will cut through positive negative electrode sheets so as to light up LED lights in the bell body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Fon Hsiung Fu
  • Patent number: 6942370
    Abstract: A lamp unit for a motor vehicle includes a light source, a substantially plano-convex projection lens, and an identification symbol. The projection lens has the configuration of a spherical segment and a central region, and the identification symbol is disposed in the central region of the planar side of the projection lens. The planar side of the lens faces the light source. A method of making a lamp unit for a motor vehicle includes disposing an identification symbol in a central region of a planar side of a substantially plano-convex projection lens of the lamp unit, wherein the planar side of the lens faces a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Hans-Dieter Futschik, Norbert Weber, Walter Nuber