Brake Patents (Class 362/541)
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Patent number: 7262388Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for reducing condensation on the inner surface of a vehicle light cover, and preventing or deicing ice build up on the exterior of the cover. In an embodiment, a heater is mounted to a carrier and the heat produced by the heater prevents the occurrence of condensation on the inner surface of the light cover or build up of ice on the outer surface. In an embodiment, one or more vents may be provided in the carrier and one or more corresponding holes may be provided in the heater so as to increase the flow of air across the inner surface of the light cover. A controller may be provided to control activation of the heater.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works IncInventors: Cary Moreth, Edward F. Bulgajewski, Erik Arnold
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Patent number: 7220032Abstract: A vehicle spoiler is provided that has a stop lamp removably disposed in the lamp receiving aperture of the vehicle spoiler. The vehicle spoiler is coupled to a vehicle body panel (e.g., the trunk) such that the stop lamp can be easily removed without detaching the vehicle spoiler from the vehicle body panel. Preferably, the stop lamp is attached to the vehicle spoiler by a stop lamp mounting fastener that is also used to attach the vehicle to the vehicle body panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventor: Tatsuro Mori
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Patent number: 7182386Abstract: A vehicle cap power transfer assembly and method are disclosed for transferring electrical power from lights on the cab of a vehicle to lights on or in a cap which is installed upon a section of the vehicle. Plugs are provided on one end of electrical conductors. The plugs are constructed to be received into the bulb sockets of brake and cargo space illumination lights on the rear of the vehicle cab. The other ends of the conductors are connected to an elevated brake light on the rear of the cap and illumination lights on the interior of the cab, respectively. The electrical conductors are also coupled together by a quick disconnect coupler to facilitate the installation and removal of the cap and the coupling and uncoupling of the electrical conductors.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Damian Productions, Inc.Inventor: Gerald M. Damian
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Patent number: 7168838Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: FER Fahrzeugelektrik GmbHInventor: Helmut Moser
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Patent number: 7111968Abstract: A vehicle system is disclosed that includes a vehicle lamp assembly including a plurality of LEDs that emit white light so as to function as an illuminator light. The lamp assembly also may include a plurality of LEDs that emit colored light to function as a signal light. The lamp assembly may include a camera. The lamp assembly may serve as a CHMSL or as a tail light. The system also includes a controller that rapidly pulses the LEDs at a rate that is imperceivable by the human eye. The pulsing intervals of the LEDs may be related to the readout intervals of the camera sensor array. In this manner, the LEDs may be pulsed on during camera readout to increase the illumination while the camera is capturing an image, or may be pulsed off during camera readout to prevent feedback glare from interfering with image capture by the camera.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Frederick T. Bauer, Lois Bauer, John K. Roberts, Joseph S. Stam
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Patent number: 7095318Abstract: A combination vehicle advisory system which consists of a multiplicity of warning lights that are on the front of the vehicle at a location such as above the front bumper and beneath the grill and at a location on the rear of the vehicle such as above the licence plate and on the door of the vehicle, both on the passenger side and the driver side, combined with a window advisory systems comprising a multiplicity of words which are embedded into the front of the front window so they can be read by oncoming traffic, embedded into the rear window so they can be read by traffic following the vehicle embedded into a side window on the driver side of the vehicle so that they can be read by cars on that side of the vehicle, a multiplicity of words embedded into a window on the passenger side of the vehicle so that they can be read by drivers of vehicles of that side of the vehicle, and a multiplicity of words embedded into the interior of the front of the window so that they can be read by passengers in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Inventor: Solomon Bekhor
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Patent number: 7077549Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Inventor: Joseph J. Corliss
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Patent number: 7063446Abstract: A light assembly includes a housing which defines a longitudinal axis. A hollow holding ring and a reflector are fixed within the housing and spaced apart along the axis. A hollow positioning sleeve is disposed at a rear end of the reflector and is arranged on the axis at a distance forwardly from the holding ring. A tube extends along the axis and includes front and rear portions. The front portion is mounted in the positioning sleeve and includes a bulb receptacle for positioning a bulb within the reflector. The rear portion includes an electrical connection portion disposed in the holding ring. The tube is inserted axially through the holding ring and the positioning sleeve and into the reflector and then is rotated about the axis in order to cause the tube to become locked against axial movement relative to the reflector.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Oechsler AGInventor: Markus Deuter
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Patent number: 7048420Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kuniaki Arakawa
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Patent number: 7040790Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Ledtronics, Inc.Inventors: Pervaiz Lodhie, Steven R. Becerra
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Patent number: 7021807Abstract: The invention provides a signal lamp utilizing clustered light emitting devices and method of making the same. The invention provides a signal lamp that includes a housing having an opening and including a substrate located opposite the opening, a lens disposed within the opening, and a plurality of clusters with each of the clusters comprising a plurality of light emitting devices. The clusters are disposed on the substrate to illuminate respective cluster illumination areas on the lens. Each of the cluster illumination areas has a circumference and a center. The circumference of each of the cluster illumination areas intersects the center of at least one other of the cluster illumination areas. An optical cover can be disposed over the opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Tong Fatt Chew
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Patent number: 7001052Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Inventor: John K. Cullinan
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Patent number: 6976774Abstract: A combined assembly of a center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) assembly and a cargo lamp assembly for a vehicle including a housing having compartments including at least one compartment for housing a CHMSL component and having a stop lens. The housing further includes left and right compartments, respectively on opposite sides of the CHMSL compartment, each having a cargo light lens and a white LED for directing a beam of light to the respective cargo light lens. Each of the cargo lamp assemblies includes one of the cargo lenses and one of the LEDs, the LEDs each having an aperture for emitting the light beam in an arc of about 120° in horizontal and vertical planes, and each of the cargo lenses being adapted to reduce the light beam in a horizontal plane to about 60° and reducing the light beam in a vertical plane to about 60°.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Inventor: Benoit Reiss
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Patent number: 6960008Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Inventor: Dean Voelker
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Patent number: 6957903Abstract: A tail lamp apparatus is provided which makes it possible to assemble a position lamp and a stop lamp readily to a fairing and is superior in visibility from the backward. A tail lamp includes an upper lamp portion and a lower lamp portion. An LED serving as a position lamp is provided on the upper lamp portion, and a plurality of LEDs serving as a stop lamp are provided on the lower lamp portion. A board for mounting the LEDs thereon is disposed in a stepwise configuration and is disposed in a V shape such that it envelopes the tail lamp from below. A base having a reflector for the LED at a portion thereof and holding the board thereon has a peripheral edge formed as a flat face so as to facilitate coupling of the base to a rear body cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kuniaki Arakawa, Takashi Arai
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Patent number: 6955457Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting assembly for a high mounted stop lamp. The high mounted stop lamp according to an embodiment of the present invention employs a clamping clip and a guide clip so that it can readily attach to the stop lamp without using tools such as a screw driver or a spanner. In particular, the clamping clip of the present invention is provided with a clamping means that firmly fix the high mounted stop lamp to a package tray by spring force. Further, the guide clip employs a simple insert-locking system.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2003Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Gi Jong Lee
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Patent number: 6937146Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Inventor: Randy Lee Tracy
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Patent number: 6908220Abstract: A vehicle rear lamp including first light-emitting device emitting a red light, and second light-emitting device emitting a light different from the red light, preferably blue or green, wherein the first and second light-emitting devices are provided in a region for stop lamp indication.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akihiro Misawa, Hiroshi Ito, Osamu Yamanaka, Masanori Nagata
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Patent number: 6902307Abstract: The present invention relates to a taillight assembly that includes a light source for emitting light and a light source enclosure having a light transmissive portion for transmitting light from the light source to an illumination zone. A portion of the enclosure includes a material that is affixed to selected regions of the light transmissive portion. By electrically energizing the material the light transmitting properties of the material can be altered for performing different taillight functions. A drive circuit is electrically coupled to the material in each region for selectively energizing the material and thereby controlling the functional light output of each region. All taillight functions can be accomplished by activating the bands on the light transmissive portion, including running light, brake light, reverse light, parking light and turning signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Illume, L.L.C.Inventor: Michael Strazzanti
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Patent number: 6896397Abstract: A vehicular marker lamp such as a tail and stop lamp, including a translucent member extending substantially along a translucent cover which is red and transparent with first light-emitting diodes in the back and second light-emitting diodes near the side end of the cover. The translucent member has a direct light-emitting region that transmits light, which is incident to the translucent member from the first light-emitting diodes, toward the front, and indirect light-emitting regions that internally reflect light, which is incident to the translucent member from the second light-emitting diodes, so as to emit such light toward the front. The direct light-emitting region is a red transparent region, and the indirect light-emitting regions are colorless transparent regions, thus allowing the appearances of the direct and indirect light-emitting regions to be significantly different from each other when the lamp is lit.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Koito Maufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Yamada, Yasuo Teranishi
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Patent number: 6871992Abstract: A brake light system for a vehicle includes an indicating member movable between a first position and a second position, which is different from the first position. The indicating member is movable from its first position to its second position in response to the actuation of a brake system of the vehicle so as to indicate the extent of engagement of the brake system.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Inventor: Seong Woong Kim
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Patent number: 6867692Abstract: The invention is a system including a third brake light for an automobile. The brake light is equipped with means for displaying a warning message when an emergency condition arises. Light emitting diodes, thin film transistors, liquid crystal displays, light bulbs or other light emitting or refracting means display a warning message when activated. The light emitting or refracting means operate in a normal mode when an emergency condition is not present.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Inventor: Tamra Weatherspoon
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Publication number: 20040246740Abstract: I realized that our society pays more and more attention to safety. Therefore, I decided to follow this trend by focusing specifically on safety of driving. The most important aspect of driving is being able to stop or apply brakes. However, if other drivers are unaware we are in the process of doing that, or if they do not pay enough attention, our safety is at risk. Having said all that, our reaction is based on what we see. On the road, we know that a vehicle in front of us is applying brakes when the red light comes on. However, that red light can be easily missed or confused with other lights on a vehicle. Why did we come up with an idea of pulsating signal lights but the same suggestion was not made for brake lights? Imagine yourself driving behind a vehicle when suddenly its red braking lights are starting to flash. Instantly, you react and your awareness is awaken. As an added benefit pulsating lights are more visible in any type of weather or driving conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Andrzej Rogalski
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Publication number: 20040246737Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Dean Voelker
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Publication number: 20040246741Abstract: An LED light, such as used as a vehicle backup light, includes an LED board having first and second sides. At least one LED is mounted on the first side. A lens is positioned at a distance from the LED board to face the first side of the LED board. A potting compound is provided on the second side of the LED board. The potting compound can completely fill the second side of the LED board. The lens can include a first surface facing an external side of the LED light that is substantially smooth, to prevent collecting dust therein, and a second surface facing the LED board. That second surface can be contoured to include an upper region to refract light in a first direction, a lower region to reflect light in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a middle region including horizontal grooves. That middle region may diverge light in a horizontal direction and converge light in a vertical direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Applicant: DIALIGHT CORPORATIONInventors: Chenhua You, Mohamed Abdelhafez
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Publication number: 20040240225Abstract: A flame simulating device for a vehicle is disclosed. The flame simulating device comprises an assembly having a flame shaped end and an opposite end. In several examples of the flame simulating device the opposite end of a member of the assembly is coupled to a transparent member. In use of the flame simulating device, a portion of the opposite end of the assembly is coupled to a portion of a surface of a vehicle light lens fixture. The flame simulating device preferably comprises translucent plastic, except when a member of the assembly is the transparent member. The flame simulating device may be colored and textured to give the appearance of flames emanating from a vehicle. A source of light creates a simulated flame when the source of light is directed onto the translucent flame simulating device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2003Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventor: Rene C. Batiste
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Patent number: 6824299Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Fumihiko Mohri, Hiroki Fujinami, Hideyuki Aihara, Norihiro Nishitani
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Patent number: 6808300Abstract: A new and improved brake light is disclosed. The brake light would be a forward-facing brake light which would attach to the center front top deck, or hood, of automobiles. The brake light would be hooked up to the brake system of a vehicle to which the present invention would be attached.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Inventor: Frank Fellhauer
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Patent number: 6799873Abstract: A third brake light apparatus for a truck, the apparatus comprising an attachment comprising a front side, a top side and a back side wherein the attachment fits over an upper edge of a tailgate, a reflector cover comprising a top surface connected to the top side of the attachment, a light within the reflector cover, and a wire assembly connected to the light at a first end and comprising a connector at a second end for connecting the cord to a brake light system in the truck.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Inventor: Ronald M. Fox
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Patent number: 6793384Abstract: A tail lamp unit is disposed inside a rear end portion of a rear cowl of a motorcycle. The rear end portion has a shape whose lateral width narrows or tapers toward an upper end of the rear cowl. A tail lamp is disposed on an upper portion of the tail lamp structure and a brake lamp is disposed beneath the tail lamp, thereby ensuring a sufficient lighting area of the brake lamp.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tetsuo Ban, Yumio Shibata
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Publication number: 20040170027Abstract: In a vehicle for uneven ground operation in which rear wheels are covered from above with respective rear fenders and respective mud guards attached to the rear fenders. Respective tail lamps are disposed adjacent to the rear fenders with the tail lamps being supported by the mud guards. Projecting and depressed portions formed on each of the mud guards to prevent interference with the tail lamp are no longer necessary so that the mud guard is molded easily. Even if there is an interference with the tail lamp during driving, the flexible mud guard is warped so that an impact on the tail lamp from the outside is prevented. Since the tail lamp is not mounted on the fender, the configuration of the fender can be simplified and cost can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventor: Shinji Takahashi
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Patent number: 6778077Abstract: A vehicle mounted warning assembly for providing highly visible safety measures for trucks and trailers upon roadways. The vehicle mounted warning assembly includes a display assembly being adapted to mount to a vehicle for providing a warning to other motorists, and including one or more plates, and also including an assembly of illuminating light being attached to the one or more plates; and also includes a support assembly being adapted to mount to a vehicle and supporting the display assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Inventor: Henry C. DeGraaf
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Patent number: 6773154Abstract: An exterior automotive lighting device is provided. The device includes a light guide housing and a single Light Emitting Semiconductor Device (LESD). The light guide housing includes reflective material and optical elements to reflect emitted photons from the single LESD in multiple directions. The light guide has a thermally conductive material and thermally conductive connectors to dissipate heat generated by the single LESD. The lighting device may be used in accordance with lighting systems, such as a high mount stop lamp and a tail lamp on an automobile.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: North American Lighting, Inc.Inventor: Deval M. Desai
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Patent number: 6764210Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Ichikoh Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kiyohiro Akiyama
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Publication number: 20040114392Abstract: A vehicle lamp comprising a casing seat, a substrate with a plurality of LEDs; a reflecting panel and a lampshade. One surface of the reflecting panel is formed with a plurality of receiving chambers; and each receiving chamber is capable of receiving an LED. Light from the LEDs is collected effectively and then emitted out. An inner edge of each receiving chamber of the reflecting panel is a smoother surface or a textured surface. Moreover, the reflecting panel is integral formed with a casing seat for being assembled to a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventor: Wen-Jui Hou
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Patent number: 6715909Abstract: A vehicle lamp including a light-emitting diode and a lighting circuit for the light-emitting diode, a lamp chamber defined by a lamp body and a lens that covers the front of the lamp body, an LED circuit board which is disposed in the lamp chamber and on which the light-emitting diode and the lighting circuit are provided, and a cord for connecting the LED circuit board to an electric power supply; and in addition a limiting resistor for limiting a supply current for the light-emitting diode being provided on a part of the cord that is located outside the lamp chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tomoaki Serizawa
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Publication number: 20040057247Abstract: A brake light system for a vehicle includes an indicating member movable between a first position and a second position, which is different from the first position. The indicating member is movable from its first position to its second position in response to the actuation of a brake system of the vehicle so as to indicate the extent of engagement of the brake system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2002Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventor: Seong Woong Kim
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Publication number: 20040052086Abstract: A brake light system and a brake light illumination method including a braking action responsive switch, at least one braking indicator light and braking indicator light actuation circuitry responsive to the braking action responsive switch for initially illuminating the at least one braking indicator light to a relatively high level of illumination and thereafter reducing illumination of the at least one braking indicator light to a relatively low level of illumination.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventor: Menachem Hadar
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Publication number: 20040037087Abstract: An exterior automotive lighting device is provided. The device includes a light guide housing and a single Light Emitting Semiconductor Device (LESD). The light guide housing includes reflective material and optical elements to reflect emitted photons from the single LESD in multiple directions. The light guide has a thermally conductive material and thermally conductive connectors to dissipate heat generated by the single LESD. The lighting device may be used in accordance with lighting systems, such as a high mount stop lamp and a tail lamp on an automobile.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: North American Lighting, Inc.Inventor: Deval M. Desai
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Patent number: 6690272Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventor: Darren K. Hall
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Patent number: 6679615Abstract: A lighted signaling system connected to the electrical indicating system of a vehicle or devices on the vehicle which cause the vehicle to change direction or speed. The signaling system allows the user of the vehicle to clearly signal directional and vehicular intentions, including right turns, left turns, running and braking.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Inventor: Raliegh A. Spearing
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Patent number: 6672745Abstract: A vehicle system is disclosed that includes a vehicle lamp assembly including a plurality of LEDs that emit white light so as to function as an illuminator light. The lamp assembly also may include a plurality of LEDs that emit colored light, such as red or red-orange, so as to function as a signal light. Alternatively or additionally, the lamp assembly may include a camera of a vehicle imaging system. The lamp assembly may serve as a center high mounted stop light or as a tail light. The system also includes a controller that rapidly pulses the LEDs on and off at a rate that is imperceivable by the human eye. The pulsing intervals of the LEDs may be related to the readout intervals of the camera sensor array. In this manner, the LEDs may be pulsed on during camera readout so as to increase their intensity while the camera is capturing an image, or may be pulsed off during camera readout to prevent feedback glare from interfering with image capture by a highly sensitive image sensor array of the camera.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Frederick T. Bauer, Lois Bauer, John K. Roberts, Joseph S. Stam
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Patent number: 6663271Abstract: A brake light is provided in a for a motor vehicle which is adapted for installation into each of left and right roof pillars of the vehicle. The brake light is mounted in a recess in proximate the top of each roof pillars and comprises a housing including a reflective shell and a translucent lens member matingly attached thereto to form a sealed enclosure; a socket disposed in said housing and secured to said reflective shell having a light bulb removably inserted therein; and a means to electrically couple the socket to the brake light electrical system whereby said light bulb is illuminated continuously when the vehicle brakes are applied. The translucent lens member can configured to be flushly aligned with the top surface of the roof pillar. In an alternative embodiment, the brake light can be illuminated by fiber optic cables.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Inventor: Gino Giglio
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Patent number: 6663272Abstract: An illuminant turbulent flow plate has a main panel, a pair of waterproof washers, a pair of periphery flanges disposed on two sides of the main panel, a pair of electric circuit boards, and a pair of side covers. A plurality of light emitting diodes are disposed on a periphery of each electric circuit board. Each periphery flange defines a recess to receive the corresponding electric circuit board. Two through holes are formed on two sides is of the main panel. Each waterproof washer encloses the corresponding periphery flange. Each side cover has a threaded hole and a periphery groove to receive the corresponding periphery flange. Each periphery flange has a threaded aperture. Each side cover engages with the corresponding periphery flange.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Inventor: Yao-Huang Liu
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Patent number: 6655823Abstract: An illuminating apparatus for an exhaust tail pipe includes an outer duct, an inner duct located in the outer duct, an illuminating means located between the outer duct and the inner duct, and a conductive wire linking the illuminating means to brake lights to enable the illuminating means to emit light synchronously with the brake lights. The illuminating means includes a front anchoring lid, a front insulation pad, at least one LED panel, a rear insulation pad, a rear anchoring lid, an asbestos heat insulation pad and a plug lid. Because the LED panel is sandwiched by the insulation pads on the front and the rear side, the front anchoring lid and the inner duct form an interval therebetween, and the plug lid and the outer duct have radiation openings formed on the periphery thereof and form a radiation space, the LED panel and the conductive wire may be prevented from damaging in high temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Liang Fei Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming-Tien Chang
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Patent number: 6642842Abstract: A vehicle rear safety light assembly for preventing rear end collisions by giving drivers warning of actions being taken by the user. The vehicle rear safety light assembly includes a transparent housing being adapted to mount to a vehicle; and also includes a first light-emitting member being disposed in the housing and being adapted to be connected to a power source; and further includes a second light-emitting member also being disposed in the housing and also being adapted to be connected to a power source; and also includes a sensor being adapted to be attached to a transmission of the vehicle and being connected to the first and second light-emitting members.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Inventor: Ed A. Khamis
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Publication number: 20030174513Abstract: A luminaire having a light source, an optical conductor with a light exit surface that is optically coupled to the light source, and operating elements for the light source. A plurality of further light sources are provided to which the optical conductor is optically coupled. The light sources have an essentially punctiform light emission characteristic, and the light exit surface is designed to scatter light diffusely, and the other outer surfaces, not serving for launching light, of the optical conductor are designed to be totally reflecting or in a silvered fashion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Applicant: PATENT-TREUHAND-GESELLSCHAFT FUR ELEKTRISCHE GLUHLInventors: Matthias Fiegler, Thomas Reiners
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Publication number: 20030174506Abstract: An illuminating apparatus for an exhaust tail pipe includes an outer duct, an inner duct located in the outer duct, an illuminating means located between the outer duct and the inner duct, and a conductive wire linking the illuminating means to brake lights to enable the illuminating means to emit light synchronously with the brake lights. The illuminating means includes a front anchoring lid, a front insulation pad, at least one LED panel, a rear insulation pad, a rear anchoring lid, an asbestos heat insulation pad and a plug lid. Because the LED panel is sandwiched by the insulation pads on the front and the rear side, the front anchoring lid and the inner duct form an interval therebetween, and the plug lid and the outer duct have radiation openings formed on the periphery thereof and form a radiation space, the LED panel and the conductive wire may be prevented from damaging in high temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2002Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventor: Ming-Tien Chang
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Publication number: 20030174505Abstract: The invention relates to a method of locating the position of a vehicle (5) for the driver thereof, characterised in that use is made of the surface area around the vehicle by projecting a light beam (10) from the vehicle or vehicle part to be located substantially downwards on to said surface, such that at uninhibited projection thereof, a lighted spot (6) is created on said surface, at least substantially outside the circumference of the relevant vehicle part as seen in plan view. The invention specifically supports safe overtaking manoeuvres of large vehicles like trucks. The invention further includes a device, a vehicle and an adapted road for performing said method, and based thereupon.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Applicant: WAINLIGHTInventor: Neil Arthur Wainwright
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Publication number: 20030169598Abstract: A lighting fixture is configured such that it comprises at least one light source, a first reflecting surface which reflects light from the light source or sources to change it into parallel light, one intermediate reflecting surface which reflects parallel light from the first reflecting surface toward the second reflecting surface, a second reflecting surface which reflects light reflected by the intermediate reflecting surface forward and one lens provided forwardly of the second reflecting surface and such that the light source is provided outside the lens in relation to the direction of the optical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2002Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventors: Norifumi Imazeki, Takashi Nakanishi, Takeaki Okamura, Nobuyuki Suzuki, Hirokuni Osugi, Kentaro Hayashi