Abstract:
An electronic alarm system for preventing collision between the rear end of a car and a trailer attached to the car when backing and possible making a turn, comprising firstly a shunt wire coupled-in between a live wire (10) to a blinker (5) and the blinker (5) on the trailer, and which - viewed in the direction of the current - consists firstly of a wire (19) which is connected to the wire (10), a diode (18) and a wire (14) which are connected to the blinker (5) through a contact in the car's trailer plug (3), and secondly a buzzer (12) which on the inlet side through a wire (13) is connected to a live wire (11) for a reversing light (6) on the trailer, and which on the outlet side through a wire (15) is connected to the wire (14). During the backing operation the buzzer (12) emits a sound and possibly a blinking warning light, whereby the driver of the car is warned in time against a collision.
Abstract:
A vehicular video mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a video display assembly. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing incorporating a reflective element. The mirror assembly further includes a mirror-mounting portion. The mirror casing is adjustable about the mirror-mounting portion for adjusting the rearward field of view of the reflective element. The video display assembly includes a video screen which is incorporated in a video display housing. The display housing is adapted to be adjustable about the display-mounting portion for adjusting the orientation of the video screen and, further, for moving the display housing to a stowed position whereby the video screen is generally not viewable by a driver when seated in a vehicle seat in the vehicle to thereby minimize the distraction to the driver of the vehicle.
Abstract:
A reversing alarm (16) for a vehicle emits an audible signal in the form of pulses of broad band sound when the vehicle is put into reverse gear. The broad band sound allows persons in the vicinity to locate the vehicle, as the human brain is able to process broad band sound to pinpoint the location of the sound source in a way which is not possible with single tone sounds. The alarm (16) is implemented via a simple electronic circuit which uses a zener diode as a signal generator (20) to generate the broad band sound.
Abstract:
A vehicular video mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a video display assembly. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing incorporating a reflective element. The mirror assembly further includes a mirror-mounting portion. The mirror casing is adjustable about the mirror-mounting portion for adjusting the rearward field of view of the reflective element. The video display assembly includes a video screen which is incorporated in a video display housing. The display housing is adapted to be adjustable about the display-mounting portion for adjusting the orientation of the video screen and, further, for moving the display housing to a stowed position whereby the video screen is generally not viewable by a driver when seated in a vehicle seat in the vehicle to thereby minimize the distraction to the driver of the vehicle.
Abstract:
A proximity sensing system for a trailer (14) which includes at least one non-contact proximity sensor (40) which is in communication with a brake system (72). The brake system (72) is configured to operate depending on what is sensed by the proximity sensor (40). The proximity sensing system may be in communication with electronics (62) and a feedback device (64) in the trailer (14), such as a display device and/or a speaker. The electronics (62) is configured to control the feedback device (64) depending on what is sensed by the proximity sensor (40). Preferably, a tractor (12) includes an engine (94) and an electronic engine controller (92) in operable association with the engine (94). The proximity sensor (40) is in communication with the electronic engine controller (92), and the electronic engine controller (92) is configured to operate the engine (94) depending on what is sensed by the proximity sensor (40). The proximity sensor (40) may be optical, microwave or ultrasonic technology based, or may be some other suitable sensor.
Abstract:
A mirror system for a vehicle includes at least one exterior mirror having a reflective element, a housing for the reflective element, a positioning device (22) for selectively positioning the reflective element, and a light (28) for emitting light generally downwardly from the mirror housing on an area adjacent the side of the vehicle. A control (27) is responsive to the vehicle reverse gear selector (38) being in reverse gear for causing the positioning device (22) to position the reflective element to a downwardly tilted position, wherein the driver can view an area adjacent a side of the vehicle. The control (27) actuates the light (28) when the reflective element is in the downwardly tilted position in order to illuminate objects in that area. In a preferred embodiment, the control (27) actuates the light through a lockout circuit (45) which normally allows the light to be activated only when the vehicle is not operating. The control (27) includes an override for the lockout circuit which allows the light to be activated even when the vehicle is operating when, and only when, reverse gear is selected.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a control system (10) for a backup alarm (15). The system of the present invention allows an operator of a vehicle which employs a backup alarm warning system (15) to either activate or deactivate the backup alarm warning system as desired. In the system of the present invention, if the vehicle operator places the vehicle in reverse a selected number of times, within a predetermined time period, then this can either activate or deactivate the backup alarm system (15).
Abstract:
The present invention refers to a lighting system for a motor vehicle registration plate comprising at least one light source and a lens associated therewith, said light source emitting at least two light beams. It is provided for according to the present invention that inside a compartment (3) of the lighting system for a motor vehicle registration plate is arranged an electric and, respectively, electronic circuit (6) carrying at least one primary light source (7) and at least one secondary light source (8). Optical axis of the light source (7, 8) are tilted one to each other. Said external lens (4) comprises at least two areas (10, 11) each formed in a sense of a piecewise continuous function.
Abstract:
An illumination device (14), such as the type used for vehicle exterior applications, includes a housing (30) with light collimating and spreading portions (40, 42), a circuit card assembly (32) with one or more light sources (34) (e.g., LEDs), and a lens (36). The illumination device may be arranged so that light emitted by the LEDs reflects off of a metalized interior surface of the light collimating portion in a collimated fashion and travels towards the light spreading portion, the collimated light then reflects off of a metalized interior surface of the light spreading portion in a spread fashion and travels towards the lens, and the spread light passes through the lens and travels towards an intended target region. The illumination device may be installed, for example, in a rear hatch (16) of a vehicle (10) and used in conjunction with a backup camera.