Patent · US Expired

Automated ambient condition responsive daytime running light system

US5614788A · kind A · utility

688Cited by
15References
38Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 1, 1995
Grant dateMar 25, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 1, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60Q2400/30
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An automated daytime running light system for surface transport vehicles having headlights and taillights which includes a daytime running light control circuit which activates the highbeam filament of the headlights at a reduced power level whenever the vehicle ignition is ON and the starter motor OFF during daylight conditions. In one embodiment, the daytime running light control circuit activates the high beam filaments of the headlight at a reduced power level and also activates the parking lights to provide taillights whenever the vehicle ignition is ON and the starter motor OFF during daylight conditions. The system further includes a navigational lighting control circuit which is responsive to ambient condition sensor inputs such as low light level sensors, fog or moisture sensors, windshield wiper actuation sensors and the like, to de-activate the daytime running light control circuit and activate the vehicles headlights and taillights and other running lights at normal power levels as long as such sensors are activated or whenever the vehicle headlights are manually activated. The system may further include an emergency brake indicator circuit which turns off the daytime r…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.