Methods and apparatuses for providing strobe effects for wheel illumination systems and wheel lighting systems
US7123134B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Q1/326
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for providing strobe effects for a wheel lighting system or wheel illuminating system. For one embodiment, a strobe device for a wheel lighting system includes a tachometer to determine a rotational frequency of a wheel, and a strobing element capable of operating in a first mode and a second mode. When operating in the first mode, the strobing frequency is related to the rotational frequency of the wheel. When operating in the second mode the strobing frequency is independent of the rotational frequency of the wheel. For one embodiment, the lighting elements, tachometer, and other components of the system are implemented completely within the rotating reference frame of the wheel. One embodiment of the invention provides a wheel illumination system having one or more strobing light source assemblies positioned within a rotating reference frame of the wheel to provide stroboscopic effects for the wheel's street side surfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.