Patent · US Active

Protected trailer lighting converter

US8129909B1 · kind B1 · utility

8Cited by
9References
20Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 11, 2009
Grant dateMar 6, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 14, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60Q1/305
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A trailer light converter that is configured to operate lights of a towed vehicle from signals supplied from lighting circuits of a towing vehicle includes at least one input that is adapted to be connected with the lighting circuits of a towing vehicle and at least one output that is adapted to be connected with the lights of a towed vehicle. At least one switch is provided that is responsive to a signal applied to the at least one input to supply electrical power to the at least one output to illuminate at least one light of the towed vehicle. The at least one switch includes a switching transistor and an overload protector. The at least one switch is responsive to the signal applied to the at least one input to change to a low impedance state to supply power to the at least one output. The overload protector is responsive to an overload condition on the at least one output to turn the at least one switch to a high impedance state to remove power from the least one output.

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