US3626239A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Headlamp deenergization delay system
Assignee: Motors Liquidation Co
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Filing: 1970-05-25
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Granted: 1971-12-07
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Expires: 1990-05-25
Abstract
Abstract A vehicle headlamp control circuit used in conjunction with the conventional vehicle headlamp control switch and comprising a relay in parallel with the headlamp switch, an RC charge storage and timed discharge network and a transistor switch controlled by the headlamp and vehicle ignition switches to cause the RC network to charge through the ignition switch and to discharge and actuate the relay to delay headlamp deenergization if and only if the headlamp switch is opened after the ignition switch is opened.
Inventors
- 👤 Eugene W Brock
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:52
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q9/00; B60Q9/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
299 words
In a vehicle having an ignition switch and headlamps controlled by a lamp switch, apparatus for effecting immediate deenergization of the headlamps by first opening the lamp switch and then opening the ignition switch and for effecting delayed energization of the headlamps by first opening the ignition switch and then opening the lamp switch comprising, in combination, a power source; means connecting the lamp switch in series with the headlamps and the power source; a controlled switch having a control terminal, the conductivity of the controlled switch being established by the potential on the control terminal, for completing a low impedance current path in parallel with the lamp switch whereby the headlamps are energized whenever the current path is completed or the lamp switch is closed, the controlled switch effecting completion of the current path when the control terminal is substantially at ground potential; an energy storage device having one terminal grounded; means connecting the ignition switch in series with the power source and the storage device whereby the device is charged through the ignition switch when the ignition switch is closed; discharge means responsive to the ignition switch for discharging the capacitor when the ignition switch is closed, the discharge means including a grounded controlled switch and a resistor connected in parallel with the storage device; and a semiconductor switch connected between the control terminal and ground for grounding the control terminal, the semiconductor switch also having a control terminal connected to the discharge means for draining energy from the storage device when the discharge path is interrupted by opening of the ignition switch, the control terminal of the first controlled switch thereby being grounded so as to maintain the headlamps energized for a predetermined time when the ignition switch is opened before the lamp switch is opened.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
266 words
Apparatus for controlling the energization of a vehicle ''s headlamps comprising, in combination, a power source having a grounded terminal; a light switch connected in series with the power source and the headlamps; a relay including both a set of normally open contacts that are connected in parallel with the light switch and a winding connected at one end to the connection between the light switch and the headlamps whereby the headlamps are energized by the power source whenever the light switch is closed or the winding is energized; a capacitor having a grounded terminal; an ignition switch connected in a series circuit with the capacitor and the power source whereby the capacitor is charged by the power source when the ignition switch is closed; discharge means including a controlled switch defining a discharge path for the capacitor and a resistor for limiting the discharge rate of the capacitor, the controlled switch being responsive to the ignition switch whereby the discharge path is closed when the ignition switch is closed and opened when the ignition switch is open; and a second controlled switch connected between the other end of the winding and ground, the second controlled switch having a control mechanism connected to the junction between the first controlled switch and the resistor whereby the second controlled switch provides a second discharge path through the resistor for discharging the capacitor and connects the winding to ground when the capacitor is charged, thereby effecting energization of the winding and the headlamps for a predetermined time after the lamp switch is opened following opening of the ignition switch.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-12-06 | 1975-06-07 | 1975-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-12-06 | 1979-06-07 | 1979-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-12-06 | 1983-06-07 | 1983-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |