US3707623A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for controlling the angular position of the headlights of a vehicle
Assignee: DBA SA
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Filing: 1971-11-29
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Granted: 1972-12-26
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Expires: 1991-11-29
Abstract
Abstract A control system for modifying the angular position of the headlights of a vehicle, on both sides of a normal preset position, according to the trim of the latter. The system utilizes a fluid pressure differential control to sense vehicle load by sensing the depression of the body of the vehicle relative to the chassis. By communicating the fluid pressure to an actuator at the headlights of the vehicle, the angular relationship between the headlights and the vehicle body may be varied as a function of the vehicle trim. The actuator is provided with a movable assembly of annular nested abutments resiliently urged a fixed stop of the actuator casing, and with a piston connected to the headlights subjected on one hand to said pressure differential and on the other hand to the strength of a spring biasing said piston into engagement with said movable assembly of abutments.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles Rivolier
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 02:52
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/02; B60Q1/04; B60Q1/06; B60Q1/08; B60Q1/10; B60Q1/105
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
232 words
A control system for modifying the angular position of the headlights of a vehicle, on either sides of a normal preset position, according to the trim of said vehicle, said system comprising generating means responsive to the load acting upon at least one axle of said vehicle and designed for generating a differential control pressure which varies as a function of the trim of the vehicle, at least one receiving means comprising a casing, a movable assembly mounted in said casing and subjected on the one hand to the action of first preloaded resilient means yieldably urging said movable assembly in its normal position into engagement with a fixed abutment surface of said casing and a force transmitting connection of adjustable length located between said movable assembly and the headlights of the vehicle for enabling said receiving means to vary the angular position of said headlights as a function of said differential pressure, said movable assembly comprising movable abutment means normally urged into engagement with said fixed abutment surface by said first resilient means and a piston forming member connected to the headlights of the vehicle by said force transmitting connection and subjected on the one hand to said differential control pressure and on the other hand to the action of second preloaded resilient means mounted so as to normally urge said piston forming member into engagement with said movable abutment means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
232 words
A control system for modifying the angular position of the headlights of a vehicle, on either sides of a normal preset position, according to the trim of said vehicle, said system comprising generating means responsive to the load acting upon at least one axle of said vehicle and designed for generating a differential control pressure which varies as a function of the trim of the vehicle, at least one receiving means comprising a casing, a movable assembly mounted in said casing and subjected on the one hand to the action of first preloaded resilient means yieldably urging said movable assembly in its normal position into engagement with a fixed abutment surface of said casing and a force transmitting connection of adjustable length located between said movable assembly and the headlights of the vehicle for enabling said receiving means to vary the angular position of said headlights as a function of said differential pressure, said movable assembly comprising movable abutment means normally urged into engagement with said fixed abutment surface by said first resilient means and a piston forming member connected to the headlights of the vehicle by said force transmitting connection and subjected on the one hand to said differential control pressure and on the other hand to the action of second preloaded resilient means mounted so as to normally urge said piston forming member into engagement with said movable abutment means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
75 words
A control system according to claim 1 wherein said movable abutment means comprise coaxial annular elements disposed in a stacked relationship and urged toward their normal position into engagement with said fixed abutment surface by respective preloaded springs which latter constitute said first preloaded resilient means, each one of said annular element being shiftable a given distance from its normal position against the force of its corresponding preloaded spring before abutting the adjoining annular element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
80 words
A control system according to claim 1 wherein sealing means are provided between said piston forming member, said movable abutment means and said casing, said movable abutment means being designed to come into sealing engagement with said fixed abutment surface, whereby the effective pressure responsive area of said movable assembly subjected to said differential pressure substantially increases when said piston forming member disengages said movable abutment means from said fixed abutment surface against the force of said first resilient means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
104 words
A control system according to claim 3 wherein said movable abutment means comprise independant coaxial annular elements in a stacked arrangement, said elements being fluid-tightly shiftable one with respect to the other within said casing and being urged toward their normal position into sealing engagement with said fixed abutment surface by a corresponding assembly of preloaded springs which constitute said first preloaded resilient means, each one of said elements being shiftable a given distance from its normal position before abutting against the adjoining annular element, whereby a substantial increase in the effective area of said movable assembly, subjected to said differential pressure, is obtained.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
A control system according to claim 3 wherein said sealing means comprise a flexible diaphragm sealingly secured at its periphery to said casing, and co-operating with said fixed abutment surface to permit said movable abutment means to come into sealing engagement with said fixed abutment surface, tHe central portion of said diaphragm defining said piston forming member.
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) | 1975-12-26 | 1976-06-26 | 1976-12-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-12-26 | 1980-06-26 | 1980-12-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-12-26 | 1984-06-26 | 1984-12-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |