US5614788A — Automated ambient condition responsive daytime ru…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 193 words

An automatic ambient condition controlled daytime running light system for transport vehicles having an emergency brake, navigation lights including headlights with high and low beam filaments and parking lights, a power supply, a headlight switch for turning ON and OFF the headlights and a parking light switch for turning ON and OFF the parking lights, an ignition switch and a starter motor switch, the system comprising, a DRL control circuit having a first input from the ignition and an output to a first switching means connected to the high beam filaments for supplying power thereto, means for connecting said first switching means to the source of power, an NL control circuit, a plurality of ambient condition senors, a second input for connecting the ignition switch and outputs from said ambient condition sensors to said NL control circuit, said NL control circuit having an output connected to a second switch means for supplying power to the navigational lights, and output means from said NL control circuit connected to said DRL control circuit for extinguishing power to said first switch means when said NL control circuit is activated by signals received from said second input.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 193 words

An automatic ambient condition controlled daytime running light system for transport vehicles having an emergency brake, navigation lights including headlights with high and low beam filaments and parking lights, a power supply, a headlight switch for turning ON and OFF the headlights and a parking light switch for turning ON and OFF the parking lights, an ignition switch and a starter motor switch, the system comprising, a DRL control circuit having a first input from the ignition and an output to a first switching means connected to the high beam filaments for supplying power thereto, means for connecting said first switching means to the source of power, an NL control circuit, a plurality of ambient condition senors, a second input for connecting the ignition switch and outputs from said ambient condition sensors to said NL control circuit, said NL control circuit having an output connected to a second switch means for supplying power to the navigational lights, and output means from said NL control circuit connected to said DRL control circuit for extinguishing power to said first switch means when said NL control circuit is activated by signals received from said second input.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 71 words

The light system of claim 1 including a first connector means for connecting said starter motor switch to said DRL control circuit and second connector means for connecting said starter motor switch to said NL control circuit whereby when said starter motor switch is in an ON condition, said outputs from said DRL control circuit and said NL control circuit will be FALSE whereby said first and second switches are deactivated.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 55 words

The light system of claim 2 in which said output means from said NL control circuit connected to said DRL control circuit and said first connector means for connecting said starter motor switch to said DRL control circuit provide inputs to an OR gate having an output which is connected to said DRL control circuit.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 90 words

The light system of claim 2 in which said DRL control circuit includes a power modulator means, said first switching means includes a MOSFET switch having a source connection to the high beam filaments and an input gate connection to an output gate of a first FET driver, said first FET driver having an input for receiving signals from said power modulator means whereby said first FET driver provides gate voltage at a periodic rate to said first MOSFET to thereby power the high beam filaments at a reduced voltage.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 31 words

The light system of claim 4 including an external shut-off switch connected to said DRL control circuit whereby signals to said input to the first FET driver may be selectively terminated.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 95 words

The light system of claim 4 in which said second switching means includes a second MOSFET switch having a source terminal connected to the output of the headlight switch and an input gate connected to the output gate of a second FET driver, said second switching means further including a third MOSFET switch having a source terminal connected to the output of the parking light switch and a gate terminal connected to the output gate of said second FET driver and said second FET driver having an input for receiving signals from said second input.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 38 words

The light system of claim 6 in which each of said first and second FET drivers and said first, second and third MOSFET switches have drain connections and said drain connections being connected to the source of power.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 38 words

The light system of claim 6 including a delay-OFF timer means connected between said input of said second FET driver and said second input whereby signals to said second FET driver may be controlled by said delay-OFF timer.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 38 words

The light system of claim 8 including an external shut-off switch connected to said DRL control circuit and said NL control circuit whereby signals to said inputs of said first and second FET drivers may be selectively terminated.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 40 words

The light system of claim 9 in which said external shut-off switch is connected between said power modulator means and said input of said first FET driver and between said delay-OFF timer and said input of said second FET driver.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 69 words

The light system of claim 9 including a parking brake input means, said parking brake input means being activated when the transport vehicle emergency brakes are engaged, and means for connecting said parking brake input means to each of said first and second FET drivers whereby when said parking brake input means is in an ON condition, gate signals from said first and second FET drivers will be extinguished.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 143 words

The light system of claim 4 in which said second switching means of said NL control circuit includes second and third MOSFET switches, said second MOSFET switch having a source terminal connected to the output of the headlight switch and a source terminal connected to the output of the parking light switch, said NL control circuit further including a second FET driver having an output gate connected to an input gate of said second MOSFET switch and having an input connected to said second input for connecting the ignition switch and the output from said ambient condition sensors, and a third FET driver having an output gate connected to an input gate of said third MOSFET switch and having an input connected to said second input for connecting the ignition switch and outputs from said ambient condition sensors to said NL control circuit.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 22 words

The light system of claim 12 including connector means for connecting said input of said third FET driver to said first input.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 52 words

The light system of claim 12 including a delay-OFF timer means mounted between said second input and each of said second and third FET driver inputs, said delay-OFF timer having an output, and means for connecting said output of said delay-OFF timer to said inputs of said second and third FET drivers.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 99 words

The light system of claim 14 in which said means for connecting said output of said delay-OFF timer means includes a connector extending from said output to said input of said third FET driver, an AND gate means having an input for receiving said output from said delay-OFF timer means and a second input connected to an external shut-off switch, and said AND gate having an output connected to said input of said second FET driver, whereby when said external shut-off switch is in an OPEN position, signals to said input terminal of said second FET driver are terminated.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 39 words

The light system of claim 15 in which each of said first and second and third FET drivers and said first, second and third MOSFET switches have drain connections, said drain connections being connected to the source of power.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 39 words

The light system of claim 12 including an external shut-off switch connected to said DRL control circuit and said NL control circuit whereby signals to said inputs of said first, second and third FET drivers may be selectively terminated.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 71 words

The light system of claim 12 including a parking brake input means, said parking brake input means being activated when the transport vehicle emergency brakes are engaged, and means for connecting said parking brake input means to each of said first, second and third FET drivers whereby when said parking brake indicator means is in an ON condition, gate signals from said first, second and third FET drivers will be extinguished.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 82 words

The light system of claim 1 including a parking brake input means, said parking brake input means being activated when the transport vehicle emergency brakes are engaged, and means for connecting said parking brake input means to each of said DRL control circuit and said NL control circuit whereby when said parking brake input means is in an ON condition, said first and second switch means will be extinguished to thereby extinguish power to said high beam filament and said navigational lights.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 25 words

The light system of claim 2 in which the high beam filaments, headlights and parking lights are activated in accordance with Truth Table, Table I.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 29 words

The light system of claim 11 wherein the navigational lights including the high beam filaments, headlights and parking lights are activated in accordance with a Truth Table, Table III.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 30 words

The light system of claim 13 in which the navigational lights including the high beam filaments, headlights and parking lights are activated in accordance with a Truth Table, Table II.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 30 words

The light system of claim 13 in which the navigational lights including the high beam filaments, headlights and parking lights are activated in accordance with a Truth Table, Table IV.

Claim 25

Independent Claim 256 words

A method for automatically controlling the lighting system for a transport vehicle depending upon time of day and ambient conditions wherein the transport vehicle has navigational lights including headlights with high and low beam filaments and parking lights, a power supply, a headlight switch for turning ON and OFF the headlights and a parking light switch for turning ON and OFF the parking lights, an ignition switch and a starter motor switch and a plurality of sensors for sensing various ambient conditions, and each of the sensors having an electrical output which is activated in response to an ambient condition being sensed, comprising the steps of: a) during daylight hours powering the high beam filaments of the vehicle headlights at reduced power when the ignition switch is ON, the starter motor OFF, and the plurality of sensors outputs is in an ambient FALSE state; b) automatically terminating power to the high beam filaments whenever one of the plurality of sensors senses a condition placing the output therefrom in a TRUE state with the ignition in an ON condition and the starter motor switch in an OFF condition and simultaneously supplying power to operate the navigational lights at a normal power level; and c) automatically re-energizing the high beam filament at a reduced power level and extinguishing the navigational lights when all the sensors outputs are in a FALSE state and the ignition switch is in an ON condition, the starter motor switch is in an OFF condition and the headlight switch is in an OFF condition.

Claim 26

Independent Claim 256 words

A method for automatically controlling the lighting system for a transport vehicle depending upon time of day and ambient conditions wherein the transport vehicle has navigational lights including headlights with high and low beam filaments and parking lights, a power supply, a headlight switch for turning ON and OFF the headlights and a parking light switch for turning ON and OFF the parking lights, an ignition switch and a starter motor switch and a plurality of sensors for sensing various ambient conditions, and each of the sensors having an electrical output which is activated in response to an ambient condition being sensed, comprising the steps of: a) during daylight hours powering the high beam filaments of the vehicle headlights at reduced power when the ignition switch is ON, the starter motor OFF, and the plurality of sensors outputs is in an ambient FALSE state; b) automatically terminating power to the high beam filaments whenever one of the plurality of sensors senses a condition placing the output therefrom in a TRUE state with the ignition in an ON condition and the starter motor switch in an OFF condition and simultaneously supplying power to operate the navigational lights at a normal power level; and c) automatically re-energizing the high beam filament at a reduced power level and extinguishing the navigational lights when all the sensors outputs are in a FALSE state and the ignition switch is in an ON condition, the starter motor switch is in an OFF condition and the headlight switch is in an OFF condition.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 24 in which the navigational lights including the high beam filaments, headlights and parking lights are activated in accordance with Truth Table, Table I.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 24 in which during daylight hours powering the parking lights when the ignition switch is ON and the starter motor is OFF.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method of claim 26 in which the navigational lights including the high beam filaments, headlights and parking lights are activated in accordance with a Truth Table, Table II.

Claim 30

Independent Claim 287 words

A method for automatically controlling the lighting system for a transport vehicle depending upon time of day and ambient conditions wherein the transport vehicle has navigational lights including headlights with high and low beam filaments and parking lights, a power supply, a headlight switch for turning ON and OFF the headlights and a parking light switch for turning ON and OFF the parking lights, an ignition switch and a starter motor switch, a parking brake indicator electrical output, and a plurality of sensors for sensing various ambient conditions, and each of the sensors having an electrical output which is activated in response to an ambient condition being sensed comprising the steps of: a) during daylight hours powering the high beam filaments of the vehicle headlights at reduced power when the ignition switch is ON, the starter motor OFF, the parking brake indicator output in a FALSE state, and the plurality of sensors outputs in a FALSE state; b) automatically terminating power to the high beam filaments whenever one of the plurality of sensors senses a condition placing the output therefrom in a TRUE state with the ignition in an ON condition and the starter motor switch in an OFF condition, the parking brake indicator output in a FALSE state, and simultaneously supplying power to operate the navigational lights at a normal power level; and c) automatically re-energizing the high beam filament at a reduced power level and extinguishing the navigational lights when all the sensors outputs are in a FALSE state and the ignition switch is in an ON condition, the starter motor switch is in an OFF condition the parking brake indicator output in a false state, and the headlight switch is in an OFF condition.

Claim 31

Independent Claim 287 words

A method for automatically controlling the lighting system for a transport vehicle depending upon time of day and ambient conditions wherein the transport vehicle has navigational lights including headlights with high and low beam filaments and parking lights, a power supply, a headlight switch for turning ON and OFF the headlights and a parking light switch for turning ON and OFF the parking lights, an ignition switch and a starter motor switch, a parking brake indicator electrical output, and a plurality of sensors for sensing various ambient conditions, and each of the sensors having an electrical output which is activated in response to an ambient condition being sensed comprising the steps of: a) during daylight hours powering the high beam filaments of the vehicle headlights at reduced power when the ignition switch is ON, the starter motor OFF, the parking brake indicator output in a FALSE state, and the plurality of sensors outputs in a FALSE state; b) automatically terminating power to the high beam filaments whenever one of the plurality of sensors senses a condition placing the output therefrom in a TRUE state with the ignition in an ON condition and the starter motor switch in an OFF condition, the parking brake indicator output in a FALSE state, and simultaneously supplying power to operate the navigational lights at a normal power level; and c) automatically re-energizing the high beam filament at a reduced power level and extinguishing the navigational lights when all the sensors outputs are in a FALSE state and the ignition switch is in an ON condition, the starter motor switch is in an OFF condition the parking brake indicator output in a false state, and the headlight switch is in an OFF condition.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method of claim 28 in which the navigational lights including the high beam filaments, headlights and parking lights are activated in accordance with Truth Table, Table III.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 197 words

An automatic ambient condition controlled daytime running light system for transport vehicles having an emergency brake, navigation lights including headlights with high and low beam filaments and parking lights, a power supply, a headlight switch for turning ON and OFF the headlights and a parking light switch for turning ON and OFF the parking lights, an ignition switch and a starter motor switch, the system comprising, a DRL control circuit having a first input from the ignition and an output to a first switching means connected to the high beam filaments for supplying power thereto, means for connecting said first switching means to the source of power, an NL control circuit, a plurality of ambient condition senors, a second input for connecting the ignition switch and outputs from at least one of said ambient condition sensors to said NL control circuit, said NL control circuit having an output connected to a second switch means for supplying power to the navigational lights, and output means from said NL control circuit connected to said DRL control circuit for extinguishing power to said first switch means when said NL control circuit is activated by signals received from said second input.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 197 words

An automatic ambient condition controlled daytime running light system for transport vehicles having an emergency brake, navigation lights including headlights with high and low beam filaments and parking lights, a power supply, a headlight switch for turning ON and OFF the headlights and a parking light switch for turning ON and OFF the parking lights, an ignition switch and a starter motor switch, the system comprising, a DRL control circuit having a first input from the ignition and an output to a first switching means connected to the high beam filaments for supplying power thereto, means for connecting said first switching means to the source of power, an NL control circuit, a plurality of ambient condition senors, a second input for connecting the ignition switch and outputs from at least one of said ambient condition sensors to said NL control circuit, said NL control circuit having an output connected to a second switch means for supplying power to the navigational lights, and output means from said NL control circuit connected to said DRL control circuit for extinguishing power to said first switch means when said NL control circuit is activated by signals received from said second input.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 82 words

The light system of claim 30 including a parking brake input means, said parking brake input means being activated when the transport vehicle parking brake is engaged, and means for connecting said parking brake input means to each of said DRL control circuit and said NL control circuit whereby when said parking brake input means is in an ON condition, said first and second switch means will be extinguished to thereby extinguish power to said high beam filament and said navigational lights.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 70 words

The light system of claim 30 including a first connector means for connecting said starter motor switch to said DRL control circuit and second connector means for connecting said starter motor switch to said NL control circuit whereby when said starter motor is in an ON condition, said outputs from said DRL control circuit and said NL control circuit will be FALSE whereby said first and second switches are deactivated.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 208 words

An automatic ambient condition controlled daytime running light system for a transport vehicle having an emergency brake, navigation lights including headlights and parking lights, a power supply, a headlight switch for turning ON and OFF the headlights and a parking light switch for turning ON and OFF the parking lights, an ignition switch and a starter motor switch, the system comprising, a DRL control circuit having a first input from the ignition and an output to a first switching means connected to the headlights for supplying power thereto, means for connecting said first switching means to the source of power so as to supply power at a reduced level to said first switch means and thus to the headlights, an NL control circuit, at least one ambient condition sensor, a second input for connecting the ignition switch and outputs from said at least one ambient condition sensor to said NL control circuit, said NL control circuit having an output connected to a second switch means for supplying power to the navigational lights, and output means from said NL control circuit connected to said DRL control circuit for extinguishing power to said first switch means when said NL control circuit is activated by signals received from said second input.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 208 words

An automatic ambient condition controlled daytime running light system for a transport vehicle having an emergency brake, navigation lights including headlights and parking lights, a power supply, a headlight switch for turning ON and OFF the headlights and a parking light switch for turning ON and OFF the parking lights, an ignition switch and a starter motor switch, the system comprising, a DRL control circuit having a first input from the ignition and an output to a first switching means connected to the headlights for supplying power thereto, means for connecting said first switching means to the source of power so as to supply power at a reduced level to said first switch means and thus to the headlights, an NL control circuit, at least one ambient condition sensor, a second input for connecting the ignition switch and outputs from said at least one ambient condition sensor to said NL control circuit, said NL control circuit having an output connected to a second switch means for supplying power to the navigational lights, and output means from said NL control circuit connected to said DRL control circuit for extinguishing power to said first switch means when said NL control circuit is activated by signals received from said second input.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 80 words

The light system of claim 33 including a parking brake input means, said parking brake input means being activated when the transport vehicle parking brake is engaged, and means for connecting said parking brake input means to each of said DRL control circuit and said NL control circuit whereby when said parking brake input means is in an ON condition, said first and second switch means will be extinguished to thereby extinguish power to said DRL and NL control circuits.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 70 words

The light system of claim 34 including a first connector means for connecting said starter motor switch to said DRL control circuit and second connector means for connecting said starter motor switch to said NL control circuit whereby when said starter motor is in an ON condition, said outputs from said DRL control circuit and said NL control circuit will be FALSE whereby said first and second switches are deactivated.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 70 words

The light system of claim 33 including a first connector means for connecting said starter motor switch to said DRL control circuit and second connector means for connecting said starter motor switch to said NL control circuit whereby when said starter motor is in an ON condition, said outputs from said DRL control circuit and said NL control circuit will be FALSE whereby said first and second switches are deactivated.

Claim 42

Independent Claim 231 words

A method for automatically controlling the lighting system for a transport vehicle depending upon time of day and ambient conditions wherein the transport vehicle has navigational lights including headlights and parking lights, a power supply, a parking brake, a headlight switch for turning ON and OFF the headlights and a parking light switch for turning ON and OFF the parking lights, an ignition switch, a starter motor switch and at least one sensor for sensing an ambient condition, and the at least one sensor having an electrical output which is activated in response to the ambient condition being sensed, comprising the steps of: a) during daylight hours powering the vehicle headlights at reduced power when the ignition switch is ON, the starter motor OFF, and the at least one sensor output is in a FALSE state; b) automatically terminating power at a reduced level to headlights whenever the at least one sensor senses the ambient condition placing the output therefrom in a TRUE state with the ignition in an ON condition and simultaneously supplying power to operate the navigational lights at a normal power level; and c) automatically re-energizing the headlights at a reduced power level and extinguishing the navigational lights when said at least one sensor output is in a FALSE state and the ignition switch is in an ON condition, and the headlight switch is in an OFF condition.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 231 words

A method for automatically controlling the lighting system for a transport vehicle depending upon time of day and ambient conditions wherein the transport vehicle has navigational lights including headlights and parking lights, a power supply, a parking brake, a headlight switch for turning ON and OFF the headlights and a parking light switch for turning ON and OFF the parking lights, an ignition switch, a starter motor switch and at least one sensor for sensing an ambient condition, and the at least one sensor having an electrical output which is activated in response to the ambient condition being sensed, comprising the steps of: a) during daylight hours powering the vehicle headlights at reduced power when the ignition switch is ON, the starter motor OFF, and the at least one sensor output is in a FALSE state; b) automatically terminating power at a reduced level to headlights whenever the at least one sensor senses the ambient condition placing the output therefrom in a TRUE state with the ignition in an ON condition and simultaneously supplying power to operate the navigational lights at a normal power level; and c) automatically re-energizing the headlights at a reduced power level and extinguishing the navigational lights when said at least one sensor output is in a FALSE state and the ignition switch is in an ON condition, and the headlight switch is in an OFF condition.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 37 including the additional step of automatically terminating power to the vehicle navigational lights when the parking brake is engaged.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2000-03-24	2000-09-23	2001-03-25	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2004-03-24	2004-09-23	2005-03-25	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2008-03-24	2008-09-23	2009-03-25	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Automated ambient condition responsive daytime running light system

Abstract

Inventors

Bibliographic Details

Claims Analysis

References Cited (Backward Citations)

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Assigned Categories & Tags

Assign Category Tag