Four channel light system for vehicles

• US 20040167681A1
• Filed: 02/23/2004
• Published: 08/26/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Eugene P. Reinhold, Isidore I. Lamke, Jeff Bohn, John Figura, Matt Narzinski, Michael E. Dinan, Mike Nikrant, Robert D. Plummer, Ron Smith
• Original Assignee: Eugene P. Reinhold, Isidore I. Lamke, Jeff Bohn, John Figura, Matt Narzinski, Michael E. Dinan, Mike Nikrant, Robert D. Plummer, Ron Smith
• Inventors: Smith, Ron, Plummer, Robert D., Bohn, Jeff, Nikrant, Mike, Dinan, Michael E., Reinhold, Eugene P., Lamke, Isidore I., Figura, John, Narzinski, Matt
• Granted Patent: US 6,978,202 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/305 Indicating devices for towed vehicles

Abstract

A wireless transmitting/receiving system preferably operable between first and second vehicles is provided which enables the second vehicle to replicate the lighting condition of the first vehicle. In one embodiment, the replication is accomplished through a connection to the second vehicles lighting system. In another embodiment, replication is accomplished through a separate light bar mounted to the second vehicle.

Claims

1. A four channel replication system comprising:

a transmitter unit at a first vehicle, said transmitter unit including a signal interface for receiving at least one of a plurality of signals indicating a right turn, a left turn, brake application and lights on, a microcontroller operatively connected to said signal interface for receiving at least one signal and converting the signal to a digital representation, and a transmitter/receiver operatively connected to said microcontroller for at least transmitting one digital signal;

a receiver unit on a second vehicle, said receiver unit including a receiver/transmitter for receiving the digital signal, a microcontroller operatively connected to said receiver/transmitter for decoding said digital signal, for determining whether the digital signal is from the first vehicle or is a signal from a vehicle other than the first vehicle, and for transmitting a command signal if and if only if the signal is from the first vehicle;

a lighting device responsive to the command signal from said microcontroller and indicating visually the decoded command

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the lighting device comprises the second vehicle running lights.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the light device is an independent light bar mounted to the second vehicle.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the first vehicle transmitter has a unique control command associated with it.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the receiver at the second vehicle includes a program design to accept signals from an appropriate transmitter of the first vehicle.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein at least four different signals are received and transmitted between vehicles.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the second vehicle also transmits command status to the first vehicle.

8. The device of claim 6 further including a source of power associated with said second vehicle.