Patrick P Mullins

US Patent:

56147880, Mar 25, 1997

Filed:

Aug 1, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/510092

Inventors:

Patrick Mullins - Ormond Beach FL
Charles Benedict - Tallahassee FL
Jay S. Tiedeberg - Tallahassee FL

Assignee:

Autosmart Light Switches, Inc. - Tallahassee FL

International Classification:

B60Q 102
B60Q 104

US Classification:

315 82

Abstract:

An automated daytime running light system for surface transport vehicles having headlights and taillights which includes a daytime running light control circuit which activates the highbeam filament of the headlights at a reduced power level whenever the vehicle ignition is ON and the starter motor OFF during daylight conditions. In one embodiment, the daytime running light control circuit activates the high beam filaments of the headlight at a reduced power level and also activates the parking lights to provide taillights whenever the vehicle ignition is ON and the starter motor OFF during daylight conditions. The system further includes a navigational lighting control circuit which is responsive to ambient condition sensor inputs such as low light level sensors, fog or moisture sensors, windshield wiper actuation sensors and the like, to de-activate the daytime running light control circuit and activate the vehicles headlights and taillights and other running lights at normal power levels as long as such sensors are activated or whenever the vehicle headlights are manually activated. The system may further include an emergency brake indicator circuit which turns off the daytime running light and navigational lighting control circuits, and the vehicle headlights and/or taillights controlled thereby, whenever the emergency brake is engaged and may further include an external shut-off circuit for turning off the daytime running light and navigational lighting control circuits, or portions thereof, when activated.

Address:

1820 Saint Charles Ter, Deland, FL 32720

VIN:

1N6AD07UX7C457227

Make:

NISSAN

Model:

FRONTIER

Year:

2007