_
`
`United States Patent [191
`Mouzas
`
`USO05428512A
`
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`5,428,512
`Jun. 27, 1995
`
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Thomas A. Kahrl
`
`[54] SIDELIGHTING ARRANGEMENT AND
`METHOD
`
`>
`[76] Inventor: Alexander A. Mouzas, 5 Beach St.,
`Saco’ Me‘ 04072
`,
`
`[21] APPI- No‘ 80,656
`[22] Filed;
`Jun_ 13, 1993
`
`C(l; """"""""""""""""""""""
`_
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`. ...................................... ..
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`.
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`.
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`[58] Field of Search ........
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`us PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`15 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`ABSTRACI‘
`57
`_
`_
`_
`_
`[
`1 _
`An improved sldelightmgl arrangement, device and
`method of controllmg sldelight illumination of a motor
`vehicle during cornering employing two sets of side
`lamps, one for each side of the vehicle. The sidelighting
`arrangement apparatus includes a steering wheel angle
`sensor mounted on the column of the steering wheel for
`detecting a change in steering angle, a turn indicator
`sef‘sc’r f“ detecting actuati?“ °~f the turf‘ mdif’amr’ a
`microprocessor for outputting an electrical signal to
`selectively illuminate a set of side lamps mounted on the
`side of the vehicle for controlling illumination of the
`sidelights during cornering of the motor vehicle respon
`sive to the steering wheel in actuation of the turn signal
`""""""
`for improved visibility for the operator of the vehicle
`31:25:12’
`. . . .. 315/77
`and for improved Safety of Operation thereof by Provid
`4,971,405 11/1990 Hwang r . . . . . . . . . . . .
`362/80 X ing notice to other drivers of the cornering condition of
`5,023,760 6/1991 Izuno
`362/80 X
`the vehicle.
`4'
`5,025,352 6/1991 Brown ..
`5,269,559 5/1993 Ruppel ................................ .. 362/80
`Primary Examiner—Stephen F. Husar
`
`,
`
`,
`
`.
`250362382932
`362/833, 251 £75802’ 36’
`’
`’
`’
`
`Page 1 of 10
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`

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`US. Patent ‘
`
`June 27, 1995
`
`Sheet 1 of 4
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`5,428,512
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`/1>’ 5
`
`A l
`w l
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`M/CRO
`zwoae'ssovzH
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`/as
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`POWER
`SOURCE
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`/44
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`Page 2 of 10
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`US. Patent
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`June 27, 1995
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`Sheet 2 of 4
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`LEFT = o
`,5 Z max/r = o
`WEN-1O
`
`53 SMARTUTES OF C?
`
`TURN 807/!
`
`HIEWOUS I CURRENT
`SDJSOR SENSOR
`
`522.
`
`TURN RIGHT
`SMARTLWE ON
`
`TURN FT
`SMARTL
`
`Page 3 of 10
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`

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`US. Patent
`
`June 27, 1995
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
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`5,428,512
`
`Page 4 of 10
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`

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`US. Patent ‘
`
`June 27, 1995
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
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`5,428,512
`
`Page 5 of 10
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`

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`1
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`5,428,512
`
`SIDELIGHTING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of Invention
`Improvements in lighting devices for motor vehicles
`today are typically directed toward increasing the il
`lumination of the rear, ?xed lights of a motor vehicle,
`with the objective of reducing rear end collisions by
`providing a larger illumination surface for alerting fol
`lowing motorists of a driver’s intention to stop his vehi
`cle, particularly where high speed travel is involved.
`Very little attention has been directed toward the light
`ing of vehicles and the direction toward which the
`vehicle, particularly tractor trailers are turning. Dan
`gers are acknowledged to exist, particularly associated
`with turning of tractor trailers in that it is common to
`have signs posted at the rear of tractor trailers provid
`ing a warning that the vehicle makes “wide turns” and
`that motorists to the rear should be alerted of such
`turns. Clearly such signs are operative only during the
`daylight hours when it is indeed easier to detect that a
`tractor trailer is in the process of cornering, and such
`signs are of little or no value at night.
`2. Description of Prior Art
`Applicant is aware of other prior art cornering lights.
`One such device is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 4,663,696
`issued to Miyazawa et al., which teaches a dual purpose
`lamp assembly for use as a combined fog and cornering
`lamp positioned in a ?ood front headlight ?xture of a
`motor vehicle. The Miyazawa headlight includes a
`movable re?ector which is a pivotable such that light
`rays can be projected forward where the rays function
`is fog lights, or alternatively the movable re?ectorscan
`provide a dual function and be pivoted such that light
`rays are re?ected to the side and function as cornering
`headlights, as well as illuminating lights in front of the
`vehicle. This reference also discloses that cornering
`lights can be used in combination with a turn signal
`system to supplement such headlights. Miyazawa, how
`ever, differs from the present invention in that the lamp
`assembly is positioned at the front of the vehicle, in the
`conventional headlight ?xture, is not positioned on the
`side of the body of the vehicle, is directed toward focus
`ing light in front of the vehicle in the direction that the
`wheels are turning and does not illuminate the area to
`the side of the vehicle in the direction toward which the
`vehicle is turning such that it is visible to a following
`motorist. In another reference, US. Pat. No. 4,442,477
`issued to Hennessey, teaches cornering lights that are
`switched on by operating a headlight turn lever, which
`are connected to a light-detecting sensor for controlling
`the brightness of illumination. Again, Hennessey is di
`rected toward headlight cornering illumination, and
`does not disclose use of side lamps for illuminating the
`area to the side of vehicles. Another prior art device
`disclosed in US. Pat. No. 4,971,405 issued to Hwang,
`teaches a headlight for a vehicle which is intercon
`nected to the steering mechanism of the vehicle so as to
`rotate in conjunction with the turning of the front
`wheels. Hwang also discloses corner lights adjacent to
`the headlights which are disposed to the right and left
`corners of the vehicles. The light detecting sensors
`detect the light of the headlights from opposing vehi
`cles, in controlling brightness of the illumination of the
`light system to prevent the view of a driver from an
`
`15
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`25
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`45
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`2
`opposing vehicle from being disturbed and therefore is
`distinguishable from applicant’s invention.
`Accordingly, it is desirable to provide for a new and
`improved, effective sidelighting arrangement and to a
`method for controlled projection of illumination of the
`side of a vehicle during cornering of such motor vehicle
`to provide for employment of the improved sidelighting
`arrangement which overcomes at least some of the
`disadvantages of the prior art.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION‘
`The present invention is directed to a sidelighting
`device, a sidelighting arrangement including a micro
`processor for automatically activating a sidelighting
`system adapted for motor vehicle use in combination
`with a steering mechanism, and to a method of automat
`ically projecting illumination laterally from the side of a
`motor vehicle, employing the sidelighting arrangement
`of the invention. In particular, the present invention is
`directed to an improved sidelighting arrangement for
`illuminating an area adjacent a selected side of a vehicle
`body when turning, particularly when cornering, in
`combination with a steering wheel sensing apparatus,
`and to a plurality of lamps for selective mounting on the
`sides of the body motor vehicle adapted for positioning
`in a plurality of vehicle body locations, for projecting a
`sector of light on the side laterally toward which the
`vehicle is turning, during cornering.
`Another feature of the invention is that by automati
`cally illuminating the sidelights when a turn is in
`progress, the side-lighting arrangement provides an
`important safety feature by providing appropriate light
`ing for both the driver while making turns, and for
`following motorists who are given an indication of said
`drivers turning intentions during cornering.
`The invention further comprises method of automati
`cally illuminating the area adjacent a selected side of a
`motor vehicle, during cornering and otherwise at the
`option of the driver, employing the sidelighting ar
`rangement of the invention including two sets of side
`lamps for selective mounting on the side of a motor
`vehicle for laterally projecting a sector of light toward
`the area on the side toward which the vehicle is turning,
`during cornering.
`The invention will be described for the purposes of
`illustration only in connection with certain embodi
`ments; however, it is recognized that those persons
`skilled in the art may make various changes, modi?ca
`tions, improvements and additions on the illustrated
`embodiments all without departing from the spirit and
`scope of the invention.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the sidelighting ar
`rangement of the present invention taken from the rear
`of a tractor-trailer shown during cornering with an
`adjacent automobile, the tractor-trailer having a plural
`ity of side lamps mounted on the cab and trailer;
`FIG. 2 is a block schematic diagram of the sidelight
`ing arrangement of FIG. 1 showing magnet sensors, a
`steering wheel, a microprocessor, a power source, a
`circuit and lights connected thereto.
`FIG. 3 is a block schematic diagram showing an
`architecture of hall sensors mounted on a steering wheel
`mechanism of the invention shown in FIG. 2.
`FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the processing steps
`of the present invention of FIG. 2.
`~
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`Page 6 of 10
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`

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`5,428,512
`3
`FIG. 5 A is a perspective view of a vehicle showing
`an alternate embodiment of the sidelight mounted on a
`rear view mirror;
`FIG. 5B is a top view of the sidelight as shown in
`FIG. 5A;
`FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a vehicle having a further
`embodiment of the invention mounted on the top of the
`cab;
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the invention shown
`in FIG. 6;
`FIG. 8 is a further manual embodiment of the present
`invention operated by a turn signal;
`FIG. 9 is a top view of the invention shown in FIG.
`1 showing the sectors of light emitted by the side lamps
`from the tractor-trailer vehicle.
`
`15
`
`4
`Said sidelights consist of lamp devices, are of conven
`tional construction, typically Hela FOGLITES ® au
`tomotive lighting ?xtures, having integral mounting
`devices and are con?gured with a wide angle beam. In
`the preferred embodiment, said sidelights are connected
`to power source 38 and also to a sensing apparatus 32
`for sensing the amount and direction in which the steer
`ing mechanism is being turned, and signaling said mi
`croprocessor device, also connected to said power
`source. In this arrangement, the sidelighting arrange
`ment incorporates sensors connected to said micro
`processor to determine the direction in which steering
`wheel 22 of the motor vehicle 12 is being turned,
`wherein the sensors send a signal to the electronic con
`trol device 16 which automatically activates one or
`more of the side sets of lights 46 an 48 and 50 and 52po
`sitioned at a selected location on a selected side of the
`motor vehicle, for illuminating the side section adjacent
`the motor vehicle on the side of the turn. In so doing,
`the sidelighting arrangement provides an important
`safety feature by providing appropriate lateral lighting
`for both the driver, while making the turn, and for other
`motorists by providing an indication of the said driver’s
`intentions for cornering.
`In the preferred embodiment, the sidelighting ar
`rangement further includes a ?rst side circuit 42 for
`energizing said a ?rst set of sidelights positioned on the
`?rst side of the vehicle 12, and a second side circuit 44
`for energizing the side light emitting apparatus on the
`second side of the vehicle, each circuit connected to
`power source 38. Also mounting devices are provided
`for mounting one or more side-light emitting devices in
`selected locations on a ?rst side of the body of the vehi
`cle and for mounting on the second side of the body of
`said vehicle, typically with conventional lights such as
`Hela FOGLITES ® automotive lighting ?xtures, hav
`ing a con?guration including a housing device includ
`ing an electric light bulb for projecting a wide angle of
`light, said housing having a mounting attachment for
`selective mounting on the side of a motor vehicle, typi
`cally on the side of the trailer section of a semi-truck by
`fastening to the frame. The lighting arrangement fur
`ther includes a switch means for switching on the sets of
`sidelights, either manually or responsive to signals from
`the microprocessor.
`In the preferred embodiment the side-lighting ar
`rangement is adapted for controlling sectors of light on
`the side of a vehicle typically a tractor trailer vehicle
`having a cab portion and a tractor portion as shown in
`FIGS. 1 and 2. In alternate embodiments, the mounting
`devices may be con?gured for attachment to rear view
`mirrors as is shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, or on a roof rack
`as is shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.
`In the preferred embodiment the wheel sensing appa
`ratus is connected to the steering wheel 22 adapted to
`sense motion of said steering wheel during cornering,
`said steering wheel constructed of a steering shaft and a
`steering wheel. The steering wheel sensing apparatus
`typically comprises a “Hall Effect” sensor 14, as shown
`in FIG. 3, wherein a magnet is fastened on a steering
`column 24 adapted for rotational movement and four
`spaced apart hall effect sensors are radially positioned in
`a spaced apart relationship and the position No.1, No. 2,
`No. 3, and No. 4, and consists of a steering wheel angle
`sensor adapted to detect a change in angle of the steer
`ing wheel resulting from axial movement of the steering
`column. The steering wheel 22 also includes a conven
`tional turn indicator typically actuated by a driver,
`
`30
`
`20
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`The present invention relates to a sidelighting ar
`rangement, for use with motor vehicles, and in particu
`lar to a sidelighting arrangement adapted to project
`sectors of light outwardly from the side of a motor
`vehicle during cornering, and to providing notice to
`other drivers of the cornering condition of the vehicle.
`Referring now to the drawings, there is shown a
`sidelighting arrangement 10 adapted for use on a motor
`vehicle 12 comprising a sensor device 14 connected to
`an electronic control device consisting of a micro pro
`cess adapted to automatically turn on a sidelamp driver
`circuit 18 in the direction in which said motor vehicle is
`turned.
`In the preferred embodiment the sidelighting appara
`tus 10 is adapted for mounting on a trailer 20 of a tractor
`trailer shown in FIG. 1 wherein the sensor apparatus 14
`is mounted on the steering wheel 22 consisting of a ?xed
`column 24, an annular hub 26, on which is mounted a
`ring 28. The sensor device 14 comprises a ?xed magnet
`30 mounted in a selected position on the ?xed column
`24, and a plurality of movable magnetic sensors 32,
`typically “Hall Effect” sensors positioned in mutually
`spaced apart relationship, and radiantly spaced out
`wardly on a concentric annular surface 34 on the inside
`of the hub 26, such that as the steering wheel 22 is
`turned in either a counter clockwise or in a clockwise
`45
`direction, selected Hall Effect sensors 32 are moved
`into alignment with the ?xed magnet 26. In the pre
`ferred embodiment the magnetic sensors 32 are con
`nected by an electric circuit 36 to the micro processor
`16 which in turn is connected to a power source 38 for
`receiving power. The electric circuit 36 includes a ?rst
`side-lamp driver circuit 42 for lighting the right hand
`side of the vehicle comprising a plurality of side lights
`46 and 48 and a second side-lamp driver circuit 42 for
`lighting the left hand side of the vehicle 12 connected to
`a plurality of left hand side lights 50 and 52.
`In the preferred embodiment, the sidelighting ar
`rangement includes 10 two sets of side lights 46 and 48
`and 50 and 52, each set typically consisting of a light
`emitting lamp device, said sets positioned on both sides
`of the vehicle 12 con?gured such that one set of side
`lights is automatically illuminated corresponding to the
`direction in which the vehicle 12 is turning, responsive
`to output from a microprocessor device 16. The micro
`processor 16 typically consists of an electronic control
`device, adapted for activating said sidelights and auto
`matically turning said sidelights off when turning is
`complete.
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`indicating his intent to turn the steering wheel and front
`wheels of the vehicle for cornering and includes a turn
`ing indicator sensor for detecting actuation of the turn
`indicator. As is shown in FIG. 2, both of the steering
`wheel angle sensors and the turning indicating sensors
`are connected to the microprocessor 18 for outputting
`an electric signal corresponding to a) the angle of the
`steering wheel indicating that cornering is in progress,
`and b) the angle of the turn indicator on the basis of the
`steering wheel angle input from the steering wheel
`angle sensor and the input from the turn indicator sen~
`sor. The microprocessor also provides a control device
`for converting the control signal output from a elec~
`tronic control means into a power output, there being a
`power source connected to the microprocessor and the
`microprocessor being connected in turn to a right hand
`set of sidelight illuminating devices and a left set of
`sidelight illuminating devices. The power control de
`vice is adapted for selectively indicating the appropri
`ated set of lights to illuminate which matches the side of
`20
`the vehicle toward which a turn is indicated.
`Each of the side lamp lighting devices, typically a
`Hela FOGLITES ® automotive lighting ?xture, in
`cludes a housing device for containing a lamp for pro
`viding a light source, the light source having a wide
`25
`angle beam of light.
`In the alternate manually operated embodiment, the
`housing of the Hela F OGLITES @ automotive lighting
`?xture typically includes a mounting means for selec- ,
`tively mounting one or more side lighting devices on
`30
`selected side positions on a cab or a trailer location of
`the motor vehicle wherein a power control switch,
`typically a conventional turn signal device controls the
`illumination of the sidelights at the option of an opera
`tor of the motor vehicle responsive to actuation of a
`turn signal in combination with a time-delay feature.
`The invention further comprises a method of auto
`matically illuminating the area adjacent a selected side
`of a motor vehicle, during cornering and otherwise at
`the option of the driver, employing the sidelighting
`arrangement of the invention including two sets of side
`lamps for selectively mounting on the side of a motor
`vehicle for laterally projecting a sector of light toward
`an area on the side toward which the vehicle is comer
`ing. The operation for illuminating the side of a vehicle
`in the direction of turning will be described in detail in
`conjunction with FIGS. 2 & 3 and the operation of the
`side-light control unit as diagramed in FIGS. 2 and 3
`will be described in detail in conjunction with the logic
`?ow chart in FIG. 4.
`When the sidelight control device is first powered on,
`certain initial conditions for the control device are es
`tablished as shown in FIG. 4 steps S1 and S2. Steering
`wheel rotation counters LEFT and RIGHT are set to 0
`indicating 0 rotations of the wheel. The side-lamp
`driver circuits are both turned off as indicated in step
`S3.
`After initialization, the side-light control device en
`ters the scan sensor mode as indicated in step S4. The
`steering sensor arrangement is mounted on the steering
`column for the purpose of automatically sensing when a
`turn is being initiated. A typical sensor arrangement is
`shown in FIG. 3. A magnet is af?xed on the moving
`portion of the steering column. Hall effect magnetic
`switches are mounted on the stationary portion of the
`steering column and electrically connected to the side
`light control mechanism. when the steering wheel is in
`the neutral or “straight ahead” position, the magnet is
`
`6
`positioned between switches 2 and 3. Other types of
`sensors, such as mechanical switches, micro switches,
`optical photo-switches can also be used to sense the
`position of the steeringwheel.
`To initiate a left turn, the driver rotates the steering
`wheel counter-clockwise causing the magnet to pass by
`sensors 3 then 4. As shown in steps S6, S10 and S11 on
`FIG. 4, when the control unit senses the magnet at
`switch 4 and the magnet was last detected by switch 3
`the control device acknowledges the initiation of a left
`turn by incrementing the left turn counter. To accom
`modate multiple rotations of the steering wheel, the left
`turn counter is also incremented when the control unit
`senses the magnet at switch 2 with the last position
`detected being switch 1. This is shown in FIG. 3 and
`steps S12, S14 and S15 of FIG. 4. When the control unit
`recognizes a left hand turn by incrementing the left turn
`counter, it immediately resumes processing at step $18.
`The operation of right hand turns is exactly opposite
`from that of left hand turns. As seen from FIGS. 3 and
`steps S7, S8, S9, S13, S16 and S17, the right turn
`counter is incremented when the magnet is detected at
`switches 3 or 1 with the previous detection switch being
`4 or 1 respectively. When the control unit recognizes a
`right hand turn by incrementing the right turn counter,
`it immediately resumes processing at step S18.
`When the magnet is not detected at all, the control
`device continues scanning the sensors until the magnet
`is detected. When the control device does not detect the
`magnet at any of the switch positions, the negative
`decision holds true in FIG. 4 steps S5, S6, S7, S12 and
`S13, so switch scanning resumes at step S4.
`The decision as to whether to turn on one of the
`side-lights is diagramed in FIG. 4 steps S18 through
`S23. Since the control device arrives at FIG. 4 step S18
`only when the magnet is detected, the current position
`of the magnet is updated as shown in FIG. 4 step S18.
`Steps 19 and 20 show how the process of deciding
`which light to turn on is carried out. The amount of left
`rotation is compared to the amount of right rotation and
`if they balance processing resumes back at step S2
`whereby the counters are returned to zero and all lights
`are turned off. When the resulting difference is nega
`tive, then the wheel has been turned more clockwise
`than counter-clockwise and a right hand turn is in
`progress so the right hand light is turned on. This is
`shown in FIG. 4 steps S20, S21 and S22. If the differ
`ence is positive, indicating more counter-clockwise than
`clockwise turning of the steering wheel, then a left hand
`turn is in or still in progress so the right side lights are
`turned on. This process is shown in FIG. 10 steps S20,
`S21 and S23. After updating the lights, the control de- '
`vice resumes operation at step S4.
`In alternate embodiment of the invention the sidelight
`arrangement is adapted to turn on only when the direc
`tional signals are used i.e. when the turn signal is acti
`vated and lights on the appropriate side corresponding
`to the directional lights used. In the alternate embodi
`ment the ‘microprocessor is connected to the power
`source typically a battery by a relay apparatus and the
`directional turn indicator. Alternatively the turn indica
`tor illumination device connected by a splice or an
`adaptor.
`In a further embodiment of the invention instead of
`being activated by the turning of the steering wheel, the
`side light apparatus is activated by the “on signal” taken
`from the actuation of the turn signal exclusively. Pre
`ferred embodiments, smart lights are initiated by both.
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`In an alternate embodiment of the sidelight arrange
`ment, a feature is provided such that the ?rst and second
`side light circuits are ?gured to turn off automatically
`within two seconds after the turn signal is turned off
`there being a relay apparatus provided in the circuit. 5
`The advantages to the alternate embodiment system are
`that as it relates to tractor trailer trucks wherein steer
`ing mechanisms typically have a large amount of free
`play. Where such free play is encountered in the steer
`ing mechanism it is more bene?cial to connect the side
`light apparatus to the turn signal for improved perfor
`mance. In yet a further embodiment of the invention an
`additional feature can be incorporated in the smart light
`circuit apparatus including a audio device which emits
`a loud audible signal, either a beep or a sound byte from 15
`a voice chip, when the directional signals are utilized,
`but only after the eleventh to fourteenth blink of the
`directional light. The purpose of this device is to remind
`drivers in a noisy vehicle i.e. either a mechanical noise
`associated with the operation of the truck or by loud
`radio music, chosen by the operator, or drivers with
`hearing de?ciencies to indicate the directional lights are
`still on. It is further bene?cial in the event that the
`interior turn indicator bulbs are defective and are not
`illuminating.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A sidelighting arrangement for selectively project
`ing illumination on a side of a motor vehicle, in combi
`nation with a turn indicator apparatus comprising:
`a) the turn indicator apparatus comprises a turn lever
`con?gured to move between a right turn angle
`position to a left turn angle connected to sensing
`means
`b) power control for energizing the sidelight arrange
`ment means comprising an electrical power source
`0) the sensing means comprises a turn indicator sensor
`for detecting actuation and direction of the turn
`lever by an operator;
`d) sidelight means for laterally projecting a section of 40
`illumination toward a selected area adjacent the
`side of the body of the vehicle on the side corre
`sponding to the direction in which the vehicle is
`turning comprising two sets of sidelights each,
`mounted on opposite sides of the motor vehicle and
`each set comprising;
`i) light emitting means for emitting rays of light in
`a wide arc in a direction orthogonal to the axis of
`the vehicle body comprising lamp elements con
`tained in a housing including mounting means;
`ii) a ?rst side-lamp driver circuit means for energiz
`ing one or more lamp elements mounted of a ?rst
`side of the vehicle;
`iii) a second side-lamp driver circuit means for
`energizing one or more lamp elements mounted
`on a second side of the vehicle;
`e) vehicle mounting means for mounting the light
`emitting means in selected locations on a selected
`side of the body of the motor vehicle.
`t) a microprocessor means for activating the side light
`means connected to the turn indicator sensor and
`the electrical power source for receiving input as
`to the turn angle of the turn lever connected to the
`?rst side-lamp driver circuit means and to the sec
`ond side-lamp driver circuit means for manually
`turning on the sidelight means on the side of the
`vehicle corresponding to the direction in which the
`steering wheel is turned and automatically turning
`
`8
`them off when the turn lever is returned to a neu
`tral position.
`'
`2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sidelight
`means comprises a plurality of lamp devices with at
`least one lamp device comprising:
`i) a housing means for containing a lamp for provid
`ing a light source;
`ii) the light source contained in the housing seen
`having a wide angle beam of light;
`iii) lens means for controlling the beam of light emit
`ted by the light source;
`iv) attachment means for selectively mounting the
`housing on a selected mounting device on a se
`lected side position on a motor vehicle.
`3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ?rst sidelamp
`driver circuit means is adapted for use on a tractor
`trailer and comprises at least one left trailer light and at
`least one left cab light.
`4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second side
`light means is adapted for use on a tractor trailer and
`comprises at least one right trailer light and at least one
`right corner cab light.
`5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sensing
`means comprises a ?xed sensing device mounted on the
`a ?xed steering column and movable sensing means
`mounted on the turn lever.
`6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the micro proces
`sor means is connected to a power source and con
`nected to the sensing means for receiving input from the
`sensing means.
`7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the turn lever is
`mounted on a steering mechanism for directing the
`motor vehicle and for turning comprising a steering
`wheel.
`8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic
`control device includes electronic control means for
`outputting an electrical signal corresponding to the:
`i) angle of the turn lever and;
`ii) angle of the turn indicator on the basis of the turn
`lever angle input from said turn indicator; and
`iii) power control means for converting the control
`signal output from said electronic control means
`into a power output wherein the power control
`means comprises means for controlling the illumi
`nation of the side lights during cornering of the
`motor vehicle responsive to the actuation of the
`turn signal.
`9. A sidelighting arrangement for controlling illumi
`nation projecting laterally from sidelights mounted on
`the side of a vehicle in the direction in which the steer
`ing wheel of the vehicle is turned and automatically
`turning them off when the wheel returns to a neutral
`position comprising:
`a) sidelight means for laterally projecting a section of
`illumination toward a selected area adjacent the
`side of the body of the vehicle on the side corre
`sponding to the direction in which the vehicle is
`turning comprising two sets of sidelights each,
`mounted on opposite sides of the motor vehicle and
`each set comprising;
`i) light emitting means for emitting rays of light in
`a wide arc in a direction orthogonal to the axis of
`the vehicle body comprising lamp elements con
`tained in a housing including mounting means;
`ii) a ?rst side-lamp driver circuit means for energiz
`ing one or more lamp elements mounted on a
`?rst side of the vehicle;
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`iii) a second side-lamp driver circuit means for
`is being turned and a neutral position comprising the
`steps of:
`energizing one or more lamp elements mounted
`a) providing a sidelighting arrangement for laterally
`on a second side of the vehicle and;
`b) a ?rst sidelighting circuit for lighting the ?rst side
`projecting a section of illumination toward a se
`lected area adjacent the side of the body of the
`of a vehicle and a second sidelighting circuit for
`vehicle on the side corresponding to the direction
`lighting the second side of the vehicle;
`in which the vehicle is turning comprising two sets
`0) sensing means for sensing the amount and direction
`of sidelights each, mounted on opposite sides of the
`in which a steering wheel is turned;
`motor vehicle and each set comprising;
`(1) steering wheel means comprising a ?xed steering
`i) light emitting means for emitting rays of light in
`wheel column and a movable steering wheel
`a wide arc in a direction orthogonal to the axis of
`mounted on an annular hub;
`the vehicle body comprising lamp elements con
`e) sensing means comprising a ?xed sensing device
`tained in a housing including mounting means;
`mounted on the ?xed steering column and movable
`ii) a ?rst side-lamp driver circuit means for energiz
`sensing means mounted on the movable annular
`ing one or more lamp elements mounted on a
`hub of the steering wheel comprising a plurality of
`?rst side of the vehicle;
`“Hall Effect” sensors;
`iii) a second side-lamp driver circuit means for
`t) a microprocessor means connected to a power
`energizing one or more lamp elements mounted
`source comprising a sidelight control device con
`on a second side of the vehicle;
`nected to the sensing means for receiving input as
`b) powering on the sidelight control device;
`to the direction and amount the steering wheel is
`0) establishing initial conditions for the control de
`directedly connected to a power source and con
`nected to the ?rst sidelight apparatus and con
`nected to the second sidelight apparatus for auto
`matically turning on the set of side lights apparatus
`corresponding to the direction in which the steer
`ing wheel is turned and automatically turning them
`off when the steering wheel returns to neutral.
`10. The arrangement of claim 9 wherein the sensing
`means comprises a ?xed sensing device mounted on the
`a ?xed steering column and movable sensing means
`mounted on the movable annular hub of the