Magna International Inc.

Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

James R McFadden

Chad Dalton Lambert

Ronald Owen Woodward

Ronald G Hare

Micheal D Dolson

Michael James Bland

Joseph Paul Greene

A novel vehicular light fixture () is disclosed. The light fixture () is compact, yet efficient, and employs semiconductor light sources () to produce output light in desired patterns. The fixture () can be used to produce fog lamps, driving lamps and other non-headlamp vehicle lighting functions. Depending upon the light output required, one or more semiconductor light sources () and a corresponding number of optical bodies () are employed in the fixture () to produce the desired light pattern.

Fog lamp and the like employing semiconductor light sources

An automotive signal light is taught which employs multi-focal length light pipes to collect, collimate and direct, as needed, light emitted from one or more semiconductor light sources. Each multi-focal length light pipe includes at least one light transmission structure, each of which has a light receiving port to receive light emitted from a semiconductor light source spaced from the light receiving port by an air gap. The light transmission structure includes at least two superimposed parabolic reflecting surfaces, each having a common focal point at the light receiving port but having different focal lengths, and the superimposed parabolic reflectors operate to receive, collimate, spread and transmit the light from the semiconductor light source to a light emitting surface of the light pipe which is located adjacent to a lens of the signal light. The aesthetic arrangement of the light pipes is not particularly limited and a wide range of signal light functionalities can be provided.

Automotive signal light employing multi-focal length light pipes

A headlamp assembly which employs semiconductor light sources includes an optics chamber that is isolated from the surrounding environment to prevent the ingress of water, dirt, or other foreign materials into the optics chamber. At the same time, the headlamp assembly includes a plenum chamber, separated from the optics chamber, and airflow through the plenum chamber provides the necessary cooling for the semiconductor light sources.

Headlamp assembly with isolated optics chamber

A light engine for use in systems such as automotive lighting systems employs two or more semiconductor light sources, such as LEDs. Light emitted from the light sources is captured by light pipes which are mounted such that the light capturing surface of the light pipes are properly positioned, with respect to the semiconductor light sources, substantially independent of changes in the dimensions of the light pipes which may result from thermal expansion or contraction of the light pipes. The light pipes transfer substantially all of the light captured from the semiconductor light sources to light emitting surfaces of the light pipes which can be appropriately located adjacent the output optics of the lighting system. The light engine can be easily assembled as the light pipes are retained in slots on a positioning member which is mounted at a known position with respect to the semiconductor light sources.

Semiconductor light engine using polymer light pipes and lighting systems constructed with the light engine

An energy absorbing device includes an energy absorber element having a plurality of elongated hollow hexagonal cells. The cells are arranged in a block shape with first and second layers interconnected by an intermediate plate. The intermediate plate closes adjacent ends of the first and second layers and forms three-sided pyramidal structures which project into each individual cell of the first and second layers. Each pyramidal structure has an apex located near the center of each cell. The energy absorber element is deformable under impact loading conditions to absorb and dissipate energy. Upon the removal of the impact load the energy absorber element returns to its original shape.

Energy absorbing device

A pair of laterally spaced support pads are attached to the understructure of the front end of a towage vehicle for engagement by a crossbeam adapted to fit between the vehicle understructure and the towing chain extending from a wrecker towing sling tow bar to the vehicle body behind the wheels. Each support pad includes an upper surface adapted for engagement against the vehicle understructure and the lower surface spaced vertically below the upper surface at a distance which positions crossbar to route the tow sling to eliminate or lessen the interference with the vehicle front end which would otherwise result from engagement of the crossbeam directly upon the understructure of the towed vehicle. A flange portion depends from the lower surface of the pad and is adapted for engagement by the crossbeam to assure a certain longitudinal positioning of the crossbeam. Thus, the support pads locate the crossbeam at a certain longitudinal position and vertical spacing below the vehicle understructure to minimize damage to the front end of the towed vehicle by the towing sling.

Growing community of inventors

Oxford, MI, United States of America

James R McFadden