The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 13, 1982
Filed:
Feb. 11, 1980
Steve J Koerner, Simi Valley, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
Trailer taillights are electrically controlled in response to the operation of a tow vehicle's taillights. Light emitted by the towing vehicle taillights is detected by electronic light sensors. The sensors are connected to circuits equipped with taillight switching devices for left and right brake or turn indication controlled by level discriminating circuits. The circuit operation involves a threshold of detection which automatically varies in response to the light level sensed in the present and immediate past thus allowing operation in the differing light conditions associated with sunlight and illuminated or non-illuminated tow vehicle running lights. Trailer running lights are controlled principally by detection of the trailer's motion and secondarily by detection of the tow vehicle taillights. Trailer running lights are further controlled by a time delay circuit providing continued operation for a period of time after the trailer comes to rest. An auxiliary inertial deceleration sensor can also provide a trailer braking indication when moderate or strong braking deceleration occurs.