Interpretation ID: nht91-2.6

DATE: March 1, 1991

FROM: Stanley L. Dembecki

TO: Paul Jackson Rice -- National Highway Safety Administration Office

TITLE: None

ATTACHMT: Attached to letter dated 4-8-91 from Paul Jackson Rice to Stanley L. Dembecki (A37; Std. 108)

TEXT:

It was suggested by Roman Brooks that we write and tell you of the advancement we have made to the third safety brake light.

Our "Flashin" safety brake light is at least AS SAFE as those presently on the OEM market since 1986. People who have helped in testing our complete unit on the 1984 and older vehicles and the electronic modules as retrofits on the 1986 and newer vehicles have testified that our "Flashin" third brake light is actually SAFER due to it's momentary flashing just before the full third brake light goes on. This function is repeated every time the brake is applied.

All those who have volunteered to have the brake light installed have testified that they have been approached as to where to purchase this brake light and complimented us on the added safety it gives especially in the bright Arizona sunlight. We are also in contact with one of the large OEM's at this time and they are very interested in our product.

We have conformed to all regulations and standards that had to be met by all the manufacturers of the third brake light. We also have a built-in safety factor in the "Flashin" safety brake light in that should the flashing unit malfunction the full brake light still comes on as do present third brake lights.

We have four prototypes as listed:

Complete single bulb unit for 1984 and older vehicles.

Complete two bulb unit for 1984 and older vehicles.

Single electronic modules for all third safety brake lights as retrofits through 1991.

Two bulb electronic modules for all third safety brake light retrofits through 1991.

Enclosed is a copy of the abstract submitted recently for patent approval. We are about ready to work with a sub-contractor to manufacture our "Flashin" third safety brake light.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has suggested we contact your office for evaluation if in fact this light needs further evaluation. Since the new safety brake light utilizes the existing brake light (retrofit) on a previously approved brake light assembly it is reasoned that any evaluation as to durability testing is not really needed. If

more information is needed do not hesitate to contact us.

Please let us hear from you within the next two weeks. Thank you.

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A safety brake light assembly is disclosed which, when the brake system is activated, results in a changing illumination for an initial period. Once the initial period is ended, the illumination of the safety brake system is maintained with unchanging illumination. When the brake system is no longer activated, then the illumination is no longer present. In the preferred embodiment, the safety brake light assembly includes two illumination units in a side-by-side configuration. During the initial period, the illumination units are alternately illuminated.