Patent ID: 7344277
Filing Date: 2008-03-18
Classification: B60H,B60K,B60Q

Abstract:
1. An ambiance lighting system for a vehicular passenger compartment having a variable color of light output responsive to temperature changes within the passenger compartment, said system comprising: a plenum for conducting air; an air discharge vent operatively connected to said plenum for directing air from said plenum into the passenger compartment; a detector for sensing the temperature of air in said plenum; a lighting device disposed in said plenum adjacent said vent for projecting light through said vent into the passenger compartment; and a control circuit responsive to said detector for energizing said lighting device to project a first color of light when the air temperature is below a predetermined value and for energizing said lighting device to project a second color of light when the air temperature is above a predetermined value, wherein said first and second colors are different and the ambiance within the passenger compartment is enhanced by radiating different colors of light from said plenum, through said vent and into the passenger compartment in response to changes in the sensed temperature of air delivered to said vent so that both the air and the light simultaneously flow in the same direction through said vent.