Abstract: A camera and LED strobe unit are operated such that the strobe unit produces a series of bursts, such as approximately ten per second. The bursts are used either to illuminate a subject at a series of different light levels, to then present a series of images to the user to select the best exposure, or to produce a series of images of a moving subject within a single frame. The light unit has a continuous mode of LED light output, but can be switched to the burst mode for high power bursts in rapid succession.

Abstract: A control system for underwater diving lights utilizes sounds of specific frequency emitted by action of a diver to control one or more remotely positioned diving lights.

Abstract: An LED light is operated in both continuous steady output and, as desired, a periodic high power burst of light that drives the LED beyond its rated output for short periods. A single cost effective circuit to perform both types of control delivers highly regulated output under both high power burst mode and continuous mode while maintaining maximum feedback resolution in the primary (continuous) output mode. Active elements are used to switch the signals from conventional current sensing elements through a controlled scaling network before joining the rest of the regulating circuit. This results in ability to produce a high efficiency, well-regulated, fast rise and fall, rectangular average peak value waveform, electric current pulse to power a single or combination of LEDs to a high output level, effecting a transition between a constant lighting level and a higher output, pulsed duration lighting level for photographic and motion image capture.

Abstract: An LED light is operated in both continuous steady output and, as desired, a periodic high power burst of light that drives the LED beyond its rated output for short periods. A single cost effective circuit to perform both types of control delivers highly regulated output under both high power burst mode and continuous mode while maintaining maximum feedback resolution in the primary (continuous) output mode. Active elements are used to switch the signals from conventional current sensing elements through a controlled scaling network before joining the rest of the regulating circuit. This results in ability to produce a high efficiency, well-regulated, fast rise and fall, rectangular average peak value waveform, electric current pulse to power a single or combination of LEDs to a high output level, effecting a transition between a constant lighting level and a higher output, pulsed duration lighting level for photographic and motion image capture.

Abstract: A bicycle light has in one embodiment a mounting base to connect to the bicycle, and an LED light unit for insertion into and removal from the base. The light unit includes a printed circuit board with LED driver and a rechargeable battery, all of which are encapsulated by a direct overmolding that forms a casing for the unit. For charging the light unit is pulled out from the base and plugged into a USB port via an extending USB blade. A motion detector on the PCB shuts off the LED if no motion is detected for several minutes, thus eliminating need for any exterior switch. Another embodiment is without the USB blade, with the battery charged by inductive charging.

Abstract: An LED array and driver design minimizes space requirements and simplifies assembly, while reducing costs. A printed circuit board with LED driver electronics has a central opening through which the LED array is mounted. In one form the LED array is a chip on board (COB) array, the array being circular and fitting closely within the central opening of the PCB. Four integral leaf springs are formed into the flat PCB, in position to push the LED array down when the PCB and LED array are attached against the heat sink. Two of the springs have electrical contacts that make contact with those of the LED array. With the LED array and driver circuit on the face of a light assembly, the space rear of the driver circuit is free to be open to air flow for cooling.

Abstract: An LED array and driver design minimizes space requirements and simplifies assembly, while reducing costs. A printed circuit board with LED driver electronics has a central opening through which the LED array is mounted. In one form the LED array is a chip on board (COB) array, the array being circular and fitting closely within the central opening of the PCB. Four integral leaf springs are formed into the flat PCB, in position to push the LED array down when the PCB and LED array are attached against the heat sink. Two of the springs have electrical contacts that make contact with those of the LED array. With the LED array and driver circuit on the face of a light assembly, the space rear of the driver circuit is free to be open to air flow for cooling.

Abstract: A bicycle tail light or front light has a mounting base to connect to the bicycle, and an LED light unit for insertion into and removal from the base. The light unit includes a printed circuit board with LED driver and a rechargeable battery, all of which are encapsulated by a direct overmolding that forms a casing for the unit. For charging the light unit is pulled out from the base and plugged into a USB port. A tongue with USB blade at the back of the light unit functions to secure the light unit to the mounting base, and the attachment of the units switches power to the light unit. A motion detector on the PCB shuts off the LED if no motion is detected for several minutes, thus eliminating need for any exterior switch.

Abstract: A portable LED light has a series of different LED heads, with different light characteristics, for connection to a lighting device body that includes a battery and LED driver electronics. Each of the different light heads can have specific light color temperatures, maximum intensities and other features. A heat sink with cooling fins dissipates heat from the LEDs, and a fan can be included, either on the housing or on a light head. An alternative light head can be for underwater use, with the internal LEDs and electronics of the light head, as well as the body, being water sealed. Cooling of the underwater form of light is by direct contact of a heat sink with surrounding water.

Abstract: A portable LED light has a series of different LED heads, with different light characteristics, for connection to a lighting device body that includes a battery and LED driver electronics. Each of the different light heads can have specific light color temperatures, maximum intensities and other features. A heat sink with cooling fins dissipates heat from the LEDs, and a fan can be included, either on the housing or on a light head. An alternative light head can be for underwater use, with the internal LEDs and electronics of the light head, as well as the body, being water sealed. Cooling of the underwater form of light is by direct contact of a heat sink with surrounding water.

Abstract: A bicycle tail light or front light has a mounting base to connect to the bicycle, and an LED light unit for insertion into and removal from the base. The light unit includes a printed circuit board with LED driver and a rechargeable battery, all of which are encapsulated by a direct overmolding that forms a casing for the unit. For charging the light unit is pulled out from the base and plugged into a USB port. A tongue with USB blade at the back of the light unit functions to secure the light unit to the mounting base, and the attachment of the units switches power to the light unit. A motion detector on the PCB shuts off the LED if no motion is detected for several minutes, thus eliminating need for any exterior switch.

Abstract: A bicycle light system has front and rear (white and red) lights with mounting brackets to secure on a bicycle helmet. A battery is contained in the rear light casing, with an electrical cord extending between the front and rear light casings. The front light casing has controls for both front and rear lights, which can include different power levels and preferably a flash mode for the front light. Helmet or headstrap mountings for the front and rear light casings have a quick-release feature enabling the lights to be easily and quickly removed from the helmet or headstrap, such as for recharging. Multiple selectable lights can be included in the front light assembly. In an embodiment, any of a series of different front light assemblies can be plugged into the rear assembly. For marine use appropriate light colors can be provided.

Abstract: A bicycle tail light has a casing containing LEDs and a battery, as well as a universal mounting for engaging a bicycle luggage rack, a chain stay, a seat post or a rider's messenger bag, backpack or clothing. A swivel mounting is included for adjusting the light to an appropriate tilt angle, depending on the position of the bicycle component on which the light's base is mounted. The tail light projects light from both sides as well as to the rear, providing over 180° of visibility. A micro USB charging port for the battery is located at the outside of the light casing.

Abstract: A bicycle light system has front and rear (white and red) lights with mounting brackets to secure on a bicycle helmet. A battery is contained in the rear light casing, with an electrical cord extending between the front and rear light casings. The front light casing has controls for both front and rear lights, which can include different power levels and preferably a flash mode for the front light. The rear light can be separately controllable with a switch on the rear casing. 360° visibility preferably is provided via the front light, which projects colored light, such as amber, toward the sides. Helmet mountings for the front and rear light casings have a quick-release feature enabling the lights to be easily and quickly removed from the helmet, such as for recharging. For marine use appropriate light colors can be provided.

Abstract: A bicycle light system has front and rear (white and red) lights with mounting brackets to secure on a bicycle helmet. A rechargeable battery is contained in the rear light casing, with an electrical cord extending between the front and rear light casings. The front light casing has controls for both front and rear lights, which can include different power levels and preferably a flash mode for the front light. 360° visibility preferably is provided via the front light, which projects colored light, such as amber, toward the sides. In a preferred embodiment the battery is rechargeable using a micro USB connection, a serial bus configuration widely used for cell phones, so that the battery will ordinarily be rechargeable via a cell phone recharging cable or a connection to a computer. Helmet mountings for the front and rear light casings have a quick-release feature enabling the lights to be easily and quickly removed from the helmet, such as for recharging.

Abstract: A snowshoe binding engages the sole of the user's boot in a region between the arch and the widest part of the sole, gripping the sole laterally and sufficiently firmly that the boot will not pull out of the binding during use of the snowshoe, even in the absence of a heel strap. The arch area of the boot typically is narrower in width than the ball of the foot, providing a rearwardly tapering region for positive engagement against pulling back of the boot in the binding. By engaging the boot at the sole, the binding can put pressure on the boot not felt by the user. In one form the sole engaging binding device has a width adjustment with a sliding element, and the firmly clamping sole engagement preferably is accomplished with a cam that engages when a strap is tightened. An efficient buckle and strap are also disclosed.

Abstract: A binding for a snowshoe has an injection molded base or footbed with integral control wings for cradling the shoe generally as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,128. The base preferably has toe stops at the forward end, positioned asymmetrically on the base to better individually contour to the left shoe and the right shoe. At the inner side of the foot the toe stop is farther forward. The lower end of the arch side control wing is positioned to cradle the shoe arch while the outer side control wing is at an offset position to engage an aft area of the shoe. Also, the width of the binding can be adjustable at the arch. These features provide a better connection of the snowshoe to the shoe, greater stability in use of the snowshoe and greater comfort to the user.

Abstract: A boot binding for a snowshoe, suspended within the snowshoe for flexibility of the boot relative to the snowshoe in the pitch direction, has a binding footbed that is flexible and allows bending of the boot in the pitch directed, as steps are taken by the user.

Abstract: A binding for a snowshoe has, in several different embodiments, a pair of straps to draw the binding tight over a user's boot, the two straps reversing direction at side loop points and being secured to a pair of buckles on a floating tongue at the top of the binding, generally over the ball area of the foot. In one form the straps are anchored at toe points on the binding and extend back in a crossing, X configuration, as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,360. In another form the straps are shorter and do not cross, the forward ends being replaced with toe-cradling strap-like members that extend up and back and come together at a pivot connection with a tongue, in this case a shorter tongue, to which the two buckles are connected. The binding tends to open with release of the straps. In a third form the tongue is a larger, padded X-shaped flexible member under which the boot is slid to engage the binding.

Abstract: A boot binding for a snowshoe, suspended within the snowshoe for flexibility of the boot relative to the snowshoe in the pitch direction, has a binding footbed that is flexible and allows bending of the boot in the pitch direction, as steps are taken by the user.