Abstract: There is disclosed a flotation device such as a life vest or inflatable raft for keeping a user afloat when in water, the flotation device comprising a light source attached to the flotation device, a water activated switch, wherein the light source is illuminated when the water activated switch is submersed in the water, and a control panel mounted to an outer surface of the flotation device and comprised of at least one user activated switch, wherein the light source is extinguished when the user activated switch is depressed, the control panel having instructions printed thereon.

Abstract: A safety device for attachment to a flotation device is disclosed comprising a light source, a housing, an actuator mounted within the housing and slideable between a first position wherein the light source is not illuminated and a second position wherein the light source is illuminated. The actuator further comprises a raised boss engageable from outside of the housing, a lanyard at least a portion of which is outside of the housing and a water activated switch wherein when the device is submerged in water, the water activated switch completes an electrical circuit illuminating said light source. The lanyard is releasably connected to an end of the actuator using a separable interconnection assembly. When the lanyard is pulled, the actuator moves from the first position to the second position and on reaching the second position the separable interconnection assembly separates thereby disengaging the lanyard from the actuator.

Abstract: An environmentally protected switch for activating a signalling device, such as a light source, powered by a battery and adapted for use with a conductive fluid. The switch comprises an open ended housing and a sensing element received within the housing along a longitudinal axis thereof, a tip of the sensing element being substantially flush with the open end. The sensing element is coupled to the signalling device for providing an electrical path connecting the battery and the signalling device. Upon submersion of the switch into the fluid and agitation of the switch, a surface tension at an interface between the fluid and the open end is broken and fluid penetrates the housing up to a predetermined depth to enable an electrical current to flow within the sensing element for closing the electrical path and activating the signalling device.

Abstract: A device, system and method for identifying an object. The device comprises an identification badge comprising a surface at least partially reflective to infrared light and having an insignia thereon, and a source of infrared light co-located with the badge and comprising at least one infrared light emitting LED. The source and the badge are both secured to the object and the source is positioned relative to the badge such that the light emitted from the at least one infrared LED falls on the reflective surface.

Abstract: A light and associated mounting body is disclosed which is suitable for mounting on straps of different widths. In a particular embodiment the body can be mounted to the strap, for example a collar or the like, without removing the collar from the object it is attached to.

Abstract: A method and circuit for lowering impedance of a transistor bridge having two pairs of cooperating transistors, comprising receiving a pair of DC input signals which enable activation of one of the pairs of transistors, the activation providing a path for the DC input signals through the two activated transistors, the pair of DC input signals having voltages differing from each other by a first amount; and applying a second pair of DC signals each to a different gate of the two activated transistors, the second pair of DC signals having voltages differing from each other by a second amount that is greater than the first amount, wherein as a result of the second amount being greater than the first amount, impedances of the two activated transistors are lower as compared to if the pair of DC input signals were used in substitution for the second pair of signals.

Abstract: A light emitting device, method and lens, the device comprising an LED emitting a beam of light and a transparent light conditioning lens concentric with the beam of light and through which the beam of light travels. The lens comprises a light concentrating part and a light diffusing part. The concentrating part concentrates a first portion of the light to form a first beam of light having a narrow angle of dispersion, preferably of less than about 10 degrees and the light diffusing part diffuses a second portion of the light to form a second beam of light concentric with the first beam and having a wide angle of dispersion greater than the narrow angle of dispersion, preferably greater than about 70 degrees. An intensity of the first beam is greater than an intensity of the second beam.

Abstract: A low impedance polarity conversion circuit for driving a load with a DC power source is disclosed. The DC power source has a first pole from which a first DC signal originates and a second pole from which a second DC signal originates. The first DC signal has a voltage greater than a voltage of the second DC signal. The conversion circuit includes a circuit output node through which an output DC signal is delivered from the conversion circuit to the load. The conversion circuit also includes a charge conditioning circuit for generating third and fourth DC signals. The third DC signal has a voltage greater than the first DC signal voltage and the fourth DC signal has a voltage less than the second DC signal voltage. A rectification circuit includes first and second inputs for attachment to the first pole and the second pole. A Field-Effect Transistor (FET) bridge is electrically connected to the first and second inputs. The FET bridge includes first and second pairs of cooperating FETs.

Abstract: A holster and shade used to protect a light stick as well as act as a support therefor. The holster comprises a hollow tubular sheath dimensioned to protect the entire length of the light stick placed therein when in a stored position. When illumination is desired, the light stick is extracted from the holster sheath, reversed, and inserted into the holster, which then supports the light stick with a lens thereof exposed for providing the required illumination.

Abstract: A mounting support for mounting an object, such as a light, flashlight or the like, to a mounting surface is disclosed. The support comprises a body to which may be coupled the object, at least two legs projecting from the body, the legs comprising opposed divergently arcuate inner surfaces each providing at least one abutment point for abutting the legs upon the mounting surface, and a fastener for maintaining the abutment. The object or light may be integrally, fixedly, pivotally or otherwise coupled to the body.

Abstract: Method of providing a gun sight for a firearm having an accuracy comprising predetermining as a function of the accuracy a region surrounding a point of aim within which a projectile issued from the firearm will strike with a known probability, aiming the firearm at the intended target, and outlining the region about the point of aim with a laser and method for supporting a decision to fire a projectile from a firearm having an accuracy and pointed towards an intended target and an unintended target comprising precalculating as a function of the accuracy a region surrounding a point of aim within which a projectile issued from the firearm will strike with a known probability, aiming the firearm at the intended target, delineating the region about the point of aim with a laser, and not firing when at least a portion of the unintended target is within the region.

Abstract: A supplementary power supply and method for powering a portable electrical device such as a flashlight having a positive terminal and a negative terminal and battery compartment adapted to receive a standard battery therein. The supply comprises a cap adapted for installation on the battery compartment, an electrical circuit comprising a generator and a positive output and a negative output, and an actuator in mechanical communication with the generator and capable of actuation when the power supply is within the compartment and the cap is installed on the compartment, wherein the electrical circuit is sized and shaped to be received within the battery compartment and interconnect the positive output with the positive terminal and the negative output with the negative terminal, and actuation of the actuator operates the generator to provide an electrical current between the positive output and the negative output. There is also disclosed a kit comprising a plurality of replacement caps.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed comprising a plurality of small independent light sources which are arranged in a mesh network and capable of exchanging data such that they can be operated together and under control of a controller in order to provide enhanced lighting effects in particular applications.

Abstract: There is disclosed a stand-alone light emitting beacon including impact and/or pressure sensing electronics which provides an indication that the wearer has been subject to an impact or pressure capable of causing injury, such as concussion. There is also disclosed a helmet comprising a protective shell, at least one LED positioned visibly on an outer surface of the helmet, electronics comprising a microprocessor and programs for controlling an illumination of the LED and an impact sensor.

Abstract: A safety device for attachment to a flotation device is disclosed comprising a light source, a housing, an actuator mounted within the housing and slideable between a first position wherein the light source is not illuminated and a second position wherein the light source is illuminated. The actuator further comprises a raised boss engageable from outside of the housing, a lanyard at least a portion of which is outside of the housing and a water activated switch wherein when the device is submerged in water, the water activated switch completes an electrical circuit illuminating said light source. The lanyard is releasably connected to an end of the actuator using a separable interconnection assembly. When the lanyard is pulled, the actuator moves from the first position to the second position and on reaching the second position the separable interconnection assembly separates thereby disengaging the lanyard from the actuator.

Abstract: There is disclosed a universal power pack, power supply and battery harvesting device. Generally, each comprises a receptacle for receiving at least one battery or battery pack having a different shape and/or nominal output voltage. A controller circuit is provided for regulating the output voltages and/or currents of the battery or batteries with the regulated voltage and current available at an output. The devices allow other devices to be powered or recharged, or batteries to be recharged. In a particular embodiment, a master cell and slave cell are provided wherein the slave cell continues to power attached devices when connection with the master cell is not available.

Abstract: A mesh lighting system for emergency vehicles and method for retrofitting a vehicle with emergency lights is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of independent signalling light sources each supplied by a dedicated source of energy, a control module, and a low powered wireless network connecting said control module with the plurality of light sources. The plurality of independent signalling light sources emit at least one light flash in response to a control signal received from the control module.

Abstract: An identification patch adapted to be attached to an object for its identification and method. The patch comprises a first area of material radiating within a first infrared band detectable by a first device operating in said first infrared band and a second area of material radiating within a second infrared band detectable by a second device operating in said second infrared band. The combination of the first and second areas of material forms a discernable pattern detectable when using a selected one of said devices yet covert to the naked eye. A covert identification patch for a vehicle having a roof and method. The patch comprises a frame having a first surface and a second surface the frame dimensioned and having an external characteristic to approximate that of a sunroof, a first material on the first surface wherein the first material radiates electromagnetic radiation within a first band undetectable to the naked eye, and an adhesive for attaching the frame to the roof.

Abstract: An environmentally protected switch for activating a signalling device, such as a light source, powered by a battery and adapted for use with a conductive fluid. The switch comprises an open ended housing and a sensing element received within the housing along a longitudinal axis thereof, a tip of the sensing element being substantially flush with the open end. The sensing element is coupled to the signalling device for providing an electrical path connecting the battery and the signalling device. Upon submersion of the switch into the fluid and agitation of the switch, a surface tension at an interface between the fluid and the open end is broken and fluid penetrates the housing up to a predetermined depth to enable an electrical current to flow within the sensing element for closing the electrical path and activating the signalling device.

Abstract: An identification system and method comprising a beacon unit using a highly collimated source of electromagnetic radiation, which emits towards a thermal imaging unit highly directional radiation. In this manner, improved visual identification of the beacon unit and the carrier associated therewith through the imaging unit can be achieved over both short and long distances. In particular, detection of the beacon unit is aided by emitting highly collimated radiation with high power density at great distances. When detected by the sensor array, an image of the emitted radiation is indeed displayed as a bright spot of light on the display, thus eliciting the attention of a viewer observing a scene through the imaging unit. Blooming of an array of sensing elements provided in the imaging unit may further be fostered by delivering a great amount of power to the imaging unit, thus improving detection of the beacon unit.