Abstract: Intensified light emitting diodes intermittently energized while in motion, the light emission thereof being sensed by eyesight retention as dots and bars of light dynamically related and intermixed relative one to the other in an infinite number of geometric patterns dependent upon the simple and compound application of rectilinear, arcuate and rotary motion in combination with the frequency, spacing and duration of pulse application by a flasher circuit modified by adjustment both manually and automatically.

Abstract: A control circuit for direction indicator lamps of a vehicle includes an alternating voltage generator suitable for feeding the lamps through a manual commutator or switch and at least one bi-directional conduction controlled diode which is driven by an impulse generator. The latter is suitably driven by the alternating voltage of the generator to furnish an output signal of alternating impulses synchronized with the zero changeovers of the alternating voltage. The impulse generator is driven by a timing stage with a signal of alternating blocking and admitting impulses.

Abstract: A signal lamp apparatus with a lamp burnout detecting circuit has a right turn signal lamp group and a left turn signal lamp group which are connected to a power source through a turn signal switch and a relay contact coupled in parallel with a burnout detecting resistor. Each of the lamp groups includes a plurality of signal lamps connected in parallel with one another. The apparatus includes a comparator which produces an output signal when the voltage across the signal lamp group is higher than a predetermined voltage, and a device which produces a burnout signal when the comparator has an output signal after lights-out, for example, after 20 to 100 m sec since the relay contact is opened. With such an arrangement, the burnout of the signal lamp or lamps may be detected while the signal light lamp group is flashing.

Abstract: Emergency phone stations distributed at intervals of 1 or 2 km along a highway area and connected to a communications channel with a power line. Each phone station has a set of flash lamps which can be blinked in accordance with differing blinking schedules, and with a storage capacitor which stores flash energy. When a lamp is flashed, the storage capacitor discharges from the power line, the charging time-constant of each station being different due to differing distances from a central station. To impose an order on the network, central clocking is employed, with lamp ignitions occurring at each individual station being referenced to clocking signals common to all stations, so that the blinking schedules at all activated stations have a fixed phase interrelationship. This predetermines the times and sequences at which the storage capacitors will recharge. All storage capacitors are identical and are so selected that t.sub.0 /R.C.sub.ges =0.5 to 3, preferably 1.25, t.sub.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for visually cuing a human subject wherein an incandescent lamp or lamps (40, 41) are energizable to provide a source of visible illumination. These incandescent lamps have a predetermined rise and fall characteristic. An observation surface (12) is positioned for confronting illumination from the lamps (40, 41) including a pattern through which filtered light of a first intensity may pass, which pattern is configured for visually conveying information to the subject. The pattern is surrounded by a region (54) opaque to illumination, that region extending to a periphery (55). A peripheral surface arrangement (14, 16) is provided extending from the observation surface (12) periphery and is positioned for confronting and transmitting illumination from the lamps (40, 41) at a second intensity selected as greater than the first intensity.

Abstract: In an audio visual alarm device that can be mounted on a wall or a post an enclosure with an automatic dusk to dawn security light, a selectively energizable rotating signal light and an audible electrically actuated siren. A remotely controlled relay energizes the alarm and a circuit arranged to extinguish the security light upon actuation of the alarm.

Abstract: A wand adapted to be held in the hand and provided with a rod-like body provided with a handle having a base at one end and a visual indicator at the opposite end. The base defines a handle for grasping the wand and the base is hollow to house an electronic circuit and a battery for operating the circuit. The circuit is a multivibrator whose output signal oscillates at a given frequency, such as 120 Hz. The visual indicator is coupled with the circuit and is caused to flash at the operating frequency of the circuit when the circuit operates. The base has a pair of spaced terminals thereon which are bridged by the palm of the hand when the base is grasped, and the palm therefore provides a resistance forming part of the circuit to cause the frequency of flashing of the visual indicator to change depending upon the extent to which hand pressure is applied to the base. For increased frequency, greater hand pressure is applied to decrease the resistance accordingly.

Abstract: An exit illuminating system for illuminating an exit or exit sign with high intensity light under emergency conditions, the light having sufficient brilliance to be visible through smoke in order to lead persons who may be trapped in the smoke-filled area to the escape exit. The system incorporates an emergency condition detector responsive to power failure, smoke and heat in order to develop an activating signal which energizes a high intensity xenon flash lamp. The system is made fail-safe by a circuit which causes a battery to power the flash lamp if line power is lost and which keeps the battery at full charge when external power is available.

Abstract: An emergency signaling system using the existing two-wire circuit (10) between a switch assembly (15) located within a dwelling and an externally mounted lamp housing (20) includes a switch (25) having an "off" position (27), a "normally on" position (28) whereby a lamp (55) is illuminated continuously, and an "alert" position (29) which activates a circuit (35) preferably included within the same protective enclosure (30) which contains the switch. The circuit (35) causes the current to the exterior lamp to be interrupted at a periodic rate, and it may also include as optional features an audible alarm (40) and a visual indicator (45) to identify when the alert feature is in operation. An adapter (60) is positioned between the lamp (55) and the existing lamp socket (50), and the adapter includes a circuit (75) responsive to the interruption of the current in the two-wire circuit to activate an audible alarm (65).

Abstract: An audio-visual alarm includes a flashtube and a voltage signal generator for producing and storing voltages sufficient to operate the flashtube. In series with the flashtube and the voltage generator is the coil of an audio alarm, whereby operation of the flashtube also operates the audio alarm. The audio alarm is selected so that its coil will not interfer with the operation of the flashtube.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for use in the turn-direction indicating system of a vehicle having directional lamps energized by a battery through a current detecting resistor, a relay and a direction selecting switch. The relay is energized to close periodically in response to periodic pulses produced by a semiconductor integrated control circuit so that the directional lamps flash periodically. A protection circuit which is connected in series with a resistor across the battery render the output transistor of the semiconductor integrated control circuit ON in response to an excessively large positive voltage so that the electric current which flows through the output transistor is limited by the inherent resistance of the relay coil connected in series with the output transistor. A diode which is connected in series with the relay coil render the output transistor ON reversely in response to an excessively large negative voltage so that the electric current is limited by the relay coil.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting and signalling the presence of a dangerous gas in an atmosphere comprising means for detecting the gas and means for signalling when the gas content exceeds a predetermined level. Said detecting means and said signalling means are disposed in a common housing and connecting by a double-wire cable to a separate supply.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-terminal flasher device, particularly for flashing automobile lamps, that can replace the thermal devices predominantly currently in use. An electro-mechanical relay is used to flash the lamps, while an electronic circuit controls the flashing rate. The power for operating the relay and the electronic circuit is maintained by means of a capacitor that is charged from the power source (the battery) and then discharged while the power source is not available, the electronic circuit being supplied from the capacitor via a constant voltage source. Preferably the charging of the capacitor is arranged so as to give an "instant-on" type of operation. The lamp current is measured by a voltage measuring means including a resistor formed by part of the copper of the board on which the circuit is mounted, and the temperature coefficient of the circuit is arranged to be as close as possible to that of the copper.

Abstract: The life expectancy of the energy storing capacitors in a flash lamp drive circuit is extended by charging them in response to a trigger signal which also initiates the ionization pulse to the lamp after a delay time so that a desired threshold of energy stored in the capacitors is directed to the lamp.

Abstract: A personal security alarm including a loud speaker powered by an audio frequency signal generator to produce a siren effect and a high intensity flashlamp, both of which are activated upon operation of a remote switch and can be deactivated only by a key switch on the alarm. A generally conical transparent plastic extension from the center of the loud speaker horn encloses the flashlamp and also disperses the sound. Preferably the high voltage power for the flashlamp is derived from a transformer supplied with the audio frequency signal provided to the loud speaker.

Abstract: A control system which is organized such that a power distribution line only is required for connecting the control unit and the flash lamps and such that the sequencing control, the energy level control of the light bursts and the positive monitoring of the lamp operation are centralized in the control unit. The usual high voltage storage capacitors and the related charge and protection circuitries are consequently needless in the triggering circuit associated with each flash lamp. The lamps are triggered by a burst of pulsed voltage waveforms which are applied on the power distribution line in synchronism with positive half cycles of the supply voltage at the control unit, each pulsed waveform being associated to the control of a respective flash lamp.

Abstract: A control system for a work-performing vehicle such as a lift truck, front end loader, or the like, including a source of motive power for driving the vehicle, performing work, or the like, and of the type including a sensor having an electrical output providing an electrical output signal having a characteristic whose magnitude varies according to load distribution on the vehicle. A level detector receives the output signal and provides a further signal, in response thereto, indicative of an unstable load distribution on the vehicle and there is a circuit connected to the output of the level detector responsive to the signal therefrom for disabling the motive power source when the load distribution on the vehicle is unstable to prevent an intensification of the unstable condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flashing light apparatus comprising a plurality of flashing light units, connected in series, wherein each unit is arranged to produce a short flash in a predetermined time slot. The time slots allotted to a plurality of these units are so choosen that the first unit is first activated, and after a predetermined time, or immediately thereafter, the second unit is then activated, etc. This arrangement gives the impression of a "travelling flash". Each flashing light unit has its own oscillator, to control the time delay between adjacent time slots, a control circuit, to activate a switching device, and a monostable multivibrator, adapted to produce output pulses of a definite duration. The units may be connected in series, parallel or branched and the first unit serves as a "master unit" while the other units act as "slave units". When a the connecting link between two slave units is broken, one of the slave units automatically becomes a master unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for causing a strobe-type lamp, i.e. gas discharge lamp, to produce readily discernible warning flashes. In a first embodiment, the light output of a strobe-lamp is partially absorbed by a fluorescent material and released shortly after absorption to produce a visible flash of lesser intensity but greater duration than that actually produced by the lamp. In a second embodiment, the strobe lamp is caused to flash a multiplicity of times at a rate sufficient to give the visible impression of a single continuous flash of long duration. A circuit for energizing the strobe lamp consumes power only while the strobe lamp is flashing, and remains deactuated when the lamp is not energized.

Abstract: A DC circuit for efficiently operating two arc discharge flashlamps. The lamps are parallel connected across a single supply storage capacitor, and a single trigger capacitor is employed in connection and the two alternately activated trigger sources for the two lamps.

Abstract: A combination turn signal and hazard warning flasher with variable load in which (1) the flashing frequency is controlled by a Cmos oscillator with a flashing frequency independent of lamp voltage or current, (2) the lamp load current passes through relay contacts and not through the turn signal switch, and (3) which may be used on positive ground and negative ground systems.

Abstract: An S-O-S distress signalling device for flashing a lamp, consisting of a decade binary counter, a signal converter circuit connected to the counter and a timer having its output coupled to the lamp and the input of the counter. The counter and converter circuits provide three charging paths to the timer, so that rapid flashes will be produced to simulate the "S" code and two charging paths to the timer to simulate the "O" code at a slower repetition rate. Between each S-O-S signal, only one charging path is provided, to slow down the timer to define the interval between the coded messages.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for use in the direction indicating system of a vehicle having a group of front, rear and side directional lamps. The directional lamps are connected in parallel with each other to be energized by a battery through a current detecting resistor, a normally-closed relay and a selection switch. The relay is energized to open periodically in response to a train of pulses so that the directional lamps flash periodically during closure of the selection switch. Closure of the selection switch is detected in response to the voltage across the current detecting resistor to generate the pulses applied to the relay.

Abstract: A warning lamp for use in hazardous atmospheres including three air-filled volumes interconnected by a passageway between screw threads whereby, in the event of an explosion, each of the volumes stores a quantity of explosive gases prior to permitting escape thereof along the passageway between the screw threads thereby providing a warning lamp which causes hot gases to be cooled sufficiently and quenched in the three volumes therein.

Abstract: A warning light system constructed of an array of flashable, warning lights. The warning lights are self-contained, battery powered warning lights that may be arranged in an array and controlled to flash simultaneously. Each light includes an individual transceiving system for transmitting a coded, radio frequency signal to each other light of an array and a receiving radio frequency signal from each other light of the array to cause each lamp of each light to flash on and off in synchronism. Each light has a built-in transceiving antenna arranged within the light lens assembly and completely housed therein.

Abstract: A portable signalling unit includes a gas discharge tube and a continuously cycling drive circuit which produces successive discharges through the tube, a control instrumentality being provided whereby the continuously cycling of the circuit may be overridden and brought under the control of a programming device which cause the discharges through the tube to follow a continuously repeating pattern. The pattern may represent the Morse code for SOS or any other desired signal.

Abstract: A system of modifying existing light systems and for the installation of new lighting systems on school buses and similar vehicles so as simply to convert a conventional "four-light system," to a government-recommended "eight-light system," consisting of a red flashing hazard warning system including four red lights and four amber lights. The invention has particular utility in applications in which the installation of additional wiring is either inconvenient or impractical, since conversion may be effected with a minimum of disruption of existing "single wire" systems.

Abstract: A plurality of radiant energy sources are alternatively pulsed in accorda with programmable pulsing sequences to permit testing of guided homing seekers and the like. A trigger selector is provided for each source and takes the form of a programmable counter. A source selector receives externally supplied trigger pulses and applies them to one trigger selector until the pre-programmed count is reached, during which time the source associated with that trigger selector is actuated by each pulse. When the pre-programmed count is reached the source selector feeds the trigger pulses to a second trigger selector and to a second source associated with that trigger selector. When the separately programmed count on the second trigger selector is reached, the source selector transfers the trigger pulses back to the first source and trigger selector circuit. The cycle continues in this manner, alternatively supplying trains of trigger pulses to the radiant energy sources.

Abstract: An indicator device for providing a high-intensity visual indication of an occurrence comprises a flash tube which is fed with a high voltage from a capacitor, the capacitor being charged by means energized from an intrinsically safe supply. Trigger pulses are applied to the flash tube in response to the occurrence, so that the tube emits flashes in response thereto. An annunciator can comprise a plurality of the devices housed in a single unit and fed from a single power supply.

Abstract: An audiovisual signaling device including an auditory signaling means, an inductor for energizing the signaling device, and a circuit interruptor in series circuit with the inductor. A flashtube is electrically connected to the inductor and interruptor, and the inductor acts as an electromagnet when a voltage is impressed across the inductor and interruptor. The series circuit is intermittently interrupted by the interruptor, and the flashtube is actuated in response to the decaying magnetic field of the inductor when the circuit is thus interrupted.

Abstract: A hand safety flasher for use in directing traffic by construction workers, at school crossings, by police, and so forth, comprises a hand-held receptacle for containing a plurality of flashlight cells together with a double lens safety structure having a light bulb contained therein and a flasher structure between the series connected flashlight cells and the bulb for intermittently flashing said bulb when the device is switched to the "on" position. One side of the lens may be amber, the other side red, and an indicating directional arrow may also be provided.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for flashing an electric lamp is disclosed which may be fabricated from a small number of components and powered by a low-voltage power source which nevertheless assures that the lamp flashes brightly enough to be prominently visible. The on and off times of the lamp are relatively insensitive to temperature variations.

Abstract: A lamp is included as a cathode load for a gate-turn-off silicon controlled rectifier (GTO). The conduction path of a transistor is connected between the gate electrode of the GTO and ground. The GTO and lamp are turned off by applying current in the forward direction through the base-emitter junction of the transistor, thereby turning on the transistor and placing the gate electrode of the GTO at ground. The forward current passes through a thermal circuit breaker which periodically opens in response to the heat produced by the current flow, causing the gate electrode of the GTO to become forward biased via the collector load resistance of the transistor and turn on.

Abstract: An emergency warning flashing battery operated signal light having a depressable switch and an automatic heat sensing switch.

Abstract: A safety flasher to be mounted on a bicycle, or alternatively to be worn by a person. Its purpose is to increase one's visibility at night. It features a simple assembly and closing means in which a pair of screws hold major components in location and also complete the electrical circuit between the control and the signal lamp.

Abstract: A hand-held illuminated sign has a one piece frame comprising a perimetral wall and perimetral flanges extending inwardly from the wall edges. Translucent sign panels are fastened to the flanges. An elongate lighting member has a bulbous housing at one end that threadedly receives an annular cap. The frame wall has a portion defining an opening for tightly receiving the housing. The cap is threaded on the housing and tightly against the wall portion to hold the frame and lighting member in unified engagement. A strobe light, in combination with the sign illuminating light, is secured to the wall to emit intermittent, high intensity light energy to signal the presence of the sign bearer from distances greater than those at which the sign illumination is perceivable.

Abstract: Aircraft warning marker assemblies for marking power transmission lines are often suspended from the power line itself and are in a few cases equipped with a flashing light energized with power obtained from the power line. The assemblies have in the past been subject to physical failure caused by wind induced vibrations in addition to damage from corona discharges and tracking over non conductive parts. The present invention discloses means for alleviating these problems. The marker assembly, which is made up of a cone-like structure supported by a hanger system, employs vibration absorbing means between the hanger system and the cone-like structure to dampen vibrations of the marker assembly, and thereby reduces the possibility of physical damage from the wind. In addition, a ring of electrically conductive material at the bottom of the cone functions as a "corona ring" in shielding the assembly from corona effects and tracking.

Abstract: An electronic system for awakening especially deaf persons and for relaxing and soothing tired and aching muscles of persons who frequently develop body tiredness from overwork or due to some organic illness is described. The systems comprises an electric timer unit for setting a desired time of the day when a sleeper intends to be awakened, and a pulsative resonator unit connected to said timer unit through an electric cord and is positioned, during use thereof, under the sleeper's pillow. When the set time of the day arrives, the timer unit automatically triggers the pulsative resonator unit, which causes a repeated vibratory action under the pillow and awakens the sleeper.

Abstract: An emergency light system which incorporates flashing strobe type of lights located along the aisle(s) of an aircraft, or other passenger carrier, would provide flashing arrows indicating the location of emergency exits. The sequential firing of the flashing lamps will further create the effect of a moving light beam to lead passengers toward the exit area(s). Also, with programmable control means, there can be stroboscopic type flashing lights to direct egress to only those exits which are open.

Abstract: A marine navigational aid system in which at least two marine aids, such as lights, are controlled, such as synchronized, relative to each other without the units being connected with an electrical cable. A marine navigational aid system having an underwater sonic transmitter and receiver for transmitting and receiving coded acoustical signals for controlling navigational aids. A typical installation would consist of a transmitter and a receiver each of which is connected to and actuates a navigational aid. The transmitter sends a complex synchronizing code underwater to the receiver. If the receiver detects and decodes the signal, the receiver is synchronized relative to the transmitter. Both the transmitter and receiver have master clocks which are self-actuated, but the clock of the receiver is controlled and is resettable by a properly decoded signal from the transmitter.

Abstract: A system for controlling navigation lights and flashing anti-collision lights in the wing tips of an airplane, including a switch and circuitry constituting means for turning the anti-collision lights on and off from the cockpit of the plane without interfering with the normal operation of the navigation lights. The system functions using only a single wire to each wing tip, thereby obviating the need to install additional wiring inside the aircraft wings and fuselage.

Abstract: A code practice blinker light is to be used in conjunction with a tape or record player sending code. The output signal of the tape or record player drives the input base circuit of a transistor, the switching action thereof causing the closing of a series circuit including a lamp which flashes on and off in response to the input audio signal.

Abstract: A flashing door sign comprises a casing having illuminable house numbers at the front thereof. The casing contains red and white light bulbs which are selectively operable by a switch located inside of the house; the switch has positions corresponding to a continuous white light, flashing white light, and flashing red light to indicate an emergency. The switch must be moved in a non-rotational direction to enter the emergency position.

Abstract: A series of flashing lights arranged in a line or circle appear as a group to move or rotate by properly timing the OFF or periods of the lights. The lights are divided into three interpositioned groups for separate control. The groups progressively go dark in one sequence and then in the reverse sequence by the aid of a simple cam clock means that periodically switches the cadence of only one of the groups to cause it alternately closely to lead or follow one of the other groups. No mechanical reversals of clock means occurs.

Abstract: An indicator light circuit utilizing a single lamp and providing continuous illumination during normal operation and on and off flashing during an emergency condition. The circuit can also provide an indication wherein the lamp is continuously on but pulsating bright and dim. The indicator light circuit can thus provide four visual indications: (1) Off; (2) Normal on; (3) Flashing on and off; and, (4) On, but pulsating bright and dim. The invention is particularly adaptable for use to provide motor running and relay trip indication.

Abstract: An ornamental ring having a flashing capacity controlled by a minute electrical circuit incorporating one or more light-emitting diodes which are confined in the gem-display region of the ring, is disclosed. A time delay, capacitor-resistor arrangement governs the activation and deactivation of a pair of transistors whose function is to cause the light-emitting diodes to alternately flash or blink in substantially identical intervals.

Abstract: A plurality of flash units mounted as warning, navigational or signal beacons are driven from a remote energy storage power converter with reduced number and or size of discharge current cables by common use of cables combined with sequential flashing such that the discharge current for only one flash lamp is carried by a cable at a given instant. By very close spacing, the sequential flashes may be made to appear simultaneous to the human eye.

Abstract: A logic pulser is disclosed which provides controlled pulses for stimulating a digital logic circuit under test. The pulser is serially programmed, e.g. by means of a manually operated push button switch to generate single pulses, continuous streams of pulses, or bursts of pulses.The pulser may include a visual output indicator such as an LED which flashes in a predetermined sequence to indicate in which mode the pulser is operating.The pulser may also include output circuitry which sets the voltage and automatically adjusts the width of the output pulses to provide appropriate net charge to different types of digital circuitry.

Abstract: An illuminated safety device is worn on the collar of a pet or a belt of a person at night time enabling a driver of an automobile to observe the person or animal. The safety device comprises a lantern tape communicating with a power source, wherein the lantern tape and power source are affixed to the belt or collar. The lantern tape comprises a plurality of colored light bulbs sealed between two transparent flexible plastic strips. The electrical circuit can be designed for continuous illumination or a flashing of the light bulbs.

Abstract: A signal lamp configuration for directing high speed traffic and a solid state sequencer for selectively energizing the same are described. The signal lamp configuration includes a pair of arrows inclined in opposite directions and having intersecting tail portions. The arrows are sequentially energized by the solid state sequencer from tail to head to direct traffic around a hazardous condition on a roadway. The arrows may also be flashed ON and OFF simultaneously if desired.