Abstract: A constant current regulator that receives an AC input current from a source provides a constant AC current to a load. The regulator includes first, second, third, and fourth electronically controllable switches, a transformer coupled to the switches, and a controller connected to the switches. An output of the first switch is electrically connected to an input of the second switch and one input of the transformer primary winding. An output of the third switch is electrically connected to an input of the fourth switch and another input of the transformer primary winding. The controller provides a trigger signal to each of the switches. The controller adjusts a duty cycle of the trigger signals based on a comparison between an actual current value and a reference current value to provide a constant AC current to the load.

Abstract: A light-source lamp unit includes a light-source lamp unit detachably mounted, and a CPU constituting a drive and controller for the light-source lamp unit. The CPU senses lamp information obtained by a lamp-information storing block in the light-source lamp unit, pertaining to a lamp power rating, lamp life and whether a lamp is new or not, and starts counting operation time when the lamp is lit. The CPU compares the lamp life sensed and the operation time count, and forces the lamp to extinguish when the life of the light-source lamp expires. Prior to this action, the CPU gives a warning display before the life expiration of the lamp by a fixed duration of time, to warn that lamp replacement is needed. Because the lamp-information storing block in the light-source lamp unit stores the information about the lamp type and characteristics of the lamp, the light-source device can properly drive the lamp to light it and determine the lamp life even when a light-source lamp unit of a different type is used.

Abstract: A method for determining the remaining operating life of a fluorescent lamp, when the fluorescent lamp is connected to a starter and the fluorescent lamp comprises cathodes. The method is characterized by phases determining the amount of remaining active material in the cathode and producing an alarm signal depending on the amount of remaining active material in the cathode.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and method for monitoring the level of light surrounding an automatic teller machine (ATM). In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system includes a plurality of light sensors disposed in varying locations around the ATM. Preferably, some sensors will be disposed near the ATM, while others will be dispersed at various distances surrounding the ATM, in order to effectively monitor the lighting around the ATM. A circuit is provided within the ATM in communication with the sensors. In addition, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter is disposed within the ATM, and is configured to communicate the status of the sensors to a remotely located receiver. Finally, a receiver is interfaced to a telephone line forming part of a public switched telephone network (PSTN), wherein the receiver is configured to receive the status of the sensors communicated from the RF transmitter and to communicate the status information to a remote system via the PSTN.

Abstract: Monitoring and control apparatus for fail-safe monitoring for normal operation of traffic signal lights provided at an intersection or the like where a plurality of roads intersect. The illumination conditions of respective signal lights are detected using as sensor device, and when the number of illuminated or non-illuminated signal lights is a predetermined number, a normal judgment output of logic value 1 corresponding to a high energy condition is generated while, when the number of illuminated or non-illuminated signal lights is not the predetermined number, an abnormal judgment output of logic value 0 corresponding to a low energy condition is generated. As a result, when a fault in the monitoring apparatus stops the output, the resultant output condition is the same as for a danger condition due to a signal light abnormality, resulting in an extremely safe signal light monitoring and control with excellent fail-safe characteristics.

Abstract: A lamp has a tungsten filament within an evacuated glass bulb and connected to electrical conductors. Connected between the two electrical conductors are a series-connected neon and resistor. In use, the tungsten filament provides a primary light-emitting device, and the neon provides a secondary light-emitting device. The light intensity emitted by the filament is very much greater than that emitted by the neon. Therefore, in normal use, the neon will hardly be seen. However, in the event that the filament fails, the neon continues to emit light. With the main filament extinguished, the light emitted by the neon becomes quite visible, and serves to indicate the presence of electric power at the lamp contacts. Therefore, a user can switch off the power supply to the lamp at the local switch, the neon indicating when this has safely been done.

Abstract: The invention is a lamp burnout detecting unit with a branch connection function which provides the advantage of having simple wiring and that the wire harness thereof can be automatically laid. The lamp burnout detecting unit includes an upper casing on which terminal press-in type connectors and a burnout detecting circuit section 16 are mounted. A printed circuit board has a branch connection function. A lower casing 19 engages the upper casing to accommodate the printed circuit board therebetween. The connectors and the burnout detecting circuit section are connected to each other through a wiring pattern of the printed circuit board. One connector is connected to a wire harness, which is connected through switches to a battery. The other connectors are connected to a wire harness extended from the lamps.

Abstract: To sense the level of light in the passenger compartment 7 of an elevator cab 8, light at the proximal end of an optical fiber 4 is monitored by an optical detector 25 feeding a variable voltage divider 18, which allows setting a trip point at a desired level of light within the passenger compartment, thereby providing a signal indicating whether the light is adequate or not to a remote elevator monitoring apparatus 23. The trip point may be selected on installation by adjusting a potentiometer while watching an optical indication 17 of reaching the trip point, or it may be determined by software routines.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for electrically testing the standard light circuit of a trailer. The apparatus includes a battery and a flasher component electrically connected to a positive terminal of the battery. A switch is electrically connected to the flasher component. There is an indicator light associated with a respective trailer light. A positive conductor is interconnected between the switch and the indicator light. A ground conductor is interconnected between a negative terminal of the battery and the indicator light. A harness is releasably attached to the standard connector component of the trailer's light circuit. The harness electrically connects the positive conductor to the positive wire of the light circuit and likewise electrically connects the negative terminal of the battery to the ground wire of the trailer's light circuit. The switch is selectively opened to de-energize the positive conductor and closed to energize the positive conductor.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for turn signal, hazard signal, and brake signal lights of an automotive vehicle has first and second relays each having an energizable coil and contacts which are in a first configuration when the coil is not energized and a second configuration when the coil is energized. A brake signal switch is operable to supply relative high steady electrical current to the first and second relay contacts, the contacts of the first relay when in the first configuration conducting the relative high steady electrical current to left rear light and the contacts of the second relay when in the first configuration conducting the relative high steady electrical current to a right rear light.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and method for monitoring the level of light surrounding an automatic teller machine (ATM). In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system includes a plurality of light sensors disposed in varying locations around the ATM. Preferably, some sensors will be disposed near the ATM, while others will be dispersed at various distances surrounding the ATM, in order to effectively monitor the lighting around the ATM. A circuit is provided within the ATM in communication with the sensors. In addition, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter is disposed within the ATM, and is configured to communicate the status of the sensors to a remotely located receiver. Finally, a receiver is interfaced to a telephone line forming part of a public switched telephone network (PSTN), wherein the receiver is configured to receive the status of the sensors communicated from the RF transmitter and to communicate the status information to a remote system via the PSTN.

Abstract: A lighting system for a towed off-highway vehicle has a left and right hazard warning lamps that flash in unison when the vehicle is not turning. When the vehicle is turning, the hazard warning lamp on the side of the turn flashes, while the other hazard warning lamp is illuminated steadily. Left and right turn indicator lamps are operated by a control circuit that receives signals which operate the hazard warning lamps. The control circuit responds to those signals by rendering the turn indicator lamps inactive when the vehicle is not turning, and operates the left and right turn indicator lamps in the same manner as the left and right hazard warning lamps, respectively, when the vehicle is turning.

Abstract: A display device having driving circuits one for each of its light-emitting elements permits easy inspection of the driving circuits. The display device is formed as a fluorescent display tube that has an array of light-emitting units each consisting of a light-emitting element and its driving circuit. The display device further has a multiple-stage AND circuit consisting of 2-input AND circuits connected sequentially. One input of each stage is connected to the output of one of the driving circuits, another input of the first stage is connected to a power line, and the output of the last stage is connected to an inspection terminal, so that inspection is performed by checking whether a driving voltage appears at the inspection terminal. By activating all the driving circuits, whether they are functioning properly when they are in operation is checked globally; then, by deactivating one of the driving circuits, whether they are functioning properly when they are not in operation is checked individually.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled airfield lighting control and monitoring system having bi-directional communication between the controlling microprocessor and the airfield lights and/or sensors. The system also includes a metal container for the remote control microprocessor and an improved attachment arrangement for the power transistor associated therewith. A DC power supply is connected to the remote controller microprocessor and has an integrated circuit adapted to sense a threshold voltage, which causes the power transistor to short around the associated power source.

Abstract: A system for use in monitoring the operation of motorcycle brake and tail lights is disclosed which, upon determination that a brake or tail light is not operating properly to provide a warning light signal, automatically provides an alternate warning light signal which is highly visible to traffic following the motorcycle. Current sensors are used to determine whether electricity is flowing through the brake light and tail light circuits, or, alternately, whether there is an open circuit condition in one or both circuits which is indicative of a burned-out bulb. If the tail light burns out, control switching elements are used to supply current to the left rear turn signal light, the right rear turn signal light, and the brake light to illuminate them, thereby providing a warning signal at the rear of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled airfield series lighting circuit communications system and method allows bi-directional communication between the controlling microprocessor and the airfield lamps. The bi-directional communications signals are formed by using a modulated radio-frequency signal that is transmitted through a circuit containing many transformers having their primary windings connected in series. Respective secondary windings of the transformers are connected to various devices, such as lamps or sensors. A high frequency signal is imposed on the series-connected primary windings to control the lamps. The frequency of this signal is selected to be able to be detected on the secondary side of the transformer. A remote controller is connected to the secondary of each transformer to receive the control signal and selectively switch power obtained from the transformer secondary to the respective connected device.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device (2) has a first main electrode (S) for coupling to a first supply line (3), a second main electrode (D) coupled to a first terminal (4) for connection via a load (L) to a second voltage supply line (5) and an insulated gate electrode (G) coupled to a control terminal (GT) for supplying a gate control signal to enable conduction of the power semiconductor device (2). An open-circuit detection arrangement is integrated with the power semiconductor device (2) for providing an indication that a load (L) coupled to the power semiconductor device (2) is open-circuited. The detection arrangement has a reference current (Ir) providing arrangement (7, R3, R4, R7, Q1, Q2) and a current deriving arrangement (Q3, Q4) for deriving a current (Id) dependent on the voltage at the second main electrode (D).

Abstract: A flood light lamp removal alarm for security lights mounted on or near a home, wherein the lights are designed to turn on automatically if a motion detector is triggered and the ambient light level is low, detects if any of the flood light lamps are unscrewed or loosened, either prior to a burglary or during the attempt to disable the flood light assembly. A central contact of a lamp socket is modified so that it maintains contact with the lamp therein for a longer distance as the lamp is unscrewed out, so that the alarm is triggered before the light from the lamp is disabled. Alternatively, current detectors verify when a lamp is loosened from a socket by detecting changes in current draw across the socket.

Abstract: An adaptive method of detecting a lamp outage condition is implemented in a vehicle flasher system including a plurality of lamps. The method includes the steps of: a) initializing an adaptive flasher current variable when the vehicle flasher system is powered on; b) monitoring the vehicle flasher system to detect a driver flasher signal request; c) measuring current output from the plurality of lamps in the vehicle flasher system; d) determining whether the level of measured current is indicative of a lamp outage condition by comparing the measured current to the adaptive flasher current variable; e) setting the adaptive flasher current variable equal to the measured current if the measured current falls within a predetermined learning range, thereby compensating for resistance changes in the flasher system over time to allow lamp outage detection; and f) returning to step b).

Abstract: A combination smoke, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon detector including a smoke detection mechanism adapted to transmit a smoke signal upon the detection of smoke, a carbon monoxide detection mechanism adapted to transmit a carbon monoxide signal upon the detection of carbon monoxide, and a hydrocarbon detection mechanism adapted to transmit a hydrocarbon signal upon the detection of hydrocarbon. Next provided is an audio alarm mechanism situated within the housing and connected to the each detection mechanism. The audio alarm mechanism is adapted to emit a high intensity audio alarm upon the receipt of a signal, whereby the type of audio alarm is unique to the signal received. Further provided is control circuitry having a first mode of operation when only one signal is received from the detection mechanism whereby the control circuitry continuously transmits the one signal to the audio alarm means upon the receipt thereof.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for sensing selected conditions particularly for an unoccupied commercial business and taking the appropriate action. Corrective action may include shutting down a system, sending a signal to an occupied location for evaluation of the selected abnormal condition, making a record of the abnormal condition for rectification at a later time. The system includes one or more light level sensors directed to observe the light level at a selected location, a CPU or controller which stores data representing acceptable light levels and a schedule. If the light level at the selected area does not reach or maintain the desired light level, corrective action is taken. If the commercial establishment is a bank and the light level is at an ATM (automatic teller machine) the system may temporarily shut the ATM machine down and illuminate a sign to indicate that the ATM is not open.

Abstract: A surge protection system having a plurality of surge protection devices for the protection of a power line. Each of the surge protection devices may be in either a ready state in which the surge protection device provides surge protection or an inoperable state in which the surge protection device does not provide surge protection. The surge protection devices provide a level of surge protection which is based upon how many of the surge protection devices are in the ready state and how many of the surge protection devices are in the inoperable state. The surge protection system includes means associated with the surge protection devices for generating a signal indicative of the level of surge protection, and means coupled to the generating means for displaying a visual indication of the level of surge protection. The surge protection system may also be provided with means for sensing a voltage on the power line and means for generating a visual display indicative of the voltage.

Abstract: A lamp disconnection detecting device includes a magnetic core with a gap; a plurality of detecting coils the number of turns of which are different from one another and are proportional to 2.sup.n (where n=0, or positive integers), and a magnetic response section provided in the gap of the magnetic core.

Abstract: An apparatus for warning a user that a radiation source is likely to fail in the near future comprises a radiation source, having a radiance; a detector, responsive to the radiance; a memory, having a radiance measurement unit for collecting radiance data and a failure prediction unit for determining that the radiation source end of life is near; and a processing unit, coupled to the detector and the memory. A method for warning a user that a radiation source is likely to fail in the near future comprises the steps of collecting radiance data from the radiation source; determining if the radiation source's end of life is near; and warning a user if the radiation source's end of life is near.

Abstract: An improved electric bulb short detection apparatus for a traffic signal controller capable of preventing an erroneous detection of an electric bulb short which is caused due to a voltage variation and the like, which includes an electric power control unit for driving a traffic signal light in response to an alternating current voltage supplied thereto; a voltage comparison circuit for comparing the the outputted voltage from an AC voltage source voltage with a reference voltage; a current detection unit for detecting a current of the electric power control unit in response to a comparison output signal from the voltage comparison circuit and for digitally-converting the current; and a central processing unit for judging whether an electric bulb is short by comparing a detection current value outputted from the current detection unit at every control step with a reference value and for controlling an electric power control circuit.

Abstract: The duty ratio range of a duty signal DCN transmitted from a high-voltage load controller 12 to a field current controller 103 is divided into several subranges, which are assigned to zones, such as a normal voltage control zone, high-voltage control zone, and power generation stop and failure signal zone. The duty signal of a duty ratio in each zone is transmitted to the field current controller 103 for controlling the power generation mode of a generator 2. When a failure in a high-voltage circuit 16 is detected, the duty signal of a duty ratio in the power generation stop and failure signal zone causes power generation of the generator to stop and a pilot lamp 10 to go on for warning. The pilot lamp 10 is also used to warn the operator to a power generation error of the generator 2.

Abstract: An automatic control system for a series circuit, in particular for airport signaling lights, physically separated from the work circuit feeding the lights and galvanically separated from the latter, includes a computer; several Main Stations each containing several Main Modules, each controlling several Remote Modules which check and act on a single airport light, each of said Main and Remote Modules having firmware boards; a full duplex transmission network linking the computer with the Main Stations; each Remote Module has externally two pairs of electric terminals of which one pair is connected to the secondary of an insulating transformer making part of the work circuit and the other pair is connected to a light or a group of lights being controlled, the two pairs of electric terminals being connected to each other by electrical leads, wherein connected in series to one of the electrical leads is a coil which is magnetically coupled to a Hall sensor of the Remote Module; and further including an electron

Abstract: The present invention includes an airfield lighting and control system for energizing at least one airfield control device and containing a ground fault detection system, comprising: (1) at least one airfield control device; (2) an AC electrical circuit conducting an AC signal and connected to said at least one airfield control device; (3) an inductive device, in electrical contact with said AC electrical circuit, which comprises (a) an inductive coil having an input pole and an output pole, and being loaded by a capacitor; (b) a driver winding for the inductive coil, the driver winding adapted to sense AC current flow through the inductor coil; (c) a sampling resistor connected to the driver winding and adapted to detect AC current in the form of a voltage across the sampling resistor; (d) signal processing circuitry comprising: (1) an inverting amplifier adapted to amplify the voltage; and (2) a phase shifter adapted to shift the phase of the voltage; and (e) a power amplifier connected to the signal proces

Abstract: A device for finding an inoperative bulb in a series string of lights, such as a string of Christmas tree lights having a plug, a pair of electrically conductive leads connected to the plug and having their ends terminating within a casing of the device, a polarity switch having first and second terminals each connected to a lead of the pair of leads connected to the plug, a probe for insertion into and contact with the wire of the socket of the light string, and an indicator circuit for determining whether an electric current is passing through the series string thus indicating the presence or lack of an inoperative bulb. The indicator circuit is located between the polarity switch and the probe and a protective sheath is provided to prevent any part of the probe from being exposed to avoid a user from being shocked, the protective sheath being continuously biased to cover the probe.

Abstract: The invention provides a layered modulation data communication systems characterized by numerous, asynchronous data transmitters operating on a power line. Data is modulated onto relatively low frequency subcarriers. Subcarriers are used to modulate carriers centered on a common frequency. The subcarriers are frequency division multiplexed. Data is recovered by demodulating the subcarriers from the carriers and subsequently demodulating the data from the subcarriers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying electric lamps likely to fail due to a violated internal atmosphere monitor voltage through a resistor in order to ascertain a increasing internal resistance of the lamp. The apparatus of the present invention preferably includes a power supply and a resistor in series with the electric lamp. The apparatus further includes a data acquisition system for comparing a voltage drop across the resistor at a predetermined time with a predetermined minimum value. The method of the present invention utilizes the circuit of the apparatus and includes the steps of establishing a predetermined minimum value of voltage drop across the resistor for acceptable lamps, placing a test lamp in series with the battery and resistor, and supplying voltage to the test lamp for a test interval of time.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic circuit for an emergency lamphead is disclosed that is effective during standby operation of the lamphead to indicate whether the lamphead is capable of operating in an emergency mode. The self-diagnostic circuit includes a high-impedance circuit path connected in series with the lamphead and including an indicator, such as an LED, which is energized by a battery current passing through the circuit path and lamphead during the standby mode operation. The battery current is insufficient to illuminate the lamphead, but is sufficient to energize the LED whenever proper electrical continuity exists through the lamphead. A second high-impedance circuit path may be connected in parallel with the lamphead, in order to energize a second LED when proper continuity does not through the lamphead.

Abstract: A dual filament fluorescent lamp where the individual filaments are disposed along diameter lines of a fluorescent tube and are disposed on differing planes at differing heights within the tube with a predetermined separation between the tube filaments and the filaments being disposed in a perpendicular fashion when viewed from above. The primary filament is disposed above the secondary filament and it has a larger diameter that the secondary filament.

Abstract: A lamp-diagnosing system comprising electronic current-indicating apparatus and a dashboard display scheme, for vehicles: The system provides a dashboard display which shows the actions of external signaling lamps and hence their status (monitoring mode). Another embodiment provides indication only when a lamp fails (alarm mode). The invention offers improved operator awareness of vehicular signaling, serviceability, improved safety, low cost, and ease of incorporation into existing circuitry.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled airfield lighting control and monitoring system having bi-directional communication between the controlling microprocessor and the airfield lights and/or sensors. The system also includes a metal container for the remote control microprocessor and an improved attachment arrangement for the power transistor associated therewith. A DC power supply is connected to the remote controller microprocessor and has an integrated circuit adapted to sense a threshold voltage, which causes the power transistor to short around the associated power source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an LED traffic signal light containing numerous LEDs and a voltage compensation circuit which allows the traffic light to operate over a wide range of input power voltages, while generating sufficient light intensity to control traffic at a highway intersection. The voltage compensation circuit achieves these objectives without substantially increasing the power consumption, overall cost, or failure rate of the LED traffic signal light. In the preferred embodiment, the voltage compensation circuit disables or rearranges a first and then a second set of LEDs in the traffic light, as the input power voltage drops below a first and then a second threshold voltage, so that the remaining LEDs will be driven by an increased current and generate a greater overall light intensity than if all of the LEDs were driven by the decreased current that would result from the decreased input power voltage.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting device comprises a failure diagnostic circuit for diagnosing failure of a discharge lamp and a lighting circuit. The failure diagnostic circuit diagnoses failure of the discharge lamp and an external wiring from the lighting circuit to the discharge lamp, and diagnoses the lighting circuit if failure of the discharge lamp and the external wiring fails to be found.

Abstract: In an arrangement for supervising and controlling field light units (20) at an airport, a regulator provided with a monitoring unit for power supply and for monitoring the light units is arranged individually for each light unit (18,20) to regulate the light intensity of the light units and to receive information as to their operational status. In a preferred embodiment, each light unit comprises two separate light sources that can be alternately and separately connected into circuit in case of failure to either of the light sources. Each light unit is provided with an electronic unit including a regulator, monitoring unit, and modem for power supply to the light unit and for monitoring the operation of the light unit. Each light unit is individually addressable from a control central for the airport. A ground traffic control system can be integrated into the field lighting system by connecting suitable presence detectors to the system.

Abstract: A trailer lamp testing and lamp storage apparatus is provided for connecting to an electrical connector of a trailer, wherein the electrical connector of the trailer has a predetermined number of contacts for a predetermined number of lamp circuits in the trailer. The lamp testing and storage apparatus includes a housing assembly which includes a bottom housing portion, a hinge assembly connected to the bottom housing portion, and a lid assembly connected to the hinge assembly. A storage assembly, supported by the housing assembly, is provided for storing a number of replacement lamps for replacing burned out lamps in the trailer. The lamp testing and storage apparatus also includes a predetermined number of battery-powered testing circuits and a connector assembly for receiving respective ends of the predetermined number of testing circuits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the presence of a burned out lamp of a traffic signal is disclosed. The current applied to one or more banks of traffic signals and the voltage applied across such traffic signal banks are measured simultaneously. An electrical characteristic, such as impedance, of such traffic signal banks, is measured for each pattern of switch settings which control lamp illumination for signalling as they occur. Such characteristic is stored for each of the unique patterns which are repeated over and over again to control traffic. Such previously stored characteristic provides a baseline characteristic for each successive pattern of illumination of the lamps. With each pattern change, such characteristic is measured and compared with the previous baseline characteristic for the pattern to determine if a lamp has burned out.

Abstract: A directional and warning blink apparatus for a vehicle, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprises a directional warning blink sender (1) including a relay (12) with a driving circuit (5) therefor, a timing generator (4) and a control and logic circuit (3) for controlling timing operation of the timing generator. The control and logic circuit detects, via several input terminals, a chosen operational mode (warning blinking or directional blinking) as well as a blink signal lamp current and executes several control functions dependent upon these two items of information. An interior wiring of this directional warning blink sender can easily be adapted to various exterior wirings, in particular to varying numbers of blink signal lamps (26, 27).

Abstract: A runway lighting system comprises a series runway transmission line providing current to a plurality of runway lamps. A failed lamp indicator (FLI) connects across the terminals of each lamp to determine when the lamp is malfunctioning. When the FLI determines that a lamp is malfunctioning, the FLI transmits a malfunction signal, during a specific time period defined in lamp address circuitry in each FLI, onto the existing series runway transmission line. A circuit status analyzer (CSA), which forms part of the vault computer, receives the malfunction signal, noting the time period during which the signal was received. The CSA then accesses an internal ROM look-up table to determine which FLI sent the signal.

Abstract: A circuit is described for monitoring of loads having measuring resistors in the load circuit. The circuit evaluates the measuring voltage drops obtained at the measuring resistors. The circuit comprises at least one comparator stage made up of a reference current section and a comparator section. A temperature-dependent reference current is formed in the reference current section and supplied to the comparator section, with the temperature-dependent reference current comprising a voltage-independent component and a voltage-dependent component. The comparator section comprises one or more input branches, corresponding comparator branches, and a reference branch. The comparator branch compares the reference current flowing in the reference branch with the input currents flowing in the input branches and representing a measure for the measuring voltage drops obtained at the measuring resistors and applied to the inputs of the comparator stages.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining which bulb or bulbs in a string of miniature incandescent light bulbs is burned out. The apparatus includes a socket adaptor with wire contacts at the base thereof for making conductive contact with both circuit contacts in the base of a selected bulb socket in the light circuit. Light emitting diodes are located within the adaptor body between each wire contact and a junction connected to one contact of a battery. The other contact of the battery is connected to both contacts of a female receptacle body. The male plug of the light circuit is inserted into the female receptacle of the socket adaptor, thus placing both ends of the string of bulbs in connective communication with one contact of the battery. The diodes are located in the socket adaptor body so that when either diode lights up, the direction in the light circuit of the inoperative bulb is indicated.

Abstract: Visual indication of an operational condition on a printed circuit board by utilizing a pair of LEDs for each operational indication and by utilizing each LED of a pair to verify that the other LED can emit light greater than a predefined level. In addition, if an error condition is determined to exist in a pair of LEDs, a central processor is notified of this fact to allow the error condition to be remedied. Further, if a failure is detected in the pair, both LEDs are utilized to indicate an operational condition on the printed circuit board. This increases the probability that the LED pair will be able to indicate the operational condition.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting the non-operating condition of a load which is connected in series with an electronic switch wherein a comparator has a first input which is connected to the junction point between the load and the electronic switch and has a second input which is a reference voltage such that when the load fails the comparator produces an output to indicate such condition and wherein the reference voltage is lower than the normal voltage when the load is operating properly and is higher than when the load is in the inoperative condition.

Abstract: A lamp monitor provides a sense resistor for each lamp circuit as a special sense terminal member with a series resistance and sense terminals connected to a circuit board in a lamp monitor module. A multiplexing arrangement allows selection of the circuit to be monitored. The monitor samples the voltage across the series resistance by first connecting a capacitor across the sense terminals to be charged to the voltage and then disconnecting the capacitor from the sense terminals and connecting it across the input of an amplifier. The voltage across the lamps is sensed to provide a ratiometric reference for the digitizing of the amplifier output in an analog to digital converter; and a digital computer corrects the input digital signal with a stored non-linear normalization factor relating current to voltage in the lamps.

Abstract: The condition of signal lamps (R1, R2) in a traffic light system is monitored by compiling a table of power consumption levels at different levels of applied voltage. The table is then used to adjust measured levels of power consumption at intervals during the service life of the traffic light system. A fault condition is signalled if the adjusted values differ by more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is utilized to control a switch so the flash rate and duty cycle of a flasher system is accurately regulated. The tighter control allows two flash rate and duty cycle combinations whereby a driver perceives a significant difference between the two settings, normal operation and lamp out operation. Such a feature allows one flasher to meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards when used as a combination flasher for a 3-lamp turn signal and a 6-lamp hazard warning lighting system in vehicles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gaming device comprising a display panel (1) with several areas (2) to be lit up by means of sources of light, as bulbs, to give the player substantial information on the course of the game and a control unit for the control of the sources of light of the display panel (1). In order to eliminate the unreliability of the sources of light, each source of light is provided by means producing a signal indicating its working condition and the control unit is connected to receive these signals and arranged in case of a signal indicating defective operation either to turn off the gaming device or to control the operation of the gaming device in such a way that the display panel (1) area (2) containing the source of light with defective operation is not used, but the information is given to the player by means of another replacing area (2) of the display panel (1).