With Rheostat Or Switch Patents (Class 362/295)
  • Patent number: 4535391
    Abstract: A portable emergency light comprising two lamps at slopes on two lateral sides with the slope design to lower their height and space requirement, connection means consisting of slipper and slotted block between each lamp and light body, so that the lamps is detachable for moving to any other area for lighting purpose; controllers for lighting, extinguishing or flickering each respective lamps for lighting or warning purpose to add function of the emergency light and a plug on its holder to connect rectified and voltage reduced power source to the emergency light while it is positioned on the holder and the emergency light is disconnected from the said power source by applies its own built-in battery after it is detached from the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Inventor: Meng-Chang Hsiao
  • Patent number: 4535397
    Abstract: A spotlight assembly conformed for electrical excitation through the cigarette lighter of an automobile comprises a hollow housing formed by mating a front and a rear housing halves, each half including an upper portion for receiving a bulb and a lower portion forming a handle. The bulb, preferably of the sealed beam type, is retained against outward progression by an inwardly directed lip in the upper front portion and is pressed against this lip by an annular ring in the rear upper portion, the ring being guided by axially aligned posts for compression against the bulb by helical springs on each post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: Mr. Gasket Company
    Inventor: Richard L. May
  • Patent number: 4535392
    Abstract: The specification describes a safety flasher for use by pedestrians, bicyclists and the like for producing a flashing signal, the flasher comprising a casing, a battery in the casing, a lamp secured to and extending exteriorly from the casing and circuit means in the casing connecting the battery and lamp for selectively actuating the lamp, the circuit means including acceleration responsive switch means for causing the lamp to flash ON and OFF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Inventor: William J. I. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 4531178
    Abstract: A diver's flashlight having a unitary case with a closed end and with a battery pack in said case seated against a spring. A connector strip is positioned in the case and provides spaced-apart contactor portions at opposite ends of the case. A removable barrel is in watertight threaded engagement with the case and is positioned over a reflector block with a halogen lamp mounted in a reflector in the reflector block. Threading the barrel onto the case overcomes the spring pressure and completes the circuit between the bulb and the battery pack through the connector strip to switch the flashlight on and off. A battery charging unit incorporates a removable charging head which replaces the reflector block and barrel for in-place charging of the battery pack of the flashlight. In a second embodiment the lamp is adjustably mounted in the reflector block permitting selective positioning of the lamp with respect to the reflector to focus the flashlight beam in conjunction with the switch operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Inventor: Alan K. Uke
  • Patent number: 4530041
    Abstract: A signal lamp having in its housing with an opening, a bulb, an optical elements installed in the housing for converting the light of the bulb into parallel rays of light, a colored lens being colored differently in plurality of regularly disposed patterns, a slit plate installed slidably and provided with portions pervious to light corresponding to said pattern in shape and a solenoid, by which the slit plate is shifted and the radiated light is converted in its color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Yamai, Hideo Hamamoto, Masami Nishibe
  • Patent number: 4528621
    Abstract: A flashlight is disclosed with a housing having a flexible sidewall which is deformed onto a resiliently folded membrane switch to energize and light the flashlight. The flashlight may have a bulb cap at the end of the housing carrying the light bulb with phosphorescent material being molded into the bulb cap and activated by the use of the flashlight to produce a phosphorescent afterglow at the bulb cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Inventor: Robert Hoyt
  • Patent number: 4527223
    Abstract: An improved flashlight is disclosed which includes an improved mechanism for selectively varying the light beam intensity and area of illumination, an improved switch means, an improved light bulb and light bulb holder, and an improved manner of retaining dry cell batteries within said flashlight. The mechanism includes a double cam notch in a reflector support and abutting cam follower rotates cooperatively attached to a bulb holder to enable movement of the bulb forwardly and rearwardly relative to the light reflector through rotation of the head of the flashlight. The light bulb is configured to have a double pin electrical connection which plugs into a double socket thereby enabling the bulb and holder to have a smaller diameter encapable of passing through a smaller hole formed within the reflector. The switch is of the rotary type which wipes the contacts clean on rotation to enhance electrical conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Maglica
  • Patent number: 4524409
    Abstract: A compact, easily assembled flashlight is disclosed in which the casing for the flashlight is made of two identically molded plastic halves in which the molded halves are provided with cradles for a pair of batteries, webs for retaining conductive clips and a web adjacent the bottom for holding a spring contact in position beneath the batteries when assembled inside the casing. A light bulb with a pair of external wire leads protrudes through half of a semi-circular opening in each of the halves such that upon assembly of the halves of the casing in overlying position the bulb extends through a circular opening at one end of the casing. The other end of the casing is formed with a flat web having a hole therein. A pair of metallic switch members, which also are integrally formed with spring members for contacting the lower end of the batteries, have contact elements, spaced apart within the casing between the position of the two batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis Yakubek
  • Patent number: 4523258
    Abstract: A flexible safety belt which may be easily worn about the waist of a pedestrian or runner is disclosed. The belt includes an arrangement for fastening the ends together and a plurality of light-emitting diodes disposed along the outer surface of the belt. A pair of oscillators having distinct different frequencies are connected to each of a respective pair of nodes between which all of the diodes are connected. The diodes are connected so that the lower frequency oscillator conditions a set of diodes to be flashed by the output of the higher frequency oscillator when the low frequency oscillator is in one state and the balance of the diodes to be flashed by the high frequency oscillator when the lower frequency oscillator output is in the opposite state. The electronic circuitry is all constructed on a flexible circuit board disposed within the hollow interior of the belt, with the circuitry also preferably including a separately controllable alarm means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Inventors: John H. Morse, Robert Skrynecki
  • Patent number: 4521832
    Abstract: This illuminating device is designed to distribute light in a working area, without the user employing a flashlight, etc. Primarily, it consists of a wrist strap of foam plastic, having a self-contained replaceable battery, which is held in place by velcro fasteners. It further includes a multiple number of spaced bulbs, which provide light for the user to work by while his hand is free to be employed for work, and the strap is adjustable by velcro fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventor: Bruce E. Barbour
  • Patent number: 4521833
    Abstract: The invention concerns a light within whose handle-forming plastic housing (2) a button-cell battery (3) provided with a circumferential and a center surface pole can be brought into the switch-contact position against the force of a compression spring (6), a portion of the center surface pole (MP) of the button-cell battery coming into contact with a portion of a ring-shaped contact blade (9), the compression spring being arranged concentrically to the ring-shaped section (9') which rests on the housing bottom and the circumferential pole (UP) of the button-cell battery being in continuous contact (permanent contact) with a contact spring (16) which extends substantially tangentially to the button-cell battery, and it proposes, in order to obtain a shape which is simple to manufacture, compact and reliable in use, that the compression spring (6) lie free of contact in the opening (10) of the circular ring-shaped section (9') lying on the housing bottom (7) and, in the switch-contact position of the center su
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventor: Heinz Wolter
  • Patent number: 4517627
    Abstract: A spot light which can be made very compactly for use in handbags or like receptacles is provided with a dry cell extending adjacent one edge wall of a housing, and a lamp bulb disposed in an opening in an end wall of the housing adjacent the opposite edge wall. A rear wall of the housing is provided with a pivotal connection for attaching the light to an upper corner of the inside wall of the receptacle, so that the light is readily accessible and can be rotated about its pivot to illuminate substantially the entire contents of the receptacle with a relatively bright concentrated spot of light. The pivotal connection offers frictional or other resistance to rotation, so that once adjusted, the light is retained stably in a selected position while the user retrieves a selected illuminated item from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Inventor: Herbert G. Bradford
  • Patent number: 4517628
    Abstract: This invention, in the preferred embodiment, relates to battery powered hand held lamps, commonly known as flashlights, or when in compact form as pen or pocket lights. More specifically, the invention relates to quasi-blackout applications and uses that require fast visual recovery in darkness and minimum personal exposure of the operator of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Inventor: Kevin McDermott
  • Patent number: 4516194
    Abstract: A pen light comprising a hollow substantially cylindrical housing having a retainer member secured to the rear portion thereof to house a single voltage source in operative engagement with a light source, a first conductor member movable between a first and second position and a second conductor member each disposed within the hollow substantially cylindrical housing to operatively engage the light source and the voltage source respectively and an actuator clip attached to the hollow substantially cylindrical housing movable between a first and second position to selectively engage the first conductor member such that when the actuator clip is in the first position the first conductor member is separated from the second conductor member to form an open circuit and when the actuator clip is in the second position the actuator clip engages the first conductor member to move the first conductor member from the first position to second position whereby the first conductor member engages the second conductor membe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1985
    Assignee: Suncoast Medical Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: David L. Johns
  • Patent number: 4513357
    Abstract: A headlamp unit having a high intensity discharge lamp disposed at about the focus of a parabolic reflector and an incandescent lamp disposed at about the focus of a parabolic reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Assignee: Tokyo Shibaura Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nieda, Kiyokazu Honda
  • Patent number: 4507716
    Abstract: A touch switchable lamp is provided having a base with conductive and non-conductive parts. A conductive coating substantially covers the non-conductive parts of the base and is in electrical contact with at least some of the conductive parts. A switching unit having a touch responsive control terminal is electrically connected with the conductive coating and the conductive parts of the base. A light bulb receptacle is also electrically connected with the switching unit so that whenever a human body is brought into close proximity to the conductive parts or the conductive coating of the base which are electrically connected to the touch responsive control terminal of the switching unit, the switching unit responds by switching the mode of operation of a light bulb between at least a first and second mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1985
    Assignee: Touch-On, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph H. Benedict, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4504892
    Abstract: Improved visual effects which are quite pleasing are obtained by illuminating paintings with a lighting system comprising at least two light sources directed on the art work from in front and above, and in front and to the side, respectively, with at least one of the light sources varied in intensity from a maximum to a minimum, the other light source maintaining at least a minimum amount of illumination when the one light source reaches it minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Inventor: Farida Y. Zulfilar
  • Patent number: 4504890
    Abstract: A compact form of torch which can resemble a lipstick in size and shape so that it can be carried in a handbag comprises a base rotatably supporting a sleeve to move torch between a retracted non-working position and a projecting position. A battery holder is axially movable by engagement of pins projecting from the holder into spiral grooves in the sleeve. A bulb holder is resiliently urged away from the battery holder and constrained to move axially corresponding to the movement of the battery holder except that the bulb holder reaches a stop position just before the battery holder reaches the projecting position so that slight further axial movement of the battery holder causes contact between the lamp carried by the lamp carrier and a battery carried by the battery holder to energize the lamp in the projecting position of the torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Assignee: Lighting Concept Products Limited
    Inventor: Johnny C. Chan
  • Patent number: 4495551
    Abstract: A conductor tube for a battery operated flashlight is disclosed. The conductor tube comprises an inner non-conductive sleeve positioned within an outer conductive sleeve. The flashlight bulb-receiving end of the conductor tube includes a plurality of inwardly disposed lances which extend from the outer conductive sleeve through the inner non-conductive sleeve to electrically engage the base terminal of the light bulb. The lances may extend longitudinally with respect to the conductor tube to securely receive the base of the light bulb of the flashlight. Alternatively, the lances may extend substantially circumventially about the end of the conductor tube to threadably receive the base of the light bulb and establish electrical continuity therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: Halkey-Roberts Corporation
    Inventor: Carl L. Foltz
  • Patent number: 4491899
    Abstract: A vehicle visor having a mirror and cover includes a body member with one of a socket or pivot axle for receiving, in a snap-in fashion, the cover which includes the other of a socket or axle and pivotally moves with respect to the body member between closed and open positions. A tension spring extends from the body member to the cover at a position remote from the pivot axis of the cover to provide an over-center spring for alternately urging the cover toward open or closed positions. In one embodiment of the invention, the cover is employed in connection with an illuminated mirror in which the cover also has a recess for holding an electrical contact which is press-fit into the recess and includes an extending portion which engages a fixed electrical contact for applying power to lamps associated with the illuminated mirror when the cover is moved toward an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis J. Fleming
  • Patent number: 4490777
    Abstract: A multiple light device for the illumination of bicolored translucent self adhesive tape drawings, principally used in electronic circuit drafting, which through the principal of selective absorption highlights the contrast and or color difference between the two tapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Inventors: Stephen E. Tanner, Eugene J. Tanner
  • Patent number: 4486818
    Abstract: Apparatus for opening and closing a retractable head lamp which includes a hand operated switch for effecting lighting and unlighting of the head lamp and initiating opening and closing movements of the head lamp, motor for driving a retracting mechanism for opening and closing the head lamp and a detector for detecting a desired position (opened and/or closed) of the head lamp and for selectively stopping energization of the motor when the head lamp reaches a desired position. A control means is connected between the hand switch and the detecting means and is responsive to operation of the hand switch from a lighting position substantially instantaneously to an unlighting position to prevent energization of the motor, thereby preventing closing of the previously opened head lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenshiro Hashimoto, Kunio Okazaki, Toru Tanabe, Toshio Koguro
  • Patent number: 4486819
    Abstract: A panel includes a mirror surrounded on three sides by a generally U-shaped light source for providing illumination of the mirror for use as a vanity mirror under low ambient light conditions. The panel, in one embodiment of the invention is an integral portion of a body of a visor or a panel which is slidably extended from a visor. The U-shaped light and mirror panel can be pivoted when in an extended position such that the light and mirror can be utilized while the visor is in a raised, stored position or in a lowered use position. The panel is, in one embodiment, coupled to an X-shaped bracket with the legs forming the bracket pivotally coupled to one another. One end of each leg is pivotally coupled to one of an anchoring member or the visor panel and the opposite end pivotally and slidably mounted to one of the anchoring member or the visor panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignee: Prince Corporation
    Inventors: Konrad H. Marcus, Carl W. Flowerday, Dennis J. Fleming
  • Patent number: 4484253
    Abstract: A pocket flashlight, which may be disposable, is disclosed. The flashlight includes a tube-like body, preferably formed of plastic or other non-conductive material, which is adapted to receive at least one flashlight battery and a flashlight bulb. The flashlight includes a conventional pushbutton mechanism which selectively activates the flashlight bulb. A spring member, located within the flashlight body, is provided for completing an electrical circuit when the pushbutton mechanism is depressed. The spring member, formed of metal or other conductive material, includes a helical spring and a relatively narrow spring leg, the latter fitting within a channel formed in the flashlight body, in order to complete the electrical circuit when the pushbutton mechanism is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Inventor: Irving J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4482940
    Abstract: An interior lighting system for vehicles that has a switch with at least three "on" stages. A shaft of the switch has three cams that activate spring contacts each of which can be tensioned against a fixed contact. The cams are mounted one above the other and at a mutual angle of 45.degree.. At least one cam activates two spring contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: Wastfalische Metall Industrie KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventor: Rolf Brandherm
  • Patent number: 4482939
    Abstract: An apparatus containing a headlight gimballed for rotation within the enclosure of the apparatus. The headlight is capable of exposure through an opening in the enclosure, and is capable of directional adjustment in accordance with signals produced at a remote location. A cover is provided for selectively enclosing the opening which exposes the headlight, and is capable of selectively enclosing or exposing the opening in accordance with signals produced at a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Inventor: Andrew Tishman
  • Patent number: 4480295
    Abstract: A work surface light apparatus includes a plastic housing (12) having a central longitudinal opening (34). At one end of the opening (34) is an end plate (30); at the other end, longitudinally aligned, is a cap (14). A soft flexible and expandable grommet (36) is secured in each opening (34). Within the housing (12) surrounding the central longitudinal opening (34) is a battery (22), a lamp (24), wires (32) for interconnecting the lamp (24) with the battery (22), an electrical switch (18) electrically interconnected with the wires (32) to control the lamp (24), and third plate (26) that secures the lamp (24) in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Inventor: Frank J. Shuster
  • Patent number: 4480292
    Abstract: A pair of lights are carried in a housing. One of the lights is in a constant "on" position, while the other is intermittently turned "on" and "off" through a switch means. The switch means is open and closed through a contact arm that is carried on a pivotally mounted cover for the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Maurice E. Schuder
  • Patent number: 4480294
    Abstract: A lamp can be thrown alight from a distance by the person using it. The lamp comprises a polyhedral casing, made of shockproof material, inside which is housed a source of light that emits pluridirectional beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Inventor: Alberto Carboni
  • Patent number: 4479170
    Abstract: This invention is a wall-mounted electric switch, having a toggle switch unit, with a button that is pivotable to three positions, and the button including an illuminating lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Inventor: Bobby J. Richardson
  • Patent number: 4473871
    Abstract: A lighting arrangement is proposed which serves, in particular, to illuminate the interior of a motor vehicle. A lighting arrangement which serves, in particular, to illuminate the interior of a motor vehicle. The arrangement comprises a device in the form of a dimmer which includes a power transistor for establishing the connection between the interior lighting connected to the positive pole of a battery and ground when the door light switch is open. A control transistor which is set via a resistor arrangement activates the power transistor. The control transistor is influenced by a charging electrolyte capacitor so that the power transistor becomes highly resistant. Charging of the electrolyte capacitor therefore causes the interior lighting to be slowly extinguished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1984
    Inventor: Franz Fuchshuber
  • Patent number: 4467402
    Abstract: A door lock illuminating system disposed in a handle of a door, and, in particular, a door of a motor vehicle. The illuminating system being switchable by circuit elements connected to the handle, the handle is constructed as a unilaterally pivotable pull handle and a light emitting arrangement is disposed in such a fashion so as to be exposed only when the pull handle is pulled to an operative position. Electrical contacts are disposed in such a manner that with the pull handle being pulled to the operative position the electrical circuit of the illuminating system is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Karlheinz Bauer, Andreas Langenbeck, Peter Pfeiffer, Johann Tomforde
  • Patent number: 4467403
    Abstract: A portable light assembly conformed for excitation from the cigarette lighter outlet of an automobile comprises two light housings each universally pivoted from a central handle assembly. The central assembly includes opposed pivot fittings from which two laterally disposed swivel blocks are pivoted, each swivel block in turn pivotally supporting a corresponding light. In this form the alignment of each light may be individually selected to produce any desired beam pattern, the same pivotal freedom providing for a collapsed alignment where the lens portions of each light are protected from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: Allen Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. May
  • Patent number: 4462066
    Abstract: An electrical lighting circuit for doll houses or other miniature installations includes, for actual connection in operating relation to a power source, a miniaturized master breaker switch, and a miniaturized master panel, together with a distribution circuit. In addition, for aesthetic appeal, a miniature power line input, including a weather head and a miniature current meter box, is simulated. Each of the separate outputs in the distribution circuit from the master panel leads to an individual doll house room or circuit group. One unique circuit group comprises a series circuit of subminiature bulbs mounted in shrink tubes to simulate candles, which are constructed to serve as miniature christmas tree lights, miniature chandeliers, or in like installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1984
    Inventors: Holly S. Gibson, Daniel J. Gibson
  • Patent number: 4459645
    Abstract: An illuminating earring includes a light-emitting diode (LED) mounted on a base. A battery-containing case is electrically and mechanically connected to the base through a hollow shaft and conductor coaxial arrangement dimensioned to pass through a hole in a pierced ear so that current flow between the LED and the batteries takes place only through the hole in the ear when the earring is worn and operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Inventor: Howard Glatter
  • Patent number: 4458298
    Abstract: A miniaturized multilamp photoflash includes a reflector member disposed within a plastic cover and having a plurality of cavities each containing a flashlamp and a pair of spaced leg members formed for engagement within a camera. A planar support platform is affixed to the reflector member and has a printed circuit on a surface adjacent the reflector member and a tab portion wider than the spaced leg members whereby insertion of the tab portion into a receiving socket is controlled by the width of the tab portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventor: Donald W. Hartman
  • Patent number: 4456946
    Abstract: In a subminiature multilamp photoflash array having a plastic reflector member formed to provide a plurality of cavities each having a flashlamp therein and a flexible back portion, the electrical leads of the flashlamp pass through the reflector member and are positioned intermediate the flexible portion thereof and a printed circuit on a circuit board affixed to the reflector member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventor: Boyd G. Brower
  • Patent number: 4453202
    Abstract: A vandal resistant security light fixture having a housing and a light which is serviceable and removable from outside the room in which it is installed. The housing has at least one surface which faces into the room and is open at the back to permit servicing or replacement of the light assembly without having to enter the room. The fixture is vandal resistant and is particularly useful in prison cells and may be provided with one or more vandal resistant switches and vandal resistant electrical receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1984
    Assignee: Acorn Engineering Company
    Inventors: Earl L. Morris, Ron T. Hahn, Theodore J. Sally
  • Patent number: 4450512
    Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a thermal protective device including a case in which there is mounted a temperature sensitive element, in a lighting fixture adapted for recessed mounting in a ceiling support surface, includes a receptacle dimensioned for receipt of the thermal protective device. The receptacle is mounted on the interior surface of the side wall of the recess mounted housing of the lighting fixture. The housing side wall defines an aperture predeterminedly located therein with which the temperature sensitive element is aligned for sensing the temperature of the area adjacent the exterior surface of the housing side wall. The receptacle includes fingers for biasing the thermal protective device into engagement with the interior surface of the housing side wall. The receptacle is constructed of reflective material to reflect heat emanating from the lamp of the lighting fixture away from the thermal protective device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Paul J. Kristofek
  • Patent number: 4449167
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is an auxiliary safety rear light assembly for vehicles which can be adhesively mounted at any position on the rear window of a car or truck.Another object of the present invention is an auxiliary safety rear light assembly which can be adjusted along a horizontal axis so as to be mountable parallel to the road regardless of the angle which the vehicle rear window makes to the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Inventor: Robert Cohen
  • Patent number: 4446509
    Abstract: A portable hand held battery operated flashlight having mounted thereon, a magnetic compass which receives illumination from the flashlight or which may have its own illuminating means. The compass is mounted such that compass readings may be taken by the holder of the flashlight whenever the flashlight is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1984
    Inventor: Charles E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4443836
    Abstract: The invention discloses an auxiliary head lamp device for a car equipped with a cover which is optionally fitted to a car and is lit during driving in fog or the like. The cover of this device can be opened when a solenoid of a cover driving mechanism is energized by operating a switch disposed inside the room of the car. The solenoid releases engagement of a stopper that restricts the cover urged in the opening direction. The switch may be used also as a switch for a light source bulb. After the solenoid is energized and the opening operation of the cover starts, a current to the solenoid is automatically cut off so that over-heat or burn-out of the solenoid that would occur if the current is continuously applied thereto can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuo Horiuchi, Kazushige Kiyota
  • Patent number: 4443831
    Abstract: A portable auxiliary light having a case, a battery positioned within the case, and a light house on the end of the case. The light also has bellows interattaching the case and the light house and a related circuitry positioned in the case. The method for lighting includes locating the light behind a rear view mirror such that a recess in the case straddles the support post of the rear view mirror, and securing the light to the mirror. A switch on the case is activated to furnish lighting to the inside of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Inventors: Timothy D. Godfrey, Rodger L. Smith
  • Patent number: 4441144
    Abstract: This invention discloses an auxiliary head lamp device for a car equipped with a cover, which head lamp is optionally fitted to a car, is lit when driving in fog and is equipped with a cover that can be opened by remote switching operation. The cover of this head lamp device is opened when a solenoid of a cover driving mechanism is energized by operating a switch disposed inside the room of the car. The solenoid may have a function of releasing the cover from a stopper which restricts the cover from moving in its opening direction. The switch may be used also as a switch for the bulb of the auxiliary head lamp. An electric circuit including two thermostat switches for preventing over-heat of the solenoid is preferably employed. The solenoid may be in deenergized state while keeping the bulb lit. A device equipped with a rotary solenoid for directly opening and closing the cover is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuo Horiuchi, Kazushige Kiyota
  • Patent number: 4434454
    Abstract: An active lighting system including one or more light stands each supporting a plurality of individually adjustable colored light sources, and a keyboard unit having a plurality of switches and light intensity controlling elements which are touch operated so as to enable the intensity of the various lights in the system to be selectively varied to create a rhythm-to-color display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Inventor: J. Michael Day
  • Patent number: 4428034
    Abstract: A lamp comprises a battery housing (60), a lens body (70) rotatably connected to the housing (60) and a bulb holder unit (10) which is rotatably fast with the lens body (70) in the assembled lamp. The bulb holder unit (10) is produced as a plastics moulding and is provided with terminals (38,58) which are so arranged with respect to the battery terminals (62, 64) that the lamp can be switched on and off by rotation of the lens body (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: Tildawn Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Seller
  • Patent number: 4428033
    Abstract: This invention provides a flashlight of conventional use that has a socket at its rear end. A plug and flexible conductor assembly is inserted into this socket and carries the battery power from the conventional flashlight to an auxiliary light. This auxiliary light consists of a bulb carried in a housing having a lens, reflector, bulb socket and connecting means for the flexible conductor assembly. This auxiliary housing is pivotally mounted on a bracket attached to a permanent magnet. When magnetic attachment of this auxiliary light is not possible an auxiliary member containing a metal plate and a suction cup is provided. A hook is also disclosed when and where rungs, such as on a ladder, are available. A test probe assembly is shown in two embodiments. In the first embodiment a plug is inserted in the flashlight socket and continuity is indicated by the lighting of the bulb in the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Inventor: Scott T. McBride
  • Patent number: 4425600
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in the cockpit of an aircraft which provides sufficient illumination to read the cockpit display indicators, controls and charts but does not destroy the pilot's night vision. A casing, which is normally worn on the wrist of the pilot, contains a microencapsulated electroluminescent phosphorus lamp which provides illumination that will not affect the pilot's night vision. The lamp is powered by an inverter which is connected through a switch to a power supply, all of which are also contained within the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Inventor: Richard L. Barnhart
  • Patent number: 4413312
    Abstract: A high intensity lamp system for fireman's use and similar users provides a specially shaped base with an angle-adjustment of a reflector-equipped high intensity lamp extending from a junction box on the base; the base special shape includes at one end a "J"-section channel hook for hanging the system on a door or the like free of twisting; an arcuate cutout centrally in the edge of "J"-section channel hook provides for hanging the system on a nail or the like; at the opposite end of the base a planar projection of the base beyond the junction box provides for mounting the system by clamping or by slipping into a slot. The junction box receives a twist-lock type electrical supply plug in a socket for power input and provides two output sockets, eliminating need for extra extension cords. Special provisions permit adjusting the angle of the lamp head without danger of burning the hands of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1983
    Inventors: Charles E. Morkosky, Sr., Charles E. Morkosky, II
  • Patent number: 4404619
    Abstract: An illuminator or light box having the ability to provide varying degrees of light intensity or illumination to the screen. At least two sets of bulbs are mounted within the light box. Each set is identical to the other set and is comprised of different light bulbs. There are control switches to energize the same light bulb of each set. Different colored light bulbs can comprise the sets thereby allowing the user to selectively energize the lamps available to supply various colors to illuminate the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1983
    Inventor: Bruce A. Ferguson