With Rheostat Or Switch Patents (Class 362/295)
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Patent number: 4394716Abstract: An underwater light assembly for internal illumination of swimming pools and the like which operates on batteries and does not require any externally-provided current. A partitioned compartment is detachably engaged within and against a transparent dome. The compartment houses weights to keep the assembly submerged in a pool of water. The compartment also houses the batteries and a power assembly for providing current to a lamp socket. The lamp socket is suspended within the compartment. A detachable seal is provided to seal the compartment within and against the transparent dome. A metal contact plate is provided on the detachable seal such that, when the seal is inserted and seals the compartment within and against the transparent dome, an electrical connection is completed and the power assembly supplies current to the lamp socket.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1981Date of Patent: July 19, 1983Assignee: Aqualume, IncorporatedInventors: Thomas G. Campagna, Alfred A. D'Andrea, Sr., Frank Campagna
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Patent number: 4384317Abstract: A solar powered lighting system including a light emitting unit electrically connected to a rechargeable power storage unit, a solar powered recharger connected to that power storage unit, means to prevent discharge of that power storage unit through the solar powered recharger, means to prevent overcharging of the power storage unit, means to prevent discharging the power storage unit below a predetermined level and means to automatically connect the disconnect the light emitting unit from the power storage unit wherein the voltage output of the solar powered recharger and the power storage unit is matched to the voltage required by the light emitting unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1979Date of Patent: May 17, 1983Assignee: John R. HartInventor: Edward J. Stackpole
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Patent number: 4383288Abstract: A light collector includes a light sampler for gathering light and a light receiver for receiving the light gathered by the sampler and for transmitting it to a system such as a light illumination control system. The output of the light collector varies with the intensity of the light gathered by the light sampler and can be increased or decreased for a given gathered light intensity by adjusting the distance between the light sampler and light receiver. Accordingly, if the light collector is used to provide to a light illumination control system the actual light intensity of the area in which light illumination is controlled, the light intensity maintained by the control system can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the output of the collector. Also, the present invention includes a light gathering device for a light collector. The light gathering device includes a lens having angled portions for gathering light from a broad area.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1980Date of Patent: May 10, 1983Assignee: Conservolite, Inc.Inventors: John E. Hess, II, Robert C. Braumuller
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Patent number: 4365285Abstract: Illuminated vehicular seat belt having an illuminated clip structure attachable to a seat belt near or proximate to the buckle having the purpose to facilitate easy location at night or in unlighted parking garages the end or ends of a seat belt; including a fiber optic cord or pipe extending from a light source to a display portion of said buckle for receiving light from said fiber optic pipe.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1981Date of Patent: December 21, 1982Inventor: Larry G. Brundidge
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Patent number: 4364104Abstract: This invention relates to a novelty or foldable toy light having an appearance similar to that of a switchblade knife. The light includes a housing with an extensible element which rotates from a position within the housing to a position extending away from the housing. A lamp within the extensible element powered by batteries within the housing illuminates the extensible element which is made of light conveying material. The lamp is activated by a rotary switch within the housing so that the extensible element is illuminated in response to outward rotation of the extensible element.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1980Date of Patent: December 14, 1982Assignee: Marvin Glass & AssociatesInventors: Edward T. Holahan, Burton C. Meyer
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Patent number: 4363087Abstract: A mounting post for holding a light emitting diode in an electrical pushbutton switch is formed by a cylindrical base which has a pair of cut-out sections located intermediate the top and bottom surfaces of the base which are diametrically opposed on opposite sides of the base. The cut-out sections divide a pair of elongated, parallel passageways for the leads of a light emitting diode (LED) or other light device into upper and lower segments so that a portion of the leads of the inserted LED are exposed in the cut-out sections. The leads of the LED are then crimped in the cut-out sections so that the lead forced against a rear wall of these sections with the leads being restrained from moving by engagement of the leads with upper and lower walls of the cut-out sections.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1981Date of Patent: December 7, 1982Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Bruce L. Graham, Iran R. Littman
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Patent number: 4357652Abstract: A motor-car headlight with a built-in static relay.The headlight lamp is connected in series with a power phototransistor with which it is optically coupled. Turn on and turn off of the phototransistor is effected by temporarily changing the base voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1980Date of Patent: November 2, 1982Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventors: Jean-Pierre R. Coulmance, Jean-Pierre Ricouard
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Patent number: 4356534Abstract: A connector is connected to an endoscope through a universal cord into which a light guide is inserted. A socket is fixed to a housing to receive the connector. A light is emitted from a lamp and, after being reflected by a reflective mirror, is transmitted into a distal end of the light guide which extends from the socket. The lamp is connected through a dimmer circuit to a power source and a relay switch is provided between the lamp and the dimmer circuit. The relay switch is opened and closed by a solenoid which is connected to a power source through a detector which detects whether the connector is received in the socket.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1980Date of Patent: October 26, 1982Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinichiro Hattori
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Patent number: 4347553Abstract: A reusable light comprising a housing configured to operatively retain a voltage source therein having an extended bulb assembly mounted on one end thereof and a switch pivotally mounted on the opposite end thereof, the extended bulb assembly comprises an enlongated hollow sleeve having a mounting member attached on one end thereof to attach the extended bulb assembly to the housing and a bulb housing having a light source disposed therein attached to the opposite end thereof, a first conductor including a first and second conductor element extending substantially the length of the flexible light coupled to the light source, a second conductor disposed within the hollow sleeve being coupled to another portion of the light source and a removable cap to selectively house the extended bulb assembly, the switch movable to operatively engage the first conductor means to selectively close the circuit and activate the light source.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1981Date of Patent: August 31, 1982Inventor: John R. Saron
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Patent number: 4337508Abstract: An incandescent lamp fixture includes an incandescent lamp screwed into a plastic lamp socket, a metallic heat dissipater in intimate heat transfer contact with the socket and having heat dissipating fins extending out from the socket. A metallic reflector surrounds the lamp and is mounted on the dissipater in heat transfer contact with it. An open-ended cylindrical lamp shade is connected to the heat dissipater and is in spaced, concentric relation to the dissipater, socket and lamp to permit free flow of air heated by the fixture to pass between the outside of the reflector and through the fins of the dissipater on the one side and the interior of the shade on the other. This will keep the temperature of the lamp base below the breakdown temperature of the socket and switch and below the breakdown temperature of the cement between the lamp base and the lamp bulb. A switch assembly includes a switch base mounted to the lamp socket and incoming power wires mounted directly on the switch base.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1980Date of Patent: June 29, 1982Assignee: Moffatt Products, Inc.Inventor: David A. Moffatt
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Patent number: 4336579Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a housing, a lamp bulb carrier slidably mounted in the housing for reciprocating movement along the optical axis of the lamp bulb and an actuator mounted in the housing for annular movement about an axis substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the lamp bulb. The actuator has an eccentric portion engaging the lamp bulb carrier to effect reciprocation of the lamp bulb carrier when the actuator is angularly moved, and a switch carried by the housing is connected to the lamp bulb and connectable to an electrical power supply. The actuator also has a cam which engages and actuates the switch over a predetermined range of annular movement of the actuator to cause the lamp to be illuminated while the lamp is reciprocated along its optical axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1980Date of Patent: June 22, 1982Assignee: Mining Industry Research Organization of CanadaInventor: Ronald D. Lord
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Patent number: 4333129Abstract: A physical and electrical separation of the batteries in a conventional flashlight is achieved by placing a separator plate between the batteries. The separator plate, of a non-conductive material, has a first and second side, each with a conductive coating which is not in electrical communication. A second switch means connects the two sides when placed in the "on" position.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1980Date of Patent: June 1, 1982Inventor: Charles W. Ewing
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Patent number: 4332006Abstract: A portable mechanical light generating device includes an electrical generator located in a portable housing. The generator is activated by way of a rotatable shaft which rotates an armature within a magnetic field in order to produce electricity. A coil spring is adapted to be wound tightly and then slowly unwind. While unwinding, the spring turns a succession of gears in order to rotate the shaft associated with the generator. As a result, the slow unwinding of the spring allows the generation of electricity over sustained periods of time.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1980Date of Patent: May 25, 1982Assignee: Man Bo, Inc.Inventor: Pil Y. Choe
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Patent number: 4328534Abstract: A lamp body is internally provided with an electromagnet and an electric circuit for exciting the electromagnet intermittently at given time intervals. A movable member having a wick type bulb mounted above the electromagnet is supported by means of a relatively weak spring, the movable member being provided with a magnetic piece attracted by the electromagnet. When the electromagnet is intermittently excited by the electric circuit, the movable member provided with the wick type bulb may be attracted and released whereby the wick type bulb moves and appear to flare.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1980Date of Patent: May 4, 1982Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha SofardInventor: Kenichi Abe
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Patent number: 4319311Abstract: A portable lighting system which includes a stand having an adjustable effective length which positions lights carried on a frame at a predetermined vertical position with respect to a supporting surface. The frame is releasably secured to the stand and can readily be set up and dismantled for transport in a compact space. Lights carried by the frame include a new and simple technique for attaching the gelatine filter holders, and may be connected to a foot operated control box which includes switches actuated to energize preselected lights or groups of lights. The energized lights or preselected energized lights can be intensity modulated with a foot operated dimmer while leaving the operator's hands free to play a musical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1979Date of Patent: March 9, 1982Inventor: W. Phillip Mitchell
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Patent number: 4298915Abstract: A child's night light in the form of a holdable doll figure having a movable portion such as an arm which may be raised and lowered. The arm may hold an object such as a representation of a lantern or candle that holds a light bulb which automatically goes on when the arm is raised and goes off when the arm is lowered. The light bulb may be provided with a suitable light-diffusing cover, and it may be so positioned, when raised, to fully illuminate the three-dimensional contoured face of the doll without undesirable dark, scary shadow effects as would frighten the child. The doll may have a soft holdable body with at least the movable arm being a rigid molded part pivotally mounted at the shoulder of the doll. An off-on switch may be provided at the shoulder and be operable by the pivotal movement of the arm. The lantern may be detachable and may contain batteries that are electrically connected to the light bulb through the switch.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1979Date of Patent: November 3, 1981Assignee: Adolph E. GoldfarbInventors: Adolph E. Goldfarb, Elonne Dantzer
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Patent number: 4288844Abstract: A multi-filament lamp combination is disclosed which may be used alone and in multi-lamp arrangements with other single and multi-filament lamps to provide pattern size variation from a large diameter flood effect to a smaller diameter spot effect. A spot/flood capability exists to provide large pattern exposure simultaneously with secondary spotlighting. The filaments can be energized selectively from a remote switching station so that the individuals who are scrubbed and gloved need not touch any part of the switching arrangement to change the lamp pattern size. A cluster of lights can contain one or more multi-filament lamps within the cluster, so that by switching on the rear most filament of the multi-filament lamps and switching off the single filament lamps, a small high intensity pattern is obtained by switching to the other filaments, a large pattern of high intensity is formed. More than two filaments can be provided in each lamp.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1978Date of Patent: September 8, 1981Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Kenneth J. Fisher, William R. Miller
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Patent number: 4285033Abstract: The invention pertains to a lampholder and switch module which may be readily installed in a lamp fixture, and is particularly suitable for automotive and recreational vehicle use. A housing includes a lamp socket having electrical contacts located therein, and a switch slidably mounted upon the housing employs cam structure for translating a contact between lamp base engaging and disengaging positions to selectively complete and break the circuit to the lamp. The module is characterized by its economics of fabrication, assembly, and installation.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1979Date of Patent: August 18, 1981Assignee: Progressive Dynamics, Inc.Inventor: James A. Hart
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Patent number: 4238709Abstract: A battery powered variable intensity hat mounted head lamp with a lamp shell mounting a lens and reflector assembly including an oscillator switching a power transistor mounted on the lamp shell for heat dissipation to control the lamp bulb, a printed circuit board in the lamp shell mounting the lamp bulb and the oscillator components, and a potentiometer mounted on the lamp shell for simultaneously varying both the on time and the off time in the duty cycle of the oscillator.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1978Date of Patent: December 9, 1980Inventor: John M. Wallace
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Patent number: 4233652Abstract: An improved aircraft illumination apparatus and improved circuitry for operating the illumination apparatus. Light sources are mounted on the interior of the aircraft landing gear doors for providing illumination ahead of the central portion of the aircraft. A reliable electrical circuit is provided for automatically turning the light sources on when the landing gear doors open and for automatically turning them off when the doors close. The circuit includes a power circuit for carrying the relatively heavy load current and a control circuit for carrying a smaller control signal for controlling the load current. The landing gear door switch means is connected in the control circuit, and controls application and interruption of the load current.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1977Date of Patent: November 11, 1980Assignee: Morrison-Knudsen Company, Inc.Inventor: George J. Oswald
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Patent number: 4216411Abstract: A wet-niche type lamp for providing underwater illumination in a swimming pool or the like includes an over-temperature protection circuit which interrupts the supply of electrical energy to the lamp when the level of the cooling water surrounding the lamp drops below a predetermined level. The circuit includes thermistor mounted in an heat exchange relationship with the surrounding water so that heat energy generated in the thermistor, as a consequence of the current flow through it, is normally transferred to the surrounding water. Should the level of the surrounding water drop below that of the thermistor, the thermistor heat energy quickly evaporates any remaining water film on the exterior surface of the thermistor to allow its temperature to rise. The control circuit, in response to the temperature increase, interrupts the flow of electrical energy to the lamp to prevent over-temperature operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1978Date of Patent: August 5, 1980Assignee: Wylain, Inc.Inventors: Gordon F. Ehret, William N. Rowley, Hermenegildo Espiritu
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Patent number: 4203149Abstract: A sun visor, including a mirror which can be lighted: there is an outer frame secured in the visor body and an inner frame which can be snapped into and out of the inner frame between two pivot positions; an electric contact on the inner frame engages a contact on the outer frame when the inner frame is flipped out; a spring biased latch holds the inner frame in the outer frame; when the latch is released, a spring biases the inner frame to be flipped out.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1978Date of Patent: May 13, 1980Assignee: Gebr. Happich GmbHInventors: Lothar Viertel, Gert Mahler, Manfred Nowak
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Patent number: 4198672Abstract: A dual mode flash unit for a camera for selectively actuating either an etronic flash tube or a high-voltage flash bulb. The flash unit includes a high-voltage supply for selectively applying a high-voltage pulse to an electronic flash tube during normal operation and for applying a high-voltage pulse to a high-voltage flash bulb when same is inserted into the electronic flash unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1978Date of Patent: April 15, 1980Assignee: Balda-Werke Photographische Gerate & Kunststoff GmbH & Co. K.G.Inventor: Hermann Korber
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Patent number: 4196460Abstract: A major surgical light has a plurality of light sources which permit both color and size adjustment of the illumination pattern. Color variation is accomplished by increasing the intensity of a light source of one color value while decreasing the intensity of a light source of another color value. Size adjustment is accomplished by providing two light sources, each casting different diameter light patterns which are superimposed on the work area. The intensity of one light source is increased while the other is decreased so as to vary the size of the pattern.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1978Date of Patent: April 1, 1980Assignee: Sybron CorporationInventor: Jay G. Schreckendgust
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Patent number: 4194235Abstract: A beam-tilting device for headlights of a motor vehicle in which pneumatic modulators respond to the degree of chassis loading, i.e. to the degree of vehicle spring compression and admit pressurized air or vacuum to one or the other side of a differential pressure servo mechanism which tilts the headlights in proportion to the differential load. In order to prevent unnecessary operation of the tilting mechanism during daylight operation of the vehicle, there is provided a monitor shutoff valve which is energized by the headlight switch and which blocks the supply of air to the modulators when the headlights are inoperative, thereby reducing wear and noise.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1978Date of Patent: March 18, 1980Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Werner Heinlein
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Patent number: 4167783Abstract: A portable lighting system which includes a stand having an adjustable effective length which positions lights carried on a frame at a predetermined vertical position with respect to a supporting surface. The frame is releasably secured to the stand and can readily be set up and dismantled for transport in a compact space. Lights carried by the frame are connected to a foot operated control box which includes switches actuated to energize preselected lights or groups of lights. The energized lights or preselected energized lights can be intensity modulated with a foot operated dimmer while leaving the operator's hands free to play a musical instrument.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1977Date of Patent: September 11, 1979Inventor: William P. Mitchell
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Patent number: 4104710Abstract: A patient room headwall unit consisting of an integral module for suspension on the headwall of a hospital room between two patient beds. The unit, which is prewired during assembly at the factory, includes a center section having provisions for gas, communication or nurse call and electrical services, the same being accessible at either bed through use of pendant controls and the like. It also includes a lighting section at either side of the central section for providing reading light and both high and low intensity general room illumination at each patient bed. The unit, ordinarily, will be installed in conjuction with ceiling-drop services and a telescopic shroud is provided to conceal these services once installation has been completed.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1977Date of Patent: August 1, 1978Assignee: Joerns Furniture Company, Division of American Seating CompanyInventors: Frank M. Damico, Patrick John O'Toole