Emergency Patents (Class 362/542)
  • Patent number: 7905640
    Abstract: A light bar is described that is of a modular construction based on one or more large circuit boards that are populated with light beam assemblies and then fastened to an interior space of the light bar housing. Keys that automatically align the light beam assemblies on each of the boards precisely control placement of the assemblies on the board. In turn, each of the boards is keyed to the interior of the light bar housing so that when the board is fastened to the housing the light beam assemblies are automatically registered into alignment with the lenses in the housing so that the beams from the assemblies are properly oriented. The light bar is inexpensive to fabricate and can be assembled quickly and reliably, yet it provides for a high degree of customization, which is a requirement in the emergency vehicle lighting industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Gergets, Vince S. Fleszewski, Allan J. Mostello
  • Patent number: 7905643
    Abstract: The invention relates to a light comprising a carrier (3) which has at least one lighting means (4) and which is arranged behind a light pane (12). The aim of the invention is to form a light or a carrier which can be produced in a simple and economical manner and which can be mounted in a small space. The lighting means (4) are arranged on the carrier (3) in such a manner that they essentially correspond to the contour of the light pane (2) and the lighting means (4) is placed in a horizontal manner on one side of the carrier (3) so that the carrier (3) and the lighting means (4) require very little space. The carrier (3) and the light are used in motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Odelo GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Butz, Thomas Manth, Veit Schwegler, Cem Olkay
  • Patent number: 7901119
    Abstract: A vehicle has a lamp arranged outside a passenger compartment having a vehicle window through which light of the lamp penetrates into the vehicle. The lamp is arranged and constructed such that the light of the lamp is or will be polarized parallel to a plane of incidence of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Ulrich Stahl, Alexander Kron, Thoralf Maier, Dietrich Sturm
  • Patent number: 7821380
    Abstract: A warning light comprising a base member, a dome removeably connected to the base member, and at least one light module having a top and bottom surface positioned within the dome with the top surface being positioned against the inside of the top surface of said dome. A bracket member secures the warning light to the dome. The bracket includes a cross bar engaging the bottom surface of the warning light and legs extending upward from the cross bar and terminating in a foot portion which is attached to the inside of the top surface of the dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William F. Grote, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7819565
    Abstract: A mounting foot for mounting a light bar on a roof of a vehicle includes at least one platform. The platform includes a recess for slidably receiving a base of a light assembly to mount the light assembly on the platform. The light assembly has a base fixedly secured to the platform and a light enclosure rotatably connected to the base of the light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul L. Stein
  • Patent number: 7804420
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an housing that reduces obstruction of the vehicle operator's ability to see through the upper portion of the windshield. Rather than a light shield constructed entirely of a opaque plastic, an interior mounted warning light assembly incorporates a visibility window above the vehicle operator's position. A cutout in the opaque casing material is fitted with a window of transparent one-way mirror material. The mirror coating faces the interior of the light assembly and acts as a shield by blocking flashback when the light assembly is activated, while simultaneously allowing the operator of the vehicle to see upwardly through it to the outside during normal vehicle operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John F Girouard
  • Patent number: 7771092
    Abstract: An adjustable warning light housing has a base, two adjustable shields respectively and pivotally connected to two opposite inner surfaces of the base, two positioning assemblies respectively mounted between the base and the adjustable shields and an upper shield mounted on the outer surface of the base adjacent to the adjustable shields. A lighting assembly may be mounted inside the base to emit warning signals. The adjustable shields and the upper shield allow the warning light housing to fit different kinds of windshields of vehicles simply and easily. Warning signals being emitted by the lighting assembly cannot reflect into the vehicles so do not disturb a drivers of the vehicles for improved safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Yeh
  • Publication number: 20100073948
    Abstract: A light bar may include a light head with chip-on-board (COB) light emitting diode (LED) and an optic component mounted adjacent to the COB LED. The light bar may comprise short and long center modules. The light bar may include a plurality of housing modules where each housing module includes a light head and a lens cover having a top portion that is substantially impervious to ultraviolet radiation, and a lens portion extending downward from the top portion in generally opposing relationship with the light head. The light bar may include a circuit board including a wire-to-board connector, and a light head including a wire-to-board connector mated with the wire-to-board connector on the circuit board to electrically connect the light head to the circuit board. The light head may include a holographic diffuser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: CODE 3, INC.
    Inventors: Paul L. Stein, Timothy B. Murray, Roger L. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100014307
    Abstract: A vehicle has a lamp arranged outside a passenger compartment having a vehicle window through which light of the lamp penetrates into the vehicle. The lamp is arranged and constructed such that the light of the lamp is or will be polarized parallel to a plane of incidence of the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans-Ulrich STAHL, Alexander Kron, Thoralf Maier, Dietrich Sturm
  • Patent number: 7641369
    Abstract: The present invention features an emergency lighting system for vehicles. In some embodiments, the system comprises a light pod and a microprocessor. The lights are turned on when an air bag is activated, the vehicle battery is cut off and/or the vehicle is rolled over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Paul Deveau, Cynthia Deveau
  • Patent number: 7628519
    Abstract: A light system is disposed to be located on top of guide poles on either side of a trailer. The light system is in-line with the guide pole and may almost appear to be a part of the poles. The elevated light system allows for the brake lights to be more easily seen by following drivers and it normally keeps the brake lights from being immersed in water when the trailer is used in loading or unloading a boat or other marine craft. Additionally, in comparison with lights attached to the side of a guide pole, the in-line nature of the light system makes it less likely that the light will be knocked off or damaged when backing a trailer into a tight garage opening. Furthermore, a tell-tale lens is located opposite the primary lens and it allows the driver to be able to verify that the lights are working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey Purdy
  • Patent number: 7621662
    Abstract: The present invention is a system of emergency vehicle lighting that uses a low profile hood/trunk mounted LED plate unit and a door mounted LED strip unit. It is designed for both stand alone operation or for integration into an emergency vehicle's electronic alarm notification sequencing unit. The hood/trunk LED plate unit has a thin, enhanced geometrical configuration and an LED lens design that allows the light emitted from the superbright LEDs to be seen to a much higher degree to vehicles approaching from direction normal to the longitudinal centerline of the emergency vehicle. Mounting of the LED plate unit and LED strip unit can be permanent or temporary and because of the light weight, numerous chemical, magnetic and mechanical methods of affixation may be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Terry Thomas Colbert
  • Patent number: 7611270
    Abstract: A lighthead mounting structure provides both precise alignment of a lighthead and an effective heat transfer path away from heat generating components of the lighthead. Cooperating aluminum brackets are configured to lock together and overlap to provide an effective heat transfer path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon H. Lyons, Richard H. Morrow
  • Patent number: 7611269
    Abstract: A light bar snap bracket assembly includes an elongated rail member, multiple light modules, multiple snap brackets, and multiple locking devices. The light modules are disposed within the rail member channel in a line of light modules extending longitudinally from a first light module disposed at the first end of the rail member to a last light module disposed at the second end of the rail member, the line of light modules defining pairs of adjacent light modules. One of the snap brackets is disposed intermediate each light module in each pair of light modules, one of the snap brackets is disposed intermediate the first light module and the first end of the rail member, and one of the snap brackets is disposed intermediate the last light module and the second end of the rail member. Arm segments of each snap bracket extend longitudinally over tabs extending from the light module sides, of the adjacent light module half portion, with the tabs being received within the notches of the arm segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon H. Lyons
  • Publication number: 20090213612
    Abstract: In order to provide an illumination device comprising at least one light source (1) and at least one diffusing element (2), which has a simple design and is economical to manufacture, the invention provides that the diffusing element (2) is composed of at least one diffusing plastic element (2) in which transparent diffusing bodies (3) are embedded in a transparent plastic mass (2), and the diffusing element (2) extends over at least one or more light sources (1) and is designed as an external housing part (2) of the illumination device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Flehinghaus, Andreas Teitge
  • Patent number: 7572044
    Abstract: An emergency light bar mounting assembly for either trucks without a cargo box that extends vertically above the level of the cab, or for trucks having a bed that is lower than the cab, provides additional vertical clearance for the vehicle when needed, by having an emergency light bar mounting platform hinged to an immovable horizontal frame member. The mounting platform is rotated to a horizontal position when the light bar is in use, but rotated to a vertical position when greater vertical clearance is needed for the vehicle on which it is mounted. When the mounting platform is vertically positioned, the contribution of the emergency light bar to the height of the vehicle is completely eliminated. Rotational movement of the mounting platform is accomplished using an electric, hydraulic, pneumatic or manual drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Philip D. Nebeker
  • Patent number: 7484870
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or cullminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: 911EP, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Pederson
  • Patent number: 7476013
    Abstract: A light bar is described that is of a modular construction based on one or more large circuit boards that are populated with light beam assemblies and then fastened to an interior space of the light bar housing. Keys that automatically align the light beam assemblies on each of the boards precisely control placement of the assemblies on the board. In turn, each of the boards is keyed to the interior of the light bar housing so that when the board is fastened to the housing the light beam assemblies are automatically registered into alignment with the lenses in the housing so that the beams from the assemblies are properly oriented. The light bar is inexpensive to fabricate and can be assembled quickly and reliably, yet it provides for a high degree of customization, which is a requirement in the emergency vehicle lighting industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Gergets, Vince S. Fleszewski, Allan J. Mostello
  • Patent number: 7473017
    Abstract: A vehicle including a meter panel which is arranged at a substantially center portion in the vehicle widthwise direction. A switch device is positioned on the meter panel and the switch device turns on and off a light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Yamamoto, Manabu Ichikawa, Masahiro Inoue
  • Patent number: 7441914
    Abstract: Various phosphorescence charging systems are provided for charging a phosphorescent wheel. The wheel is attached to the frame of a vehicle with nighttime or low light operation capability. The phosphorescence charging system directs electromagnetic radiation, such as ultraviolet light, onto phosphorescent portions of the wheel so as to cause subsequent phosphorescent emission therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Lunasee, LLC
    Inventors: Jesse N. Palmer, Barry L. Allen
  • Patent number: 7431485
    Abstract: A lighting assembly for a vehicle includes an elongated base plate having an inner surface and an outer surface. The base plate includes at least one opening. The lighting assembly further includes at least one light source adapted to be mounted to the base plate at the opening. The base plate is configured to be mounted and to conform aerodynamically to an exterior surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: SportRack LLC
    Inventors: Ronald G. Saward, William R. Henderson, John H. Harberts
  • Patent number: 7429122
    Abstract: There is provided a lighting device for illuminating objects inside an enclosure including a housing, an array of light emitting diodes enclosed by the housing consisting of at least two groups of diodes, one group emitting substantially white light and one group emitting colored light, a DC to DC converter feeding the light-emitting diodes and enclosed by the housing, and a light intensity controller for operating each of the groups of diodes at variable light intensities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Eltam Ein Hashofet
    Inventor: Ya'akov Shofar
  • Patent number: 7419286
    Abstract: A mounting foot for mounting a light bar on a roof of a vehicle includes at least one platform. The platform includes a recess for slidably receiving a base of a light assembly to mount the light assembly on the platform. The light assembly has a base fixedly secured to the platform and a light enclosure rotatably connected to the base of the light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Code 3, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul L. Stein
  • Patent number: 7404658
    Abstract: A light bar snap bracket assembly includes an elongated rail member, multiple light modules, and multiple snap brackets. The light modules are disposed within the rail member channel in a line of light modules extending longitudinally from a first light module disposed at the first end of the rail member to a last light module disposed at the second end of the rail member, the line of light modules defining pairs of adjacent light modules. One of the snap brackets is disposed intermediate each light module in each pair of light modules, one of the snap brackets is disposed intermediate the first light module and the first end of the rail member, and one of the snap brackets is disposed intermediate the last light module and the second end of the rail member. Arm segments of each snap bracket extend longitudinally over tabs extending from the light module sides, of the adjacent light module half portion, with the tabs being received within the notches of the arm segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon H. Lyons, Jeffrey A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7404653
    Abstract: Optical signalling device (1, 20, 30) for vehicles (A), comprising: a support element (2) fitted to the abovementioned vehicle (A), a revolving element (3) arranged on the support element (2) and coupled to drive means (4) able to cause rotation thereof and one or more optical signalling elements (8) associated with the revolving element (3) and electrically connected to an electric power source able to illuminate them. Each optical signalling element (8) comprises one or more laser light generators/emitters (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Meridiana Investmenti SAGL
    Inventor: Thomas Bleiner
  • Patent number: 7394351
    Abstract: A signal assembly mountable to an exterior of a vehicle is configured with a light-generating unit operable to emit a visually perceptible signal, and with a sound-generating unit operable to generate a sound signal. The light and sound generating units are coupled to one another to form a unitary assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Wolo Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Stanley Solow
  • Patent number: 7390115
    Abstract: An LED blinker load assembly (LBLA) (10) that can be integrated into the envelope of an LED light bulb or be attached externally to a rear, front or side LED lamp assembly. The LBLA (10) is comprised of an input circuit (12) and an output circuit (14). The two circuits in combination produce a sufficient current flow to operate an LED load circuit (18) and to cause a conventional vehicle flasher unit (60) to be operated normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Zhen Qiu Huang, Guan Xiong Huang
  • Patent number: 7377675
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a signal light or security light that provides illumination at a side of the vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes a housing with a reflective element, and may include a positioning device for adjusting the position of the reflective element in the housing. The signal light includes a light source and may be adapted to project light from a non-folding portion or support member of the mirror housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W Pastrick, Michiel P van de Ven, Peter J Whitehead, Rick Mousseau, Niall R Lynam
  • Patent number: 7354180
    Abstract: An illuminated sign includes a plurality of sections. Each section includes a mesh of conductors having illuminating pixels located at conductor intersections. The mesh is surrounded by a frame connected to the frame of another section. Once frame sections of the display are unfolded, the display can be supported by a structure attached to a car or other vehicle. A support structure for an illuminated display includes a base which is placed on the ground and over which the tire of a vehicle (e.g., a police car) is parked. A column extends from the base, and a display can be attached to the top of that extending column. The support structure can take the form of a collapsible stand having a trunk which is pivotally attached to a base and which contains a telescoping section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: RKS Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravl K. Sawhney, Kurt Botsai, Lance G. Hussey, Craig R. Steele, Simon Risley, Michael S. Schuffert
  • Publication number: 20080049439
    Abstract: A light bar assembly for car is disclosed to include an elongated housing, which has a double-beveled design showing a V-shaped profile, circuit boards that are mounted inside the housing each carrying a plurality of LEDs and having recessed reflecting surface portions for reflecting the light the associating LEDs toward the outside of the housing, a control circuit board mounted inside the housing for controlling flashing of the LEDs and a lens covering the housing and fitting the V-shaped profile of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Hsu-Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 7281822
    Abstract: An outside mirror apparatus for a vehicle includes an illuminating unit that includes a light source including a plurality of light emitting elements arranged on a flexible sheet member; a base including a mounting section for mounting the light source; and a lens that divides, with the base, a lamp chamber that contains the light source. The light source is mounted on the mounting section in a curved state or in a bent state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Ichokoh Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Seguchi, Hajime Yagi
  • Publication number: 20070223242
    Abstract: A housing for a warning light system for mounting on a vehicle or trailer to provide warning light signals. The housing is made of a durable material having a high crush strength. The housing may include multiple modular components, each with light portals therein to provide customizable lengths. A trailer mount for a warning light housing assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Edward R. Blades, Daniel E. Blades
  • Patent number: 7264371
    Abstract: An illuminable storage receptacle that is mounted to a motor vehicle wheel well by suction cups disposed on the cover to cast white light from the bottom and rear portions in order to illuminate the subjacent work area. Red hazard lenses are disposed in the sidewalls and an amber hazard lens is disposed in the front wall. An interior compartment is disposed therein divided by a replaceable plate to form an illumination chamber to produce the light and a storage chamber for keeping lug nuts and the like while changing the tire. A strap having hook and loop fastener elements is provided to allow the user to selectively maintain the storage compartment on a substantially horizontal plane regardless of the angle of engagement of the cover with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Brian J Seagriff
  • Patent number: 7261447
    Abstract: An emergency vehicle light bar is provided with a flexible support that can be curved to match the curvature of the top edge of a vehicle window when installing the light bar on the vehicle, giving the light bar a low profile relative to the vehicle and giving the vehicle a stealth or “unmarked” appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: PowerArc, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Kenneth Menke, W. Kenneth Menke, III
  • Patent number: 7163321
    Abstract: The present invention is an inconspicuous emergency vehicle grille designed with emergency lights built flush therein thereby allowing the lights to be unobstructed by the grille and conspicuous when lit. This invention further provides the opportunity to retrofit the emergency vehicle grille with minimal effort by simply replacing the existing grille with a new grille prefabricated with the emergency lights. Alternatively, this invention is an emergency vehicle grille designed with emergency light sockets for the installation of flush mounted emergency lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Contarino
  • Patent number: 7163324
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or cullminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or arrows. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: 911EP, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Pederson
  • Patent number: 7131757
    Abstract: A signal light supporting apparatus for emergency vehicle warning signal lights employing light emitting diodes provides a secure and removable mounting for one or more of the light emitting diodes and an optic of each light emitting diode to a support casing that functions as a heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Fire Products Company
    Inventor: W. Kenneth Menke
  • Patent number: 7063446
    Abstract: A light assembly includes a housing which defines a longitudinal axis. A hollow holding ring and a reflector are fixed within the housing and spaced apart along the axis. A hollow positioning sleeve is disposed at a rear end of the reflector and is arranged on the axis at a distance forwardly from the holding ring. A tube extends along the axis and includes front and rear portions. The front portion is mounted in the positioning sleeve and includes a bulb receptacle for positioning a bulb within the reflector. The rear portion includes an electrical connection portion disposed in the holding ring. The tube is inserted axially through the holding ring and the positioning sleeve and into the reflector and then is rotated about the axis in order to cause the tube to become locked against axial movement relative to the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Oechsler AG
    Inventor: Markus Deuter
  • Patent number: 7033036
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or culminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use on an emergency vehicle. The warning light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: 911EP, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Pederson
  • Patent number: 7029138
    Abstract: An emergency trunk release handle for an automobile displays the graphics explaining the use and function of the handle by cutting out the material from the handle. Forming the emergency release handle from a phosphorescent plastic material that can be formed by a molding process, such as injection molding, the cut-out graphics show as darkened areas, when viewed in the dark confines of an automobile trunk, to provide a high degree of visibility for the graphics. The graphics are also visible when seen against the dark carpet in the interior of an opened trunk cavity. The formation of the graphics is accomplished by coring the mold in the configuration of the desired graphics and by forming the plastic material in the mold around the cores. The resultant handle structure is thus formed in a cost effective manner that reduces the process failure potential during the manufacturing of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patricia C. Tibbenham, David Dean, Wieslaw S. Zaydel
  • Patent number: 7004601
    Abstract: A signaling device for sighting systems, for example for rescue crafts in the nautical field and the like, comprising at least two lamps arranged so that their respective filaments are mutually perpendicular, so as to achieve a circular luminous emission that is uniform over 360°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: S.I.E.M. S.r.l.
    Inventor: Jorge Miguel Aguglia
  • Patent number: 7001052
    Abstract: A trailer for vehicles having trailer lights that are mounted on stanchions present on the left rear and right rear corners of the trailer. An electrical light is mounted at an elevation so that the driver can see the front of the electrical light from the driver's seat of the towing vehicle. The electrical light is formed so that light is emitted both toward the rear of the trailer and toward the front of the trailer. The housing for the electrical light comprises concave lenses that are positioned so as to be resistant to breaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: John K. Cullinan
  • Patent number: 6981777
    Abstract: An emergency running light for vehicles such as watercraft includes a cup-shaped housing made of a transparent, thin flexible wall which defines a cup-shaped interior chamber. A liquid component of a two-component chemiluminescent compound and a breakable capsule containing a second component thereof are disposed within the interior chamber. The running light is activated to produce a predetermined color of light by squeezing the flexible housing to break the container. This causes the first and second component liquids to form the chemiluminescent compound and resulting light. The housing is attachable to a surface of the watercraft following activation using an adhesive ring which engages a flat rim of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: David P. Barnes
  • Patent number: 6969185
    Abstract: A safety net that includes at least one illuminating element. The safety net is intended to be stored in a rolled-up fashion (similar to a roll-up window shade) in the trunk of a vehicle. When illuminated, the safety net provides a completely new and unique means of alerting oncoming traffic to a road hazard or other situation requiring traffic control. The safety net provides a warning means that will not be knocked over by the wind, as wind blows freely through the voids of the net. In addition, the safety net screens the scene from the view of those in oncoming traffic. The device may include a solid state controller that provides a variety of patterns or symbols to further enhance the visual safety features of the device. This can be accomplished by placing fiber optic strands in the net voids, or within the side illuminating fiber optic conduit itself. The device may also include metal cables to form a physical barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Darryl Adair
  • Patent number: 6966682
    Abstract: A signaling system for mounting to an exterior surface of an emergency vehicle opposite an interior surface of the vehicle to which objects are mounted is provided. The signaling system includes a light bar having a plurality of signaling devices supported on and distributed along a base member and enclosed by a cover. A plate is secured to the exterior surface of the emergency vehicle by one or more fasteners of a first type, which pass through the vehicle into its interior. The plate includes a surface for engaging the base of the light bar such that the light bar can be suspended from the plate. An opening is provided in the plate for communicating electrical wiring to the light bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: George R. Frank, Paul M. Gergets
  • Patent number: 6939021
    Abstract: A light assembly includes a generally triangular shaped housing having a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface. The light assembly further includes at least a first light emitting device disposed in the housing configured to emit a non-flashing light from the front surface of the housing. Finally, the light assembly includes at least a second light emitting device disposed in the housing configured to emit a flashing light from the back surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Leslie, Roland Zeder
  • Patent number: 6867692
    Abstract: The invention is a system including a third brake light for an automobile. The brake light is equipped with means for displaying a warning message when an emergency condition arises. Light emitting diodes, thin film transistors, liquid crystal displays, light bulbs or other light emitting or refracting means display a warning message when activated. The light emitting or refracting means operate in a normal mode when an emergency condition is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Tamra Weatherspoon
  • Patent number: 6863424
    Abstract: Brackets received in an elongated base support both lens portions and internal light bar components. Lens portion longitudinal edges penetrate the outer portion of a gasket channel to engage a gasket member. Lens retainer straps sandwich gasket layers to seal the longitudinal butt ends of lens portions. The lens retainers also penetrate the gasket channel to engage the gasket member. The brackets provide multiple locations for mounting warning light units and related light bar components within the space defined between the base and the lens portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin M. Smith
  • Patent number: 6845893
    Abstract: The generally rectangular support platform of a mounting foot primary component includes laterally extending tabs configured for reception in respective of longitudinally extending slots defined by an elongated strength member of the light bar. Diagonally opposite corners of the support platform are rounded off so that the primary component is installable by insertion toward the elongated member at an angular orientation and rotation to engage the tabs in the slots. The support platform defines a recessed channel for carrying a metal retaining bar. Fasteners passing through threaded openings in the retaining bar force the retaining bar and primary component away from the elongated member, placing the support platform tabs and lateral ends of the retaining bar in frictional engagement with the lips of the elongated member. A blocking bar is fixed against an end face of the primary component to block counter rotation of the mounting foot relative to the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Nelson
  • Patent number: 6814459
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources constructed and arranged with a reflector or culminator, the LED light source being in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for independent use or use on an emergency vehicle. The warning light signals may include a strobe light, revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any combination thereof. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: 911EP, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Pederson