Abstract: An audio system with an illumination mechanism is disclosed. One embodiment includes a device which can be mounted in the center of an audio speaker and used to create an optical effect.

Abstract: An illumination device includes a control knob having a display portion, a tubular case combined with a back side of the control knob, a light guide plate attached to seal an upper opening of the tubular case, and LEDs disposed at a lower opening of the tubular case. Light emitted from the LEDs is applied to the display portion through the light guide plate. A plurality of retaining projections and a plurality of push-up projections are provided on an inner surface of the tubular case adjacent to the upper opening. An upper surface of an outer edge of the light guide plate is retained by lower ends of the retaining projections, and a lower surface of the outer edge is pushed up by upper ends of the push-up projections so that the light guide plate is held inside the tubular case while being bent upwardly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an acoustic light-emitting device (10,10?, 10?, 10??, 10??) comprising a sheet-like element (20) with a layer structure, which performs a predetermined operation in response to a signal applied thereto, at least one transducer (40), being the source of the signal by exciting bending waves to the sheet-like element (20), in that the sheet-like element (20) comprises a light-emitting device (30) with at least a first electrode layer (31), a light-emitting layer (32) and a second electrode layer (33).

Abstract: A window unit includes a window frame defining a frame perimeter and a window located within the frame perimeter. The window includes a display surface adapted to receive a display image. A display image source is disposed in the window frame and a speaker element is disposed in the window. The window can transform from a first transparent state to a second increased opacity state for receiving the display image on the display surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a jukebox or vending machine provided with a lighting system. In order to provide an improved lighting system for generating lighting effects, the lighting system comprises a screen, the screen having a colored design, a circuit board with at least a first lighting device and a second lighting device, wherein the first lighting device is configured to radiate a first light cone and the second lighting device is configured to radiate a second light cone and wherein the first light cone and the second light cone intersect on the screen, and a controller for modifying the first light cone independently of the second light cone.

Abstract: A speaker assembly (20) for use with a light bulb socket is provided. The speaker assembly generally includes a housing (22) including an electrical contact (26) for use with a light bulb socket for supplying electrical power to the housing. The speaker assembly further includes a receiver, an amplifier, and a speaker (24) being disposed within and electrically connected to the housing, wherein the receiver receives an audio signal and delivers it to the amplifier, and wherein the amplifier amplifies the signal for delivery to the speaker.

Abstract: A table light combined with a sound-playing device includes a table light body and a sound-playing device (such as speakers) freely pivoted on a horizontal plane via pivotal shafts. Both ends of the table light base are transversely pivoted to a pair of speakers. A flexible supporting pipe extends from the pivoting portion with the distal end thereof connected to a fixing seat of the sound-playing device. The electronic lines and sound lines of the speakers are buried within the supporting pipe. The sound lines extend to the fixing seat and are electrically connected to the sound-playing device (such as MP3 player).

Abstract: In a front panel apparatus for an electric apparatus including a volume knob partially exposed outward from an operating port opened at a front panel of a casing of a disk drive, and a light emitting diode for emitting light based on a starting signal of the disk drive, the volume knob is molded by a light transmitting synthetic resin, the light emitting diode is arranged rearward from the volume knob, and light is made to be incident on the volume knob from the light emitting diode.

Abstract: An illuminated ear protector, comprising a pair of ear covers, each ear cover comprising a translucent rigid shell having an open end and a closed end, a circuit board attached within the rigid shell comprising at least one battery connector thereon, at least one and preferably two light emitting diode lights electrically connected to the circuit board, a switch connected to the circuit board controlling the at least one light emitting diode light, a first reflector located at the open end and oriented such that substantially all light from the at least one light emitting diode light is directed towards the closed end, a plate attached to the open end which supports the reflector, a peripheral sealing ring for contacting one of the ears and cushioning the ear cover there against which is attached to an opposite side of the plate from the reflector, and a headband attached to each of the ear covers which extends over the head of the user and secures each of the ear covers over one of the ears of the user.

Abstract: A horn device includes a trumpet fixture which removably attaches to the valve portion of a canister containing a charge of compressed air. An actuator button on the trumpet fixture is operable to open the valve assembly of the canister causing release of the pressurized air through the trumpet fixture to produce a loud horn noise. One or more light signal lamps are provided on the trumpet fixture. In a preferred embodiment, the light signal lamps are powered by one or more batteries carried on the trumpet fixture. In a further embodiment, a light emitting lamp on the rear facing end of the trumpet fixture is covered with a split color lens, having a green half and a red half to provide auxiliary running lights of a water vessel. In still a further embodiment, the light emitting lamp is provided in a light signaling device which is hingedly attached to the trumpet fixture. Control buttons allow selective activation of the light signal lamps in one or more modes of operation (e.g.

Abstract: Provided is a backlight unit for a key of an input device. The unit includes a light guide plate and at least one light emitting unit. The light guide plate is formed of flexible transparent resin and has a light guide pattern portion in which a plurality of engraved or embossed patterns are formed in a plurality of requirement character shapes so that light can be diffused and scattered at desired luminance from a necessary light emitting portion, using a minimal number of light sources. The light emitting unit is installed at a side wall of the light guide plate.

Abstract: An illuminated wind indicator that provides visual indication of wind motion even at night. One or more chime members and a pendulum assembly are suspended from a support or housing, and arranged so that the chime members and the pendulum assembly are capable of colliding with each other. In addition, there is a light source situated such that a portion of the pendulum assembly emits light. Power for the light source is provided by a solar cell and a rechargeable battery. A light sensor may be used to automatically detect the ambient light and switch the rechargeable battery from accumulating charge to powering the light when predetermined levels of ambient light are detected. The light source may be a suitable light emitting diode. The pendulum assembly may contain the solar panel. The light source may include a luminescent material.

Abstract: The invention comprises a standard microphone housing including, a standard microphone screen but which is configured to conceal a lighting mechanism. When activated, the light is emitted from the microphone housing through the screen.

Abstract: A combination flashlight audio device wherein the flashlight has an elongated body with an integral mounting flange to which the audio component mounts by way of an attachment means. The streamlined combination may be separated or attached as the audio component is detachable from the flashlight and each of the flashlight and audio component has its own power supply. In addition, for increased functionality, the combination flashlight audio device may further include secondary elements such as a belt clip, a compass or a carabineer.

Abstract: A door trim speaker grille with an electroluminescent lamp for use with an audio speaker of a vehicle. The electroluminescent lamp is positioned for emitting visible light through sound passages in the speaker grille. In certain embodiments of the invention, the electroluminescent lamp may be integrally molded with the speaker grille. One method of forming the door trim speaker grille is by an injection molding process that places the electroluminescent lamp as an insert in the mold cavity.

Abstract: A speaker, having a diaphragm with a central opening and further having a pole piece, including a first sound dispersion element extending from the pole piece through the central opening of the diaphragm and further extending beyond the diaphragm wherein the first sound dispersion element has a larger transverse perimeter distal the pole piece than proximal the pole piece; and no support structures for the first sound dispersion element are located radially external to said first sound dispersion element. The speaker may be integrated with a lamp using a support structure. A second sound dispersion element may be used. A rod, used as a conduit, coupling, and/or support, may extend coaxially with the first sound dispersion element, interior thereto, and to a point beyond the diaphragm. The audio signal for the speaker may be supplied by a wireless link.

Abstract: An improved startup device for controlling energization of a lamp has a base, stand coupled with the base and an illuminator connected to an electric power source. The base has a sound-collecting element mated with a housing unit so that the sound-collecting element has direct contact with the surface it is placed on. A control unit is situated within the housing unit and includes a connected startup circuit built on a circuit board, a reception element and a power-supply component. Thus, the reception element cooperates with said sound-collecting element to switch the power-supply component allowing the illuminator to make or break connection with the power source upon receiving tapping sound at the stand or through the surface. In practice, the startup device of the present invention employed in lamps affects to extend the conventional switch size to the entire floor or table area, which advantageously acts as a medium of transmitting tapping sounds to ease the task of lighting up.

Abstract: A system for producing sound and light includes a shoe or other article of footwear having multiple sources of light and at least one loudspeaker, and a unit located remotely from the shoe which is operative to transmit an RF signal to a receiver within the shoe causing the loudspeaker to sound.

Abstract: A lighting and transport system includes a cabinet having an interior with an access panel that can be opened and closed for enabling a user to access the interior when the panel is open. The interior has a plurality of receptacles that include at least one vertically extending tall receptacle that is about as tall as the cabinet. A larger receptacle is provided that is shorter than the vertically extending tall receptacle and a plurality of smaller receptacles are provided that are each smaller in volume than the larger receptacle. At least one tripod is provided that is sized and shaped to be stored inside the cabinet within the tall receptacle. A plurality of electric lighting units are sized and shaped to be contained with the smaller receptacles.

Abstract: An inductive power supply system for providing power to one or more inductively powered devices. The system includes a mechanism for varying the physical distance or the respective orientation between the primary coil and secondary coil to control the amount of power supplied to the inductively powered device. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an inductive power supply system having a primary coil and a receptacle disposed within the magnetic field generated by the primary coil. One or more inductively powered devices are placed randomly within the receptacle to receive power inductively from the primary coil. The power supply circuit includes circuitry for adjusting the power supplied to the primary coil to optimize operation based on the position and cumulative characteristics of the inductively powered device(s) disposed within the receptacle.

Abstract: An article of footwear such as a shoe having an array of light sources and at least one loudspeaker is provided in combination with a separate device having a recording unit which records sound and a transmitter which transmits an RF signal representative of the sound recording to the shoe where a circuit operates the loudspeaker in the shoe to reproduce the recorded sound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-intensity LED as a light source for use in hands-free illumination devices. In one embodiment, one or more high-intensity LEDs are incorporated in, or added to, headgear, such as an aircraft headset. The LEDs may be powered by a battery, an external power source, or both. Also provided is a kit and method of installation for retrofitting existing headgear with LEDs.

Abstract: A sound and light apparatus including a lamp and a speaker. The sound and light apparatus can be used indoors or outdoors to enhance a landscape plan or an interior design plan. Multiple sound and light apparatuses can be used to further enhance the ambiance of the indoors or outdoors location.

Abstract: An audio system and hat connection assembly incorporated into or adapted for connecting to a hat and comprising a first connection plate and corresponding second connection plate that connect through or to the bill or hat material wherein the first section is adapted for storing the audio circuit and speaker components and connects to the second section in a manner that grips the hat material and provides access to the audio controls. In an alternative embodiment, the connection assembly may comprise a clip that secures the audio system to the hat without penetrating it. The assembly includes storage space for securing at least one speaker and audio system, which may be adapted for storing other items, such as money and keys.

Abstract: A non-lethal laser weapon having a base to which a number of lasers are mounted. The lasers include a first laser oriented to project a first laser beam in a first direction, and a second laser oriented to project a second laser beam generally in the first direction. The first laser beam and the second laser beam overlap at a first distance from the base, to thereby form separate first and second first-order illumination zones before the first distance, and a first second-order illumination zone beyond the first distance. Additional lasers may be included in one-, two-, and three-dimensional patterns to create additional illumination zones.

Abstract: The present invention is a miniature illuminating Christmas tree intended to create a decorative display in the window of a home, car, or office. In the preferred mode, the tree-shaped ornament is made from plastic and artificial green Christmas tree material and contains an illumination source, such as blinking LEDs, fiberoptics, or bulbs configured according to a previously determined pattern. A power source, such as at least one battery, is housed in the base or trunk of the ornament. The device is removably attached to a window through usage of one or more suction cups, and may be reversed, allowing the user to display the object on the outside or the inside of the window in question.

Abstract: A media window system includes a window unit having a window frame defining a frame perimeter and a glass unit located within the frame perimeter. The window unit includes a display area adapted to receive a display image. A display image source is configured to project an image onto the display surface. The window unit also includes a speaker element disposed on the window. The display are of the window unit is capable of transforming from a first transparent state to a second increased opacity state for receiving the display image.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes, an electronic apparatus main unit, a front panel attached at the front of the electronic apparatus main unit detachably from the electronic apparatus main unit. The electronic apparatus has a driving section provided at the electronic apparatus main unit to drive the front panel, a main-unit-side communications element to perform signal communications to/from the front panel, a battery provided at the front panel for storing power fed from the electronic apparatus main unit, a panel-side communications element to perform signal communications to/from the main-unit-side communications element. The electronic apparatus has a controller for controlling the driving section in order for the driving section to drive the front panel in a state where recharging of the front panel is allowed in case the charge voltage of the battery has dropped below a preset reference value.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a loudspeaker located inside a housing and a loudspeaker cover is disclosed. An audio signal source supplies an audio signal to the loudspeaker within the housing. The loudspeaker cover includes one or more light sources and is porous to allow sound waves generated by the loudspeaker to be emitted from within the housing through loudspeaker cover. The loudspeaker cover may be comprised of a plurality of optical fibers which may be arranged in any pattern. A user input device may be provided which allows a user to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of procedures to drive the light sources based on frequency and amplitude. The apparatus may further include a control device which may determine frequency and amplitude data for the audio signal and control one or more of the light sources based on the frequency and amplitude data. A method is further disclosed comprising constructing a porous cover having a plurality of light sources for a loudspeaker.

Abstract: A manual-operation sound and light emitting device is used in a vehicle, particularly in a bicycle. Moving a movable rod, a gear will rotate. Then steel balls resists against a cover so as to rotate the cover. The rotation of the cover will drive a central rod and a bell body to rotate. Then a coil, a transparent light mask, and a hammer of the bell body displace to touch a block of a seat. By the elasticity of a spring, a hammer will vibrate after passing through the block so as to knock the bell body to emit sounds. A plurality of inclined grooves in the gear and the steel balls cause the bell body to rotate unidirectionally. When the central rod rotates, a coil will be driven. A magnet will cut through positive negative electrode sheets so as to light up LED lights in the bell body.

Abstract: A tubular electro-luminescent light includes an inner member around which an electro-luminescent panel having electrodes is coiled, and at least one additional wire connected between ends of the light for carrying electric signals related to the function of an external device. The external device may be an audio, video, or communications device, or a power supply for a household appliance or the like, and the electric signals carried by the additional wire, or sensors, may be used to trigger the light. For example, the external device may connect an ear-phone set of a cellular telephone, the device being arranged in a loop to be worn around a body part of the user, a handbag, or the like, and the light being triggered by electric signals indicative of an incoming telephone call.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for a lighted whistle connectable to a predetermined article. A housing forms an outer shape of said whistle and has therein an inner cavity. A mouthpiece adapted for a user to blow air thereinto has an opening in fluid connection with said inner cavity and a sound hole opening providing an air outlet from said inner cavity. A power source is connected in an electrical circuit with a light source and a switch. A connector for connecting said whistle to a predetermined article is positioned on the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus including a controller having an input for receiving an input signal is disclosed, the input signal having an audio component. A housing having an outer surface on which is fixed a conforming and surface covering light output device is also provided, whereby the controller enables creation of a visually dynamic decorative pattern on the surface of the housing dependent on the input signal and under the control of software programs. The controller enables creation of a visually dynamic decorative pattern on the surface of the housing dependent on the signal and under the control of pattern producing software. The input signal can be an audio, video, and/or environmental input signal. The output device can be visual display, audio speaker array, scent generator, and/or tactile device.

Abstract: A retractable light/sound system for mounting on the eave of a structure includes a housing and an output subassembly. A hinge pivotably interconnects the housing and the output subassembly whereby the latter is pivotable between a retracted/stored position and an extended/display position. The output subassembly includes multiple lights and/or loudspeakers and provides output in response to input power and/or control signals from any control subsystem, which can include a microprocessor adapted for preprogramming to activate the output components in response to certain, predetermined input source conditions. The system is adapted for mounting on or in soffits, or on building fascias integrally with gutters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a backlighting device, having several brightness levels, for a transmission display screen (12). The device comprises light sources placed in a case (14) between a translucent front wall formed by a diffuser screen (20) and a rear wall (24). The light sources, selected according to the desired brightness level, are mosaics (24, 28) of light-emitting diodes (26, 30) that are placed immediately behind the diffuser screen with, for the highest brightness level, a first mosaic (24) of light-emitting diodes that provides daytime illumination and with, for the lowest brightness level, a second mosaic (28) of light sources that supplies night-time illumination.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-intensity LED as a light source for use in hands-free illumination devices. In one embodiment, one or more high-intensity LEDs are incorporated in, or added to, headgear, such as an aircraft headset. The LEDs may be powered by a battery, an external power source, or both. Also provided is a kit and method of installation for retrofitting existing headgear with LEDs.

Abstract: A light controller device to control illumination characteristics of a light system, the device comprising a plurality of switches wherein each switch is operable to select at least one of a color of light and a pattern of light colors, a plurality of lights to illuminate at least one of a color of light and a pattern of light colors based on which switch of the plurality of switches is selected, a viewer window where the plurality of lights illuminates through the viewer window when the switch is selected, and a structure to hold the plurality of switches, plurality of lights, and viewer window.

Abstract: A container lid includes a top wall covering at least a portion of an open top of a container when coupled to the container. The lid further includes an indicator and a user input that, when actuated, results in activation of the indicator.

Abstract: A music jukebox includes a music reproduction system, a title rack assembly, a cabinet for the title rack and a lighting system for the cabinet. The lighting system includes at least one lighting assembly producing light within a field of view of a user viewing the title rack. The jukebox further includes a control system that is operative to detect the presence of a user at the cabinet. The control operates the lighting system in an attract mode when the control does not detect the presence of a user at the cabinet and a viewing mode when the control system does detect the presence of a user at the cabinet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for emitting light, sound and/or fragrance, which comprises a housing and means therein for connecting the apparatus to an electrical power source. A lighting system, sound system and fragrance system are mounted on or within the housing and are enabled simultaneously or individually by the electrical power source. The housing contains perforations, permeable membranes and/or translucent coverings on or in its walls to allow for the transmission of light, sound and fragrance when the apparatus is activated. The lighting system can be used as a direct light, nightlight, back light or a projected light, and the fragrance system utilizes various fragrances depending on the users desires.

Abstract: A bus hold circuit of CMOS components that draws no DC current and is over voltage tolerant is described. No leakage current is drawn from the input when the input voltage is greater than the bus hold circuit supply voltage. A feedback inverter is used to s latch the Vin logic in the bus hold circuit. When Vin is low, it turns on a first switch that drives the gate of a PMOS switch low turning it on. The PMOS switch connects the power connection of the feedback inverter to Vcc. The gate remains low, keeping the PMOS switch turned on as Vin increases. The first switch is turned off, but the gate of the PMOS switch remains low, until Vin exceeds Vcc. At that point, a comparator drives the gate of the PMOS to Vin shutting the PMOS switch off. An arbiter circuit selects the higher of Vcc and Vin to bias the N-well of the PMOS switch and other PMOS components in the comparator and arbiter circuit. This biasing ensures that the N-wells are never forward biased, thereby preventing leakage from the Vin.

Abstract: A light control device and method are provided for receiving an audible signal from an audio speaker and outputting a light control signal, whereby the light control signal controls the illumination of a light source placed near the audio speaker.

Abstract: A transparent container has two immiscible liquids of different densities, colors and viscosities. A pump with a magnetic coupling injects the denser liquid upwardly into the less dense liquid in response to changes in sound volume or frequency of the vicinity of the device providing a geyser display reactive to music or voice. Pump control circuitry includes a microphone, an amplifier; a filter for extracting a beat from dance music or syllabic content of speech; an amplitude detector for detecting a short-time amplitude envelope; a long time averager providing a reference signal proportional to the average sound level and an attenuator; a comparator connected to both the averager and the attenuator to change state when the attenuated version of the short time amplitude envelope momentarily rises above reference signal to provide an activating signal to a pump power controller causing electric power to be delivered to the pump.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus configured to generate multi-color light in a pleasing fashion and that may be operated in a variety of visual modes. The illumination apparatus may further include one or more speakers that may operate in a variety of audio modes. The illumination apparatus may further produce light that is suitable for treating light-deficiency disorders and/or for reducing eyestrain.

Abstract: A receptacle system is disclosed for powering an electronic device. The system comprises a receptacle having an interior compartment, interfacing apparatus for interfacing with the electronic device, processing apparatus on the receptacle for processing signals from the electronic device received through the interfacing apparatus , and powering apparatus mounted on the receptacle for powering the electronic device.

Abstract: An illuminating and sounding ball includes a translucent solid first hemisphere, an opaque second hemisphere combined with the translucent solid first hemisphere to become a ball. The opaque second hemisphere has a chamber defined therein. An illuminating and sounding device is received in the chamber to illuminate and sound when the ball is bouncing. A background index paper is placed on top of the illuminating and sounding device. A 3D toy is received in the chamber and placed on top of the background index paper.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for use with a microphone and a sound mixing system wherein each microphone has an associated channel located in the sound mixing system. Each microphone has a lighting means that assigns a particular color to that particular microphone and each channel has the same color associated with it as the color identifying the microphone. The color coding of the microphone and the channel allow for both to be visually identified. The apparatus has an audio connector for connecting the lighting apparatus to the microphone; a light source connected to the audio connector; a holder means for holding the light source; a power conductor for providing a pathway for power to the apparatus; and a strain relief connector for preventing the power conductor from being strained when the microphone is in use. The apparatus allows the microphone to be identified visually by the color it emits.

Abstract: A potting loudspeaker box includes a box body having a plurality of through-holes surrounding the periphery of the box body. A loudspeaker is disposed in the box body. A cover plate is provided with a plurality of through-holes. The cover plate covers the loudspeaker, and an artificial bonsai made of a plurality of optical fibers is inserted into the surface of the cover plate.

Abstract: A display apparatus adapted to be mounted on an audio/video player or the like comprises a housing having a window. A backlight unit having a plate mounted in said housing and made of transparent materials which has a front surface and a back surface, and a plurality of reflecting pieces disposed on the back surface of said plate and being gradually enlarged by distance. A light set has a LED arranged beside the plate of the backlight unit nearby said the reflecting pieces of smaller sizes to emit light to the backlight unit and reflected by the reflecting pieces to the front surface of the plate. A screen is mounted in the housing and disposed in front of the front surface of the backlight unit corresponding in location to the window of the housing, the screen is capable of passing the light reflected by said backlight unit.

Abstract: An attachable book mirror device enables the reader of a textual document to view the facial expressions of the young adult, child, toddler, or baby who is listening in close proximity to the reader. The listener can also view the mechanical lip movements of the reader to thereby shorten process of learning to read. The attachable book mirror includes a shell for housing the optically human visual spectrum reflective material that is pivotally connected to a base used to attach to the covers of books or any other suitable document. The reflective material can be adjusted in any allowable position, holding its last position due to certain equal but opposite forces that are generated by certain internal components such as a spring contained within the base that helps create a lasting static contact frictional force. An adjustable light may be pivotally attached to the book mirror.