Circuit Control (flashing Light, Etc.) Patents (Class 40/902)
  • Patent number: 8690997
    Abstract: A two-sided attraction structure including an electrostatic chuck portion (2) and a power supply portion (5), the electrostatic chuck portion (2) including a dielectric member (3) in a plate-like shape, which is made of an insulating material and has a front side and a back side, and an internal electrode (4) mounted into the dielectric member, the front side and the back side of the dielectric member each serving as an attraction surface when voltage is applied to the internal electrode (4), the power supply portion (5) applying the voltage to the internal electrode, of the electrostatic chuck portion (2), in which the power supply portion (5) includes a solar cell (6) and a voltage boost circuit (7) for boosting power generated by the solar cell (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Creative Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Tatsumi, Hiroshi Fujisawa, Megumu Kawae
  • Patent number: 6766605
    Abstract: A normal four sided drop box 10 is provided with with new panels 12 which are made from translucent material replacing the standard solid metal or aluminum side, front and rear panels currently employed. The panels are placed on the sides, rear and front of the drop box or receptacle. At least one internal light source 20 (LED, Incandescent, etc.) is placed inside the box to be visible through the translucent material applied in place of the solid metal covering. A consumer thus sees the illuminated panels from the outside of the drop box or receptacle. But the internal components 30 are unseen and hidden from view. In one embodiment the companies or individuals message, logo, script, 22 is backlit by the internal light source 20 makes the message visible at night. A power source battery 50 is preferably powered by solar panel 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: David Scot Emert
  • Publication number: 20030154638
    Abstract: A combination advertising and warning sign for mounting in a retail store to display promotional materials and warn of spills and other hazardous conditions includes a housing and a movable warning arm. The housing has a front cover removably hinged to a horizontal edge of a base member. The housing can take a closed position in which the cover and base form a closed cavity concealing the warning arm. When the housing is closed, a display region for mounting the promotional material is visible at a front exterior of the cover. The housing can be opened by pivoting the cover about the hinges. When the housing is open, warning indicia are revealed and the warning arm can be pivoted horizontally to an extended position substantially perpendicular to the housing. A switch-activated audio alarm disposed within the housing cavity can also be operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Bruce R. Kern, Don Ladson, Lewis G. Libby
  • Patent number: 6420008
    Abstract: A display sticker with integral LED flasher circuit and power source adapted to be adhesively affixed to and readily removed from a fabric article. A printed circuit board having an LED, a control circuit and a battery is adhesively affixed to the back surface of a thin flexible sheet having printed indicia on its front surface. A rubber-based, pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided on the back surface of the flexible sheet to adhere the circuit board thereto, and also to adhere the sticker assembly to a fabric article such as an article of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Buztronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward D. Lewis, Raymond W. Leung
  • Patent number: 6385881
    Abstract: A device is provided for enhancing the realistic appearance of flames produced by a simulated fireplace (gas or electric) by providing additional ambient lighting effects in response to sensed light intensity within the fireplace. The device includes a photosensor, a control circuit, and display lighting. The photosensor senses the level of light intensity produced by a simulated flame source and changes its resistive value accordingly. The control circuit has circuit parameters which uses the resistive value of the photosensor to determine whether to apply operational power to the display lighting. The display lighting consists of at least one lamp positioned above the simulated fuel bed. When simulated fireplace is operational, the display lighting of the device produces a “flickering” effect that is synchronized with the changes in light intensity occurring within the fireplace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventor: Kristoffer Hess
  • Patent number: 6045243
    Abstract: A mirror assembly including a semitransparent mirror which passes about 1% to about 30% of a broad band of visible light, and which reflects less than about 80% of a broad band of visible light; and a light assembly positioned adjacent to the semitransparent mirror and which emits visible light which is passed by the semitransparent mirror, the luminous intensity of the mirror assembly being about 0.5 to about 120 candelas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: K.W. Muth Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Muth, Daniel R. Todd, Daniel J. Mathieu, Allen A. Bukosky, Michael J. Musiel
  • Patent number: 6013346
    Abstract: A display sticker with integral LED flasher circuit and power source adapted to be adhesively affixed to and readily removed from a fabric article. A printed circuit board having an LED, a control circuit and a battery is adhesively affixed to the back surface of a thin flexible sheet having printed indicia on its front surface. A rubber-based, pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided on the back surface of the flexible sheet to adhere the circuit board thereto, and also to adhere the sticker assembly to a fabric article such as an article of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Buztronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward D. Lewis, Raymond W. Leung
  • Patent number: 5900813
    Abstract: The invention comprises a vehicular wide turn warning device having a placard with a warning printed thereon. The placard also has mounted thereon a strobe lamp and a plurality of light-emitting mechanisms, the light-emitting mechanisms being arranged to form an arrow having a point and a tail. The invention also comprises a control circuit for operating the light-emitting mechanisms and strobe lamp mounted upon the placard. The control circuit is arranged such that the light-emitting mechanisms forming the arrow are sequentially and cyclically illuminated beginning with the light-emitting mechanisms forming the tail of the arrow and preceding to the light-emitting mechanisms forming the head of the arrow. The strobe lamp is cyclically illuminated in conjunction with the light-emitting mechanisms forming the arrow. A manually operable switching means located adjacent a driver of a vehicle activates a control circuit for the vehicular wide turn warning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Stanley Ruminski
    Inventors: Stanley Ruminski, William Carrell
  • Patent number: 5900812
    Abstract: The invention comprises a vehicular wide turn warning device having a placard with a warning printed thereon. The placard also has mounted thereon a strobe lamp and a plurality of light-emitting mechanisms, the light-emitting mechanisms being arranged to form an arrow having a point and a tail. The invention also comprises a control circuit for operating the light-emitting mechanisms and strobe lamp mounted upon the placard. The control circuit is arranged such that the light-emitting mechanisms forming the arrow are sequentially and cyclically illuminated beginning with the light-emitting mechanisms forming the tail of the arrow and preceding to the light-emitting mechanisms forming the head of the arrow. The strobe lamp is cyclically illuminated in conjunction with the light-emitting mechanisms forming the arrow. A manually operable switching means located adjacent a driver of a vehicle activates a control circuit for the vehicular wide turn warning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Stanley Ruminski
    Inventors: Stanley Ruminski, William Carrell
  • Patent number: 5652606
    Abstract: A message card includes a button type dry battery, a visual image display, a speaker, a control circuit for recording, storing and reproducing both of visual images and audio messages data, a flexible circuit substrate for mounting the control circuit, connecting substrate formed integrally to the circuit substrate for connecting electrically the control circuit with the visual image display and with the speaker, writing terminals for writing desired visual images and audio messages data on the control circuit and being connected electrically to the control circuit on the substrate, and a switch for activating the reproduction of the visual images and the audio messages data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Japan Servo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naotaka Sasaki, Shunichi Kawamata
  • Patent number: 5560970
    Abstract: A display marking tag for marking an item has an adhesive fastening strip for fastening the tag to the item to be marked, and a second strip, which can be adhered to the fastening strip, and which has a surface for being printed upon. On the side of the second strip disposed in contact with the fastening strip there can preferably be a semitransparent coating for decreasing the translucency of the second strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Esselte Meto International GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Ludeb uhl
  • Patent number: 5325279
    Abstract: A portable personnel locating safety device for use in multiple-storied or high-rise buildings for attachment to a window to allow ground observers to determine in which rooms occupants are trapped, especially during a fire. The device is adhered to a window and has an aperture with an illuminating flashing light attached therethrough. The kit contains internal compartments which house rolls of tape that can be used by trapped occupants to seal cracks around doors to reduce the intake of smoke until help arrives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignees: Anthony K. Freelove, Shandal Von Wood, Mark Freelove, Martin Freelove
    Inventors: Martin Freelove, Mark Freelove
  • Patent number: 5309656
    Abstract: A flashing advertising sign is provided for indoor use. The sign is of box-like transparent construction having parallel front and rear panels and elongated upper and lower panels having facing retaining channels which slidably secure a flat placard. Photovoltaic cells positioned in the upper panel supply energy to a rechargeable storage battery. A timing circuit periodically directs electrical current from the battery to light-emitting diodes which illuminate the placard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Richard Montgomery
  • Patent number: 5275285
    Abstract: A business card holder, which can be used to hold business cards and actively draw the attention of a recipient to the card by emitting sounds upon the unfolding of the business card holder. The business card is held inside the holder and a sound emitting device is incorporated within the holder. When the business card holder is opened and unfolded the sound emitting device is activated to provide an audio signal to the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Clegg Industries
    Inventor: Timothy P. Clegg
  • Patent number: 5270698
    Abstract: A switching device for flashing an installed light fixture, as for helping emergency response personnel locate a dwelling. A switch housing which is mountable within a conventional junction box encloses a switch having "off", "on", and "flash" positions. In the "flash" position, the switch cyclically completes and interrupts the installed 120 volt AC circuit so that the light fixture flashes on and off. A triac is employed as a relay for completing the circuit, and a timer-controlled driver portion is provided for actuating the triac. The triac driver actuates the triac at the beginning of each half-cycle of the AC current, in response to a low-voltage pulse which passes through a capacitor connected to the high-voltage lead. The timer may be a 555 IC timer, and a conversion network may be provided for supplying DC current for this. A piezoelectric element is also provided for generating an audible signal indicating that the "flash" mode has been actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventors: Patrick D. Hoyle, Richard A. Bishel
  • Patent number: 5063698
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the personalized greeting card includes an independent, detachable, electronic memory device that stores electronic signals, a mechanism for retrieving the electronic signals from the memory device, a voice synthesizer which obtains these electronic signals and produces audible sounds representative of the personalized message, and a switch that controls the retrieving device and the voice synthesizer. Prior to incorporating the memory device in the card, an EPROM translation machine converts the personalized message obtained from the sender of the card into appropriate electronic signals and stores those representative electronic signals in the memory device. The memory device is then detached from the EPROM and mounted in the circuitry disposed in the greeting card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Inventors: Ellen B. Johnson, Daryl Ivey
  • Patent number: 5056660
    Abstract: A music gift box includes a pair of shells pivotally connected together. A cover board is mounted within one of the shells and carries a circuit board, a DC power supply, a speaker and a frame for holding a picture. When the gift box is closed, the circuit board is disconnected from the power supply. When the gift box is opened, the working voltage actuates the circuit board to produce music through the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventor: Andy Huang
  • Patent number: 4934079
    Abstract: A display panel device includes a display panel having a sensor sensitive to light, sound, heat and so on and a recorder/playback combination attached thereto. As an object transparent to or shielding light and generating sound or heat approaches the panel, the sensor is automatically actuated to give an automatic actuation to the recorder/playback combination, thereby reproducing music or sound from the surface of the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Hatsuo Hoshi
  • Patent number: 4901461
    Abstract: A system for identifying a house includes a display unit mounted outside the house, the display unit housing a plurality of bulbs for back lighting a translucent panel, with numbers affixed thereto. A combined control module/power pack within the house and in electrical communication with the display unit. The power pack includes an electronic control circuit for selectively providing a plurality of modes of operation, including an automatic operation (e.g. the display unit goes on at dusk and off at dawn), manual operation, blinking white display, and blinking red display, plus an override in any mode, including an off mode. The blinking display signals an emergency condition. A separate status display enables a home owner to give a status signal to a person outside the house to give warning of such thing as the presence of a home invader, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Light-House Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond A. Edwards, Kevin S. Edwards
  • Patent number: 4855723
    Abstract: An alarm system has an alarm unit that includes a siren, a stroboscopic light, and an address display. The alarm unit is located on a building so as to be visible from the building exterior. The address display is made up of one or more characters, arranged so as to make up the address of the building. The characters are formed by plural light emitting diodes. Switching circuitry activates the siren and the stroboscopic light, and switches the display to full brilliance. Reset circuitry deactivates the siren and the strobscopic light, and returns the display to a preactivation level of brilliance. A portable transmitter unit can be used to activate the alarm system. Interlock circuitry prevents the deactivation of the stroboscopic light and the address display before the siren is deactivated. The alarm system can be operated in one of two modes. The first mode has the siren operate continuously, and the second mode has the siren operate intermittently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Proto Quick, Inc.
    Inventors: Marlene M. Fritz, Betty J. Love, Mary D. Sweeney, Chuck Davis
  • Patent number: 4760659
    Abstract: The display plate includes a frame member having a rectangular flat portion provided with at least one opening shaped to accommodate a largest number of the plurality of light-emitting elements and a first and a second major surfaces which face each other, at least one pair of paired tongues protruding from the second major surface of the flat portion to face each other at a spacing and provided with at least two pairs of aligned openings, and at least two columnar lugs each being integrally fixed to one of the tongues in each pair in the at least one pair of paired tongues by a thin webbing. The frame member is made of a plastic. A thin designation card is fit on the first major surface of the flat portion of the frame member and formed with a plurality of openings which are associated in position with the light-emitting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Noboru Watabe
  • Patent number: 4607747
    Abstract: A carton for gift merchandise is formed from a single blank that is cut and folded to be set up into a carton having a double-thickness wall between layers of which a battery powered signal generator is concealed and protected. Another wall of the carton, having an integral hinged connection to one of the layers of the double-thickness wall, is arranged to be a closure for the carton which has to be unfolded or swung open for opening of the carton and which has an actuator connection with the generator that starts it when the carton is opened. Blanks for both cube-shaped and pyramidal cartons are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Inventor: Andi Steiner
  • Patent number: 4481562
    Abstract: A solar power station for providing illumination or a signal generally including a storage battery-powered signaling element, a solar generator for recharging the storage battery and a bracket assembly for supporting the remainder of the components. The bracket assembly is lightweight and supports the solar generator in an orientation to provide adequate exposure to ambient light in a wide variety of sun positions. The signaling element is disposed substantially above the solar generator in order to minimize obstructions therebetween. The apparatus is adapted to be self-contained, to be independent in operation, and to be left unattended for substantial periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: T & L Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Hickson
  • Patent number: 4385461
    Abstract: This sequentially highlighting copy holder employs fields of light as the frame of reference for an operator of a keyboard machine in keeping the place in the text of a document page. The page is affixed upon the copy holder for processing and is illuminated, portion by portion, as the place in the text advances. In one place keeping function the perceived effect of this highlighting delivered in sequence is that of a slender field of light slowly descending the document page. In another, the field of light disappears as a second field appears lower on the page, overlapping the position of the first field of light and disappearing in turn as a third field appears, overlapping the position of the second, so that as the place in the text moves downward the field of light moves with it in salient changes of position, holding to the moving place of attention in the text. In yet another function, ongoing input entered into the keyboard machine sets the downward pace of the field of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1983
    Inventor: Hale Wingfield
  • Patent number: 4383742
    Abstract: Apparatus for generating an animated image when viewed from a location in motion. The apparatus comprises a series of images; and at least one illumination device for emitting light flashes adapted to illuminate the images. Ignition devices are provided for causing a light flash to be emitted each time the location has moved a distance substantially equal to the spacing between two successive images. The illumination device is fixed relative to the images and is adapted to simultaneously illuminate an entire section including the series of images.A method of providing an animated image for viewing by a viewer at a location in motion relative to a series of stationary images. The method includes sensing the velocity of motion of the location relative to the series of images. A series of the images is illuminated for viewing from the location as the location moves past the images. The illumination device for flash illuminating the images is fixed relative to the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1983
    Inventors: Roland Brachet, Pierre Boismard
  • Patent number: 4358754
    Abstract: A sound-actuated light advertising display (10) includes an octagonally-shaped reflector (20) having an octagonal base (21), outer side walls (22) extending away from the base (21) and projecting at an obtuse angle thereto, and a pyramid-shaped portion (23) extending away from the center of the base (21). A plurality of lights (25) are positioned in the reflector base (21) and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the pyramid-shaped portion (23). A sound-actuated power switching means (27) is connected between the plurality of lights (25) and a power source. The switching means (27) detects sound in the vicinity of the display (10) and regulates power input to the plurality of lights (25) in response to the variations in the level of the detected sound. A prismatically textured translucent cover (15, 19) is positioned over the reflector (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Assignee: Visual Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond R. Young, Donald F. Buck
  • Patent number: 4299041
    Abstract: A device in the form of a greeting card, display card, or the like, for producing a visual and/or a sound effect which includes a panel member or the like onto which is applied pictorial and/or printed matter in association with an effects generator, an electronic circuit mounted on the panel member but not visible to the reader of the matter but to which the effects generator is connected, and an activator on the panel member which, when actuated, causes triggering of the electronic circuit to energize the effects generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1981
    Inventor: Stephen H. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4279088
    Abstract: There is provided a visual stimulation instrument operable to induce by perception of a visual message useful in therapeutic treatment of psychological and psychic disorders. A simple embodiment provides messages viewed by a patient with a sheet of paper comprising a viewing screen, with a lamp behind the paper flashed at high intensity during very short periodic intervals. One embodiment has two successive sheets of paper, one with an overt message and another with a covert message in such contrast that the lamp flash does not permit recognition of the covert message but does cause a conscious recognition of the overt message through the afterglow mechanism of the eye. The flashing by a gaseous discharge lamp preferably occurs periodically at a rate in the order of one to three seconds between flashes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1981
    Inventor: Robert W. Hyre
  • Patent number: 4264979
    Abstract: A display panel for a CB transceiver is disclosed which identifies to others the channel being used by the operator and other information such as the operator's code name or that the operator needs emergency assistance. The display panel is adapted to be installed in a motor vehicle on the front dashboard, on the rear window area, or the side windows. In the preferred embodiment, the display panel includes an electronic digital channel indicator connected to the channel selector of the CB transceiver. The numbers displayed on the channel indicator change with the channel selected on the CB transceiver. A translucent overlay is mounted within the display panel in front of the digital channel indicator, and the overlay is personalized with information about the operator. A light behind the overlay makes the information visible to others. Two flashing lights are also mounted within the display panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Inventor: Karol Gutowski
  • Patent number: 4259800
    Abstract: A display apparatus is provided comprising a plurality of spaced lights with reflectors operatively associated with the lights which are isolated from one another. A circuit is provided for actuating the lights for selected periods of time to create an appearance of sequencing. Shaped lenses having the form of alphabetic characters or the like are associated with the lights and are illuminated thereby to achieve a desired effect. The reflectors and seperators associated therewith are connected together in a monolithic structure. The reflectors are asymmetrically formed in the case of asymmetrically shaped alphabetic characters in order to direct the light most appropriately through the shaped lenses. Sequencing is provided by the use of a binary counter, the output of which selectively actuates the lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Inventor: Alexander Schoenfeld
  • Patent number: 4236335
    Abstract: A miniaturized housing or display device including at least one electric circuit adapted to be connected to an electric current supply. The electric circuit includes at least one switch. The housing further is adapted to receive a mechanical alarm clock that has a movement winder and an alarm winder. A counterweight is attached to hang from each of the winders such that each of the counterweights abuts against a corresponding switch in each of the circuits when the mechanical alarm clock is inserted in the compartment and the counterweights descend as a result of the movement of each of the winders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1980
    Inventor: Jean Colonneau
  • Patent number: 4222188
    Abstract: A combined sound reproducing device for either music or speech, together with a display for an opaque sheet on which an insignia is defined that may be a work of art, photograph, printed material or the like, and the display being a part of a resonator box that not only amplifies the volume of the sound reproducing device, but the resonator box having a number of spaced recesses defined in the upper portion thereof in which merchandise such as cosmetics or the like may be mounted in an attractive manner to encourage the sale thereof. The sound reproducing device may be either a spring actuated music box or a power driven unit in which a cassette may be removably disposed to have a voice message or music reproduced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Inventors: Fred A. Tarrant, James S. Parsons
  • Patent number: 4209212
    Abstract: A jewelry display housing utilizes an elongated rigid sheet having a soft wadding-like material disposed adjacent a lateral surface thereof, a fabric-like covering is disposed over the wadding material and is provided having a plurality of nail-like fasteners extending outwardly therefrom, each disposed at an acute angle relative to the rigid sheet. A fabric-like member is provided having one edge thereof disposed secured to an edge of the sheet and extending over the fabric-like layer covering the wadding, in flap-like fashion. Doors are provided covering the ends of the fasteners. A reflector is disposed within the housing comprising the doors and the sidewalls attached to the sheet, to which a switch is mounted engaging the doors when they are closed. The switch is mounted in electrical series circuit with a battery mounted on the housing. Pierced earrings are disposed having their shank portion passing through the flap-like fabric sheet with the fasteners serving as support for other forms of jewelry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1980
    Inventor: Darlene M. McGoldrick
  • Patent number: 4179198
    Abstract: An installation for the animation of pictures for transportation systems, such as, for example, a railway system wherein a passenger vehicle moves through an unlighted area such as a tunnel. The installation comprises a series of pictures that are mounted along the side wall of the tunnel at regular intervals and at least one light-flash emitting device, the device being mounted on the passenger vehicle and directed toward the pictures. Electric circuitry causes the flash to be emitted each time the vehicle has covered a distance equal to the space between two successive pictures. The installation provides passengers riding the transportation system with animated pictures during the course of their journey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1979
    Inventors: Roland F. C. Brachet, Pierre M. Boismard
  • Patent number: 4164822
    Abstract: A portable map-display system for auto, boat and airplane uses and the like includes a plurality of translucent maps and a compact light box proportioned for back-lighting one map at a time. To prevent unshielded glare from the light-box and to assure proper orientation of maps on the light-box a series circuit arrangement turns off the light circuit in the box when a map is not properly in place over the light-box. The series circuit arrangement includes a conductive strip asymmetrically disposed on each map and a pair of electrodes on the light-box adapted for resiliently receiving the conductive strip of a map between them to close the circuit and turn on the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Inventor: James L. Batton
  • Patent number: 4108405
    Abstract: Generally speaking the present invention contemplates a kit-type railroad crossing signal device having four red, double lens lights attached to prewired arms, a module for flasher control, a battery box, an automatic controlled battery charger, switching control and, a metal conduit and clamps. A standard railroad signal bell can also be supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Inventor: Preston H. Gibson