Abstract: A simple, low-cost circuit is disclosed that provides the requisite triple redundancy for a spark protection circuit for a battery-operated device having an on-board battery charger that is intended for use in hazardous atmospheres. The circuit complies with the IEC standard for intrinsically safe products.

Abstract: An articulated brim mount for a helmet light that mounts on the brim of a hat or worker's helmet enables pivoting of the helmet light through angles of up to 210 degrees in a vertical plane and at least 360 degrees in a horizontal plane. The pivots are configured to provide controlled friction so that the angles of the light can be adjusted by hand without tools while retaining the position set by the user.

Abstract: A simple, low-cost circuit is disclosed that provides the requisite triple redundancy for a spark protection circuit for a battery-operated device having an on-board battery charger that is intended for use in hazardous atmospheres. The circuit complies with the IEC standard for intrinsically safe products.

Abstract: An articulated brim mount for a helmet light that mounts on the brim of a hat or worker's helmet enables pivoting of the helmet light through angles of up to 210 degrees in a vertical plane and at least 360 degrees in a horizontal plane. The pivots are configured to provide controlled friction so that the angles of the light can be adjusted by hand without tools while retaining the position set by the user.

Abstract: A simple, low-cost circuit is disclosed that provides the requisite triple redundancy for a spark protection circuit for a battery-operated device having an on-board battery charger that is intended for use in hazardous atmospheres. The circuit complies with the IEC standard for intrinsically safe products.

Abstract: A simple, low-cost circuit is disclosed that provides the requisite triple redundancy for a spark protection circuit for a battery-operated device having an on-board battery charger that is intended for use in hazardous atmospheres. The circuit complies with the IEC standard for intrinsically safe products.

Abstract: An ambidextrous actuating mechanism configured as a mechanical interlock may be adapted to a battery operated light emitting device for mounting forward of the trigger guard of a firearm. The mechanism includes first and second mechanically coupled pivotable switch actuators disposed under and on either side of the barrel of the firearm. Operation of either one of the first and second actuator levers locks the other actuator from pivoting, thereby eliminating ambiguity and overridden operations in the control of the light emitting device. The operating motion of both actuators, either up for ON or down for MOMENTARY, is the same for both actuators. An alternate embodiment provides functionally equivalent electronically interlocked actuators.

Abstract: A battery operated illumination device having a pivoting head, with first and second independently controlled light sources. In a normal use orientation a spot light beam from a first light source is directed along a forward axis oriented at 90 degrees with a longitudinal axis of the device housing. A flood light beam from a second light source in the pivoting head is directed along an axis disposed between 30 and 60 degrees below the forward axis. In an alternate use orientation the pivoting head may be pivoted through up to 90° from the forward axis.

Abstract: A tactical carry flash light includes a dual independent switch assembly for independently controlling first and second light emitters. The switch assembly is mounted in a tail cap of the flash light housing to provide operation of all modes by the user's thumb or finger. The housing encloses a battery pack that includes conductive elements, enclosed within an insulating sleeve, that enable the independent control of the first and second light emitters.

Abstract: A brightness control circuit for a DC-powered LED light uses a PWM generator. The LED brightness is a function of the duty cycle of a drive signal to a transistor connected in series with the LED. In several embodiments the duty cycle signal generated by the PWM is controlled by at least one momentary SPST switch, or, in one alternative, by first and second SPST switches operable in a make-before-break sequence in a voltage divider circuit.

Abstract: A heat sink for a handheld device is found as a one piece chassis for supporting heat-producing circuits inside the device while having heat radiating surfaces outside the device. In another embodiment a battery pack control circuit under microprocessor control allows battery packs having different battery chemistries and characteristics to be interchanged in the same device without switches or adapters. Control of operating modes of the device despite changes in the battery pack including battery chemistry, state of charge, available voltage, or desired operating mode are automatic. The microprocessor measures the battery pack characteristics, using look up tables in a suitable program to adjust the circuit operating modes. The microprocessor also responds to sequential switch contact closures in setting operating modes.

Abstract: A reusable oval cap for an oval container that is threaded for ease of removal and installation and provides a water tight seal when fully seated in the container. When the cap is removed, the full cross sectional area of the housing is open for inserting or removing the contents of the container.

Abstract: A heat sink for a handheld device is formed as a one piece chassis for supporting heat-producing circuits inside the device while having heat radiating surfaces outside the device. In another embodiment a battery pack control circuit under microprocessor control allows battery packs having different battery chemistries and characteristics to be interchanged in the same device without switches or adapters. Control of operating modes of the device despite changes in the battery pack including battery chemistry, state of charge, available voltage, or desired operating mode are automatic. The microprocessor measures the battery pack characteristics, using look up tables in a suitable program to adjust the circuit operating modes. The microprocessor also responds to sequential switch contact closures in setting operating modes.

Abstract: An electronic lighting instrument features separate optical assemblies for flood lighting and spot lighting. The optical assemblies include primary, secondary, and tertiary optical elements. The housing of the instrument features a trilobal cross section and includes dust-and-moisture-sealed push buttons and lenses as part of the housing construction. Self-aligning assemblies to ensure correct electrical and mechanical assembly are provided. The housing also self-aligns with a mating docking station for recharging the instrument batteries in situ. The lighting instrument may be controlled by a microprocessor circuit to provide floodlight and spotlight beams and several operational states thereof depending on the need for illumination or signaling.

Abstract: An electronic lighting instrument features separate optical assemblies for flood lighting and spot lighting. The optical assemblies include primary, secondary, and tertiary optical elements. The housing of the instrument features a trilobal cross section and includes dust-and-moisture-sealed push buttons and lenses as part of the housing construction. Self-aligning assemblies to ensure correct electrical and mechanical assembly are provided. The housing also self-aligns with a mating docking station for recharging the instrument batteries in situ. The lighting instrument may be controlled by a microprocessor circuit to provide floodlight and spotlight beams and several operational states thereof depending on the need for illumination or signaling.

Abstract: A tool for removing a broken light bulb base from a socket includes a body member for supporting a tubular resiliently deformable bulb base gripping head member operable to engage a broken bulb base including the glass bulb base portion, if remaining intact with the bulb base, whereby axial and rotational forces exerted by the tool body member effects substantial elastic deformation of the head member into frictional gripping engagement with the base to permit rotation of the base and removal from a socket. The body member includes a rigid tubular support part for engaging one end of the resilient head member but the rigid support part does not engage or enter the bulb base. The tool may be provided with a second resilient head member and supporting body member nestable in the first mentioned body member and usable for smaller diameter broken bulb bases. An adapter part is provided for mounting the tool on the end of an elongated pole for reaching otherwise inaccessible bulbs.