Abstract: The invention provides a power supply for a plurality of signaling devices on an emergency vehicle. The power supply includes a plurality of outlets distributed along a housing. A cable raceway extends through the housing past the plurality of outlets and defines a passage through which cables can be fed to connect each of the signaling devices to a respective one of the outlets. A cable comb is supported by the power supply housing and defines a plurality of cable slots in the cable raceway, with each slot being located adjacent a respective one of the outlets. Each outlet can have an associated light-emitting device (LED) for displaying an operational status of the signaling device connected to the respective outlet. A cover can be supported on the housing for movement between open and closed positions.

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.

Abstract: A light assembly is disclosed which can include an LED array and a reflector. The LED array can include a plurality of LEDs which are disposed such that each LED is substantially aligned to define a focal axis. Each LED can emit light substantially along an optical output axis, with each optical output axis being perpendicular to the focal axis. The optical output axis of the LED array can be disposed in intersecting relationship with the reflector surface. The reflector can be defined by a curve section defined with respect to a principal axis. The principal axis and the output axis of the LED array can be in non-parallel relationship with each other. The optical output axis of the LED array can be substantially perpendicular to the principal axis of the curve section of the reflector.

Abstract: The invention provides a debris separation-filtration unit comprising a housing; an inlet that receives debris-laden air delivers the air in a tangential, centrifugal airflow-forming manner to the interior of housing; an inner shell that includes a number of airflow passageways; and a debris-capturing filter, the sides of which filter are at least substantially surrounded by the inner shell. Due to the formation of the centrifugal airflow and presence of the inner shell in the housing, only a portion of the debris particles entering the unit come in contact with the filter. The invention also provides debris collection, separation, and filtration systems comprising one or more of the separation-filtration units of the invention; debris collection vehicles comprising one or more of such units or systems; and related methods of collecting, separating, and filtering debris.

Abstract: The invention provides debris collection devices that include a debris contacting mechanism, a debris transport mechanism that is configured to receive debris moved by the debris contacting mechanism at an inlet and move such debris towards a debris storage compartment, and a filter and vacuum assembly. The filter and vacuum assembly includes an inlet disposed downstream of the inlet of the transport mechanism and upstream of the debris storage compartment, relative to the path of transported debris. In operation, the filter and vacuum assembly generate a primary air flow that draws the airborne particles into the inlet of the transport mechanism, along a path proximate to the transport mechanism, into the inlet of the filter and vacuum assembly and through a filter located within the filter and vacuum assembly without generating a substantial airflow through the storage compartment. Related debris collection and processing systems and methods also are provided.

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.

Abstract: A signaling system for mounting to an exterior surface of an emergency vehicle is provided. The signaling system includes a light bar and a pair of mounting feet. The light bar can include a plurality of signaling devices supported on and distributed along a base member and enclosed by a cover. The light bar can be secured to the mounting feet via a plurality of fasteners. The mounting feet can be connected to the emergency vehicle via roof straps. Each mounting foot can include a base, which can have a support portion, a contoured portion, and a pair of compartments; a pair of seals associated with each compartment; a pair of covers, which can be translucent, removably mounted to the base to enclose the compartments; and a roof strap secured to the base. Each compartment can house a signaling device, such as a lamp assembly.

Abstract: A reliable strobe power supply is disclosed that provides requisite light energy for emergency uses without causing EMI problems. A two phase dual flyback power converter operating in transitional mode is disclosed containing a microcontroller that maintains a 180 degree displacement between the two phases by enabling a small, variable dead time between the cessation of stored energy in the flyback transformers and turn-on of the associated power switching transistor for one or the other phases. The power supply is capable of detecting a fault (neoning) and automatically correcting the condition by incrementing the flash capacitor charge off-time delay. The power supply is also capable of tolerating defective (persistently neoning) strobe tubes that cause an inordinate delay in capacitor charging by turning them off.

Abstract: An emergency signaling system with integrated load management functionality is provided wherein the load management circuitry is alternatively operable in programming and operating modes. The system includes a keypad, control head, control unit and a plurality of signaling features selectively activated by the control unit in the operating mode. The load management circuitry automatically sheds loads from the signaling system in response to an indication from the electrical system powering the signaling system that an energy drain is occurring at the energy source that will cause disruption to other more important systems—e.g., the ignition system in a vehicle.

Abstract: A reliable strobe power supply is disclosed that provides requisite light energy for emergency uses without causing EMI problems. A two phase dual flyback power converter operating in transitional mode is disclosed containing a microcontroller that maintains a 180 degree displacement between the two phases by enabling a small, variable dead time between the cessation of stored energy in the flyback transformers and turn-on of the associated power switching transistor for one or the other phases. The power supply is capable of detecting a fault (neoning) and automatically correcting the condition by incrementing the flash capacitor charge off-time delay. The power supply is also capable of tolerating defective (persistently neoning) strobe tubes that cause an inordinate delay in capacitor charging by turning them off.

Abstract: The invention provides a debris separation-filtration unit comprising a housing; an inlet that receives debris-laden air delivers the air in a tangential, centrifugal airflow-forming manner to the interior of housing; an inner shell that includes a number of airflow passageways; and a debris-capturing filter, the sides of which filter are at least substantially surrounded by the inner shell. Due to the formation of the centrifugal airflow and presence of the inner shell in the housing, only a portion of the debris particles entering the unit come in contact with the filter. The invention also provides debris collection, separation, and filtration systems comprising one or more of the separation-filtration units of the invention; debris collection vehicles comprising one or more of such units or systems; and related methods of collecting, separating, and filtering debris.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for increasing the effectiveness of emergency signalling devices on vehicles. An emergency signalling device such as a flashing light is repeatedly operated at a frequency rate that corresponds to the speed of the vehicle. A minimum repetition rate is employed when the vehicle is slow or stopped so that the signal is not similarly halted, and a maximum rate is employed above a certain speed so that the repetition rate is not at too high of a frequency to be perceived.

Abstract: An emergency signalling system is disclosed that incorporates an emergency signalling device including a light source and reflector mounted for relative rotation in incremental steps in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions. A programmable control unit of the signalling system provides digital signals to a drive source for controlling the speed and direction of the relative rotation. In response to the digital signals, the signalling device executes a variety of different visual patterns. The signalling system can be programmed from a keyboard preferably integrated into a control head mounted to a dashboard area of a vehicle incorporating the emergency signalling system. Virtually any type of visual warning pattern based on the relative rotation of a light source and reflector can be executed by the signalling device if properly programmed.

Abstract: A monolithic light output device with a unitary construction is coupled to an optical fiber or light pipe to produce an output beam. The light output device has an elongated beam shaping rod connected to a solid lens by a conical transition section. The beam shaping rod modifies the distribution of the light from the optical fiber or light pipe by means of total internal reflection at its peripheral wall. The light passing through the beam shaping rod forms a modified light source at the end of the rod. The solid lens projects the modified light source outward to form the output beam. A controlled beam pattern with sharp beam edges is produced by forming the wall of the conical section at an expansion angle that is equal or larger than the maximum exit angle of the light from the modified light source. Local surface slope variations provided on the peripheral wall of the beam shaping rod redirect the light passing through the beam shaping rod to result in a desired beam distribution.

Abstract: A compact horn speaker suitable for use on emergency vehicles has a rear-facing motor circuit, a horn plate, and a mouth section. The horn plate has a plurality of horns folded therein in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the speaker. The phase plug for the motor circuit is integrally formed on the horn plate and has a plurality of apertures each opening to a folded horn in the horn plate. The folded horns are connected to a horn mouth formed in the mouth section. The mouth section is formed of a thermally conductive material and has an integrally formed receptacle for receiving the magnet assembly of the motor circuit. The receptacle holds the motor circuit firmly in position and provides efficient thermal dissipation via the horn structure for heat generated by the motor circuit during operation.

Abstract: A light bar for mounting on an emergency vehicle has a modular construction using trays for mounting lights. The trays are integral members having cells formed therein for receiving components of light fixtures. The light bar has two lighting tiers. The lights on the lower tier are received in the cells of the trays. The tops of the trays provide a platform for mounting lights on the upper tier. Alternatively, the upper-tier lights may be mounted on the upper shell of the housing of the light bar. Snap-fit fasteners are formed on the trays for mounting components of the lights. In one configuration, the light bar includes a speaker which has a driver mounted inside the light bar housing and a horn which fits in an opening in the housing and is coupled to the driver for transmitting audio signals.

Abstract: A lighting system and method for broadcasting colored lights as emergency warning signals from a light source. A centralized continuous light source is coupled via a fiber optic transmission medium to an external display location such as a lens or the like located on a vehicle. The color and the relative intensity of each color is periodically modulated to alternate between at least two states such that the contrast between these alternating states is perceived by observers to be a flashing source of light with no off-time. The frequency and the duty cycle of the repetition rate of alternating between the states may be further controlled to better draw attention to the light source.

Abstract: The invention provides a fiber optic cable connector consisting of a band having inner and outer surfaces and flexible between locked and unlocked positions in response to a compressive force, wherein the inner surface is dimensioned to slidably engage the protective jacket in the unlocked position. The ban has an inwardly projecting ridge for securely engaging the fiber optic cable jacket in the locked position for preventing relative movement between the band and the cable jacket. A sleeve has a bore including a tapered front section for receiving and exerting a compressive force on the band.

Abstract: A tone generating circuit for delivering power to a speaker modulated fourth harmonic audio square wave signal by its fundamental to produce a modulated audio signal within a selected frequency range. The tone generating circuit may be incorporated in a power delivering circuit that supplies a pulse width modulated audio signal to a speaker in one mode of operation, a fourth harmonic modulated audio signal in a second mode of operation, and a square wave audio signal in a third mode of operation.

Abstract: A light bar is provided for mounting to a roof of an emergency vehicle such that the signalling devices comprising the light bar are distributed across the roof to form a non-linear pattern. A dome assembly covers the signalling devices and also forms a non-linear pattern traversing the roof. The light bar provides for enhanced visibility at angles approaching 90.degree. to the heading of the vehicle. Moreover, the non-linear pattern of the signalling devices allows the light bar to provide a signalling pattern whose warning effect can be alternatively directionalized into different distinct zones about the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, each of the signalling devices is contained in a module comprising a base and a dome such that enhanced transmittance of light is provided at angles approaching 90.degree. from the heading of the vehicle.