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. In one embodiment, the external display locations include optical converters, each converter having multiple input facets and optically arranged to broadcast light received at its facets at predetermined vertical and horizontal output angles.

Abstract: A beam spreading device for use with a centralized lighting system and which can be applied to emergency vehicle lighting applications achieves a beam pattern light output which is essentially continuous over an output range of plus and minus 45 degrees from a center point. The beam pattern light output also has a predefined height associated therewith. The beam spreading device is constructed so as to have a curved surface which mixes the light travelling therethrough so as to achieve the continuous light output. Side wall surfaces of the beam spreading device provide for total internal reflectance properties of the beam spreading device. In one embodiment, a color wheel can be interposed between the output of optical fibers which transmit the light from the centralized light source to the necessary remote location, and the beam spreading device. The color wheel provides the ability to generate different color light outputs from a single light source.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and broadcasting emergency lighting signals wherein the lights are synchronized such that when a first light is energized with a packet of short, rapid bursts, a second light begins to flash before the first light is de-energized. Control circuitry connected to the power source selectively controls the packetized energization of the light sources and includes timing circuitry for periodically energizing a first of the light sources for a first duration and for energizing a second of the light source for a second duration. The second duration overlaps, but is not coincident with the first duration in a repeating pattern such that the first and second sources are periodically energized simultaneously before the first source is de-energized.

Abstract: A spotlight is provided that employs stationary motors for positioning a light beam at a desired azimuth and elevation such that there is no blind spots of the light beam at the zenith of the azimuth and elevation. A drive train rotates the spotlight about a horizontal axis and allows the motor driving the rotation to have a stationary mounting in a base while at the same time providing the light beam of the spotlight with a range of elevation that exceeds 90 degrees from a horizontal reference plane at any desired azimuth. More particularly, a stationary motor drives a capstan, which includes a spool that winds and unwinds a cable connected to a lamp assembly of the spotlight for positioning the light beam at a desired elevation. The cable is communicated between the lamp assembly and the capstan by way of a central bore in a mast that supports the lamp assembly for rotation about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A light emitting device includes a reflector assembly combined with a chassis. A light source is coupled to the reflector assembly. A reflective surface is formed on the reflector assembly to reflect light generated by the light source. A transparent cover is mated to the chassis enclosing the reflector assembly and the light source.

Abstract: A warning system for alerting a person to an emergency situation which includes a transmitter responsive to a visual or acoustic alerting system for transmitting an alarm signal on an RF carrier and a control signal on a sideband of the carrier. A tuneable receiver for receiving commercial broadcasts in a normal operating mode transfers to an emergency mode upon detection of the control signal and converts the alarm signal to an acoustic signal. In one embodiment, the visual or acoustic alerting system is a siren and light system of an emergency vehicle. In this embodiment, a transceiver is preferably included for dedicated communications among emergency vehicles. The range of both the transmitter and transceiver complement and are substantially the same as the effective range of the visual or acoustic alerting system.

Abstract: A signalling system is provided that is alternatively operable in programming and operating modes. The signalling system includes a keypad, control head, control unit and a plurality of signalling features selectively activated by the control unit in the operating mode. The system provides for keystrokes to the keypad placing the system in the programming mode and selecting the signalling features to be activated by the control unit in the operating mode.

Abstract: A warning light assembly is provided that includes a simple drive train for accomplishing an 180.degree. or more oscillation of a light beam. By advantageously utilizing a speed-reduction mechanism, a transmission for converting rotary motion to oscillating motion and a coupling for multiplying the angle of oscillation, the drive provides an inexpensive and rugged enabling design the warning light assembly to oscillate a light beam through angles heretofore unattainable.

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: An improved socket assembly for a warning light includes a frustro-conical base and a lamp extending from the top of the base. The base contains electrical components for operation of the lamp and provides electrical connection from the bottom of the base. At least one annular recess is formed in the side of the base at a selected distance from the lamp. Inasmuch as the base is fabricated of a compressible material, it may be radially inwardly compressed to mate the recess with an opening formed within a lamp housing.

Abstract: A signalling system is provided that is alternatively operable in programming and operating modes. The signalling system includes a keypad, control head, control unit and a plurality of signalling features selectively activated by the control unit in the operating mode. The system provides for keystrokes to the keypad placing the system in the programming mode and selecting the signalling features to be activated by the control unit in the operating mode.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for use with a warning light which has a reflector that is capable of rotating a beam of light emanating from a lamp located at its focal point. The mirror assembly comprises a first set of first, second and third mirrors mounted to the attachment for reflecting the intercepted light in a predetermined direction, where the reflections occur first from the first mirror, then from the second mirror and finally from the third mirror; and a port between the first and third mirrors for passing light to the second mirror such that the reflected beam from the second mirror is further from the focal point than the reflected beams from the first and third mirrors. A warning light is also provided which may be used either alone or in combination with the aforesaid mirror assembly.

Abstract: An omnidirectional siren having a plurality of hollow modules supported in vertical alignment on a single, central pole. Active modules each enclose a plurality of audio transducers (i.e., compression drivers) and a horn mechanism which guides sound waves from the drivers to an outlet in the lower surface of the module. The drivers are positioned peripherally within each module so that they can be easily accessed for repair or replacement through slots in the peripheral surface of the module.

Abstract: A signalling device is provided having a plurality of differently colored light modules stacked one above the other than function properly regardless of arrangement order of the light modules within the signalling device. The signalling device includes a signal bus having a plurality of channels that extends through each light module. Each channel carries a unique status signal to one light module. Each light module is connected to and identified by a different channel, thus enabling the light modules to be arranged in any order and still function properly. One or all cover plates on each light module may be removed without requiring any light module to be removed from the signalling device. This feature enables both the light modules to be serviced while retaining their color identity and the color of the cover plates to be changed without requiring any light modules to be removed from the signalling device in either situation. The signalling device is quickly assembled with dilating rivets.

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.

Abstract: An acoustical system for generating loud sound levels over a wider bandwidth includes a generally cylindrically-shaped cavity formed of a wall member and having front and back ends. A baffle member is disposed to close the front end of the cavity, and a rear wall panel is disposed to close the back end of the cavity. A crystal/diaphragm driver assembly is formed of a bimorph piezoelectric crystal of a generally circular configuration and a generally conical-shaped diaphragm whose apex is fixedly attached to the center of the crystal. The driver assembly serves to convert electrical signals applied thereto into acoustical signals. The crystal is freely suspended at a first predetermined distance from the rear wall panel to form a rear Helmholtz loading chamber therebetween. The baffle member is spaced at a second predetermined distance from the crystal so as to form a front, outer enclosing chamber therebetween.

Abstract: A dual diverging manifold loudspeaker system includes a generally cubically-shaped outer horn housing and an inner dome-like cap member for encapsulating therebetween a compression driver assembly. The loudspeaker system includes a back plate member which is secured adjacent to the rear end of the housing. The back plate member includes a first diverter member for diverting a planar sound wavefront into two diverging sound wavefronts, a pair of second diverter members for splitting the two diverging sound wavefronts into four separate planar wavefronts, and reflector members for deflecting forwardly the four separate planar wavefronts toward an open mouth of the housing. A manifold formed by the inner surfaces of the housing and the inner cap member is used to recombine the four separate planar wavefronts back into a single composite wavefront emanating from the open mouth of the housing.