Abstract: A light emitting diode (“LED”) module with improved thermal characteristics is provided. The module includes an LED, a first circuit board, a second circuit board, a lower insulator, an upper insulator, a lower contact, upper contacts, and a heat sink. Preferably, the heat sink comprises an outer housing and a contact ring. The LED and the heat sink are attached to the first circuit board via solder. In addition to serving as a substrate for the LED, the first circuit board (which contains a plurality of thermally conductive layers connected by vias) facilitates the transfer of heat away from the LED to the heat sink. The module also has improved mechanical and electrical properties, including redundant electrical connections, stable mechanical connections, and a shock-absorbing lower contact. The lower insulator can also be configured to prevent misalignment of the power source with the lower contact when the module is used in a flashlight or other lighting device.

Abstract: A portable, battery-operated flashlight having improved pivoting, switching and focusing features is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of an attachment to a head gear for hands free use. In another aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of a head lamp held in place on a user's head by an elastic band. The pivot connection between the body and the base, as well as the serrations on an exterior surface of the body, allows a user to adjust any angular direction of the light as desired. In another aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of a long-handled flashlight having improved switching and focusing capabilities, such that axial movement of the switching assembly turns the flashlight “on” or “off,” as well as causing a position of the lamp to vary in order to focus or defocus the light.

Abstract: An improved LED module that is thermally self-stabilizing, and that is able to be retrofitted into an existing flashlight is provided. In one embodiment, the LED module includes a light emitting diode, an amplifying circuit and a microchip. The amplifying circuit includes a temperature sensing device to sense heat from the light emitting diode. The output of the amplifying circuit is input to the microchip which output to a switching device that regulates energy that is delivered to the light emitting diode. The switching device may be part of a boosting circuit, a bucking circuit or an inverting circuit.

Abstract: A portable lighting device, such as a flashlight, with a mechanical power switch and multiple operating modes is provided. The mechanical power switch is disposed in series with the controller for the lighting device and acts as the user interface to the controller to change modes of operation. Because the mechanical power switch is in series with the controller, the portable lighting device does not consume battery power when the mechanical switch is open. A state machine coupled to the controller is polled by the controller each time it is powered up to determine the operational mode of the lighting device. A regulating circuit is used to power a controller and light source. The regulating circuit converts between current regulation and voltage regulation.

Abstract: A flashlight having a locking mechanism for securing a head skirt to a head assembly is disclosed. A circuit for temporarily remember the mode of operation of the flashlight is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling a portable lighting device. The device has a switched-mode power supply, a light source, a high frequency switch, a controller controlling the operation of the light source and a user interface for inputting commands to the controller. A DC power source has a negative pole that is connected by only one single electric contact with the lighting device tail. The method for controlling a portable lighting device includes connecting a DC power source, an inductor, a light source, a high frequency switch and a resistor in series, measuring a voltage across the resistor, and controlling the high frequency switch dependent on the voltage measured across the resistor.

Abstract: A portable, battery-operated flashlight having improved pivoting, switching and focusing features is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of an attachment to a head gear for hands free use. In another aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of a head lamp held in place on a user's head by an elastic band. The pivot connection between the body and the base, as well as the serrations on an exterior surface of the body, allows a user to adjust any angular direction of the light as desired. In another aspect of the invention, the flashlight takes the form of a long-handled flashlight having improved switching and focusing capabilities, such that axial movement of the switching assembly turns the flashlight “on” or “off,” as well as causing a position of the lamp to vary in order to focus or defocus the light.

Abstract: A portable lighting device, such as a flashlight, with a mechanical power switch and multiple operating modes is provided. The mechanical power switch is disposed in series with the controller for the lighting device and acts as the user interface to the controller to change modes of operation. Because the mechanical power switch is in series with the controller, the portable lighting device does not consume battery power when the mechanical switch is open. A state machine coupled to the controller is polled by the controller each time it is powered up to determine the operational mode of the lighting device. A regulating circuit is used to power a controller and light source. The regulating circuit converts between current regulation and voltage regulation.

Abstract: A method for controlling a portable lighting device. The device has a switched-mode power supply, a light source, a high frequency switch, a controller controlling the operation of the light source and a user interface for inputting commands to the controller. A DC power source has a negative pole that is connected by only one single electric contact with the lighting device tail. The method for controlling a portable lighting device includes connecting a DC power source, an inductor, a light source, a high frequency switch and a resistor in series, measuring a voltage across the resistor, and controlling the high frequency switch dependent on the voltage measured across the resistor.

Abstract: A lighting device with improved optical performance and efficiency is provided. The lighting device includes a source of energy, a light source, a reflector and a holder. The reflector has a first open end, a second end, and a parabolic profile extending between the first open end and second end. The focus of the parabolic profile is located outside of the profile. The reflector may also be movable relative to the light source. The lighting device may include a circuit that delivers a pulsed or thermally compensated pulsed current to the light source. The light device may also include a heat sink housing.

Abstract: A portable electronic lighting device and a method for controlling a portable lighting device are described. The device has a switched-mode power supply, a light source, a high frequency switch, a controller controlling the operation of the light source and a user interface for inputting commands to the controller. A DC power source has a negative pole that is connected by only one single electric contact with the lighting device tail. The method for controlling a portable lighting device includes connecting a DC power source, an inductor, a light source, a high frequency switch and a resistor in series, measuring a voltage across the resistor, and controlling the high frequency switch dependent on the voltage measured across the resistor.

Abstract: A flashlight is described holding at least one battery and an illumination source. A circuit interruption and completion device is provided forming a complete circuit between the illumination source and the battery, when the device is in a closed mode. The device comprises a switch which is manually actuated between at least a first position which causes the device to enter the closed mode and a second position. A switch holding structure comprises a member with means for making an electrical connection associated with the member; and at least one conductive spring is attached to the member to make electrical contact with the means for making an electrical connection with the battery. The switch controls multiple functions of the flashlight including a strobe and a momentary mode. A pushbutton switch may control the multiple functions by multiple pushes on the switch.

Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a flashlight, with a circuit for reducing the initial surge of current that is sent through the lamp filament when a flashlight is turned on is provided. The circuit reduces the stresses placed on the lamp bulb when it is turned on, thereby extending the life expectancy of the lamp bulb. A flashlight with beacon mode that produces light according to a duty cycle of less than 11% is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flashlight is described comprising a flashlight body comprising a tube with a first end and a second end, the tube configured to hold at least one battery; a bulb holder for holding an illumination source at the first end of the tube; and a circuit interruption and completion device forming a complete circuit between the illumination source and the battery, when the device is in a closed mode, the device comprising a pushbutton switch which is manually actuated between at least a first closed mode and a second mode. The switch controls multiple functions of the flashlight. The switch requires at least one of a force of less than about 1000 gf and a stroke of less than 4 mm to be operably actuated.

Abstract: A portable electronic lighting device and a method for controlling a portable lighting device are described. The device has a switched-mode power supply, a light source, a high frequency switch, a controller controlling the operation of the light source and a user interface for inputting commands to the controller. A DC power source has a negative pole that is connected by only one single electric contact with the lighting device tail. The method for controlling a portable lighting device includes connecting a DC power source, an inductor, a light source, a high frequency switch and a resistor in series, measuring a voltage across the resistor, and controlling the high frequency switch dependent on the voltage measured across the resistor.

Abstract: A flashlight having a main power circuit and a barrel is disclosed. The main power circuit includes a light source and a portable power source for supporting the light source. The barrel is not within the main power circuit. The flashlight also has a ball for holding the light source. The light source is fit and in contact with the inner surface of the ball. The outer circumference of the ball has an array of fin-like protrusions for effectively dissipating heat from the light source.

Abstract: A multi-mode portable illumination device includes a switch structure featuring a substantially planar member and a mechanical switch which requires a relatively small amount of force and a short stroke distance to actuate. The mechanical switch is attached to a member which contains circuit(s) adding additional functionality to the multi-mode portable illumination device. The member has conductive springs attached to either end that are used to complete the electrical circuit with the battery and the lamp, while their compressive force is absorbed by a housing protecting the switch structure. A conductive strip is used to improve the conductivity of the circuit in a metal multi-mode portable illumination device which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.

Abstract: A combination for use in aligning a substantial point source of light with respect to an axis of a reflector is provided. The combination includes a reflector, a lamp bulb having a substantial point source of light, and a movable lamp bulb holder. The movable holder may be moved using an actuating member. The reflector has a first open end for emitting a light beam, a second end and an axis extending between the first and second reflector ends. The lamp bulb is secured to the movable holder and is disposed about the second end of the reflector. The actuating member is operatively coupled to the movable holder at an actuation interface for moving the substantial point source of light relative to the axis of the reflector and aligning the substantial point source of light with the reflector axis and the focal point of the reflector. Flashlights employing the combination are provided.