Patents Assigned to Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
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Patent number: 8944654Abstract: A warning light has a light transmissive dome, longitudinally extending base, plurality of clamps, and a plurality of warning light assemblies. The light transmissive dome has sidewalls which terminate in a bottom edge. Spaced apart attachment regions with a staging area, a locking area, and a first retaining lip are located along the bottom edge. The longitudinally extending base has sidewalls which terminate in a top edge. A second retaining lip extends downward from an exterior projection of the top edge. A plurality of clamps each have a face portion, and first and second engagement jaws which extend from the face portion. The first and second engagement jaws are configured to engage the first and second retaining lips. A fastener portion located on the face portion corresponds with a fastener. The fastener portion and fastener draw the first and second engagement jaws together.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Jon H. Lyons
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Patent number: 8939626Abstract: A warning light for attachment to a vehicle comprising a thermally conductive longitudinally extending base, a plurality of light head mount assemblies, a plurality of LED warning light assemblies, and a plurality of electronic control circuits. Said base has a pair of generally parallel longitudinal edges and a pair of ribs projecting perpendicularly from said base. Said light head mount assemblies comprise a bracket and a light head retention shoe. Said bracket has a generally planar bracket first portion and a generally planar bracket second portion oriented perpendicular to said first portion. Said light head shoe has a sole configured to engage said bracket first portion, a rib engaging portion, and a brace extending angularly therebetween. Said LED assemblies are mounted on said bracket second portion. Said dome has a main body portion, sidewalls configured to engage said edges, and end walls.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: William F. Grote, Jr., Jon H. Lyons
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Publication number: 20140268855Abstract: A multifunction lighthead for mounting to a vehicle includes several groups of LEDs arranged to provide distinct light emission patterns. Each group of LEDs and associated optics are selected and positioned to produce light emission patterns needed to meet lighting standards applicable to the vehicle. Such standards may require wide angle light emission, which is enhanced by supporting groups of LEDs that project away from the vehicle body, enhancing visibility of the lighthead from directions close to a plane defined by the body panel. The projecting support for the LEDs and optics for a wide angle light emission pattern may be employed to support LEDs arranged for ground illumination. Other groups of LEDs in the same lighthead may be arranged with optics to provide area illumination in support of arrest, search, triage or other emergency functions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Tony Gerardo
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Patent number: 8833993Abstract: A warning light assembly includes a frame with integral fastener anchors. The frame aligns and supports the anchors with openings in a vehicle body or other support surface. Fasteners pass through a warning light housing to spread retention legs behind the support surface. The anchors are connected by the frame and cannot rotate relative to the vehicle body or warning light. The frame defines a central opening for warning lights requiring additional depth.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Jon H. Lyons
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Publication number: 20130234618Abstract: A multifunction control circuit is responsive to a condition of the input power to selectively activate alternative functionality. In one embodiment, a ?C is configured to monitor the input voltage, looking for a gap in the input voltage of a pre-determined duration, which indicates to the ?C that the second (or additional) function is desired. This embodiment of the control circuit includes a 5 volt regulator configured to ensure sufficient power to the ?C during an interruption of input power intended to present a function change signal. Alternatively, the control circuit may be constructed to monitor a change in the polarity of the input power and change functionality in response to changes in the polarity of applied voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: WHELEN ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.Inventor: James L. Stopa
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Publication number: 20130235580Abstract: An asymmetrical optical assembly employs reflecting surfaces and a lens to combine the light from a plurality of LED lamps into an illumination pattern useful in a floodlight or work light. The reflecting surfaces and lens optical element are not symmetrical with respect to a plane bisecting the optical assembly and including the optical axes of the LED light sources. Some light from the LED light sources is redirected from its emitted trajectory into the desired illumination pattern, while a significant portion of the light from the LED light sources is permitted to exit the optical assembly without redirection. Minimizing the number of optical elements employed and the redirection of light enhances the efficiency of the resulting light assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: WHELEN ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.Inventor: Todd J. Smith
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Publication number: 20130235579Abstract: An asymmetrical optical assembly employs reflecting surfaces and a lens to combine the light from a plurality of LED lamps into an illumination pattern useful in a floodlight or work light. The reflecting surfaces and lens optical element are not symmetrical with respect to a plane bisecting the optical assembly and including the optical axes of the LED light sources. Some light from the LED light sources is redirected from its emitted trajectory into the desired illumination pattern, while a significant portion of the light from the LED light sources is permitted to exit the optical assembly without redirection. Minimizing the number of optical elements employed and the redirection of light enhances the efficiency of the resulting light assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Todd J. Smith
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Patent number: 8450936Abstract: The disclosed power supply is compatible with two voltage ranges, the midpoint or mean of the higher voltage range being approximately double the midpoint or mean of the lower voltage range. Two equivalent loads and two current sources are re-configured using a relay in response to a detected input voltage exceeding a pre-determined threshold voltage. The disclosed circuit re-configures the load being driven to match the input voltage, rather than re-configuring the voltage to match the load.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: James L. Stopa
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Patent number: 8430523Abstract: An asymmetrical optical assembly employs reflecting surfaces and a lens to combine the light from a plurality of LED lamps into an illumination pattern useful in a floodlight or work light. The reflecting surfaces and lens optical element are not symmetrical with respect to a plane bisecting the optical assembly and including the optical axes of the LED light sources. Some light from the LED light sources is redirected from its emitted trajectory into the desired illumination pattern, while a significant portion of the light from the LED light sources is permitted to exit the optical assembly without redirection. Minimizing the number of optical elements employed and the redirection of light enhances the efficiency of the resulting light assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Todd J. Smith
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Patent number: 8201974Abstract: The disclosed pan-tilt spotlight is a sealed, remote controlled unit which allows continuous 360° rotation (pan) of visible or infrared (IR) light sources as well as vertical (tilt) aiming of the light sources 65° above horizontal and 25° below horizontal. The light sources are solid state (LEDs) which are energy efficient and extremely durable in the field, requiring little maintenance. Light shields are employed to control stray light, thereby enhancing the stealth of the spotlight in covert operations. The rotating parts of the spotlight are supported at several locations spaced from the axis of rotation in a manner that re-directs forces that would otherwise be carried by the shaft. Temperature sensitive current regulators and robust thermal design protect the LEDs from heat damage. Sophisticated motor control allows fast and precise positioning of the light beam and worm final drive gears keep the light beam in position.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, David J. Sousa, James L. Stopa
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Patent number: 8138941Abstract: A compact warning light employs LED lamps as a light source and has a lighthead configured for insertion into the reflector shells of a motor vehicle such as a sedan or SUV. The lighthead has a base and cover which define a sealed interior space surrounding the LED lamps. The base is constructed of heat conducting material and the LED lamps are secured to the base so that heat generated by the lamps is conducted away and dissipated by the base. The base may include a post for supporting a plurality of individually energized arrays of LED lamps. The cover may be optically clear, tinted or provided with facets or a surface texture.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, Todd J. Smith
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Patent number: 7959322Abstract: An optical system for an LED array includes a trough reflector in combination with an elongated lens. The reflector and lens include distinct regions dedicated to particular zones of light emanating from the LED array. The reflector includes lower, upper and end portions, each configured to redirect a particular zone of wide angle light from the LED array into a pre-determined warning light pattern. The lens includes central, side and end regions, each configured to redirect a particular zone of narrow angle light from the LED array into the pre-determined warning light pattern. The shape of the trough reflector and lens, as well as the relationship between the lens and reflector, are selected to provide an optical system with expanded illuminated surface area and a low profile.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Todd J. Smith
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Patent number: 7854531Abstract: The disclosed bridge seal includes a substantially rigid bridge component and flexible gutter seal arranged to span the openings between adjacent housing modules of a modular warning light assembly such as a lightbar. The bridge seal physically connects the adjacent ends of base and dome components to each other and defines a fluid flow channel to guide water away from the area between housing modules. The disclosed bridge seal integrates discrete housing modules into a connected weather resistant enclosure having a longitudinal path for control and power distribution conductors extending the length of the lightbar.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Jon H Lyons
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Patent number: 7821380Abstract: A warning light comprising a base member, a dome removeably connected to the base member, and at least one light module having a top and bottom surface positioned within the dome with the top surface being positioned against the inside of the top surface of said dome. A bracket member secures the warning light to the dome. The bracket includes a cross bar engaging the bottom surface of the warning light and legs extending upward from the cross bar and terminating in a foot portion which is attached to the inside of the top surface of the dome.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: William F. Grote, Jr.
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Patent number: 7804420Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an housing that reduces obstruction of the vehicle operator's ability to see through the upper portion of the windshield. Rather than a light shield constructed entirely of a opaque plastic, an interior mounted warning light assembly incorporates a visibility window above the vehicle operator's position. A cutout in the opaque casing material is fitted with a window of transparent one-way mirror material. The mirror coating faces the interior of the light assembly and acts as a shield by blocking flashback when the light assembly is activated, while simultaneously allowing the operator of the vehicle to see upwardly through it to the outside during normal vehicle operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: John F Girouard
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Patent number: D616780Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Kevin M. Smith
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Patent number: D622895Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Jon H. Lyons
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Patent number: D624449Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2010Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventor: Kevin M. Smith
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Patent number: D682135Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: William F. Grote, Jr., Jon H. Lyons
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Patent number: D697666Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: William F. Grote, Jr., Jon H. Lyons