Abstract: The generally rectangular support platform of a mounting foot primary component includes laterally extending tabs configured for reception in respective of longitudinally extending slots defined by an elongated strength member of the light bar. Diagonally opposite corners of the support platform are rounded off so that the primary component is installable by insertion toward the elongated member at an angular orientation and rotation to engage the tabs in the slots. The support platform defines a recessed channel for carrying a metal retaining bar. Fasteners passing through threaded openings in the retaining bar force the retaining bar and primary component away from the elongated member, placing the support platform tabs and lateral ends of the retaining bar in frictional engagement with the lips of the elongated member. A blocking bar is fixed against an end face of the primary component to block counter rotation of the mounting foot relative to the elongated member.

Abstract: Several driver circuits for energizing series arrays of LEDs are disclosed. The LED driver circuits incorporate programmable microcontrollers and switching regulators in circuits that permit precise control of current applied to the series array of LEDs. One driver circuit senses the condition of a SYNC line such that the light emission pattern of multiple LED light sources, each with a driver circuit connected to the SYNC line may be coordinated without need for a central controller. Another driver circuit applies an overdrive current to the LEDs for a first pre-determined time period, then ramps down the applied current to a sustainable level. A four channel driver circuit provides each channel with electronic switches arranged to simultaneously turn on and electrically connect a constant current source to an LED array, resulting in abrupt turn on and turn off of the LEDs.

Abstract: A light assembly is configured to produce a large area of light emission from an LED light source. The LED light source is mounted within a concave reflector and oriented to face the rear of the reflector. A compound reflecting surface diverts axial light from the LED away from the axis of the reflector to avoid blockage by the LED support structure. A peripheral reflecting surface redirects the diverted light. The LED light source may be a linear array of LEDs aligned with a linear focal axis of the reflector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for redistributing light to shift the apparent position of light generation and provide a more uniform area of light emission from a light assembly incorporating a plurality of spaced-apart light sources. Divergent light from each light source is collimated into a beam. Portions of each beam are diverted from the direction of the beam, transmitted laterally and redirected to emerge from the light assembly radially spaced from the position of the light source producing the beam. An internal reflecting lens member molded from optical plastic is disclosed as one apparatus for carrying out the method. The disclosed method and apparatus are particularly applicable to light assemblies incorporating an array of LEDs.

Abstract: A component placement machine is provided with an activator application station for application of an adhesive activator to an appropriate surface of a surface-mount component. The application station includes an activator reservoir and wick that provide activator to a porous pad by capillary action. The reservoir and wick are substantially sealed from the environment to prevent unnecessary evaporation of the activator. The component placement machine operating program is modified to include the steps of bringing a component to the applicator station, dabbing the component surface against the applicator pad and returning the component to its installation path. A second adhesive component may be pre-applied to the PCB by an adhesive dispenser as is known in the art. The two-part chemically activated adhesive permits rapid low-temperature curing. The invention allows cost-effective fixture of temperature-sensitive surface-mount components to a PCB.

Abstract: A light bar incorporates an extruded base and top panel where the top panel is supported above the base by two ruggedly constructed electronics enclosures. The base top panel and electronics enclosures form a structure to which various light units, lenses and covers are attached to form the finished light bar. The top panel is one of the last components to be installed, leaving the internal components of the light bar accessible during assembly. Each electronics enclosure may surround a power supply that includes a heat-generating component, such as a power transistor. Each enclosure is provided with an opening through which the heat-generating component protrudes to form a heat transfer interface with a heat sink plate mounted to the outside of the enclosure. A further heat transfer interface is formed between the heat sink plate and the top panel in the assembled light bar.

Abstract: A tip up light bar assembly includes front and rear light bars pivotally supported above transversely opposed end assemblies joined by connector bars to form a rigid support structure. Each light bar is built on a rigid substrate having a uniform cross section. Longitudinally extending features of the rigid substrate provide locations for mounting light sources, electronic assemblies and lenses which, together with gaskets, define a weather-resistant enclosure surrounding the light sources and electronic assemblies. The light bars pivot at transversely opposed ends to a vertical position in which the light sources are elevated above traffic. Each end assembly includes a base plate, a pivotally mounted pivot plate. A gas spring reduces the dead weight of the light bar while a limit strap controls angular movement of the light bar relative to the base plate to approximately 90°. A motor-drive actuator exerts outward force on the pivot plates to move the light bars between a horizontal and vertical position.

Abstract: An electronic siren emulates the sound of a mechanical siren using a dynamic algorithm and look up tables to generate a series of wave sets, each wave set including one fixed frequency wave and one variable frequency wave. A micro controller stores the algorithm and look up tables and executes the algorithm on command to produce a digital output emulating the mechanical siren. The digital output is converted to an analog signal that is applied to a class D amplifier. A switching power supply provides 70 VDC to the output stage of the amplifier. This arrangement produces 126 dB of sound pressure at a distance of 10 feet from the reverse folded horn speaker. The electronic siren generates little heat and requires only 10 amps of current from the vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: An light source utilizes a parabolic reflector to collimate light emitted from at greater than a predetermined angle relative to the optical axis of an LED arranged at the focus of the reflector. An optional collimating lens is arranged to collimate light emitted at less than the predetermined angle. Both variations provide light in the form of a substantially collimated beam. The parabolic reflector is preferably extended along its focal point to form a linear parabolic section having a linear focal axis. A linear array of LEDs is arranged such that the linear focal axis passes through the area of light emission of each LED. The linear parabolic section may be provided with parabolic dish ends. Alternatively, the ends of the parabolic section may be left open for increased wide angle visibility.

Abstract: An light source utilizes a parabolic reflector to collimate light emitted from at greater than a predetermined angle relative to the optical axis of an LED arranged at the focus of the reflector. An optional collimating lens is arranged to collimate light emitted at less than the predetermined angle. Both variations provide light in the form of a substantially collimated beam. The parabolic reflector is preferably extended along its focal point to form a linear parabolic section having a linear focal axis. A linear array of LEDs is arranged such that the linear focal axis passes through the area of light emission of each LED. The linear parabolic section may be provided with parabolic dish ends. Alternatively, the ends of the parabolic section may be left open for increased wide angle visibility.

Abstract: An LED array is disclosed that provides white light having a warm hue by combining yellow LEDs and white LEDs in the array. The yellow LEDs are typically less expensive than the white LEDs, thereby improving the cost-efficiency of the LED array. A preferred ratio of one yellow LED for every two white LED is disclosed.

Abstract: A power supply for use with an associated light bar assembly suitable for use at a warning light on an emergency vehicle that includes a generally planar printed circuit board having at least one discrete component mounted thereon. A power supply housing surrounds the printed circuit board and includes a generally planar heat sink plate. The heat sink plate is disposed in generally parallel relationship to the printed circuit board and is disposed in thermal conduction relationship with respect to a discrete component. A fastener extends through the discrete component to urge the printed circuit board and the generally planar member together. The discrete component may be a MOSFET.

Abstract: A convex lens for a warning light is provided with a plurality of prism-shaped prismatic elements projecting from the lens concave inner surface. The configuration and angular orientation of each prismatic element is selected to compensate for the curvature of the lens so that light refracted by each prismatic element emerges from the lens outer surface at substantially equivalent angles relative to an optical axis of the light. A preferred embodiment of the lens includes a matrix of prismatic elements that refract light incident on planar surfaces of the prismatic elements to an angle of 45° relative to an optical axis of the light. Each prismatic element also includes a convex radius at the convergence of the two refractive surfaces and concave radii at the junction of the planar surfaces with the inner surface of the lens. Light incident on these concave and convex surfaces is refracted along a range of angles to fill in the radiation pattern produced by the lens.

Abstract: A warning light has multiple juxtapositioned arrays of light emitting diodes, each of the arrays defining a plane oriented transversely to the parallel axes of the lenses of the diodes comprising the array. The arrays are supported so that the planes defined thereby angularly intersect. The radiation pattern of the light is controlled by selection of the diodes comprising each array and adjustment of the angles of intersection of the array defined planes.

Abstract: The gating of energizing current flow to a relatively low intensity light source is controlled by monitoring the flow of energizing current to an associated strobe light. The controller produces gating control pulses which lead the strobe energization signals to thereby cause the strobe generated light to be superimposed on light from the low intensity source.

Abstract: The duration of variations in the potential applied to a single electrical contact, when compared to a reference potential, are measured and employed to command either incrementing or decrementing of an address. The addresses are associated with a table of instructions and an addressed instruction, when read, will produce a discrete warning signal. A desired one of several light flash or audible patterns may be selected by step-wise scrolling through the table in response to manually varying the contact potential.