Patents by Inventor Darrell B. Steinicke

Darrell B. Steinicke has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20180299109
    Abstract: A flashlight having a barrel with a head end, a tail cap end and a power source held within the barrel; an LED light source for emitting light from the head; a switch; and a circuit that electrically connects the power source, the LED light source, and the switch; wherein the circuit includes a plurality of electrical functions that affect operation of the LED light source which are controlled by operation of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: MAG Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Patent number: 10018342
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: MAG INSTRUMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Greg Koch, Bruce K Bangerter, Kevin E Collier, Darrell B Steinicke
  • Publication number: 20170356636
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Patent number: 9719669
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: MAG INSTRUMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Greg Koch, Bruce K Bangerter, Kevin E Collier, Darrell B Steinicke
  • Publication number: 20160178175
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Publication number: 20150308668
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Patent number: 8960949
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Patent number: 8507819
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell B. Steinicke, Kevin E. Collier, Bruce K. Bangerter, Greg W. Koch
  • Publication number: 20130094194
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. BANGERTER, Kevin E. COLLIER, Darrell B. STEINICKE
  • Patent number: 8395066
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Publication number: 20120268926
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Darrell B. Steinicke, Kevin E. Collier, Bruce K. Bangerter, Greg W. Koch
  • Patent number: 8240874
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Patent number: 8210710
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Publication number: 20110096538
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Publication number: 20110084631
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Publication number: 20090284185
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Publication number: 20090284186
    Abstract: A flashlight with unique flashlight electrical connections, including a switch structure featuring a switch requiring a small amount of force, and a short stroke distance to actuate, attached to a member on which a circuit adding additional functions to the flashlight may be located. 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 flashlight which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Patent number: 7566149
    Abstract: A flashlight with unique flashlight electrical connections, including a switch structure featuring a switch requiring a small amount of force, and a short stroke distance to actuate, attached to a member on which a circuit adding additional functions to the flashlight may be located. 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 flashlight which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Mag Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Patent number: 7125140
    Abstract: A flashlight with unique flashlight electrical connections, including a switch structure featuring a switch requiring a small amount of force, and a short stroke distance to actuate, attached to a member on which a circuit adding additional functions to the flashlight may be located. 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 flashlight which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: MAG Instrument, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke
  • Patent number: 6585391
    Abstract: A flashlight with unique flashlight electrical connections, including a switch structure featuring a switch requiring a small amount of force, and a short stroke distance to actuate, attached to a member on which a circuit adding additional functions to the flashlight may be located. 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 flashlight which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Nordic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg W. Koch, Bruce K. Bangerter, Kevin E. Collier, Darrell B. Steinicke