Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to light sources such as battery-powered flashlights and lanterns. Tailcap, battery housing, or head assemblies for light sources are formed from electrically conductive plastic. Those assemblies, or the components of such assemblies, form electrically conductive elements in the electrical circuit of, and may impart shape and structural integrity to, the light source.

Abstract: A flashlight is disclosed comprising a light source and a reflector for collimating the light emitted by the light source to form a collimated light beam. An electro-optically controlled region is disposed forwardly of the light source, the collimated light beam being incident upon and passing through the electro-optic region. The electro-optic region may be operated in at least two states. In a first embodiment, and in a first state, the electro-optic region does not substantially affect the collimation of the light beam incident thereon, and the flashlight produces a spot beam. Also in the first embodiment, and in a second state, the electro-optic region scatters forwardly the collimated beam incident thereon, and thus the flashlight produces a well-diffused flood beam.

Abstract: A hand held flashlight uses first and second light bulbs and first and second reflectors to generate a spot beam for illuminating distant objects and a flood beam for illuminating objects that are near. The first reflector is a parabolic reflector with the first light bulb being positioned at its focus to generate the spot beam. The second light bulb is positioned within the second reflector to produce the flood beam. A diffusing lens can be inserted in front of the second reflector to provide the appropriate divergence for the flood beam. The spot beam is preferably oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the flashlight for ease of use. The flashlight is designed so that the spot beam faces in a forward direction and the flood beam in a downward direction.

Abstract: A flashlight is provided with a special circuit for limiting the surge current through the flashlight bulb. The circuit includes a secondary incandescent filament used to energize a transistor gradually upon the activation of flashlight. The transistor in turn gradually energizes the main bulb.

Abstract: A hybrid battery which provides back-up energy for a main power source to a load. The hybrid battery comprises a rechargeable nickel cadmium battery, a primary lithium battery and a power transistion circuit for controlling the supply selection to the load based on the highest voltage available. The hybrid battery further comprises a charge controller circuit for recharging the nickel cadmium battery from the main power source. Both the power transition circuit and the charge controller circuit isolate each of the energy sources from one another preventing draining whenever one or more of the power sources are off.

Abstract: An optical system is disclosed for generating multiple light beams from a single light source. The system includes reflectors disposed adjacent to the optical axis of the light source to capture and reflect all the light in a space efficient manner. One of the beams may be collimated for spot lighting while the others may be wide-angled. Alternatively all the beams may be collimated.

Abstract: A hand-held flashlight has a housing for two independent electrical systems: a primary system and a backup system. Each of the systems includes a light source, a power source and a switching device for selectively connecting a power source to a corresponding light source. The backup system uses high performance components to insure that the flashlight is operational for long time periods. The backup system is actuated only after the the primary system has failed. An indicator announces when the backup system is in operation.

Abstract: A device generates several collimated light beams from several light sources and a composite reflector. The light sources are positioned so that a reflector section reflects the light from a light source in a preselected beam. The device is of compact nature, both collimated beams emanating from a structure approximately the size of a standard reflector for one beam.

Abstract: A space-saving flashlight is described which has a special reflector. The reflector is elongated and sectioned along a longitudinal plane to take advantage of the non-spherical light distribution of typical light sources. The reflector may be axially spaced from, or folded over the flashlight housing section holding the flashlight power source.

Abstract: A flashlight is disclosed having a housing for one or more batteries and a socket for a bulb and a reed switch. The reed switch may be disposed either inside or outside the bulb on a socket. A switch activating magnet is slidably disposed on the outside of the housing.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the optical development of non-silver free radical film in which the fog buildup in a selected non-image portion of the film is used to control the intensity and/or duration of the development exposure so as to insure a desired level of contrast between image and non-image areas in the developed film.