Abstract: A self-contained emergency signal has a base which contains a battery and a high-intensity flash/lamp actuating unit. The actuating unit is electrically connected to a battery and to a high-intensity flash lamp. A switch turns the actuating unit on and high-intensity lamp bursts are displayed through a transparent, translucent, polarized, colored or symbol containing a lens arrangement, or a combination of such elements. The emergency signal may have different forms such as cylindrical, elliptical, rectangular or triangular. In some embodiments the lens arrangements are in telescopic relationship to the base, or may be collapsible to a compact, easy-to-carry device. Exemplary circuitry for use with the various emergency signal embodiments is also part of the invention.

Abstract: Protection device for electrical incandescent lamps provided with elements which upon switching on electric voltage limit the current strength during a switching-on interval. The device further includes a control unit with a controllable current valve (10) and timing means (19, 20) for the control of the current through the lamp upon switching-on so that a delayed increase of current is obtained from zero to a chosen operating current over a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A flasher unit is provided with a comparator whose output signal is fed to a pulse generator for producing the flash frequency signal, the comparator being supplied with a reference voltage at one input and a voltage dependent on the current passing through the flasher lamps at the other input and with a switch element which changes the reference voltage in accordance with the comparator output signal such that the comparator produces an output signal for the whole of the light up time of the lamps.

Abstract: A flash lamp in which a flash tube, transformer, capacitor and base are coupled together to form a unitary integral lamp. A portion of the flash tube, the transformer and capacitor may be encapsulated by a plotting compound. An electrical circuit consisting of a flash lamp and a conventional incandescent light is also provided for operation in parallel from a remotely located power supply.

Abstract: A flash beacon is described which uses a strong bright initial flash to attract attention followed by a series of weaker flashes to enable a person to easily locate the beacon source. The weaker flashes may be broken into code groups for identification or other purposes. An electrical circuit utilizing three capacitor banks interacting with each other, is described for operating the flash sequences.

Abstract: A flashing lamp circuit, having a first transistor in circuit with a lamp and power supply, provides intermittent flashing by intermittently turning the transistor on and off in response to an on-off input signal. The transistor is protected against surge currents when the lamp short-circuits by monitoring the lamp voltage and turning the first transistor off when the lamp voltage drops below a predetermined amount for a given period during which the on-off signal is on.

Abstract: A flash lamp in which a flash tube, transformer, capacitor and base are coupled together to form a unitary integral lamp. A portion of the flash tube, the transformer and capacitor may be encapsulated by a potting compound.

Abstract: A transistor oscillator circuit having a cascaded pair of transistors connected with the collector terminal of one transistor in an inverted electrical polarity so that the oscillatory period is determined by the time required for discharging a charge stored across one junction of one transistor.

Abstract: A runway approach lighting system with fault monitor includes an oscillator which develops clock pulses which are accumulated by a counter. The output of the counter is used to develop trigger signals which control the sequential energization of runway alignment indicator lights. The operation of each light is sensed and is compared with the oscillator pulses, and a fault signal is generated each time a light fails to operate in response to a trigger signal. The number of fault signals generated in an energization cycle is accumulated, and a fault indication is generated once a predetermined number of faults has occurred.

Abstract: A multi-throw switch cooperates with a bi-metallic, thermally actuated electrical contact for converting a continuously operating electrical circuit into one which operates intermittently. Method and apparatus are taught directed toward the use of commercially available, easily replaceable thermally actuated contact devices. In the embodiment disclosed, the familiar flasher unit originally designed to be incorporated in a lamp socket at the base of the light bulb is utilized as the readily available, easily replaceable thermally actuated, intermittent contact device. Method and means for retaining such a readily replaceable device and maintaining it in interconnection with a control switch and an associated electrical switch is disclosed.

Abstract: A multiplex strobe light in which several ionized gas flash tubes are fed in parallel from a common power and trigger circuit. The common power circuit has a capacitor which is connected across a charging voltage and all of the flash tubes. The common trigger circuit has an SCR gated on by a zener when the charge on the capacitor reaches the desired voltage. Each flash tube has its own transformer with the secondary connected to its control electrode and the primary connected to a capacitor discharged through the SCR so the flash tubes are turned on simultaneously and share the power capacitor discharge.

Abstract: A device for charging a charging capacity from an a.c. source via a transformer and rectifier by using at least one auxiliary capacitor for buffer-charging of the charging capacitor is disclosed. The charge of the capacitor is used for example for charging an accumulator and flashing a light source. Change of the capacity of the auxiliary capacitor makes it possible to regulate the charging characteristic of the charging capacitor in charging an accumulator and to regulate the flash character, i.e. intensity and flash frequency, in case of the charging capacitor being discharged through a flash bulb via a thyristor.

Abstract: A voltage regulator and switching circuit for a flash lamp control unit. A silicon transistor is used to switch on an incandescent lamp and to regulate the voltage across the lamp. A driver transistor is connected to the switch transistor in a darlington connection with the collectors connected by a diode. During initial turn on of the lamp, its filament draws a heavy current furnished by the darlington circuit. As the filament heats, its current drops to a low value. Drive current then flows through the drive transistor and a resistor to ground, reverse biasing the diode and changing the circuit to a single transistor circuit. The driver transistor is controlled by a differential amplifier having a first transistor biased by a first voltage divider network connected across the power supply and a second transistor biased by a second voltage divider network connected across the regulated voltage.

Abstract: A flasher unit for buoys, beacons and the like for flashing an incandescent lamp in a required sequence of short and long flashes having short or long eclipses between flashes. A counter is provided having a number of counts equal to the number of flash-eclipse pairs required. A timing pulse generator is selectively controlled to produce timing pulses during each count that are temporally spaced in accordance with the flash-eclipse time durations during each count. Certain ones of the timing pulses serve to clock the counter. Lamp control pulses are generated during each count for energizing the lamp for the preselected time duration. A sync pulse is generated at the beginning of every flash and a second pulse during the first flash in a sequence. These pulses are externally available and are communicated to other flasher units for synchronization. The unit will also synchronize to incoming sync pulses. A photocell circuit inhibits flashing during daylight periods.

Abstract: A circuit for a flasher unit comprises a flasher relay controlled by an astable multivibrator, the multivibrator having an RC-element with an inverter connected in front thereof, the inverter being controlled in response to the switching condition of the flasher relay.

Abstract: A flash tube is provided for producing successive high intensity bursts of light, and a pulse producing device is provided for supplying a train of high voltage pulses for energizing repeatedly the flash tube. An impedance matching arrangement is provided and includes a first unidirectional device which couples the output of the alternator to the pulse producing device for energizing it periodically during half cycles of the alternating current output of the alternator. The arrangement also includes a second unidirectional device which the output of the alternator to an auxiliary lighting device to energize it during alternate half cycles of the alternator. As a result, the alternator supplies lower instantaneous current to both loads at a favorable operating characteristic of the source.

Abstract: Fluorescent lamps are flashed by modulating the lamp operating current during a given half-cycle. The other half-cycle operation is unmodulated, thereby resulting in flashing from full lamp brilliance to substantially one-half lamp brilliance. In one embodiment, the modulating circuitry is placed in the line cord providing power to the lamp. The circuitry includes a gated diode and a resistor placed in parallel with each other. A full wave line cord embodiment employs a diode bridge. In another embodiment, the modulating circuitry is placed across the terminals of a conventional fluorescent lamp starter so that current is bypassed around the starter. With this embodiment of the invention, the discharge on half of the cycle is extinguished, but current flows through the lamp electrodes, thereby keeping them hot enough to emit electrons and prevent life-damaging high cathode fall.

Abstract: A warning light which has a dome-shaped lens containing a xenon stroboscopic bulb and a halogen cycle bulb. The bulbs are energized, either separately or at the same time, to provide two types of warning lights, while means are provided for minimizing the amount of light that escapes through the top of the dome.

Abstract: A variable ramp voltage generated by a first 555 timer is applied to the control electrode of a second 555 timer for controllably varying the delay function of the second timer. The second timer is triggered in accordance with the motion to be observed, several trigger signals being applied during each ramp. The output signals from the second timer are thus timed at progressively longer intervals from the respective input signals during each ramp. The output signals are applied to trigger a stroboscope, producing a cinematographic slow motion view of a selected portion of the motion under observation.

Abstract: Lamp modulating circuitry particularly useful for flashing fluorescent lamps in response to music or other audio signals employs an input filter to screen out signals having frequencies less than 20 hertz or greater than 200 hertz. An amplitude demodulator detects the peak amplitude of signals received from the input filter and develops a signal representing the envelope of the low audio frequencies. An automatic gain control compares the instantaneous and average signals derived from the amplitude demodulator and develops an average signal using an output filter. Signals transmitted past the output filter are used by lamp flashing circuitry to cause the output of a fluorescent lamp to be modulated.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for the pulsed illumination of a stroboscope ring of a record player is formed from a pulsating direct voltage by rectification, and the pulsating direct voltage is applied to a series connection of an ohmic resistor and a light emitting diode.

Abstract: A signal lamp apparatus with a lamp burnout detecting circuit has a right turn signal lamp group and a left turn signal lamp group which are connected to a power source through a turn signal switch and a relay contact coupled in parallel with a burnout detecting resistor. Each of the lamp groups includes a plurality of signal lamps connected in parallel with one another. The apparatus includes a comparator which produces an output signal when the voltage across the signal lamp group is higher than a predetermined voltage, and a device which produces a burnout signal when the comparator has an output signal after lights-out, for example, after 20 to 100 m sec since the relay contact is opened. With such an arrangement, the burnout of the signal lamp or lamps may be detected while the signal light lamp group is flashing.

Abstract: A control circuit for the turn-signal flasher system of an automotive vehicle. The flasher system includes a relay having switch contacts which are serially connected, together with a direction indicator switch, between the vehicle battery and the turn-signal lamps. A measuring or sampling resistor is connected between the battery and the relay contacts. First and second pulse generators are connected between a first voltage indicator and the relay coil, and are selectively gated to interrupt the relay during normal lamp load conditions. The first pulse generator provides a normal mark-to-space ratio whereas the second pulse generator provides a reduced mark-to-space ratio for use during night driving conditions. Third and fourth pulse generators are responsive to corresponding voltage indicators connected to the measuring resistor. The third and fourth generators function to respectively provide different mark-to-space ratios in response to, and indicative of, lamp outage or current-overload conditions.

Abstract: The installation includes a main load supplied with power by an a.c. source such as a magnetic flywheel of a moped and a current detector connected in series in the supply circuit of the main load. This detector provides, as a function of the current detected for, the automatic supply of power to a system for monitoring the operation of the main load or of a secondary load also supplied with power by the source.

Abstract: A decoration under a Christmas tree, including a miniature fence on each side of a little fence gate, each fence post having an electric lamp mounted upon its top, a spring-wound motor reciprocally swinging the gate open and closed, and each time the gate is closed, it activates an electric circuit that lights up the fence post lamps.

Abstract: Emergency phone stations distributed at intervals of 1 or 2 km along a highway area and connected to a communications channel with a power line. Each phone station has a set of flash lamps which can be blinked in accordance with differing blinking schedules, and with a storage capacitor which stores flash energy. When a lamp is flashed, the storage capacitor discharges from the power line, the charging time-constant of each station being different due to differing distances from a central station. To impose an order on the network, central clocking is employed, with lamp ignitions occurring at each individual station being referenced to clocking signals common to all stations, so that the blinking schedules at all activated stations have a fixed phase interrelationship. This predetermines the times and sequences at which the storage capacitors will recharge. All storage capacitors are identical and are so selected that t.sub.0 /R.C.sub.ges =0.5 to 3, preferably 1.25, t.sub.

Abstract: A turn-signal flasher circuit for automotive vehicles wherein a turn-signal switch controls one of two turn-signal lamp circuits, and in which a hazard warning switch controls both lamp circuits simultaneously. A pulse generator controls the frequency of the flashing light output of the lamps. A second pulse generator, having a mark-to-space ratio which is substantially less than the mark-to-space ratio of the first generator, is responsive to the hazard warning switch to control frequency of the simultaneous flashing of both lamp circuits during the hazard warning operation of the flasher circuit. Accordingly, battery drain is reduced and a longer period of hazard warning operation is attainable.

Abstract: A power supply, including a static inverter, which is suited for the periodic energization of a flash tube. The static inverter may be turned off during periods when a capacitive load charged thereby is being discharged through the flash tube. The power supply has the capability of causing two successive ionizations of a flash tube within a short time period and may include both over-current and over-voltage protection in the form of sensing circuits which disable the static inverter.

Abstract: A solar recharged power supply circuit for a lighting system which circuit includes a rechargeable power source, a solar powered recharger connected to that rechargeable power source and which circuit prevents discharge of that rechargeable power source through the solar powered recharger during times when the recharger is inactive; prevents overcharging of that power source; prevents discharging that power source below a predetermined level; and automatically connects and disconnects the lighting system to and from the rechargeable power source.

Abstract: A system for modulating an incandescent light to avoid total loss of illumination and to achieve improved conspicuity of the light along with subjective enhanced illumination. The modulating unit is electrically connected between a source of electrical power and the light to be modulated and includes a timer switch means operating at a duty cycle of at least 30 percent and a switching frequency of from about 2 to about 10 cycles per second, an amplifier transistor and a driver transistor, electrically connected thereto. Preferably the modulating unit is encapsulated to preclude effects of temperature, humidity and weather.

Abstract: A solid state flasher relay of the type for switching an AC or a DC voltage across first and second loads interconnected at a common junction. More specifically, a solid state flasher relay is disclosed wherein shunting transistors are selectively controlled so that an AC or a DC voltage applied across two input lines connected to the first and second loads can be either shunted from the first input line to the common junction thereby providing the voltage across the second load, or shunted from the second input line to the common junction thereby applying the voltage across a first load.

Abstract: A vehicle turn signalling apparatus unambiguously signals the direction of a turn by a simultaneous initiation of energization of a right-turn indicator lamp and a left-turn lamp, one in a flashing mode of illumination to signal the turn direction, the other in a steady mode of illumination to provide a positional reference for the flashing lamp. Such provision permits close spacing of the turn indicator lamps from one another, and thus renders the apparatus particularly well-suited for use on bicycles and mopeds.

Abstract: A rotating signal light for use on police cars, ambulances and other vehicles on which a warning light is required, the light being connected with a variable voltage lamp circuit which provides a higher voltage in predetermined rotational positions of the lamp to produce enhanced light in certain directions while providing a lower voltage in other positions of the light to increase lamp life and reduce wattage requirements.

Abstract: A flasher apparatus for vehicles capable of informing the presence of short-circuit in a direction indicating system and protecting the direction indicating system from burnout. The flasher apparatus receives both a flashing signal for energizing direction indicating lamps and a detection signal indicative of the electric current flowing to said direction indicating lamps. The detection signal is compared with a reference signal so that the short-circuit in the system is detected. Upon detection of the short-circuit, the direction indicating lamps are prevented from being energized to thereby inform the presence of short-circuit and protect the system. The short-circuit detecting operation is disabled for a period of time in which a comparatively large rush current flows to the direction indicating lamps.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-terminal flasher device, particularly for flashing automobile lamps, that can replace the thermal devices predominantly currently in use. An electro-mechanical relay is used to flash the lamps, while an electronic circuit controls the flashing rate. The power for operating the relay and the electronic circuit is maintained by means of a capacitor that is charged from the power source (the battery) and then discharged while the power source is not available, the electronic circuit being supplied from the capacitor via a constant voltage source. Preferably the charging of the capacitor is arranged so as to give an "instant-on" type of operation. The lamp current is measured by a voltage measuring means including a resistor formed by part of the copper of the board on which the circuit is mounted, and the temperature coefficient of the circuit is arranged to be as close as possible to that of the copper.

Abstract: Electronic strobe flash apparatus has first and second flashtubes which are fired alternately and repeatedly to produce a composite, extended light flash. A start pulse triggers the first flashtube to cause a first normally charged capacitor to discharge through a primary winding of a transformer, the first flashtube, and a second normally discharged capacitor, thereby firing the first flashtube and charging the second capacitor. The transformer is adapted to produce a flashtube trigger voltage across its secondary winding when current in its primary winding is interrupted. The second capacitor is smaller than the first capacitor so that the voltage across the second capacitor increases more rapidly than the decrease in voltage across the first capacitor during its discharge.

Abstract: A battery-powered electronic strobe flash apparatus has a flashtube, which produces radiation in proportion to the energy delivered to it. A transformer has a primary winding, connectable to the battery, for storing energy in the transformer and a secondary winding, connected to the flashtube, for delivering the stored energy to the flashtube when the primary winding is disconnected from the battery. An actuatable switch has a first condition for connecting the battery to the primary winding to saturate the transformer, and a second condition for disconnecting the battery from the primary winding, thereby causing a substantially constant amount of energy to be delivered to the flashtube, whereby a substantially constant amount of flashtube radiation is produced each time the switch is actuated.

Abstract: The life expectancy of the energy storing capacitors in a flash lamp drive circuit is extended by charging them in response to a trigger signal which also initiates the ionization pulse to the lamp after a delay time so that a desired threshold of energy stored in the capacitors is directed to the lamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for energizing flash-tubes of beacons by means of the capacitive energy extracted from an insulated section of the overhead wire of power transmission lines. The supply system comprises a circuit for transforming the AC capacitive energy from the overhead wire into DC voltage, the latter feeding at least one flash-tube and a regulation circuit shunted across the transforming circuit for controlling a DC voltage threshold value supplying the tubes. Such regulation is achieved by detecting the predetermined DC voltage threshold value across the lamp terminals and by switching to the earth any capacitive energy extracted from the overhead wire exceeding that threshold value. Moreover, a circuit delivers a pulse at predetermined time intervals to control the firing of each flash-tube when the latter is subjected to a DC voltage corresponding to the predetermined threshold value and regulated by shunt switching.

Abstract: A combination floodlight, spotlight and flasher circuit is disclosed herein. The circuit is provided with a manual switch means, which will turn a spotlight to on, off, and flash, and turn the floodlight on, off, and to a battery saver position. The floodlight is operated through a unique inverter circuit and flasher circuit combination. Multiple combinations of switching modes make it possible to selectively accomplish various combinations of lights simultaneously.

Abstract: A control system which is organized such that a power distribution line only is required for connecting the control unit and the flash lamps and such that the sequencing control, the energy level control of the light bursts and the positive monitoring of the lamp operation are centralized in the control unit. The usual high voltage storage capacitors and the related charge and protection circuitries are consequently needless in the triggering circuit associated with each flash lamp. The lamps are triggered by a burst of pulsed voltage waveforms which are applied on the power distribution line in synchronism with positive half cycles of the supply voltage at the control unit, each pulsed waveform being associated to the control of a respective flash lamp.

Abstract: A control apparatus for use in the direction indicating system of a vehicle having a group of front, rear and side directional lamps. The control apparatus includes a capacitor which is charged and discharged alternately and a comparator which reverses the charging and discharging of the capacitor by comparing the voltage across the capacitor with a reference voltage so that the directional lamps flash periodically. The reference voltage is changed from one to another value upon disconnection of the side directional lamp and further changed from one to the other value upon disconnection of the front or rear directional lamp, thus increasing the flashing frequency of the directional lamps upon each disconnection. The capacitor is charged and discharged by respective constant currents to decrease frequency fluctuation at each flashing frequency of the directional lamps.

Abstract: A lighting system for bicycles and the like which incorporates forwardly and rearwardly mounted lighting assemblies. Each of these assemblies includes right and left turn indicator lamps mounted within housings each having an outwardly directed lenticulated lens, the discrete facets of which protrude in a direction outwardly from an associated lamp. These lenses are utilized in conjunction with lower energy level inputs to the lamps in which an oscillatory circuit to optimize the consumption of energy from a bicycle mounted battery power supply. The batteries of this supply as well as impedance and oscillatory logic circuitry in addition to a recharging circuit are mounted in a unitary housing which is readily removable from the frame of the bicycle for purposes of leaving it unattended. Through the use of a harness incorporating a releasable electrical coupling, this more elaborate and expensive component of the bicycle may be retained for safe keeping when the bicycle is stored or parked.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for causing a strobe-type lamp, i.e. gas discharge lamp, to produce readily discernible warning flashes. In a first embodiment, the light output of a strobe-lamp is partially absorbed by a fluorescent material and released shortly after absorption to produce a visible flash of lesser intensity but greater duration than that actually produced by the lamp. In a second embodiment, the strobe lamp is caused to flash a multiplicity of times at a rate sufficient to give the visible impression of a single continuous flash of long duration. A circuit for energizing the strobe lamp consumes power only while the strobe lamp is flashing, and remains deactuated when the lamp is not energized.

Abstract: A DC circuit for efficiently operating two arc discharge flashlamps. The lamps are parallel connected across a single supply storage capacitor, and a single trigger capacitor is employed in connection and the two alternately activated trigger sources for the two lamps.

Abstract: A combination turn signal and hazard warning flasher with variable load in which (1) the flashing frequency is controlled by a Cmos oscillator with a flashing frequency independent of lamp voltage or current, (2) the lamp load current passes through relay contacts and not through the turn signal switch, and (3) which may be used on positive ground and negative ground systems.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for flashing a flash lamp in a photoexposure device which exposes lines on a photosensitive surface by projecting onto the surface a repetitive series of light spots the locus of which is moved relative to the surface so that the individual light spots partially overlap one another as a chain to synthesize the desired line. During each flash cycle, started by a cycle initiate pulse from an associated control circuit, conduction through the lamp is initiated by a high voltage pulse produced by the discharge of a triggering capacitor, through a high voltage pulse generating circuit, and conduction is thereafter continued by the discharge of a firing capacitor which supplies power at a lower voltage to the lamp. To optimize the maximum rate at which the lamp may be flashed the circuit operates, during each flash cycle, to trigger discharge of the capacitors immediately, or almost immediately, upon their reaching their desired charge.

Abstract: A pulse generator comprises a comparator to the inputs of which are connected a capacitor chargeable by a power source and a voltage divider respectively, two transistors being connected to the output of the comparator, one to set the voltage ratio of the voltage divider and one to provide a discharge path for the capacitor and two additional transistors being selectively connected to the comparator output, one providing a different voltage ratio of the voltage divider and the other providing an independent discharge path for the capacitor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating the output flux generated by a lamp with the degeneration of the voltage from a power source such as a battery. The regulating circuit maintains a constant luminous flux output from a lamp over a substantial range of voltages by switching the voltage to the lamp on and off at a preselected and controlled duty cycle. The duty cycle varies with the variations in the lamp electrical operating parameter provided to the regulating circuit. The regulating circuit permits the useful life of a power source to be substantially increased before requiring replacement.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for use in the direction indicating system of a vehicle having a group of front, rear and side directional lamps. The directional lamps are connected in parallel with each other to be energized by a battery through a current detecting resistor, a normally-closed relay and a selection switch. The relay is energized to open periodically in response to a train of pulses so that the directional lamps flash periodically during closure of the selection switch. Closure of the selection switch is detected in response to the voltage across the current detecting resistor to generate the pulses applied to the relay.