Portable Self-contained (e.g., Movie Usher's Signalling Flashlight) Patents (Class 340/321)
  • Patent number: 6177877
    Abstract: A hand-held programmable sign comprising a hand-grip portion and a sign portion having opposed front and rear sides and including an upper sign portion and a lower hand-held portion rotatably mounted to the sign portion midway transverse to the sign portion in the in-use mode. The hand-grip portion can be rotated between the in-use mode and a locked storage mode when the hand-grip portion is rotated into overlapping relationship with the sign portion. A keyboard system with a miniaturized keyboard processor including keys marked with indicia for letters of the alphabet, numerals, and other selected indicia is mounted on the hand grip portion for operator input. The sign includes a miniaturized computer microprocessor for processing input data received from the keyboard. A miniaturized light-emitting message display, preferably an LED display, is mounted on the front side of the sign portion for reading by an observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy Munyon
  • Patent number: 6163247
    Abstract: A laser lighting system which employs visible and reflective laser beam lighting sources to provide illumination of airport runways and taxiways, preferred approach and departure routes, seaplane base landing areas, marine waterways, as well as to assist in search and rescue operations. The laser lighting system may be a laser lighting post or a laser lighting unit for providing radiation along a surface that includes at least one laser for producing a beam of coherent visible or reflective radiation, and a glass plano-convex cylindrical lens which has an aspherical convex cylindrical surface for generating a laser line which is uniformally illuminated from end to end. The laser lighting post includes a mounting column which has an access door for providing access to a tilt switch assembly and an AC/DC power adapter unit. The mounting column is attached to a base plate by a frangible coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: James C. O'Meara
  • Patent number: 6163248
    Abstract: In an inventive cup luminous apparatus and its control method, the cup luminous apparatus is capable of luminescing in various colors corresponding to the fluid level of beverage put in a cup thus providing the cup with a light effect, detecting a proper consistency, a decay extent and an appropriate temperature of the beverage put into the cup, and then luminescing in mutually different colors based on its detection result, whereby a user may visually recognize a physical state of the beverage. The inventive cup also automatically flickers in case that the cup is slanted and is provided so as to be mounted more easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: Seung-Mok Paek, Ki-Sun Choi
  • Patent number: 6154130
    Abstract: A portable room safety security system for use in hotel rooms, apartments, vehicles having sleeping areas (such as motor homes, RV's, trailers, etc.) and the like. The system integrates into a single housing a smoke detector and a movement sensor, both serially connected to an audio alarm and a visual alert. The system further includes a magnetically isolated slot for holding hotel key cards, as well as a series of hooks for holding several key rings. Also available is a bracket mounted to the housing for holding a flashlight. The system is optionally operated using a remote control device, and may include circuitry enabling automatic telephone dialing to alert outside assistance in the event of an alarm. Two types of structure may be used to suspend the device from an associated door. The first is a pliable extension bar and hook which suspends the device from a door knob. The second is a bracket extension piece enabling the device to be hung from the top of a door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventors: Nidia M. Mondejar, John P. Mondejar
  • Patent number: 6150957
    Abstract: The invention describes a lighted traffic control device which can be used to warn approaching motorists to areas of road construction or repair. Traffic control is very important at construction and repair sites, because laborers are working in close proximity to moving vehicles. A sign that can be remotely operated to display various traffic signals, such as "SLOW" or "STOP", eliminates the need for a worker to operate such a multi-faced sign near oncoming traffic. The device consists of a mobile base with a telescoping pole supporting a multi-faced traffic control sign. Outriggers level the base and prevent unwanted movement. A strobe light attracts the attention of approaching motorists at a sufficient distance to provide adequate warning, while also illuminating the face of the sign. The light is powered by a sufficiently large battery so as to operate for long periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventors: Richard M. Henz, Phillip C. Layne
  • Patent number: 6150949
    Abstract: An optical display device for the representation of signs, especially road signs, in a display frame attached to a support device. The display frame is comprised of strip-shape display segments located at a distance from each other. In order to obtain a small-sized display device perpendicular to the direction in which an observer moves, the support device is aligned in a substantially parallel position to the given direction in which the observer moves, and the display frame is designed to include several display segments, located at a distance from each other, placed behind each other in the direction of movement and corresponding to the chronological order in which the sign is to be represented. The display segments are substantially parallel to the surface normals of the support device for the display frame or inclined at an angle of less than 45.degree. to the surface normals and assigned opposite the sightline of the observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Damback-Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Eschbach, Erwin Baumstark
  • Patent number: 6150950
    Abstract: A band-type warning device includes a buckle body, and a light-transmissive strap member with a connecting end connected to one lateral wall of the buckle body. A detachable engaging member includes jaws disposed on the other lateral wall of the buckle body, and an enlarged head portion formed on a detachable end of the strap member. A guiding cleft and a retaining groove are defined by the jaws and the lateral wall such that the head portion can be forced and retained into the retaining groove from the guiding cleft, thereby engaging the detachable end and the buckle body. A lighting element is disposed on at least one of the lateral walls to illuminate the strap member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Chin-Lien Shen Liu
  • Patent number: 6134820
    Abstract: A hand-held wafer-like signal which is essentially flat octagonally shaped with a handle at the lower end. It has a front side and a back side. The front side is a unitary construction made by plastic injection molding and has a reflector surface, one-half of a handle and a one-half of a cylindrical light housing which is essentially perpendicular to the reflective surface. There is a back side which is also made by injection molding and also has a reflective surface inside an octagonal frame, one-half of a battery container and one-half a cylindrical light housing. The one-half front and back sides are secured together as by screwing and when assembled it becomes a lightweight weatherproof hand-held signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Robert L. Martinez
  • Patent number: 6124796
    Abstract: A fire extinguisher bracket having a beacon for rendering the fire extinguisher conspicuous even in a darkened location. The bracket has structure for engaging the fire extinguisher and structure for mounting the bracket to an environmental surface. The beacon may be audible or visible or both, and may be arranged for constant or intermittent operation. A battery carried by the bracket powers the beacon. A battery charger assures that the battery is always charged. An automatic switch operates the beacon subject to a specified condition, such as detection of motion, thereby assuring likelihood of human presence, and detection of placement of a fire extinguisher within the bracket. Switches may be arranged for selective manual and automatic operation of the beacon. The bracket includes a smoke detector arranged to activate the beacon. A timer controls when the beacon is activated. The bracket has straps for holding safety related articles thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: William Hincher
  • Patent number: 6114953
    Abstract: A reminder device for vehicle key rings or the like includes an integrated processor programmable to provide reminder information in a plurality of operating modes comprising mileage, date, parking location, parking meter expiration, event status and lost key recovery assist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: John C. Martin
  • Patent number: 6107911
    Abstract: A self-contained programmable time interval alarm device that has a plurality of switches or buttons to set the alarm interval. Depending on the mode of the device, each button corresponds either to a day of the week or a numeral representing a particular time digit or number of dosages for a given time interval. In this manner, the alarm is simply programmable by actuating a sequence of buttons corresponding to the desired interval. The alarm device has a housing to which is attached a clamp supplied with jaws, into which containers of different dimensions can be clamped and held. The jaws move from a relaxed position to an expanded position and finally to a biased position as the medication container is pushed between free ends of the jaws and then pushed to enter a grasping space between the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen C. Perrone
  • Patent number: 6091331
    Abstract: A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) with a personal alert safety system (PASS) having a tank of breathing gas serving a first stage regulator connected to a mask having a demand regulator. A PASS is provided with a first audio alarm within the PASS and a circuit in the PASS which senses movement of a user of the SCBA. The PASS sounds an audio alarm after a pre-established time of non-movement of a user. A remote personal safety system (R-PASS) is attached to a location remote from the PASS, and a communication link connects the PASS to the R-PASS for sounding the audio alarm at the remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Bacou USA Safety, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Toft, David V. Haston, Carl E. Schaefer, Duane E. Decker
  • Patent number: 6069557
    Abstract: An Automatic Long-Life Infrared Emitter & Locator System which may be used to locate persons in need of assistance or marked objects is disclosed. Since the emitter (10) operates continuously and emanates infrared radiation (21) that can not be seen by the user, no affirmative action is required to activate the emitter (10). One of the preferred embodiments of the present invention (10) includes a flexible plastic or rubber housing (12) having an opening (15) that is specially shaped to fit over and to finly grasp a conventional electrical battery (16). A lens (18) residing on the top of the housing (12) passes invisible energy issuing from an infrared emitting diode (20) deployed beneath it. The diode (20) is connected to the battery (16) by leads (19) through a pulse control circuit (22). This circuit (22) produces intense and regular spikes of energy that cause the diode (20) to flash over a period of many weeks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventors: Richard L. Anglin, Jr., Bradley J. Busson, William J. Doucette, Carolyn M. Steward
  • Patent number: 6067013
    Abstract: A system and method for indicating a referee signal is provided. The system includes a signaling device and a signal receiving device. The signaling device has a handle portion, a light source in physical communication with the handle portion and for generating visible light, a power source in circuit communication with the light source, a flag portion in physical communication with the handle portion, and a radio-frequency signal source for generating a radio-frequency signal having a pre-determined code. The light generating portion of the signaling device includes, for example, a plurality of light emitting devices. The signal receiving device includes a radio-frequency receiver and an actuator device. Upon proper receipt of the radio-frequency signal, the actuator device is activated to provide an indication thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Nenad Pejic
  • Patent number: 6052051
    Abstract: A multilocation defense device which simultaneously protects self and property. The hand-held device includes a remote-control mechanism for remotely activating an alarm system in a home, building, and/or motor vehicle, and a source of high-intensity sound emanating from the defense device, which can be electronically programmed to send an "S.O.S." signal in Morse code. Further defense of self is provided by bright lights and a spray of a chemical repellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Patrick J. Whalen
  • Patent number: 6040780
    Abstract: A child's personal security assistant is intended for use during house fires, and assists rescuers in finding children trapped or hidden within the house, also providing information about the child to assist in medical treatment after rescue. The device is in the form of a stylized miniature fire hydrant, and has a dual function as a clock, intended to be located on a night stand alongside the child's bed. The device includes a stand powered by house current, and a body mated with the stand, both physically and electrically. A timer is located on the body, with a readout visible from the front. A row of strobe lights are located on the outside top of the body, as is a flashlight. The body also contains a sonic alarm located within. The body is powered by re-chargeable electrical batteries located within the body, which are constantly charged by the house-current when the body is connected to the stand. When the body is removed from the stand the timer is activated, as are the lights and sonic alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Lucas
  • Patent number: 6031468
    Abstract: A warning light is provided to be coupled to a stop sign. The warning light includes a main unit, a holder for cooperating with the main unit to couple to the stop sign, a solar cell for converting solar energy into electrical energy, a light emitting element disposed in the main unit, an energy storage device coupled to the solar cell for storing the electrical energy, and a charge control circuit coupled to the solar cell, energy storage device and light emitting element. The charge control circuit selectively directs electrical energy from the solar cell to energy storage device, or from the energy storage device to the light emitting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Chinotech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Grant Tsao, Johnson Weng
  • Patent number: 6016099
    Abstract: A problem of accounting for firefighters at a fire scene and also assuring that a firefighter has his PASS device turned on is an ever pressing issue. A tally key and holder, each with an embedded magnet, are designed to magnetically infiltrate a reed switch in the PASS device. Accordingly, the present invention provides a simple means of accounting for personnel and also assuring that their PASS devices are automatically turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: James P Campman
  • Patent number: 6000811
    Abstract: A hanging emergency light assembly comprising a portable housing which includes a compartment for accommodating at least one battery for supplying electric power, and opposite first and second light emitting ends. The first light emitting end of the portable housing is provided with a strobe lamp and a red colored lens for emitting a red colored strobe light. The second light emitting end of the portable housing is provided with a high intensity light bulb and a clear lens for emitting blinking high intensity light. The hanging emergency light assembly further comprises first and second switches for independently activating and deactivating the strobe lamp and the high intensity light bulb, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: John Joseph Bordak
  • Patent number: 5973607
    Abstract: A portable programmable sign comprising a unitary T-shaped housing having opposed front and rear sides and including an upper sign portion and a lower hand-held portion mounted midway transverse to the sign portion. A keyboard system with a miniaturized keyboard processor including keys marked with indicia for letters of the alphabet, numerals, and other selected indicia is mounted on the hand grip for operator input. Operating keys are also mounted on the keyboard. The sign includes a miniaturized computer microprocessor for processing input data received from the keyboard. A miniaturized light-emitting message display, preferably an LED display, is mounted on the front side of the sign portion for reading by an observer. An electrical circuit in the housing joins the keyboard system, computer microprocessor, and the light-emitting message display are joined by an electrical circuit in the housing and which can be internally or externally powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Timothy Munyon
  • Patent number: 5969437
    Abstract: A dual powered flashlight responsive to an audible smoke detector alarm includes a sound sensor for sensing an audible smoke detector alarm and producing an electrical alarm signal in response; a frequency-sensitive amplifier amplifying the electrical alarm signal but not other signals; an integrator for integrating the electrical alarm signal amplified by the frequency-sensitive amplifier and for generating a trigger signal only when the integrated signal exceeds a threshold; a lamp; a battery connector for receiving a battery for providing current for illuminating the lamp; a power supply including a mains connector connectable to electrical power lines and powering the frequency-sensitive amplifier and the integrator; and a switch receiving the trigger signal and a power supply signal from the power supply for connecting the lamp to the battery in response to at least one of a trigger signal and absence of application of electrical power to the mains connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Kalidon Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy Foerster
  • Patent number: 5963126
    Abstract: A visual signaling device has one or more light source modules arranged in a stack. Each module is of "Tri-liptic" i.e. generally triangular shape, but with the triangle corners rounded. Inside the triangle, is a perfect circle, to aid in the optical dispersion of the light source. The modules are each formed by back and front moldings. The front molding defines one of the sides of the module, while the back molding defines the other two sides of the module. The light source module contains a light source (incandescent, halogen, rotating, strobe or LED) on a printed circuit board. This module also contains the electronics, which operate the light source, and can cause it to flash, be illuminated constantly or operate a rotating reflector around a stationery bulb. A conduit, which is a strip of printed circuit board with connectors at its opposite ends, extends between the top and bottom of each module of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Star Headlight and Lantern Co, Inc
    Inventors: James H. Karlin, Stephen T. Vukosic, Michael F. Mastin
  • Patent number: 5952913
    Abstract: An array of randomly flashing warning lights comprised of high intensity Light Emitting Diodes, alert observers to the presence of moving vehicles or pedestrians. Motion sensors such as tilt, reed, or mercury switches can be used to achieve randomized flashing while vehicle or pedestrian are in motion. Dynamic forces, generated by motion, cause sensor contact closures which, in turn, produce short duration pulses of light to be emitted by the LED array. When motion ceases, an auxiliary circuit automatically causes the LED array to continue flashing for a period of about one-minute. The extended period of flashing will continue to alert observers should the vehicle or pedestrian stop for a traffic light, stop sign, or sundry other reasons. Termination of the warning light's activity will result in a power-down state wherein power consumption becomes so minute it eliminates the need for an on-off switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Joseph T. Cioletti, Kathryn J. Cioletti
  • Patent number: 5952916
    Abstract: An arrangement comprising a main body having a head continuous with a grip, an LED housed in the main body for emitting warning light from within the grip, a light bulb housed in the main body for emitting warning light through glass disposed in at the front end of the head, a light emission controller for controlling the emission of light from the LED and light bulb, and a percussion imparting member attached to the head for breaking a window glass in a car. This arrangement makes it unnecessary to secure a space for installing both a hammer and an emergency signal instrument in a car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Atras Auto Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hideyasu Yamabe
  • Patent number: 5949338
    Abstract: A cylindrical personal protection device is disclosed having an aerosol cylinder with a nozzle, a light and a removable safety cap. In an embodiment with dual cylinders, the cylinders contain a deterrent spray and a glowing liquid. A trigger proximate the cylinders expells the contents of the cylinders where they are mixed prior to explusion. A body section has a battery receiving area and an alarm. The electronics connect the battery receiving area, trigger, alarm and light. The electronics activates the light and alarm, in response to activation of the trigger, causing them to pulse simultaneously. The cylinders and the body portion are removably connected to one another. A safety lid prevents activation of the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventors: J. Roger Masi, William F. Hall
  • Patent number: 5949328
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for locatable alarms which increase the awareness of and locatability of objects, even for sight or hearing impaired individuals. The apparatus emits preferably a plurality of intermittent complex multiple frequency encoded noises at ear intensities less than 150 dbA, when measured at 10 cm from the source, which enhance listeners' conscious or subconscious abilities to estimate both the distance to the object from the listeners and at least two relative angles between the listeners and the object. The plurality of intermittent complex multiple frequency encoded noises include noise having at least in part primary frequency less than about 1.1 KHz and noise having primary frequency in the range of from about 4 KHz through about 12 KHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: James A. Latty
  • Patent number: 5939995
    Abstract: An apparatus having a housing resembling an identifiable object, an electrical appliance mounted within the housing and interoperative therewith to suggest a theme and a mechanism borne by the housing in operable connection with the appliance for selective operation of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Dorothy J. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5905441
    Abstract: A visual signaling device having interspersed arrays of red/amber/green LED signal lamps and a center flashing strobe lamp. A side mounted joy-stick type toggle switch on the housing is operated by the user's thumb to provide the control of the signal lamps. One position of the joy-stick button operates an on/off switch, and the other three positions each operate one of the three color arrays. A separate strobe light switch is provided adjacent the toggle switch. The housing of the signaling device is bowl-shaped and held in the palm of the user's outwardly extended hand. A strap extending around the back of the hand provides assistance. A battery pack is recharged through a standard socket for connection through a cord and utility plug to a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventors: Edward L. Klee, Richard D. Knittel
  • Patent number: 5898363
    Abstract: A portable audible beacon comprises a housing that encloses a signal generating means and an acoustic transducer. The signal generating means generates an oscillating signal that is periodically interrupted by a zero signal, where the fundamental frequency of the oscillating signal corresponds to a frequency of high auditory sensitivity to the human ear, where the frequency of interruption of the oscillating signal corresponds to a directionally discernible frequency to the human ear, and where the period of duration of each zero signal is less than or about the same as the period of duration of the oscillating signal between each zero signal. The acoustic transducer receives the signal from the signal generating means and converts it into sound. The portable audible beacon of the present invention achieves the combined advantages of power efficiency, auditory sensitivity, and directionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael T. Altilio
  • Patent number: 5898380
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a shock endurable alarm lamp which is comprised of a light emitting structure and a shock proof structure. The light emitting structure is constructed from a plurality of lampshades and lamp base structures. A shock proof structure is installed on the bottom of the light emitting structure. The shock proof structure has two layers of spring structures installed on the upper and lower sides of a fixing base, and then a bolt is inserted downwards into the two layer structures for aligning the springs. Finally, a bushing covers the outside of the structure. Therefore, a shock proof structure is formed. Next, the whole structure is installed on a machine which needs an alarm lamp. The shock proof structure formed by the two sets of springs will cause oscillations induced from the machine to be absorbed, thereby sustaining the structure and stability of the alarm lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Yu-Tsang Chi
  • Patent number: 5896092
    Abstract: An improved alarm system particularly adapted for use in attracting the attention of hearing impaired persons and/or for use in attracting the attention of persons in high decibel areas, it being understood that the system is applicable to other uses. The system incorporates an improved light reflector and improved Fresnel lenses which cooperate with a flash tube whereby the system projects as much of the available light as possible into a predetermined profile so that UL requirements are met with a minimum of wasted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventor: Jon H. Bechtel
  • Patent number: 5894271
    Abstract: A wafer-like alert unit is disclosed which is affixed to a body surface in a private and discrete manner and provides a private or silent stimulus such as a vibrational signal to the user at selected time intervals to remind the user to flex adjacent muscle groups or to perform isometric exercise. The alert unit is designed to be worn imperceptibly to the public and provide a private and discrete way to maintain an exercise regimen without any wires or bulky control boxes. The alert unit is mounted directly to the body using adhesive or alternatively fitted in a self-adhesive pouch or pocket which is then secured to the body. The alert unit may also be inserted into a fabric pouch that is sewn into an undergarment which is then worn in the normal manner. The alert unit includes a power source such as a battery, a motor which creates a vibrational signal, a power switch, a timer, and means for inputting variable interval settings to allow the user to tailor his or her exercise regimen as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Lee Namisniak
  • Patent number: 5892445
    Abstract: The instant invention is a harness-attached light mechanism that is visible from a distance or and in inclement weather. It consists of a harness assembly that supports a flash assembly. The flash assembly is a battery powered strobe or other light affixed atop a pole by a flexible means that allows easy movement, or waving, of the light. The light mechanism attracts the attention of on-coming motorist thereby increasing his safety. The pole is supported by a harness that is fitted to the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Rudy G Tomich
  • Patent number: 5861801
    Abstract: A vehicle theft deterrent apparatus and method includes a flashing light emitting diode (LED) placed in a visible position within the passenger compartment of a vehicle to simulate an authenticate, armed security system. The flashing LED is powered by a DC power supply that is hidden behind a dashboard, under a carpet, in a glove compartment, or in some other remote, hidden location. An elongate, flexible conductor interconnects the LED and the power supply and is also hidden from view. The transverse cross section of the conductor enables it to be hidden at the base of a windshield or to extend through a small space between dashboard panels. The conductor is connected directly to the LED so that no housing for the LED is required and no holes need be drilled in the dashboard to accommodate a housing. A potential thief is deterred from a theft attempt because the only visible part of the apparatus is the flashing LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: James R. Cullen
  • Patent number: 5859582
    Abstract: A personal security alarm device includes a flashlight having a main housing with a bulb and reflector, a battery compartment and an actuation switch. A sub-housing is pivotally mounted in an L-shaped cut out portion at the lower front end of the main housing. An audible alarm is mounted in the main housing and is energized by pulling a handle to extract a contact pin from the housing and close a pair of electrical contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: John Manufacturing Limited
    Inventor: John Se-Kit Yuen
  • Patent number: 5844472
    Abstract: A portable, electronic device provides base functions as an illuminated key holder, a recharging system, and an accessory light, as well as extended functions. The internal Nicad battery power supply can be recharged from a variety of sources. With the device plugged into a recharging source such as a cigarette lighter socket, a special docking mechanism interfaces with it to power or recharge a variety of electronic devices. The docking unit provides a universal adaptor to mate with several different popular socket sizes. In the best mode an audio recorder and playback device is combined with the flashlight and key chain apparatus. This enables both voice recording and playback. A map light mounting system enables the module to be held in a desired position within a vehicle to provide a mounted light source once the key ring is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Victor Shiu P. Lee
  • Patent number: 5831522
    Abstract: A portable visual emergency signal device for generally indicating caution and for providing a beacon to guide emergency vehicles or personnel to an emergency site. The emergency signal device is sectioned into a plurality of wedges, each wedge having a translucent faceted face and a distinct color. The emergency signal device also contains a plurality of sequentially fired lamps and at least one reflective surface cooperating with the lamps to facilitate propagation of light energy. The emergency signal device further includes a battery and an alarm cooperating with the battery to indicate a low battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventors: Leonard E. Weed, Ronald J. Weed, Dwight V. Call
  • Patent number: 5825280
    Abstract: A portable safety light and audible signal apparatus for placement in proximity to a building exit, to guide one or more fire fighters and emergency personnel to the exit during conditions of intense smoke and heat. The portable safety light and audible signal apparatus has a housing for containing, an audible signal generator capable of generating at least three distinctive audible signals, a strobe light mounted upon the top portion of the housing; an inverted U-shaped handle mounted on opposing sides of the strobe light, at least one switch in electrical communication with the strobe light and the audible signal generator, and a portable power supply located within the housing, in electrical communication with the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventors: Andrew Vito Merendini, John A. Oddo, Dennis A. Petosa
  • Patent number: 5804829
    Abstract: A portable signal beacon adapted to be worn on the body so as to provide a discernable signal to a remote observer during low light conditions. The signal beacon includes a lightweight housing containing a light source, such as a bank of infrared LEDs. A signal generating device is also contained within the housing, wherein the signal generating device controls the activation of the light source and provides the light source with one of a plurality of different flashing sequences. At least one selection switch is provided that enables the user of the beacon to select which of the plurality of flashing sequences will be transmitted by the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Gary L. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5798686
    Abstract: A voice emitting pin is provided including a housing with a back opening and an interior space. Further provided is a back cover for releasably engaging the back opening of the housing. Also included is a pin assembly coupled to a rear surface of the back cover with an associated pin, whereby the pin may be releasably coupled to a shirt of a user. A triangular ornament is coupled to the housing. A watch battery is situated within the interior space of the housing. Finally, a voice chip is situated within the interior space of the housing and connected to the battery for powering purposes. The voice chip has a switch for effecting transmission of an audible voice remark upon the depression thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Inventor: Stefan C. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 5764132
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a personal alarm and light device comprising a case having a top, bottom, front, back and side surfaces. A clip is provided on the back surface of the case for releasably attaching the device to a purse or a bag. The device further includes an audible alarm provided on the front surface and a light for providing illumination on the bottom surface. The device includes first and second switches for activating the alarm and light on the top and at least one side surface and a power supply within the case to provide power to the alarm and the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Margaret Hill
  • Patent number: 5764134
    Abstract: An audio police identification and distraction device that is sufficiently rugged to be thrown inside a structure to be searched and deliver electronically a digitally stored, high volume voice message that clearly identifies the police or law enforcement agency and distracts persons inside the structure during a hard entry. The audio device includes a voice message memory chip, a rechargeable battery operated power supply, an amplifier, a speaker assembly and a user activated switch and delay circuit. The audio signal output can achieve a speaker volume of at least 100 decibels, preferably in the range of 110 to 112 decibels. The electronic components are contained in a hard housing that can be tossed through a glass window and onto a floor without damage. The audio electronic circuit is battery operated and mounted on a platform that is isolated from the impact shocks imposed upon the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Brian A. Carr
    Inventors: Brian R. Carr, Mig Allen Howard
  • Patent number: 5699039
    Abstract: A menu stand or like device is employed as a signal device to summon a waiter to a table in a restaurant or like establishment. The device includes a housing having a base that supports it on a table and a low-energy demand light source. The light source is preferably a thin electroluminescent (EL) surface element mounted on a menu holder that is a part of the housing. A D.C. battery, removably mounted in the housing base, energizes an inverter that generates an A.C. energizing signal that is applied to the light source. Preferably, the A.C. energizing signal pulsates at a low frequency. There is a switch, normally open, that turns the light source ON to summon a waiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Victor Korzen
  • Patent number: 5697695
    Abstract: A signal stick including a handle holding a battery set, a connector connected to the handle by a screw joint to hold a circuit board, a transparent sleeve coupled to the connector, an inner tube mounted within the transparent sleeve and having a bottom end plugged into an annular top open chamber of the connector and a top end made with locating grooves, a negative metal wire rod and three positive metal wire rods respectively hung on the locating grooves of the inner tube within the transparent sleeve and connected to the circuit board, a plurality of LEDs of different colors respectively connected between the negative metal wire rod and the positive metal wire rods, a selector switch mounted on the connector and adapted for turning on a particular color of LEDs, and a manual/auto control switch shifted between an automatic mode to automatically turn on the LEDs in a predetermined order, and a manual mode to let the LEDs be controlled by the selector switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventors: Adam Lin, Kuo-Tsen Lin
  • Patent number: 5694110
    Abstract: A signal device for alerting and informing surrounding persons. The inventive device includes a hand-held, illuminated signal assembly which can be manually manipulated to signal information to passing motorists. A power supply belt can be worn by a user and is electrically coupled to the signal assembly to provide electrical power needed for illumination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Tim Clifford
  • Patent number: 5689232
    Abstract: A bicycle signalling device (1) has flexible arms (4) carrying lamps (5). The arms (4) are mounted on a holder (2) having spring clamps (3) for snap engagement with the handlebars of a bicycle. A battery within the holder (2) powers the lamps (5) operable by switches (10, 12) to indicate whichever direction the cyclist intends to turn. The arms (4) can be bent in any direction by the cyclist to hold the lamps (5) in the best signalling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventors: Michael Francis O'Shaughnessy, Donal McDonald
  • Patent number: 5684452
    Abstract: A multi-purposes warning device includes a battery container, a tube threadedly engaged to an end of the battery container and a flash bulb disposed in the tube, a bracket pivotally engaged to the tube and a flashlight head pivotally engaged to the bracket, a socket slidably mounted to the battery container and the tube, three feet each has an end pivotally connected to the socket and a stick respectively and pivotally connected between the inner side of each of the feet and an outer periphery of the battery container, such that the three feet can be arranged to be a triangle warning sign and the flash bulb provides a flash light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Shiunn-terny Wang
  • Patent number: 5633623
    Abstract: A safety device in the form of a compact, battery-operated, personal signalling system for providing light signals for personnel monitoring and detection purposes while operating under hazardous conditions. The device includes a light source that can emit either visible light or non-visible infrared light as periodic flashes. A light emission multiplier is provided between the light source and a protective, overlying panel to increase the visibility of the emitted light. The light emission multiplier is in the form of a thin sheet of vinyl plastic that includes a plurality of pyramidal microprisms on an outwardly facing surface. The microprisms operate to multiply the number of light emission points, thereby increasing the visibility of the safety device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: James P. Campman
  • Patent number: 5629679
    Abstract: A portable personal security device of compact size capable of being carried in a pocket or purse or the like, has a pistol-like configuration with a handgrip portion and a barrel portion. The device includes a noxious chemical which may be discharged to fend off an attack by an assailant, and an audible alarm which may be sounded to attract attention and/or to discourage an attacker. Further, a light is provided on the device so that it can be used as a flashlight. A plurality of finger-receiving openings are formed in the handgrip portion to effect a secure grip on the device and make it difficult to dislodge from the hand of the user. These openings also assist in quickly and properly orienting the device. An actuator for energizing the light, the chemical discharge and the audible alarm includes structure which enables sequential activation of these devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventors: Richard Cranford, D. Robert Jordan
  • Patent number: 5627513
    Abstract: A portable visual emergency signal device for generally indicating caution and for providing a beacon to guide emergency vehicles or personnel to an emergency site. The emergency signal device is sectioned into a plurality of wedges, each wedge having a translucent faceted face and a distinct color. The emergency signal device also contains a plurality of sequentially fired lamps and at least one reflective surface cooperating with the lamps to facilitate propagation of light energy. The emergency signal device further includes a battery and an alarm cooperating with the battery to indicate a low battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventors: Leonard E. Weed, Ronald J. Weed, Dwight V. Call