Periodic Or Flashing Patents (Class 340/331)
-
Patent number: 7005971Abstract: In a building fire alarm system, the light strobes of a network of strobes are synchronized to flash simultaneously. Each strobe has a charging circuit to charge a capacitor which discharges through a flash tube. Once a capacitor is charged, the charging circuit is disabled. A synchronization pulse is applied through common power lines to trigger discharge of each strobe capacitor through the flash tube followed by recharging of the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: ADT Services AGInventors: Albert J. Stewart, Lawrence G. Stanley
-
Patent number: 7005978Abstract: A vehicle direction indication device is configured such that a voltage of a battery power supply is detected, and when a direction indication light switch is switched to ON, a pulse width modulated signal is output. This pulse width modulated signal is generated by pulse width modulating a flash signal for driving a direction indication light in a flashing manner with a duty ratio based upon the detected voltage of the battery power supply; the duty ratio at which the voltage of the battery power supply is high becomes smaller than that at which the voltage of the battery power supply is low. The direction indication light is then driven in the flashing manner based upon the output signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignees: Anden Co., Ltd., Denso CorporationInventors: Takahiro Takeuchi, Hirofumi Mokuya, Yoshichika Abe
-
Patent number: 6998961Abstract: The subject device is an alarm mechanism having a voice message or other sound input wherein the mechanism incorporates a taping mechanism to receive and store voice or other audio sounds to be subsequently or simultaneously projected audibly as a signal to awaken the user of the alarm at a designated time comprising generally a caller mode coupled to a recording controller to activate an audio recorder which is in turn activated by a pre-set timer to project the recorded sound.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Inventor: Shirley Ann Stihler
-
Patent number: 6982637Abstract: A road vehicle road vehicle direction indicator light system 1 comprises front and rear lamps 2, 4 for the nearside and front and rear lamps 6, 8 for the offside of the vehicle, a battery 10 power source connected to an ignition switch 12, a hazard warning switch 14 and a flasher control unit 16 connected to an indicator switch 18. With the exception of the flasher control unit 16 the other individual elements of the road vehicle indicator light system 1 are fairly standard. The flasher control unit 16 is electronically controlled and comprises a microprocessor having a plurality of selectable lamp flash sequences stored in a non-volatile memory. The lamp flash sequences maybe pre-programmed into the non-volatile memory. Each flash sequence is assigned a unique number within the microprocessor coding. The flasher unit 16 has a receivable input signal from the indicator switch 18. The flasher unit 16 controls the frequency of the on/off flashing of the lamps 2, 4, 6, 8.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Inventor: Neil Alistair Armstrong
-
Patent number: 6980125Abstract: A warning light system for a traffic intersection for alerting pedestrians and operators of passenger vehicles to the approach of an emergency vehicle. The warning light system is activated only by sounds in the range of frequencies which are emitted by the siren of an emergency vehicle. The warning light system has a warning light assembly having a control unit, and also has an audio sensor unit. The warning light assembly has a blue light and a white light, which flash alternately and repeatedly, after receipt of an audio signal by the audio sensor unit from the siren of an emergency vehicle, and processing of that signal by the control unit. The lights of the warning light assembly continuously flash until the sound emitted from the siren is no longer detectable by the audio sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Inventor: John Barber
-
Patent number: 6954137Abstract: In a building fire alarm system, the light strobes of a network of strobes are synchronized to flash simultaneously. Each strobe has a charging circuit to charge a capacitor which discharges through a flash tube. Once a capacitor is charged, the charging circuit is disabled. A synchronization pulse is applied through common power lines to trigger discharge of each strobe capacitor through the flash tube followed by recharging of the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: ADT Services AGInventors: Albert J. Stewart, Lawrence G. Stanley
-
Patent number: 6952168Abstract: A safety device, comprising at least one sensor for sensing the presence of an object and a warning system that emits at least one precreated verbal warning message after the sensor senses an object. The warning system includes a control system that allows a user to select at least one of a plurality of precreated verbal warning messages for emission. In another embodiment, a safety device comprises a safety cone, a sensor disposed on the safety cone and that senses an object, and a warning system disposed at the top of the safety cone and that emits at least one warning signal after the sensor senses an object.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLCInventors: Paul J. Recko, Jr., Craig K. Rogers, Shannon C. Dulaney, Robert W. Lauer
-
Patent number: 6927673Abstract: A method and apparatus that includes housing in which a speaker and strobe light are located with the speaker linked to an audio alert adjuster and a strobe light linked to a visual alert adjuster. The alert levels of both the speaker and the strobe are shown on the exterior of the housing for ease of inspection. The adjusters are located within or outside the housing. The adjuster located within the housing aid in preventing tampering with the levels.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Edwards Systems Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Right, Hilario S. Costa
-
Patent number: 6906616Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method of reducing the number of synchronization pulses transmitted to the alarm units for increasing the reliability of the overall alarm system is disclosed. The synchronization signal is implemented as a reference or reset signal from which the alarm units derive a reference time to begin activation of the alarm units. Thus, when an alarm unit receives a reference synchronization pulse, the alarm unit applies the reference synchronization pulse as a reference point in time to trigger a series of flashes or audio tones.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Wheelock, Inc.Inventors: John W. Curran, Joseph Kosich
-
Patent number: 6858994Abstract: A traffic signal installation with an LED light source (2), comprising: an input (38, 40) for connection of a current source; furthermore, at potential levels between the upper potential (16) and the base potential (18): a plurality of LEDs (4) arranged in at least two series connections of several LEDs that are connected in parallel; a coil (6) provided in series with the LEDs (4); a recovery diode (8) provided in parallel to the LEDs (4) and the coil (6) and having its forward direction opposed to that of the LEDs (4); and a rapid electronic switch (10) provided in series with the LEDs (4), the coil (6) and the recovery diode (8) in parallel to the LEDs (4) and the coil (6); and a pulse generator (12) that is connected to the rapid electronic switch (12) and generates pulses that open and close the rapid electronic switch (10), said pulse generator (12) being a pulse-width modulator in particular in the form of an integrated component.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Inventor: Edmund Vollrath
-
Patent number: 6856241Abstract: A selectable candela strobe alarm unit includes an energy storage circuit to reliably discharge a gas filled output device. The circuit includes a primary energy storage capacitor and a secondary energy storage capacitor. The capacitors can be configured in series or in parallel to produce a selected candela output from the gas filled output device.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Lee D. Tice, Charles F. Fisler, Simon Ha
-
Patent number: 6842120Abstract: A device comprises a luminous indicator intended to indicate an emergency exit and capable of being placed in at least one of three different states, a standby state, in which it emits a first luminous radiation which is continuous and which exhibits a first intensity, an alert state, in which it emits a second luminous radiation which is discontinuous and which exhibits a second intensity greater than the first intensity, and a third state, and an operating unit for operating the luminous indicator in such a way as to place it in the standby state, in a normal situation, in the alert state, during an emergency evacuation via the emergency exit, which is passable, and in the third state, during an emergency evacuation when the emergency exit is impassable.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignees: Airbus, Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Joachim Colberg, Anja Niemeyer, Peter Friedrich, Carsten Kohlmeier-Beckmann
-
Patent number: 6842111Abstract: An integrated multifunction flasher system includes a pair of light units, each light unit housing an LED array, LED switches, and a programmed controller within an enclosure. The controllers of the pair of units are interconnected and are additionally connected to the turn signal wiring, the backup signal wiring, and to a manually operated switch. The controllers sense the operation of the turn signals, the backup lamps, and the manual switch and cooperate to generate flash patterns which parallel the turn and hazard flasher signals and which generate alternating strobe patterns in response to activation of the backup lamp or closure of the manual switch.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Inventor: Bradley D. Smithson
-
Patent number: 6822556Abstract: A night-light is configured to emulate a traffic signal and thereby train a child to remain in bed during a predetermined interval. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a night-light comprises a housing having a first light emitter (e.g., a red light source), a second light emitter (e.g., a green light source), a controller electrically coupled to the first light emitter and the second light emitter, and a timer interface electrically coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to operate in a first, second, and a third mode. In general, the first mode corresponds to the first light emitter being activated (“bed-time” mode), the second mode corresponds to the second light emitter being activated (“wake-time” mode), and the third mode corresponds to the case where neither the first or second light emitters are activated (“off” mode).Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Kidlights, LLCInventors: Lance S. Burns, Rosanne L. Burns
-
Publication number: 20040160333Abstract: The present invention provides a attention getting device, which comprises: a standing board, having a standing surface; a flashing element, having a twinkling light body outwardly and having a circuit connected to a battery behind said twinkling light body and inside said flashing element, and having a back cover which is made of ferrous material; and a magnet with magnetism; thereby, said flashing element can twinkle and mutually attract with said magnet on a back surface and said standing surface of said standing board respectively so as to attract the attention and vision of the people.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2004Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventor: Clyde Bruce Elliott
-
Patent number: 6762689Abstract: A traffic signal display apparatus includes a display surface having a plurality of bicolor bipolar LEDs thereon in an array. When current is fed into the LEDs in a first direction, the bicolor bipolar LEDs display a first color, which may be green. When current is fed in the opposite direction, the bicolor bipolar LEDs display a second color, which may be red. When current is fed into the array alternately in both directions, the bicolor bipolar LEDs display a third color, which may be yellow. The display apparatus may be subdivided into multiple independent zones, allowing arrows to be displayed. The single display apparatus can therefore be used to replace the three to five stacked conventional traffic light display units.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Inventor: Michel L. Dechape
-
Patent number: 6758160Abstract: This invention relates to a hydrant locator that facilitates the location of a hydrant by firefighters, particularly in an emergency. The low profile device wraps around the hydrant cylinder for mounting purposes and a switch in an emergency vehicle sets off strobe lights on the device upon activation to alert firefighters to the hydrant location. The locator device comprises a plurality of solar powered strobe lights that are strapped about the hydrant alternating with solar panels. A locked latch secures the locator belt of strobe lights and solar panels to the hydrant. A shatterproof shield is mounted over the strobe lights and solar panels. A receiver is also mounted within the locator to activate the strobe lights upon receipt of a remote signal. A remote switch located in an emergency vehicle is coupled to a transmitter to activate only those hydrant locators within a given range of approximately 1500 feet. The switch can activate a different color strobe light to indicate the closeness of the hydrant.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Inventor: Erik Martin
-
Patent number: 6753762Abstract: A signalling beacon comprised of a lighting indicator which is mounted in a body enabling the stacking thereof. An energy accumulation device, at least one photovoltaic cell and an electronic device of the beacon are in the beacon. The electronic device has a radio frequency receiver circuit to receive radio communication signals which are emitted by an emitter circuit, and a light indicator control circuit. The light indicator control circuit includes a timer, a logic circuit intended to the polarization of the timer and of the light indicator, and a connection device for the switching off of the energy accumulation device when the beacons are piled up. A signalling beacon is obtained with a high autonomy, which is also remotely controllable and it has a high versatility of applications.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Innovacio Viaria SLInventor: Jose Jorba Gonzalez
-
Patent number: 6741164Abstract: In a building fire alarm system, the light strobes of a network of strobes are synchronized to flash simultaneously. Each strobe has a charging circuit to charge a capacitor which discharges through a flash tube. Once a capacitor is charged, the charging circuit is disabled. A synchronization pulse is applied through common power lines to trigger discharge of each strobe capacitor through the flash tube followed by recharging of the capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1997Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: ADT Services AGInventors: Albert J. Stewart, Lawrence G. Stanley
-
Publication number: 20040080401Abstract: In a building fire alarm system, the light strobes of a network of strobes are synchronized to flash simultaneously. Each strobe has a charging circuit to charge a capacitor which discharges through a flash tube. Once a capacitor is charged, the charging circuit is disabled. A synchronization pulse is applied through common power lines to trigger discharge of each strobe capacitor through the flash tube followed by recharging of the capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: ADT Services AGInventors: Albert J. Stewart, Lawrence G. Stanley
-
Patent number: 6704634Abstract: A method and system for braking aircraft landing gear wheels after initialization of landing gear retraction. The system includes monitors, controlling components, measurement components, a fault recording memory, fault annunciation components, wheel braking system and brakes. The monitors monitor speed of the landing gear wheels and landing gear position. The control component generates braking instructions based on the monitored speed of the wheels and position of the landing gear.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: John J. Gowan, Scott D. Maxwell, Tu-Luc H. Nguyen, Beth L. Sundquist
-
Patent number: 6683532Abstract: A warning light system has one or more articulated arrays of light blocks. The arrays maybe packable and lockable for transporting. In a deployed state the arrays provide variable combinations of light signals that may alert and direct oncoming traffic. The arrays are mechanically and electrically connected to a control module which controls the light blocks to provide light signals. The arrays can be deployed in a hazardous or obstructed lane without entering an unobstructed traffic lane.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: DTR Systems, Inc.Inventors: William J. Peet, II, Leonard H. Lipman
-
Publication number: 20040012954Abstract: A light includes a case, a light source, and circuitry supported by the case. The circuitry is adapted to intermittently supply power to the light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2002Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventor: Donald Timothy Hart
-
Patent number: 6587049Abstract: A system is disclosed for using passive infrared technology to analyze the thermal energy in a given space, to determine whether a person is present, and if so, whether he or she is experiencing an emergency or a normal physical state. A detector mounted on the wall or ceiling collects the thermal data. A microprocessor in a desk top control module or a personal computer determines occupant status from the data and instructs a wall-mounted indicator to activate occupant status signals. The preferred signals are: an intermittent red light and tone for emergencies, a green light for normal states, and an amber light for absences. Occupant status signals and silent alerts may be transmitted to and from other locations via a communications network. The invention also warns of possible fire danger. Additionally, it may be used to control lights and office machines and integrated with building security systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Ralph W. Thacker
-
Patent number: 6583718Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method of reducing the number of synchronization pulses transmitted to the alarm units for increasing the reliability of the overall alarm system is disclosed. The synchronization signal is implemented as a reference or reset signal from which the alarm units derive a reference time to begin activation of the alarm units. Thus, when an alarm unit receives a reference synchronization pulse, the alarm unit applies the reference synchronization pulse as a reference point in time to trigger a series of flashes or audio tones.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Wheelock, Inc.Inventors: John W. Curran, Joseph Kosich
-
Patent number: 6583731Abstract: An indicator controller (18), an optical assembly (10) having the indicator controller (10), a traffic light system that comprises at least one of the optical assembly (10) and a method for fault indication by the indicator controller (10) is disclosed. A control signal from a control signal generator (20) of the indicator controller (18) is disabled to block off current supply to a diode chain of three light emitting diodes (LEDs) of an array (12) of LEDs. Input to the control signal generator (20) has a frequency setting section that sets the control signal at a predetermined frequency. Consequently, the three LEDs are made to blink according to the predetermined frequency. The control signal is generated when the amplitude of current supply to the array (12) exceeds a threshold setting.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Singapore Technologies Electronics Ltd.Inventors: Hua Tek Chan, Tai Leong Cheng, Muthuraman Ramaswamy
-
Patent number: 6556132Abstract: A visual alarm device includes a flash tube that provides a visual indication responsive to trigger a signal. A strobe circuit is coupled between the flash tube and a power source and causes a flash tube to emit light at a desired flash rate. The strobe circuit includes a storage circuit, an in-rush current limiting circuit control unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Gentex CorporationInventors: Greg R. Pattok, John R. Pacelli
-
Patent number: 6535111Abstract: A wave-discriminating inductive electronic device includes a special integrated circuit that is inducible by a proximity feeble electromagnetic signal generated by a general mobile phone during receiving and transmitting signals, so that the induced integrated circuit is able to control and drive another integrated circuit that includes voice and motor driving circuits. Voices and vibrations produced by the integrated circuit enable the wave-discriminating inductive electronic device to provide a highly interesting entertaining effect.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Inventor: Ching-Tien Tsai
-
Patent number: 6525663Abstract: Briefly, an alarm system monitors the entry and exit of a fitting room. Various devices, including cameras for imaging, are used to scan customers as they enter and leave. Using image analysis, analysis of the audio signature of footfalls, and other criteria, the system attempts to match the images of customers leaving with stored images of customers entering. If no match can be found, an alarm signal is generated.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Antonio Colmenarez, Srinivas Gutta, Miroslav Trajkovic
-
Publication number: 20030030567Abstract: A stack light having both steady and flashing light capabilities is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the light stack or signaling light beacon comprises a light module containing a socket for a lamp, circuitry for operating the light module, and a jumper connector connected to the circuitry for selecting between flashing and steady light within the light module.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventors: William Hieby Hetzel, Geoffrey Hugh McKay, David James Lesslie, Senya Marie Hiscox Miles, Michael Constantin von Kannewurff, Joseph Patrick Smith
-
Publication number: 20030020636Abstract: A warning light (10) for external use on an aircraft comprises a high-intensity light output light source (14,20). The light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (40) which are arranged to be pulsed with an overdriving signal (32) to produce a higher than normal intensity flashing light output. The overdriving signal (32) is generated by a pulsed drive circuit (30) in response to timing signals received from a flash pattern box at a rate of between 0.67 Hz to 1.67 Hz.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Applicant: Thales Optronics, Ltd.Inventors: Sean Russell, Adrian Saunders, Larry Adrian Laforest
-
Publication number: 20030001728Abstract: A vehicle security system includes at least one vehicle sensor, a remote transmitter to be carried by a user, and a controller positioned in the vehicle. The controller may be switchable to at least one of an armed mode and a disarmed mode based upon the remote transmitter, and the controller may cause a light indicator circuit of the vehicle to selectively supply power to at least one vehicle light bulb upon switching to at least one of the armed and disarmed modes. The vehicle security system may also include a strobe light device at the vehicle and electrically connected to the light indicator circuit for providing a confirmation indication to the user that the controller has been switched to at least one of the armed and disarmed modes. This may be done based upon a leading or trailing edge of the power supplied by the light indicator circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
-
Publication number: 20020190847Abstract: A road vehicle road vehicle direction indicator light system 1 comprises front and rear lamps 2, 4 for the nearside and front and rear lamps 6, 8 for the offside of the vehicle, a battery 10 power source connected to an ignition switch 12, a hazard warning switch 14 and a flasher control unit 16 connected to an indicator switch 18. With the exception of the flasher control unit 16 the other individual elements of the road vehicle indicator light system 1 are fairly standard.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventor: Neil Alistair Armstrong
-
Patent number: 6472980Abstract: An electrical unit, such as an ambient condition detector, incorporates pattern discrimination circuitry. A received pattern is analyzed and, if it is in accordance with a predetermined pattern, the unit outputs an audible and/or visible indicium synchronized with the incoming pattern for the duration thereof. The unit also includes circuitry for emitting a corresponding output signal pattern to at least one other detector. A system which incorporates a plurality of electrical units, at least one of which has the pattern discrimination circuitry produces at least one synchronized audible or visible output indicative of a predetermined condition throughout the system. Patterns can include predetermined tonal alarm indicating output patterns as well as predetermined visible alarm indicating output patterns.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Pittway CorporationInventors: Hsing C. Jen, Fred M. Butalla, David P. Harter
-
Patent number: 6469619Abstract: A light weight, self-contained, portable, intrinsically-safe warning device for providing warning to personnel of an unsafe condition is provided. This warning device is especially adapted for attachment to the roof of a mine to indicate unsupported roof conditions or other unsafe conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human ServicesInventors: William D. Mayercheck, Albert L. Brautigam
-
Patent number: 6456205Abstract: A warning light (10) for external use on an aircraft comprises a high-intensity light output light source (14,20). The light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (40) which are arranged to be pulsed with an overdriving signal (32) to produce a higher than normal intensity flashing light output. The overdriving signal (32) is generated by a pulsed drive circuit (30) in response to timing signals received from a flash pattern box at a rate of between 0.67 Hz to 1.67 Hz.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Thales Optronics (Taunton) LtdInventors: Sean Russell, Adrian Saunders, Larry Adrian Laforest
-
Patent number: 6441731Abstract: A portable alarm system in which the alarm functions are contained within a portable enclosure, communication is maintained between the alarm system and wireless security devices, and the alarm is capable of initiating a telephone call to a security monitoring station either by conventional hard-wired telephone lines by cellular transmission, by 1900 megahertz PCS or by other wireless technology. The system may include a wireless/cordless line seizure feature to use a nearby landline if the system is plugged into a landline that has been disabled. The system may also include a vibration/shock sensor to activate the alarm functions if the portable unit is moved or attempted to be destroyed by an intruder.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Inventor: Brian K. Hess
-
Publication number: 20020097154Abstract: For regularly encounterable walking shoes environments typically having a treaded lower-base and an overlying foot-rest surface, disclosed herein are visual warning devices respectively extending loftily vibratorily helically above the foot-rest surface and topically carrying a visually bright ornamental feature. The bright ornamental feature (preferably of bulbous shape) is alternatively provided as: of self-luminescent characteristic; or alternatively, as an electrically-powerable incandescent bulb powerable from a chemical storage-battery that is rearwardly removably attachable to the walking shoe environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventor: Todd A. Bland
-
Publication number: 20020089415Abstract: The present invention is a lighted vehicle antenna ornament. Preferably, the lighted ornament is made of Styrofoam or other equivalent material. The Styrofoam piece may be of any convenient size or shape, as long as it is easily and securely mountable on a vehicle antenna. Preferably, the lighted antenna ornament is lit with ordinary tiny Christmas tree lights. The lights may be of any convenient size or shape, or any color. Also, the lights may be constant-on, flashing, or operate in a sequence. In a preferred embodiment the electrical leads may extend from the bottom of the antenna, through the vehicle door seam near the hinges, and into the front passenger part of the interior, where they are connected to power in the dashboard via a cigarette adaptor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventor: Vernon R. Bell
-
Publication number: 20020080012Abstract: Two flexible waterproof plastic strips sealed around three edges form a pocket containing a self-coiling metal strip which grips around the arm of the wearer. The pocket also contains a series of high-intensity LEDs interposed between the metal strip and one of the flexible strips 1, which is reflective but allows light from the LEDs to pass through rendering the wearer more visible at night. The LEDs are powered by cells contained in a two-part housing 9 which also contains a microchip to supply pulsed power to the LEDs so that they are caused to flash at about one per second.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2001Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventor: Nigel Broderick
-
Publication number: 20020067246Abstract: The invention relates to a signaling device for the generation of a light beam, in particular a portable searchlight. The signaling device comprises a housing (11) and at least one illuminant (16) arranged in the housing (11). Also arranged in the housing (11) is at least one source of current (17). One special feature of the invention is that the or each illuminant (16) can be activated by a wireless remote control.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventor: Dieter Woitscholl
-
Patent number: 6392541Abstract: A theft-deterrent outdoor lighting fixture having an auger that is connected to the lowermost end of the lighting fixture by means of a one-way clutch mechanism. The one-way clutch mechanist engages or locks the auger relative to the fixture when turned in the same direction of the thread of the auger but free-wheels in the reverse direction to preclude removal of fixture. In another embodiment, the theft-deterrent outdoor lighting includes an electronic design that detects movement representative of theft and sounds an alarm to draw attention to the theft while in progress. In still another embodiment, the theft-deterrent outdoor lighting includes a wiring harness that is destructively severed should the lighting fixture be pulled from the ground, thereby rendering the lighting inoperable in the case of theft.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: King of Fans, Inc.Inventors: John C. Bucher, Charles E. Bucher, Tien S. Lowe, Chad J. Ricker
-
Patent number: 6384724Abstract: An alarm system for alerting persons within a monitored area as to an emergency situation. The alarm system includes a monitoring unit strategically placed within said monitored area, a vibrating unit and alighting system. The monitoring unit includes a sensor for sensing conditions within the monitored area and generating a sensor signal, a processor for analyzing the sensor signal to determine if an emergency situation exists and a transmitter for transmitting an emergency signal upon a determination that an emergency situation exists by the microprocessor The vibration unit is retained by a person within the monitored area including a receiver for receiving the emergency signal and a vibrator activated by the receiver for causing the vibrating unit to vibrate thereby alerting the person retaining the vibrating unit as to the emergency situation.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: Andre M Landais
-
Patent number: 6380854Abstract: Remote Alarm Tester with A graphic display panel having an attached electronic sound sensing device, the sound sensing device capable of activating an LED light when a sound of seventy five Db or greater has occurred within a ten foot distance of the device, and the graphic display card also displaying pictorial and language elements that communicate to passers by that an inspection is taking place and to not tamper with the sensing device. A preferred embodiment includes wherein said electronic sound sensing device is comprised of a housing, battery, indicating LED's, Microphone, on/off switch, microprocessor chip and associated electronic components.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Inventors: Eric Hagerman, Steve Carrick
-
Patent number: 6377164Abstract: An electrical circuit apparatus produces a light show utilizing simple mechanical relays. The apparatus includes electrical circuit elements that include electrical relaying means, lighting means, electrical timing means, DC power supplying means, and means for receiving an AC utility current. Electrical impulses are enabled as light impulses to produce a light show designed to produce an automatically cycling arrangement of at least three different lights.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Inventor: Chester C. Fulmer
-
Patent number: 6369696Abstract: An apparatus and concomitant method of reducing the number of synchronization pulses transmitted to the alarm units for increasing the reliability of the overall alarm system is disclosed. The synchronization signal is implemented as a reference or reset signal from which the alarm units derive a reference time to begin activation of the alarm units. Thus, when an alarm unit receives a reference synchronization pulse, the alarm unit applies the reference synchronization pulse as a reference point in time to trigger a series of flashes or audio tones.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Wheelock, Inc.Inventors: John W. Curran, Joseph Kosich
-
Patent number: 6359564Abstract: A system is disclosed for indicating the status of a person relative to a workspace. A motion detector senses the entry and exit of the person through a entryway of the space and distinguishes the difference between the person's presence when moving and when stationary. An indicator automatically displays a constant green light to announce the person's presence, a flashing green light when the telephone is being used, a flashing amber light for short duration absences, a constant amber light for long duration absences and an intermittent red light and beeper for emergencies. A controller houses a preprogrammed microprocessor, a communications link and three illuminated buttons corresponding in color to the lights of the indicator and functioning in tandem with them. The green button activates the “Do not disturb” display, the amber button the long duration absence display and the red button the emergency alarm.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Inventor: Ralph W. Thacker
-
Patent number: 6346883Abstract: A mobile security system, which includes a warning signal transmitter unit installed in the place or equipment to be protected, an auto dialing unit having a signal receiver, and a cellular phone coupled to the auto dialing unit, wherein when the warning signal transmitter unit detects an abnormal condition, it immediately sends a warning signal to the signal receiver by radio, and the signal receiver immediately drives the auto dialing unit to dial a particular telephone number upon receipt of the warning signal, so as to inform a particular person or security center to take the necessary step. The auto dialing unit can be a mechanical design, or an electronic design as desired.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Inventors: Chih-Fu Huang, Hsin-Fu Yu, Chin-Chen Chen
-
Patent number: 6336729Abstract: A lighting system includes a base, and a cover pivotally connected to the base. In one embodiment, a portable flashlight is supported within a holder fixed to the base. The flashlight includes a housing enclosing a light bulb, a battery, and an electrical circuit electrically interconnecting the light bulb and the battery. The circuit includes a pair of contacts, which are normally biased together to complete the circuit between the battery and light bulb. An insulating member is interposed between the contacts when the flashlight is primed, and becomes fixed to the cover when the cover is closed. When the cover is then opened, the insulating member is removed from between the contacts, which illuminates the flashlight. According to a further embodiment, a chemiluminescent stick is supported within the holder. A break bar pivotally connected to the cover is initially in a vertical orientation, and temporarily retained by a latch to allow insertion of the light stick in the holder and closure of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Inventors: Richard Pavelle, Sol Aisenberg, George Freedman, Hed A. Ze'ev
-
Patent number: RE38183Abstract: A strobe alarm system which includes multiple normally self-timed strobe circuits connected in a common loop to a fire alarm control panel, and a sync control circuit, which may be incorporated in the fire alarm control panel, for causing the strobes to flash in synchronism at a predetermined rate which will insure that a person viewing the multiple strobes would not see flash rates higher than the predetermined synchronized rate, which is preferably less than five flashes per second. The sync control circuit does not interfere with the supervision functions of the alarm system, and when an alarm condition is present it supplies power to the strobe circuits which it then interrupts once every flash cycle to cause a sync trigger circuit in each strobe to fire its flashtube, and to reset the internal timer of each strobe to ready it for arrival of the next sync signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1997Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Wheelock Inc.Inventors: Joseph Kosich, Edward V. Applegate