Abstract: A strobe light circuit for flashing a flashtube at a desired frequency includes a transformer the primary of which is repetitively connected and disconnected across a D.C. power source by a switch so that energy stored in the primary winding during closed periods of the switch is transferred to the secondary winding of the transformer, with a step-up in voltage, during open periods of the switch, and through a diode to an energy-storing capacitor connected in parallel with the flashtube.

Abstract: A light sequencer for a toy having a simple way for individually varying the on and off times of each stage of a chain or ring. Each stage has a light controlling amplifier/switch whose gain is individually controlled by a hysteresis element. When the voltage across the hysteresis element is below its set breakdown voltage, it non-conducts, thereby causing the amplifier/switch to have negative gain, and the controlled light is not lit. When the voltage across a hysteresis element equals or exceeds its set breakdown voltage, it `fires` into a highly-conductive state, causing the amplifier/switch to have very high gain, and the controlled light is lit. The hysteresis element remains in its conductive state until the voltage across it drops below recovery voltage level. Then it switches back to non-conductive state, causing the amplifier/switch to have negative gain, and the controlled light is not lit. The difference between breakdown or `firing` voltage and recovery voltage is the hysteresis factor.

Abstract: A strobe alarm circuit utilizing an optocoupler in the DC-to-DC converter portion of the circuit for repetitively connecting and disconnecting an energy-storing inductor across a DC power source. The light-emitting diode portion of the optocoupler is connected in parallel with a resistor connected in series with the inductor for continuously monitoring the current flowing through the inductor; when the inductor current has attained a particular value at which the voltage drop across the resistor is sufficient to turn on the LED, the switch portion of the optocoupler is turned on and disconnects the inductor from across the source. After a short interval determined by the parameters of the optocoupler and associated circuitry, the cycle is repeated.

Abstract: A unit for detection and signalizing of functional defects for public lighting. A unit characterized by the fact that it comprises, for the one part, an emitter module (21) with which each street lamp is equipped, preferably located in its post, at the level of the junction box, the emitter module being equipped with a detector for current consumption (23) using the alternative network of the supply line as the carrier of a detection signal, and for the other part, of a receiver module (22) located in the supply cabinet of the same zone, this receiver module managed by a microprocessor which transmits a defect signal to the control room over a telephone line. This invention is of interest for manufacturers and installers of materials, equipment and components for public lighting.

Abstract: A signalling mechanism includes a switch having a handle manually movable between first, second and third positions. The switch controls the operation of a light to be attached to it, a porch light or yard light, for example. A circuit interrupting device is activated when the switch is the second position and intermittently illuminates the light. The mechanism also has a position indicating device, a small lamp for example, which is controllably activated for indicating a position of the switch. The signalling mechanism is constructed and arranged to be received in a standard switch outlet box.

Abstract: The smoke detector of the present invention is designed to warn hearing impaired persons of fire or smoke. A small, attractive, and inexpensive wall or ceiling mounted unit houses a dual chamber ionization detector, piezoelectric alarm horn, and a high intensity xenon strobe unit producing approximately 130 candela. In one embodiment, it is powered only from standard 120 volt AC power, although an internal battery standby version and low voltage D.C. version are alternative embodiments. The unit is furnished with a surface mount housing. It can easily be moved from room to room as required and it is intended to be easily hung on the wall about a foot from the ceiling.

Abstract: A switch for controllng a porch light for providing an emergency signal, the switch being formed of a body of non-conducting material having a flasher and toggle pivotally supported to the switch body, the toggle being positionable in an OFF position whereby no continuity is provided through the switch, in an ON position wherein continuity is provided, and a FLASHER position wherein continuity is provided through the flasher, the switch being connectable in series between a voltage source and a light so that in the first position the light is ON, in the second position the light is OFF and in the third position the light is connected to the voltage source through the flasher.

Abstract: An electrical blinking light indicator device pluggable into an automotive cigarette lighter receptacle to generate a pulsing alarm signal for deterring unauthorized persons from entering or using the automobile. The indicator device includes a rechargeable battery for supplying electrical energy to a light-emitting diode in the absence of automotive electrical power at the cigarette lighter receptable. Circuitry within the device recharges the battery from the automotive power supply during normal vehicle operation.

Abstract: An audiovisual signaling device includes in electrical connection: (a) an auditory output portion which produces an auditory output and a corresponding low voltage oscillatory signal; (b) a converter portion which is responsive to and converts the low voltage oscillatory signal to a repetitively produced corresponding high voltage intermittent spike signal; (c) a visual output portion which produces a visual output; and (d) a portion responsive to the high voltage intermittent spike signal to repetitively activate the visual output.

Abstract: An intermittent low intensity light source that is switched on by a drive signal is enhanced by a high intensity light source. The high intensity light source is coupled with the low intensity light source so that at least some light from both sources is projected in a desired direction. The high intensity light source has a brightness or intensity that significantly exceeds that of the low intensity light source. A pulse power source is connected to the high intensity light source and made responsive to the drive signal for pulsing the high intensity light source to emit a brief light pulse before the low intensity light source achieves any substantial precentage of its peak intensity, the light pulse occurring in such close time proximity to the peak intensity of the low intensity light source that persistence of vision in the human eye causes the two light sources blend together visually.

Abstract: A strobe light circuit is provided for flashing a strobe flash unit at a desired frequency. An inductor is repetitively connected and disconnected across a d.c. power line by a switch means so that energy is stored in the inductor during the period when the circuit is complete. The flash unit and a capacitor are connected in parallel so that the capacitor can discharge its stored energy to the flash unit when the voltage across the capacitor exceeds the threshold firing voltage of the flash unit. The parallel combination of the flash unit and the capacitor is in turn connected in series with a diode, and the resulting series circuit is connected across the inductor with the diode being connected in polarity such that current will not flow from the power line through the flash unit or the capacitor.

Abstract: Lighted house numbers at night aid in the locating of an address in a non-emergency mode and becomes an alarm device including a control unit connected to a telephone within a dwelling to detect dialling of a 911 signal. A housing is mounted exteriorly of the dwelling and includes audible and visual alarms operatively connected for activation upon detection of a 911 signal by the control unit. The remote alarm unit includes indicia illuminated for identifying an address at night when operating in a non-emergency mode and directing rescue personnel to the dwelling after a dwelling occupant has dialled 911 and activates an emergency strobe light and audible alarm mode illuminating the general vicinity of the dwelling from a distance and ultimately pinpointing the exact location of the emergency 911 caller. The visual and audible alarms in the remote unit are connected through a rectifier and transformer to an AC power source within the dwelling.

Abstract: A solid state flasher for plural turn signal and emergency warning lamps for trucks or the like, capable of flashing very heavy loads with small voltage drop without contact arching and pitting, including a cylindrical cup-shaped housing can, a dielectric disc-shaped closure wafer closing and sealing the open end of the can, an input terminal/heatsink member in the form of a cylindrical tubular metallic shell axially spanning the can having a contact prong projecting through a slot in the closure wafer, an output terminal member of generally rectangular shape adjacent and paralleling the wafer and including a contact prong extending through another wafer slot, and a circuit board assembly having a solid state flasher circuit thereon supported inwardly parallel to the output terminal member.

Abstract: A self-illuminant delineator including a plurality of light-emitting diodes being flickerably disposed on the sign surface of the delineator and covered by a transparent cover, a solar cell module being disposed on the top surface of the delineator and covered with a transparent cover, a transmission means and/or a receiving means for a signal which controls the flickering of the light-emitting diodes. Also a self-illuminant delineator system including a plurality of the above self-illuminant delineators which are installed to form a line-up of an eye-guiding, traffic or other sign along a shoulder of a road.

Abstract: In a mobile home park having a source of a.c. house current, an emergency signal system for individual mobile homes includes a master unit including a step-down transformer electrically connected to the house current, an alarm circuit electrically connected to the transformer and including a high intensity flashing alarm lamp and an electrically operated horn, and a switch mounted on a box housing the transformer and much of the circuitry, the box being portable and positioned for easy accessibility. Lamps, mounted on the box, are provided to indicate that the transformer is receiving current, to illuminate the switch, and to indicate when the alarm has been activated. The flashing alarm lamp and horn are mounted on the outside of the mobile home. A second switch, hard wired into the alarm circuit, is mounted on the end of a long extension cord, whereby the alarm can be actuated from a place remote from the box as well as at the box.

Abstract: A solar-powered beacon comprises a water-tight caisson housing a battery for storing electricity produced by solar cells atop the beacon. An electronic circuit within the caisson controls operation of the beacon. The caisson material acts as a heat sink for the solar cells, and insulation is provided below the cells to further protect the electronic components.

Abstract: A self-contained switch unit for controlling a remote illuminating lamp has, in a common housing, a main ON/OFF switch, and has an emergency signal ON/OFF switch in a common housing, and has a visible pilot lamp. The main ON/OFF switch controls the ON or OFF mode of the illuminating lamp. The emergency signal ON/OFF switch functions, when the main ON/OFF switch is in the ON mode, to cause the controlled illuminating lamp to flash as a signal. When the controlled lamp is lighted, the pilot lamp is dark. When the controlled lamp is dark, the pilot lamp is lighted. When the controlled lamp is in the flashing mode, the pilot lamp also is in a flashing mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding the occupants of a structure along a path of travel within the structure is provided. The apparatus is comprised of modular floor covering units which are abuttingly arranged to cover the floor of the structure, with some of the units being signal units having a light-transmissive housing positioned in an opening therein, and having light-emitting means positioned in the housing. Power means are provided to energize the light-emitting means, and thereby provide a visually discernable pathway on the floor. The floor covering units preferably comprise carpet tiles, the light-transmissive housings are preferably formed of molded plastic and the light-emitting means are preferably light-emitting diodes.

Abstract: An emergency warning system for notifying passersby of the approach of an emergency vehicle to an intersection is provided. The system comprises a flashing light, a solar collector and a rechargeable battery electrically connected to the light. The device is obtained within a housing which is mounted near the distal end of a street light pole or stoplight. A switching mechanism is contained in the device which includes a radio receiver. A wireless transmitter carried by the emergency vehicle actuates the switching mechanism so as to provide warning of the approach of the vehicle to the intersection. Horns attached to the device also are actuated so as to provide an audible warning. Because of the use of the solar collector, no electrical connections are required between the device and the stop light.

Abstract: An airport beacon light for producing a bright, color coded signal as a visual aid for airplane pilots. The light includes a metal halide lamp, a housing having a primary color coding lens, a lamp holder for accurately holding the lamp within the housing adjacent the lens, a color correcting auxiliary lens mounted adjacent the primary color coding lens for correcting the color of the light produced by the lamp through the primary lens.

Abstract: A lighting device for a room environment, in a form of a table, ceiling or swag unitary fixture, provides primary illumination for general living and working activities within the space of a room, subject to the on-off control of persons therein; flashing illumination occurring at repetition rates designated for alerting persons, including individuals having impaired hearing abilities, to specific fire, burglar or other alarm conditions, responsive to local or supervised control sensors; and supplemental signaling illumination for communicating instructional information.

Abstract: The invention concerns an emergency lighting apparatus which is activated by a homeowner in the event of an emergency. Transparent house numbers are illuminated from behind, while a strobe light is flashed. The illuminated numbers are mounted on the face of a first compartment and the strobe light is mounted within a second compartment. The two compartments are surrounded by a water-tight housing which might be readily attached to a building.

Abstract: A circuit for repetitively firing a flash or strobe lamp with voltage derived from the AC line without large and costly storage capacitors utilizes a voltage doubler having small capacitors one microfarad in capacitance value or less. A trigger circuit provides a high potential pulse to the trigger electrode of the lamp at or near the peak of the voltage from the AC line to provide flashes at a desired rate, say one per second. The circuit may be used in a warning light device.

Abstract: A warning light device for blown fuse caps having a photosensitive circuit mounted inside an adapter casing that mounts over and is exposed to the fuse element of the fuse caps. The device is powered by batteries contained inside the casing and includes battery energy saving circuits in the form of an intermittent circuit or a low duty cycle circuit that is suitable to provide a visual indication periodically to the user. Light emitting diodes are used as a low power consumption indicating light.

Abstract: A marker light using an array (2) of light emitting diodes (12) in combination with lenses (3) provides a light beam of required intensity, shape and color for railroad applications. The light emitting diodes are arranged in various configurations to form the array (2). The lenses may be Fresnel lenses. Control circuitry (C) energizes the light emitting diodes at predetermined or variable flashing rates. Sensing circuitry (222) senses the failure of light emitting diodes in the array and provides an indication of such failure.

Abstract: Lantern employs clear lens protective cover around the drum lens and a clear dome over the solar panel mounted above the lens. A heavily damped gimbal supported by the lantern housing mounts the lens, lampchanger, and flasher above a bank of batteries suspended from the gimbal. The weight of the batteries aids in providing a righting moment to the gimbal when the marine buoy, atop of which the lantern is secured, is tilted or inclined for sustained periods due to current and/or wind. Interior of the lantern is readily accessible by merely pivoting upwardly an annulus supporting the lens cover, solar panel, and dome.

Abstract: Although TTL-PROMs possess many advantages over their CMOS-PROM counterparts, their use in controlling on-off operations of indicators such as flashing navigational lights has been limited when battery power is required due to the high power consumption of such TTL-PROMs. Accordingly, a programmable control circuit is provided which includes a TTL-PROM together with a plurality of lower power consumption CMOS units and which minimizes the power consumption of the TTL-PROM. The TTL-PROM has a plurality of memory cells programmed with a plurality of code words. A CMOS addressing means is coupled to this PROM to generate address words to address the memory cells. This addressing serves to activate the PROM to output the appropriate code words in a parallel format. A CMOS parallel-series converter is coupled to receive the parallel format code words from the PROM and convert these to a serial code output signal. This serial code output signal is then used to drive the indicator device.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed that is secured in a frame for holding the indicia forming material and is used to cover a housing that includes a light source which may be controlled through a photoelectric cell. The sheets making up the indicia are formed in such a manner that the characters are all created in a stylized "8" digital format with a centrally located "1" superimposed down the middle of the "8". The "8" characters with the "1" superimposed are diestampted in a separate sheet so that it alone may be changed to change the indicia to be displayed.The circuit is designed to produce a flashing light under normal conditions to attract an observer. When an emergency is created such as detected by a smoke detector, a red light flasher is seen giving an additional warning at the front of a house.

Abstract: A portable light for emergency illumination which is activated in response to the sound emitted by a smoke alarm device, which light has an efficient and reliable battery conserving circuit. The present light includes a switch interconnecting a battery and a light bulb for selectively activating the light bulb and a circuit interconnecting a microphone and the switch for selectively activating the switch in response to a smoke alarm signal. A strobe circuit interconnects the source of power and the circuit for periodically activating the circuit which, therefore, draws power for only a small fraction of the time.

Abstract: A switch apparatus designed to replace a conventional on/off switch for the purpose of allowing an outside light to be flashed continuously on and off, as well as permitting the light to be turned on and off in the conventional manner is disclosed. The switch apparatus may be directly substituted for a conventional on/off switch using the two wires already in the switch box. The switch apparatus incorporates either a standard or an asymmetrical mechanical switching mechanism for turning the light on or off conventionally, and for selecting the flashing mode. When the flashing mode is selected, an electronic circuit continuously switches the flow of power to the light bulb on and off via a power switcher controlled by an oscillator. Inserted within an actuator handle of the switching mechanism is a neon light which is on when the switch apparatus is in the off position and off when the apparatus is in the on position.

Abstract: A distress light and signal system including a light adapted to be anchored in the ground in proximity to a road passing by a house. The light includes a switch for selectively actuating the light in an emergency from within the house and is powered by a solar collector and a rechargeable battery. Information is retained at a location remote from the house including directions for use by a person responding to the emergency. The system includes immediate retrieval of the information upon notification of the existence of an emergency at the house. With these features, a person responding to an emergency may reach the house rapidly by visually locating the light upon reaching the vicinity of the house.

Abstract: A warning assembly for emergency vehicles comprising a flash lamp assembly and a non-synchronous moving reflector assembly. The flash tube is subjected to a relatively rapid flash rate in conjunction with the movable reflectors attaining a scattering of the high intensity light throughout a desired area with high optical gain.

Abstract: An alarm device comprises a bell alarm 12 and a flashing light warning means 11, both encased in a housing 13 formed of translucent material. The device of the invention incorporates both an audible and visual alarm means in a single device and electrical circuit means are provided whereby the audible alarm may be turned off after a preselected time period and the visual warning means then comes into operation. Alternatively, both the audible alarm and the visual warning alarm can both operate together initially and then, after a preselected time, the audible alarm is turned off, leaving the visual warning means in operation.The arrangement of the invention is substantially maintenance free and vandal-proof and the translucent housing permits the visual warning means to be seen therethrough, without disclosing the workings of the device.

Abstract: A combined audio and visual signal unit with the audio and visual components actuated alternately and powered over a single cable pair in such a manner that only one of the audio and visual components is drawing power from the power supply at any given instant. Thus, the power supply is never called upon to provide more energy than that drawn by the one of the components having the greater power requirement. This is particularly advantageous when several combined audio and visual signal units are coupled in parallel on one cable pair. Typically, the signal unit may comprise a horn and a strobe light for a fire alarm signalling system.

Abstract: A fault indicator apparatus employs a single indicating device such as a light emitting diode (LED) to provide an indication of all zones within a plurality of zones which exhibit a predetermined condition being monitored. In particular, the invention is employed in a multi-zone intrusion system where a single indicator provides an output indicative of all zones which are not secure. The apparatus causes the indicator to blink the zone numbers in a continuous sequence and for example, if zones 2 and 5 were not secure the indicator would provide two flashes indicative of zone 2 and then provide a predetermined pause while then providing 5 flashes indicative of zone 5. The user by counting the flashes can then immediately determine which zones in the plurality of zones have been violated.

Abstract: A system for identifying emergency exits in a building includes a strobe light which is tethered at an elevated location with respect to the floor of the building. The strobe light is normally held at the elevated position by an electromagnet, which electromagnet is kept energized as long as a smoke detector connected thereto does not sense a dangerous level of smoke. As soon as the smoke detector detects smoke above a certain threshold level, the electromagnet is deenergized and the strobe light drops to a position suspended just above the floor. The strobe light includes its own battery source which is connected to the strobe light by a switch which closes when the strobe light is dropped. An electric motor is provided to rewind the tether when the smoke detector no longer indicates an emergency situation. By tethering the strobe light, the light can be dropped beneath the smoke level in the building, allowing people crawling along the floor to determine the location of emergency exits.

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 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: An improved call system has a signal sending apparatus, a message receiving station located at a distance from the sending apparatus, and signal generating means located at the receiving station. The signal sending apparatus includes a call box for selectively energizing the generating means and producing a set of coded signals, each of which, when in communication with the receiving station, calling for a response which is determined by the specific message characteristics of the communicating signal. The signals may be generated in the form of light, sound or both, controlled in duration and intensity, and communication may be through electrical conductors, by radio, by telephone and other means.In one specific aspect the message receiving station may be a nurses call station in a hospital and the call box may be operated by a person in need of assistance in a hospital room or other area.

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: An automatic strobe/camera control unit for sensing when the TV/strobe po is on and the camera is enabled, and for automatically triggering the TV/strobe and camera at a preset time interval. An A.C. input voltage is divided to provide operator variable trigger pulse intervals and fixed 5 minute and 15 minute intervals for record annotation. A preset time interval is checked for error and controls a timer which provides a trigger pulse at the end of each interval. A decoder detects a command from a TV rack. An output keyclosure and/or frame counter is disabled or enabled depending upon the decoded command.

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: An obstruction warning system apparatus is provided having elongated optical light path members each having a volume capable of transmitting light therethrough and having means to interrupt the light along the light path to render the light path member visible at a distance. The optical light path members are supported on guy wires or to an obstruction and have a high intensity light source operatively connected to one end of at least one elongated optical light path member and a reflector formed on the other end thereof for reflecting light from the light source back into the elongated optical light path member. A switching circuit may be provided for switching the light source between a plurality of elongated optical light source members.

Abstract: A switch construction for use on an illuminated article worn by a user which closes a circuit providing current to an illumination source only upon the occurrence of acceleration reacting to motions of the user while at the same time limiting the amount of time the illumination source is operative, and preventing accidental continuous operation of the illumination source while the device is not in use or the body of the wearer is motionless. The switch is not gravity sensitive, and can operate in any position on the body of the wearer.

Abstract: A lighting and signaling device is provided which is capable of both lighting and signaling intermittent signals such as Morse code signals. The lighting and signaling device has a switch for selecting among an unlit mode, a continuous lighting mode, and an intermittent lighting mode; a clock circuit for oscillating at a single frequency in the intermittent lighting mode; a plurality of decade counters responsive to the clock circuit; and a driver for outputting periodic signals from outputs from the decade counters. The decade counters are arranged so as to output a series of dot and dash signals according to a predetermined program. The circuitry is housed within a portable flashlight.

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 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.