Portable Signal Patents (Class 340/473)
  • Patent number: 5677669
    Abstract: The Audio Illuminator is an integrated system providing directed lighting and a public address type amplification and loudspeaker capability, under control from a remote location. The system includes a searchlight and one or more directional, high-power loudspeakers. An audio amplifier supplies drive signals to the loudspeakers in response to audio input signals received from the remote control. The system includes a power junction box for supplying power to the amplifier and the searchlight and carrying signals to and from the various components. The system may derive power from a small portable diesel generator. A gimbal mount supports the searchlight for two-directional movement (horizontal rotation and vertical tilt angle rotation) and supports the one or more loudspeakers for movement with the searchlight in at least one of the two directions. Drive motors provide two-dimensional automatic positioning in response to signals from the remote control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Applied Electro Mechanics, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur H. Walkley, IV, Edward R. Hallett
  • Patent number: 5659289
    Abstract: An interface system for use in a motor vehicle to be converted to a police or emergency vehicle includes a switch panel array operating an array of relays which in turn controls a lamp unit such as a conventional light bar. A video camera and VCR are mutually coupled to a VCR control which in turn responds to a control logic to provide automatic operation of the VCR during events. A canine alert system includes temperature sensing and engine electrical system sensing and responds to an air conditioning failure or engine stall condition to produce a transmitted alert signal using a pager or beeper or the like. A power management system monitors the operating supply voltage of the vehicle and sequentially shuts down the emergency light apparatus as the battery voltage decreases. A back-up light and brake light kill responds to a panel control switch for interrupting the activity of brake lights and back-up lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventors: John A. Zonkoski, Dennis W. Hradisky
  • Patent number: 5658069
    Abstract: A warning light assembly includes a pair of simultaneously rotatable light beam generators. The rotation of the output shaft of a single drive motor about a first axis is converted to oscillatory motion of the light beam generators about a pair of spaced, parallel axes by a mechanical drive train which includes an eccentric drive for producing reciprocal linear motion in two opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander A. Alonzo, Jr., Geoffrey E. Marsh
  • Patent number: 5651636
    Abstract: A traffic warning device comprises a base, and a support frame set. The base is provided therein with a power source receiving space. The support frame set comprises two first support frames and one second support frame. The first and the second support frames are provided therein respectively with a plurality of luminous diodes, circuits, magnets and conducting pieces. The magnets and the conducting pieces of the first and the second support frames are corresponding in location to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: A-Chien Yeh
  • Patent number: 5635902
    Abstract: A school bus stop sign (10) of the type rotatably coupled to a school bus (18) and movable between a retracted position adjacent to the school bus (18) and an extended position extending outwardly from the school bus (18) is disclosed. The bus stop sign (10) is characterized by an array of light emitting diodes (34) disposed on the bus stop sign (10) to provide illumination thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Peter A. Hochstein
  • 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
  • Patent number: 5606309
    Abstract: A road hazard warning device for use with an electrical system of a vehicle includes a generally triangular, planar member having front and rear sides. A weight is attached to one side of the planar member to cause it to hang generally perpendicular when attached to the vehicle. A plurality of lights are attached adjacent the outer peripheral edges of the planar member. A circuit is connected to the lights for flashing the lights. Electrical power is supplied to the lights from the electrical system of the vehicle by a first and second wire, each having at a first end an electrical connection to each light and at a second end having an allegator clip with tensioned opposed jaw members biased to remain in a closed position. Each jaw member has a plurality of depending teeth adapted for penetrating the insulation surrounding a wire in the vehicle electrical system and creating an electrical connection therewith for providing electrical power to the lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Frank Smith
  • Patent number: 5594433
    Abstract: Omni-directional LED lamps are disclosed in three embodiments. In a first embodiment, two LEDs are mounted side by side in a miniature bayonet base that can fit into a conventional miniature bayonet socket. The side-by-side LEDs face semi-spherical mirror reflectors that distribute the unidirectional light emitted from the LEDs over an omni-direction. A second embodiment has two LEDs facing one another with a spherical mirror reflector between to cause unidirectional light to be omnidirectional. In a third embodiment, a semi-spherical reflector is mounted in the top of a lens cover above an LED. The components are housed in a sealable casing for marine applications where the casing can be mounted to a dock piling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Stephen K. Terlep
  • Patent number: 5585783
    Abstract: A marker light device includes a bendable printed circuit board, a group of light emitting diodes disposed on the bendable printed circuit board and electrically connected thereto, and a power source electrically connected to the bendable printed circuit board, thereby causing the illumination of the group of light emitting diodes. The bendable printed circuit board includes an electronic circuit for intermittently turning the group of light emitting diodes on and off at a predetermined time interval to provide a flashing light. The bendable printed circuit board, when folded such that the opposite ends thereof substantially meet, includes two panels such that the group of light emitting diodes disposed on the first panel faces in a direction generally opposite to the group of light emitting diodes disposed on the second panel, whereby the light emitting diodes project light in substantially parallel beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Roger E. Hall
  • Patent number: 5577824
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for mounting a light-emitting device on a traffic cone, including a head portion for housing the light-emitting device, a power source-receiving portion in connectable or connected electrical contact with the head portion, and a traffic cone-receiving portion. The head portion and the power source-receiving portion are disposed laterally with respect to the traffic cone-receiving portion such that when the apparatus is mounted on a cone and a power source is received in the power source-receiving portion, the head portion and the power source-receiving portion lie laterally alongside the section of the cone received in the cone-receiving portion, and the center of gravity of the apparatus is substantially coincident with the longitudinal axis of the cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Barry T. Wright
  • Patent number: 5572188
    Abstract: An erectable and collapsible warning signal reflector assembly includes a pair of crossed arms that are pivotally connected to one another at their crossing point and are further attached to a vertical post stand at the same point. An elongated hollow box is used as a stand. The bottom of the vertical post is positioned into an opening in a top lid cover of the elongated box stand. When the crossed arms and post are rotated along the same plane, the entire assembly can be fit into the elongated box for storage purposes. Electrically powered lights are located on at least one side of each of the arms. The lights can be powered by a battery and switch inside each of the arms. Alternatively, the lights can be powered by an adapter plug that can be inserted into a conventional cigarette lighter. Alternatively, the lights can be reflector covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Robert A. McDowell, II
  • Patent number: 5568117
    Abstract: A portable electric pump and illuminating/alarm device includes a main body housing, an illumination lamp mounted to the main body housing to illuminate in a front direction, two alarm lamps respectively mounted to two lateral sides of the main body housing to illuminate in a lateral direction, a pressure gauge mounted to the main body housing, an air outlet nozzle, a plug for electrical connection with an external power source, and switches for controlling on and off of the illumination lamp and alarm lamps as well as the air outlet nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Kun-Shan Hsu
  • Patent number: 5521806
    Abstract: A utility emergency light assembly for vehicles, machinery, or the like detachably mounted by a slide coupling to a mounting bracket attached to the vehicle or machine. The light assembly has a compact, space-saving profile and includes a housing having a lamp assembly mounted within a spool journaled in the housing for reeling and unreeling a power cord, enabling movement of the assembly to areas of the vehicle where light is needed. A cap substantially closes the housing and includes a lens located over the lamp assembly. The lamp assembly is sealed within the spool, while the remainder of the housing is open to allow water drainage and to prevent the accumulation of moisture and debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Jon K. Nisper, Adam Deck, David Fry, Hassel J. Savard, Jr., Robert Arterburn
  • Patent number: 5512876
    Abstract: The device according to the present invention allows the timed lighting in following phases of the structure and of the signals provided on two kinds of emergency triangles, a first one (2) provided on the vehicle, and a second one (3) that may be seen at distance, when the vehicle is forced to stop due to a damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Vincenzo Brusca
  • Patent number: 5491464
    Abstract: A new and improved remotely-controlled radar gun apparatus is provided for a motor vehicle which has a metal roof. A remote-controlled radar gun assembly is mounted on a roof-mounted support assembly, and a radar-gun control module is contained within an interior portion of the motor vehicle. The radar-gun control module is connected to the remote-controlled radar gun assembly by a cable assembly, such that a quantity of metal in the roof of the motor vehicle provides a protective barrier to a police officer inside the motor vehicle from radar waves emitted by the remote-controlled radar gun assembly. The roof-mounted support assembly also supports a plurality of flashing light assemblies. In addition, a new and improved remotely-controlled video recording apparatus is provided which includes a plurality of remote-controlled video camera assemblies mounted on a roof-mounted support assembly, and a video camera actuator assembly remotely connected to the remote-controlled video camera assemblies by a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Inventors: Conrad C. Carter, Sharon G. Carter
  • Patent number: 5489887
    Abstract: A waiter signaling device comprising a pole having a lower base and an upper tip end, a light source coupled to the tip end, a power source for energizing the light source, a switch mechanism connected to the pole and operable in one orientation to energize the light source, thereby generating a signal indicating that service is required, and in another orientation to deenergize the light source, thereby generating a signal indicating that service is not required, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the base end of the pole to a table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Miguel A. Porras
  • Patent number: 5481244
    Abstract: A warning device includes a flexible collar of adjustable length so as to be wrapped about a beam, pole or log being transported on a vehicular carrier. The flexible collar includes a serial connection of a rigid mounting base, a tensioning device and a chain. A light fixture, warning flags or other devices can be supported by the rigid mounting base. The flexible collar also includes rigid arms hingedly connected to the mounting base, and preferably shaped in the form of a yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventor: Grant D. Dicke
  • Patent number: 5475386
    Abstract: A trailer mounted apparatus for use along roadways and convertible between a folded-transport position and an erected-operational position. When in the operating position, one signal unit is elevated on the side of the roadway, and another signal unit is elevated over a traffic lane at sufficient height so as to not pose a hazard to traffic. The apparatus has a fixed upright mast with a hinged mast extension which angles upwardly and laterally away from the top of the upright mast. A foldable arm with inner and outer arm portions is hinged to the top portion of the mast extension. When in the erected position alongside a roadway, the mast extension elevates the foldable arm which extends from the top portion of the mast extension across the trailer and out and over the traffic lane. One signal unit is attached to the outer end of the foldable arm and the other unit is attached to the mast extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: ADDCO Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene H. Luoma
  • Patent number: 5450811
    Abstract: A signalling device for warning motorists of danger including, in combination: a planar sign having a first surface with indica thereon; a housing having a top wall with a slot formed therein and a flange secured to the sign; a motor positioned within the housing, the motor having a horizontal output shaft, a disk coupled to the output shaft, the disk adapted for rotational movement, and a hole formed within the periphery of the disk; a generally vertically extending flag pole having an upper extent and a lower extent, the lower extent being pivotally connected to the bottom wall of the housing, the flag pole adapted for cyclic pivotal movement, a horizontal hole formed adjacent to the lower extent of the flag pole, the flag pole being positioned such that it extends through the slot of the housing, the upper extent of the flag pole extending above the housing and the top portion of the sign; an s-shaped pin having a first end and a second end, the first end positioned within the hole formed adjacent to the l
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Inventor: Jim R. Heiland
  • Patent number: 5450058
    Abstract: The deployable hazard sign from a moving vehicle comprises a means for attaching the hazard sign to the rear area of a police vehicle, for example; a means of releasing the hazard sign which also allows easy recovery; a means for powering the hazard sign once released; a means for communicating to the hazard sign the proper warning information before the release thereof; a means attached to the hazard sign to indicate that an approaching vehicle has impacted the hazard sign, and further means of allowing the elevating of the warning lights before or after release. As the police vehicle approaches the breakdown or accident, the deployable hazard sign would be released from the police vehicle, appproximately 200 to 500 feet, behind the breakdown or accident. The policeman inside would determine the proper sign mode before release. The police vehicle would not have to stop to release the sign. After the situation has cleared, the police vehicle could backup to the sign to retrieve it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Stanton E. Collier
  • Patent number: 5438490
    Abstract: A light mount and associated control cable support devices, adapted for insertion into body gaps of a vehicle being towed. Soft pliable construction of insertion wedge portions assure no damage to the surface finish of the vehicle being towed. Control cable mounting wedges of the same material prevent chafing of the surface by the control cable. The signal light unit has a bulb cover allowing the light to be seen from top, bottom, both sides and front, so that the light may be mounted in any available body gap while remaining visible from the rear of the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Davis Woodbury
  • Patent number: 5434758
    Abstract: A novel compact and portable lighting system can be used for both mobile and immobile vehicles. The lighting system can act both as auxiliary lighting and as back-up lighting for standard vehicle light systems. This novel system includes an auxiliary portable power source such as a battery and a control box which can be mounted on the inside of a window. The lighting assemblies connected through the control box can include any combination of headlights, brake lights, reverse lights, signal lights, hazard lights or other useful lights. The lighting assemblies connected to the control box can be enabled independently of each other. The frame upon which the lights are mounted is adjustable in size so as to be able to fit any sized vehicle. A preferred means to secure this novel portable lighting system is with magnetic suction cups so that the invention can be secured to both metallic and nonmetallic surfaces. This enables rapid placement and easy removal of the lighting system as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Reuven Zeidler
  • Patent number: 5426417
    Abstract: A warning light assembly is provided that includes a simple drive train for accomplishing an 180.degree. or more oscillation of a light beam. By advantageously utilizing a speed-reduction mechanism, a transmission for converting rotary motion to oscillating motion and a coupling for multiplying the angle of oscillation, the drive provides an inexpensive and rugged enabling design the warning light assembly to oscillate a light beam through angles heretofore unattainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Edward S. Stanuch
  • Patent number: 5363092
    Abstract: A Portable signaling device comprises a housing having a first face and a second face, the housing being provided with a first opening in the first face and a second opening in the second face. The first opening is smaller than the second opening. A lamp is mounted to the housing for motion between a first position in which the lamp is oriented towards the first opening and a second position in which the lamp is oriented towards an interior of the housing. A shifting component is movably mounted to the housing and engageable with a lamp mount for operating on the mount to move the lamp between the first position and the second position. An electric power supply is provided in the housing. Contacts are provided in the housing for operatively connecting the power supply to the lamp at the first position and the second position only. At other positions of the lamp, the lamp is disconnected from the power supply and is therefore de-energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Jovanka Starchevich
  • Patent number: 5349346
    Abstract: An improved structure of reflective warning triangle which has many holes inside the triangle for plugging in the bright red LED's, said reflective warning triangle having a reflecting plate and a transparent plate together. Said reflective warning triangle has tight washers to seal the holes containing the LED's to achieve the goal of a water-proof device. The LED's are series-parallel connected six by six so as to keep the reflective warning triangle of the present invention shining even when part of the circuit is short-circuited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventor: Shin-Chyuan Wu
  • Patent number: 5313187
    Abstract: One or more superluminescent light emitting diodes (SLDS) are driven with an oscillatory square wave pulse drive signal Vd varying between OVDC and 1.8-3.2VDC at a frequency between 1Hz to 12Hz, preferably between 6Hz to 8Hz, and having a pulse duty cycle between 5% to 10%, preferably between 6% to 8%, to periodically forward bias the SLDs into illumination and produce a brilliant rapidly flashing light having high on-off contrast for enhanced visibility and perceptibility at a distance, thus being usable for battery-powered visual indicator and warning flasher applications. A low frequency oscillator stage generates an oscillatory square wave voltage signal Vo which drives a power driver stage to produce the correspondingly oscillating drive voltage signal Vd which is supplied to the SLDS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Choi, C. Kwai Kong, Oong Choi
  • Patent number: 5313188
    Abstract: A flashing safety warning light in which a superluminescent light-emitting diode (SLD) light source is driven by an oscillatory drive signal at a visually imperceptible but highly efficient operating frequency, the oscillatory drive signal preferably being a pulse signal of 1 to 5 KHz to cause the SLD to be illuminated and extinguished at the oscillatory drive signal frequency, such that extinction of the SLD is not visually perceptible. The oscillatory drive signal is in turn gated on and off in accordance with a gating signal at a low, highly visually perceptible frequency in the range of 3 to 12 Hz with a pulse duty cycle of between 10 to 60% in order to cause the SLD to be visually perceived as flashing on and off at the gating signal frequency in an attention-getting manner. An implementation of the flashing safety warning light for use as a bicycle safety flasher is described, and offers enhanced warning visibility with extended battery life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Choi, C. Kwai Kong, Oong Choi
  • Patent number: 5294924
    Abstract: A compact, ambient light sensitive flashing warning light that is removably attached to a traffic control device to alert on-coming motorists and pedestrians of a roadway condition. A photocell is connected between a light bulb and a battery voltage source so that illumination of the bulb can be made dependent upon ambient light conditions. The warning light includes a tapered attachment leg that is sized to fit through a hole in the top of a conventional hollow traffic cone, such that the warning light is removably attached to the cone by friction. As an alternate embodiment, the warning light may be interfaced with a bracket that is adapted to be fastened to other traffic control devices such as a conventional wooden barricade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: CADS Electronic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dmytro Dydzyk
  • Patent number: 5262768
    Abstract: An apparatus wherein an anchor housing includes pivotally mounted side and end walls that are released upon manipulation of a cover lid clasp and upon projection of an upper end wall projection into a lower end wall cavity to effect dispensing of a pressurized gas into an associated balloon to project above the anchor housing, with a flasher unit mounted to the balloon medially thereof in operative association with a rechargeable battery and solar panels to effect continuous recharging of the battery. A windlass housing is secured to the individual, with an associated windlass crank arm to effect selective release of a container tether line mounting the anchor housing to the windlass housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Ralph F. Florer
  • Patent number: 5257020
    Abstract: A moveable traffic signaling which includes a trailer having wheels and a supporting structure; a general purpose message board supported by the supporting structure of the trailer, for communicating to drivers of passing vehicles a user-selected alpha-numeric message; an operator interface mounted on the supporting structure, for programming the message to be displayed at the site at which it is to be displayed; and a controller supported by the supporting structure, connected to interact with the operator interface and connected to provide the programmed message to the message board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Fiber-Optics Sales Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Morse
  • Patent number: 5175528
    Abstract: A flashing safety warning light in which a superluminescent light-emitting diode (SLD) light source is driven by an oscillatory drive signal at a visually imperceptible but highly efficient operating frequency, the oscillatory drive signal preferably being a pulse signal of 1 to 5 KHz to cause the SLD to be illuminated and extinguished at the oscillatory drive signal frequency, such that extinction of the SLD is not visually perceptible. The oscillatory drive signal is in turn gated on and off in accordance with a gating signal at a low, highly visually perceptible frequency in the range of 3 to 12 Hz with a pulse duty cycle of between 10 to 60% in order to cause the SLD to be visually perceived as flashing on and off at the gating signal frequency in an attention-getting manner. An implementation of the flashing safety warning light for use as a bicycle safety flasher is described, and offers enhanced warning visibility with extended battery life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Grace Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Choi, Kong C. Kwai, Choi Oong
  • Patent number: 5134385
    Abstract: The signalling means is removably attachable to the rearmost portion of a trailered equipment, such as a power boat, and carries electrical lamps which are powered from the trailer electrical system. The lamps are set in a portion of the signalling means which is vertically disposable to present clear, illuminated signals to nearby traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventor: Andrew L. Coleman
  • Patent number: 5122781
    Abstract: A hazard warning device for use in place of a conventional flare has a lamp assembly using a long shelf life battery to over-run light emitting diodes under control of a low duty cycle low frequency oscillator. The lamp assembly is built into a lens at one end of a baton-like device, the remainder of which is a stem provided with a strut assembly similar to an umbrella frame which can be deployed between a folded condition with the struts lying against the stem and a deployed condition in which it forms a tripod support for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Bolan Trading Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm C. Saubolle
  • Patent number: 5121098
    Abstract: A multi-function car door closure warning sensor includes a main module secured to a car door adjacent to an edge thereof, and an auxiliary module secured to the car body and adjacent with the main module, when the car door is in a closed position. A battery, a first soft magnetic pole piece with an attached normally closed magnetic switch, a buzzer, two sets of L.E.D.'s, and an L.E.D. control circuit are disposed within the main module. A permanent magnet with an atached second soft magnetic pole piece are disposed within the auxiliary module. Whereby, when the door is properly closed, the first and second soft magnetic pole pieces are aligned and separated by a small gap. The permanent magnet induces a magnetic field in the first pole piece which causes the magnetic switch to open. When the car door is not properly closed, no magnetic field is induced in the first pole piece causing the magnetic switch to close, activating the buzzer and L.E.D. control circuit, which causes the two sets of L.E.D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Inventor: Liang-Tsai Chen
  • Patent number: 5103205
    Abstract: A traffic warning apparatus for mounting on the trunk of vehicle. The apparatus features an arrow that can be easily changed to point left or right and is visible over substantial distances. The apparatus which is stored conveniently inside the trunk when not in use can be quickly set up without the use of tools. The apparatus makes use of the vehicle warning flashing circuits to enable the arrow and caution indicia to flash thereby increasing the warning to the approaching vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: Robert C. Halligan
  • Patent number: 5097612
    Abstract: An illuminated traffic control sign transforms a conventional passenger automobile into a traffic control vehicle. The body of the sign is formed from a flexible sheet of weather resistant material. The sign is ordinarily stored under the luggage compartment lid of the automobile when not in use and is deployed between the open lid and the lower part of the luggage compartment when in use. The flexible sheet has a horizontal double arrow design formed on it in a color that contrasts with the color of the sheet. Electric light fixtures are attached over the double arrow design to illuminate the design when the fixtures are activated. A plurality of flaps are secured to the flexible sheet and may be moved between retracted positions where they reveal the double arrow design or active positions where they cover part of the design. By positioning the flaps, the double arrow design may be selectively changed to a right arrow, a left arrow, or a caution bar without an arrowhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Syntonic Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Clyde A. Williams
  • Patent number: 5053746
    Abstract: A vehicular communication device includes a visual display panel comprising a matrix of LED light members operative through a controller and keyboard. The panel is mounted rearwardly of a vehicle forwardly of the trunk lid. The panel includes bracket members for securement of the panel to the vehicular trunk overlying a vehicular bumper. The panel may optionally include hydraulic cylinder to pivot the panel for enhanced visual positioning relative to a rearwardly positioned individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Panfilo C. Taneo
  • Patent number: 5019798
    Abstract: A warning device that is removably affixed to overhead loads which are moved by an overhead crane. The warning device has a rotating beacon light and a horn, both activated by a switch and powered by internal batteries. The device is attached to steel loads with magnets or to non-metallic loads with straps and is activated whenever the load is raised and in motion. The device is removed from the when the load arrives at its destination load and is then stored by attaching the device to the crane hook with a safety cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Wayne H. Pherigo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4994800
    Abstract: An improved housing for an electrically operated vehicle backup alarm for mounting on a vehicle bumper or other structural component in preformed, standard size receptacles. A tubular body fabricated of plastic or nylon composite includes internal mounting lugs for removeably mounting modular electronic components and sound transducer. A removable rear cover and epoxy potting material seals the alarm components against dirt and moisture intrusion. Resilient mounting lugs or fingers external to the housing allow the housing to be mounted within preformed mounting receptacles. The mounting lugs or fingers are deformed slightly when the housing is inserted into the mounting receptacle and snapped into engagement with the edges of the mounting receptacle securely holding the housing in place within the mounting receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Franklin L. Milliken
  • Patent number: 4992788
    Abstract: A portable traffic control system for control of traffic at temporary locations includes a trailer having a base supported by an axle and wheels, two signal supports connected to the base and an actuating mechanism for selectively urging the signal supports from a transporting position to an operating position and back. A transverse arm connected to one signal support is extendable laterally and outwardly from the trailer. A signal head is attached to the transverse arm and a second signal head is attached to the upper end of the second signal support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: International Traffic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolf P. Arndt
  • Patent number: 4952910
    Abstract: A foldable, warning triangle includes illuminating and audible alerting indicators to warn oncomers of vehicular accidents and other danger conditions. Flashing lights may be powered from self-contained batteries or from an external source such as an automobile battery and the flashing rate may be set by an internal timing circuit or may be derived from the collision-avoidance lamp of an automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Inventors: Gunter Straten, Klaus-Jurgen Kiefer
  • Patent number: 4949071
    Abstract: A vehicle communication device wherein a display unit is selectively mountable onto a rear shelf of an automobile adjacent a rear window, including a safety switch to automatically de-energize the display unit when improperly oriented relative to the rear window. Suspension hooks are further included for selectively securing the display unit from rear or side windows of the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hutchison
  • Patent number: 4931768
    Abstract: A base adapted to be mounted on a vehicle supports a light source for generating a rotating light beam. A dome-shaped lens is positioned on the base over the light source to form an enclosure for the light source. A coating may be located on the top of the lens to prevent light passing therethrough and into the passenger compartment. Multiple flashes are created by a reflector positioned adjacent the rear portion of the lens to reflect the rotating beam as a plurality of discrete flashes within a sector relative to the base. A filter generally having a contour of the front portion of the lens may be mounted thereon. The multiple flashes may be of different colors depending on the range of wavelength of light transmitted by the lens and filter and reflected by the reflector. A person viewing the light sees at least four discrete flashes of light which may be of varying colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: Public Safety Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny C. Jincks, Michael D. Latta
  • Patent number: 4922223
    Abstract: An emergency-identifying apparatus for motor vehicles for displaying highly visible messages to approaching motorists. The apparatus includes a housing having an opening positioned in at least one side thereof, a rotatable member supported within the housing and having a plurlaity of message plates thereon, each of the message plates bearing a different message indicia thereon, means coupled to the rotatable member and positioned externally of the housing to position a selected message plate in alignment with the opening, a light source for illuminating the selected message plate from behind to render the desired message indicia thereon readily visible, and means for supporting the housing at a desired location to permit the message indicia on the selected message plate to be readily visible to oncoming motorists or the like. The apparatus can be easily and quickly set-up and operated by one person and can readily be stored in a vehicle trunk or other convenient location when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Roderick Q. Prevot
  • Patent number: 4879543
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the finish on the door of an automobile from damage caused by someone opening the door of an automobile parked in the adjoining parking space. Secondly, the apparatus serves to protect the door of the adjacently parked automobile when the user opens his or her door. The device includes a transparent housing wherein a plurality of arcuate protective strips are deployed therein. Said arcuate protective protective strips including a guide track or channel located along the intermiate section thereof, said arcuate protective strips also including T-shaped flanges substantially depolyed along the opposite ends of each arcuate protective strip, whereby said guide track or channel and said T-shaped flanges communitively allow said plurality of said arcuate protective strips to extend along the longitudinal portion of the door of the automobile. Also provided is a tensile retention band wherein said device may be selectively retracted into said transparent housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Inventor: Leonard B. Smith, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4875028
    Abstract: A triangle for stalled or disabled vehicles, comprising an outer triangular portion which is red and reflective which is placed on a structure, an inner triangular portion which is yellow and which can be lit up by two light bulbs which are on the inside of the structure, a battery chamber, and a cigarette-lighter D.C. adapter which has a line connected to a lighting circuit and which when not in use can be placed in an adapter storage chamber which is part of the structure, with the line from the D.C. adapter to the lighting circuit winding automatically, with a D.C. adapter cord securement switch, with a lighting selection switch allowing for either continuous or blinking light, and magnets on the back and bottom faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Inventor: An-Chuan Chou
  • Patent number: 4859982
    Abstract: A wireless taillight system including a transmit module adapted to receive taillight control signals from a towing vehicle and provide radio frequency control signals corresponding thereto. The system also includes a pair of taillight modules adapted to be mounted upon a towed vehicle. The taillight modules receive control signals from the transmit module and energize a taillight system contained therein. The system is adapted to provide run, stop and turn signal functions to a towed vehicle. The invention is registered under the Disclosure Document Program as Disclosure Document No. 171509.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Stephen L. Seaburg
  • Patent number: 4847589
    Abstract: An emergency signal sending apparatus for emitting a preset sequence of visual and auditory signals. The apparatus can be manually or automatically switched so as to indicate the nature of assistance required by the signal sender. The signal sending apparatus can be equipped with a sudden or rollover motion sensing automatic switching device so that the preset signalling sequences will be initiated regardless of operator input. The signal sending apparatus includes an auditory signalling unit so that signalling can be successfully accomplished even if the sending apparatus is obscured from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventor: Hugh L. Dobbins
  • Patent number: 4833443
    Abstract: A portable lightweight vehicle signal flag and warning light is presented comprising a boom which has at least one pair of opposed lenses and a slotted-block which is pivotably attached to the boom. The slotted-block slips over the vehicle window and the boom may be adjusted by tightening a transverse bolt and wing nut. Between each pair of lenses is a bulb flasher assembly which is connected to the vehicles electrical power by a cord and cigarette plug adaptor. On the the bottom of the boom is a signal flag which can display a variety of emergency or warning messages. The bulbs are made to either blink to light in a sequential fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Inventor: Chun Y. Siew
  • Patent number: 4827245
    Abstract: A portable multilight system is provided for traffic control, highway safety and to identify obstructions. A housing having a rechargeable power pack disposed therein includes a plurality of light blocks that are movable from a stored position within the housing to an extended position when developed to form an elongated spaced light block array. Each of the light blocks incorporates at least one Xenon tube stroke light with appropriate electrical connections and switching apparatus to permit selection of simultaneous flashing of the strobe light or serial flashing of the strobe lights from either end of the light block array. Flashing of the strobe lights can also be controlled from the standpoint of flash interval. The strobe light array can be used in many different arrangements for all types of traffic control, for identification of emergency helicopter landing sites and for identifying obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Falcor Group Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard H. Lipman