Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing an independent monitoring circuit in an LED traffic signal is provided. The apparatus comprises: a proof test circuit embedded within the traffic signal; and a proof test device embedded within the traffic signal. The method comprises: via the proof test circuit, simulating a faulty traffic signal state; activating the independent monitoring circuit without switching the traffic signal into a high impedance state; energizing the proof test device; and via the proof test device, communicating externally the current state of the independent monitoring circuit.

Abstract: A time delay fault device includes an integrated circuit (IC) having an electronic circuit having a fault indicator signal output and a time delay circuit having an input connected to the fault indicator signal output and an output to provide a delayed fault indicator signal output, the time delay circuit being responsive to an external voltage from a resistor capacitor network coupled to the delayed fault indicator signal output to set the time delay of the delayed fault indicator signal.

Abstract: A signaling appliance is provided, in particular a signaling column for indication of at least one operating state of a technical appliance such as a machine, an installation, a vehicle or the like, having at least one holding apparatus (5) for holding an electrical light-emitting element, in particular an incandescent lamp, which can be produced at a lower cost and/or provides further application options, in which case the electronics mount can be installed very easily, for example for commercially available signaling elements and/or bulbs. According to the invention, this is achieved in particular in that the holding apparatus (5) which is provided for holding the electronics mount (9) is also designed to hold the signaling element (7), with the holding apparatus (5) having at least one guide apparatus (8) for lateral guidance of the electronics mount (9) to be installed.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter with end-of-life protection has four components: 1) a control circuit to activate an electromagnetic unit upon detecting a predetermined condition; 2) a fuse coupled between the control circuit and the power supply; 3) an end life sensing circuit coupled to the control circuit; and 4) an end life indicating circuit coupled to the end life sensing circuit and the power supply. The end life sensing circuit includes a light emitting device and a light sensitive device controlled by the light emitting device. The end life indicating circuit includes a visual indicator to indicate that the circuit interrupter reaches the end of its life. Another circuit interrupter with end-of-life protection has three components: 1) a control circuit to activate an electromagnetic unit upon detecting a predetermined condition; 2) a fuse coupled between the control circuit and the power supply; and 3) an end life sensing and indicating circuit coupled to the control circuit.

Abstract: A detector for a test system having multiple indicators uses position sensitive light detection by multiple light detecting elements to produce a measured signal vector. The measured signal vector, which may include fewer components than there are indicators, has a magnitude and a direction that can identify how many and/or which set of the indicators are active. Analysis of the measured vector signal can use vector composition/decomposition techniques.

Abstract: A seat belt usage indicator having a seat occupied sensor and a seat belt reel sensor with an externally mounted indicator light. The seat belt usage indicator system has a sensor positioned in each seat and a seat belt reel sensor corresponding to each seat such that the external indicator light can only be deactivated when the seat belt corresponding to an occupied seat is engaged. To ensure reliability, a plurality of surge absorbing devices which protect the circuitry from any voltage spikes that may occur due to static electricity or other disturbances in the vehicle's electrical system, are provided. Also provided are a plurality of resistors which prevent damage to the device by limiting current. In this manner, a reliable and tamper-resistant seat belt usage indicator system is provided.

Abstract: A Traffic-Light Status Remote Sensor System is disclosed. The basic system consists of a set of lenses, detectors, and narrowband filters. The sensor system is capable of determining the status of a traffic light (red, amber, or green) from a distance, without any connection to the electronic boards controlling the traffic light. A portable red-light photo-enforcement system working independently from the traffic light controllers is a potential application of the remote traffic light sensor.

Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system that comprises a data storage device is disclosed. The data storage and retrieval system further comprises a first LED, a second LED, a third LED, and a fourth LED, interconnected with the data storage device. The data storage device causes the first LED and the second LED to emit first light comprising a first color if the data storage device detects an internal failure. Alternatively, the storage device causes the third LED and the fourth LED to emit second light comprising a second color if the data storage device remains operative.

Abstract: A lighting circuit for energizing an indicating light on a device coupled to a host, the circuit including a flasher circuit of the host; a fault detection circuit of the device; and an XNOR gate for receiving input from the flasher circuit and the fault detection circuit wherein the lighting circuit is adapted for energizing the indicating light and causing the indicating light to flash in the presence of a fault signal from the fault detection circuit

Abstract: A bottoming indication system indicates contact between an inner wall of a fluid conducting conduit and a tip of a differential pressure measuring probe. The system includes a piezoelectric device and an indicator. The piezoelectric device is affixed to the tip of the differential pressure measuring probe so that pressure exerted on the piezoelectric device by contact between the piezoelectric device and the inner wall of the conduit produces a voltage difference across the piezoelectric device. The indicator is in electrical communication with the piezoelectric device so that a voltage difference across the piezoelectric device activates the indicator to indicate contact between the inner wall of the conduit and the tip of the differential pressure measuring probe.

Abstract: A voltage monitoring device includes a comparison voltage generating circuit for providing a comparison voltage, a comparator, an electronic switch, and an LED. The comparator outputs a control signal in response to a comparing result between the comparison voltage and a voltage output by a power supply. The electronic switch includes a first terminal receiving the output of the comparator, a second terminal connected to a reference voltage, and a third terminal connected to ground. The LED includes an anode connected to the reference voltage, and a cathode connected to the second terminal of the first electronic switch.

Abstract: A signaling control device apparatus (10) comprises at least one LED (20) having a light emitting surface (18). A sensor (24) is set to detect an external light load (16) directed to the light emitting surface (18) and generate a control signal indicative of a presence of the light load (16). An electrical control system (14) detects the control signal indicative of the light load (16) and sources an elevated current to the LED (20) while the light load (16) is present. The elevated current increases the contrast ratio making the signal perceivable by the users as being in a particular state.

Abstract: An operability testing apparatus used in conjunction with an electrical testing apparatus to perform live-dead-live tests consists of: a power source; a voltage source coupled to the power source with the voltage source being configured to provide an AC voltage output and/or a DC voltage output; and one or more visual indicators. The visual indicator(s) are configured to indicate operability for electrical testing equipment such as voltmeters and the like. The probes or leads of electrical testing equipment are inserted into apertures in the apparatus. The apparatus provides an output, allowing a determination to be made as to the operability of the electrical testing equipment. Then, the test leads or probes are applied to the subject electrical circuit or equipment to ensure that the subject electrical circuit or equipment is de-energized.

Abstract: An electric street light controller apparatus and monitoring method allows automatic street light turn-on and turn-off characteristics to be field programmable using RFID technology, lamp current magnitude recording, auxiliary sensor input, diagnostic alarming and data storage for later retrieval in a remote electric street lighting monitoring system. The apparatus and method includes, from a remotely located exciter apparatus using an antenna to transmit a specific frequency and code key to the antenna of an electric street light control and monitoring apparatus associated with the electric street light allowing remote wireless field programming of turn-on light levels, turn-off light levels, rate of change of light levels, specific turn-on, turn-off, and turn back on sequences during dark hours, and specific remote wireless sensors or internal sensor inputs useful for radiological, biological, chemical, or environmental sensing and alarming.

Abstract: A detector for a test system having multiple indicators uses position sensitive light detection by multiple light detecting elements to produce a measured signal vector. The measured signal vector, which may include fewer components than there are indicators, has a magnitude and a direction that can identify how many and/or which set of the indicators are active. Analysis of the measured vector signal can use vector composition/decomposition techniques.

Abstract: An opening/closing apparatus for a vehicle door includes: a door handle secured to an outer surface of the vehicle door, the door handle being manipulated by a user for opening and closing the vehicle door; an operation detecting portion for checking whether the door handle is manipulated to open or close the vehicle door, the operation detecting portion being provided in the door handle; a controller establishing locking and unlocking conditions of the vehicle door on the basis of user's intensions; and a light emitting device provided in the door handle, the light emitting device being driven by the controller to emit light beams to and away from the outer surface of the vehicle door depending on the respective conditions of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting diagnostics in a PC is described. Signals, imperceptible to a user, are transmitted through the LED used to indicate on/off power status. A small hand-held device may be used for detecting and interpreting the signals and to provide a visual indication to the user of a particular problem.

Abstract: A status indicator indicates an operating state, including an electrical malfunction, of an electrical load that is located and controlled from locations remote from a monitoring location.

Abstract: An NBC marker light is designed to be simplistic, lightweight, and expendable. The case is two pieces, designed for ease of assembly. The assembly includes a circuit card, one or more batteries, light sources, typically IR and visible LEDs, and a custom designed rotary switch. A diffuser is designed to enhance side visibility in all directions.

Abstract: A turn indicator unit includes a light source, a matching module, and a current interrupter. The light source is coupled across an output side of a flasher. The matching module is coupled across the light source. The current interrupter is coupled between the light source and the matching module so as to interrupt periodically current flow to the matching module when the light source is activated.

Abstract: A chip resistor is provided which includes a resistor film 5 formed between a pair of terminal electrodes 2 and 3 on an upper surface of an insulating substrate 2. The resistor film is formed with two inward grooves 7, 8 and two trimming grooves 9, 10 which are alternately provided for causing the current path in the resistor film to have a winding shape. The two inward grooves 7 and 8 are provided approximately at the midpoint between one end edge 5a and the other end edge 5b of the resistor film 5. The trimming groove 9 is provided between the inward groove 8 and the end edge 5a of the resistor film, whereas the other trimming groove 10 is provided between the inward groove 7 and the end edge 5b of the resistor film, whereby the time required for the trimming adjustment to adjust the resistance to a predetermined value is shortened, and the yield rate is reduced to reduce the cost.

Abstract: A helicopter of the type having an electrical system, a landing light, a master switch and a power supply of between about 18-32 V for operating the electrical system when the master switch is in an on position also includes a landing light fault detector. The landing light fault detector includes a light switch for turning the landing lights on and off and circuit means for detecting a fault in the landing light and for providing a signal indicative of a fault whether or not the light switch is in an on or off position.

Abstract: Projection device failure may be diagnosed by sensing improper operation of projection lamp ignitor circuitry. An ignitor failure indicator may be activated based on a sensed failure in the operation of the lamp ignitor circuitry to prevent incorrect projection lamp failure notification.

Abstract: An integrated radio tower light controller and alarm reporting device is described that is made up of solid-state current sensing modules that monitor the AC current distributed to the various lights/beacons and report various alarm modes. In addition, a solid-state flasher module is used to flash the radio tower beacons at the FAA/FCC specified rate along with reporting various alarm modes. Two mechanical relays are also included for reporting failures with the flasher module and AC power failure. Connecting terminals and testing switches are included to connect to various power leads, alarm leads, and to test the various functions of the device.

Abstract: A protection device for a communication circuit that includes a sensor monitoring a protection device parameter and an indication module coupled to the sensor. The indication module generates an indication output as a function of the protection device parameter indicating a protection device event. The indication module receives power from an indication power source separate from the telecommunication signal. Also a method for protecting a telecommunication signal with a protection device including sensing a protection device parameter indicating a protection device event. The method also includes powering an indication module from an indication power source that is separate from the telecommunication signal. The method further includes generating an indication output from the indication module as a function of the protection device parameter indicating the protection device event.

Abstract: An operational status detection system for a railroad warning device having a warning light, comprising: a photodiode configured to generate a signal corresponding to a light output of the warning light of the railroad warning device; an amplifier for increasing a signal strength of the signal and providing an output corresponding to the signal; a filter for receiving the output, the filter being configured to only allow portions of the output corresponding to the light output of the warning light to be presented as an output signal of the warning light; and a microcontroller receptive to the output signal and for comparing the output signal to a threshold value, the threshold value corresponding to an acceptable light output of the warning light.

Abstract: RFID circuitry is used in an endoscopic light source unit to track cumulative light bulb use information. An inductively powered RFID tag is affixed to the light bulb assembly, and communicates wirelessly with an RF transceiver within the light source unit via a low-frequency modulation wave. The RFID tag includes memory which stores a value representing cumulative duration of use of the light bulb. The transceiver reads the value from the RFID tag and communicates the value to control circuitry in the light source unit, which tracks use of the light bulb within the light source unit. Based on such tracking, the transceiver periodically updates the value in the RFID tag via the wireless link. Cumulative bulb usage hours is displayed on the light source unit. The RFID tag also may store a custom password and/or other information.

Abstract: An illuminated sign is for traffic control, in particular for road traffic, and includes light sources for generation of the sign and a monitoring device for functional monitoring of the light source. The light sources are embodied as light diodes and the monitoring device is embodied as a device for the limited current loading of the light diodes. The functional monitoring of said sign can be achieved with reasonable technical requirements in both the deactivated and activated state thereof.

Abstract: An operational status detection system for a railroad warning device having a warning light, comprising: a photo detector configured to generate a signal corresponding to a light output of the warning light of the railroad warning device, the photo detector comprising a lens, an optical filter and a photodiode, wherein the optical filter is disposed between the photodiode and the lens and the optical filter is configured to provide the light output of the warning light to be presented as a substantially uniform spatial response to the photodiode wherein areas of high intensity of the warning light that are received by the lens are attenuated, the areas of high intensity providing higher light outputs than other areas of the warning light; and a microcontroller for receiving the signal, wherein the microcontroller compares the signal to at least one threshold value, the at least one threshold value corresponding to an acceptable light output of the warning light.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus capable of replacing a fan module during operation, includes a unit for instructing a replacement of a fan module, and a unit for controlling a fan drive voltage not to be supplied to a fan module to be replaced when the replacement is instructed.

Abstract: An LED traffic signal having a single switching power supply placed inside the load switch to supply power to each of the aspect signals. The traffic signal has several aspects, such as red, yellow and green. The load switch comprises a switching power supply to supply power to the signals, an output selection circuit to select the desired aspect, and a conflict monitor interface circuit to mimic an incandescent circuit.

Abstract: A lamp monitor for a bus or other motor vehicle has a processor, a current sensor, a memory and a display for monitoring the current through the lamps. In program mode, the processor samples the current passing through the warming lamps and calculates an operating range. In operate mode, if the current sensor detects current passing through the lamp within the operating range, then a status lamp, located near the driver of the bus or motor vehicle, is illuminated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for remotely monitoring the status of a variety of illumination devices. A fiber optic cable coupled to a light fixture transmits a light display. Based on the light received, the status of the light is determined. The status is determined without the use of elegant and expensive electronics that are more subject to failure and with minimal power consumption.

Abstract: A lighting system contains at least one controllable first light (NL), which is connected to a first current supply (L, N), and at least one controllable emergency current light (SL), which is connected to a further emergency current supply (P, N), separate from the first current supply (L, N). All lights have respective control devices associated therewith, all control devices being connected to a common bus (D1, D2). A monitoring device (5) issues a monitoring signal corresponding to the condition of the first current supply (L, N) onto the bus (D1, D2), which monitoring signal is evaluated at least by the control device of the emergency current light (SL) for the recognition of a disruption and for activation of an emergency current operation.

Abstract: A light unit or indicating device for a vehicle (.e.g., a vehicle lighting unit, a vehicle indicating unit, reversing radars and other systems) has a shell, a light contained in the shell, and an electronics card mechanically associated with the shell. The electronics card is connected an electrical power supply and to a multiplexed bus of an on-board network. The card has a controller for the light that allows exchange of commands and information on status of the light unit over the multiplexed bus, and also has an internal bus connected to the controller and the light that allows exchange between them of commands generated by the controller and of the status information of the light unit. The unit may also have an ancillary component for implementing ancillary facilities such as light beam adaptation or automatic adjustment of the orientation of the light beam.

Abstract: A lighting device 1 for a vehicle comprises a lighting unit having such a structure that a light emitting unit 9 including a set of light emitting elements 9a, 9a, . . . is connected in parallel. In the case in which the breakage of the light emitting unit is detected by first breakage detecting means 10A, the generation of the breakage related to the light emitting unit is displayed by display means 11. In the case in which the generation of the breakage of at least a predetermined number of light emitting units is detected by second breakage detecting means 10B, an alarm is given by flashing a light emitting unit in which the breakage is not detected or a lighting unit including only the light emitting unit in a shorter flashing cycle than a flashing cycle obtained before the detection of the breakage.

Abstract: A Sign Sentry monitoring system for monitoring lighting. The Sign Sentry system includes a plurality of current sensors for inductively sensing current passing through each lighting circuit. The sign sentry system includes a monitoring panel mounted proximate the signage electrical panel (typically inside the building) which encloses a processor, memory, analog-to-digital transducers, and a modem (connected to a telephone line). A plurality of current sensors are deployed in the signage junction box and are connected from the junction box into the monitoring panel to transducers for converting the sensed current levels to digitized current levels. A software program sequentially polls the sensed current in each lighting circuit, and the current levels are compared to predetermined daytime and nighttime thresholds. If a fault condition is detected the processor generates and stores an error code in memory, the fault code comprising an indication of the site, affected lighting circuit, and nature of the fault.

Abstract: A detection part (B), of a disconnection detection apparatus (1A), detects an open destruction of a detection resistor. An emitter of a transistor (Q5) is connected to an upstream end of a detection resistor (R1) through a diode (connected forward) (D2). A base of the transistor (Q5) is connected to a downstream end of the detection resistor (R1) through a resistor (R8). A collector of the transistor (Q5) is connected to an upstream side of a resistor (R4) of a determination part (3). In the detection part (B), the transistor (Q5) is turned on and off according to the difference in the potential between both ends of the detection resistor (R1). In an open destruction detection state, generated when the transistor (Q5) is ON, electric current supplied by the power supply 4 is fed to the determination part (3) through the transistor (Q5) as a detection result indicating that an open destruction has occurred.

Abstract: A system includes a projector having a consumable component such, as a lamp. The consumable component includes a memory device. An application on the projector has access to the memory device. Additionally, a user interface, updated by the application, is configured to display information from the memory device within the consumable component.

Abstract: A device representing a simple means of multiplying the functionality of wiring in point to point control circuits such that fault tolerant, fault reporting circuits can be constructed with less wire. The circuit can employ the wiring on a continuous basis by the use of AC and a series arrangement that may combine sensors and command loads on the same single wire loop. A bi-directional current detector with switchable impedance over each polarity can form the device. The detector may be equipped with an electrically isolated man-machine interface that communicates with light to achieve input-output functions. Command functions may be issued by changing the current level within the circuit over each polarity of current flow to series mounted remote loads that are polarized with diodes. The whole circuit can be in triplicate for high reliability and fault tolerance and use a common return wire.

Abstract: A recharging stand for pagers with a night light designed for the particular needs of emergency response personnel such as firemen. The light is preferably activated only in response to a signal to the pager. Also, the light is a focused beam that is adjustable in direction as needed by the user. Optionally, the light may be attached to a timer, which deactivates the light after a set amount of time since activation has lapsed.

Abstract: In the process of drilling a concrete in a building, many times contact and damage can accidentally be made with existing electrical conduit and the wires inside, or plumbing pipes. This damage can be avoided with a device which can indicate a grounded metal, such as a conduit, plumbing pipes, supporting frames or metal beam, all of which may be grounded to the existing electrical system. A safety protection circuit is incorporated into a power tool and includes at least one LED indicator connected to a low voltage power supply and to the body of the power tool to be illuminated when contact with grounded metal occurs.

Abstract: A Sign Sentry monitoring system for monitoring lighting. The Sign Sentry system includes a plurality of current sensors for inductively sensing current passing through each lighting circuit. The sign sentry system includes a monitoring panel mounted proximate the signage electrical panel (typically inside the building) which encloses a processor, memory, analog-to-digital transducers, and a modem (connected to a telephone line). A plurality of current sensors are deployed in the signage junction box and are connected from the junction box into the monitoring panel to transducers for converting the sensed current levels to digitized current levels. A software program sequentially polls the sensed current in each lighting circuit, and the current levels are compared to predetermined daytime and nighttime thresholds. If a fault condition is detected the processor generates and stores an error code in memory, the fault code comprising an indication of the site, affected lighting circuit, and nature of the fault.

Abstract: A light emitting device includes at least a first light source which is connectable to an energy source, a second light source, detector means for detecting a failure of the first light source, and switch means, responsive to the detector means, for enabling the connection of the second light source to the energy source when the detector means detects failure of the first light source.

Abstract: A fault warning system controls light sources and a warning signal to provide an indication of fatal and non-fatal faults in a communication system. The circuitry uses a pull-down circuit in electrical communication with light and signal control circuits. The circuit can be operated to activate a first light emitting diode (LED) if an operational status of a monitored circuit is either fatal or non-fatal fault. The circuit can be operated to deactivate a second LED if an operational status of a monitored circuit is fatal, and the second LED remains active if the operational status of the circuit is a non-fatal fault.

Abstract: A system, device, method and computer program to control and set LEDs associated with ports that are non-protocol aware is accomplished. This system, device, method and computer program does not interfere with the normal operation of protocol aware ports. Utilizing this system, device, method and computer program, savings in time and effort for installation and debug of a network system is realized.

Abstract: A low-level function which enforces logical partitioning establishes a set of virtual indicator lights for certain physical components, the virtual indicator lights being only data in memory, a separate set of virtual indicator lights corresponding to each respective partition. Processes running in a partition can switch and sense the virtual indicator lights corresponding to the partition, but have no direct capability to either switch or to sense the virtual lights of any other partition. The low-level enforcement function alone can switch the state of the physical indicator light, which is generally the logical OR of the virtual indicator lights of the different partitions.

Abstract: A xenon light fixture having an integral power supply and a remote interface for controlling the functions of the fixture remotely. In one embodiment, the fixture includes: a housing; a power supply having an input for activating and deactivating the bulb; a switch in communication with the input such that, when the switch is in a first position, the bulb is activated and, when the switch is in a second position, the bulb is deactivated; and a remote interface having an input for receiving a signal from a remote control and an output in communication with the power supply input such that the bulb may be activated and deactivated remotely. In another embodiment, the fixture includes a monitor circuit which measures and displays various environmental and performance factors.

Abstract: A temperature compensated warning light includes banks of high output light emitting diodes (LED's), one or more drivers connecting the LED banks to a control processor, and a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the LED's to provide a temperature signal indicative of the temperature of the LED's to the processor. The processor pulse width modulates a base frequency signal to the LED's in such a manner as to maintain a constant brightness of the LED's as the temperature of the LED's varies. The processor also monitors supply voltage and further varies the pulse width of the base frequency signal to compensate for supply voltage variation. The base frequency signal is modulated by a flash signal to create desired flash patterns.

Abstract: A solid state crossing controller for a railroad crossing signal system with two independent outputs for controlling illumination of lamps in the signal system share a common neutral or return wire, with sensing of a common neutral or return line shared by the two independent outputs to determine any loss of the neutral line. When a failure has been detected in the neutral line, the controller modifies the voltages for the lamps in the signaling system for better illumination of the lamps during the failure condition, such as to the highest voltage available from a battery in the system. Upon detection of the failure in the neutral line, the controller may provide a call or message that there is a failure in the system that is in need of repair. If the failure in the neutral line is intermittent, the controller will resume normal operation after that train, has cleared the crossing. However, a call or message that a failure has occurred in the neutral line is provided.