Abstract: Provided is a system, a tool and a method for communicating with a faulted circuit indicator (FCI), the faulted circuit indicator including a detection circuit for monitoring an electrical conductor of a power system. The system includes a remote display mounted in a wall of an enclosure and visible from outside of the enclosure and a first light emitting diode associated with the remote display. The first light emitting diode generates an optical FCI status signal in response to an occurrence of a fault in the electrical conductor. The system also includes a first microcontroller operatively coupled to the remote display and the detection circuit, and a handheld user command tool adapted to optically couple with the remote display. The handheld user command tool is also adapted to generate an optical serial communication. The optical serial communication provides data and commands for operation of the faulted circuit indicator.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an onboard indicator (1) with luminous needle (10) , which indicator is mounted on a dashboard electronic card (21), the needle comprising an arm movable in rotation with a light source (13) and the card a source (22) for energizing the light source. It is characterized in that the light source comprises a support of flexible material (30) with a first part (30?) covered with a photophore substance (13) subjected to an electric voltage from the energizing source to which it is linked electrically by a flexible electrical link (30, 31, 32) formed by a second part (30?) of the insulating flexible support (30) serving as substrate for at least two conducting tracks (31, 32). The solution of the invention makes it possible to produce a very flat indicator with a minimum of components.

Abstract: An emergency lighting arrangement preferably includes plural emergency light units connected to an on-board power supply network of an aircraft, and plural emergency current sources that each include at least one capacitor. Each emergency light unit includes an emergency light emitting element and a control unit that automatically connects the capacitor of the emergency current source to the emergency light emitting element upon the failure of the on-board power supply network. Preferably, the emergency current source including the capacitor is integrated into the emergency light unit. The emergency light unit may further include normal operation light emitting elements selectively connected by the control unit to the on-board power supply network. The control unit switches between normal operation of the normal light emitting elements and charging of the capacitor, and emergency operation in which the capacitor discharges through the emergency light emitting element.

Abstract: This invention relates to providing convenient night and pathway lighting this is integrated into a detector unit. Incorporating the illumination features into the detector unit provides the possibility to simplify the installation, utilize the backup battery power of the detector such that the illumination is provided even in a power outage, and further to allow illumination options that are directly linked to alarm events determined by the detector.

Abstract: Cable identification and computer system diagnostics are facilitated with electroluminescent technology. In one embodiment, a computer data cable includes an electroluminescent strand having a first wire with an electroluminescent coating and a second wire in contact with the inner wire. An AC voltage is applied between the inner and outer wire to selectively illuminate the electroluminescent strand in response to predetermined conditions, such as in response to the detection of a connection-related fault or in response to plugging in the data cable to a device port. Diagnostic techniques such as FMEA may be implemented in software for detecting connection faults and selectively illuminating the data cables in response.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for pairing devices using a short-range wireless communication protocol. Pairing may be performed by causing a device to output a visual pattern. The visual pattern may be detected and the device may be identified based on the detected pattern. Upon identification, pairing may be completed.

Abstract: An alarm device of a twisting bending spanner comprises: a body having an indication light; a handle at one end of the body; a bending tube at another end of the body; a strain gauge being installed in the bending tube; the strain gauge being electrically connected to the indication light of the body. When the force of the spanner applied to an object to be locked or released has achieved to a preset value, the indication light will light up to alert a user. An alarm light is further installed; when the force of the spanner applied to the object is achieved to an alarm value, the alarm light will light up. The body is a hollow body; the handle is soft and a front end of the handle is a toggle; the indication light and alarm light are received in the toggle.

Abstract: Verbal warning labels and other audible warning systems for use with different devices, containers, products and other things in various environments are disclosed herein. An audible warning system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes a device having a standardized textual warning associated therewith, and a sound playback system operably coupled to the device. The sound playback device can be configured to audibly output a verbal warning corresponding to the textual warning. The verbal warning can be provided by at least one of a manufacturer, supplier, distributor or retail vendor of the device, and the verbal warning can supplement or replace the standardized textual warning.

Abstract: Notifications to computer users are provided via indicators such as lights. The indicators are controlled according to rules, to convey computer-related state information to users in a consistent manner. Locations of visible indicators are chosen to facilitate easy viewing. The rules dictate colors and/or illumination pattern components that together provide users with important computer-related information. For example, colors are assigned to types of information, and illumination patterns generally to behavior-related information. Colors may be combined in various illumination patterns. In one implementation, many or all of the visible indicators may be grouped together on a single control panel from rapid viewing. Alternatively, the visible indicators may be grouped by function or other logical arrangement, such as on the keyboard and/or frame of a monitor. Alternative light sources that illuminate the system (e.g.

Abstract: The restaurant business is often a fast paced, stressful, and confusing business to work in. Servers frequently have a hard time guessing patron needs and patrons often find it difficult to gain the servers attention. Sometimes patrons want to be left alone with their meal or conversation only to be interrupted by a server, creating an uncomfortable situation for both patron and server. With the Waiter Call Light, patrons can gain the servers attention with a push of a button. With it's side mounted light source the server can easily know (even from across the room) when the customer requires attention. This will increase efficiency in communication between server and patron. Table turn over times can be significantly decreased, which helps shorten wait times, allows for more customers to be served, increases restaurant sales/profits, all while making the dining experience easier and more pleasurable for both server and customer.

Abstract: A remotely controlled electronic display sign which operates with a plasma display and which provides for humidity and heat control and the like allowing the sign to be used in various environments. The sign is essentially self-contained and includes those components necessary for enabling a display of desired material from a remote control source or one located at the sign. A controller in or associated with the sign is accessible either electrically, or through satellite transmission or other wireless transmission from the remote source which allows the display of the sign to be changed at will. Thus, an operator at a remote source may, with the aid of a pre-prepared graphic design, transmit that design to the controller at or associated with the sign for display of that graphic information and potentially with sound.

Abstract: A solid-state electronic avionics display instrument includes one or more bar-graph-like displays mounted within a housing in a manner that emulates the manner in which prior electro-mechanical indicator mechanisms have been mounted in such housings so as to indicate a value along a vertically readable scale. An aircraft can be retrofitted with such instruments to replace existing electro-mechanical mechanism-based avionics instruments.

Abstract: A vehicle rearview mirror assembly including a mirror, an electronic component unit, a protective housing exposing the mirror through a viewing aperture and enclosing the electronic component unit, an RF antenna connected to the electronic component unit, and a support bracket assembly adapted to mount the mirror assembly to an interior surface of a vehicle. The electronic component unit may be mounted on one face of a carrier plate and the mirror may be mounted on the other face of said carrier plate, with the support bracket assembly extending through the housing from the carrier plate. The electronic component unit may be adapted to receive information via the RF antenna and may display such information on a visual display.

Abstract: A high visibility emergency signaling device comprises a base (2) to be secured to an external support (3) raised above ground level, light-emitting means mounted thereto for generating at least one light beam (5) and power supply means (6) for such lightemitting means (4). Optical means (7) are further provided, operating on the at least one light beam (5) to model and orient it in such a manner as to illuminate a substantially circular area in space (A) and/or on the ground (A?).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic floor display system with an alerting feature to encourage persons standing near or on the floor display system to look down and observe its display.

Abstract: An ambiance lighting system for a vehicular passenger compartment has a variable color light output which is automatically responsive to temperature changes. First and second light sources of different colors (e.g., blue and red) are positioned immediately behind the air discharge vents and are selectively energized by a control circuit so that the first light source radiates light through the vent when the temperature falls below a predetermined value and the second light sources energizes the second color of light when the air temperature rises above a predetermined value. Sensors are used to detect the temperature of air, preferably in the ducting plenum. Various control strategies can be deployed to achieve aesthetically interesting light presentations which enhance ambiance within the passenger compartment.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a prismatic mirror element and a display element. The prismatic mirror element includes a wedge-shaped prism element having a front surface and a rear surface and a second element having a transflective reflector on a first surface thereof. The front surface of the prism element generally faces a driver of the vehicle when the mirror assembly is installed in the vehicle, and the rear surface is opposite the front surface. The transflective reflector coated first surface of the second element is attached to the rear surface of the prism element via an optically matching medium. The display element is positioned to the rear of the prismatic mirror element and operates to display information through the prismatic mirror element so as to be viewable by a driver of the vehicle when the display element is operated to emit visible light.

Abstract: An LED backlight module includes a substrate. An LED array, composed of a plurality of red, blue and green lamp LEDs, is mounted on the substrate. A light-mixing chamber is mounted on the substrate and is used to seal the LED array inside. A diffusion sheet is secured inside the light-mixing chamber and is disposed parallel to the substrate. A first prism sheet is secured inside the light-mixing chamber and is disposed parallel to the diffusion sheet. A second prism sheet is secured inside the light-mixing chamber and is disposed parallel to the first prism sheet.

Abstract: An emergency light system is located in the threshold subadjacent to the lower edge of an emergency egress door. The light system includes a plurality of lights mounted on a flexible backing strip in the threshold. The lights are connected to a switch that can be manually operated or operated by a sensor in a fire and/or smoke detection system associated with a room. The lights will be visible to a person crawling on the floor even if there is smoke in the room. The lights are easily installed in the threshold and will not be subject to abuse that might occur if the lights were mounted on the door itself.

Abstract: A measuring device for detecting product strips on a fabric, e.g., a paper-including or textile-including fabric, includes a sensor, that records optical, magnetic or electrical properties of the fabric, which converts the recorded property to a measuring signal, a device for establishing a signal threshold value, and a signal device which emits an optical and/or an acoustical signal when a change in the measuring signal beyond the threshold value is taking place. Using this measuring device, strip positions and strip widths may be recorded of the strips applied to the fabric which are not visible to the human eye.

Abstract: A type of cellular phone notification apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus would combine both a transmitter attached to a cellular phone and a receiver that would be attached to an individual's clothing. If the cellular phone and the receiver would become disassociated more than a specified number of feet, the receiver would notify the individual of this fact so that the cellular phone could be retrieved, if necessary.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining data stored in an electronic module within a power tool over a power line cord of the tool, and without any disassembly of the tool being required. An interface subsystem applies a high frequency, low power AC input signal to the power cord of the tool. A controller within the tool recognizes this signal as an indication that the tool is to be placed in a communications mode. The controller modulates a power switching device used for turning on and off the motor of the tool in such a fashion that current pulses are transmitted over the power line cord back to the interface subsystem. The current pulses correspond to tool usage/performance/identification information stored in the electronic module of the tool. This information is interpreted by a current reader circuit of the interface subsystem as binary information which is then transmitted to an external computing device for analysis and/or recording.

Abstract: In an information transmitter (2) which is a portable personal information device, a system control circuit (26) analyzes information on vibration obtained from an acceleration sensor (22), information on temperature obtained from a temperature sensor (21), or external information such as user's personal information obtained from a communication section (24) and selects a light-emission pattern of LEDs (11 and 12), a vibration pattern of vibrators (30 and 31), and a sound generated by a sound-reproducing section (25).

Abstract: A traffic signal with integrated sensors. The present invention provides an apparatus for integrating sensors with a traffic signal. A signal case has a housing and a light source placed within the housing. A door attached to the housing is configured such that photons generated by the light may be sensed outside the housing. A tab is attached to the door. A sensor is attached to the tab. The housing or the door is adapted to allow the sensor to sense a parameter originating from outside the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator device for a vehicle with an automatic transmission, which comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements 52a each adapted to be lighted up when one of P, R and N gear ranges corresponding thereto is selected, and a digital indicator 53 adapted to indicate an alphabet character “D” when a D gear range is selected, and indicate a numeric character representing a gear position when a M gear range (manual shift mode) is selected. The indication device of the present invention makes it possible to utilize a space of an instrument panel with higher efficiency and offer enhanced visibility for a driver, while avoiding increase in production cost.

Abstract: A method of routing telephone calls, emails and faxes using a palmtop computer. Using a date book forming a part of a personal information manager application of a palmtop computer, the user enters an appointment into the date book. Such an appointment has a starting and an ending time. The user then selects (either at the time of entry of the appointment or after receipt of an alarm reminder of the appointment) a destination telephone number for routing of telephone calls between the starting time and the ending time. This selection can be in the form of a menu selection of a predetermined profile for routing telephone calls. The palmtop computer then sends a representation of the destination telephone number, the starting time and the ending time to a telephone call server (and/or email server and/or fax server), so that the telephone call server routes telephone calls to the destination telephone number between the starting time and the ending time.

Abstract: A multifunction multi-spectrum signalling device comprising at least one source of electromagnetic radiation such as an LED which emits radiation according to predefined or programmable user selectable instruction sets is disclosed. Reversal of the polarity of the device's power supply allows for enhanced features to be accessed including a recording/reprogramming mode and a playback mode.

Abstract: A load status indicator is disclosed wherein a green light-emitting diode of a bi-color light-emitting diode lights up when power is available to but not being used by a monitored device, whereas a red light-emitting diode of the bi-color light-emitting diode lights up when the monitored device is drawing current. The load status indicator utilizes a coil in series with the monitored device, a reed switch controlled by the coil, and field-effect transistors to control which light-emitting diode lights up depending on whether power is available and whether the monitored device is drawing current.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element having a field of view rearward of the vehicle when the interior rearview mirror assembly is attached at a portion of the interior of the vehicle. A directional information display is viewable to a driver of the vehicle. A compass sensor is preferably disposed in the mirror housing behind the reflective element such that adjustment by the driver to set the rearward field view of the reflective element moves the compass sensor in tandem with movement of the reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a video camera having a field of view that encompasses one of (i) the windshield of the vehicle and (ii) the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprises an electro-optic mirror unit whose reflectivity is variable in response to an electrical voltage applied thereto. The mirror unit includes a first substrate and a second substrate with an electro-optic medium sandwiched therebetween. The second substrate includes a recess at a perimeter region thereof. The mirror assembly includes at least one light sensor disposed behind the first substrate of the mirror unit and generally at the recessed perimeter region of the second substrate. The at least one light sensor is operable to receive light through the first substrate and unobstructed by the second substrate of the mirror unit. The light may be received through a bezel of the mirror assembly and through the first substrate and unobstructed by the second substrate.

Abstract: An electronic device with a display of a continuously adjustable area. The electronic device includes a frame, a flexible display panel, a detent unit and a recovering unit installed in the frame and connected with the display panel. The frame includes a surface and a window formed on the surface. The flexible display panel, longer than the window, is partially exposed in the window and partially within the frame. The detent unit includes two arresting elements established in the flexible display panel and the window separately. The two arresting elements are capable of generating mutual interference. The relative motion between the flexible display panel and the window is not affected when an external force is greater than the interference. Therefore the electronic device has a display with a continuously adjustable area.

Abstract: A celestial object locating device according to the present disclosure enables a user to unambiguously identify one or more stars or other celestial objects. The celestial object locating device may also direct a user to a desired celestial object or objects. The device may be useful for locating or identifying stars, constellations, and deep sky objects without knowing a users location or time of day. The celestial object locating device determines the angle between selected visible stars and compares these angles to angles between known stars to determine the location of all other stars. The device includes a 3-axis magnetic field sensor and a 3-axis gravitational field sensor that operate with a processor and an electronic database to perform the required calculations. The device's database may be updated using any suitable method such as flash drives, network connections or other.

Abstract: An information processing system formed with a relay and light output devices. In the system, an external information receiver receives first external information transmitted from an outside. An external information acquisition unit acquires second external information. A light output controller controls, based on the first and second external information, the light output to be in one or more number of output states, among three or more number of output states. At the relay, an external information receiver receives a sender identifier for identifying sender of the external information, and the external information. A transmission control information memory stores one or more sets of a transmission destination identifier and transmission control information. A transmission destination identifier acquisition unit acquires transmission destination identifier from the transmission control information memory.

Abstract: A bracket (10) for mounting accessories on a pick-up truck cab (20) consisting of a Z-shaped elongated body (22) having a forward upper horizontal mounting flange (24), a rearward lower horizontal mounting flange (28), and an integral arcuate upright section (26) located in between. The upright section (26) conforms to the shape of the truck cab (20) and includes a recessed cavity (30) in reverse image of a truck third brake light socket (32) that is formed within the truck cab. A number of threaded fasteners (54) are used for attaching the third brake light onto existing threaded mounting holes (38) in the truck third brake light socket (32) when the bracket is inserted into the socket (32), thereby securely retaining both the light and the bracket in place.

Abstract: In a vehicle night vision system, the display unit is activated only when an illumination level below the prescribed level has persisted for more than the prescribed period of time so that the display unit would not be activated when the low illumination level lasts only for a short period of time and the night vision system would not be required. Therefore, when the vehicle passes through a short tunnel during daytime, the display unit would not be activated and the vehicle operator is prevented from being unnecessarily distracted. On the other hand, when the vehicle passes through a long tunnel or when the sun has set and the illumination level of the road ahead is low, the night vision system is activated without fail, and assists the vehicle operator's vision.

Abstract: The invention is a warning or information system which has a flat curved mirror; flat mirror, half dome, full dome or any shape semi transparent mirror with a means to activate the warning or information mirror system,. The system has a signal transfer means, a warning or information light placed behind the mirror. Illumination from that warning or information light passes through the mirror to warn or provide information to the client. A detection means transfers information through a signal transfer means which activates the warning or information light behind the transparent mirror. A timing device deactivates said warning light after a preset time interval or the device is deactivated when the stimulus for the activation means exits the area. Optionally, an auditory alarm is activated by the signal transfer means to complement the visual display. The visual display may be a programmable scrolling message board with a message such as “Forklift Approaching.

Abstract: A method for displaying engine fault conditions in a vehicle. The method includes monitoring at least one sensor, determining when at least one fault condition has occurred, and masking indication of the at least one fault condition from at least one fault display device in response to at least one instruction.

Abstract: An emergency light includes a flash light lamp and a plurality of LED lamps activated in strobe-like fashion to alert emergency personnel in transit the proper household needing their assistance. The LED lamps activated in excess of 120 times per minute is visible at distances in excess of one mile. The emergency light may be mounted to a window pane using suction cups, to a steel door or other ferrous-metallic surface using magnetic strips, hung on a door using an integral hanger or stood on a flat bottom surface.

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: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element assembly portion and at least one cap portion adapted to attach to the reflective element assembly portion. The reflective element assembly portion includes a reflective element. The reflective element assembly portion comprises a first molding that encompasses at least a perimeter portion of the reflective element. The first molding is formed by molding a first resinous material having a tool shrinkage factor equal to or greater than about 1 percent. The cap portion comprises at least one second molding formed by molding a second resinous material having a tool shrinkage factor of less than or equal to about 1 percent. The cap portion preferably includes internal structure for supporting at least one accessory.

Abstract: A vacuum tube replacement device includes an indicator. The indicator can be arranged to provide audible and/or visual indication of system performance, function, status, or any other desired indication. The vacuum tube replacement device is pin-for-pin compatible with standard vacuum tube circuit pin configurations. The replacement device may be a solid-state tube emulator device, a traditional glass envelope vacuum tube device, or some other hybrid device. The visual indicator is equally useful for non-vacuum tube replacement devices such as audio amplifier circuits.

Abstract: A slave strobe is built including a photodetector, a flash tube, a flash controller, a mode switch, a body, and a top rotatable with respect to the body, and depressible with respect to the body. The photodetector is configured to detect a flash of light. The flash controller is electrically coupled with the photodetector, the mode switch and the flash tube, and is configured to change modes of operation when the mode switch is activated. The mode switch is configured to activate when the top is depressed. The top includes a plurality of strobe lenses configured to modify a flash of light from the flash tube when rotated in front of the flash tube.

Abstract: An instrument gauge for motor vehicles which includes a large front face lens, an annular spacer ring, a dial plate and a light-diffuser plate, all of which have relatively large diameter/circumferences and each being preferably made from transparent/translucent plastic material. An outermost circumferential edge portion of the light-diffuser plate rests upon a radially outwardly directed flange which unites a large outer chamber of an inner gauge housing with a smaller chamber thereof. The inner housing is also preferably made of transparent/translucent material. Light rays emitted from behind the light-diffuser board are transmitted to outermost circumferential edge portions of the dial plate to fully illuminate the same beyond that heretofore provided which prevents the utilization of larger indica and renders the same more readily viewable.

Abstract: An outdoor signaling apparatus that can be used for several various notification purposes. The outdoor signaling apparatus has a circular outer casing and a retractable rod attached to the outer casing. Within the outer casing, there are two separate compartments, each of which has a red light, blue light, and yellow light. An individual, through incorporated power means, can turn on all the lights of a particular color and use the outdoor signaling apparatus for various purposes, depending on the color of the lights being displayed.

Abstract: The instrument panel for a vehicle, comprises at least one liquid crystal display, which is characterized in that the display is of the positive transparent type, and in that its rear face, with respect to the position of the driver, is illuminated by daylight. In particular, it is mounted on the dashboard projecting therefrom, the rear face being illuminated by the light from the windshield of the vehicle. The instrument panel also comprises a device of illumination for use by night.

Abstract: Control of an accessory lighting array for temporary installation on a towed vehicle through the controller area network of a towing vehicle is effected through access to the controller area network over a bus extension, and connection of an accessory controller to the bus extension for decoding network status messages for operation.

Abstract: A message sign alert device including a housing having a planar message display window and a first visual alert window positioned on a periphery of the planar message display window. Within the housing are a message display section, a first visual alert section, and a control unit that operates the first visual alert section and the message display section for providing a visual attraction to the display of a message on the message display section. A planar display unit in the message display section includes a plurality of light emitting message elements and projects through the planar message display window at a substantially normal angle to the planar message display window. The first visual alert section has at least one light emitting element positioned adjacent to the first visual alert window for projecting through the first visual alert window at an oblique angle relative to the planar message display window.

Abstract: A rack has a plurality of LEDs arranged on the front surface thereof correspondingly to respective units. The rack is provided with an LED lighting circuit which lights these LEDs, on the back of a display section and an input section. The LED lighting circuit has an LED lighting control section and a memory. The LED lighting control section acquires correspondence relation information indicating correspondence between servers and apparatuses from the input section, and stores the information in the memory. When a server is selected, the LED lighting circuit lights some of the plurality of LEDs based on the correspondence relation information stored in the memory.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a field of view rearward of the vehicle when the interior mirror assembly is attached at a portion of the interior of the vehicle. The interior mirror assembly includes at least one pivot element enabling a driver of the vehicle to adjust the rearward field of view of the reflective element to that driver's desired setting and the interior mirror assembly comprises a mirror support having a mounting portion for attaching the interior mirror assembly to the portion of the interior of the vehicle. The mirror support includes at least one pivot element and the reflective element is disposed in a mirror housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synchronously lighting apparatus of a vehicle meter. The digital signal transformed from the measured value triggers the light-emitting device of the light-outputting group so as to change the lighting status and triggers the display machine synchronously. Accordingly, an obvious warning is obtained.