At End Opposite Bulb Patents (Class 362/206)
  • Patent number: 11649948
    Abstract: A coupling mechanism for a lighting apparatus (and a lighting apparatus having a housing, a mount and the coupling mechanism for coupling the lighting apparatus to the housing) has a first coupling member comprising a curved strip and a second coupling member comprising a retaining element for magnet coupling with the curved strip at multiple positions along its length whereby the first coupling member may be adjustably orientated about at least one axis relative to the second coupling member. The lighting system having the coupling mechanism is thus a multi-direction lighting system which may be directed over a wide illumination area and which is simple and easy to assemble and adjust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: ECOLED LTD.
    Inventors: Simon Cadisch, David Ong
  • Patent number: 10184620
    Abstract: A battery life extender for a portable lighting device employs a reconfigurable mechanism operable to selectively electrically isolate one or more batteries from a circuit having a parasitic power drain. For example, a lighting device includes a light generating element, at least one battery, a user operated switch configured to control delivery of electrical power from the at least one battery to the light generating element, and a housing assembly supporting the at least one battery and the light generating element. The user operated switch can impart a parasitic power drain. The housing assembly is reconfigurable to: (a) a first configuration in which the user operated switch is electrically connected to the at least one battery, and (b) a second configuration in which the at least one battery is electrically isolated and the at least one battery is retained by the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Law, Stuart L. Meether, Thomas G. Trefz, Mark Elliott, Michael D. Brockel, Ricky J. Glazier, Chelor Chen, Yuhua Zhang
  • Patent number: 10151459
    Abstract: A holder is provided to support a light emitting diode (LED) array in position. In an embodiment the holder includes a terminal that is insert-molded into a housing. In an alternative embodiment, a terminal can be stitch into a housing and secured with a shield. In the latter embodiment the holder can be configured to provide a desired amount of electrical isolation between the terminal and potential shorting surfaces so as to meet creepage and clearance requirements, thus allowing the use of additional power supplies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Molex, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory P. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20150146417
    Abstract: A novel flashlight assembly that includes an interface integrated into the housing thereof to facilitate mounting of the flashlight to the dovetail rail on a modern combat weapon. The outer body of the flashlight includes a head mounted to a flashlight body at one end and a tapered tail extending outwardly at the other end of the body. Further, the flashlight includes a clamping interface that is a seamless and integrated feature of the outer housing of the flashlight itself for interfacing the flashlight with a firearm. The operational modes of the flashlight are controlled by a single push button and a selector switch. To facilitate a highly compact design the flashlight employs two circuitry arrangements positioned remote from one another and in communication with one another via a single conductive trace to operate at a first signal frequency or a second signal frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Emissive Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Galli, Christopher J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8833963
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flashlight with a cylindrical housing and a battery cartridge housed therein so that at least one battery can be removably retained. In order to provide a flashlight in which a faulty slide switch can be fitted or replaced simply and without any extra cost, according to the invention a slide switch is proposed with a slide mounted movably on the housing and a switch lever arranged on the battery cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Zweibrueder Optoelectronics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rainer Opolka
  • Patent number: 8662701
    Abstract: An electrical light or flashlight may comprise: a housing for receiving a battery; an electrical light source in the housing; an electrical switch including an electrically conductive flexible dome providing a switch contact; a controller for selectively energizing and de-energizing the electrical light source, wherein said controller is programmable responsive to closures or openings or both of the electrical switch, or to a time therebetween, or to continuous closure or opening thereof, or to a combination thereof, for operating the light source in predetermined operating states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Streamlight, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond L. Sharrah, Peter J. Ziegenfuss, Mark W. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20140049952
    Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-pressing apparatus for flashlight, comprising a space provided on one end of the flashlight, a dialing piece inserted into a slot adjacent to the space, a pressing piece provided on a perforation having the dialing piece inserted therein, a restraining piece corresponding to an outer end of the pressing piece on the central perforation of the flashlight in order to restrain the pressing piece to move upward and downward only; whereby during use of the anti-pressing assembly of the flashlight, only the push portion of the dialing pieces is required to be dialed to another side to drive the blocker of the dialing piece to rotate to a lower position underneath the protruding section of the pressing piece in order to restrain the downward movement of the pressing piece and accidental pressing down on the power of the flashing can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Hsueh-Chu Yeh
  • Patent number: 8641227
    Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-pressing apparatus for flashlight, comprising a space provided on one end of the flashlight, a dialing piece inserted into a slot adjacent to the space, a pressing piece provided on a perforation having the dialing piece inserted therein, a restraining piece corresponding to an outer end of the pressing piece on the central perforation of the flashlight in order to restrain the pressing piece to move upward and downward only; whereby during use of the anti-pressing assembly of the flashlight, only the push portion of the dialing pieces is required to be dialed to another side to drive the blocker of the dialing piece to rotate to a lower position underneath the protruding section of the pressing piece in order to restrain the downward movement of the pressing piece and accidental pressing down on the power of the flashing can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Shih-Hao Wang
    Inventor: Hsueh-Chu Yeh
  • Patent number: 8550654
    Abstract: A lighting assembly includes a receptacle having a bore, a lighting device having a light source, a retention mechanism, and a switch recessed within the bore of the receptacle. The retention mechanism may be configured to removably retain at least a portion of the lighting device within the bore of the receptacle. The switch may be configured to provide electrical energy to the light source in response to axial movement of at least a portion of the lighting device toward the base of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Safeseeker Inc., LLC
    Inventor: Mark C. Olsen
  • Patent number: 8545044
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flashlight with a flashlight casing and a push switch, latching switch or rotary switch contained in an end cap having a switch housing in which a first and a second contact engage. According to the invention, the first contact is a leaf spring engaging in direct electrical connection directly against the electrically conductive flashlight casing or directly against the electrically conductive end cap that is also detachably connected to the flashlight casing, the second contact being a bent leaf spring outside the switch housing directly connected to a power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Zweibrueder Optoelectronics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rainer Opolka
  • Publication number: 20130135849
    Abstract: An electrical light or flashlight may comprise: a housing for receiving a battery; an electrical light source in the housing; an electrical switch including an electrically conductive flexible dome providing a switch contact; a controller for selectively energizing and de-energizing the electrical light source, wherein said controller is programmable responsive to closures or openings or both of the electrical switch, or to a time therebetween, or to continuous closure or opening thereof, or to a combination thereof, for operating the light source in predetermined operating states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: STREAMLIGHT, INC.
    Inventor: Streamlight, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8425078
    Abstract: Various lighting devices and related methods are provided. In one example, a portable lighting device includes a light source, lighting control circuitry, a body, and a tailcap assembly attached to an end of the body. The tailcap assembly includes a multi-position joystick adapted to pivot relative to the body in response to lateral pressure and move vertically relative to the body in response to vertical pressure. The tailcap assembly also includes switches adapted to provide signals to the lighting control circuitry in response to pivot movement and vertical movement of the joystick. The lighting control circuitry is adapted to operate the light source in response to the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Ammar Burayez, Luis M. Sanchez, William A. Hunt, Michael D. Picciotta, Andrew CastaƱeda
  • Patent number: 8388169
    Abstract: A light device is provided that includes a light source and electrical circuitry for supplying electrical power to the light source. The light device also includes a housing having first and second ends and a hollow interior defining a compartment for holding a power source. The housing comprises a woven fiber thermoset composite. The housing is made by applying woven fibers to a mandrel and impregnating the woven fibers with an epoxy and curing the epoxy impregnated woven fibers to form the thermoset composite housing. An electrical interconnect is provided within the housing having first and second resilient contacts for providing an electrical connection between the power source and the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: Eveready Battery Company, Inc., Streamlight, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Crawford, Thomas D. Boris
  • Patent number: 8382313
    Abstract: An electric torch (10) includes a main body (1), a head assembly (2), and a rear assembly (3) releasably engaged with a rear end of the main body. The rear assembly includes a rear cover (31) for enclosing an electrically conductive spring (315), an electrically conductive cathode plate (314), and a magnetic controlled member (313, 318) therein. The spring is electrically engaged between negative terminal (152) of the battery pack and the cathode plate. The magnetic controlled member is disposed between the cathode plate and rear end of the rear cover, and can divert electric current flows in the torch under an attractive force of a magnet. The main body and the rear cover are electrically conductive, and given an electrically nonconductive surface treatment except for certain areas (11-13, 3111-3112, 3121, 3121?, 3122) for electrically connection. The torch is waterproof and multifunctional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Shek Hung Fok
  • Patent number: 8382312
    Abstract: A light device is provided that includes a light source and electrical circuitry for supplying electrical power to the light source. The light device also includes a housing having first and second ends and a hollow interior defining a compartment for holding a power source. The housing comprises a woven fiber thermoset composite. The housing is made by applying woven fibers to a mandrel and impregnating the woven fibers with an epoxy and curing the epoxy impregnated woven fibers to form the thermoset composite housing. An electrical interconnect is provided within the housing having first and second resilient contacts for providing an electrical connection between the power source and the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Eveready Battery Company, Inc., Streamlight, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Crawford, Thomas D. Boris
  • Publication number: 20130044467
    Abstract: A method for making a flashlight housing comprises providing a blank of an electrically conductive material, impact extruding the blank of electrically conductive material to form an elongated hollow member that has an internal cavity open at a first end and that has a reduced inner diameter portion proximate a second end thereof, and coating the elongated hollow member with a coating material. The flashlight housing may have a tail cap, and may have O-rings for sealing at the rearward end of the tail cap, at the forward end of the housing, and/or at the interface between the housing and the tail cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: STREAMLIGHT, INC.
    Inventor: Streamlight, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8376571
    Abstract: Improvements in an emergency switch for an end cap flashlight that allows conducting power to the light source by applying side or rotational force on the end caps of the flashlight. The cap is designed to give faster and more convenient access to light in an emergency, or when needed. The end cap connects to the inner conductor with a castled shape that allows the conductors to be moved in or out alignment to allow or prevent contact. The gasket or washer provides insulation and spacing of the conductors. Side forces on the end cap overcome the spacing of the washer to make electrical contact. The end cap may also support a glass breaking device. The glass breaker is a hardened tip on the end of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Steven Michael Rorick
  • Patent number: 8360598
    Abstract: An electrical light or flashlight may comprise: a housing for receiving a battery; an electrical light source in the housing; an electrical switch including an electrically conductive flexible dome providing a switch contact; a controller for selectively coupling electrical power from a battery to the electrical light source, responsive to the electrical switch for selectively energizing and de-energizing the electrical light source, wherein said controller is programmable responsive to closures or openings or both of the electrical switch, or to a time therebetween, or to continuous closure or opening thereof, or to a combination thereof, for operating the light source in predetermined operating states, and wherein the light source is selectively energizable and de-energizable in predetermined operating states responsive to the electrical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Streamlight, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond L. Sharrah, Peter J. Ziegenfuss, Mark W. Snyder
  • Patent number: 8348454
    Abstract: A flashlight having a handle with a clamp integrated therein, so that the flashlight can be used in either hands-free or in a portable mode. The handle of the flashlight can comprise clamp arms that are biased in a closed position, and can form a clamp, which can be affixed to an object. A battery housing can be disposed between the clamp arms, or one or both of the clamp arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Blackbeam LLC
    Inventors: Louis F. Henry, Justin Cohen
  • Patent number: 8317357
    Abstract: An electronic lighting instrument features separate optical assemblies for flood lighting and spot lighting. The optical assemblies include primary, secondary, and tertiary optical elements. The housing of the instrument features a trilobal cross section and includes dust-and-moisture-sealed push buttons and lenses as part of the housing construction. Self-aligning assemblies to ensure correct electrical and mechanical assembly are provided. The housing also self-aligns with a mating docking station for recharging the instrument batteries in situ. The lighting instrument may be controlled by a microprocessor circuit to provide floodlight and spotlight beams and several operational states thereof depending on the need for illumination or signaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Bayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bijan Bayat, Mark W. Kempter, James L. Newton
  • Patent number: 8292454
    Abstract: An illuminated inflator for inserting into the neck of a balloon includes a gas-tight flange having a periphery, a center, and upper and lower surfaces. A filler tube has upper and lower ends and extends through the flange, with the lower end of the filler tube extending below the lower surface the flange and the upper end of the filler tube extending above the upper surface of the flange. A one-way valve is in flow communication with the filler tube. A light assembly includes a power source and at least one light element electrically connected to the power source. The light assembly is operably mounted to the flange at the upper surface thereof. A switch is operably connected to the power source and the at least one light element for providing power to and isolating power from the at least one light element. The inflator is inserted into the balloon with the flange in the neck of the balloon defining a pressure region boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Chemical Light, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Schrimmer
  • Patent number: 8210707
    Abstract: Provided is an improved flashlight structure applicable to a flashlight for use at special sites. The flashlight structure includes a press switch whose protruding end is constantly received in a recessed area. Therefore, should the flashlight be dropped, with the press switch facing down, the press switch will not be pressed inward (and hence turned on or off) by accident. Also, the flashlight structure includes a partition plate for separating batteries in the flashlight and preventing the batteries from overheating due to close contact. A lighting unit connected to the open end of the flashlight structure is peripherally provided with ribs of different widths for engaging with the corresponding slots and thus positioning the lighting unit properly. An annular isolation portion in the middle section of the press switch is tightly engaged with the inner periphery of an end hole of the flashlight structure to prevent entry of external moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Day Sun Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Ching-Hsiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8182109
    Abstract: Various lighting device implementations and related methods may be used to selectively provide various types of light in response to user-actuated controls. In one example, a lighting device includes a plurality of light sources, a body, a head, and one or more controls adapted to adjust operation of the light sources. The body includes a housing. The head includes a bezel adapted to rotate relative to the body to select between at least a first one of the light sources and a second one of the light sources. The head also includes a lens adapted to rotate eccentrically relative to a centerline of the head in response to rotation of the bezel. The lens includes a light inlet adapted to be selectively positioned over the first light source, the second light source, or neither of the light sources as the lens rotates eccentrically relative to the centerline of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Michael D. Picciotta, William Wells
  • Patent number: 8179532
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are set forth for monitoring lamp condition, comprising directing a beam of light at the lamp, detecting percent transmission of the beam through the lamp, wherein the percent transmission is indicative of lamp blackening, and repeating the directing and detecting of the beam of light periodically to provide an indication of lamp blackening over time, wherein the lamp blackening thereby provides an indication of lamp condition over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc.
    Inventor: John Parkin
  • Patent number: 8147089
    Abstract: Various structures are provided that may be advantageously used in one or more illumination device designs. In one example, a lens is movable among a plurality of light sources to facilitate selection of which light source is used to provide light for the illumination device. In another example, electric power is provided only to the light source that is used to provide light for the illumination device. Rotation of a bezel of the light source can determine which light sources provides light for the light source and which light source receives electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Michael D. Picciotta, William Wells
  • Patent number: 8128255
    Abstract: A structure for securing a conductive strip of a flashlight includes a flashlight main body formed therein with a receiving space for receiving batteries. The receiving space has a lateral surface formed with a groove whose cross-section tapers toward the center of the receiving space and is configured for receiving the conductive strip coupled to a switch assembly, along with an insulating element corresponding in width to the conductive strip and having a predetermined length. Once installed in the flashlight main body, the conductive strip is separated from the batteries in the receiving space, thereby preventing the batteries from overheating, which might otherwise result from direct contact with the conductive strip. The main body further has a rear end coupled with a pressing portion formed of a pliable material such that a switch of the switch assembly is switched on or off by pressing the pressing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Day Sun Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Hsueh-Chu Yeh
  • Patent number: 8096674
    Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing a lighting device with selectable output level switching. In one example, a lighting device includes a light source, a controller adapted to provide one or more signals to control the operation of the light source, a power terminal adapted to receive a power source, and a tailcap assembly. The tailcap assembly includes a tailcap, a push button, and a washer disposed in the tailcap. The washer includes at least one arm adapted to be pushed against a surface to selectively connect the controller to the power terminal in response to a manipulation of the tailcap assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Paul Y. Kim, William A. Hunt, Luis M. Sanchez, Ammar Burayez
  • Publication number: 20110235316
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flashlight with a flashlight casing and a push switch, latching switch or rotary switch contained in an end cap having a switch housing in which a first and a second contact engage. According to the invention, the first contact is a leaf spring engaging in direct electrical connection directly against the electrically conductive flashlight casing or directly against the electrically conductive end cap that is also detachably connected to the flashlight casing, the second contact being a bent leaf spring outside the switch housing directly connected to a power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Rainer Opolka
  • Patent number: 7997756
    Abstract: Improvements in an emergency switch for an end cap flashlight that allows conducting power to the light source by applying side or rotational force on the end caps of the flashlight. The cap is designed to give faster and more convenient access to light in an emergency, or when needed. The end cap connects to the inner conductor with a castled shape that allows the conductors to be moved in or out alignment to allow or prevent contact. The gasket or washer provides insulation and spacing of the conductors. Side forces on the end cap overcome the spacing of the washer to make electrical contact. The end cap may also support a glass breaking device. The glass breaker is a hardened tip on the end of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Steven Michael Rorick
  • Publication number: 20110176296
    Abstract: Improvements in an emergency switch for an end cap flashlight that allows conducting power to the light source by applying side or rotational force on the end caps of the flashlight. The cap is designed to give faster and more convenient access to light in an emergency, or when needed. The end cap connects to the inner conductor with a castled shape that allows the conductors to be moved in or out alignment to allow or prevent contact. The gasket or washer provides insulation and spacing of the conductors. Side forces on the end cap overcome the spacing of the washer to make electrical contact. The end cap may also support a glass breaking device. The glass breaker is a hardened tip on the end of the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: STEVEN MICHAEL RORICK
  • Patent number: 7959317
    Abstract: A lighting device in the form of a handheld flashlight is provided that includes a plurality of light sources. The lighting device also has a tail cap that engages the main body by way of a cam lock wheel to provide a closure to the battery compartment. A ribbon having four traces couples a bottom switch and negative contacts to control circuitry. The lighting device further includes multiple modes of operation having a plurality of switches that provide control in various lighting modes. The lighting device is configured to be powered by one number of batteries supplying a first voltage output and is configured to be powered by a second different number of batteries supplying a second different voltage output, and the batteries are installed in battery compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David A Spartano, Frank F Huang, Waikwong Lam
  • Patent number: 7954978
    Abstract: A pocket-sized flashlight may comprise a hollow cylindrical housing, a solid state light source at a forward end thereof and a switch at a rearward end thereof. The switch selectively connects the solid state light source and two or more batteries, preferably size AAAA batteries, in the housing in circuit for causing the solid state light source to produce light. The pocket-sized flashlight preferably is a relatively long and slim flashlight, wherein its length is between about 12.6 times and about 17.4 times its diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Streamlight, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond L. Sharrah, Charles W. Craft
  • Patent number: 7922350
    Abstract: A plurality of actuators allow an operator to control the status of an illuminator. Rotation of one of the actuators either prevents the illuminator from illuminating, allows an operator to selectively illuminate a person or area of interest with a second actuator, or maintains illumination without maintaining an applied force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: L-3 Insight Technology Incorporated
    Inventor: Cavan Siu
  • Patent number: 7905624
    Abstract: A sturdy compact flashlight has a front castellated crown portion having a series of recessed sharp cutting edges spaced between a series of axial projections which protect the flashlight lens. The cutting edges can be used to stun an assailant in an emergency situation. A rear castellated crown portion has a series of sharp pointed striking corners designed to break through automotive glass in an emergency. The flashlight is designed for ergonomic one-handed operation with a slip-resistant hand grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventors: Glenn Bushee, Jonathan Neal
  • Patent number: 7891833
    Abstract: A rechargeable flashlight is also provided. The flashlight includes a housing having a battery compartment and a light source adjacent a first end of the housing. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides power for the flashlight. A controller circuit serially connected with the battery is operable to control the flow of electricity to and from the battery. Specifically, the controller circuit is operable to disconnect the lithium-ion battery cell from the light source in response to the charge in the lithium-ion battery depleting below a pre-determined lower threshold. The control circuit is further operable to disconnect the lithium-ion battery cell from electrical connection with the first charging contact when the lithium-ion battery is connected with a battery charger and the charge in the lithium-ion battery reaches a pre-determined upper threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Streamlight, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond L Sharrah, Peter J. Ziegenfuss
  • Patent number: 7866841
    Abstract: A flashlight is provided with an end cap which carries an axially-actuated switch for turning the flashlight on and off with a convenient one-handed operation. The switch is designed with a latching function and a mode selection function which can be cycled through high, low and strobed light outputs with a partial throw of the switch. Cut-out portions are provided in the end cap for guiding a user's finger toward the switch and away from the sidewalls of the end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventors: Glenn Bushee, Jonathan Neal
  • Patent number: 7854530
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp structure with a damper. The lamp structure is primarily for installation inside a cabinet. The electrical loop of the lamp structure is electrically connected by opening the door, and the illumination member of the lamp structure generates light to illuminate the interior of the cabinet. Conversely, when the door is closed, the damper is driven to touch the power switch to make the electrical loop of the lamp structure in the electrically disconnected state, and the illumination member no longer generates light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Feton Limited
    Inventors: Cheng Hsiu Wu, Chih Chun Li
  • Patent number: 7850330
    Abstract: A lighting device in the form of a handheld flashlight is provided that includes a plurality of light sources located within a swivel head pivotally connected to a main body. The main body has a yoke portion connected to the swivel head by a head attachment mechanism that includes locking detents to lock the swivel head into one of a plurality of positions. The lighting device also has a tail cap that engages the main body by way of a cam lock wheel to provide a closure to the battery compartment. The lighting device further includes multiple modes of operation having a plurality of switches that provide control in various lighting modes. The lighting device is configured to be powered by one number of batteries supplying a first voltage output and is configured to be powered by a second different number of batteries supplying a second different voltage output, and the batteries are installed in battery compartments and include spring biased contacts for ensuring proper orientation of the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Spartano, Frank F. Huang, Waikwong Lam
  • Patent number: 7850332
    Abstract: A battery cartridge has a casing adapted to releasably hold at least one battery, externally accessible contacts on the casing, and internal circuitry in the casing between the contacts and poles of the battery. A switch is mounted in the casing and connected to the circuitry between one of the poles and the respective contacts for controlling current flow therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Zweibruder Optoelectronics GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Opolka
  • Patent number: 7819547
    Abstract: A switch apparatus for a flashlight includes a housing adapted to attach to a flashlight and defining an interior cavity. A processor is coupled to a first switch and a second switch. The first switch is user actuable and coupled to an input of said processor. The second switch is housed within said interior cavity and coupled to an output of the processor and is an electronically-controlled switch operable to selectively actuate the flashlight in response to actuation of said first switch. In a further aspect, a flashlight apparatus includes the switch apparatus and a flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Wilcox Industries Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Teetzel, Gary M. Lemire
  • Publication number: 20100254124
    Abstract: An electronic lighting instrument features separate optical assemblies for flood lighting and spot lighting. The optical assemblies include primary, secondary, and tertiary optical elements. The housing of the instrument features a trilobal cross section and includes dust-and-moisture-sealed push buttons and lenses as part of the housing construction. Self-aligning assemblies to ensure correct electrical and mechanical assembly are provided. The housing also self-aligns with a mating docking station for recharging the instrument batteries in situ. The lighting instrument may be controlled by a microprocessor circuit to provide floodlight and spotlight beams and several operational states thereof depending on the need for illumination or signaling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Bayco Products, Ltd.
    Inventors: Bijan Bayat, Mark W. Kempter, James L. Newton
  • Patent number: 7806555
    Abstract: A flashlight includes a body, a battery pack held in the body, a rear cover joined on the body, and a push-button switch in the rear cover; the push-button switch includes positive and negative electrodes, and a button part facing a through hole of the rear cover; the battery pack includes a casing, a battery set in the casing, and a socket facing a through hole of the casing; the battery pack includes positive and negative electrodes, which are connected to positive and negative electrodes of the socket; a first elastic component is positioned between and connected to the positive electrodes of the push-button switch and the battery pack; a second elastic component is positioned between and connected to the negative electrodes of the switch and the battery pack; the battery pack can be charged through a charger plugged in the socket while it is still held in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Yun-Zhao Liu
  • Patent number: 7771077
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a tail cap for portable lighting device such as a flashlight. The tail cap includes a locking mechanism which secures the tail cap on the flashlight as well as enables or disables the switch that activates, or deactivates the flashlight and/or its various lighting modes. The tail cap with the present multi-purpose locking mechanism allows the user to rapidly replace the battery, and ensures that the switch and contact pins return to the correct position, after the tail cap is reinserted. The combined use of a magnetic switch and O-ring gasket between the tail cap and main housing ensures complete waterproofing. The ambidextrous switch consisting of either a switch bar or dual push-button switch located on the rear wall of the tail cap allows ambidextrous use, even when the flashlight is mounted on a firearm such as a handgun, where the trigger guard would normally interfere with the operation of a switch mounted on the rear face of the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Rodney H. Miller
  • Patent number: 7771076
    Abstract: A light emitting device includes a housing having a substantially elliptical perimeter and an elongated aperture for accepting the digits of a user's hand. A first light emitting source is positioned in the housing for projecting a beam of light into a distance in front of the user. A second light emitting source is positioned in the housing for projecting a beam of light toward a surface proximate the user's feet. The housing includes a handle between the aperture and the substantially elliptical perimeter for gripping the light emitting device and wherein the elliptical perimeter distributes a weight of the light emitting device substantially evenly across the user's grip to prevent the user's grip from becoming fatigued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Steven Mattheis
  • Publication number: 20100165613
    Abstract: Improvements in an emergency switch for an end cap flashlight that allows conducting power to the light source by applying side or rotational force on the end caps of the flashlight. The cap is designed to give faster and more convenient access to light in an emergency, or when needed. The end cap connects to the inner conductor with a castled shape that allows the conductors to be moved in or out alignment to allow or prevent contact. The gasket or washer provides insulation and spacing of the conductors. Side forces on the end cap overcome the spacing of the washer to make electrical contact. The end cap may also support a glass breaking device. The glass breaker is a hardened tip on the end of the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: STEVEN MICHAEL RORICK
  • Patent number: 7744239
    Abstract: A thermally-insulating, glow-in-the-dark, protection shield and grip for a flashlight. The shield encircles the switch so that the switch cannot inadvertently be turned ON to discharge the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Frank M. Bono
  • Patent number: 7731385
    Abstract: A lighting device includes one or more light sources, one or more switches, and a controller. The lighting device has multiple modes of operation. The controller selects modes of operation according to the one or more switches. The controller controls or operates the one or more light sources according to the selected mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Spartano, John D. Crawford, Joseph P. Gardner, Michael W. Sanders, Scott W. Osiecki, Ronald J. Kingston, Mark A. Ferguson, Kang Woon Au, Wai Kwong Lam, Thomas I. Meyers
  • Patent number: 7722209
    Abstract: A flashlight has a lamp, a power source, two switches, and a controller connected to the switches. The first switch controls delivery of power to the lamp, and the second switch selects a dimmed brightness level. The first switch may invoke the dimmed level, or a maximum brightness level. The second switch may be a ring rotatable about the axis the flashlight, and either rotatable through a wide range of positions, with sensor circuitry to detect the absolute position, or having a limited range of rotation, with dimmed level selection provided by a duration of momentary rotation in either direction. The second switch may be positioned outside a leak resistant housing, and may include a magnet detectable by magnetic field sensors within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Paul Y. Kim, William A. Hunt
  • Patent number: 7674003
    Abstract: An electrical switch comprises first and second switch elements including respective first and second electrically conductive flexible domes for selectively making electrical connections. The second switch element is disposed adjacent the first switch element with an electrical conductor therebetween. An actuator is movable for exerting force on the second switch element via a spring, and for exerting force on the first switch element via the spring and the second switch element. The second flexible dome may have an actuating force that is less than the actuating force of said first flexible dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Streamlight, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond L. Sharrah, Peter J. Ziegenfuss, Mark W. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20100002422
    Abstract: An illuminative device, offers an optical device that is regulated by one hand and a LED circuit board that is sealed in waterproof and quick cooling structure. The illuminator, comprises a main body included a tube container for at least a battery and a narrow tube in the front end, a switch device set in rear end of the main body, which includes a battery cover, a screw thread portion for screwing to the main body, a switch board that sets a trigger on one end and a spring pole on the other end for a connection to the battery, and a elastic switch button that sets on the switch board, an emitting device included a LED circuit board and a tube base as a radiator, and a optical device included a sleeve with an inside circular stop flange at the rear end and an inside screw thread at the front end, a lens that holds at the front end of the sleeve, and a fastening ring with an outside screw thread for fixing the lens into the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Yen-Wei Ho