Abstract: A lightweight emergency lighting system capable of arrangement into various subjective configurations is provided. A housing member supports a plurality of individual lighting elements mounted on a common semi-rigid bus bar. The upper configuration of the housing members is capable of a directional transmission of light towards a predetermined field angle, while the lower configuration is adaptable for mounting the lighting elements. The upper housing member can have an interior surface of a prismatic configuration to provide a refraction and reflection of light in combination with the exterior surface. The lighting elements, such as L.E.D.'s, can be excited through a pulsing circuit to maximize the light output while conserving power from an auxiliary battery source.

Abstract: An emergency light, designed primarily for use in residences, comprises a trapezoidal-shaped box to be mounted above an exit door or other emergency object and having a downwardly and inwardly inclined front face formed of a translucent material bearing the word EXIT or other appropriate directive, and a horizontal bottom wall of transparent or translucent material, the housing containing one or more lights for illuminating the front face to illuminate the directive thereon and to cast light forwardly and downwardly through the front face and downwardly through the bottom wall to illuminate the exit door or other emergency object and the surrounding area to facilitate location of and access to the object; the light or lights preferably being energized at 6, 9 or 12 volts to provide for economy of use and operation.

Abstract: A combined lighting system for a building interior includes a stack of luminescent solar concentrators (LSC), an optical conduit made of preferably optical fibers for transmitting daylight from the LSC stack, a collimating lens set at an angle, a fixture for receiving the daylight at one end and for distributing the daylight as illumination inside the building, an artificial light source at the other end of the fixture for directing artifical light into the fixture for distribution as illumination inside the building, an automatic dimmer/brightener for the artificial light source, and a daylight sensor positioned near to the LSC stack for controlling the automatic dimmer/brightener in response to the daylight sensed. The system also has a reflector positioned behind the artificial light source and a fan for exhausting heated air out of the fixture during summer and for forcing heated air into the fixture for passage into the building interior during winter.

Abstract: A light switch plate having a rearwardly opening housing for removably holding an AA battery is detachably mountable over a conventional wall mounted 110 volt AC light switch. An LED mounted on the front of the housing is connected to the battery through an integrated circuit oscillator which flashes the LED. A phototransistor is also mounted on the front of the housing and is connected in the circuit for disabling the flashing of the LED except when the room is dark. The flashing LED provides an eye catching signal so that a person can more readily locate the light switch in the dark. The circuit has extremely lower current drain on the battery permitting operation for a year without requiring battery replacement.

Abstract: Improved visual effects which are quite pleasing are obtained by illuminating paintings with a lighting system comprising at least two light sources directed on the art work from in front and above, and in front and to the side, respectively, with at least one of the light sources varied in intensity from a maximum to a minimum, the other light source maintaining at least a minimum amount of illumination when the one light source reaches it minimum.

Abstract: A lighting unit for indirect illumination of an area. The unit has a reflective surface contoured to direct reflected light rays from a source generally upward at predetermined angles for reflection by a surface above the lighting unit providing a symmetrical lighting pattern over the area to be illuminated. The reflective surface is contoured so as to eliminate glare interference to the area to be illuminated by controlling the angle of emanation of the light rays from the lighting unit.

Abstract: A rechargeable lamp assembly utilizing recharging contacts and a mounting unit for recharging purposes that contains mating contacts so that the lamp unit may be recharged when mounted on the mounting unit. The mounting unit includes another set of electrical contacts of the same configuration as those on the lamp unit. Thus a recharging unit for generating a recharging current may be utilized which is connectable either to the mounting unit, to recharge the lamp unit mounted thereon, or directly to the lamp unit. The lamp unit circuitry is adapted to accept any of a number of different recharging units, so as to provide for recharging from a battery source, an AC source, and an AC source with input power-failure indication. The bulb in the lamp unit may be releasably connected to the battery, so that the battery potential may be taken off as an independent power supply for another load, if desired.

Abstract: A lighting device operable with solar beams propagating through and emitting from the optical wave guides. A pair of spaced concave and convex reflecting members are provided to effectively diffuse the solar beams issuing from the exit end of the optical wave guides. One of the reflecting members may be constituted by a mirrored electric bulb in order to ensure the lighting device to operate also by electric power.

Abstract: A multiple lamp system for use with fiber optic light guide for automatically switching from a main lamp to a standby lamp upon failure of the former. A solenoid is employed with the inductor in the circuit of the main lamp to overcome the bias of the switch in the standby lamp circuit to keep the former open. When the main lamp fails causing interruption of current flow, the switch closes thereby permitting energization of the standby lamp. An indicator is provided to show which lamp is functioning.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting system for use on a vehicle with the system including two sets of low beam driving lights and switching circuits for switching from one set to the other in the event of one of the sets failing.

Abstract: A free standing outdoor telephone booth is provided with a photo voltaic (PV) array, one or more rechargeable storage batteries and electrical control circuit which includes a temperature compensated control for limiting the supply of electrical energy from the PV array to the rechargeable battery to avoid over charging the battery, an ambient light (solar insolation) sensing circuit for controlling the electrical lamp load, to turn the lamp ON during dark ambient and OFF during light ambient conditions. In addition, the total discharge limit of the storage battery is controlled to a safe operating limit and a means is disclosed to power a fluorescent lamp at energy conserving intensities with energy derived from the rechargeable storage battery. The lamp control circuitry is preferably constituted by a high frequency power inverter with regulated output power to energize a low wattage fluorescent lamp and to dim the fluorescent lamp when the telephone is not in use.

Abstract: A lighted exit sign comprising a light transmitting plate having a viewing side and upper and lower edges onto which light can be projected for transmission into the plate for viewing from the viewing side. Upper and lower printed circuit boards are supported close to the upper and lower edges of the plate. A plurality of small incandescent light bulbs are secured to the upper and lower circuit boards for producing light when energized for projection onto the upper and lower edges for transmission into the plate for viewing from the viewing side. A white, light reflecting layer is formed on the side of the plate opposite the viewing side. The letters EXIT are formed on the viewing side in two layers. The first layer is white in color and is secured directly to the viewing side. The second layer is preferably red in color and is secured to the first layer. A transformer is employed for converting an A C voltage to a level below the rated voltage of the bulbs and to a level above the rated voltage of the bulbs.

Abstract: At least one, and preferably two, flashable lights are positioned near an exit door and are actuated in case of an emergency such as a fire or interruption of power. The lights are preferably located near the floor on opposite sides of the exit and are energized by emergency power supply batteries upon interruption of the main power supply. The main power supplied to the system may be interrupted by a fire detector device, and the system includes means for commencing the operation of the flashable lights upon any such interruption. Th flashable lights are preferably discharge tube photoflash lamps which are capable of emitting high intensity flashes.

Abstract: A lampchanger preferably for use in a railroad signal lantern having a focusing lens which includes a horizontally rotatable turret adapted to support a plurality of lamps for indexing one of the lamps to the focal point of the lens. The turret includes a plurality of bayonet sockets for holding a lamp in which the sockets have resilient sides which taper inwardly away from the turret body for accurately securing the lamp in position. The turret includes a contact insulator having a radially extending slot adjacent each of the sockets with a power contact positioned in each of the slots. Each power contact includes a circular ridge for engaging the bottom of a lamp positioned in a socket for cleaning and making a good contact with the lamp. A power brush engages the rotatable turret and is positioned to engage the power contact and engages the slot of the insulator positioned in lamp operating position for mechanically holding the turret in position.

Abstract: A portable light having a housing which can be selectively mounted onto a support surface. A socket is supported on the housing and holds a bulb in a position externally visible from the housing. An externally manipulatable switch is provided on the housing. Within the housing there is provided circuit means including terminals having a first connecting section for connecting to an internal battery source and second connecting section for connecting to an external energy source. The various parts of the circuit are interconnected in series circuit relationship so that the switch operates the bulb.

Abstract: A linear switch assembly comprises a planar plate secured to the inner wall of a housing for a light source. A carriage member has a first slot positioned within the edge of the plate member and a second shorter slot on a top adjacent surface. The plate has an extending rigid rod positioned within the second slot to allow the carriage to move along the plate member in a linear direction. Associated with the carriage member are first and second lamp assemblies each having an associated actuatable switch. As the carriage is moved the rod coacts with an operating lever associated with each switch to actuate the switch when the associated lamp assembly is moved into a proper position whereby power is supplied to each lamp assembly only when at the proper operating position.

Abstract: The power/switcher module, bi-filament light bulb, and light bulb socket, of this invention are assembled with standard lamp industry hardware and fittings to provide a lamp fixture with conventional utility increased by the addition of an integrated automatic emergency lighting capability. Normal ON/OFF use of the lamp, while connected to household line current, also provides light bulb filament current for maintaining a full charge on a rechargeable storage battery. The loss of charging current through line current power failure, filament burn out, or selective disconnection by removal of the portable cord, immediately switches on the other filament to battery power, extending the emergency use to that of a portable lantern. Restoration of line current and/or a burned out filament automatically reverts the lamp to normal operation.

Abstract: In order to provide for automatic replacement of lamp bulbs (lamps) when they fail to illuminate and to enhance the reliability of signal lamps, such as those which signal oncoming trains as they move along railway tracks, a plurality of lamps are disposed angularly spaced from each other on one side of a turntable which is rotatable under spring bias to bring the lamps successively into positions in alignment with the lens of the signal lamp. A latching mechanism having a latch member incorporated into the turntable and a detent member operated by a solenoid provides for releasable engagement of the turntable so as to enable it to move between the successive positions.

Abstract: A photoelectric measuring apparatus includes a measuring scale and a scanning unit including at least one photosensitive element for generating a scanning signal in response to light incident on the scanned region of the scale. First and second light sources are included, as well as a mechanism for selecting either of the first and second light sources such that light from the selected light sources is directed at the scanned region of the scale. A slider mechanism, a turntable, a movable mirror, or a movable prism can be used to select either the first or second light sources. In addition, a circuit is disclosed which provides separate first and second balancing circuits for the respective light sources, such that rebalancing the measuring instrument is not required when the selecting mechanism is used to select a different light source.

Abstract: A balancing circuit for a digital, photoelectric length or angle measuring system which includes a measuring scale, first and second light sources for illuminating the scale, and photosensitive scanning elements for measuring light modulated by the scale. The disclosed balancing circuit includes a separate balancing branch for each of the light sources. Each balancing branch is separately adjustable, and each balancing branch serves to provide an equal light signal use to compensate for the average intensity of the respective light source. Preferably, only one of the two light sources is activated at any given time, and the two balancing branches are arranged so that the balancing branch associated with the activated light source is not adversely influenced by the balancing branch associated with the non-activated light source.

Abstract: A lighting system for supplying AC power normally, and DC power on an emergency basis selectively, to electron discharge devices, particularly fluorescent lamps; thus, the AC or DC power is furnished over common lines to a high frequency inverter associated with each lamp or lamp fixture; the arrangement is such that substantially no extra wire or wiring is required for the emergency lighting, whether the installation be a new one or retrofitted. In the latter case, new style electronic ballasts replace the old or core type ballasts in those fixtures that are to provide the emergency lighting; such electronic ballasts including the aforesaid inverter capabilities.

Abstract: An illumination control device for regulating the illumination in a controlled lighting area responds to natural illumination to control artificial lighting. The illumination control device turns the artificial light on and off at independently variable natural illumination levels to provide a hysteresis between the turn-on and turn-off points of the artificial lights. In addition, a variable time delay is included in the illumination control device to delay the turn-off of the lights for a variable period of time after the natural light level has risen above the level required for artificial light turn-off. Furthermore, the illumination control device includes a circuit for turning on all of the lights, regardless of the natural illumination level, when the circuit is initially energized so that the lights can be checked by maintenance personnel.

Abstract: A sunlight collector, containing a Fresnel lens, is mounted on the roof of a building and tracks the sun during daylight hours. A concentrated beam of sunlight is directed through a light transmission channel to locations within the building where the light is distributed. The transmission channel utilizes a focusing lens for further concentrating the solar beam, refocusing lenses for correcting divergences in the beam, reflectors for redirecting the beam, and beam splitters for distributing the beam into light fixtures located throughout the interior of the building. The light fixtures contain filters for controlling the intensity and spectral content of the incoming beam, and optical elements for dispersing the beam. Additionally, the fixture contains rigidly mounted fluorescent tubes, providing artificial light, which are automatically energized when the solar light is insufficient for lighting purposes.

Abstract: A lampchanger for a light, such as a navigational light, having a rotatable turret for holding a plurality of lamps, fixed power contacts for engaging and lighting the lamp positioned in the operating position, and means for rotating the turret thereby placing a new lamp into operating position when a lamp burns out. The turret includes a body and a clamp yieldably urged against the body for releasably holding and locking the lamps between the clamp and the body. Lamps may slide into a tapered slot between the body and the spring-loaded clamp and are locked into place. Tilting the lamp towards the spring-loaded clamp releases the lamp. A stop limits the movement of the clamp on removing one lamp without releasing other lamps. The turret is of metal and has cooling fins for radiating heat energy. The electrical power contacts include a flat spring contact spiraling outward from the turret axis to pierce any oxides on the lamp contacts in advance of reaching the operating position.

Abstract: A single active element performs the multiple functions of regulating DC voltage level from an AC source supplied to charge a battery and of coupling the battery to power an emergency system such as an emergency lighting system upon loss of the AC source. Preferably, the single active element also performs a third function of disconnecting the battery from the emergency system in time to prevent over discharge and consequent permanent damage to the battery.

Abstract: An emergency light unit is disclosed in which a relay controlled low voltage bulb is initially responsive to line voltage and alternately responsive to battery voltage. A test switch is included to permit instant determination of line voltage and battery status.

Abstract: A mechanism for substituting a replacement headlight for a burned out or broken one. The mechanism includes a rotating disk and pneumatic actuating mechanism therefor. The actuating mechanism control is operable by the driver from the inside of the vehicle without requiring either stopping the engine or alighting from the vehicle.

Abstract: A light source arranged to be illuminated automatically upon failure of the normal electricity supply to a room, building or the like. The light source comprises a lamp housing containing a bulb, batteries and switch, and a base on which the lamp housing can be mounted. One part of an electromagnet including an energizing winding is mounted in the base and the other part is mounted in the torch housing such that when the housing is mounted on the base and an a.c. supply is made to the base, the two parts of the electromagnet are mutually attracted and the housing is held securely on the base. If the a.c. supply is interrupted the electromagnet is de-energized, allowing the housing to be removed from the base and, at the same time, the switch is operated to connect the batteries to supply current to the bulb.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mercury floodlight fixture assembly and method adapted for being mounted on a conventional outlet box as an improved replacement for an incandescent-type floodlight assembly. A novel bracket and hook member are used to support the relatively heavy ballast housing during installation after which the hook member is removed and the bracket member is utilized to support the housing.

Abstract: Arrangement for adjusting headlights wherein the lightbeam of the headlight to be adjusted is incident through a convergent lens onto a frosted glass screen, characterized in that the output of a television camera for picking-up the brightness picture on the frosted glass screen is connected through a non-linear amplifier to the input of a monitor.

Abstract: A position sensor for a rotatable lamp changer turret having a plurality of lamps which are rotated in sequence to an operating position as the lamps burn out. A circular cam is positioned on the turret that includes a first position indicating portion for each of the lamps for indicating when each of the lamps is in the operating position. The cam includes a second position indicating portion for indicating that all of the lamps have been rotated past the operating position. The second position indicating means is located for stopping the turret in a position with all the lamps out of the operating position for providing a visual alarm indication. A cam follower engages the cam and in turn actuates electrical switch means for controlling rotation of the turret. A third cam portion is positioned between each of the first cam portions for actuating the cam follower and the switch means for maintaining turret rotation until the first cam portions are engaged by the cam follower.

Abstract: A power failure light for monitoring a power line and for illumination upon the interruption of power therefrom includes a light bulb, a rechargeable battery, a power supply providing charging current for the battery, a pair of diodes connecting the battery across the power supply, a pair of cascaded transistors connecting the bulb across the battery with the base-emitter junctions of the transistors connected across the diodes to thereby sense the condition of the power line. The base-emitter junctions are reversed biased by the pulsating voltage across the diodes, and a timing network, including a resistor across the power supply and a capacitor across the diodes, maintains the reverse biased condition of the junctions between the voltage pulses.

Abstract: An explosion-proof emergency light. The emergency light includes an explosion-proof housing containing a rechargeable battery, a sealed-beam light and emergency electronics for providing a charging current for the battery and for connecting the sealed-beam light to the battery upon loss of AC line voltage. Access is provided to the interior of the explosion-proof emergency light through a circular cover containing an explosion-proof glass window through which emergency illumination is provided. The sealed-beam light is located eccentrically with respect to the glass window; and indicator lights for denoting the charge state of the rechargeable battery and the presence of AC current are mounted above the sealed-beam light, both being disposed in the cresent-shaped area formed by the aforesaid eccentric mounting, so as to be visible from the exterior of the explosion-proof emergency lamp.

Abstract: A battery charger circuit for providing a charging current to a rechargeable battery from AC line voltage. The charger circuit is especially adapted for use in an emergency light and includes circuitry to provide automatic charging current shut-off when the battery is fully charged. Failure of AC power is detected by the charger circuit, and current is applied to an emergency lamp in response to such failure. Circuitry is included for monitoring the charge state of the battery and for interrupting discharge current to the lamp from the battery when the charge state falls below a predetermined limit. Provision is included for use of the battery charger circuit in a portable lantern configuration.

Abstract: A self-contained maintenance-free emergency lighting system involving a housing including a tough plastic cover so as to protect the system from vandalism; in order to test the system to determine whether it is operating properly, i.e., such that the emergency battery supply will furnish power to the emergency lamp, a magnetically operated test switch is included within the housing. By such feature, no external projection of a switch or the like is required. An arrangement is also provided for allowing the emergency lamp or bulb to float; that is to say, to preclude any kind of shock to the dome or cover from causing breakage of such lamp. Also, the plastic dome is extremely difficult to remove in that a tamper-proof screw is provided which is not readily visible nor is it readily accessible. An electrical circuit arrangement is also provided which includes a transfer relay which is normally open.

Abstract: A lamp system for a light projector for continuous light projection upon burn-out of a main lamp. A main lamp with a highly directional light pattern is mounted to the frame for light pattern alignment with the optical axis of the projection lens. A spare lamp is mounted at a location remote from the optical axis. Electronic circuitry detects failure of the main lamp and energizes the spare lamp. A mirror pivots about a point remote from the optical axis for positioning the mirror between the first position which does not effect nor obstruct light transmission between the main lamp and the projection lens and between a second position where the mirror reflects light from the automatically energized spare lamp along the optical axis of the projection lens upon failure of the main lamp.

Abstract: In order to provide for automatic replacement of lamp bulbs (lamps) when they fail to illuminate and to enhance the reliability of signal lamps, such as those which signal oncoming trains as they move along railway tracks, a plurality of lamps are disposed angularly spaced from each other on one side of a turntable which is rotatable under spring bias to bring the lamps successively into positions in alignment with the lens of the signal lamp. A latching mechanism having a latch member incorporated into the turntable and a detent member operated by a solenoid provides for releasable engagement of the turntable so as to enable it to move between the successive positions.