Position Or Condition Responsive Switch Patents (Class 362/802)
  • Patent number: 5546681
    Abstract: Footwear for improving the visibility of the wearer includes a processing circuit that responds to operation of switch to turn a lighting system disposed in the footwear off and on. The switch is responsive to pressure from the foot of the wearer. When a wearer raises a foot from the ground, the lighting system is activated. When the foot is returned to the ground, or at the expiration of a predetermined period of time, the lighting system is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: L.A. Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Goldston, Jon L. Bemis, William J. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5528475
    Abstract: A control circuit for automobile headlamps which emit light in variable color. The control circuit prevents left and right headlamps from emitting beams of light in different colors. Each headlamp includes a white light bulb, and a yellow globe is moved from a first position to a second position to cover the bulb when yellow light is selected, and the yellow globe is moved back to the first position when white light is selected. If the movement of the globe stops between the first and second positions, the control circuit generates a fault signal for turning off the headlamp associated with the fault, thus preventing the headlamps from emitting light of different colors. Alternatively, the control circuit can adjust the position of the globe for the headlamp without the fault to be in agreement with the position with the headlamp having the fault, such that both headlamps emit light of the same color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Takahashi, Makoto Izawa, Toshihisa Hayami, Hideki Uchida, Takayuki Unno
  • Patent number: 5526249
    Abstract: A light source device including a lamp-exchanging door which is attached/removed when a lamp is replaced and an electrode-connection/separation arrangement for making connection/separation between an electrode of a lamp driving circuit and an electrode of a lamp when the lamp-exchanging door is attached/removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isamu Karasawa, Toshiaki Noguchi, Masato Toda, Masanobu Koitabashi, Keiji Handa, Akihiro Amemiya, Yoshihiro Okada, Toshiaki Nishikori, Tsuguhisa Sasai, Kazufumi Takamizawa
  • Patent number: 5523927
    Abstract: An illuminated collar. The illuminated collar includes a collar for placement on an animal, at least one light emitting diode placed on the outer exterior of the collar to be visible when the collar is worn, a motion sensitive switch designed to respond to the motion of the animal an on/off switch to selectively turn on or off battery power to the circuit, a battery, a timing circuit, and a low battery power detection circuit. The light emitting diodes, motion sensitive switch, on/off switch, battery, timing circuit and low battery detection circuit are connected together. The timing circuit is triggered by the open and close state of the motion sensitive switch which extinguishes illumination of the light emitting diodes after a predetermined duration, to thereby prevent constant and re-illumination of the light emitting diodes before the motion sensitive switch can change state from open to close again. An intermittent flashing of the light emitting diodes will thus be established for constant movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: James A. Gokey
  • Patent number: 5523929
    Abstract: A light emission apparatus that emits light to draw people's attention at night includes a solar cell, a storage battery, a control unit; a light-emiting diode, and a transparent or partly transparent case. The control unit performs control in such a way that in the daytime the solar cell that receives sunlight charges the storage battery and, at night the light-emitting diode emits light or blinks by the electricity supplied from the storage battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Musashino Kikuo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehiko Ogihara
  • Patent number: 5523741
    Abstract: A children's Christmas Stocking device useful for visually signalling the arrival of Santa Claus by illuminating an externally visable light source having a power source located within said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas Cane
  • Patent number: 5521806
    Abstract: A utility emergency light assembly for vehicles, machinery, or the like detachably mounted by a slide coupling to a mounting bracket attached to the vehicle or machine. The light assembly has a compact, space-saving profile and includes a housing having a lamp assembly mounted within a spool journaled in the housing for reeling and unreeling a power cord, enabling movement of the assembly to areas of the vehicle where light is needed. A cap substantially closes the housing and includes a lens located over the lamp assembly. The lamp assembly is sealed within the spool, while the remainder of the housing is open to allow water drainage and to prevent the accumulation of moisture and debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Barry W. Hutzel, Jon K. Nisper, Adam Deck, David Fry, Hassel J. Savard, Jr., Robert Arterburn
  • Patent number: 5513397
    Abstract: A new and improved toilet seat light comprised of a cylindrical container having a small shelf secured therein. The small shelf having an electrical contact plate thereon. A U-shaped on/off switch is secured within the cylindrical container parallel the small shelf. The on/off switch has an electrical contact plate thereon. A spring is secured to the U-shaped on/off switch and to the small shelf of the upper chamber of the cylindrical container. A small light bulb is secured within the cylindrical container. An upper wire couples the light bulb with the electrical contact plate of the U-shaped on/off switch. A power source is secured within the cylindrical container. A lid is removably secured to the cylindrical container. The lid serves to provide access to the power source therein. A lower wire couples the electrical contact plate of the small shelf to the power source. A securement bracket is secured to the cylindrical container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Terry
  • Patent number: 5508892
    Abstract: Light processing apparatus creates visual effects with light from a light source. An input bundle of flexible fibre optic light guides receives light from the light source. A reconfiguration plate reconfigures the output ends of the light guides into a plurality of separated input zones of selected shape. A filter having colored areas shaped to correlate with the input zones filters the light. An output bundle of flexible fibre optic light guides distributes the light transmitted through the filter. A configuring plate configures the input ends of the output bundle of light guides into output zones which correlate with the input zones. The filter may be a rotatable color wheel or a computer-controlled liquid crystal display. When the filter is activated, the colored areas change colors, thereby creating various visual effects, such as painting with light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: H Space Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Laczynski, James S. Angus
  • Patent number: 5504287
    Abstract: A lamp assembly for use in an automotive applications which contains a switching assembly and a light bulb. The assembly may be mounted on the underside of an automobile hood or trunk and illuminates on angular movement of the hood or trunk. The switching assembly operates through the movement of a sphere within a tube which rests on a pivot block. The movement of the sphere within the tube causes a contact to engage and disengage from two terminals of a bridge switch. When the trunk or hood is closed the contact is disengaged and the light bulb is off. However, when the assembly is rotated 26.degree. from its position when the trunk or hood is closed, the contact bridges the terminals of the bridge switch and the light bulb illuminates. The contact disengages as the trunk or hood closes past 26.degree. and before 10.degree. from its closed position, and the bulb turns off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Stewart-Warner Hobbs Corporation
    Inventor: Albert B. Cable
  • Patent number: 5504662
    Abstract: A safety bicycle saddle flashing light device including: a saddle mounted on the seat pillar of a bicycle, which saddle having a protective outer covering, a rigid inside covering disposed inside the protective outer covering, a foamed lining fastened to the protective outer covering on the inside and disposed between the protective outer covering and the rigid inside covering, and flash light disposed at a rear side outside the saddle; a control switch disposed inside the saddle, which control switch will be triggered to drive the flash light, when a person sits on said saddle, causing the flash light to flash at a low frequency; a DC power supply unit electrically connected to the flash light through the control switch; and a quick-flash starter mounted on the rear brake system of the bicycle and controlled to drive the flash light, when the rear brake cable of the rear brake of the bicycle is pulled up, causing it to flash at a high frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Wen-Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 5499168
    Abstract: A device for regulating a light width of headlights of motor vehicles comprises an adjusting device associated with one of the headlights, a transmitter which emits electromagnetic radiation to illuminate a region of a roadway located in front of the motor vehicle, an opto-electronic sensor which determines radiation emitted by the transmitter and reflected by the roadway and in dependence on the detected radiation produces signals, an evaluating device which processes the produced signals and controls the adjusting device for maintaining constant a light width of a beam emitted by the headlights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Cochard, Frieder Heizmann
  • Patent number: 5499171
    Abstract: A door lock illumination apparatus is provided for illuminating a door lock assembly carried by a dwelling door which is adjacent to a dwelling door frame and which is in close proximity to a storm door and to an AC power source. The door lock illumination apparatus includes a storm-door-responsive switch assembly mounted on a portion of the dwelling door frame. An AC-powered illumination source is mounted on a portion of the dwelling door frame in proximity to the door lock assembly. A first conductor assembly is connected between the AC-powered illumination source and the storm-door-responsive switch assembly. A second conductor assembly is connected between the storm-door-responsive switch assembly and the AC power source, and a third conductor assembly is connected between the AC-powered illumination source and the AC power source. The storm-door-responsive switch assembly includes a normally closed switch. A storm-door-contacting switch actuator contacts the storm door when the storm door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventors: Dixie L. Simpson, Mike Simpson
  • Patent number: 5497307
    Abstract: An illuminating jewelry includes a housing containing a mercury switch, a mercury battery, a cap containing a light bulb, and a clipping member for clipping to the wearer, whereby anytime the illuminating jewelry is moved, the jewelry illuminates in a blinking manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventors: Tae H. Bae, Sang Y. Bae, Sang I. Bae
  • Patent number: 5497302
    Abstract: A lighted hubcap for a hub on a wheel of an automobile, comprising a round cover that snaps onto the hub. A structure in the round cover is for illuminating the round cover. A facility in the round cover is for supplying electrical power to the illuminating structure, only when the automobile moves along and rotates the wheel with the round cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Walter O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 5489891
    Abstract: Disclosed is a touch-programmable lighting and security device in the form of a stand lamp which can be programmed to provide illumination by means of an AC bulb or DC bulb in conjunction with parameters including the ambient light level, presence of people, and AC mains power failure. In one embodiment, this novel lighting and security device includes a transmitter which transmits an Alarm signal to a remote receiver upon detection of an intruder. This user friendly device conveniently plugs into any wall power outlet by means of a suitable length of cable and it can be easily programmed by touching different nonmetallic areas of the device. In one embodiment, four indicator lights in the form of LEDs are provided to identify its prevailing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Noval Controls SDN BHD
    Inventors: Chong Khai Diong, Kian Thaw Choong
  • Patent number: 5479325
    Abstract: An item of headgear attached with an EL light strip or strips includes a direct current power source for providing a direct current, a switch electrically connected to the direct current power source, a direct current/alternating current converter electrically connected to direct current power source via the switch for converting the direct current from the direct current power source to an alternating current with a predetermined frequency, a transformer electrically connected to the direct current/alternating current converter for amplifying the alternating current therefrom to have a predetermined voltage, a function stage electrically connected to the transformer for generating different pulses in response to reception the alternating current from the transformer, at least one EL light strip electrically connected to the function stage for receiving the pulses and activated thereby to light, a transparent enclosure for receiving the EL light strip therein, a colored transparent ink print or a nontranspare
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 5477428
    Abstract: A gravity-actuated switch having a switch module with a switch housing and a lid. An electrically conductive pendulum is pivotally secured to the lid via a pivot pin so that the pendulum hangs within the housing and pivots with respect to the housing under the influence of gravity. A first electrical contact connectable to a power source abuts the pivot pin, which is electrically conductive. A second electrical contact is provided within the housing in a predetermined position such that the pendulum makes contact with it when the switch module is tilted by a predetermined amount. When the pendulum makes contact with the second electrical contact, a short circuit is provided across the pair of contacts, thus closing the switch. The switch is incorporated in a lamp assembly provided on the underside of the hood or trunk lid of an automobile to selectively provide power to a lamp so that the lamp is illuminated only when the hood or trunk lid is opened by at least a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Micro Craft, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Brown, Kenneth A. Eklov, Ranjit D. Wickremasinghe
  • Patent number: 5475572
    Abstract: A light emitting roller for roller skates, including a roller body having a center axle hole for mounting on a wheel axle, an annular groove around said center axle hole at an outer side, a battery chamber and two opposite through holes at said annular groove; an annular circuit board mounted within the annular groove on the roller, having a plurality of light emitting elements controlled to emit light through the through holes on the roller body, an automatic switch, an opening, two contact metal plates at two opposite sides of the opening, and a battery cell connected between the contact metal plates and mounted within the battery chamber on the roller to provide electric power supply to the light emitting elements through the automatic switch; and an annular cap mounted within the annular groove on the roller to hold down the annular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Shen-Ko Tseng
  • Patent number: 5473515
    Abstract: A photo-coupled control apparatus for vehicle auxiliary lighting system comprises a combination of a photo coupling set. The set includes a control light emitter assembly and a control light sensor assembly. The control light emitter assembly is attached to the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle, and has a light emitting device for emitting light signals. The control light sensor assembly is attached to the exterior surface of the windshield at a location opposite the location of the control light emitter assembly across the windshield, and has a light sensing device for receiving the light signals emitted by the light emitting device of the control light emitter assembly. A switch is connected to an electrical power source for providing electric power to the light emitting device of the control light emitter assembly when the switch is turned on for emitting the light signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Young Deer Enterprise Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Edward Liu
  • Patent number: 5465198
    Abstract: A combination appliance including the features of a radio, a clock and a light fixture and an electrical receptacle operated by alternating current. The combination appliance would be constructed such that a common three prong alternating current electrical connector would extend from the back of the appliance powering a common electrical bus within the casing of the appliance, to which the various features, the radio, clock and light fixture, which may or may not be switched, would be operatively connected. In addition, the appliance would provide a receptacle, operatively connected to the electrical bus, to accept a common two or three prong electrical connector to provide power to other alternating current operated appliances. In addition, the appliance may provide with its circuitry a ground fault interrupter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: Diane L. Kellogg
  • Patent number: 5465197
    Abstract: A portable light includes a shell which defines an opening. The shell is linked to a lens so as to cover the opening therein. A printed circuit board (PCB) is contained in the shell. The PCB is operatively connected with a light emitting diode (LED) for flashing and a vibration-sensitive switch for controlling the LED. The PCB is operatively connected with a metal strip. A dry battery is disposed between the PCB and the metal strip. The shell can be linked to a buckle for attaching the portable light to a shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 5463537
    Abstract: A device capable of flashing upon movement of the device comprising at least one light emitting diode having a first preformed conductor connected to a cathode of the diode and a second preformed conductor connected to an anode of the diode; a first arrangement to provide a power source having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, the negative terminal being connected to the first conductor; a normally open contact lever coupled to the positive terminal capable of closing a connection to the second conductor resulting in light being emitted from the diode; and a second arrangement associated with the lever responsive to movement of the device to cause intermittent closing of the connection to the second conductor resulting in the diode flashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventors: Burton C. Trattner, Wes LeMarr
  • Patent number: 5461551
    Abstract: A portable drakroom safelight which incorporates several features which enhance its usefulness in a darkroom. The portable safelight includes a lamp, a safelight filter, rechargeable batteries, a light sensor, and control means. The safelight filter filters all light produced by the lamp, thus making the safelight safe for use in a darkroom and with photosensitive materials. A surface mounting bracket or stand supports the portable safelight and includes a transformer for converting household electric current into low voltage direct current suitable for use by the portable safelight. When the portable safelight is removed from the mounting bracket it automatically switches to operate from the rechargeable batteries and its illumination level is automatically reduced. The lamp is automatically turned off or on when the light sensor detects the presence or absence of ambient white light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Magill W. Clayton
  • Patent number: 5457900
    Abstract: A piece of footwear (12) includes a stroboscopic display device (10). The display device (10) includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (14) along a single array. The plurality of LEDs 14 are strobed or switched on and off through a set non-random fashion such that the plurality of LEDs (14) display a two-dimensional graphic image when the footwear (12) is moved through a step. A control (16) calculates the velocity of the step to determine the rate at which the LEDs (14) are to be strobed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventors: Avery J. Roy
  • Patent number: 5450302
    Abstract: An outdoor illumination system having a dimmed and bright mode and is a moprocessor-based, dimming photocontrol unit for reducing the energy consumed by single, outdoor high intensity discharge light fixtures by combining a dimming and photocontrol circuit into one unit which plugs directly into the existing photocontrol jack located on most outdoor high intensity discharge fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Hanron T. Maase, William R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5441434
    Abstract: A magnetic conveyance system uses magnetic drivers within a tube having pressurized fluid moving therethrough. The magnetic drivers have magnets mounted at an angle other than 90 degrees to the central axis of the tube. Outside of the tube, a cart has a magnet thereon and is moved by magnetic force interaction when the driver is moved by pressure of the fluid, preferably a liquid such as water. A number of balls flow in the tube and keep the magnetic drivers spaced apart. The balls also serve to push the magnetic drivers as the balls are more directly pushed by the pressure of the fluid. A water wheel is connected by gears to an index wheel and serves to keep the balls, and thus the magnetic drivers and associated carts, moving in the proper direction. The carts may be configured as model cars, trucks, and other such vehicles which move on a board having a simulated road surface with the pressurized fluid tube mounted thereunder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Caulkins
  • Patent number: 5442532
    Abstract: The decorative fixtures of the present invention enable azimuthal directivity of the infrared detector in order to adjust the directivity of the infrared detector about a vertical axis in a manner which is aesthetically compatible with the decorative nature of the fixture. In one embodiment, a hexagonal fixture is turnable about a horizontal axis to pivot not only the infrared detector, but the motion detection circuitry as well. In another embodiment, the motion detection circuitry and the infrared detector are physically separate within the decorative fixture, enabling the infrared detector to pivot within a circular portion of the decorative fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Pace Control Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Boulos, Syed M. A. Hussain
  • Patent number: 5442527
    Abstract: A lighting control system for a tractor is disclosed wherein the various lights on the tractor are controlled through a pair of switch devices. The first lighting control switch is a rotary switch controlling the macro positions of the lighting operation from an off position to selected combinations of groups of lights on the vehicle. The second lighting control switch is operable to select individual lights within respective groups. The electronic instrument cluster upon which the lighting control switches are mounted includes a memory to store the last selected combination of selected individual lights to permit the same combination of lights to illuminate automatically whenever the main control switch is moved from the off position to the appropriate on position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent M. Wichelt
  • Patent number: 5438491
    Abstract: A vehicular sun visor having a lighted vanity-mirror and sliding door is provided with a fixed lens aligned with a lamp at one end of the mirror and a lens which moves with the door into alignment with the lamp at the other end of the mirror. An automatic brightening intensity circuit is provided. Automatic motor drive is also provided for the sliding door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Jay Roberts Company
    Inventor: Jay R. White
  • Patent number: 5434378
    Abstract: A switch inhibitor assembly provided with a multi-position switch is operable for inhibiting movement of an actuator of the switch to a predetermined one of the multiple positions, such as an ON position of a succession of OFF, AUTO and ON positions, of the switch. The actuator is movable between the multiple positions along an elongated channel. The switch inhibitor assembly includes a slide actuator movable along an elongated slot which extends in a generally transverse relationship to the elongated channel. The slide actuator is movable between blocking and unblocking positions relative to and toward and away from the elongated channel. At the blocking position, a portion of the slide actuator extends across a portion of the elongated channel and thereby prevents movement of the switch actuator from the other positions of the switch along the portion of the elongated channel to the predetermined one position thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas M. McLean
  • Patent number: 5434757
    Abstract: To allow smooth access to such elements as operating knobs for power window switches and a door lock switch provided in a unit panel in the night time lighting condition, the entire surface of an escutcheon panel mounted on the unit panel is defined as a switch operating part for an illuminating lamp which illuminates the elements to be accessed. The illuminating lamp may be lighted up for a prescribed time period to illuminate the escutcheon panel when the switch operating part is touched so that unnecessary consumption of electric power may be avoided. The escutcheon panel may be made of at lease semi-transparent plastic so that light from an illuminating lamp placed behind the escutcheon panel may be transmitted through the escutcheon panel. Alternatively, the element to be accessed such as a switch knob mounted on the escutcheon panel may be made of at lease semi-transparent plastic so that illuminating light may be transmitted therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Kasai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 5434764
    Abstract: A lighting fixture with infra-red responsive motion detector unit incorporated into the fixture design. The lighting fixture includes a motion detector housing forming an integral part of the lighting fixture body and having a generally convexo-convex shape fitting in with the decorative styling of the fixture body. The bottom portion of the housing has a bottom wall containing an azimuthally extending lens aperture. A plastic lens member is positioned in the lens aperture and is formed to conform to the convex bottom wall so that the lens member appears to form a continuous portion of the wall. The lens member defines a plurality of Fresnel lenses which are disposed to direct infra-red radiation from an object in their aggregate field of view to an infra-red sensor mounted within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Intelectron Products Company
    Inventors: Wade P. Lee, Donald R. Sandell
  • Patent number: 5428512
    Abstract: An improved sidelighting arrangement, device and method of controlling sidelight illumination of a motor vehicle during cornering employing two sets of side lamps, one for each side of the vehicle. The sidelighting arrangement apparatus includes a steering wheel angle sensor mounted on the column of the steering wheel for detecting a change in steering angle, a turn indicator sensor for detecting actuation of the turn indicator, a microprocessor for outputting an electrical signal to selectively illuminate a set of side lamps mounted on the side of the vehicle for controlling illumination of the sidelights during cornering of the motor vehicle responsive to the steering wheel in actuation of the turn signal for improved visibility for the operator of the vehicle and for improved safety of operation thereof by providing notice to other drivers of the cornering condition of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Alexander A. Mouzas
  • Patent number: 5418697
    Abstract: A signal lamp assembly including a casing fixed to the spokes of a bicycle wheel, two tubular, light permeable lampshades connected to two opposite ends of the casing, and a lamp circuit unit installed in the casing and the lampshades and consisting of a battery, a manual switch, a reversing switch, and a series of light emitting diodes disposed in the lampshades and controlled to give light by the manual switch and the reversing switch, wherein the reversing switch is alternatively switched on and off when the bicycle wheel is turned round and round after the manual switch is switched on, causing the light emitting diodes to flash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Danny Chiou
  • Patent number: 5416675
    Abstract: An automatically operated, moving illuminated display for a helmet, disposed upon the rear thereof. The display is mounted on a module which adheres to the exterior of the helmet, as by hook and loop fastener. The illuminated display is provided by a series or matrix of light emitting diodes mounted to the module. Controlling electronic circuitry, a battery cell, and one of two actuating switches are also disposed upon the module. One actuating switch, located within the helmet and connected to the module by a cable, is a contact responsive switch which is tripped when the user dons the helmet. The other switch, mounted to the module, is a light sensor, which is exposed to ambient light and is responsive to fading daylight. At a predetermined ambient light level, and when the helmet is donned, power is supplied to the controller. The controller sequentially illuminates the LED display in stages, thus creating the visual impression of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Robert J. DeBeaux
  • Patent number: 5404280
    Abstract: A novel, remote controlled telescope flashlight is provided for use for a telescope operating in darkness. As an optical eyepiece is removed from the remote control eyepiece holder of the telescope, an automatic switch is thrown that powers the telescope flashlight. This flashlight, attached to the tripod leg of the telescope, illuminates the tripod tray where other eyepieces are stored. The automatic, instantaneous illumination makes the process of removing and replacing eyepieces faster and easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventors: John Greek, Adam Stein
  • Patent number: 5392200
    Abstract: A circuit for providing illumination on a wheel hub cap comprises a plurality of electric lights, adapted to be arranged on the hub cap; an electric battery, adapted to be arranged on the hub cap; and at least one inertial switch connected electrically in series between the battery and the electric lights and adapted to be arranged on the hub cap in spaced relationship to the central axis of the hub cap and with such orientation as to be closed by centrifugal force upon rotation of the hub cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Marcus K. Milde
  • Patent number: 5390085
    Abstract: A light diffuser (100) for illuminating a display (304) comprises a rectangular light distributor (108) which is coupled to a light director (208) located along an edge normal to a major axis (110) of the light distributor (108). The light director (208) directs light received from a lamp (14) into the light distributor (108). The light distributor (108) has a polished, planar top surface (210) and a bottom surface (112) comprising a predetermined serration pattern oriented normal to the major axis (110) of the rectangular light distributor (108). The predetermined serration pattern comprises a plurality of grooves (116, 118, 120) having a predetermined pitch gradient corresponding thereto. The plurality of grooves (116, 118, 120) further have roughened surfaces for diffusing light impinging thereon toward the polished, planar top surface (210) of the light distributor (108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerardo M. Mari-Roca, Lori Vaughn, Jeffrey S. King, Kevin W. Jelley, Alan G. Chen, George T. Valliath
  • Patent number: 5381323
    Abstract: A lighting fixture having a new and improved sensor housing and an adjustable mast arm. The sensor housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall having a first lead aperture for establishing electrical and mechanical connections between a proximity sensor and a source of electrical power, a transition wall, a pair of side walls, and at least one drain aperture located between the transition wall and the bottom wall. A first partition wall is located between the bottom wall and the transition wall. The first partition wall extends between the pair of side walls to form a cavity including at least one drain aperture for preventing the accumulation of water in the sensor housing. An adjustable mast arm is connected between the base and the sensor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Regent Lighting Corporation
    Inventors: Mitchell M. Osteen, Suleyman O. Sumer, Charles L. Dozier, Santiago Singarayar
  • Patent number: 5371662
    Abstract: A movement-controlled light emitting device includes a conductive swivel device rotatably fastened inside a casing mounted on a sports shoe and oscillated to intermittently connect the two opposite ends of a light emitting circuit as the shoe is moved, causing the light emitting element of the light emitting circuit to emit light intermittently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Tseng Shen-Ko
  • Patent number: 5359501
    Abstract: A belt having a holder attached centrally to the belt, and a light housing attached to the holder. The holder contains a switch adjacent to the light housing such that the rotation of the light housing away from the holder causes the switch to close lighting the bulb. The light housing rotates around a flex strip and is guided and held in position by a ridged adjustment band which is fixed to the holder and slidably attached to the light housing. The light housing contains a light socket with a light bulb. The socket is attached to a truncated conical reflective surface which is disposed within a truncated conical shaped shell forming a light housing. The light switch is electrically connected to the switch and to batteries contained within the holder. The switching safety light is switched on and off by the positioning of the light housing relative to the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Katrine B. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5357410
    Abstract: A fishing pole where the outermost section of the fishing pole is capable of being illuminated. The illumination of the outermost section is to be selectable by the user to not be illuminated, be illuminated continuously or to be illuminated only when the outermost section of the rod of the fishing pole is jerked which occurs when a fish is attempting to take the bait which is connected at the outer end of the fishing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Inventors: Michael J. Cota, Anthony J. Cota
  • Patent number: 5356329
    Abstract: A ridable toy which is adapted to be rocked by a child has a body on which the child may sit to rock the toy, a translucent portion, and a centrifugally operated light display visible through the translucent portion. The light display is caused to spin and light up by an arcuate rack drive system which is responsive to the rocking motion induced in the toy by the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Handi-Pac, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest L. Thornell
  • Patent number: 5349330
    Abstract: Disclosed is a touch-programmable lighting and security device in the form of a stand lamp which can be programmed to provide illumination by means of an AC bulb or DC bulb in conjunction with parameters including the ambient light level, presence of people, and AC mains power failure. In one embodiment, this novel lighting and security device includes a transmitter which transmits an Alarm signal to a remote receiver upon detection of an intruder. This user friendly device conveniently plugs into any wall power outlet by means of a suitable length of cable and it can be easily programmed by touching different nonmetallic areas of the device. In one embodiment, four indicator lights in the form of LEDs are provided to identify its prevailing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Inventors: Chong K. Diong, Kian T. Choong
  • Patent number: 5339223
    Abstract: A system for controlling the amount of light radiation directed upon an infant from a fiberoptic phototherapy pad by feedback from a light detector that itself is a fiberoptic pad. The fiberoptic detecting pad receives and detects the light density radiation over an area and is located intermediate the normal fiberoptic phototherapy pad and the infant and therefore is in the best position to detect accurately, the light impinging upon the infant. In some embodiments, the light detector pad is manufactured as part of the fiberoptic phototherapy pad itself as a unitary construction. Light readily travels through the light detector to the infant, yet the light detector senses the light intensity and density of the light passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Ohmeda Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Kremenchugsky, Anthony Buttitta
  • Patent number: 5335160
    Abstract: An improved outdoor lighting system is provided that comprises a light assembly formed from at least one tubular mast having a distal end for supporting an electrically powered light source, and a proximal end mounted in the ground, and an electrical cable for connecting the light source to an underground power source. The improved system includes an electrical connector assembly in the cable located in the vicinity of the ground-mounted distal end of the tubular mast. The electrical connector assembly spontaneously disconnects in response to an application of an tensile force indicative of an automobile collision with the mast, thereby preventing damaging tensile forces from being transmitted along the underground portion of the cable to the circuit breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Duraline
    Inventor: Paul F. Savoca
  • Patent number: 5333101
    Abstract: A bicycle safety light is mounted on the spoke of a bicycle wheel for rotation with the wheel. The light includes a light transmitting, refractive housing with an internal light and light operating circuit. The light is driven by a flasher circuit to produce a flickering effect. The flasher circuit itself is initiated by a motion sensor that senses any motion of the bicycle wheel. A time delay sustains operation of the flickering light for a predetermined period between activations of the motion sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Western Crown Management Inc.
    Inventor: Paul McEvoy
  • Patent number: 5309145
    Abstract: A clock, a lamp, an alarm, a motion detector and a smoke alarm are advantageously combined in a travel device which provides the user with both convenience and security when travelling. The motion detector detects motion and controls the delivery of an alarm signal and/or the delivery of light from the lamp. If motion occurs under circumstances suggesting that an intruder is present or if smoke is detected, the alarm signal and the degree of illumination alert the user to a potential security concern. If motion occurs under circumstances indicating the user is present and engaging in normal activities, the illumination is sufficient for those activities. If motion is not detected during a predetermined time period, suggesting that the user has gone to sleep, the illumination is ended. The alarm and the illumination may also be activated by clock functions, thereby achieving alarm clock functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Samsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Allan C. Branch, Gregory W. O'Connor, Barbara A. Thurston
  • Patent number: 5307250
    Abstract: A light-up coaster for beer bottles, and the like, has an outer housing in which is vertically-slidable an inner housing. The upper surface of the inner housing is used to support a bottle thereon, and a spring biases the inner housing upwardly. A pair of switches are controlled by the movement of the inner housing. The first switch is a normally-closed switch, and the second switch is a normally open switch. The two switches are arranged in series with a light bulb and battery power-source. When there is no bottle supported on the upper surface of the inner housing, the upper surface of the inner housing is raised by the spring to its highest level and into abutting contact with an interior, upper, annular lip of the outer housing. In this state, the first switch is closed but the second switch is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Stephen J. Pearson