Abstract: A retractable light/sound system for mounting on the eave of a structure includes a housing and an output subassembly. A hinge pivotably interconnects the housing and the output subassembly whereby the latter is pivotable between a retracted/stored position and an extended/display position. The output subassembly includes multiple lights and/or loudspeakers and provides output in response to input power and/or control signals from any control subsystem, which can include a microprocessor adapted for preprogramming to activate the output components in response to certain, predetermined input source conditions. The system is adapted for mounting on or in soffits, or on building fascias integrally with gutters.

Abstract: A chain controlled lamp stand with multi-stage light modulation includes a control device to modulate brightness of a lamp. The control device consists of a chain-controlled switch and a light modulation circuit board controlled by the chain-controlled switch to modulate the brightness of the lamp. The chain-controlled switch in the lamp stand is combined with a rotatable disc, which can be actuated to rotate at its original location by a pull chain. The rotable disc is assembled thereon with a conducting metal contact strip, and the light modulation circuit board is provided with multi-stage connecting strips, which are able to change, and control voltage waveform. Thus, the metal contact strip is actuated to contact respectively with the multi-stage connecting strips to carry out multi-stage light modulation of the lamp stand.

Abstract: An electroluminescent device includes one or more electroluminescent laminates attached onto a bottom surface of a base panel and one or more patterns attached onto an upper surface of the base panel. The patterns each may include two or more spaces having different material of different brightnesses to generate light of different brightness through the different materials when the electroluminescent laminate is energized. The patterns may include one or more outer peripheral spaces formed around the other inner peripheral surfaces, to generate light of different brightnesses.

Abstract: A Reading and Writing Assistant (RW) device has a foldable case for placing reading material in an open and readable position. A retractable light is housed within the case and connected to a battery with sliding contacts. The battery is connected to the sliding contacts with a switch that is OFF when the light is in a stored position and ON when said light is in position to illuminate the reading material. The RW device has a pocket for holding writing material, writing instrument and an electronic dictionary. An option allows the electronic dictionary to be coupled to a slider which attaches to a flexible guide extending from one side of the case to the other parallel to the top edge of the reading material. The electronic dictionary may be moved and placed on the page not being read allowing easy user access. A strap or zipper secures the RW device when closed.

Abstract: For good health, exposure to a variety of wavelengths is needed. A balance in the exposure from day to day and throughout the year is necessary. Avoidance of overexposure by having moderation in the exposure is essential to prevent skin cancer and other disorders. The present invention can enhance the probability for good health and reduce the risk of diseases associated with solar radiation exposure and diet for those person with deficient, excess or non-balanced exposure and diet. A key feature of the invention is the use of whole body exposure when possible. This enables the use of very low irradiances for short periods. This results in an overall reduction in the risk of skin cancer. Several techniques are included to increase the UV-B exposure.

Abstract: A wheel incorporating a flashing light feature includes a power source, a plurality of lighting elements and a flashing circuit to selectively provide lighting signals to the plurality of lighting elements. The wheel incorporating a flashing light feature further includes at least two motion switches to activate the flashing circuit. The at least two motion switches include a spring having a fixed end and a free end and a metal cap positioned proximate the free end of the spring for electrical engagement by the free end of the spring. Examples of articles with a wheel incorporating a flashing light feature include scooters, roller skates, in line skates, roller shoes and other types of wheeled footwear.

Abstract: A light for a barbecue grill is provided. The light has a housing mounted to the lid of a barbecue grill, and the housing contains a light source, a power source, a controller and a switch. The switch may be a manual switch or an automatic tilt switch. The switches manipulate illumination of the light sources when the lid of the barbecue grill is opened.

Abstract: A compact, battery-powered LED lighting device having manual and/or magnetically actuatable switches, a microprocessor and timer is used in a retaining system that includes a first retaining pouch for receiving the lighting device and a second retaining pouch for holding a magnet, the retainers being secured to opposing sidewalls of a container, such as a ladies handbag or a briefcase, so that when the container is opened a magnetic switch in the lighting device closes the circuit actuating the LED to illuminate the interior contents of the container for a predetermined period of time. The manual switch can be used to override the timed illumination and to turn the LED on or off at any time.

Abstract: An illuminated clothing or footwear article system utilizing electro-luminescent light strips and/or LED's, which are randomly illuminated according to the movement of the person wearing said article(s). Illumination control is accomplished by means of a DC to AC converter and various type switches. Such switches include a random pressure switch, a random or controlled sequencer, a orbiter random motion switch or combinations of such switches. Such switching allows for random or sequenced illumination of light strips or LED's based on user movement.

Abstract: A low-power illumination apparatus may be used in areas where conventional incandescent illumination would be unsafe, especially to children or small pets. The apparatus may be configured to appear as a window candle and can be safely installed in windows which are easily accessible to children. Safe application is accomplished by supplying a low-wattage bulb with a low voltage, providing a resettably-fused bulb supply within the apparatus to prohibit the use of high-wattage bulbs and an interlocking base attached to the window frame which prevents the apparatus from being inadvertently removed or tipped over.

Abstract: A lighted hat is provided that in one embodiment includes a crown, a bill extending from the crown, and at least one light source positioned to direct light through a light-transmissive portion of the bill. The light-transmissive portion may include one or more indicia which are highlighted by light from the light source.

Abstract: Disclosed is a full-color light emitting device with four leads in which three light emitting diode chips thereof having different light emission wavelengths can be individually controlled to realize emission of light beams of more diverse colors, while having a simplified connection structure, so that the light emitting device can be implemented even in the case in which a limited bonding area is provided. The device includes first through third sub-lead frames respectively having first through third leads, a main lead frame having a fourth lead, and a reflecting cup formed at one end of the fourth lead, and first through third light emitting diodes (LEDs) of different light emitting wavelengths mounted on a bottom surface of the reflecting cup. Each of the LEDs has first and second electrodes of different characteristics. The first electrode of the first LED and the first electrode of the second LED are commonly electrically connected to the first lead of the first sub-lead frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides an indicator system for an appliance to notify an appliance operator that an operable temperature is reached by an element of the appliance. The indicator system comprises a light source that provides light to a linear light enhancer. The linear light enhancer transmits light from the light source along the length of the linear light enhancer, to increase the ability of an appliance operator to observe the light from the light source. The light enhancer is an optical fiber or a light tube. The invention is also directed to the incorporation of such indicator systems in appliances that require a heating period, such as for example, laminators.

Abstract: A Cycle Wheel Safety Light System uses double-sided shaped A-C electro-luminescent light panels, spaced about the wheels of a bicycle. A DC battery powers the panels via a DC-AC inverter. Alternatively, an alternator mounted between the wheel axle and frame utilizes the bicycle rider's motive power as the source of energy. Another variation combining the best features of both the battery and inverter is use of an alternator to charge (via a rectifier) a smaller battery or other energy storage device such as a ‘supercap’. The panels may be of various colors to improve the “WOW!” factor and encourage adolescent use.

Abstract: An evacuation lighting system comprising a plurality of lights, control circuitry and a power providing system. The lights comprise low voltage lights which are at least one of embedded in, and positioned proximate, a ground surface. The control circuitry is electrically coupled to the plurality of lights. The power providing system is electrically coupled to at least one of the control circuitry and the plurality of lights. The power providing system further comprises a UPS power supply, a grid power supply and a source switching circuitry capable of selecting one of the UPS power supply and the grid power supply. The control circuitry is capable of selectively controlling each of the plurality of lights, to, in turn, direct an individual in an evacuation. A method for using the same is likewise provided.

Abstract: A direct-type backlight module with photo sensors has a plurality of lamps, a plurality of the photo sensors for detecting illumination of corresponding lamps, a comparative and arithmetic unit for processing signals generated by the photo sensors, and a main lamp driving loop for receiving feedback signals generated by the comparative and arithmetic unit and adjusting a lamp current voltage outputted by a minor lamp driving loop of each lamp, so as to achieve an uniform illumination of each lamp.

Abstract: A beverage accessory device having a housing with a cavity therein, a buoyant filler within the cavity, a buoyancy-reducing feature to incrementally decrease the buoyancy of the device, a straw receptacle attached to the housing, and a switchable light-source within the cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus for back-lit illumination of key designation characters in a keypad has a plurality of individual translucent key cores arranged in a planar pattern, with a base membrane disposed between key cores and fitting around each key at least the outer ends of the key cores except for the key designation characters. An elastomeric, electroluminescent lamp (EEL) is held in assembly between the inner ends of the key cores and a domed switch panel, so as to illuminate the designation characters when activated and deform locally when a key is depressed.

Abstract: A tumbler for holding a liquid beverage, comprising a liquid holding portion having a flat opaque base with a domed light transmitting portion proximate the center thereof, means defining a bottom chamber with an area for indicia of branding, a circuit containing a battery for lighting an LED, a transistor switch, a resistor for desired impedance, and the LED, which is connected to the circuit and has a light emitting portion disposed in the dome, and wherein a portion of the base defines an amplifying lens. The bottom chamber is fixed to the liquid holding portion.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp that includes an integrated sensor for interacting with an operating environment of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle lamp includes a sensor and a light channel adapted to transmit data received by the sensor. The vehicle lamp can also include a flat wire that has a component integrally formed by the light channel. A vehicle illumination and data transmission system is also provided. The system includes vehicle lamps according to the present invention, and can include sensor processors located within each of a plurality of lamps, or sensor processors that are centrally located within the vehicle. A system processor is connected to the sensor processors and enables operating decisions based upon data received from the environment by the sensors.

Abstract: An energy saving type of light emitting diode lamp is disclosed. In such a manner, the human body sensor may be used to detect existence of the human body. Thus, the LED lamp is disposed at a low illuminance state normally, and may be converted into a high illuminance state when the human body approaches. In addition, the light sensor may be used to detect the environmental illuminance. Thus, when the environmental illuminance is insufficient, the light source is fully opened or half opened, and when the environmental illuminance is sufficient, the light source is closed. In such a manner, the LED lamp may be operated by a high power with a large current during a short time, so that the LED lamp consumes less electricity, has a long lifetime, and saves energy highly.

Abstract: A device for helping children overcome nighttime fears includes a housing, a power supply, a switch, a means for emitting light and a faux transmitting member. When activated, the device produces a light to visibly indicate it is operating. The faux transmitter member in combination with the light convinces a child that signals are being emitted to protect the child and repel unwanted creatures. The light may be a flashing LED. The device may further include a light sensor for activation in the dark, a manual adjustment for adjusting the flashing rate of the LED and hanging means for suspending the device from an object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flashlight having two switches, an on-off switch and an intermittent switch. The on-off switch allows the flashlight to be placed in either the on position or the off position. The intermittent switch allows the flashlight to be in the on position only when the switch is depressed and manually held down by the user. The presence of both switches provides the user with the flexibility of using the flashlight in either the on/off mode or the intermittent mode.

Abstract: A concealed safety light is described where the light source is integrated and mounted into a switch or power outlet wiring device. The light source is controlled by a circuit that detects ambient light and turns on the light source in the event of a power failure when it is dark. The resulting safety light is concealed in a standard wiring junction box and trimmed with conventional wall cover plate.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electrical device includes installing a switch return mechanism upon a previously installed wall switch, the switch return mechanism causing the wall switch to return to an on state after being switched to an off state; plugging a power cord of the electrical device into a controller; and plugging the controller into an outlet controlled by the wall switch. The controller is configure to control application of power to the electrical device in response to a change of state of the wall switch and in response to a change of state of at least one other switch.

Abstract: An LED illuminator with the capability of stale brightness, which has the function of emergent lighting and night lighting, is disclosed. The disclosed LED illuminator has a charging unit, a switching unit, a detecting unit and a voltage-stabilizing unit. The detecting unit is adopted for detecting the brightness of the light in the light. The charging unit is used for charging the battery module of the LED illuminator, while the switching unit is used for replacing the power supply with the battery when needing emergent lighting. The voltage-stabilizing unit is adopted for adjusting the working voltage to keep the brightness stable during the LED illuminating period.

Abstract: The present invention is a lighting device for illuminating backyards, gardens, driveways, sidewalks, patios and other areas outside the house. A top post fits over a lower posts. An electrical cable has one end inserted into a conventional power outlet and its other end passes through the lower post and terminates in a female connector. A second electrical cable passes through the upper post, and has a male plug that is inserted into the female connector. At the other end of this cable are the various lamps, fitted on the top posts.

Abstract: A light-sensitive sensor unit, in particular for automatic switching of lighting devices, preferably in motor vehicles, including at least two light-sensitive sensors, at least one first sensor detecting the global lighting conditions, and at least one second sensor detecting the lighting conditions in predetermined directions. All light guide elements provided for the sensors are joined in one piece to form a light guide body.

Abstract: A light emitting decoration includes a light emitter such as a bulb, an electrical conductor attached to the light emitter, and a body formed of wax at least partially encasing the electrical conductor. A movement sensing switch is connected to a PCB that controls the light emitter.

Abstract: Light source devices for photography using LED elements as a light source known in the prior art provide insufficient quantity of light, and the inability to avoid size increases in order to generate a sufficient quantity of light has been problematic. A photography light source device 1 according to the present invention has a light source comprising a plurality of LED elements 2 generating white light or light of the three primaries and arranged in one or more rows parallel with the direction of the longer side of the photograph, a case 3 having a lens on which linear fresnel cuts 3a have been applied in a linear direction parallel to the arrangement direction is mounted on the LED element 2, and upon lighting of the LED element 2, drive is performed with a current of between 3 and 50 times the magnitude of the rated current thereof and a lighting duration of between 10 and 600 msec.

Abstract: A night light device removably attaches to the underside of a toilet seat lid. When the lid is raised, light from a high-intensity LED is directed downwardly, at an angle, to illuminate the interior of the toilet bowl. The device is functional with the toilet seat in either the lowered or raised position to accommodate both male and female users. The device includes a timer circuit which, when energized, activates the LED. A switch is responsive to raised movement of the seat lid to energize the timer circuit for a fixed or adjustable time interval, so that the user can safely exit the bathroom, after using the toilet, with the assistance of the illuminating glow of the LED. At the end of the fixed or adjusted time interval, the device shuts off and remains in a default mode until reactivated by lifting the seat lid, thereby conserving battery power.

Abstract: A novelty translucent liquid container provides a separately compartmented electronic assembly with a multiplicity of bulbs for flashing distribution of light throughout the container. The production and distribution of flashing light throughout a liquid in the container generates a pleasant and dynamic luminescent effect rendering the container useful, as a promotional item or novelty item for a business establishment, business, product, or service. The container includes a vessel having translucent circumferential or polygonal side walls and a separate segregated compartment preferably formed at the base of the container for housing the flashing electronic device. A circuit board with a multiple light bulb flashing capability in the form of LEDs operates within the separate compartment to effect blinking lights through the vessel causing a dynamic luminescent effect throughout the liquid container.

Abstract: An ice dispenser. The ice dispenser may include an ice hopper for holding the ice and a lighting system positioned about the ice hopper for illuminating the ice. The lighting system may include a number of light emitting diodes.

Abstract: A color coded home visitor greeting lamp system comprises a circuit board having an electric port with the circuit board connected to a controller, a light bulb having a bulb base detachably mounted in the port where the light bulb is blinkable under control of the controller, a flashing member removably provided between the bulb base and the port, and a substantially transparent covering detachably mounted over the board. The covering has hook rails and slide panels so that the slide panels are detachably slid in the hook rails.

Abstract: A beverage container holder and lighting arrangement is provided having a base and a wall defining a space for receiving a beverage container. A power source having a first and second conducting means is provided The power source is in electrical communication with a light source. When placed in the beverage container holder and lighting arrangement of the present invention, a beverage container having an appropriate label will complete a circuit and, thereby, cause the light source to be illuminated.

Abstract: A music jukebox includes a music reproduction system, a title rack assembly, a cabinet for the title rack and a lighting system for the cabinet. The lighting system includes at least one lighting assembly producing light within a field of view of a user viewing the title rack. The jukebox further includes a control system that is operative to detect the presence of a user at the cabinet. The control operates the lighting system in an attract mode when the control does not detect the presence of a user at the cabinet and a viewing mode when the control system does detect the presence of a user at the cabinet.

Abstract: Footwear or foot-driven articles with speed threshold indicative luminous signal generator in which luminous signals are emitted when the motion speed of the footwear or the foot-driven article has reached a pre-determined threshold. The luminous signals above the threshold can be varied according to the speed above that threshold in a pre-determined manner.

Abstract: The present invention is a lighting device for illuminating backyards, gardens, driveways, walkways, patios and other areas outside the house. A top post fits over a lower post. An electrical cable has one end inserted into a conventional power outlet and its other end passes through the lower post and terminates in a female connector. A second electrical cable passes through the upper post, and has a male plug that is inserted into the female connector. At the other end of this cable are the various lamps, fitted on the top post.

Abstract: A full-color shoe light device has at least a color-mixing LED, a power source, a vibration switch and a control IC. The color-mixing LED is several light-emitting chips of different colors, and is used to generate light of various colors. The power source provides electricity for the color-mixing LED. The vibration switch generates and sends a trigger signal to the control IC when vibrated. The control IC generates a drive signal to drive the color-mixing LED to emit multiple color variations in a flashing episode after receiving the trigger signal. When a wearer wearing a shoe with the full-color shoe light device installed therein walks, multiple color variations can be displayed along with his or her steps.

Abstract: A shoe light device with multiple color variations has at least a color-mixing LED, a power source, a vibration switch and a control IC. The color-mixing LED has several light-emitting chips of different colors, and is used to generate light of various colors. The power source provides electricity for the color-mixing LED. The vibration switch generates a trigger signal to the control IC when shocked. The control IC generates a drive signal to drive the color-mixing LED to flash a single-color light at least once after receiving the trigger signal. The color-mixing LED flashes a different single-color light each time according to a light color table determining the color variation order and frequency after receiving the drive signal. When a user wearing a shoe with the shoe light device installed therein walks, variations of different single-color lights can be displayed along with his steps.

Abstract: A method for predicting headlamp reflector temperature comprising receiving a headlamp type and transmitting a request for an input parameter value responsive to the headlamp type. The input parameter value is received in response to transmitting the request. A transfer function is executed in response to the input parameter and the headlamp type and the execution results in a predicted maximum reflector temperature. The predicted maximum reflector temperature is then output.

Abstract: An emergency light signal adapted to be mounted to a motor vehicle using at least one motor vehicle license plate mounting bolt. The light signal is comprised of a signal housing having at least one high-intensity light-emitting diode deriving power from circuitry which when activated from within the passenger compartment of a vehicle, generates a brilliant flashing signal to draw the attention of nearby vehicles or pedestrians. The switch within the passenger compartment may be hardwired to the signal housing or alternatively may be activated by remote control. The light signal may draw power from either the vehicle's own battery, or may be powered by a separate voltage source.

Abstract: An illumination device is provided which can reduce a movement blur and a tailing phenomenon on a motion picture display while a drop in display brightness is suppressed, and which can suppress power consumption, can be made small and light, and can prolong the lifetime, and a liquid crystal display device using the same is provided. A light source control part of a control circuit synchronizes a latch pulse signal outputted from a gate driver control part to a gate driver, and outputs light emission control signals to respective light source power supply circuits. The respective light source power supply circuits change emission states of cold cathode fluorescent lamps to one of a first to a third emission states on the basis of the inputted light emission control signals, and illuminate an LCD panel from a rear surface of a display area.

Abstract: A container having a light operatively connected to a motion detector. The motion detector is attached to the lid of the container and a light is attached to the inside of the container. When motion detector detects movement, the light will automatically turn on.

Abstract: A lighted vessel, container or other item and a base unit for same. The base unit includes a resealable watertight housing that contains a light source. A mechanism is provided that activates and de-activates the light source in a manner that in non-invasive of said housing. This mechanism preferably includes magnetic actuation.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for a motion activated decorative light connectable to a predetermined article. A housing connects the light to the article. A power source is positioned within the housing for energizing a light source. A switch is connected to the power source and to the light source so as to energize the light source responsive to motion. The housing comprises a material which allows light from the light source to shine through so that it may be seen by a person observing the moving vehicle, and preferably includes a fluorescent material excited by an LED which emits ultraviolet light. The light may comprise an ornamental shape for forming a visually perceptible light image when the light source is energized.

Abstract: Internally illuminated holiday garland are icicle lights used for holiday decorating on the exterior of a home. The internally illuminated holiday garland is similar to conventional icicle lights with the exception of a white garland covering that is provided over the center fiber optic strand. The internally illuminated holiday garland is applied to the building or home in the same manner as conventional icicle lights, and provides a unique look both at night and during the day as well. During the day, the white garland forms a unique trim item that mimics the general appearance of snow and helps to hide the wiring. At night, the garland provides a reflective material from which the light from the lamps will reflect to provide a shimmering effect. The use of the internally illuminated holiday garland allows for exterior holiday decorating in a manner, which is unique and eye catching both at night and during the day as well.

Abstract: A miniature light includes at least a light-emitting unit, a light-induction unit adapted to control the on and off of the light-emitting unit according to an intensity of ambient light, an uninterruptible power supply module adapted to continuously supply power to the light-emitting unit in a power interruption, and a switch unit allowing a user to set the miniature light to a desired operating mode, so that the miniature light is able to automatically emit light in a dark or dim environment or in a power interruption.

Abstract: A wheel incorporating a flashing light feature includes a power source, a plurality of lighting elements and a flashing circuit to selectively provide lighting signals to the plurality of lighting elements. The wheel incorporating a flashing light feature further includes at least two motion switches to activate the flashing circuit. The at least two motion switches include a spring having a fixed end and a free end and a metal cap positioned proximate the free end of the spring for electrical engagement by the free end of the spring. Examples of articles with a wheel incorporating a flashing light feature include scooters, roller skates, in line skates, roller shoes and other types of wheeled footwear.

Abstract: The door knob night light is a modified door knob which includes a translucent or transparent door knob within which resides a lighting unit. The lighting unit would include a motion sensor, a light bulb and light bulb receptacle, a battery, and associated electrical circuitry and would be controlled by a three-way switch. The first switch position would allow the use of the door knob night light as a conventional night light with the bulb being continuously illuminated. The second position of the switch would deactivate the lighting assembly and would not permit any illumination of the light bulb. The third switch position would allow the light bulb to be illuminated whenever the motion sensor detects motion in the room where the door knob night light has been installed. Other than the switch, all of the components for the lighting assembly could be contained within the door knob.