Position Or Condition Responsive Switch Patents (Class 362/802)
  • Publication number: 20030048636
    Abstract: A flashlight has a housing with a recess through which is passed a light beam from a light source to a light receiver. The receiver is coupled through a microprocessor to energize the bulb of the flashlight upon interruption of the light beam by an individual's finger or by a mechanical element movable between positions interrupting and not interrupting the light beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Richard C. Levy, Robert W. Jeffway
  • Patent number: 6527402
    Abstract: A perfume container (1) comprises a hollow casing (2) provided with an aperture (3) on which a closure element (6) is positioned, a spray dispenser (4) being possibly positioned on said aperture (3); the container (1) comprises sound and/or light generating means (10) controlled by activation means (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Henkel S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Borri
  • Patent number: 6527404
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench and lighting circuit arrangement is constructed to include a ratchet member and a connector mounted in one end of a wrench body for grasping and turning nuts and bolts, a battery holder threaded onto the ratchet member to hold a battery set, and a lamp holder assembly installed in the connector and moved with the connector in the ratchet member between a first position where the circuit of the battery set and the lamp holder assembly is closed, causing the lamp bulb of the lamp holder assembly to emit light, and a second position where the circuit of the battery set and the lamp holder assembly is opened to turn off the lamp bulb of the lamp holder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Lai-Fu Wang
  • Patent number: 6527408
    Abstract: The present device is a motion actuated, battery operated LED in which the battery is suspended between two springs in the at rest or off position in which one lead of the LED is connected to negative terminal of the battery through one spring and the other spring is insulated from electrical contact. The second spring's purpose is to position the battery. A second LED lead is provided in close proximity to the positive terminal of the battery such that a force applied to the device and hence to the battery will impart motion to the battery and deform the second spring allowing the positive terminal to contact the second LED terminal thus completing the circuit and lighting the diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald R. Korenek, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030039125
    Abstract: A switch assembly module for controlling operation of a vehicle lamp includes a photocell integrated within the module housing to allow a controller to automatically switch the lamp on or off depending on detected ambient level. A manual switch is provided on a faceplate of the housing to allow disabling of the automatic operation feature. A manual switch can also be provided to allow variable dimming of the lamp. Integration of the photocell into the switch assembly module eliminates the need for separate instrument panel wiring to the photocell, while reducing wiring harness complexity by allowing the same harness and connector to be used with a module not having the photocell integrated therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Douglas C. Campbell, Gerard Grabowski, Mohamed Zeidan, Robert Muller
  • Publication number: 20030026097
    Abstract: A light fixture with a submersible enclosure for an electric lamp (e.g, HID lamp) is disclosed. The fixture includes a ballast for supplying power to a high intensity discharge lamp. A submersible enclosure seals the lamp from water in normal operation. The fixture includes a water-sensitive circuit having a conductance that increases in response to water that leaks into the enclosure for conducting current from the ballast and limiting the ballast voltage. Alternatively, the submersible enclosure may contain a power lead for supplying power to an electrical load such as a lamp ballast, a non-ballasted lamp, or a color wheel. The power lead includes a fuse region that corrosively reacts in the presence of leaked water in the container, so as to sufficiently wither away the fuse region and terminate power to the load. The foregoing alternative versions may advantageously be combined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: John M. Davenport, Roger F. Buelow, David Y. Lin, Ray A. Buchina, Gregory P. Frankiewicz
  • Patent number: 6511197
    Abstract: An illuminated drinking vessel includes a fluid retaining cup and a light housing which is releasably attached via a snap-connection. A light emitting diode(s) is mounted within the light housing and a switch mechanism is provided for selectively connecting the light emitting diode with a battery(s) mounted or inserted within the light housing. More particularly, the switch mechanism is provided that is actuated when the light housing is attached to the drinking vessel by snap-connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Ashley Kalemjian
  • Patent number: 6511200
    Abstract: Power tools are taught having a motor M1, a tool 1 coupled to the motor M1 via a tool holder 2, at least one light 4 disposed proximal to the tool 1, a switch 6 coupled to the motor M1 and the light 4, the switch 6 being capable of activation by an operator, a power supply 7 coupled to the switch 6, and a timer circuit 3 coupled to the light 4, the switch 6 and the power supply 7. Preferably, activation of the switch 6 causes the motor M1 and the light 4 to operate and the timer circuit 3 causes the light 4 to remain lit for a predetermined amount of time after either (1) the switch 6 has been activated or (2) the switch 6 has been deactivated subsequent to being activated. The timer circuit 3 can be, for example, a RC timer circuit 11 or a microprocessor 15. The light 4 may be an LED. The power supply 7 can be a rechargeable battery Ba.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 6508569
    Abstract: A flat illuminator, which may have a replaceable battery power supply and with a sliding inner body forming an “on” and “off” switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: Mark Howard Krietzman, Yu-Hsin Chen
  • Publication number: 20030012020
    Abstract: A light assembly for a padlock including a housing that snaps onto said padlock and having a notch that engages a fixed leg of the shackle of the lock and a hole through which the free leg of the shackle extends when it enters the case of the padlock. This arrangement prevents pilfering the device when the lock is closed. A battery, switch and LED lamp are encased by plastic molding into the housing wall. The light is positioned to illuminate the keyhole area or tumbler area of the lock. The device is adaptable to either a otart or tumbler style combination padlock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Peter C. King
  • Publication number: 20030007352
    Abstract: A bicycle of scooter safety light mountable to the scooter or bicycle, includes light emitting diodes conductively coupled with a battery-operated power circuit. A plurality of elongated segments are pivotally attached to one another and form a generally cylindrical housing structure sized to wrap tightly around a bar of the bicycle or scooter when opposing segments are brought towards one another and clamped together. Internal compartments of the segments hold either the power circuit and battery or light emitting diodes. The safety light includes a power switch, such as a motion detector for controlling illumination of light emitting diode only when motion is detected, or a photo sensor for delivering power to the light emitting diodes only when in absence of light is detected in order to conserve battery power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Artak Ter-Hovhannisian
  • Patent number: 6499860
    Abstract: An LED lamp has a gear column which is connected between a cap and a substrate. The substrate is provided with a regular polyhedron of at least four planes, the planes having at least one LED which has a luminous flux of at least 5 lm. The gear column also has a heat-dissipater which interconnect the substrate and the lamp cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Simon H. A. Begemann
  • Patent number: 6497495
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for a self-contained illumination device that couples to a toy are given. The self-contained illumination device comprises a first housing containing a battery, a middle housing coupled to a light emitting body, and a second housing having an aperture. The second housing is detachably attached to the middle housing such that the light emitting body fits through the aperture on the second housing. The second housing moves from a non-illuminating position to an illuminating position such that the light emitting body contacts the battery when the second housing is in the illuminating position. A connection device attached to the first housing detachably couples to a toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: James R. Janz
  • Patent number: 6494590
    Abstract: Lighting devices are taught for machine tools. The lighting devices may include one or more light emitters controlled by an electric circuit, which can be connected via one or more conductors to the inner circuit of an electric machine tool. The electric circuit may comprise at least one photometer and a controller that automatically controls the illumination level of the light emitters in response to the ambient light intensity detected by the photometer. The present invention also relates to machine tools comprising such lighting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Mauro Paganini, Giorgio Paganini
  • Patent number: 6491516
    Abstract: A Hanukkiah (10) for carrying combustible candles (12) includes a sense circuit (16) coupled to an output circuit (18). The output circuit comprising at least one of an electronic playback device (112), an electromechanical device (52), or a light source device (46), or a combination thereof. Sense circuit (16) includes a flame-responsive circuit (16A) adapted and arranged to respond to a portion of energy emitted by a lit shamash (12A) candle of the Hanukkiah, and an RF receiver circuit (16B) adapted and arranged to respond to a portion of predetermined RF signal. A dreidel (200) is further provided comprising a rotation-sensitive RF transmitting circuit (230) for generating predetermined RF signals upon spinning of the dreidel. The flame of shamash (12A) and/or the spinning of dreidel (200) are adapted to activate output circuit (18) of Hanukkiah (10) to provide entertaining audible and/or visual output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventors: Guy Tal, Ran Tal
  • Patent number: 6488388
    Abstract: A light socket utilizing a photocell and three-way switch including a cylindrical housing having an upper end, a lower end, and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The upper end is couplable with a power source. The lower end has a light receiving socket disposed therein. The light receiving socket is adapted for receiving a light bulb therein. A frustoconical shield is secured to the cylindrical housing. The shield has a narrow open upper end and a wide open lower end. The narrow open upper end is secured to the lower end of the cylindrical housing. The wide open lower end is dimensioned to prevent the light bulb from directing light upwardly toward the cylindrical housing. A light activated switch is disposed within the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical housing. The light activated switch is in communication with the light receiving socket whereby detection of ambient light will allow the light receiving socket to power the light bulb positioned therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph Jones
  • Patent number: 6481148
    Abstract: The underwater battery powered lighted fishing lure includes, in one embodiment, a transparent housing, a battery in a battery cavity and one light emitting device (preferably, an LED). The battery may have a substantially light reflective surface. The transparent housing has light refraction surfaces, may have one or more light modifiers (glitter, bubbles, glass beads). As a result, the fishing lure emits light in all three dimensions (x, y and z) due to light refraction and light reflection (from the battery). Preferably, the lighted fishing lure includes two LEDs and two offset batteries. The lighted fishing lure may further include a pressure sensitive switch. In one embodiment, the lure has at least a two way control (ON-OFF) and in another, a three way control (ON-OFF—and ON when the ambient pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure underwater).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Peter B. Lindgren
  • Publication number: 20020167815
    Abstract: A switch (10) for controlling operation of vehicle lamps (e.g., 16) comprises a base (30) and a manually engageable assembly (50) rotatable about an axis (32) relative to the base for controlling operation of the lamps. The assembly (50) comprises a magnetic member (56) that rotates with the assembly about the axis (32). The base (30) comprises at least one magnetic sensor (e.g., 40-44) and control circuitry connecting the sensor with the vehicle lamps (e.g., 16). The magnetic member (56) is rotatable about the axis (32) into a plurality of different rotational positions relative to the sensor (e.g., 40-44) to provide an output signal at the control circuitry (70) that is indicative of the relative rotational position of the assembly (50). The magnetic member (56) is spaced apart from the base (30) to provide contactless operation of the switch (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Becker
  • Patent number: 6478440
    Abstract: An air freshener dispenser is taught having plug-through capability as well as a night light. The dispenser is a plug-in diffuser for such active materials as fragrances and air fresheners, and eliminates the consumer problem of loss of an electrical outlet, by providing a receptacle into which another plug may be inserted. The dispenser uses replaceable cartridges of material to be dispensed, and provides a night light for those who desire such.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Jaworski, Tadahiko Nakagaki, Michael Thomas Milo, Kong Wai Ki, Patrick Yeo Siok Hui
  • Patent number: 6474833
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Parsons, W. Clay Reeves
  • Patent number: 6474853
    Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
  • Patent number: 6467939
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a motion activated wheel light for a vehicle wheel having an air valve stem. A housing connects the light to the wheel's air valve stem. 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 rotational motion of the wheel. 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. The wheel light may comprise a shape for forming a visually perceptible light image when the light source is energized by the motion of the vehicle wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Theory 3, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Deutsch, Jason M. Barber, Russell R. Rothan
  • Publication number: 20020145868
    Abstract: A removable mailbox light which can be quickly, easily and removably attached to a mailbox for illuminating the mailbox interior when the mailbox door is opened. In a preferred embodiment, the removable mailbox light is characterized by a housing fitted with an attachment clip for removably attaching the housing to the mailbox, with the housing disposed in the mailbox interior. The housing contains a pair of batteries, and a light bulb disposed in electrical contact with the batteries extends from the front end of the housing adjacent to a beveled, concave or dish-shaped reflection surface. When the mailbox door is closed, a spring-loaded activation clip pivotally mounted in the rear end of the housing is pressed against the housing and breaks electrical contact between the batteries to extinguish the light bulb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: James C. Barton
  • Patent number: 6457843
    Abstract: An outlet covering system for restricting access to an outlet mounted on a wall surface. The outlet covering system includes an enclosure mountable to a wall surface for covering an outlet. The enclosure comprises a plate member that includes an opening for receiving the outlet and a cover member pivotally coupled to the plate member for selectively blocking access to the outlet. The cover member includes a front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls. A securing member is provided for releasably securing the cover member to the plate member. A locking means is provided for selectively locking said cover member in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventors: Billie-Jo M. Kester, Ronald D. Kester
  • Publication number: 20020136002
    Abstract: A wall mounted light fixture intended for use in a bath area and selectively operable by a wall switch. The light fixture includes an escutcheon for concealing the wiring and a support arm extending outwardly from the escutcheon. Mounted to the support arm are independent lights including a main light to illuminate a room for typical use and a night light for low wattage illumination such as at night. The lights are mounted in vertical alignment with the main light disposed above the night light and independently operable. The fixture circuitry facilitates use of both lights simultaneously, the main light alone or the night light alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Victor Hoernig
  • Publication number: 20020131274
    Abstract: A vehicle-wheel light assembly (10) that is attached to a tire valve stem (90) projecting from a vehicle wheel (92). The assembly (10) consists of four elements; a housing (12) having an upper section (14) and a lower section (26), a set of batteries (50), a light emitting diode (LED) (60), and a single-pole, single-contact centrifuge switch (70). The housing (12) is dimensioned to enclose all the elements of the assembly (10) with the LED (60) projecting from an upper end (16) of the upper section (14) and with the lower section (26) having a lower end (32) which includes a set of threads (34) dimensioned to be threaded onto the threads of the tire valve stem (90). When the vehicle wheel rotates a centrifugal force is produced which causes the switch (70) to close. The closed switch allows current from the batteries (58) to be applied to and cause the LED (60) to illuminate. When the centrifugal force drops below a predetermined amount, the switch (70) opens causing the LED (60) to stop illuminating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony J. Pittello
  • Patent number: 6447139
    Abstract: A door guard apparatus is provided having a first layer of adhesive, a middle layer providing structural rigidity and resistance to structural penetration, and a decorative outer overlay affixed to the middle layer. A knob access penetrates all the layer to allow for mounting about a doorknob. An light bulb is housed within the middle layer, and transmits illumination through a lens mounted flush with the decorative outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: John M. Wilkes
  • Patent number: 6443589
    Abstract: A drinking vessel includes a container sized and shaped so as to hold liquid therein and a generating mechanism for generating electrically generated special effects so as to enhance amusement for a user. A first switch is mounted on the container so as to be operable between a first state, in which the first switch is in an electrically closed state, and a second state, in which the first switch is in an electrically open state. The first switch is in the first state when liquid is present in the container and in the second state when liquid is not present in the container. A second switch is also mounted on the container so as to be operable between a third state, in which the second switch is in an electrically closed state, and a fourth state, in which the second switch is in an electrically open state. The second switch is in the third state in response to a predetermined physical activity undertaken by the user in relation to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Joy World, Inc.
    Inventor: Seungsoo Lee
  • Patent number: 6443604
    Abstract: A method of illuminating a region outside a vehicle, and a system for accomplishing the method, the method consisting of the steps of: receiving a signal from outside of the vehicle; activating, in response to the receiving the signal, at least one lamp within the vehicle; and illuminating, in response to the activating of the at least one lamp, the region outside the vehicle. The illumination is at least 180 degrees around the vehicle and includes projecting light from the at least one lamp within the vehicle to the region outside the vehicle. In variations of this embodiment, the illuminating includes intermittently illuminating the at least one lamp by projecting light in a flashing manner from the at least one lamp within the vehicle to the region outside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Murray Rudenberg
  • Patent number: 6431719
    Abstract: A self-contained night light is disposed in a housing containing spaced-apart male AC prongs the mate with an AC socket. The housing contains an array of differently colored, preferably light emitting diode. Light sources that can dynamically output different patterns of differently colored light in response to drive signals. A microcontroller executes a sequence of instructions causing the controller to output different sequences of signals that are coupled to a driver unit that drives the light sources. The result is that the array dynamically produces different patterns of differently colored light. A user operable control allows a viewer to “freeze” any desired pattern of light, such that until reset, the night light will continue to output a static pattern of colors. The night light may include a manual or light-sensing ON/OFF switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Shek Fai Lau, Edward C. McKinney, Jr., Richard J. Thalheimer
  • Patent number: 6431720
    Abstract: A laser pen includes a metallic barrel, a laser device mounted in the upper portion of the metallic barrel, a safety power cutoff device having an insulating tube secured in the lower portion of the metallic barrel, a plurality of batteries received in the upper portion of the insulating tube and electrically connecting to the laser device, a reservoir tube having a top portion including a metallic contact head movably mounted in the lower portion of the insulating tube and detachably contacting one of the batteries, and a rotating device mounted on the lower portion of the metallic barrel and engaged with the metallic contact head of the reservoir tube for moving the metallic contact head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Dido Cheng
  • Patent number: 6428193
    Abstract: For a control rod disposed between a top corner of the sun visor and the hinge of the mirror flap on the sun visor, the end of the rod associated with the plate carries a cam that causes two electrical conductors to be pressed one against the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Mollertech SAS
    Inventor: Robert Guyot
  • Patent number: 6422714
    Abstract: An illuminated sign comprises a front lens having a sign legend; an electroluminescent panel disposed behind the lens to provide lighting to the sign legend; a power source operably connected to the electroluminescent panel; a first sensor responsive to the headlights of an approaching vehicle and connected to the electroluminescent panel to activate the electroluminescent panel upon detection of the headlights; and a second sensor responsive to ambient light and connected to the electroluminescent panel such that the electroluminescent panel is OFF during daylight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: David Hubbell
  • Patent number: 6419384
    Abstract: A shot glass with flashing light source or sound source activated by a low-profile, direction-sensitive inertial switch having a cantilevered coil spring contact. The shot glass has a body and a two-part hollow base, the base having upper and lower walls and a side wall together defining a compartment for an impact-responsive indicator circuit including the inertial switch, an LED or speaker, and a signal generator circuit responsive to the inertial switch, an LED or speaker. The inertial switch is a caseless switch consisting of a stationary contact and a cantilevered coil spring contact both mounted directly to a surface of a printed circuit board. The coil spring is preferably suspended over the stationary contact such that the switch is most sensitive to force applied axially to the bottom of the shot glass, and the longitudinal axis of the coil spring is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shot glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventors: Edward D. Lewis, Raymond W. Leung
  • Publication number: 20020089858
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a motion activated wheel light for a vehicle wheel having an air valve stem. A housing connects the light to the wheel's air valve stem. 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 rotational motion of the wheel. 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. The wheel light may comprise a shape for forming a visually perceptible light image when the light source is energized by the motion of the vehicle wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Daniel J. Deutsch, Jason M. Barber, Russell R. Rothan
  • Publication number: 20020080605
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for simulating an open flame in a hand-held device. The method and the device resulting therefrom includes attaching a lamp to an electrical circuit contained within a housing, the circuit adapted to randomly vary at least one of a voltage, a current, and a resistance of a direct current supplied to said lamp by at least one battery, and transmitting the light from the lamp in at least a hemispherical pattern through a faceted cap surrounding said lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: P. Douglas Starry
  • Publication number: 20020075676
    Abstract: A light socket utilizing a photocell and three-way switch including a cylindrical housing having an upper end, a lower end, and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The upper end is couplable with a power source. The lower end has a light receiving socket disposed therein. The light receiving socket is adapted for receiving a light bulb therein. A frustoconical shield is secured to the cylindrical housing. The shield has a narrow open upper end and a wide open lower end. The narrow open upper end is secured to the lower end of the cylindrical housing. The wide open lower end is dimensioned to prevent the light bulb from directing light upwardly toward the cylindrical housing. A light activated switch is disposed within the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical housing. The light activated switch is in communication with the light receiving socket whereby detection of ambient light will allow the light receiving socket to power the light bulb positioned therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph Jones
  • Patent number: 6406168
    Abstract: A helmet lighting system for a motorcycle helmet includes a transmitter mounted on a motorcycle for broadcasting a radio-frequency signal to a receiver mounted on the motorcycle helmet. The transmitter includes a microprocessor that is connected to the brake light circuit, the running light circuit, the turn signal circuits and hazard circuit of the motorcycle. When one of the motorcycle lighting circuits is energized, the transmitter microprocessor generates and broadcasts a radio-frequency signal containing a function-specific code. The receiver receives the code and signals a pulse generator to create a function-specific electrical pulse package in a circuit containing a plurality of light emitting diodes to thereby simulate a running light, brake light, turn indicator or hazard light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: William Scott Whiting
  • Patent number: 6402338
    Abstract: An enclosure illumination system (10) is provided. The enclosure illumination system (10) is mounted on an enclosure (12). The enclosure illumination system (10) includes a solar battery (16), a light element (14), and a motion sensor (18). When external light impinges upon solar battery (16), light (14) is prevented from actuating. When solar battery (16) is not exposed to external light, for example, at nighttime, light (14) may be actuated by signals transmitted by sensor (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Mitzel Machining Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Mitzel, Dominic T. Monteil, Mark T. Maclean-Blevins, Jay S. Gamerman
  • Publication number: 20020067615
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lamp for vehicles which is integrated in the surface of a vehicle part and which is removable. The lamp is switched on and off via a radio signal and/or a light beam of an infrared diode received by a sensor. The fluorescent plastic material of the lamp body, the solar cell, the sensor, the storage elements and the LED (OLED and/or PLED) form a unit of the lamp and this unit can be mounted and removed a such.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Hermann-Frank Muller
  • Publication number: 20020067604
    Abstract: An illuminated combination pad lock that illuminates in response to pressing in the combination dial or raising the shackle although still in the locked position. The illumination ceases in response to release of the combination dial or the shackle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth Roach
  • Patent number: 6398381
    Abstract: A wind-driven perfume dispenser capable of producing different light patterns includes a body portion, a rotatable light-emitting device rotatably mounted on the body portion, and a decoration, the rotatable light-emitting device including an impeller and a light-emitting device mounted on the impeller, whereby the light-emitting device will give light when the impeller is blown by wind and, almost at the same time, the integrated circuit will control the light-emitting diodes to give various kinds of light patterns which will pass through the opening of the decoration to produce a mysterious and appealing appearance, especially at night time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Wen Yung Tseng
  • Patent number: 6390647
    Abstract: A night light design which allows for improved functionality over those heretofore available. The basic design is flexible enough to be adapted for either indoor or outdoor use, and for various brightness levels. Particularly for outdoor use, bulbs of up to 15 watts can be used, providing an increased illumination level. All designs preferably include a light sensing element and a control circuit, wherein the light turns itself on when the ambient lighting levels fall low enough. Also, several preferred embodiments include a variable control, wherein the brightness of the night light can be continuously varied between very dim and full brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Louisa Shaefer
  • Publication number: 20020057569
    Abstract: A sensor-controlled lamp and a method for triggering it. The sensor signals are evaluated by means of a microprocessor, and on the basis of the change over time in the sensor signals, operating parameters of the lamp controller are changed or activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Applicant: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fur elektrische Gluhlampen mbH
    Inventors: Michael Hutzler, Juergen Schurig, Gunther Loehmann
  • Patent number: 6386725
    Abstract: A new night light comprises a night light as a permanent part of a face plate assembly that fits on a standard electrical box for a double socket or light switch. The face plate has assembled to it a small light bulb socket for a low wattage bulb, an on-off switch and a standard three prong socket in the preferred embodiments. The wiring for the components is all pre-assembled thereby permitting the new night light to be installed by connecting the ground and hot leads to the respective three wires extending into the standard electrical box. A suitable shade to diminish glare and direct light extends from the face plate, as does the on-off switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: James D. Amburgey
  • Patent number: 6375338
    Abstract: Piercing, heat sink, and reflector modules are detachably connected together to provide a lighting fixture adaptable to low voltage, line voltage, halogen, fluorescent, incandescent, and other lighting systems. In heat sensitive applications, such as insulated ceilings, a heat conductive basket sleeve is disposed around the heat sink and reflector modules, and the sleeve, heat sink module and reflector module are enclosed within a heat-sealing cover. Heat from the sleeve is conducted to a trim ring externally disposed on the lighting fixture. The lighting fixture permits direct connection to a continuous insulated cable without the requirement of a junction box connection, thereby facilitating installation of the fixture in either new or existing construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Power & Light, LLC
    Inventors: John H. Cummings, Alan I. Fujii
  • Patent number: 6364499
    Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating an archer's arrow that provides a nock adapted to receive a bowstring in a drawn position wherein a light source disposed withing the nock is activated when the bowstring is released from the drawn position. The nock provides a slot which is adapted to receive the bowstring. The slot provides a first widening portion adapted to receive the bowstring in a drawn position, and a second widening portion adapted to receive the bowstring when the bowstring is released from the drawn position. The nock also provides a bore which intersects at least a portion of the second widening portion of the slot. The light source is preferably a chemi-luminescent light stick which fits snugly within the bore of the nock. The bowstring engages and activates the light stick when the bowstring is released from the drawn position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Zephyr Archery Products, Co.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Jones
  • Patent number: 6354712
    Abstract: An inertially responsive switch for use in footwear for electrically connecting a battery with a light includes an electrically conductive ball mounted in a housing for rolling movement about an upright axis along which a pair of electrical terminals are spaced apart. When the ball contacts the terminals, an electrical current from the battery passes along the terminals and the ball in order to illuminate the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: E. S. Originals, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Anteby
  • Patent number: 6352356
    Abstract: An electric heating element (4) designed for heating a fluorescent lamp (2) of an illuminating device for a display is arranged on a printed circuit board (5) at only a small spacing from the flourescent lamp (2). As a result, the fluorescent lamp (2) can be specifically heated in the predetermined regions, the production being simplified at the same time. At the same time, the mounting of the heating element (4) can be performed independently of the flourescent lamp (2), and an adaptation to fluorescent lamps (2) of arbitrary configuration can be undertaken without difficulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AG
    Inventor: Heinrich Noll
  • Publication number: 20020001196
    Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Applicant: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops