US3648280A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermochromic light-flashing system
Assignee: Motors Liquidation Co
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Filing: 1970-05-15
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Granted: 1972-03-07
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Expires: 1990-05-15
Abstract
Abstract In preferred form, a flasher device having a light source in an opaque case with a light-reflective inner surface. A thermochromic lens including cholesteric liquid crystals is located in an opening within said enclosure. It is heated by the light source and cooled by heat transfer fins. The cholesteric liquid crystals respond to changes in the temperature of the lens to traverse the entire visible spectrum from red to violet. The liquid crystal is colorless above and below its operating range. Changes in the ambient temperature around the enclosure and the changes in the color of the crystals will vary the temperature of the thermochromic lens to produce a repetitive flashing color play effect.
Inventors
- 👤 James W Jacobs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 16:23
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B5/00; G08B5/22; G08B5/36; G08B5/38; F; F21; F21S; F21S10/00; F21S10/06; F21W; F21W2131/00; F21W2131/40; F21W2131/406
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
A thermochromic light-flashing system including an enclosure of opaque material, a lamp supported within said enclosure, means for continuously energizing said lamp across a power source to produce a constant light intensity from said lamp, an opening in said enclosure for passage of light from said lamp, a thermochromic lens in said opening exposed to constant light intensity from said lamp including means for scattering light in accordance with the temperature of said lens, said constant light intensity lamp heating said lens to increase its temperature to change its color, heat transfer fins on said lens responsive to convective cooling to reduce the temperature of said lens to return said lens toward its original color while said lens is exposed to the constant intensity light of said lamp, said means for scattering light responding to heating and cooling of said lens for producing a color flashing effect across said opening in said enclosure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
A thermochromic light-flashing system including an enclosure of opaque material, a lamp supported within said enclosure, means for continuously energizing said lamp across a power source to produce a constant light intensity from said lamp, an opening in said enclosure for passage of light from said lamp, a thermochromic lens in said opening exposed to constant light intensity from said lamp including means for scattering light in accordance with the temperature of said lens, said constant light intensity lamp heating said lens to increase its temperature to change its color, heat transfer fins on said lens responsive to convective cooling to reduce the temperature of said lens to return said lens toward its original color while said lens is exposed to the constant intensity light of said lamp, said means for scattering light responding to heating and cooling of said lens for producing a color flashing effect across said opening in said enclosure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
151 words
A thermochromic light-flashing system including an enclosure of opaque material, a lamp supported within said enclosure, means for continuously energizing said lamp across a power source for causing visible white light of a constant intensity to be directed therefrom, an opening in said enclosure for passage of light from said lamp, a thermochromic lens in said opening exposed to the constant intensity light of said lamp, said lens including means for varying light ray passage therethrough in accordance with the temperature of said lens, said lamp heating said lens to change its color, heat transfer fins on said lens responsive to convective cooling to cool said lens to return it to its original color when it is exposed to the constant intensity light of said lamp, said light ray varying means responding to heating and cooling of said lens for producing a color flashing effect across said opening in said enclosure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
151 words
A thermochromic light-flashing system including an enclosure of opaque material, a lamp supported within said enclosure, means for continuously energizing said lamp across a power source for causing visible white light of a constant intensity to be directed therefrom, an opening in said enclosure for passage of light from said lamp, a thermochromic lens in said opening exposed to the constant intensity light of said lamp, said lens including means for varying light ray passage therethrough in accordance with the temperature of said lens, said lamp heating said lens to change its color, heat transfer fins on said lens responsive to convective cooling to cool said lens to return it to its original color when it is exposed to the constant intensity light of said lamp, said light ray varying means responding to heating and cooling of said lens for producing a color flashing effect across said opening in said enclosure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-03-07 | 1975-09-06 | 1976-03-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-03-07 | 1979-09-06 | 1980-03-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-03-07 | 1983-09-06 | 1984-03-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |