US3737722A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for forming spatial light patterns
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-05-07
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Granted: 1973-06-05
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Expires: 1991-05-07
Abstract
Abstract Spatial light patterns, such as one or several stationary or moving dots or lines are formed in a darkened environment by repeatedly moving a pulsing light emitter which is intensely bright, yet yields little or no illumination to surrounding objects; such as a light-emitting diode or neon light, through a fixed or random path. The light emitter is periodically connected to a source of electric potential by an electronic oscillator, which energizes the light emitter and lights it during parts of the periods between successive energizations. Preferably the frequency of the light pulses and the duration of these pulses can be varied, either manually or in response to an externally controlled electrical signal generated by sound, heat, mechanical motion, pressure, light or other means.
Inventors
- 👤 M Scharlack
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 01:35
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B47/00; H05B47/10; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S362/00; Y10S362/80
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
A device for periodically emitting from a moving location, a pulse of visible light of limited illuminating power which does not illuminate other objects in a darkened environment which comprises: a. a source of electrical potential; b. a light emitting diode within the visible spectrum having sharply defined junctions between illumination and darkness and situated at said location and having only said limited illuminating power; c. means including an electronic oscillator for periodically energizing said light emitting diode from said source; d. means for varying the lengths of said periods; and e. means for varying the duration of said visible light emissions during said periods.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
105 words
A device for periodically emitting from a moving location, a pulse of visible light of limited illuminating power which does not illuminate other objects in a darkened environment which comprises: a. a source of electrical potential; b. a light emitting diode within the visible spectrum having sharply defined junctions between illumination and darkness and situated at said location and having only said limited illuminating power; c. means including an electronic oscillator for periodically energizing said light emitting diode from said source; d. means for varying the lengths of said periods; and e. means for varying the duration of said visible light emissions during said periods.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said light emitting diode is a diffused gallium arsenide phosphide diode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
the second base is connected electrically through a first resistor to one side of said source of potential;
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
the second base is connected electrically through a first resistor to one side of said source of potential;
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
another base is connected electrically through a first resistor to one side of said source of potential, and
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
another base is connected electrically through a first resistor to one side of said source of potential, and
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
88 words
the emitter is connected electrically to the junction of a capacitor and one terminal of a circuit element for controllably conducting a variable current therethrough in accordance with an electrical signal applied to a control part thereof, said capacitor and circuit element being connected in series across said source of potential; b. said light emitter has its second terminal connected electrically to the other side of said source of potential; and c. a control circuit connected electrically to said control part and adapted to receive said external signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
88 words
the emitter is connected electrically to the junction of a capacitor and one terminal of a circuit element for controllably conducting a variable current therethrough in accordance with an electrical signal applied to a control part thereof, said capacitor and circuit element being connected in series across said source of potential; b. said light emitter has its second terminal connected electrically to the other side of said source of potential; and c. a control circuit connected electrically to said control part and adapted to receive said external signal.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
74 words
the emitter is connected electrically to the junction of a second resistor, which is variable whereby the lengths of said periods can be varied, and a capacitor which are connected in series with each other and across said source of potential, the said light emitting diode having its second terminal connected electrically to the other side of said source of potential; and e. said light emitting diode has a third resistor in shunt therewith.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
74 words
the emitter is connected electrically to the junction of a second resistor, which is variable whereby the lengths of said periods can be varied, and a capacitor which are connected in series with each other and across said source of potential, the said light emitting diode having its second terminal connected electrically to the other side of said source of potential; and e. said light emitting diode has a third resistor in shunt therewith.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
78 words
A device according to claim 1, which includes: a. a manually graspable enclosure containing at least the electronic oscillator; b. the light emitting diode is mounted remotely from said enclosure on a member which is fixed to and projects from the container; c. said member is flexible and of resilient material, whereby the light emitting diode can swing relatively to the container; d. said potential is direct current and the electronic oscillator includes a unijunction transistor of which:
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said potential is direct current and the lengths of said periods are variable and determined at least in part by an external signal, said oscillator including: a. a unijunction transistor of which
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
56 words
A device according to claim 4 wherein said circuit element is a second transistor having a base, an emitter and a collector, and said control circuit includes an impedence-matching circuit having an input adapted to be connected to a source of acoustic power to receive energy therefrom and an output connected electrically to said second transistor.
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) | 1976-06-04 | 1976-12-04 | 1977-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-06-04 | 1980-12-04 | 1981-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-06-04 | 1984-12-04 | 1985-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |