US3771123A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical flashing light simulator and alerting device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-03-04
•
Granted: 1973-11-06
•
Expires: 1991-03-04
Abstract
Abstract An optical alerting device flashes only when there is relative motion between the device and an observer or sensor. The flashing rate is a function of closing rate and the distance of the observer from the device.
Inventors
- 👤 A Lanes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 04:06
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/2611; F; F21; F21W; F21W2111/00; F21W2111/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
A safety device which generates a flashing phenomenon when there is relative motion between the safety device and the observer and is only apparent to the observer comprising: a housing, a directed light source, a bar pattern supported by the housing, diffusing means for diffusing light directed to the bar pattern from the light source, projecting means for receiving and transmitting the light from said bar pattern into space and optical spacer means spacing said bar pattern from said projecting means, the projected bar pattern forming alternately contrasting dark and light zones through which an observer passed to generate the flashing phenomenon apparent to the observer, the bar pattern comprising a predetermined number of parallel relatively dark lines of predetermined width separated by contrasting relatively lighter light transmitting lines of predetermined width, the flashing rate being a function of the closing rate and distance of the observer from the device, and the geometry of the device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
156 words
A safety device which generates a flashing phenomenon when there is relative motion between the safety device and the observer and is only apparent to the observer comprising: a housing, a directed light source, a bar pattern supported by the housing, diffusing means for diffusing light directed to the bar pattern from the light source, projecting means for receiving and transmitting the light from said bar pattern into space and optical spacer means spacing said bar pattern from said projecting means, the projected bar pattern forming alternately contrasting dark and light zones through which an observer passed to generate the flashing phenomenon apparent to the observer, the bar pattern comprising a predetermined number of parallel relatively dark lines of predetermined width separated by contrasting relatively lighter light transmitting lines of predetermined width, the flashing rate being a function of the closing rate and distance of the observer from the device, and the geometry of the device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the device includes a light source in the housing and an optical axis emanating from the light source, mounting means for cooperating with the housing in supporting the bar pattern transversely of the optical axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention in accordance with claim 2 wherein the housing includes connecting means for connecting the device to a vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention in accordance with claim 2 wherein the light source is an electric light bulb and an electrical socket receiving the bulb and means for coupling the socket and, consequently, the bulb to a source of electricity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
110 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the device includes a light source in the housing and an optical axis emanating from the light source, mounting means for cooperating with the housing in supporting the bar pattern transversely of the optical axis, the housing includes connecting means for connecting the device to a vehicle, the light source is an electric bulb and an electrical socket receiving the bulb and means for coupling the socket and, consequently, the bulb to a source of electricity, and the bar pattern comprises a predetermined number of parallel relatively dark lines of predetermined width separated by contrasting relatively lighter light-transmitting lines of predetermined width.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein a pair of spaced and aligned substantially identical and periodic patterns is mounted by the housing with the dark lines being at least equal in width to the lighter lines.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said projecting means comprises a second bar pattern.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein said projecting means comprises an optical lens.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the device includes a light transmitting plate disposed between the light source and the diffusing means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The invention in accordance with claim 9 wherein the light transmitting plate is tinted.
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) | 1976-11-05 | 1977-05-07 | 1977-11-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-05 | 1981-05-07 | 1981-11-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-05 | 1985-05-07 | 1985-11-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |