US3855587A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Navigational light system
Assignee: Tideland Signal Corp
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Filing: 1973-01-04
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Granted: 1974-12-17
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Expires: 1993-01-04
Abstract
Abstract A flashing light timer for a navigational light having provision to send, receive and utilize a synchronizing signal in which a plurality of lights have their timers connected together so as to flash simultaneously, but will still operate in the event any one of the navigational lights fail. A coded timer for controlling the flashing code of a navigational light having a plurality of time constant circuits connected to a counter for readily changing the flashing code of a light. A navigational light having a logical circuit for sensing a burned out lamp without requiring a resistive element. A lamp changing circuit that allows the new lamp to be placed accurately into operative position. And a circuit for switching off power from the navigational light during the lamp changing process for preventing sparking of the electrical contacts.
Inventors
- 👤 T Jacobs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 03:10
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B39/00; H05B39/09; G; G08; G08B; G08B5/00; G08B5/22; G08B5/36; G08B5/38; H05B39/10; H05B39/105; H05B47/00; H05B47/20; H05B47/21; H05B47/29
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
In a navigational light having a power supply, a timer, a lamp-out sensing circuit, a lamp changing circuit having a rotating turret with lamps therein and a power brush which supplies power to contacts connected to the lamps, the improvement in a lamp changing circuit comprising, switching means connected to and actuated by the lamp changing circuit, said switching means connected between the timer output and the power supply for disabling the timer signal from the lamp when actuated by the lamp changing circuit thereby preventing power from being supplied to the brush while the lamp changing circuit is rotating the turret thereby preventing electrical arcing between the brush and the contacts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
In a navigational light having a power supply, a timer, a lamp-out sensing circuit, a lamp changing circuit having a rotating turret with lamps therein and a power brush which supplies power to contacts connected to the lamps, the improvement in a lamp changing circuit comprising, switching means connected to and actuated by the lamp changing circuit, said switching means connected between the timer output and the power supply for disabling the timer signal from the lamp when actuated by the lamp changing circuit thereby preventing power from being supplied to the brush while the lamp changing circuit is rotating the turret thereby preventing electrical arcing between the brush and the contacts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
244 words
A navigational light having a power supply, a timer, a lamp changing circuit, a lamp filament circuit having a series connected power supply and power switch, a rotating turret containing a plurality of lamps and driven by a motor through a one-way clutch to place one of the lamps in an operative position in which electrical contacts connected to the lamps in the turret include a recess and power is supplied to the recesses through a spring brush comprising, first switching means for actuating the lamp changing circuit, a first electrical connection between the timer output and the switching means for supplying a signal to the switching means from the timer preventing actuation of the lamp changing circuit during the timing signal, a second electrical connection connected between the lamp filament and the power switch for supplying a signal to the switching means when the lamp is unpowered by the timing signal for preventing actuation of the switching means but causing actuation of the switching means when the filament is burned out, said lamp filament circuit having no current sensing resistive components, second switching means connected to and actuated by the lamp changing circuit, said second switching means connected between the timer and the power supply for disabling the timer signal from the lamp when actuated thereby preventing power from being supplied to the brush while the lamp changing circuit is rotating the turret thereby preventing electrical arcing between the brush and the contacts.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
244 words
A navigational light having a power supply, a timer, a lamp changing circuit, a lamp filament circuit having a series connected power supply and power switch, a rotating turret containing a plurality of lamps and driven by a motor through a one-way clutch to place one of the lamps in an operative position in which electrical contacts connected to the lamps in the turret include a recess and power is supplied to the recesses through a spring brush comprising, first switching means for actuating the lamp changing circuit, a first electrical connection between the timer output and the switching means for supplying a signal to the switching means from the timer preventing actuation of the lamp changing circuit during the timing signal, a second electrical connection connected between the lamp filament and the power switch for supplying a signal to the switching means when the lamp is unpowered by the timing signal for preventing actuation of the switching means but causing actuation of the switching means when the filament is burned out, said lamp filament circuit having no current sensing resistive components, second switching means connected to and actuated by the lamp changing circuit, said second switching means connected between the timer and the power supply for disabling the timer signal from the lamp when actuated thereby preventing power from being supplied to the brush while the lamp changing circuit is rotating the turret thereby preventing electrical arcing between the brush and the contacts.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus of claim 3 including, means for providing a reversing pulse to the motor at the end of the indexing movement for relieving all driving forces of the motor as the one-way clutch is reversed thereby allowing the spring brush to seek the center of the recess and accurately align the turret and new operative lamp.
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) | 1977-12-16 | 1978-06-17 | 1978-12-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-16 | 1982-06-17 | 1982-12-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-16 | 1986-06-17 | 1986-12-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |