US4278966A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Visual signaling system
Assignee: Control Technology Inc USA
•
Filing: 1979-02-09
•
Granted: 1981-07-14
•
Expires: 1999-02-09
Abstract
Abstract A visual signaling system including at least two light sources. Graphic indicators positioned adjacent to the light sources for identifying the light sources. The indicators including codes for identifying a particular light source with which it is associated and permitting one to distinguish one light source from another relying on the code. The indicator, in one form of the invention, may consist of a band positioned adjacent to the light source with the code being the extent of shading of the band. In one form of the invention, a circular band is provided with discrete levels of shading corresponding to particular light sources. The system may be a warning or alarm system with the extent of shading being a function of the relative importance of the particular light source.
Inventors
- 👤 Frank J. Hemsher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 04:09
CPC Classifications
G; G08; G08B; G08B5/00; G08B5/22; G08B5/36
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
A visual signaling system comprising p1 at least two light sources, graphic indicator means operatively associated with said light sources for identifying said light sources, said indicator means including bands surrounding said light sources, said indicator means being substantially continuously and simultaneously visible, and said indicator means having code means for identifying the particular light source with which it is associated, said code means including shading of said bands to an extent corresponding to the specific light source with which it is associated, whereby said indicator means will permit one to distinguish one of said light sources from another of said light sources.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
A visual signaling system comprising p1 at least two light sources, graphic indicator means operatively associated with said light sources for identifying said light sources, said indicator means including bands surrounding said light sources, said indicator means being substantially continuously and simultaneously visible, and said indicator means having code means for identifying the particular light source with which it is associated, said code means including shading of said bands to an extent corresponding to the specific light source with which it is associated, whereby said indicator means will permit one to distinguish one of said light sources from another of said light sources.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The visual signaling system of claim 1 including said bands being substantially circular and said shading falling within the range of 0-360 degrees.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The visual signaling system of claim 1 wherein said light sources each have a colored lens, and the extent of said shading corresponds to the color of the lens with which it is associated.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The visual signaling system of claim 3 wherein k the system is a warning or alarm system, and said shading being so coded that bands of greater shading have greater relative importance.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The visual signaling system of claim 3 wherein said shading is present in readily visible fashion regardless of whether the light source with which it is associated is illuminated.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The visual signaling system of claim 5 wherein said shading is effected in increments such that no two bands will be closer than about 45 degrees to each other.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The visual signaling system of claim 1 wherein said bonds are substantially rectangular.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The visual signaling system of claim 3 wherein each said colored lens is of a different color.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
105 words
A visual signaling system comprising: at least two light sources, graphic indicator means operatively associated with said light sources for identifying said light sources, said indicator means including a closed geometric shape surrounding said light sources, said indicator means being substantially continuously and simultaneously visible, and said indicator means having code means for identifying the particular light source with which it is associated, said code means including shading of said shapes to an extent corresponding to the specific light source with which it is associated, whereby said indicator means will permit one to distinguish one of said light sources from another of said light sources.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
105 words
A visual signaling system comprising: at least two light sources, graphic indicator means operatively associated with said light sources for identifying said light sources, said indicator means including a closed geometric shape surrounding said light sources, said indicator means being substantially continuously and simultaneously visible, and said indicator means having code means for identifying the particular light source with which it is associated, said code means including shading of said shapes to an extent corresponding to the specific light source with which it is associated, whereby said indicator means will permit one to distinguish one of said light sources from another of said light sources.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US889533A
Cited
US1759918A
Cited
US2127887A
Cited
US2194614A
Cited
US2190035A
Cited
US2313560A
Cited
US2291610A
Cited
US2348431A
Cited
US2396971A
Cited
US2553482A
Cited
US2843845A
Cited
US2967298A
Cited
US2963692A
Cited
US3529287A
Cited
US3810170A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-07-13 | 1985-01-12 | 1985-07-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-07-13 | 1989-01-12 | 1989-07-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-07-13 | 1993-01-12 | 1993-07-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |