US4613847A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Emergency signal
Assignee: LIFE LIGHT SYSTEMS A CA PARTNERSHIP
•
Filing: 1984-07-23
•
Granted: 1986-09-23
•
Expires: 2004-07-23
Abstract
Abstract A self-contained emergency signal has a base which contains a battery and a high-intensity flash/lamp actuating unit. The actuating unit is electrically connected to a battery and to a high-intensity flash lamp. A switch turns the actuating unit on and high-intensity lamp bursts are displayed through a transparent, translucent, polarized, colored or symbol containing a lens arrangement, or a combination of such elements. The emergency signal may have different forms such as cylindrical, elliptical, rectangular or triangular. In some embodiments the lens arrangements are in telescopic relationship to the base, or may be collapsible to a compact, easy-to-carry device. Exemplary circuitry for use with the various emergency signal embodiments is also part of the invention.
Inventors
- 👤 John E. Scolari
- 👤 Robert T. Warner
- 👤 Joe E. Deavenport
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 23:43
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q7/00; E; E01; E01F; E01F9/00; E01F9/60; E01F9/604; E01F9/615; E01F9/617; E01F9/623; E01F9/654; E01F9/688
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 117
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
An emergency signal comprising: a base; signalling means extending from said base, said signalling means including an enclosure and high intensity flash lamp means inside said enclosure; substantially planar, substantially rigid window means in at least one side of said enclosure, said window means being adjacent and spaced from said high intensity flash lamp means; a DC power source for energizing said flash lamp means; actuating means in said base electrically connecting said signalling means through switch means to said power source; said actuating means including storage capacitor means connected across said flash lamp means whereby said storage capacitor means remains substantially uncharged when said switch means is open; and means to maintain said storage capacitor means at substantially full charge and to recharge said storage capacitor means immediately upon discharge through said switch means when said switch means is closed; whereby high intensity light flashes are visible through said window means when said switch means is closed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
An emergency signal comprising: a base; signalling means extending from said base, said signalling means including an enclosure and high intensity flash lamp means inside said enclosure; substantially planar, substantially rigid window means in at least one side of said enclosure, said window means being adjacent and spaced from said high intensity flash lamp means; a DC power source for energizing said flash lamp means; actuating means in said base electrically connecting said signalling means through switch means to said power source; said actuating means including storage capacitor means connected across said flash lamp means whereby said storage capacitor means remains substantially uncharged when said switch means is open; and means to maintain said storage capacitor means at substantially full charge and to recharge said storage capacitor means immediately upon discharge through said switch means when said switch means is closed; whereby high intensity light flashes are visible through said window means when said switch means is closed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 1 wherein said high intensity flash lamp means and said actuating means comprise a strobe unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 1 wherein said signalling means is in telescoping arrangement with said base whereby said signalling means can be retracted into said base when not in use.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 3 wherein the signalling means comprises a plurality of telescoping sections of incrementally decreasing size deployed from a stored mode nested within said base to a vertically extended mode and each of said sections has a high intensity lamp and a window adjacent said high intensity lamp.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 3 wherein said window means include indicia thereon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 4 wherein said window means are of different colors.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 1 wherein said window means comprises light transmissive material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 7 wherein said light transmissive material is transparent.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 7 wherein said light transmissive material is translucent.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 7 wherein said light transmissive material is polarized.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 4 wherein said actuating means includes a power distribution system for sequentially flashing said lamps.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 5 wherein said actuating means includes a power distribution system for sequentially flashing said lamps.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
44 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 4 wherein a cover is attached to the top of said signalling means in the extended mode and latch means is provided for latching said cover to said base to define a self-contained container when not in use.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
41 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 13 wherein said base and cover contain cooperating switch means to automatically close the circuit through the high intensity flash lamp means when said cover is raised to deploy said sections in vertically extended array.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
39 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 2 wherein said emergency signal comprises: two said bases and signalling means; telescoping means interconnecting said two bases; whereby each said signalling means is actuable independently and sequentially with respect to the other.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 15 wherein said bases further comprise magnetic friction increasing rubber pads on the bottom of each said base.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
45 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 2 wherein said window means and signalling means comprise a transparent top connected to said base, said top being connected to said actuating means to energize said flash lamp means upon rotation of said top through a predetermined angle.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
45 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 2 wherein: said base is the bottom of a triangular housing; said signalling means and window means comprise the two sides of said triangular housing formed of spaced substantially planar faces each formed with a central triangular transparent portion.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 18 and further comprising reflectorized tape around said triangular portion.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 18 wherein said base, signalling means and window means comprise a housing of triangular shape, said housing being formed of two identical molded halves fit together.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
208 words
An emergency signal comprising: a base; signalling means spaced from said base and including high intensity flash lamp means; window means in said signalling means adjacent said high intensity flash lamp means; a DC power source for energizing said flash lamp means; actuating means in said base electrically connected through switch means to power source, said high intensity light flashes being visible through said window means when said switch means is closed; storage capacitor means connected across said flash lamp means; means connected to said flash lamp means for triggering said flash lamp means into conduction; oscillator means coupled to said source of DC power; a DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said oscillator means and to said DC power source; an AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said DC/AC inverter and said storage capacitor means; a feedback network; comparator means connected between said feedback network and said oscillator; and means for coupling the voltage output from said voltage multiplier to said feedback network, said comparator means actuating said oscillator means when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said storage capacitor means is detected; whereby said storage capacitor means is maintained at a desired voltage level sufficient to actuate said flash lamp means as desired.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
208 words
An emergency signal comprising: a base; signalling means spaced from said base and including high intensity flash lamp means; window means in said signalling means adjacent said high intensity flash lamp means; a DC power source for energizing said flash lamp means; actuating means in said base electrically connected through switch means to power source, said high intensity light flashes being visible through said window means when said switch means is closed; storage capacitor means connected across said flash lamp means; means connected to said flash lamp means for triggering said flash lamp means into conduction; oscillator means coupled to said source of DC power; a DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said oscillator means and to said DC power source; an AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said DC/AC inverter and said storage capacitor means; a feedback network; comparator means connected between said feedback network and said oscillator; and means for coupling the voltage output from said voltage multiplier to said feedback network, said comparator means actuating said oscillator means when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said storage capacitor means is detected; whereby said storage capacitor means is maintained at a desired voltage level sufficient to actuate said flash lamp means as desired.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein said triggering means comprises a trigger circuit connected between said flash lamp means and said source of DC power.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
15 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein said oscillator operates at about 25 KHz.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
30 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein said DC/AC inverter has an AC output amplified 10 to 15 times above the voltage value of said DC power source input.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
32 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 24 wherein said AC/DC converter converts said AC signal to DC and said voltage multiplier amplifies the voltage input to a level of about 450 volts.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein said feedback network comprises a variable resistor adapted to adjust the voltage level at which said comparator triggers said oscillator into oscillation.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
14 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein said comparator comprises a Schmitt trigger.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein said DC/AC inverter comprises a field effect transistor (FET), the conduction of which is controlled by the output of said oscillator.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
48 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 28 wherein said DC power is applied to said DC/AC inverter through one end of a coil having a tap intermediate its ends, said FET being connected to said tap, the other end of said coil being connected to said AD/DC converter.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 21 and further comprising an enabling switch connected between said DC power source and said triggering means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
28 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein the predetermined reduction in the level of the voltage on said storage capacitor is about 1% of the desired level.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
195 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 21 and further comprising second signalling and actuator means, comprising: a second flash lamp; a second storage capacitor connected across said second flash lamp; second means connected to said second flash lamp for triggering said second flash lamp into conduction; a second DC power source; a second oscillator coupled to said second source of DC power; a second DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said second oscillator and to said second DC power source; a second AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said second DC/AC inverter and said second storage capacitor; a second feedback network; a second comparator connected between said second feedback network and said second oscillator; and second means for coupling the voltage output from said second voltage multiplier to said second feedback network, said second comparator actuating said second oscillator when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said second storage capacitor is detected; trigger control means coupled to said respective triggering means of said high voltage generator and said second high voltage generator; whereby said trigger control means causes said flash lamp and said second flash lamp to flash in regular alternating sequence.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
59 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 21 wherein: said flash lamp means comprises a plurality of flash lamps connected in parallel; said triggering means comprises a like plurality of trigger circuits connected to respective said flash lamps; said generator further comprising trigger control means connected to said trigger circuits to actuated said flash lamps in a predetermined repetitive sequence.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
93 words
An emergency signal comprising: a base member; at least one plural-sided telescoping box deployable from a stored mode nested within said base to an extended mode; detent means for releasably retaining said box in the extended mode; said box having a light-transmitting symbol on at least one side thereof; means inside said box for illuminating the respective symbol thereon; a top attached to said box when in the extended mode; and latch means for latching said top to said base with said box inside to define a self-contained container when not in use.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
93 words
An emergency signal comprising: a base member; at least one plural-sided telescoping box deployable from a stored mode nested within said base to an extended mode; detent means for releasably retaining said box in the extended mode; said box having a light-transmitting symbol on at least one side thereof; means inside said box for illuminating the respective symbol thereon; a top attached to said box when in the extended mode; and latch means for latching said top to said base with said box inside to define a self-contained container when not in use.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
161 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 34 wherein said illuminating means comprises a controlled high voltage generator comprising: flash lamp means; storage capacitor means connected across said flash lamp means; means connected to said flash lamp means for triggering said flash lamp means into conduction; a DC power source; oscillator means coupled to said source of DC power; a DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said oscillator means and to said DC power source; an AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said DC/AC inverter and said storage capacitor means; a feedback network; comparator means connected between said feedback network and said oscillator; and means for coupling the voltage output from said voltage multiplier to said feedback network, said comparator means actuating said oscillator means when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said storage capacitor means is detected; whereby said storage capacitor means is maintained at a desired voltage level sufficient to actuate said flash lamp means as desired.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
27 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein said triggering means comprises a trigger circuit connected between said flash lamp means and said source of DC power.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
15 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein said oscillator operates at about 25 KHz.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
30 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein said DC/AC inverter has an AC output amplified 10 to 15 times above the voltage value of said DC power source input.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
32 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 38 wherein said AC/DC converter converts said AC signal to DC and said voltage multiplier amplifies the voltage input to a level of about 450 volts.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
30 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein said feedback network comprises a variable resistor adapted to adjust the voltage level at which said comparator triggers said oscillator into oscillation.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
14 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein said comparator comprises a Schmitt trigger.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein said DC/AC inverter comprises a field effect transistor (FET), the conduction of which is controlled by the output of said oscillator.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
48 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 42 wherein said DC power is applied to said DC/AC inverter through one end of a coil having a tap intermediate its ends, said FET being connected to said tap, the other end of said coil being connected to said AC/DC converter.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
23 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 35 and further comprising an enabling switch connected between said DC power source and said triggering means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
28 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein the predetermined reduction in the level of the voltage on said storage capacitor is about 1% of the desired level.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
59 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 35 wherein: said flash lamp means comprises a plurality of flash lamps connected in parallel; said triggering means comprises a like plurality of trigger circuits connected to respective said flash lamps; said generator further comprising trigger control means connected to said trigger circuits to actuated said flash lamps in a predetermined repetitive sequence.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
73 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 34 wherein: at least two plural-sided telescoping boxes of incrementally decreasing size are deployable from a stored mode nested within said base to an extended mode; each said box has a light-transmitting symbol on at least one side thereof; each said box has illuminating means inside for illuminating the respective symbol thereon; said top being attached to the uppermost of said boxes when in the extended mode.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
36 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 47 wherein said light means comprises a light for each separate one of said symbols and a power distribution system for sequentially illuminating said lights and continuously repeating this sequence.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
21 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 47 wherein said symbols are letters of the alphabet arranged to spell an emergency message.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
40 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 49 wherein said light means comprises a light for each separate one of said letters and a power distribution system for sequentially illuminating said lights to spell out said emergency message letter by letter.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
25 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 50 wherein said light means comprises strobe lights to create short, high intensity flashes for each light in turn.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
44 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 47 wherein said signal is battery powered and said base and top contain cooperating switch means to automatically connect said illuminating means with said battery when said top is raised to deploy said boxes in vertically extended array.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
63 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 47 wherein each of said boxes has a pair of opposed lateral sides and a pair of longitudinal sides, at least one of said sides displays one of said symbols thereon, said illuminating means comprising a reflector panel parallel to and spaced from the side displaying said symbol, each of said boxes mounting an individual illuminating means.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
41 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 53 wherein said reflector panels are mounted to and span between the lateral sides of the respective boxes, said panels being mounted on lateral supports extending from one of the walls of the respective box.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
28 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 54 wherein each of said panels is offset from the panel of the next larger box to permit nesting of said boxes.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
28 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 34 wherein said base is formed with a clip so that the signal can be clipped to a partially opened vehicle window.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
28 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 47 wherein said detent means comprises outwardly extending projections on each box to rest on the upper edge of the box below.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
24 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 34 wherein said base includes a plurality of outwardly pivotable legs to widen the support of said base.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
26 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 58 wherein said legs each mounts a magnet such that said signal can be securely engaged on a ferromagnetic surface.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
28 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 34 wherein said base includes a handle and said base and top define a small container for transport in the collapsed mode.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
101 words
An emergency signal comprising: a base member; a light transmissive top rotatably mounted to said base member; high intensity flash lamp means within said top; a DC power source comprising battery means mounted in said base member; and lamp control means mounted in said base member; said top having a plurality of operative positions, the signal being in a quiescent state when said top is in a first position, said battery means being accessible for removal from said base member when said top is in a second position, and said lamp being actuated when said top is in a third position.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
101 words
An emergency signal comprising: a base member; a light transmissive top rotatably mounted to said base member; high intensity flash lamp means within said top; a DC power source comprising battery means mounted in said base member; and lamp control means mounted in said base member; said top having a plurality of operative positions, the signal being in a quiescent state when said top is in a first position, said battery means being accessible for removal from said base member when said top is in a second position, and said lamp being actuated when said top is in a third position.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
149 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 61, wherein said lamp control means comprises: storage capacitor means connected across said flash lamp means; means connected to said flash lamp means for triggering said flash lamp means into conduction; oscillator means coupled to said source of DC power; a DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said oscillator means and to said DC power source; an AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said DC/AC inverter and said storage capacitor means; a feedback network; comparator means connected between said feedback network and said oscillator; and means for coupling the voltage output from said voltage multiplier to said feedback network, said comparator means actuating said oscillator means when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said storage capacitor means is detected; whereby said storage capactior means is maintained at a desired voltage level sufficient to actuate said flash lamp means as desired.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
27 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 62 wherein said triggering means comprises a trigger circuit connected between said flash lamp means and said source of DC power.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
15 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 62 wherein said oscillator operates at about 25 KHz.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
30 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 62 wherein said DC/AC inverter has an AC output amplified 10 to 15 times above the voltage value of said DC power source input.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
32 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 65 wherein said AC/DC converter converts said AC signal to DC and said voltage multiplier amplifies the voltage input to a level of about 450 volts.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
30 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 62 wherein said feedback network comprises a variable resistor adapted to adjust the voltage level at which said comparator triggers said oscillator into oscillation.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
14 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 62 wherein said comparator comprises a Schmitt trigger.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
29 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 62 wherein said DC/AC inverter comprises a field effect transistor (FET), the conduction of which is controlled by the output of said oscillator.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
48 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 69 wherein said DC power is applied to said DC/AC inverter through one end of a coil having a tap intermediate its ends, said FET being connected to said tap, the other end of said coil being connected to said AC/DC converter.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
23 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 62 and further comprising an enabling switch connected between said DC power source and said triggering means.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
28 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 62 wherein the predetermined reduction in the level of the voltage on said storage capacitor is about 1% of the desired level.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
36 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 61 and further comprising; a radio transmitter mounted in said base member; said radio transmitter being actuated for repeated emergency signal transmission when said top is in the third position.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
21 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 61 and further comprising belt engaging means for hanging said signal from a person's belt.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
19 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 61 and further comprising a clip for hanging signal from a flat surface.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
94 words
An emergency signal comprising: a base member; at least one second member telescopically connected to said base member, said base member and said second member being together in a stored mode and being separated in an operative mode; means for releasably retaining said base member and said second member in the stored mode; at least one of said base member and said second member having a light transmissive surface on at least one side thereof; means inside said one member for illuminating said light transmissive surface; and control means for actuating said illuminating means.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
94 words
An emergency signal comprising: a base member; at least one second member telescopically connected to said base member, said base member and said second member being together in a stored mode and being separated in an operative mode; means for releasably retaining said base member and said second member in the stored mode; at least one of said base member and said second member having a light transmissive surface on at least one side thereof; means inside said one member for illuminating said light transmissive surface; and control means for actuating said illuminating means.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
165 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 76 wherein said illuminating means and said control means comprise a controlled high voltage generator comprising: flash lamp means; storage capacitor means connected across said flash lamp means; means connected to said flash lamp means for triggering said flash lamp means into conduction; a DC power source; oscillator means coupled to said source of DC power; a DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said oscillator means and to said DC power source; an AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said DC/AC inverter and said storage capacitor means; a feedback network; comparator means connected between said feedback network and said oscillator; and means for coupling the voltage output from said voltage multiplier to said feedback network, said comparator means actuating said oscillator means when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said storage capacitor means is detected; whereby said storage capacitor means is maintained at a desired voltage level sufficient to actuate said flash lamp means as desired.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
26 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein said triggering means comprises a trigger circuit connected between said flash lamp and said source of DC power.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
15 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein said oscillator operates at about 25 KHz.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
30 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein said DC/AC inverter has an AC output amplified 10 to 15 times above the voltage value of said DC power source input.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
32 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 80 wherein said AC/DC converter converts said AC signal to DC and said voltage multiplier amplifies the voltage input to a level of about 450 volts.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
30 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein said feedback network comprises a variable resistor adapted to adjust the voltage level at which said comparator triggers said oscillator into oscillation.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
14 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein said comparator comprises a Schmitt trigger.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
29 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein said DC/AC inverter comprises a field effect transistor (FET), the conduction of which is controlled by the output of said oscillator.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
48 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 84 wherein said DC power is applied to said DC/AC inverter through one end of a coil having a tap intermediate its ends, said FET being connected to said tap, the other end of said coil being connected to said AD/DC converter.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
23 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 77 and further comprising an enabling switch connected between said DC power source and said triggering means.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
28 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein the predetermined reduction in the level of the voltage on said storage capacitor is about 1% of the desired level.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
195 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 77 and further comprising a second high voltage generator comprising: a second flash lamp; a second storage capacitor connected across said second flash lamp; second means connected to said second flash lamp for triggering said second flash lamp into conduction; a second DC power source; a second oscillator coupled to said second source of DC power; a second DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said second oscillator and to said second DC power source; a second AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said second DC/AC inverter and said second storage capacitor; a second feedback network; a second comparator connected between said second feedback network and said second oscillator; and second means for coupling the voltage output from said second voltage multiplier to said second feedback network, said second comparator actuating said second oscillator when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said second storage capacitor is detected; trigger control means coupled to said respective triggering means of said high voltage generator and said second high voltage generator; whereby said trigger control means causes said flash lamp and said second flash lamp to flash in regular alternating sequence.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
59 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 77 wherein: said flash lamp means comprises a plurality of flash lamps connected in parallel; said triggering means comprises a like plurality of trigger circuits connected to respective said flash lamps; said generator further comprising trigger control means connected to said trigger circuits to actuated said flash lamps in a predetermined repetitive sequence.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
48 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 76 wherein: said base member and said second member are substantially similar facing members, said signal further comprising: means for telescopically connecting said members together; and means for actuating said control means upon separation of said base member from said second member.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
58 words
An emergency signal comprising: a housing formed with at least two triangular surfaces; light transmissive window means in at least one of said surfaces; means for supporting said housing on a substantially flat surface; a high intensity lamp within said housing positioned so as to be visible through said window means; lamp control means mounted in said housing.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
58 words
An emergency signal comprising: a housing formed with at least two triangular surfaces; light transmissive window means in at least one of said surfaces; means for supporting said housing on a substantially flat surface; a high intensity lamp within said housing positioned so as to be visible through said window means; lamp control means mounted in said housing.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
160 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 91 wherein said lamp and lamp control means comprises a controlled high voltage generator comprising: flash lamp means; storage capacitor means connected across said flash lamp; means connected to said flash lamp for triggering said flash lamp into conduction; a DC power source oscillator means coupled to said source of DC power; a DC/AC inverter connected to the output of said oscillator means and to said DC power source; an AC/DC converter and voltage multiplier connected between said DC/AC inverter and said storage capacitor means; a feedback network; comparator means connected between said feedback network and said oscillator; and means for coupling the voltage output from said voltage multiplier to said feedback network, said comparator means actuating said oscillator means when a predetermined reduction in the voltage on said storage capacitor means is detected; whereby said storage capacitor means is maintained at a desired voltage level sufficient to actuate said flash lamp as desired.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
26 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 92 wherein said triggering means comprises a trigger circuit connected between said flash lamp and said source of DC power.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
15 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 92 wherein said oscillator operates at about 25 KHz.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
30 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 92 wherein said DC/AC inverter has an AC output amplified 10 to 15 times above the voltage value of said DC power source input.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
32 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 95 wherein said AC/DC converter converts said AC signal to DC and said voltage multiplier amplifies the voltage input to a level of about 450 volts.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
30 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 92 wherein said feedback network comprises a variable resistor adapted to adjust the voltage level at which said comparator triggers said oscillator into oscillation.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
14 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 92 wherein said comparator comprises a Schmitt trigger.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
29 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 92 wherein said DC/AC inverter comprises a field effect transistor (FET), the conduction of which is controlled by the output of said oscillator.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
48 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 99 wherein said DC power is applied to said DC/AC inverter through one end of a coil having a tap intermediate its ends, said FET being connected to said tap, the other end of said coil being connected to said AC/DC converter.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
23 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 92 and further comprising an enabling switch connected between said DC power source and said triggering means.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
28 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 92 wherein the predetermined reduction in the level of the voltage on said storage capacitor is about 1% of the desired level.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
12 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 91 wherein said housing is translucent.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
17 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 91 and further comprising a reflectorized strip surrounding said window means.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
19 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 91, wherein said housing comprises a pair of identical triangular elements coupled together.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
16 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 91 wherein said housing is pyramidal, having three triangular surfaces.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
17 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 106 wherein said housing is collapsible to a relative flat condition.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
24 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 107 and further comprising flexible fastener means for securing two adjacent panels together when in the non-collapsed condition.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
42 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 107 wherein one of said surfaces is formed of two interconnected triangular members, one of said triangular surfaces comprising a panel connected to the adjacent housing surface, said lamp control means being mounted to said panel.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
12 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 106 wherein said housing is translucent.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
17 words
The emergency signal recited in claim 106 and further comprising a reflectorized strip surrounding said window means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2843836A
Cited
US2905863A
Cited
FR1563638A
Cited
US3738309A
Cited
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US4489306A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-09-22 | 1990-03-24 | 1990-09-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-09-22 | 1994-03-24 | 1994-09-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-09-22 | 1998-03-24 | 1998-09-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |