Patent US4637148A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4637148A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electroluminescent badge
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1985-07-08
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Granted: 1987-01-20
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Expires: 2005-07-08
Abstract
Abstract A transparent overlay is back lit using an electroluminescent panel which is energized, either continuously or intermittently, by a battery operated electronic DC-AC inverter circuit with flasher circuit. The entire assembly including battery is housed in a lightweight plastic case, which has a fastener on the back for fastening to the wearer.
Inventors
- 👤 Dane D. Barlow
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 12:36
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F21/00; G09F21/02; A; A44; A44C; A44C15/00; A44C15/0015; F; F21; F21L; F21L2/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
139 words
A badge comprising: an electroluminescent panel having an outwardly facing planar surface which directly generates and radiates illumination when excited by an alternating current at a first potential; a means for securing said panel to the wearer; a battery for supplying direct current at a second potential; and an electronic circuit receptive of said direct current for transforming said direct current into alternating current at said first potential and for suppling said transformed current to said panel said electronic circuit comprising a resonant tank circuit, a transistor amplifier coupled to said tank circuit, a transformer having a primary coupled to said transistor amplifier and having a secondary coupled to said panel, and a negative feedback means coupled between said secondary and said tank circuit to maintain oscillation and to thereby deliver alternating current to said panel to produce illumination.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
139 words
A badge comprising: an electroluminescent panel having an outwardly facing planar surface which directly generates and radiates illumination when excited by an alternating current at a first potential; a means for securing said panel to the wearer; a battery for supplying direct current at a second potential; and an electronic circuit receptive of said direct current for transforming said direct current into alternating current at said first potential and for suppling said transformed current to said panel said electronic circuit comprising a resonant tank circuit, a transistor amplifier coupled to said tank circuit, a transformer having a primary coupled to said transistor amplifier and having a secondary coupled to said panel, and a negative feedback means coupled between said secondary and said tank circuit to maintain oscillation and to thereby deliver alternating current to said panel to produce illumination.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The badge of claim 1 wherein said second potential is less than said first potential.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The badge of claim 1 further comprising light transmissive display means positioned adjacent said panel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The badge of claim 1 further comprising means for securing said battery and said electronic circuit to the wearer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The badge of claim 1 further comprising enclosure means for containing said battery and said electronic circuit and for supporting said panel and wherein said means for securing is disposed on said enclosure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The badge of claim 1 wherein said means for securing comprises hook fastener means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The badge of claim 1 wherein said electronic circuit includes switch means for selectively interrupting the reception of said direct current.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The badge of claim 1 further comprising means for periodically interrupting said illumination produced by said panel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
132 words
A badge comprising: an electroluminescent panel having an outwardly facing planar surface which directly generates and radiates illumination when excited by an alternating current at a first potential; a means for securing said panel to the wearer; a battery for supplying direct current at a second potential; an electronic circuit receptive of said direct current for transforming said direct current into alternating current at said first potential and for supplying said transformed current to said panel; a flasher circuit for interrupting the transformed current supplied to said panel at periodic intervals, thereby interrupting said illumination produced; and switching means for selectively bypassing said flasher circuit and for selecting a multiplicity of flash rates, comprising a single-pole multiposition switch and a diode matrix coupled to said flasher circuit and to said electronic circuit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
132 words
A badge comprising: an electroluminescent panel having an outwardly facing planar surface which directly generates and radiates illumination when excited by an alternating current at a first potential; a means for securing said panel to the wearer; a battery for supplying direct current at a second potential; an electronic circuit receptive of said direct current for transforming said direct current into alternating current at said first potential and for supplying said transformed current to said panel; a flasher circuit for interrupting the transformed current supplied to said panel at periodic intervals, thereby interrupting said illumination produced; and switching means for selectively bypassing said flasher circuit and for selecting a multiplicity of flash rates, comprising a single-pole multiposition switch and a diode matrix coupled to said flasher circuit and to said electronic circuit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The badge of claim 9 wherein said second potential is less than said first potential.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The badge of claim 9 further comprising light transmissive display means positioned adjacent said panel.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The badge of claim 9 further comprising means for securing said battery and said electronic circuit to the wearer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
The badge of claim 9 further comprising enclosure means for containing said battery and said electronic circuit and for supporting said panel and wherein said means for securing is disposed on said enclosure.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
The badge of claim 9 wherein said means forsecuring comprises hook fastener means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-01-19 | 1990-07-21 | 1991-01-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-01-19 | 1994-07-21 | 1995-01-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-01-19 | 1998-07-21 | 1999-01-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |