US5335157A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Anti-collision light assembly
Assignee: Whelen Engineering Co Inc
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Filing: 1993-01-26
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Granted: 1994-08-02
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Expires: 2013-01-26
Abstract
Abstract A compact and highly efficient warning light for producing high intensity light pulses which are radiated in accordance with a desired directional pattern includes a light source and a pair of reflectors disposed within a lens cover. The reflectors each include plural parabolic reflective surfaces distributed about an axis with the surfaces having a common focal point located on the axis. The two reflectors are coaxial and the common focal points of the surfaces thereof coincide.
Inventors
- 👤 Harold W. Lyons
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 21:18
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60Q; B60Q1/00; B60Q1/26; B60Q1/2611; F; F21; F21V; F21V13/00; F21V13/02; F21V13/04; F21V5/00; F21V5/02; F21W; F21W2111/00; F21W2111/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
295 words
Apparatus for producing pulses of light in the visible spectrum comprising: a light generator, said light generator having a light emitting region from which light rays are radiated when the light generator is in a energized state; light transmissive cover means; means for supporting said light generator within said cover means, said supporting means positioning said light generator so that a portion of the light emitting region thereof lies on an axis; first reflector means positioned within said cover means on a first side of said light generator for intercepting and redirecting light rays radiating from said light generator, said first reflector means comprising a plurality of parabolic reflective surfaces, said reflective surfaces having a common focal point and being arranged about said axis, said common focal point being located approximately on said axis whereby light rays incident on said first reflector means parabolic surfaces will be redirected in directions which are generally transverse to said axis; and second reflector means positioned within said cover means for intercepting light rays radiating from said light generator, said second reflector means comprising a plurality of parabolic reflective surfaces, said reflective surfaces of said second reflector means having a common focal point and being arranged about said axis, said common focal point of said second reflector means parabolic reflective surfaces being located approximately on said axis and approximately coincident with said focal point of said first reflector means whereby light rays incident on said second reflector means parabolic reflector surfaces will be redirected in directions which are generally parallel to the directions of the light rays redirected by said first reflector means, said second reflector means being located along said axis at a second side light generator and in a generally facing relationship to said first reflector means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
295 words
Apparatus for producing pulses of light in the visible spectrum comprising: a light generator, said light generator having a light emitting region from which light rays are radiated when the light generator is in a energized state; light transmissive cover means; means for supporting said light generator within said cover means, said supporting means positioning said light generator so that a portion of the light emitting region thereof lies on an axis; first reflector means positioned within said cover means on a first side of said light generator for intercepting and redirecting light rays radiating from said light generator, said first reflector means comprising a plurality of parabolic reflective surfaces, said reflective surfaces having a common focal point and being arranged about said axis, said common focal point being located approximately on said axis whereby light rays incident on said first reflector means parabolic surfaces will be redirected in directions which are generally transverse to said axis; and second reflector means positioned within said cover means for intercepting light rays radiating from said light generator, said second reflector means comprising a plurality of parabolic reflective surfaces, said reflective surfaces of said second reflector means having a common focal point and being arranged about said axis, said common focal point of said second reflector means parabolic reflective surfaces being located approximately on said axis and approximately coincident with said focal point of said first reflector means whereby light rays incident on said second reflector means parabolic reflector surfaces will be redirected in directions which are generally parallel to the directions of the light rays redirected by said first reflector means, said second reflector means being located along said axis at a second side light generator and in a generally facing relationship to said first reflector means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first reflector means is integral with said light generator supporting means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein aid second reflector means is integral with said cover means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said light generator is an incandescent lamp.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said light generator is a gaseous discharge tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said light generator is an incandescent lamp.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said first reflector means defines a base with an internal cavity and wherein circuitry for periodically interrupting the energization of said incandescent lamp is positioned within said cavity.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first reflector means is integral with said light generator supporting means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said light generator is a gaseous discharge tube.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second reflector means is integral with said cover means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
60 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said parabolic reflective surfaces define portions of paraboloids of revolution, each of said paraboloids of revolution having a focal length, and wherein the focal lengths of the paraboloids of revolution of said firstctor means are all the same and are different from the focal lengths of the paraboloids of revolution said second reflector means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said parabolic reflective surfaces of said first reflector means are segments of parabolic trough reflectors.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said parabolic reflective surfaces of said second reflector means define portions of paraboloids of revolution.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said reflective surface of said first reflector means extend generally outwardly with respect to said axis to outer ends thereof, and wherein said apparatus further comprises: reflective extensions of at lest some of said parabolic reflective surfaces of said first reflector means, said extensions being disposed at the said outer ends of said surfaces, said extensions being shaped to reflect light incident thereon in directions which are angularly related to said transverse directions.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said reflective extensions have a generally spherical shape.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said second reflector means is integral with said cover means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said parabolic reflective surfaces of said second reflector means define portions of paraboloids of revolution.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said second reflector means is integral with said cover means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said reflective surface of said first reflector means extend generally outwardly with respect to said axis to outer ends thereof, and wherein said apparatus further comprises: reflective extensions of at least some of said parabolic reflective surfaces of said first reflector means, said extensions being disposed at the said outer ends of said surfaces, said extensions being shaped to reflect light incident thereon in directions which are angularly related to said transverse directions.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said reflective extensions have a generally spherical shape.
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) | 1997-08-01 | 1998-01-31 | 1998-08-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-08-01 | 2002-01-31 | 2002-08-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-08-01 | 2006-01-31 | 2006-08-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |