Plaque It!
Sponsored by: Flash of Genius |
| 2082279 | Clip insulator | June, 1937 | Fore | |
| 3389391 | VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION RESPONDER | June, 1968 | Keeler II, et al. | 343/6.8 |
| 3469686 | RETAINING TRAYS FOR SEMICONDUCTOR WAFERS AND THE LIKE | September, 1969 | Gutsche et al. | 206/65 |
| 3701043 | NEGATIVE RESISTANCE LIGHT EMITTING DIODE DEVICE | October, 1972 | Suleeg et al. | 372/50 |
| 3705316 | TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED LIGHT SOURCE USING A LIGHT EMITTING DIODE | December, 1972 | Burrous et al. | 307/311 |
| 3863075 | LIGHT EMITTING DIODE ASSEMBLY | January, 1975 | Ironmonger et al. | 250/552 |
| 3867718 | PORTABLE TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM | February, 1975 | Moe | |
| 3889147 | Light emitting diode module | June, 1975 | Groves | 313/500 |
| 3911430 | Alpha-numeric display package | October, 1975 | Jankowski et al. | 340/378 |
| 3914762 | Electronic identification system | October, 1975 | Klensch | 343/6.5 |
| 4001822 | Electronic license plate for motor vehicles | January, 1977 | Sterzer | 343/6.5 |
| 4149111 | Method and apparatus for modulating the perceptible intensity of a light emitting display | April, 1979 | Coates, Jr. | 315/169.4 |
| 4164008 | Illuminated article of clothing | August, 1979 | Miller et al. | 362/103 |
| 4243985 | Analogue voltage indicator with sequence of light emitting diodes | January, 1981 | Quayle | 345/39 |
| 4254453 | Alpha-numeric display array and method of manufacture | March, 1981 | Mouyard et al. | 362/240 |
| 4271408 | Colored-light emitting display | June, 1981 | Teshima et al. | 340/702 |
| 4298806 | Apparatus for irradiating substances curable by radiation | November, 1981 | Herold | 250/504 |
| 4298869 | Light-emitting diode display | November, 1981 | Okuno | 340/782 |
| 4301461 | Light emitting diode | November, 1981 | Asano | 257/98 |
| 4319306 | Electrically synchronized rotating light system | March, 1982 | Stanuch | 362/35 |
| 4329625 | Light-responsive light-emitting diode display | May, 1982 | Nishizawa et al. | 315/158 |
| 4336580 | Alpha-numeric display array and method of manufacture | June, 1982 | Mouyard et al. | 362/347 |
| 4342944 | Light emitting diodes with high external quantum efficiency | August, 1982 | SpringThorpe | 313/499 |
| 4368979 | Automobile identification system | January, 1983 | Ruell | 356/71 |
| 4390931 | Lamp assembly | June, 1983 | Gorick et al. | 362/267 |
| 4418411 | Method and apparatus for generating an equipment reply signal for the automatic identification of objects and/or living beings | November, 1983 | Strietzel | 371/67 |
| 4434510 | Communication system and method | February, 1984 | Lemelson | 455/603 |
| 4445132 | LED Module for a flat panel display unit | April, 1984 | Ichikawa et al. | 357/32 |
| 4525306 | Method for prevention of oxidation of oils and fats and soft capsules containing the treated oils and fats | June, 1985 | Yajima | 260/428.5 |
| 4556862 | Vehicle direction signal and slow warning system employing moving pattern of simultaneously ON lamps | December, 1985 | Meinershagen | 340/67 |
| 4595904 | Warning light system for emergency vehicles | June, 1986 | Gosswiller et al. | 340/87 |
| 4598198 | Automatic power control for modulated LED photoelectric devices | July, 1986 | Fayfield | 250/205 |
| 4614866 | Pulsed light detection circuit | September, 1986 | Liss et al. | 250/214A |
| 4615131 | Rotating display element and display unit using the same | October, 1986 | Wakatake | 40/473 |
| 4616225 | Portable traffic control signal device | October, 1986 | Woudenberg | 340/908 |
| 4620268 | Low-profile modular lightbar assembly | October, 1986 | Ferenc | 362/74 |
| 4630180 | Light emitting diode array | December, 1986 | Muraki et al. | 362/223 |
| 4630183 | Light emitting diode lamp and method for producing thereof | December, 1986 | Fujita | 326/311 |
| 4633280 | Unit of light emitting diode arrays | December, 1986 | Takasu | 257/91 |
| 4654629 | Vehicle marker light | March, 1987 | Bezos et al. | 246/473.3 |
| 4680678 | Lighting fixture for vehicle | July, 1987 | Iwaki | 362/61 |
| 4703219 | Optical device for concentrating the light radiation emitted by a light emitting diode, and a light emitting diode comprising a device of this nature | October, 1987 | Mesquida | 313/111 |
| 4710977 | Communication system and method | December, 1987 | Lemelson | 455/603 |
| 4716296 | Apparatus for curing dental restorative composites | December, 1987 | Bussiere et al. | 250/504 |
| 4720835 | Integrated semiconductor light emitting element with oscillation wavelength and phase modulated light output | January, 1988 | Akiba et al. | 372/50 |
| 4724312 | Proximity detection and warning system having a light pulse sensor and circuit responsive only to particular select frequencies | February, 1988 | Snaper | 250/203R |
| 4742432 | Matrix of light-emitting elements and method of manufacturing same | May, 1988 | Thillays et al. | 361/400 |
| 4799135 | Headlight for vehicle | January, 1989 | Inukai et al. | 362/516 |
| 4821338 | Optical signal receiving apparatus with compensation for peripheral light | April, 1989 | Naruse et al. | 455/617 |
| 4868719 | Rear combination lamp assembly for vehicles | September, 1989 | Kouchi et al. | 362/61 |
| 4918497 | Blue light emitting diode formed in silicon carbide | April, 1990 | Edmond | 257/77 |
| 4920340 | Vehicle detecting method and system which can communicate with vehicles | April, 1990 | Mizuno | 340/905 |
| 4928084 | Combined message display and brake light | May, 1990 | Reiser | 340/479 |
| 4929866 | Light emitting diode lamp | May, 1990 | Murata et al. | 313/500 |
| 4935665 | Light emitting diode lamp | June, 1990 | Murata | 313/500 |
| 4954822 | Traffic signal using light-emitting diodes | September, 1990 | Borenstein | 340/925 |
| 4965644 | Pure green light emitting diodes and method of manufacturing the same | October, 1990 | Kawabata et al. | 257/88 |
| 4966862 | Method of production of light emitting diodes | October, 1990 | Edmond | 438/27 |
| 4975814 | Wide-area lamp | December, 1990 | Schairer | 362/240 |
| 4990970 | Light emitting semiconductor having a rear reflecting surface | February, 1991 | Fuller | 257/98 |
| 4999755 | Tube light | March, 1991 | Lin | 362/250 |
| 5000569 | Light reflection defect detection apparatus and method using pulsed light-emitting semiconductor devices of different wavelengths | March, 1991 | Nylund | 356/237 |
| 5006971 | Low power safety flasher | April, 1991 | Jenkins | 362/246 |
| 5027168 | Blue light emitting diode formed in silicon carbide | June, 1991 | Edmond | 257/103 |
| 5027260 | Vehicular lightbar assembly | June, 1991 | Lyons et al. | 362/74 |
| 5038406 | Secure two-way submarine communication system | August, 1991 | Titterton et al. | 359/113 |
| 5041947 | Display device | August, 1991 | Yuen et al. | 362/35 |
| 5045767 | Rotating display element and display unit using the same | September, 1991 | Wakatake | 318/696 |
| 5050055 | Heat dissipating high intensity lamp housing | September, 1991 | Lindsay et al. | 362/293 |
| 5057828 | Display device comprising rotating display elements having a plurality of faces, and display panel composed of such devices | October, 1991 | Rousseau | 340/764 |
| 5060303 | Optical data link system, and methods of constructing and utilizing same | October, 1991 | Wilmoth | 359/185 |
| 5067788 | High modulation rate optical plasmon waveguide modulator | November, 1991 | Jannson et al. | 385/2 |
| 5091828 | Light bar | February, 1992 | Jincks et al. | |
| D324921 | Light bar for an emergency vehicle | March, 1992 | Stanuch et al. | 24/180 |
| 5093768 | Signal lamp composed of light emitting diodes for vehicle | March, 1992 | Ohe | 362/241 |
| 5097397 | Non-linear signalling device for vehicles | March, 1992 | Stanuch et al. | 362/493 |
| 5097612 | Illuminated traffic control sign | March, 1992 | Williams | 40/591 |
| 5099401 | Signal lighting fixture for vehicles | March, 1992 | Kondo et al. | 362/80.1 |
| 5101326 | Lamp assembly for motor vehicle | March, 1992 | Roney | 362/545 |
| 5122943 | Encapsulated light emitting diode and method for encapsulation | June, 1992 | Pugh | 362/256 |
| 5132666 | Vehicle-mounted electronic display system | July, 1992 | Fahs | 340/468 |
| 5136287 | Traffic-related message signal using light-emitting diodes | August, 1992 | Borenstein | 340/925 |
| 5157382 | Directional information conveying method and apparatus | October, 1992 | Stopa | 340/475 |
| 5159486 | Instrumentation apparatus and methods utilizing photoconductors as light-modulated dielectrics | October, 1992 | Webb | 359/299 |
| 5164992 | Face recognition system | November, 1992 | Turk et al. | 382/2 |
| 5182647 | High resolution charge-coupled device (CCD) camera system | January, 1993 | Chang | 358/213.11 |
| 5184114 | Solid state color display system and light emitting diode pixels therefor | February, 1993 | Brown | 340/701 |
| 5187547 | Light emitting diode device and method for producing same | February, 1993 | Niina et al. | 257/77 |
| 5193201 | System for converting a received modulated light into both power for the system and image data displayed by the system | March, 1993 | Tymes | 395/800 |
| 5198746 | Transmission line dynamic impedance compensation system | March, 1993 | Gyugyi et al. | 323/207 |
| 5198756 | Test fixture wiring integrity verification device | March, 1993 | Jenkins et al. | 324/158 |
| 5204675 | Toll collecting system for a vehicle | April, 1993 | Sekine | 340/933 |
| 5220235 | Discharge lamp device | June, 1993 | Wakimizu et al. | 313/25 |
| 5224773 | Lantern and a lens for the same | July, 1993 | Arimura | 362/227 |
| 5233204 | Light-emitting diode with a thick transparent layer | August, 1993 | Fletcher et al. | 257/13 |
| 5235498 | Lamp/reflector assembly and electric lamp for use therein | August, 1993 | Van Dulmen et al. | 362/549 |
| 5268828 | Illuminant display device | December, 1993 | Masanobu | 362/249 |
| 5283425 | Light emitting element array substrate with reflecting means | February, 1994 | Imamura | 250/208.1 |
| 5291196 | Collision-avoidance method for cooperating carriers and onboard optical assembly designed for its implementation | March, 1994 | Defour | 340/961 |
| 5296840 | Programmable emergency signalling system for a vehicle | March, 1994 | Gieffers | 340/474 |
| 5298738 | System for monitoring vehicles having a start and a stop pair of beams | March, 1994 | Gebert et al. | 250/222.1 |
| 5302965 | Display | April, 1994 | Belcher et al. | 345/31 |
| 5313187 | Battery-powered flashing superluminescent light emitting diode safety warning light | May, 1994 | Choi et al. | 340/331 |
| 5321593 | Strip lighting system using light emitting diodes | June, 1994 | Moates | 362/251 |
| 5355119 | Apparatus and methods for controlling a signal device | October, 1994 | Pearlman | 340/468 |
| 5357123 | Light emitting diode array with dovetail | October, 1994 | Sugawara | 257/88 |
| 5357409 | Illuminated safety helmet | October, 1994 | Glatt | 362/105 |
| 5359255 | Discharge tube having a double-tube type structure | October, 1994 | Kawai et al. | 313/17 |
| 5361190 | Mirror assembly | November, 1994 | Roberts et al. | 362/61 |
| 5362971 | Fiber optic detection system | November, 1994 | McMahon et al. | 250/577 |
| 5381155 | Vehicle speeding detection and identification | January, 1995 | Gerber | 342/104 |
| 5400140 | Method of decoding a spectrally modulated light signal | March, 1995 | Johnston | 356/345 |
| 5403916 | Method for producing a light emitting diode having transparent substrate | April, 1995 | Watanabe et al. | 438/26 |
| 5406095 | Light emitting diode array and production method of the light emitting diode | April, 1995 | Koyama et al. | |
| 5410328 | Replaceable intelligent pixel module for large-scale LED displays | April, 1995 | Yoksza et al. | 345/82 |
| 5410453 | Lighting device used in an exit sign | April, 1995 | Ruskouski | 362/20 |
| 5416627 | Method and apparatus for two way infrared communication | May, 1995 | Wilmoth | 359/159 |
| 5419065 | Illuminated distress warning sign | May, 1995 | Lin | 40/550 |
| 5420444 | Light emitting diode and light emitting diode array having uniform light distribution | May, 1995 | Sawase et al. | |
| 5422623 | Programmable emergency signalling device and system | June, 1995 | Bader et al. | 340/331 |
| 5426414 | Enhanced auxiliary signaling device | June, 1995 | Flatin et al. | 340/472 |
| 5426417 | Oscillating warning light for emergency vehicle | June, 1995 | Stanuch | 340/473 |
| 5434693 | Optical short pulse generating device | July, 1995 | Tanaka et al. | 359/180 |
| 5436809 | Indicating light unit having modular luminous elements, for a motor vehicle | July, 1995 | Brassier et al. | 362/61 |
| 5450301 | Large scale display using leds | September, 1995 | Waltz et al. | 362/231 |
| 5453729 | Solar warning light | September, 1995 | Chu | 362/183 |
| 5457450 | LED traffic signal light with automatic low-line voltage compensating circuit | October, 1995 | Deese et al. | 340/912 |
| 5465142 | Obstacle avoidance system for helicopters and other aircraft | November, 1995 | Krumes et al. | 356/5.01 |
| 5471371 | High efficiency illuminator | November, 1995 | Koppolu et al. | 362/32 |
| 5475241 | Light source and technique for mounting light emitting diodes | December, 1995 | Harrah et al. | 257/99 |
| 5482896 | Light emitting device comprising an organic LED array on an ultra thin substrate and process for forming same | January, 1996 | Tang | 438/28 |
| 5490048 | Modular element for motor vehicle indicator lights | February, 1996 | Brassier et al. | 362/238 |
| 5490049 | LED signalling light | February, 1996 | Montalan et al. | 362/240 |
| 5491350 | Light emitting diode and process for fabricating the same | February, 1996 | Unno et al. | 257/99 |
| 5498883 | Superluminescent edge emitting device with apparent vertical light emission and method of making | March, 1996 | Lebby et al. | 257/95 |
| 5514627 | Method and apparatus for improving the performance of light emitting diodes | May, 1996 | Lowery et al. | 438/26 |
| 5516727 | Method for encapsulating light emitting diodes | May, 1996 | Broom | 438/26 |
| 5519596 | Moldable nesting frame for light emitting diode array | May, 1996 | Woolverton | 362/250 |
| 5519720 | Semiconductor light emitting device | May, 1996 | Hirano et al. | 372/36 |
| 5526237 | Lighting system for increasing brightness to a light guide | June, 1996 | Davenport et al. | 362/551 |
| 5528474 | Led array vehicle lamp | June, 1996 | Roney et al. | 362/545 |
| 5532472 | Photoelectric switch monitoring the duration of pulsed light to prevent false signals due to ambient conditions | July, 1996 | Furuta | 250/214B |
| 5546496 | Light emitting display device having light receiving element for receiving light from light emitting element and self-holding and optical passage for guiding drive light to the light receiving element | August, 1996 | Kimoto et al. | 385/146 |
| 5552780 | Method and apparatus for transmitting coded light through low transmissible materials | September, 1996 | Knockeart | 340/991 |
| 5557257 | Programmable emergency signalling system for a vehicle | September, 1996 | Gieffers | 340/474 |
| 5567036 | Clearance and side marker lamp | October, 1996 | Theobald et al. | 362/485 |
| 5568406 | Stolen car detection system and method | October, 1996 | Gerber | 364/562 |
| 5569939 | Light emitting diode fabricated with resistors for variable light intensity | October, 1996 | Choi | 257/94 |
| 5575459 | Light emitting diode lamp | November, 1996 | Anderson | 362/240 |
| 5580156 | Marker apparatus | December, 1996 | Suzuki et al. | 362/184 |
| 5585783 | Marker light utilizing light emitting diodes disposed on a flexible circuit board | December, 1996 | Hall | 340/473 |
| 5592578 | Peripheral optical element for redirecting light from an LED | January, 1997 | Ruh | 385/31 |
| 5593223 | Illumination device | January, 1997 | Koizumi | 362/255 |
| 5593459 | Surfactant enhanced dyeing | January, 1997 | Gamblin | 8/539 |
| 5594415 | Display device for a vehicle | January, 1997 | Ishikawa et al. | 340/467 |
| 5604480 | Flashing caution/stop bus light assembly | February, 1997 | Lamparter | 340/433 |
| 5606444 | Wide-angle, high-speed, free-space optical communications system | February, 1997 | Johnson et al. | 359/152 |
| 5608391 | Electronic license plate architecture | March, 1997 | Bantli et al. | 340/933 |
| 5612201 | Isolated nucleic acid molecules useful in determining expression of a tumor rejection antigen precursor | March, 1997 | De Plaen et al. | 435/91.2 |
| 5612231 | Method of fabricating an electro-optic integrated circuit having light emitting diodes | March, 1997 | Holm et al. | 438/23 |
| 5625201 | Multiwavelength LED devices and methods of fabrication | April, 1997 | Holm et al. | 257/88 |
| 5627851 | Semiconductor light emitting device | May, 1997 | Takahashi | 372/44 |
| 5631474 | Light emitting element and array of light emitting elements for light source | May, 1997 | Saitoh | 257/88 |
| 5632551 | LED vehicle lamp assembly | May, 1997 | Roney et al. | 362/485 |
| 5634287 | Illuminated sign housing assembly | June, 1997 | Lamparter | |
| 5634357 | Enclosure handle | June, 1997 | Nutter et al. | |
| 5634711 | Portable light emitting apparatus with a semiconductor emitter array | June, 1997 | Kennedy et al. | 362/119 |
| 5635902 | L.E.D. enhanced bus stop sign | June, 1997 | Hochstein | 340/433 |
| 5636916 | Boat safety lighting apparatus and method of using same | June, 1997 | Sokolowski | 362/61 |
| 5644291 | Overlapping strobe flash pattern | July, 1997 | Jozwik | 340/472 |
| 5656829 | Semiconductor light emitting diode | August, 1997 | Sakaguchi et al. | 257/94 |
| 5657008 | Electronic license plate having a secure identification device | August, 1997 | Bantli | 340/933 |
| 5660461 | Arrays of optoelectronic devices and method of making same | August, 1997 | Ignatius et al. | 362/241 |
| 5661473 | System for the identification and automatic detection of vehicles or objects | August, 1997 | Paschal | 340/933 |
| 5661645 | Power supply for light emitting diode array | August, 1997 | Hochstein | 363/89 |
| 5661742 | Light emitting diode structure | August, 1997 | Huang et al. | 372/46 |
| 5664448 | Locking door handle | September, 1997 | Swan et al. | |
| 5668880 | Inter-vehicle personal data communications device | September, 1997 | Alajajian | 380/49 |
| 5674000 | Light source for use in leak detection in heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems that utilize environmentally-safe materials | October, 1997 | Kalley | 326/293 |
| 5691696 | System and method for broadcasting colored light for emergency signals | November, 1997 | Mazies et al. | 340/471 |
| 5694112 | Solid state rotary apparent beacon | December, 1997 | VannRox et al. | 340/472 |
| 5697175 | Low power drain illuminated sign | December, 1997 | Schwartz | 40/552 |
| 5705047 | Method for manufacturing porous blue light emitting diode | January, 1998 | Lee | 205/123 |
| 5707891 | Method of manufacturing a light emitting diode | January, 1998 | Izumi et al. | 257/86 |
| 5708428 | Method and apparatus for providing backlighting for keypads and LCD panels | January, 1998 | Phillips | 341/22 |
| 5710833 | Detection, recognition and coding of complex objects using probabilistic eigenspace analysis | January, 1998 | Moghaddam et al. | 382/228 |
| 5717390 | Doppler-radar based automatic vehicle-classification system | February, 1998 | Hasselbring | 340/933 |
| 5722760 | Electro-luminescent light assembly | March, 1998 | Chien | 362/84 |
| 5726535 | LED retrolift lamp for exit signs | March, 1998 | Yan | 362/800 |
| 5726786 | Free-space star-coupled optical data bus | March, 1998 | Heflinger | 359/152 |
| 5734337 | Vehicle speed monitoring system | March, 1998 | Kupersmit | 340/397 |
| 5734343 | One-way optical highway communication system | March, 1998 | Urbish et al. | 340/942 |
| 5736925 | Vehicle warning system controller | April, 1998 | Knauff et al. | 340/468 |
| 5739552 | Semiconductor light emitting diode producing visible light | April, 1998 | Kimura et al. | 257/89 |
| 5739592 | Power and communications link between a tractor and trailer | April, 1998 | Rigsby et al. | 307/9.1 |
| 5758947 | Illuminated safety helmet with layer for electrically connecting light emitting diodes | June, 1998 | Glatt | 362/105 |
| 5760531 | Lamp having protective dome | June, 1998 | Pederson | 313/25 |
| 5769532 | Signal warning and displaying lamp | June, 1998 | Sasaki | 362/241 |
| 5781105 | Light management system for a vehicle | July, 1998 | Bitar et al. | 340/468 |
| 5785418 | Thermally protected LED array | July, 1998 | Hochstein | 362/373 |
| 5786918 | Optical communication system and optical transmitting device | July, 1998 | Suzuki et al. | 359/135 |
| 5789768 | Light emitting diode having transparent conductive oxide formed on the contact layer | August, 1998 | Lee et al. | 257/96 |
| 5793062 | Transparent substrate light emitting diodes with directed light output | August, 1998 | Kish, Jr. et al. | 257/98 |
| 5796376 | Electronic display sign | August, 1998 | Banks | 345/82 |
| 5803579 | Illuminator assembly incorporating light emitting diodes | September, 1998 | Turnbull et al. | 362/83.1 |
| 5804822 | Fault locating device, system and method | September, 1998 | Brass et al. | 250/302 |
| 5805081 | Portable traffic signals | September, 1998 | Fikacek | 340/908 |
| 5806965 | LED beacon light | September, 1998 | Deese | 362/249 |
| 5808592 | Integrated light-emitting diode lamp and method of producing the same | September, 1998 | Mizutani et al. | 345/83 |
| 5809161 | Vehicle monitoring system | September, 1998 | Auty et al. | 382/104 |
| 5809681 | High-luminous-pattern display apparatus | September, 1998 | Miyamoto et al. | 40/582 |
| 5826965 | Modular light bar | October, 1998 | Lyons | 362/74 |
| 5828055 | Wide-band tuned input circuit for infrared receivers | October, 1998 | Jebens | 250/214R |
| 5838024 | Light emitting diode array and optical image forming apparatus with light emitting diode array | November, 1998 | Masuda et al. | 257/98 |
| 5838247 | Solid state light system | November, 1998 | Bladowski | 340/815.45 |
| 5838259 | Motor vehicle display system and ranging device | November, 1998 | Tonkin | 340/903 |
| 5848837 | Integrally formed linear light strip with light emitting diodes | December, 1998 | Gustafson | 362/235 |
| 5864306 | Detection regions for transponder tracking | January, 1999 | Dwyer et al. | 340/928 |
| 5872646 | Photoelectric detector with coded pulse output | February, 1999 | Aldermann et al. | 359/169 |
| 5875261 | Method of and apparatus for optical character recognition based on geometric and color attribute hypothesis testing | February, 1999 | Fitzpatrick et al. | 382/165 |
| 5884997 | Light bar | March, 1999 | Stanuch et al. | 362/493 |
| 5898381 | LED traffic light and method of manufacture and use thereof | April, 1999 | Gartner et al. | 340/815.65 |
| 5900850 | Portable large scale image display system | May, 1999 | Bailey et al. | 345/55 |
| 5917637 | Method of and device for driving optical modulator, and optical communications system | June, 1999 | Ishikawa et al. | 359/181 |
| 5929788 | Warning beacon | July, 1999 | Vukosie | 340/908.1 |
| 5931562 | Multi-functional tactical flashlight | August, 1999 | Arato | 362/184 |
| 5931570 | Light emitting diode lamp | August, 1999 | Yamuro | 362/355 |
| 5932860 | Light beam scanning pen, scan module for the device and method of utilization | August, 1999 | Plesko | 235/454 |
| 5934694 | Cart retriever vehicle | August, 1999 | Schugt et al. | 280/33.991 |
| 5939996 | Display sign and an optical element for use in the same | August, 1999 | Kniveton et al. | 340/815.4 |
| 5946417 | System and method for a multiresolution transform of digital image information | August, 1999 | Bonneau et al. | 382/236 |
| 5948038 | Traffic violation processing system | September, 1999 | Daly et al. | 701/117 |
| 5959752 | Optical transceiver and optical communications network for both of optical fiber transmission and free space transmission | September, 1999 | Ota | 359/152 |
| 5960135 | Optical integrated circuit for bidirectional communications and method for producing the same | September, 1999 | Ozawa | 385/24 |
| 5965879 | Method and apparatus for ultra-high-sensitivity, incremental and absolute optical encoding | October, 1999 | Leviton | 250/231.13 |
| 5966073 | Automotive, front and side brake / running/ turn signal light | October, 1999 | Walton | 340/479 |
| 5975714 | Renewable energy flashlight | November, 1999 | Vetorino et al. | 362/192 |
| 5990802 | Modular LED messaging sign panel and display system | November, 1999 | Maskeny | 340/815.45 |
| 6000812 | Writable disk sign | December, 1999 | Freeman et al. | 362/249 |
| 6009650 | Illuminated sign assembly | January, 2000 | Lamparter | 40/572 |
| 6014237 | Multiwavelength mode-locked dense wavelength division multiplexed optical communication systems | January, 2000 | Abeles et al. | 359/124 |
| 6018899 | Rotating display | February, 2000 | Hanitz | 40/473 |
| 6028694 | Illumination device using pulse width modulation of a LED | February, 2000 | Schmidt | 359/264 |
| 6035053 | Moving subject recognizing system for automotive vehicle | March, 2000 | Yoshioka et al. | 382/104 |
| 6035055 | Digital image management system in a distributed data access network system | March, 2000 | Wang et al. | 382/118 |
| 6035074 | Image processing apparatus and storage medium therefor | March, 2000 | Fujimoto et al. | 382/282 |
| 6046686 | Violation alert speed display | April, 2000 | Mitchell et al. | 340/936 |
| 6052068 | Vehicle identification system | April, 2000 | Price R-W et al. | 340/933 |
| 6054932 | LED traffic light and method manufacture and use thereof | April, 2000 | Gartner et al. | 340/815.65 |
| 6067010 | Auxiliary safety warning lamp system for a vehicle | May, 2000 | Wang | 340/463 |
| 6067011 | Electronic warning system | May, 2000 | Leslie | 340/468 |
| 6067018 | Lost pet notification system | May, 2000 | Skelton et al. | 340/573.3 |
| 6072893 | Method and system for locating objects in an image | June, 2000 | Luo et al. | 382/117 |
| 6076064 | Uniform system for verifying and tracking the title of articles or objects of value | June, 2000 | Rose, Jr. | 705/1 |
| 6081206 | Parking regulation enforcement system | June, 2000 | Kielland | 340/937 |
| 6086220 | Marine safety light | July, 2000 | Lash et al. | 362/244 |
| 6086229 | Vehicle exterior mirror system with signal light assembly | July, 2000 | Pastrick | 362/494 |
| 6091025 | Electrically optimized hybird "last mile" telecommunications cable system | July, 2000 | Cotter et al. | 174/110R |
| 6095661 | Method and apparatus for an L.E.D. flashlight | August, 2000 | Lebens et al. | 362/184 |
| 6095663 | Combination clearance and marker light assembly | August, 2000 | Pond et al. | 362/247 |
| 6100791 | Programmable emergency signalling device and system | August, 2000 | Bader et al. | 340/331 |
| 6102696 | Apparatus for curing resin in dentistry | August, 2000 | Osterwalder et al. | 433/29 |
| 6106137 | Reflector for automotive exterior lighting | August, 2000 | Adams et al. | 362/237 |
| 6111671 | Match filters for a real time fingerprint sensor and verification system | August, 2000 | Bahuguna et al. | 359/30 |
| 6118388 | Portable traffic light assembly | September, 2000 | Morrison | 340/908 |
| 6121898 | Traffic law enforcement system | September, 2000 | Moetteli | 340/933 |
| 6149288 | Vehicle light assembly with detachable and replaceable circuit board having plug-in terminal connectors | November, 2000 | Huang | 362/545 |
| 6158882 | LED semiconductor lighting system | December, 2000 | Bischoff, Jr. | 362/488 |
| 6159005 | Photopolymerization apparatus | December, 2000 | Herold et al. | 433/29 |
| 6166496 | Lighting entertainment system | December, 2000 | Lys et al. | 315/316 |
| 6177678 | Method and apparatus for leak detection and non-destructive testing | January, 2001 | Brass et al. | 250/461.1 |
| 6183100 | Light emitting diode 360° warning lamp | February, 2001 | Suckow et al. | 362/35 |
| 6241373 | Combination clearance and sidemarker lamp | June, 2001 | Kelley et al. | 362/239 |
| 6243492 | Image feature extractor, an image feature analyzer and an image matching system | June, 2001 | Kamei | 382/181 |
| 6244728 | Light emitting diode assembly for use as an aircraft position light | June, 2001 | Cote et al. | 362/249 |
| 6249340 | Apparatus and method for measuring optical characteristics of an object | June, 2001 | Jung et al. | 356/73 |
| 6268788 | Apparatus and method for providing an authentication system based on biometrics | July, 2001 | Gray | 340/5.2 |
| 6271913 | Apparatus and method for measuring optical characteristics of an object | August, 2001 | Jung et al. | 356/73 |
| 6292575 | Real-time facial recognition and verification system | September, 2001 | Bortolussi et al. | 382/118 |
| 6293904 | Management of physiological and psychological state of an individual using images personal image profiler | September, 2001 | Blazey et al. | 600/26 |
| 6318886 | High flux led assembly | November, 2001 | Stopa et al. | 362/555 |
| 6352358 | Universally positionable climate controlled light enclosure | March, 2002 | Lieberman et al. | 362/294 |
| 6367949 | Par 36 LED utility lamp | April, 2002 | Pederson | 362/240 |
| 6380865 | Replacement led lamp assembly and modulated power intensity for light source | April, 2002 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 6384742 | Pedestrian crosswalk signal apparatus—pedestrian crosswalk | May, 2002 | Harrison | 340/944 |
| 6386733 | Light emitting diode mounting structure | May, 2002 | Ohkohdo et al. | 362/249 |
| 6389155 | Image processing apparatus | May, 2002 | Funayama et al. | 382/118 |
| 6396954 | Apparatus and method for recognition and apparatus and method for learning | May, 2002 | Kondo | 382/224 |
| 6400828 | Canonical correlation analysis of image/control-point location coupling for the automatic location of control points | June, 2002 | Covell et al. | 382/100 |
| 6411022 | Vehicle lamp unit | June, 2002 | Machida | 313/318.1 |
| 6424269 | LED warning signal light and light bar | July, 2002 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 6431728 | Multi-array LED warning lights | August, 2002 | Fredericks et al. | 362/249 |
| 6448900 | Easy-to-assembly LED display for any graphics and text | September, 2002 | Chen | 340/815.45 |
| 6461008 | Led light bar | October, 2002 | Pederson | 362/542 |
| 6462669 | Replaceable LED modules | October, 2002 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 6469631 | Led warning signal light and light support having at least one sector | October, 2002 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 6472996 | Led warning signal light and light support | October, 2002 | Pederson | 362/815.45 |
| 6476726 | LED personal warning light | November, 2002 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 6483439 | Multi color and omni directional warning lamp | November, 2002 | Vukosic | |
| 6504487 | LED warning signal light and light supports | January, 2003 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 6525668 | LED array warning light system | February, 2003 | Petrick | 340/815.45 |
| 6547410 | LED alley/take-down light | April, 2003 | Pederson | 345/815.45 |
| 6590343 | LED compensation circuit | July, 2003 | Pederson | 315/76 |
| 6590502 | Led warning signal light and movable support | July, 2003 | Pederson | 340/815.4 |
| 6598996 | LED light bulb | July, 2003 | Lodhie | 362/249 |
| 6600274 | LED current regulation circuit for aircraft lighting system | July, 2003 | Hughes | 315/291 |
| 6614359 | Replacement led lamp assembly and modulated power intensity for light source | September, 2003 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 6623151 | LED double light bar and warning light signal | September, 2003 | Pederson | 362/35 |
| 6693551 | Replaceable led modules | February, 2004 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 6700502 | Strip LED light assembly for motor vehicle | March, 2004 | Pederson | 340/815 |
| 6705745 | Rotational led reflector | March, 2004 | Pederson | 362/284 |
| 6707389 | LED personal warning light | March, 2004 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 6788217 | LED warning signal light and light support having at least one sector | September, 2004 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 6789930 | LED warning signal light and row of LED's | September, 2004 | Pederson | 362/545 |
| 6814459 | LED light bar | November, 2004 | Pederson | 362/35 |
| 6822578 | Led warning signal light and light bar | November, 2004 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 6844824 | Multi color and omni directional warning lamp | January, 2005 | Vukosic | 340/815.65 |
| 6879263 | LED warning light and communication system | April, 2005 | Pederson et al. | 340/815.45 |
| 6930615 | LED warning signal light and light support | August, 2005 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 6989743 | Replacement LED lamp assembly and modulated power intensity for light source | January, 2006 | Pederson | 340/515.45 |
| 6995681 | LED warning signal light and movable support | February, 2006 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 7033036 | LED light bar | April, 2006 | Pederson | 362/35 |
| 7038593 | Strip LED light assembly for motor vehicle | May, 2006 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 7064674 | Replaceable LED modules | June, 2006 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 7080930 | LED warning signal light and row of LED's | July, 2006 | Pederson | 362/545 |
| 7095334 | Strip LED light assembly for motor vehicle | August, 2006 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 7153013 | LED warning signal light and moveable row of LED's | December, 2006 | Pederson | 362/543 |
| 20030025608 | LED personal warning light | February, 2003 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 20030156037 | LED warning signal and light supports | August, 2003 | Pederson | 340/815.45 |
| 20030169164 | Signaling device | September, 2003 | Lau | 340/473 |
| 20050057941 | 360 Degree pod warning light signal | March, 2005 | Pederson et al. | 362/542 |
| CA2164920 | June, 1996 | |||
| DE4133364 | October, 1991 | |||
| DE4304216 | February, 1993 | |||
| DE29712281 | May, 1996 | |||
| DE19502735 | August, 1996 | |||
| DE19721673 | November, 1997 | |||
| EP0326668 | November, 1988 | Rear combination lamp assembly for vehicles | ||
| EP0468822 | July, 1991 | OMNIDIRECTIONAL LIGHT | ||
| EP0531184 | August, 1992 | Optical collimating element with its supporting structure, especially for signalling lights of motor vehicles | ||
| EP0531185 | August, 1992 | Supporting structure, especially for signalling lights of motor vehicles, and its manufacturing process | ||
| EP0596782 | October, 1993 | Modular unit for vehicle signal light | ||
| EP0633163 | July, 1994 | Signalling light with electroluminescent diodes. | ||
| EP0688696 | June, 1995 | Foldable signal triangle | ||
| EP0709818 | May, 1996 | Scrolling display method and system using such | ||
| EP0793403 | January, 1997 | Improvement in LED circuits, especially for vehicles, signalisation lights and control panels | ||
| EP0887783 | June, 1998 | Moving display | ||
| EP0890894 | July, 1998 | Incandescent bulb luminance matching led circuit | ||
| EP0896898 | July, 1998 | |||
| EP0967590 | December, 1999 | Optical display device using LEDs and its operating method | ||
| EP1043189 | April, 2000 | Replacement led lamp assembly and modulated power intensity for light source | ||
| FR2658024 | February, 1990 | |||
| FR2680861 | September, 1991 | |||
| FR2707222 | July, 1993 | |||
| FR2800500 | October, 2000 | |||
| GB1241369 | August, 1971 | |||
| GB2069257 | August, 1981 | |||
| GB2111270 | June, 1983 | |||
| GB2139340 | November, 1984 | |||
| GB2175428 | November, 1986 | |||
| GB2240650 | August, 1991 | |||
| GB2272791 | May, 1994 | |||
| GB2292450 | February, 1996 | |||
| GB2311401 | September, 1997 | |||
| GB2323618 | September, 1998 | |||
| GB2330679 | October, 1998 | |||
| GB2359179 | August, 2001 | |||
| GB2359180 | August, 2001 | |||
| JP6087089 | June, 1985 | |||
| JP60143150 | July, 1985 | LIGHTING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES | ||
| JP63174170 | November, 1988 | |||
| JP06333403 | December, 1994 | ROTARY ALARM LAMP | ||
| JP6333403 | December, 1994 | |||
| JP08002341 | January, 1996 | ROOF DISPLAY DEVICE FOR AUTOMOBILE | ||
| JP8002341 | January, 1996 | |||
| WO/1997/050070 | December, 1997 | DEVICE FOR DISPLAYING ALPHANUMERIC CHARACTERS AND SYMBOLS | ||
| WO/1999/035634 | January, 1999 | DEVICE AND METHOD OF DISPLAYING IMAGES | ||
| WO/1999/042985 | August, 1999 | HANDY INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM | ||
| WO/1999/049435 | September, 1999 | CONCURRENT DISPLAY AND DATA COMMUNICATING USING LEDs | ||
| WO/1999/049446 | September, 1999 | TRICOLOR LED DISPLAY SYSTEM HAVING AUDIO OUTPUT | ||
| WO/2001/010674 | February, 2001 | LED LIGHT BAR | ||
| WO/2001/010676 | February, 2001 | PORTABLE LED WARNING LIGHT | ||
| WO/2001/011675 | February, 2001 | METHOD TO FORM NARROW STRUCTURES USING DOUBLE-DAMASCENE PROCESS | ||
| WO/2000/074975 | December, 2001 | STRIP LED LIGHT ASSEMBLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLE |
This application is a divisional application from Ser. No. 10/261,017 filed Sep. 30, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,788,217, which application is a divisional application from application Ser. No. 09/590,883, filed Jun. 9, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,469,631, issued Oct. 22, 2002, which is a continuation application from Ser. No. 09/169,871, filed Oct. 12, 1998, now abandoned, which is based upon provisional U.S. Pat. Application No. 60/062,559, filed Oct. 21, 1997, and provisional U.S. Pat. Application No. 60/094,803, filed Jul. 31, 1998, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
Light bars or emergency lights of the type used on emergency vehicles such as fire trucks, police cars, and ambulances, utilize warning signal lights to produce a variety of light signals. These light signals involve the use of various colors and patterns. Generally, these warning signal lights consist of revolving and oscillating lamps having reflective back support members and colored filters as depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,828.
Many problems exist with the known methods for producing warning light signals. One particular problem with known light bars is their reliance on mechanical components to revolve or oscillate the lamps to produce the desired light signal. Additionally, these components increase the size of the light bar or emergency lights which adversely affect its drag characteristics. Moreover, there is an increased likelihood that a breakdown will occur requiring the repair or replacement of the defective component.
The most common light sources being used in light bars or emergency lights include halogen lamps or gaseous discharge xenon lamps. These lamps emanate large amounts of heat which is difficult to dissipate from the sealed light bar or emergency light and may damage the electronic circuitry contained therein. In addition, these lamps consume large amounts of current requiring a large power supply or large battery or electrical source. These lamps also generate substantial electromagnetic emissions which may interfere with radio communications. Finally, these lamps, which are not rugged, have relatively short life spans necessitating frequent replacement.
Another problem with the known warning signal lights is their use of filters to produce the desired color. This filtering technique produces more heat that must be dissipated. Moreover, changing the color of a light source requires the physical removal of the filter from the light bar or emergency light and the insertion of a new filter. Furthermore, filters fade or flake making them unable to consistently produce the desired color.
These problems associated with traditional signaling lamps are exacerbated by the fact that creating multiple light signals requires multiple signaling lamps. Further, there is little flexibility in modifying the light signal created by a lamp. For example, changing a stationary lamp into one that rotates or oscillates would require a substantial modification to the light bar which may not be possible.
In view of the above, there is a need for a warning signal light that: (1) is capable of producing multiple light signals; (2) producing the appearance of a revolving or oscillating light signal without relying upon mechanical components; (3) generates little heat; (4) uses substantially less electric current; (5) produces significantly lessor amounts of electromagnetic emissions; (6) is rugged and has a long life span; and (7) produces a truer light output color without the use of filters.
According to the invention, there is provided a light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light which may be depicted in several embodiments. In general, the warning signal light comprises an array of light sources configured on a light support and in electrical communication with a controller and a power supply, battery, or other electrical source. The warning signal light provides various colored light signals for use by an emergency vehicle. These light signals may include a stationary light, a strobe light, a revolving light, and an oscillating light. Additionally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying symbols, characters, or arrows. Preferably, rotating and oscillating light signals are produced by sequentially illuminating columns of LED's on a stationary light support. However, the warning signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via mechanical means. The warning signal light may also be transportable for easy connection to a stand such as a tripod for electrical connection to a power supply, battery, or other electrical source as a stand-alone signal.
An object of an embodiment of the invention is to provide a warning signal light capable of producing revolving and oscillating light signals without the use of mechanical components.
Another object of an embodiment of the invention is that the warning signal light is capable of producing several different light signals.
Yet another object of an embodiment of the invention is to generate substantially less heat than traditional warning signal lights.
Yet another object of an embodiment of the invention is to use substantially less electric current.
Still another object of an embodiment of the invention is to produce relatively lower amounts of electromagnetic emissions.
Another object of an embodiment of the invention is to be rugged and have a relatively longer life span than traditional warning signal lights.
Yet another object of an embodiment of the invention is to produce a truer light output color without the use of filters.
Still another object of an embodiment of the invention is to allow the user to adjust the color of the light signal without having to make a physical adjustment from a multi-colored panel.
Another object of an embodiment of the invention is that it can be formed into various shapes. This allows the invention to be customized for the particular need.
Yet another object of an embodiment of the invention is that the light signal produced can be easily customized by the user via a microprocessor.
A feature of an embodiment of the invention is a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's), integral to a circuit board, where the LED's are aligned in vertical columns and horizontal rows.
Another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the mounting of a panel of LED's to a mechanical device which rotates or oscillates the panel during use as a warning signal light on an emergency vehicle.
Yet another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the provision of a plurality of LED's mounted to a flexible circuit board which may be manipulated into any desired configuration and can be used as a stationary, rotating, or oscillating signal light by an emergency vehicle.
Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the provision of a microprocessor/controller which is in electrical communication with a panel of LED's to selectively activate the LED's to produce a revolving or oscillating light signal.
Yet another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the provision of an LED support member supporting an array of colored LED's and a controller capable of selecting LED's of the same color to produce a single or mixed colored light signal.
Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the provision of a light emitting diode support member having an array of LED's disposed about a front surface consisting of at least two sides and a controller capable of producing light signals on each side that are independent of each other.
Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the provision of an LED support member having an array of LED's angularly offset with respect to the LED support member for the provision of a horizontal light signal as viewed by an individual when the LED support member is mounted within the interior of the forward or rear windshield of a vehicle.
Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the provision of an LED support member which may be easily connectable and/or removed from a transportable support such as a tripod for placement of an LED warning signal light at any location as desired by an individual.
Still another feature of an embodiment of the invention is the provision of an LED support member which may be easily connectable to an emergency vehicle, including but not limited to automobiles, ambulances, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and/or any other type of vehicle in which warning signal or emergency lights are utilized.
FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an emergency vehicle equipped with a light bar containing warning signal lights according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial front elevational view of an emergency vehicle equipped with a light bar containing warning signal lights according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a warning signal light attached to a gyrator according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a warning signal light according to an embodiment of the invention depicting the sequential activation of columns of light emitting diodes (LED's).
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a warning light signal according to an embodiment of the invention depicting sequential activation of rows of LED's.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a warning light signal according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a warning light signal according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a warning light signal according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a warning signal light according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a warning signal light according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the controller circuitry in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a warning signal light according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective detail view of a warning signal light attached to the interior of a windshield of an emergency vehicle.
FIG. 14 is a side plan view of a warning signal light mounted to an interior surface of an emergency vehicle window having auxiliary offset individual LED light sources.
FIG. 15 is an environmental view of a warning signal light as engaged to a remote support device such as a tripod.
A warning signal light according to the principles of this invention is indicated generally as 10 . FIGS. 1 and 2 depict light bar 70 mounted to an emergency vehicle 104 . Light bar 70 includes base 72 , mounting means 74 , cover 82 , and warning signal lights 10 . Also included in light bar 70 are gyrators 90 used to impart motion to warning signal lights 10 .
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, warning signal light 10 comprises light support 12 , light sources 30 , controller 50 (shown in FIG. 11), and connecting portion 40 for attaching the warning signal light to light bar 70 or gyrator 90 . The warning signal light 10 operates to create a warning signal for use by an emergency vehicle by selectively activating light sources 30 using controller 50 .
Light sources 30 are preferably light emitting diodes (LED's) and are generally arranged in aligned columns 32 and rows 34 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. Each of the light emitting diodes (LED's) may have shoulder portion 38 adjacent LED support 12 and dome 36 . LED's 30 are situated to be in electric communication with controller 50 and a power supply, a battery, or power source. The use of light emitting diodes (LED's) instead of the traditional halogen or gaseous discharge xenon lamps results in a reduction of heat generation, current draw, and electromagnetic emissions, while increasing lamp life and producing a more true output light color.
Controller 50 , is used to selectively activate columns 32 , rows 34 , or individual LED's 30 , to create a constant light signal, a strobe light signal, a flashing light signal, the illusion of a rotating or an oscillating light signal, a reverse character message, or images such as arrows. FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of controller 50 capable of selectively activating columns 32 , rows 34 or individual LED's 30 . Controller 50 generally comprises microprocessor 52 and circuitry 53 and is preferably contained within, attached to, or an element of, LED support 12 . It is envisioned that controller 50 be programmed by an external controller and powered through cable R.
In a preferred embodiment, controller 50 generally comprises circuit board 54 having microprocessor 52 attached to a low voltage power supply, battery, or electrical source 56 . Microprocessor 52 is configured through circuitry 53 to selectively activate columns of LED's 30 . Transistors Q 9 and Q 10 are in electronic communication with microprocessor 52 , power supply, battery, or electrical source 56 , and their respective columns 32 . 9 and 32 . 10 of LED's 30 . Columns 32 of LED's 30 are connected to transistors Q 1 -Q 8 , which are in turn connected to microprocessor 52 through resistors R 1 -R 8 . Microprocessor 52 is capable of selectively activating transistors Q 1 -Q 8 to allow current flowing through transistors Q 9 and Q- 10 to activate the selected column 32 of LED's 30 . This circuit is capable of producing a revolving, oscillating, or flashing light signal.
In the preferred embodiment, a rotating or oscillating light signal is preferably established by the sequential illumination of entire columns 32 of LED's 30 turning a desired number of columns on and then sequentially illuminating one additional column 32 while turning another column 32 off. Alternatively, the rotating or oscillating light signal may be created by selectively activating columns 32 of LED's 30 . The following algorithm may be used to provide a counterclockwise revolving light signal (FIG. 9):
A clockwise revolving light signal is created by performing steps 1-19 in descending order then repeating the steps. An oscillating light signal is created by performing: (a) steps 7 through 16 in ascending order; (b) steps 7 through 16 in descending order; and (c) repeating (a) and (b).
A second embodiment of controller 50 provides a means for activating LED's 30 individually to allow for greater flexibility in the type of light signal created. This embodiment of the invention is capable of displaying information in different colors or patterns. Depending on the size of the display, it may be necessary to scroll the symbols or characters across the display to accommodate for a larger visual appearance. It is envisioned that the mirror image of patterns, symbols, or characters could be displayed making the message easily readable by drivers viewing it in their rear view mirror. It is also envisioned that this embodiment of the invention could display arrows indicating a direction the viewer is to travel or other images as shown in FIG. 2. In addition, combinations of signaling lights, direction arrows, and other information carrying signals or images, could be displayed simultaneously by the invention.
LED support 12 is envisioned to have several embodiments. One embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, consists of a panel 14 having front 16 , back 18 , top 20 , bottom 22 and sides 24 . LED's 30 are arranged on front 16 , with domes 36 extending therefrom, in columns 32 and rows 34 . LED's 30 are in electric communication with controller 50 which may be contained or sealed within LED support 12 to provide protection from the elements. In addition, panel 14 may be circuit board 54 of controller 50 .
Another embodiment of warning signal light 10 is depicted in FIG. 10. Here, the backs 18 of two panels 14 are attached together to allow for a light signal to be produced on two sides. The two panels form LED support 12 . Alternatively, it is envisioned that a single panel 14 having LED's arranged about front 16 and back 18 could be used as well.
FIGS. 6 and 8 show further embodiments of warning signal light 10 . In FIG. 8, panels 14 are used to form an LED support 12 shaped as a square cylinder. FIG. 6 shows panels 14 connected to form a triangular cylinder. In both embodiments, LED's 30 are arranged about the fronts 16 of the panels 14 . It is further envisioned that panels 14 may be integral to each other.
Yet another embodiment of warning signal light 10 , consists of a flexible panel 14 and controller 50 to allow LED support 12 to be formed into various shapes. FIG. 5 shows LED support 12 formed into a circular cylinder. Further variations include the use of flexible panels 14 to form other shapes such as semicircles (FIG. 12) or to simply conform to a surface of an emergency vehicle (FIGS. 13 and 14). This embodiment is particularly useful for undercover vehicles which generally position the warning signal lights inside the vehicle. For example, panel 14 could be attached to the front, rear, or side window of an undercover police car (FIG. 15).
It should be noted that numerous other shapes could be formed from panels 14 including those formed from combinations of flat, curved, and flexible panels at the preference of an individual.
In each of the embodiments discussed above, the array of LED's 30 may comprise the same or differently colored LED's. Generally, each column may consist of a series of differently colored LED's. Controller 50 can be configured to select the color LED to utilize in forming the light signal. Accordingly, the user may select that a blue, red, white, yellow, green, amber, or combination thereof be used as the color of light signal.
It is also envisioned that the controller 50 may control warning signal lights 10 having multiple sides (FIGS. 5, 6 , 8 , and 10 ) such that each side is capable of producing light signals that are independent from those produced by the other sides. For example, the square cylinder warning signal light shown in FIG. 8 may produce a red revolving light on first side 15 . 1 , while second side 15 . 2 is simultaneously producing a blue oscillating light, while third side 15 . 3 is producing a stationary white light, and while fourth side 15 . 4 is producing a white strobe light.
Another embodiment of warning signal light 10 is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 as light bar 70 which extends from driver side 100 to passenger side 102 of emergency vehicle 104 . Cover 82 protects light bar 70 from the elements. Each side of light bar 70 may have LED's 30 to produce light signals on each side of emergency vehicle 104 . Furthermore, controller 50 is used to create multiple light signals on each side of light bar 70 . For example, controller 50 could create a revolving blue light positioned at front passenger side 102 of light bar 70 , oscillating white lights positioned at front driver side 100 , and yellow arrows therebetween. Additional light signals may be produced out the back and sides of light bar 70 . It is further envisioned that light bar 70 may consist of a single large array of LED's 30 across each side (not shown). This embodiment provides the largest display and, therefore, is best suited to display combinations of warning lights and images.
Mechanical rotation and oscillation of warning signal lights 10 about axis A is possible by way of attachment to gyrator 90 depicted in FIG. 3. Gyrator 90 mounted to light bar 70 , generally comprises electric motors 96 having cables 97 . Gyrator 90 is configured to receive connecting portion 40 of warning signal light 10 . Cable 97 connects to a power supply and either an external controller or controller 50 .
Gyrator 90 may be capable of rotating or oscillating warning signal light 10 about a single or dual axis of rotation A. FIG. 3 shows gyrator 90 configured to rotate or oscillate warning signal light 10 about a vertical axis A by way of motor 96 . 1 and oscillate warning signal light 10 about a horizontal axis A by way of motor 96 . 2 . Rotation or oscillation of warning signal light 10 about vertical axis A is accomplished through direct attachment of connecting portion to motor 96 . 1 . Oscillation of warning signal light 10 about horizontal axis A is accomplished by attaching swivel arm 99 to bracket 99 . 1 and post 99 . 2 which is mounted to motor 96 . 2 .
Alternative methods for imparting rotation or oscillation of warning signal light 10 can be accomplished through the use of electric motors, toothed gears, and worm gears. In addition, maintaining an electronic communication between a power supply and an external controller with a revolving or oscillating warning signal light 10 can be accomplished using brushes or other means without sacrificing the operation of the warning signal light 10 .
In another embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14, emergency vehicle 104 may include a front or rear windshield 106 . The front or rear windshield 106 is generally angularly offset with respect to the vehicle at an approximate angle of 45 degrees. In this embodiment, the mounting of a panel 14 of light sources 30 in flush contact with the interior of a front or rear windshield 106 occurs through the use of angular offsets 108 for the light sources 30 such that light emitted from the light sources 30 occur at a horizontal visual line (V) which is substantially parallel to the plane of a vehicle and not at an approximate angle of 45 degrees upward which corresponds to the angle of incident for the front or rear windshield 106 .
In this embodiment, the ease of visualization of the light source 30 is significantly enhanced by the downward angular offsets 108 which position the light sources 30 along parallel visual lines of sight (V). LED supports 12 or panels 14 may then be positioned in any desired location within the interior of a vehicle in flush contact or proximate to the front or rear windshield 106 . A suitable cable 97 is naturally required to provide electrical power for illumination of the light sources 30 . It should be noted that the angle of incidence for the angular offsets 108 may vary considerably dependent upon the make or model for the vehicle to include the warning signal lights 10 .
It should be further noted that the warning signal light 10 may be used with an automobile, motorcycle, snowmobile, personal watercraft, boat, truck, fire vehicle, helicopter, and/or any other type of vehicle receptive to the use of warning signal lights 10 . It should be further noted that LED support 12 or panel 14 may be mounted to the interior top dashboard of a vehicle proximate to the front windshield 106 or to the interior top rear dashboard proximate to the rear windshield 106 of a vehicle.
Mounting of a light support 12 or panel 14 to either the front or rear dashboards may minimize the necessity for inclusion of angular offset 108 for the light sources 30 . It should be further noted that LED supports 12 or panels 14 may be releasably affixed to the interior of the front or rear windshields 106 via the use of suction cups, hook-and-loop fabric material such as Velcro®, and/or any other releasable affixation mechanism at the preference of an individual. An individual may then adjust and reposition the location of the light support 12 or panels 14 within the interior of a vehicle as desired for maximization of visualization of the warning signal lights 10 .
In another alternative embodiment as depicted in FIG. 15, warning signal light 10 may function as a remote, revolving, or stationary beacon. In this embodiment, LED support 12 or panel 14 is preferably releasably connected to a transportable support 120 via the use of a bracket. The transportable support 120 may be a tripod having telescoping legs or may be any other type of support as preferred by an individual. In this embodiment, LED support 12 or panel 14 is electrically connected to an elongate electrical extension cable 97 which may include any desired adapter for electrical communication with the electrical system of a vehicle. The remote light support 12 or panel 14 may also include plug-in adapters for electrical connection to any desired electrical power source other than a vehicle as is available.
The transportable support 120 may also include gyrator 90 as earlier described to provide a desired rotational or oscillatory motion for warning signal light 10 . A controller 50 having a microprocessor 52 may also be integral to or in electrical communication with LED's 30 for the provision of multi-colored lights, flashing, or moving characters as desired by an individual. In this embodiment, the warning signal light 10 may be physically separated from an emergency vehicle any desired distance to facilitate or enhance the safety of a potentially dangerous situation necessitating the use of warning signal lights 10 . In addition, it should be noted that a series of remote warning signal lights 10 may be electrically coupled to each other for any desired distance to again facilitate the safety of a situation necessitating the use of warning signal lights 10 .
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof; and it is, therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.