IL26794A - Distress signal light - Google Patents

Description

C O H E N Z E D E K & S P I, S B A C H R E G D . PA TE NT A TT O R N EYS 24, LEVONTIN STR., P. O. B. 1169 T E L - AV I V ¾J 3 P A T E N T S & D E S I G N S O R D I N A N C E 15887/66 SPECIFICATION DISTBESS SIGNAL LIGHT tnvn nyw ηιη»κ ιικ ELCO COBPORATION, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, of Willow Grove, Montgomery County of Pennsylvania , U.S.A., HEREBY DECLARE the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the. following statement: This invention relates to a distress signal light capable of producing periodic high intensity light flashes.

The signal light comprises a longitudinal h§llow handle to one end of which is attached a cylindrical signal head whose axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The other end of the handle is provided with a notch to permit the handle to be attached, for example, to a partially opened window on a disabled vehicle thereby positioning the handle: outwardly of the vehicle in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the window, so that the axis of the signal head in general alignment with traffic passing in each direction relative to the disabled vehicle. Mounted in the axial end faces of the head are a pair of spaced lens that focus light from a flash tube mounted centrally of the lens into narrow cones that pro ect forwardly and rearwardly of the disabled vehicle to warn traffic approaching the disabled vehicle in each direction. The handle is of sufficient size to house a solid-state electronic package that periodically operates the flash tube .

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciates as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a distress signal Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of another distress signal light embodying the invention for a director of traffic; Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in Fig. 5; and Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the electronic circuit used for energizing the light source.

Referring now in greater detail to the various figures of the drawing wherein similar reference characters refe to similar parts, a distress signal light embodying the present invention is generally shown at 10 in Fig. 1. Device 10 basically comprises a handle 12 and a head 14.

The handle 12 is comprised of a high impact styrene type rigid thermoplastic resin which has good chemical resistance as well as good electrical and low temperature properties, such as Cycolac. The handle is elongated and generally rectangular in cross-section. As best seen in Fig. 2, the base 16 of the handle 12 is U-shaped and includes a rectangular slot 18 which separates the legs of the base 16. The rectangular slot 18 extends transversely completely through the handle as seen in Fig« 3. A permanent magnet 19 which is U-shaped is mounted in the base 16 and extends parallel to the slot 18. The handle 12 also includes The head 14 is comprised of an acrylic plastic. It includes an elongated translucent cylindrical side wall 26 and circular transparent end walls 28 which are each preferably comprised of a Fresnel lens. A Fresnel lens is preferable because it maintains a desired focal length without materially increasing the weight of end walls 28. The head further includes a rectangular base 30 which is integral with the side wall 26 of the head and itself comprises four walls 32, 34, 36 and 38 which are aligned with walls 22 of the body section. Walls 32 and 36 are planar and rectangular and are diametrically opposite each other whereas walls 34 and 36 are planar and have three edges which are at right angles with respect to each other and a fourth edge integral with said cylindrical wall 26 and which is arcuately shaped in accordance with the diameter of the wall 26. Walls 32 through 38 form an integral rectangular base which has at its rear edge a peripheral ledge 40 which forms an enlarged opening at the rear edge of the base which is complementary to the peripheral ledge 24 formed at the forward end of handle 12. The handle 12 is secured to the head by inserting the forward neck of the handle into the enlarged opening formed by peripheral ledge 40 in the base 30 of the head and cementing at the abutting edges thereof.

The head 14 is preferably formed by making similar cup shaped halves which are cemented together at seam 41. Thus, each half is comprised of half of cylindrical wall 26, a single lens b 0 which is com rised of for cylindrical wall 26 and base 30 can also be a separate single piece. The separate piece would, of course, each be cemented to each other.

The cylindrical wall of the head 14 is preferably translucent. The lens are each transparent and emit a clear focused beam. The handle 12 and base 30 of the head are preferably opaque so that the contents of the distress signal light are neatily packaged.

The hollow body portion 20 of the handle houses an electronic package 42 which selectively energizes a high intensity light source 44 which is mounted in the head 14. A rectangular opening 46 is provided in cylindrical wall 26 within the hollow base 30 of the head through which rigid supporting electrically conductive leads 48 and 50 pass each connecting the electronic package 42 to the high intensity light source.

A cable 52 including a pair of electrical leads passes through the base 16 of the handle to electronic package 42. At the other end of the cable 52 is a conventional plug 54 for connecting the leads to the terminals of a car battery via the receptacle provided in the car for a cigarette lighter.

The high intensity light source 44 is U-shaped. The web 56 is positioned with respect to the center of each of the Fresnel lens 28 so that the light emitted by the light source is focused at approximately a 15° angle with respect to the axis of the cylindrical head. The light is emitted through both lens of steady position. By focusing the light at a 15° angle, it is directed outward towards the lines of traffic which are going in the same direction as well as in the opposite direction.

It is thereby seen easily by all oncoming motorists. The notch 18 in the handle of the signal of the distress light is adapted to accommodate the thickest windows used by car manufacturers. The magnet 19 which is mounted within the base 16 enables the signal light 10 to be alternatively mounted to the roof, fender, hood or trunk of the car.

The electronic package 42 is designed to energize the high intensity light source 44 approximately fifty to sixty times per minute. The high intensity light source is preferably a Xenon bulb which is used in electronic flash guns and which provides an approximate 100,000 lumens intensity during the interval of energization. The current drain from the electronic package which energizes the light source 44 is very small and does not drain the battery as quickly as the standard incandescent light bulbs used for tail lights in current automobiles.

The signal light 10 is, thus, extremely versatile. It provides an extremely bright light source which is easily seen by oncoming motorists. It is packaged in an extremely tough case which is highly resistant to cracking, dents and other forms of breaking. The flashing Xenon bulb provides an extremely high intensity beam of light which is seen easily and interpreted quickly as a distress signal by an oncoming motorist. Further, the light The handle of device 10 can be more elongated in the body portion 20 to house dry-cell batteries to self contain a source of power. In this modified handle it is not necessary to provide a cord 52 and plug 54 to tap the car battery via the receptacle for the cigarette lighter. However, an electrical switch is provided in the longer handle to selectively connect the batteries to the electronic package 42. The switch enables the signal light to be stored in a non-operating state, thereby preventing the batteries from being completely drained when not in use.

Another form of distress signal light 70 embodying the invention is shown in Figs. 4 to 6. Device 70 is comprised of a body section 72 and a head section 74.

Body section 72 comprises a main section 76, end cap 78 and a forward mating section 80 which are made of a high impact styrene type rigid thermoplastic resin such as Cycolac. The main section 76 is elongated and cylindrically shaped. It includes a pair of cylindrical holes 82 which are parallel and extend longitudinally from the rear edge of the section 76 to a central portion of the section. The bores 82 are adapted to house a pair of dry-cell batteries 84. The batteries 84 are mercury cell batteries for heavy duty, however, where the device is used for light duty, conventional C batteries can be used.

Adjacent the forward end of holes 82 are cylindrical bores 86 which are axially aligned with their corresponding 84 are placed in opposite directions. A circular metal plate 87 within and adjacent the base of end cap 78 contacts and connects the batteries 84 in a serial relation so that the voltage applied across springs 88 is the sum of the voltage of the two batteries.

The main section 76 further includes a cylindrical bore 90 which extends from the forward edge of the main section 76 to a point centrally located in the main section intermediate of and adjacent to the end of bores 86. The diameter of the bore 90 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the main section 76. Another pair of cylindrical holes 92 are provided between the bore 90 and the bores 86. Holes 92 are cylindrical and are axially aligned with the bores 86 thereby enabling communication between the two holes 82 and the bore 90. A pair of conductor leads 94 which are electrically connected to the springs 88 pass through holes 92 to an electronic package 96 which is housed in the bore 90 of the main section 72.

The main section further includes a conventional flashlight switch 98 mounted in the periphery thereof which selectively connects the power from batteries 84 to the electronic package 96. Switch 98 is longitudinally slidable between an "on" and "off" position. The switch is' so constructed that it maintains either position unless physically moved to the other of the positions.

At the rear end of the main section 76, an end cap 78 is releasably mounted. End cap 78 comprises a circular base 100 and an inte ral eri heral cylindrical side wall 102 the inner the end of the main section until the disc 87 withiri the base of the cap abuts the rear of batteries 84. It should be understood that the inner surface of wall 102 can be threaded arid the outer surface of section 76 similarly threaded in order to screw end cap 78 onto the main section.

The forward mating section 80 is secured to the forward end of the main section 76. The forward section 80 is cylindri-cally shaped and has a rear bore 104 which extends from the rear edge of the forward section 80 to a point centrally within the section. The bore 104 is substantially the same diameter as the outer surface of the main section 76 and the section is secured thereto by telescoping bore 104 over the end of main section 76 and cementing the two pieces together at their contacting surfaces. At the forward end of the mating section is a cylindrical bore 106 which, extends from the forward edge of the section to a point approximately one-quarter of the way Within the section; At the base of bore 106 a parabolic shaped reflector 108 is mounted. Bores 104 and 106 are connected by a cylindrical bore 110 which is axially aligned with said bores arid a circular hole 112 in the center of the parabolic reflector 1 8-A high intensity light source 114 is located within bore 106 and extends through bore 110 and hole 112. The light source 114 is connected to the electronic package 98 by a pair of rigid conducting leads 116 which electrically connect the light source to the electronic package as well as maintain the light outer surface at 118 for a reason which will hereinafter appear. The head 74 is preferably comprised of clear acrylic plastic. It can also be made of a clear thermoplastic such as Cycolac. The head is elongated and generally cylindrical at its rear portion 120 and frusto-conically shaped at its forward portion 122. The head includes a longitudinal bore 124 which extends from the rear edge to the forward edge thereof. The bore 124 is cylindrical at end 126 of the rear portion 120 of the head 74. The surface of bore 24 at end 126 is threaded complementary to the threading at 118 of the forward mating section 80. The head 74 is thus secured to the handle by screwing the head on to the threaded portion of the forward mating section.

Adjacent the cylindrical bore at end 126 is a frusto-conically shaped section of bore 128, the base of which communicates with the bore at end 126. Adjacent the conical bore section 128 is another frusto-conically shaped section 130 of the bore 124 which is less tapered than that of section 128. The remaining section 132 of bore 124 is cylindrical. The cylindrical section 132 extends longitudinally from the conical section 130 to the forward edge of the head. At the forwardmost end of the cylindrical bore 132 is an enlarged section 134 in which a lens 136 is housed. Lens 136 is used to focus the light emitted from source 114 and enhances the ability of the light to pierce through fog and mist. The lens is preferably secured in section 134 of the bore by cementing it to the walls of the bore. The conical sec larger batteries are desired. The electronic package utilizes solid state circuitry and a printed circuit board and is thus able to withstand a great deal of shock. The electronic package is encased by shock absorbing packaging which increases the ability of the device 70 to withstand shock. Thus, due to the rugged nature of the construction, the device 70 may also be used as a "billy" club by the police.

The head section 74 can also be colored red. The body section 76 is preferably opaque and a solid color. However, it may be coated with a luminous paint or it may also be colored with stripes or other bright patterns to increase its visibility.

The electronic circuitry comprising the electronic packages 42 and 96 is schematically shown in Fig. 7. Each of the electronic packages is basically comprised of a D.C. to D.C. convertor including transistors 140 and 142 and their associated circuitry, a step-up voltage transformer 144, a voltage doubler circuit which includes silicon diodes 146 and 148 and capacitor 150, a storage capacitor 152 and a trigger circuit which includes a silicone controlled rectifier 154, a neon tube 156, a time delay circuit comprised of resistor 158 and capacitor 160, a trigger transformer 162 and associated circuitry.

The power supply which is provided in the device 10 via cable 52 and in device 70 by batteries 84 is supplied to the circuit at terminals 164 and 166. Terminal 164 is connected to resistor 168 via lead 170 and to the emitters of transistors 140 device 10 via lead 176. However, in the device 70 the electronic package 96 includes conventional flashlight switch 98 which is adapted to open the lead 176 thereby disconnecting the power source from the circuitry when not in use. Switch 98 is not used in device 10 unless the handle 12 of the device includes a self-contained battery supply.

The emitter of transistor 140 is connected to the emitter of transistor 142. The first secondary winding 184 of transformer 144 is connected at a first end to the base of tran¬ sistor 140 via lead 186 and at its other end to the base of transistor 142 via lead 188. Resistors 168 and 174 are connected to each other. At the junction of resistors 168 and 174 a lead 190 is connected and which is connected at its other end to the center tap 192 of secondary winding 184. The resistors 168 and 174 act as a voltage divider and provide the proper bias from the secondary winding 184 to the bases of transistors 140 and 142. The collectors of transistors 140 and 142 are connected at opposite ends of the primary winding 180. Transistors 140 and 142 alternately operate and thereby convert a constant D.C. voltage to a pulsating D.C. or rectangular wave.

In operation, the D.C. to D.C. convertor converts the constant D.C. input to a rectangular wave as follows. Assuming transistor transistor 140 is initially off or non-conducting and feea-¾efe«ne* 142 is on or conducting, the collector of transistor 142 satu¬ rates the transformer 144 in a first direction. The portion of 140 and turns transistor 140 on. At the same time, the voltage picked up on the portion of secondary winding 184 between center tap 192 and lead 186 provides a less positive voltage to the base of transistor 142 thereby turning transistor 142 off (nonconducting) as a result of the back biasing of the emitter-base junction of transistor 142.

With transistor 140 now conducting, a voltage is applied to primary winding 180 in the opposite direction. The voltage picked up on secondary winding 184 between center tap 192 and lead 186 biases the base of transistor 140 less positive than the emitter biasing voltage thereby back biasing the emitter-base junction of transistor 140 and turning transistor 140 off.

At the same time, the portion of winding 184 between center tap 192 and lead 188 generates a voltage which increases the voltage at the base of transistor 142 thereby forward biasing the emitter-base junction of transistor 142 and turning the transistor on. Thus, as each transistor is turned on, the direction of the voltage applied to transformer winding 180 is changed which in turn is picked up by the associated portion of secondary winding 184 which turns off the transistor which provided the input voltage to the primary winding and turns on the other of the two transistors.

It is thus seen that transistors 140 and 142 alternately supply voltage to the primary winding 180 thus providing a rectangular voltage wave to the input of transformer 144. Transformer trigger electrode 196 of Xenon flashtube 44, resistor 200, primary winding 202 of trigger transformer 162, and controlled rectifier 154. Resistor 200 is connected to the control lead of controlled rectifier 154 and to neon tube 156. Capacitor 150 is connected to the diodes 146 and 148. The diode 148 is connected to capacitor 152, to electrode 198 of Xenon flashtube 44 and to a bleeder resistor 158. Resistor 158 is connected at its other end to neon tube 156, controlled rectifier 154 and capacitor 160. The voltage doubler circuit comprised of the diode 146, diode 148 and capacitor 150 tends to make the rectangular voltage wave generated at the secondary winding 194 into a constant positive D.C. voltage which charges storage capacitor 152.

The output of the voltage doubler circuit taken at the anode of diode 148 is also fed to bleeder resistor 158 which controls the increase in voltage across the neon tube 156 and controlled rectifier 154. That is, the resistor 158 controls the amount of charging current allowed to charge up capacitor 160. The control lead 204 of controlled rectifier 154 is connected to resistor 200 and neon tube 156. The resistor 200 normally biases the rectifier to a non-conductive condition. As the voltage on lead 206 increases, it reaches the breakdown potential of neon tube 156 thereby causing the neon tube to conduct. When tube 156 conducts, the voltage at the control lead 204 of the controlled rectifier 154 is increased thereby enabling controlled rectifier 154 to conduct. When the controlled rectifier is conductive, the transmitted to a trigger band 210 via lead 212. The voltage at trigger band 210 causes ionization within the Xenon flashtube 44 When ionization occurs, the stored energy in the larger storage capacitor 152 discharges through the Xenon flashtube 44 causing a brilliant flash.

After capacitor 160 has totally discharged, the voltage drops across the neon tube 156 thereby causing the voltage on control lead 204 to go low again. The low voltage on lead 204 causes controlled rectifier 154 to stop conducting which thereby lowers the input voltage applied to winding 202 of transformer 162 which in turn lowers the voltage to trigger band 210. Thus ionization of the gas in flashtube 44 is terminated. Because neon tube 156 is cut off, the voltage on lead 206 starts to build up again thereby causing the process to repeat.

Thus, the operation of the electronic package comprises conversion of a constant D.C. voltage to a rectangular voltage wave which is stepped up by transformer 144. The output voltage from transformer 144 is "doubled" by the voltage doubler circuit which charges storage capacitor 152 and simultaneously supplies the voltage to a time delay circuit comprised of bleeder resistor 158 and capacitor 160. When the capacitor 160 is charged sufficiently, in a predetermined amount of time dependent on the values of resistor 158 and capacitor 160, the voltage across neon tube 156 causes it to conduct thereby enablin controlled rectifier 154 to conduct. The conduction of capacitor 152 to discharge through the flashtube and cause a brilliant flash.

In device 10, the values of resistor 158 and capacitor 160 are so chosen that the time delay circuit spaces the flashes of the flashtube to produce approximately 50 to 60 flashes per minute. Each flash has a duration of approximately 25 to 30 micro-seconds at a light intensity of approximately 100,000 lumens during that period. The values of components 158 and 160 of the time delay circuit in the electronic package 96 of the device 70 are so chosen that the Xenon tube 44 flashes approximately 120 times per minute.. Each flash of device 70 is also for a duration of approximately 25 to 3.0. micro-seconds at. a light intensity of approximately 100, 000 lumens. The voltage supply to the. trigger band 210 is approximately 3,000 to 4,500 volts. Transformer 144. is chosen in accordance with the D.C.. voltage., provided- y the power source. Thus, for example, the number of windings as. well ... as the efficiency of the transformer are different where a 12 volt D.C. supply is used such as the conventional, automobile battery than .when a 6 volt D.C. supply .is used ..such as the battery of a foreign, automobile or four 1-1/2 volt batteries, seriall connected.

Thus., it is seen that the distress signal . lights embodying the invention emit . eriodic flash signals which are ■ easily seen arid understood as distress signals by other motorists-.- The . intensity and short duration of the light emitted enhance the the window of a car and locked in place by turning a window all the way up. In this manner, by locking all of the doors of the car, the signal light cannot be stolen nor can access be had to the interior of the car without prying the door open or breaking the windows.

The solid state circuitry used in the electronic packages of each distress signal light enables the signal lights to be handled roughly without damaging the circuitry thereof. The protection of the circuitry as well as resistance to cracking, denting, etc. are enhanced by the use of a hard thermoplastic resin such as Cycolac for the casing of the devices. Finally, it should be noted that the electronic circuitry used not only requires very little current to operate it, but it is also very inexpensive to manufacture.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims (8)

Case 418 HAVING HOW particularly described and ascer-, tained the nature of our said invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare that What we claim is:

1. A distress signal light having a longitudinal handle attached to a signal head containing a light source, wherein said light source is a high-intensity flash tube, and said handle houses an electronics package capable of periodically operating the flash tube..

2. A distress signal light according to Claim 1 wherein said handle is arranged for attachment to a disabled vehicle and is provided with a notch that fits over the edge of a par*- tially opened window in a disabled vehicle to cause the handle to project outwardly of the vehicle in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the window, said signal head having cylindrical side walls establishing an axis for the head that is transverse to the axis of the handle,, and having the flash tube located within the side walls centrally between the axial ends of the side walls, and each of the ends of the side walls is provided with a lens that focuses light from the flash tube into a narrow conical beam tha projects rearwardly and forwardly of the disabled vehicle,

3. A distress signal light according to Claims 1 and 2 wherein said cylindrical side walls are translucent,

4. A distress signal light according to Claims X, 2,. and 3 wherein each lens is a Fresnel lens,

5. A distress signal light according to Claims 1*4 where* in said handle and cylindrical side walls are of highrimpact strength plastic material.

6. A distress signal light according to Claims 1-5 where

7. A distress signal light according to Claim 1 wherein said signal head is frustrO-conical in shape establishing an axis that is substantially co-linear with the axis of the housing, and is provided with a longitudinal bore at one end of which is located said light source and at the other end of which is a lens for focusing light from the source into a narrow conical beam.

8. A distress signal light according to Claim 1 wherein said electronics package includes a dischargeable power source for applying a voltage across the terminals of the flash tube that is insufficient to initiate ionization of the gas therein, and a trigger source for coupling periodic short duration high level voltage pulses to the gas in said flash tube for periodic discharges of said power source through the gas in the flash tube whereby periodic high intensity flashes of light are emitted from the tube, DATED THIS 31st