Illumination – Self powered lamp – With hermetic seal
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-09
2001-08-28
Cariaso, Alan (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Self powered lamp
With hermetic seal
C362S228000, C362S276000, C362S802000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06280049
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a rescue signalling device for operation while floating in water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is provided a rescue signalling device comprising a waterproof buoyant body having a front end and a rear end including a compartment for accommodating a battery to provide a centre of gravity for the body to float in water in a substantially upright neutral position with the front end pointing upwards, a first light source provided within the body front end for energization by the battery to generate a light rescue signal, and a movement sensitive electrical switch for intermittently turning on and off the light source in response to the body being moved by the water back-and-forth about the neutral position, said device being in the form of a lantern incorporating a second light source for normal lighting operation.
Preferably, the body includes a side handle for carrying during normal lighting operation to have its front end pointing generally forwards.
Preferably, the body includes inner and outer transparent screw-threaded covers closing the front end.
In a preferred embodiment, the electrical switch has a fixed contact and a moving contact for coming into intermittent contact with the fixed contact in response to the movement of the body by the water.
More preferably, the electrical switch includes an electrically conducting flexible member having a free end supporting or acting as the moving contact.
It is preferred that the fixed contact extends around the moving contact.
In another preferred embodiment, the electrical switch is in the form of a mercury switch.
More preferably, the mercury switch has an envelope, two fixed terminals and mercury contained in the envelope for making and breaking electrical connection between the terminals intermittently in response to the movement of the body by the water, said envelope having a relatively lower part for keeping the mercury away from the terminals when the body remains stationary in the neutral position.
It is preferred that the second light source is provided with a cup reflector for light reflection from the body front end, and the electrical switch is provided in the space immediately behind one side of the reflector.
Preferably, the second light source is provided with a cup reflector for light reflection from the body front end, and the first light source is positioned within the reflector for light reflection from the body front end as well as outside the reflector for being visible on the side of the body.
Preferably, the first light source is provided by a light emitting diode.
It is preferred that the second light source is a light bulb controlled by another electrical switch, said two electrical switches being in independent operation.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4763126 (1988-08-01), Jawetz
patent: 5299107 (1994-03-01), Ratcliffe et al.
patent: 5400008 (1995-03-01), Toohey
patent: 5622422 (1997-04-01), Rodgers
patent: 5800044 (1998-09-01), Marshall
patent: 5903212 (1999-05-01), Rodgers
patent: 6086218 (2000-07-01), Robertson
Cariaso Alan
DelGizzi Ronald E.
Leydig , Voit & Mayer, Ltd.
Tamplus Company, Ltd.
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