(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`PederSOn
`
`(54) LED DOUBLE LIGHT BAR AND WARNING
`LIGHT SIGNAL
`(76) Inventor: John C. Pederson, St. Cloud, MN (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`VIDAS, ARRETT & STEINKRAUS, PA.
`6109 BLUE CIRCLE DRIVE
`SUTE 2000
`MINNETONKA, MN 55343-9185 (US)
`(21) Appl. No.:
`10/017,348
`(22) Filed:
`Dec. 14, 2001
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Non-provisional of provisional application No.
`60/292,470, filed on May 21, 2001. Continuation-in
`
`
`
`US 2002004.8174A1
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0048174 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Apr. 25, 2002
`
`part of application No. 09/627,867, filed on Jul. 28,
`2000, which is a non-provisional of provisional appli
`cation No. 60/147,240, filed on Aug. 4, 1999.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." ....................................................... B60Q 1700
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 362/487
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light and
`double light bar includes a second light bar elevated with
`respect to a first light bar. Each of the first and Second light
`bars includes a controller for generating a plurality of
`observable light Signals. The controller may regulate the
`illumination of LEDs to a desired pattern, Sequence, and/or
`combination of Simultaneous and/or individual light Signals.
`
`VWGoA EX1011
`U.S. Patent No. 9,955,551
`
`

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`US 2002/0048174 A1
`
`Apr. 25, 2002
`
`LED DOUBLE LIGHT BAR AND WARNING LIGHT
`SIGNAL
`0001. The present invention claims priority to U.S. Pro
`visional Patent Application entitled “DOUBLE LIGHT
`BAR” Ser. No. 60/292.470 filed May 21, 2001 which is
`incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and is a
`Continuation-In-Part of U.S. utility application Ser. No.
`09/627,867 filed Jul. 29, 2000, entitled “LED LIGHT BAR’
`which claimed priority to U.S. provisional application Ser.
`No. 60/147.240 filed Aug. 4, 1999, entitled “ALLEY
`LIGHT, TAKE-DOWN LIGHT, INTERSECTION CLEAR
`ING LIGHT, LIGHT BAR, PERSONAL WARNING SIG
`NAL LIGHT, AND PAR 36 LED LAMP” all of which are
`incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0002 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 vari
`ety of light signals. These light signals involve the use of
`various colors and patterns. Generally, these warning Signal
`lights consist of incandescent and halogen light Sources
`having reflective back Support members and colored filters.
`0003. Many problems exist with the known methods for
`producing warning light Signals. One particular problem
`with known light Sources 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 may
`adversely affect the vehicles aerodynamic characteristics.
`Moreover, because of the relatively poor reliability of con
`ventional lighting and the complexity of the present Strobe
`rotational Systems there is an increased likelihood that a
`breakdown of the light bar or light source will occur
`requiring the repair or replacement of the defective compo
`nent. Finally, conventional light bars and light Sources
`require a relatively large amount of electrical current during
`operation. The demands upon the electrical power System
`for a vehicle may therefore exceed available electrical
`resources reducing optimization of performance or worse,
`generating a potential hazard form shorted or over heated
`Systems.
`0004 Halogen lamps or gaseous discharge Xenon lamps
`generally emanate large amounts of heat which is difficult to
`dissipate from a Sealed light enclosure or emergency light
`and which may damage the electronic circuitry contained
`therein. In addition, these lamps consume large amounts of
`current requiring a large power Supply, battery, or electrical
`Source which may be especially problematic for use with a
`vehicle. These lamps also generate Substantial electromag
`netic emissions which may interfere with radio communi
`cations for a vehicle. Finally, these lamps, which are not
`rugged, have relatively short life cycles necessitating fre
`quent replacement.
`0005 Another problem with the known warning signal
`lights is the use of filters to produce a desired color. Filtering
`techniques produce more heat that must be dissipated.
`Moreover, changing the color of a light Source requires the
`physical removal of the filter from the light source or
`emergency light and the replacement with a new filter.
`Furthermore, filters fade or flake over time rendering the
`
`filters unable to consistently produce a desired color for
`observation in an emergency Situation.
`0006 These problems associated with traditional signal
`ing 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 modi
`fication to the light bar or light Source which may not be
`physically or economically possible.
`0007. The present invention generally relates to electrical
`lamps and to high brightness light-emitting diode or “LED”
`technology which operates to replace gaseous discharge or
`incandescent lamps as used with vehicle warning Signal light
`SOUCCS.
`0008. In the past, the xenon gaseous discharge lamps
`have utilized a Sealed compartment, usually a gas tube,
`which may have been filled with a particular gas known to
`have good illuminating characteristics. One Such gas used
`for this purpose was Xenon gas, which provides illumination
`when it becomes ionized by the appropriate Voltage appli
`cation. Xenon gas discharge lamps are used in the automo
`tive industry to provide high intensity lighting and are used
`on emergency vehicles to provide a visible emergency Signal
`light.
`0009. A xenon gas discharge lamp usually comprises a
`gas-filled tube which has an anode element at one end and
`a cathode element at the other end, with both ends of the tube
`being Sealed. The anode and cathode elements each have an
`electrical conductor attached, which passes through the
`Sealed gas end of the lamp exterior. An ionizing trigger wire
`is typically wound in a helical manner about the exterior of
`the glass tube, and this wire is connected to a high Voltage
`power source typically on the order of 10-12 kilowatts (kw).
`The anode and cathode connections are connected to a lower
`level Voltage Source which is Sufficient to maintain illumi
`nation of the lamp once the interior gas has been ionized by
`the high Voltage Source. The gas remains ignited until the
`anode/cathode Voltage is removed; and once the gas ioniza
`tion is stopped, the lamp may be ignited again by reapplying
`the anode/cathode Voltage and reapplying the high Voltage to
`the trigger wire via a Voltage pulse.
`0010 Xenon gas lamps are frequently made from glass
`tubes which are formed into Semicircular loops to increase
`the relative light intensity from the lamp while maintaining
`a relatively Small form factor. These lamps generate
`extremely high heat intensity, and therefore, require posi
`tioning of the lamps. So as to not cause heat buildup in nearby
`components. The glass tube of a Xenon lamp is usually
`mounted on a light-based pedestal which is sized to fit into
`an opening in the light fixture and to hold the heat generating
`tube Surface in a light fixture compartment which is sepa
`rated from other interior compartment Surfaces or compo
`nents. In a vehicle application, the light and base pedestal are
`typically sized to fit through an opening in the light fixture
`which is about 1 inch in diameter. The light fixture compo
`nent may have a glass or plastic cover made from colored
`material So as to produce a colored lighting effect when the
`lamp is ignited. Xenon gas discharge lamps naturally pro
`duce white light, which may be modified to produce a
`colored light, of lesser intensity, by placing the Xenon lamp
`in a fixture having a colored lens. The glass tube of the
`
`

`

`US 2002/0048174 A1
`
`Apr. 25, 2002
`
`Xenon lamp may also be painted or otherwise colored to
`produce a similar result, although the light illumination from
`the tube tends to dominate the coloring, and the light may
`actually have a colored tint appearance rather than a Solid
`colored light. The color blue is particularly hard to produce
`in this manner.
`0.011
`Because a preferred use of xenon lamps is in
`connection with emergency vehicles, it is particularly impor
`tant that the lamp be capable of producing intense coloring
`asSociated with emergency vehicles, i.e., red, blue, amber,
`green, and clear.
`0012. When xenon lamps are mounted in vehicles, some
`care must be taken to reduce the corroding effects of water
`and various chemicals, including road Salt, which might
`contaminate the light fixture. Corrosive effects may destroy
`the trigger wire and the wire contacts leading to the anode
`and cathode. Corrosion is enhanced because of the high heat
`generating characteristics of the lamp which may heat the air
`inside the lamp fixture when the lamp is in use, and this
`heated air may condense when the lamp is off resulting in
`moisture buildup inside the fixture. The buildup of moisture
`may result in the shorting out of the electrical wires and
`degrade the performance of the emission wire, Sometimes
`preventing proper ionization of the gas within the Xenon gas
`discharge lamp.
`0013 Another problem with the known warning signal
`lights is the use of rotational and/or oscillating mechanisms
`which are utilized to impart a rotational or oscillating
`movement to a light Source for observation during emer
`gency Situations. These mechanical devices are frequently
`cumberSome and difficult to incorporate and couple onto
`various locations about a vehicle due to the size of the
`device. These mechanical devices also frequently require a
`relatively large power Source to impart rotational and/or
`oscillating movement for a light Source.
`0.014) Another problem with the known warning signal
`lights is the absence of flexibility for the provision of
`variable intensity for the light Sources to increase the num
`ber of available distinct and independent visual light effects.
`In certain Situations it may be desirable to provide variable
`intensity for a light Signal, or a modulated intensity for a
`light Signal, to provide a unique light effect to facilitate
`observation by an individual. In addition, the provision of a
`variable or modulated light intensity for a light signal may
`further enhance the ability to provide a unique desired light
`effect for observation by an individual.
`0.015 No known warning light systems utilize a variable
`or modulated light intensity to modify a Standard lighting
`effect nor do they have the design flexibility to easily make
`those changes. The warning lights as known are generally
`limited to a flashing light Signal. Alternatively, other warn
`ing Signal lights may provide a Sequential illumination of
`light Sources. No warning or utility light Signals are known
`which simultaneously provide for modulated and/or variable
`light intensity for a known type of light signal to create a
`unique and desirable type of lighting effect or combination
`light effect.
`0016 No warning signal lights are known which provide
`irregular or random light intensity to a warning Signal light
`to provide a desired lighting effect. Also, no warning light
`Signals are known which provide a regular pattern of Vari
`
`able or modulated light intensity for a warning Signal light
`to provide a desired type of lighting effect. It has also not
`been known to provide a warning light Signal which com
`bines either irregular variable light intensity or regular
`modulated light intensity to provide a unique and desired
`combination lighting effects.
`0017. It has also not been known to provide alternative
`colored LED light sources which may be electrically con
`trolled for the provision of any desired pattern of light Signal
`Such as flashing, pulsating, oscillating, modulating, variable,
`rotational, alternating, Strobe, Sequential, and/or combina
`tion light effects. In this regard, a need exists to provide a
`Spatially and electrically efficient LED light Source for use
`on an emergency or utility vehicle which provides the
`appearance of rotation, or other types of light Signals.
`0018. In view of the above, there is a need for a warning
`Signal light that:
`0019 (1) Is capable of producing multiple light
`Signals;
`0020 (2) Produces the appearance of a revolving or
`oscillating light Signal without reliance upon
`mechanical components,
`0021 (3) Generates little heat;
`0022 (4) Uses substantially less electrical current;
`0023 (5) Produces significantly reduced amounts of
`electromagnetic emissions,
`0024 (6) Is rugged and has a long life cycle;
`0025 (7) Produces a truer light output color without
`the use of filters,
`0026 (8) Is positionable at a variety of locations
`about an emergency vehicle; and
`0027 (9) Provides variable light intensity to the
`light Source.
`0028. Other problems associated with the known warning
`Signal lights relate to the restricted positioning of the Signal
`light on a vehicle due to the size and shape of the light
`Source. In the past, light Sources due to the relatively large
`Size of light bars or light Sources, were required to be placed
`on the roof of a vehicle or at a location which did not
`interfere with, or obstruct, an operator's ability to visualize
`objects while seated in the interior of the vehicle. Light bars
`or light Sources generally extended perpendicular to the
`longitudinal axis of a vehicle and were therefore more
`difficult to observe from the sides by an individual.
`0029. The ease of visualization of an emergency vehicle
`is a primary concern to emergency perSonnel regardless of
`the location of the observer. In the past, optimal observation
`of emergency lights has occurred when an individual was
`either directly in front of, or behind, an emergency vehicle.
`Observation from the Sides, or at an acute angle relative to
`the Sides, frequently resulted in reduced observation of
`emergency lights during an emergency situation. A need
`therefore exists to improve the observation of emergency
`lights for a vehicle regardless of the location of the observer.
`A need also exists to improve the flexibility of placement of
`emergency lights upon a vehicle for observation by indi
`viduals during emergency situations.
`
`

`

`US 2002/0048174 A1
`
`Apr. 25, 2002
`
`0030) A need exists to reduce the size of light sources on
`an emergency vehicle and to improve the efficiency of the
`light Sources particularly with respect to current draw and
`reduced aerodynamic drag. In addition, the flexibility for the
`positioning of the light Sources about a vehicle for obser
`Vation by individuals is required to be enhanced in order to
`optimize utility for a warning Signal light. In order to Satisfy
`these and other needs, more Spatially efficient light Sources
`Such as LEDs are required.
`0031. In the past, illumination of an area to the front or
`to the Sides of an emergency vehicle during low light
`conditions has been problematic. Take-down lights have
`been utilized by law enforcement personnel for a number of
`purposes including, but not necessarily limited to, enhancing
`observation of an individual in a vehicle on a roadway
`Subject to investigation and to hide the location of an officer,
`or to block or deter observation of an officer by individuals
`during law enforcement activities.
`0032. A need exists for an LED take-down light which
`has significant illumination characteristics, is spatially effi
`cient, has a long useful life, and has reduced current draw
`requirements for use on a law enforcement or utility vehicle.
`0033. The alley lights as known also suffer from the
`deficiencies as identified for the take-down lights during
`dark illumination conditions. Alley lights are used to illu
`minate areas adjacent to the Sides of a vehicle.
`0034.
`In the past, the intersection clearing lights have
`been predominately formed of halogen, incandescent, and/or
`gaseous discharge xenon illumination Sources. A need exists
`for an interSection clearing light which Solves these and
`other identified problems.
`0035) A problem has also existed with respect to the use
`of emergency lights on unmarked law enforcement vehicles.
`In the past, emergency lights for unmarked law enforcement
`vehicles have consisted of dome devices which are formed
`of revolving mechanisms. These lights are usually with
`drawn from a Storage position under a motor vehicle Seat for
`placement upon dashboard of a law enforcement vehicle. In
`undercover Situations it has been relatively easy to identify
`dashboard affixation mechanisms used to Secure these types
`of dome illumination devices to a dashboard. The known
`dome devices are also clumsy, have large current draw
`requirements, and are difficult to Store in a convenient
`location for retrieval in an emergency Situation by an indi
`vidual. A need therefore exists for an emergency vehicle or
`utility warning light which is spatially efficient, easily hid
`den from view, and is transportable by an individual for
`retrieval during an emergency situation.
`0036) A need also exists for a new emergency vehicle
`light bar which is aerodynamic and which provides for at
`least one longitudinal illumination element and at least one
`optional elevated pod illumination device.
`
`GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`0037 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 may be formed of a Single row, Single Source, or
`an array of light emitting diode 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 may provide various light
`Signals, colored light signals, or combination or patterns of
`light signals for use in association with a vehicle or by an
`individual. These light signals may include a Strobe light, a
`pulsating light, a revolving light, a flashing light, a modu
`lated or variable intensity light, an oscillating light, an
`alternating light, a pulsating light Signal, and/or any com
`bination thereof. Additionally, the warning Signal light may
`be capable of displaying Symbols, characters, or arrows.
`Rotating and oscillating light Signals may be produced by
`Sequentially illuminating columns or Single LED's on a
`Stationary light Support in combination with the provision of
`variable light intensity from the controller. However, the
`warning Signal light may also be rotated or oscillated via
`mechanical means. The warning Signal light may also be
`easily transportable and may be conveniently connected to a
`Stand Such as a tripod for electrical coupling to a power
`Supply, battery, or other electrical Source as a remote Stand
`alone signaling device.
`0038. The warning signal light and/or replacement warn
`ing Signal light may be electrically coupled to a controller
`used to modulate, or pulse, the light intensity for the light
`Sources to provide for various patterns or combinations of
`patterns of illumination to create an illusion of rotation or
`other type of illusion for the warning Signal light without the
`use of mechanical devices.
`0039. A reflective light assembly may also be provided.
`The reflective light assembly may rotate about a Stationary
`light Source or the light Source may rotate about a Stationary
`reflector. The reflective assembly may also be positioned at
`an acute angle of approximately 45° above a stationary LED
`panel or Solitary light Source, where the reflector may be
`rotated about a pivot point and axis to create the appearance
`of rotation for the light Source.
`0040. The controller is in electrical communication with
`the power supply and the LEDs to modulate the light
`intensity for the LED light sources for provision of a desired
`type of warning light effect. Each individual light Support
`may be positioned adjacent to, and be in electrical commu
`nication with, another light Support through the use of
`Suitable electrical connections. A plurality of light Supports
`or Solitary light Sources may be electrically coupled in either
`a parallel or Series manner to the controller. The controller
`is also preferably in electrical communication with the
`power Supply and the LEDs, to regulate or modulate the
`light intensity for the LED light sources for variable illu
`mination of the LED light sources as observed by an
`individual. The warning Signal lights may encircle an emer
`gency Vehicle. In addition, the light Support may be encased
`within a waterproof enclosure to prevent moisture or other
`contamination of the LED light Sources.
`0041) The individual LED’s and/or arrays of LED’s may
`be used as take-down and/or alley lights by law enforcement
`vehicles to illuminate dark areas relative to the emergency
`vehicle. The take-down light Source may be stationary or
`may be coupled to one or more rotational mechanisms. The
`interSection clearing light may be a particular application of
`the alley light as mounted to a motor for oscillation of the
`light Source forwardly and rearwardly relative to an emer
`gency vehicle. The interSection clearing mode preferably
`rotates or OScillates the alley lights forwardly and rearwardly
`on each Side of a light bar as the emergency vehicle enters
`
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`US 2002/0048174 A1
`
`Apr. 25, 2002
`
`an interSection. The interSection clearing light mode prefer
`ably warns all traffic perpendicular to the direction of travel
`of the emergency vehicle as to the presence of an emergency
`vehicle within an intersection. When the intersection clear
`ing light mode is not in operation the alley light or take
`down light may be used to provide illumination at any
`desired angle relative to the passenger or drivers areas of an
`emergency vehicle.
`0.042 A portable pocket LED warning signal light may be
`provided having a base and a power adaptor for use in
`unmarked law enforcement vehicles. The portable pocket
`LED warning Signal light may also be connected to, or have,
`an integral controller for the provision of a variety of unique
`light signals as earlier described. The portable pocket LED
`may also include one or more reflective culminators to
`enhance the performance of the warning or utility Signal
`light.
`0.043 A light bar may also be provided having one or
`more longitudinal Supports or bars and/or one or more
`elevated pod illumination elements. Each pod illumination
`element may be raised with respect to a light bar by one or
`more supports which extend upwardly from the base. The
`pod illumination elements may alternatively be oval or
`circular in shape. The light bar may also include one or more
`longitudinal light elements integral to the base which extend
`transversely to the roof of an emergency vehicle.
`0044 Aprincipal advantage of the present invention is to
`provide a warning Signal light capable of Simulating revolv
`ing or oscillating light signals without the use of mechanical
`components.
`0.045 Another principal advantage of the present inven
`tion is that the warning Signal light is capable of producing
`Several different types of light signals or combinations or
`patterns of light signals.
`0.046
`Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is to be rugged and to have a relatively longer life
`cycle than traditional warning Signal lights.
`0047 Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is to produce a truer or pure light output color
`without the use of filters.
`0.048
`Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is to allow the user to adjust the color of the light
`Signal without having to make a physical adjustment to the
`light Source from a multi-colored panel.
`0049 Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is the provision of an LED light source which is
`formed of a relatively simple and inexpensive design, con
`Struction, and operation and which fulfills the intended
`purpose without fear of failure or risk of injury to perSons
`and/or damage to property.
`0050 Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is the provision of an LED light Source for creation
`of bright bursts of intense white or colored light to enhance
`the visibility and Safety of a vehicle in an emergency
`Signaling situation.
`0051 Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is the provision of an LED light source which
`produces brilliant lighting in any of the colors associated
`with an emergency vehicle light Signal Such as red, blue,
`amber, green, and/or white.
`
`0052 Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is the provision of an LED light source which is
`highly resistant to corrosive effects and which is impervious
`to moisture build-up.
`0053 Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is the provision of a warning Signal light which
`includes LED technology and which is operated by a con
`troller to provide any desired type or color of light Signal
`including but not limited to rotational, pulsating, oscillating,
`Strobe, flashing, encoded, alternating, variable, and/or
`modulated light signals without the necessity for mechanical
`devices.
`0054 Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is the provision of a warning Signal light which is
`capable of Simultaneously producing Several different types
`of light Signals.
`0055 Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is the provision of an LED light source which is
`flexible and which may be connected to a modulated illu
`mination Source to provide variable light intensity for the
`light Source which in turn is used to create the appearance of
`rotation and/or oscillation without the use of mechanical
`rotation or oscillating devices.
`0056 Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is the provision of an LED take-down light which
`has significant illumination characteristics which prohibits
`an individual located in a temporarily Stopped vehicle from
`observing the location or actions or law enforcement per
`Sonnel within or adjacent to a law enforcement vehicle.
`0057 Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is the provision of an LED alley light which may
`easily adapted for use within existing light bar for an
`emergency vehicle.
`0058 Yet another advantage of the invention is the pro
`Vision of an LED Support member having an array of colored
`LED's and a controller capable of selectively illuminating
`the LEDs of the same color to produce a single or mixed
`colored light Signal.
`0059 Still another advantage of the invention is the
`provision of a light emitting diode Support member having
`LED's disposed about at least two sides and a controller
`capable of producing light signals on each side which are
`independent and/or different from each other.
`0060 Still another advantage of the present invention is
`the provision a microprocessor/controller which is in elec
`trical communication with the LED light Sources to Selec
`tively activate individual LEDs to produce a flashing,
`Strobe, alternating, rotating, Oscillating, variable, encoded,
`modulated and/or pulsating warning light Signals or combi
`nation warning light signals.
`0061 Still another advantage of the present invention is
`the provision of a warning Signal light having LED tech
`nology which includes an array, a Single row or a Solitary
`LED light Source mounted to a light Support.
`0062 Still another advantage of the present invention is
`the provision of a Strip warning Signal light having LED
`technology where a plurality of Strip LED light Supports
`may be affixed in Surrounding engagement to the exterior of
`an aircraft, vessel, Sign, or emergency vehicle.
`
`

`

`US 2002/0048174 A1
`
`Apr. 25