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`US 20040052090Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`Pederson
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0052090 Al
`Mar. 18, 2004
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) LED WARNING SIGNAL LIGHT AND
`MOVEABLE ROW OF LED'S
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: John C. Pederson, St. Cloud, MN (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`VIDAS, ARRETT & STEINKRAUS, P.A.
`6109 BLUE CIRCLE DRIVE
`SUITE 2000
`MINNETONKA, MN 55343-9185 (US)
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`10/640,858
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Aug. 13, 2003
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63)
`
`Continuation of application No. 10/016,989, filed on
`Dec. 13, 2001.
`Continuation of application No. 09/586,221, filed on
`Jun. 2, 2000.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl.7 ........................................................ F21V 7/04
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 362/555
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light, the
`warning signal light comprising a plurality of light sources
`constructed and arranged with a reflector or cullminator, the
`LED light source being 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 independent use or use by an emergency
`vehicle. These light signals may include a strobe light,
`revolving light, an alternating light, a flashing light, a
`modulated light, a pulsating light, an oscillating light or any
`combination thereof. Additionally, the warning signal light
`may be capable of displaying symbols, reverse characters, or
`arrows. The controller may further be adapted to regulate or
`modulate the power intensity exposed to the illuminated
`LED's to create a variable intensity light signal.
`
`PCNA Ex. 1037
`U.S. Patent No. 9,955,551
`
`

`

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`US 2004/0052090 Al
`
`Mar. 18, 2004
`
`1
`
`LED WARNING SIGNAL LIGHT AND MOVEABLE
`ROW OF LED'S
`[0001] The present invention relates to a light emitting
`diode (LED) warning signal light having modulated power
`intensity for use by emergency vehicles and is based upon
`Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/138,408, filed
`Jun. 8, 1999, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
`entirety.
`
`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(cid:173)
`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, 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 component. Finally, the
`known light bars and 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.
`[0004] 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 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 or large battery or electrical source which may
`be especially problematic for use with a vehicle. These
`lamps also generate substantial electromagnetic emissions
`which may interfere with radio communications for a
`vehicle. Finally, these lamps, which are not rugged, have
`relatively short life cycles necessitating frequent replace(cid:173)
`ment.
`[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 insertion of a new filter. Further(cid:173)
`more, filters fade or flake over time rendering the filters
`unable to consistently produce a desired color for observa(cid:173)
`tion in an emergency situation.
`[0006] These problems associated with traditional signal(cid:173)
`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(cid:173)
`fication to the light bar 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 as automotive warning signal
`light sources.
`
`[0008]
`Illumination lamps for automobile turn signals,
`brake lights, back-up lights, and/or marker lights/headlights
`frequently have accompanying utility parabolic lens/reflec(cid:173)
`tor enclosures which have been used for utility warning
`signals or emergency vehicle traffic signaling.
`
`[0009] These signaling devices as known are commonly
`referred to as "unmarked corner tubes," or "dome tubes.
`These signaling devices as known frequently utilize xenon
`gaseous discharge tubes or incandescent lamps as the illu(cid:173)
`mination sources.
`
`[0010] A problem with the prior art is the cost and failure
`rate of the known "unmarked corner tubes," or "dome
`lights." The failure rate of these devices frequently results in
`a significant amount of "down time" for a vehicle to effec(cid:173)
`tuate replacement. Further, an officer is frequently unaware
`that a vehicle light is inoperative requiring replacement. This
`condition reduces the safety to an officer during the perfor(cid:173)
`mance of his or her duties. In addition, the reduced life cycle
`and failure rate of the known illumination devices signifi(cid:173)
`cantly increases operational costs associated with material
`replacement and labor. A need, therefore, exists to enhance
`the durability, and to reduce the failure rate, of illumination
`devices while simultaneously reducing the cost of a replace(cid:173)
`ment illumination source.
`
`[0011]
`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(cid:173)
`cation. Xenon gas discharge lamps are used in the automo(cid:173)
`tive industry to provide high intensity lighting and are used
`on emergency vehicles to provide a visible emergency signal
`light.
`
`[0012] 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
`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(cid:173)
`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(cid:173)
`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.
`
`[0013] 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-
`
`

`

`US 2004/0052090 Al
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`Mar. 18, 2004
`
`2
`
`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(cid:173)
`rated from other interior compartment surfaces or compo(cid:173)
`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(cid:173)
`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(cid:173)
`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
`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.
`
`[0014] Because a preferred use of xenon lamps is in
`connection with emergency vehicles, it is particularly impor(cid:173)
`tant that the lamp be capable of producing intense coloring
`associated with emergency vehicles, i.e., red, blue, amber,
`green, and clear.
`
`[0015] 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.
`
`[0016] Warning lights, due to the type of light source
`utilized, may be relatively large in size which in turn may
`have an adverse affect upon adjacent operational compo(cid:173)
`nents. In addition, there is an increased likelihood for a
`breakdown of the light source requiring repair or replace(cid:173)
`ment of components.
`
`[0017] 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(cid:173)
`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 supply to engage and operate the
`device to impart rotational and/or oscillating movement for
`a light source. Power consumption of electrical components
`for an emergency vehicle is of primary consideration for
`vehicle operators.
`
`variable intensity for the light sources to increase the num(cid:173)
`ber of available distinct and independent visual light effects.
`In certain situations it may be desirable to provide a variable
`intensity for a light signal or a modulated intensity for a light
`signal to provide a unique light effect to facilitate observa(cid:173)
`tion by an individual. In addition, the provision of a variable
`or modulated intensity for a light signal may further enhance
`the ability to provide a unique desired light effect for
`observation by an individual.
`
`[0019] No warning lights are known which are flexible
`and which utilize a variable light intensity to modify a
`standard lighting effect. The warning lights as known are
`generally limited to a flashing light signal. Alternatively,
`other warning signal lights may provide a sequential illu(cid:173)
`mination of light sources. No warning or utility light signals
`are known which simultaneously provide for modulated
`and/or variable power intensity for a known type of light
`signal to create a unique and desirable type of lighting effect.
`
`[0020] No warning signal lights are known which provide
`an 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
`variable or modulated light intensity for a warning signal
`light to provide a desired type of lighting effect. Further, no
`warning light signals are known which combine a desired
`type of light effect with either irregular variable light inten(cid:173)
`sity or regular modulated light intensity to provide a unique
`and desired combination lighting effect.
`
`[0021]
`It has also not been known to provide alternative
`colored LED light sources which may be electrically con(cid:173)
`trolled for the provision of any desired pattern of light signal
`such as flashing, pulsating, oscillating, modulating, rota(cid:173)
`tional, alternating, strobe, and/or combination light effects.
`In this regard, a need exists to provide a spatially and
`electrically efficient LED light source for use on an emer(cid:173)
`gency or utility vehicle which provides the appearance of
`rotation or other types of light signals without the necessity
`of a mechanical devices. In addition, a need exists to provide
`a spatially and electrically efficient LED light source for use
`on an emergency vehicle which provides a flashing, modu(cid:173)
`lated, oscillating, rotational, alternating, and/or strobe light
`effects without the necessity of mechanical devices.
`
`[0022]
`In view of the above, there is a need for a warning
`signal light that:
`
`[0023]
`(1) Is capable of producing multiple light
`signals;
`
`[0024]
`(2) Produces the appearance of a revolving or
`oscillating
`light signal without
`relying upon
`mechanical components;
`
`[0025]
`
`(3) Generates little heat;
`
`[0026]
`
`( 4) Uses substantially less electrical current;
`
`[0027]
`(5) Produces significantly reduced amounts of
`electromagnetic emissions;
`
`[0028]
`
`(6) Is rugged and has a long life cycle;
`
`[0029]
`(7) Produces a truer light output color without
`the use of filters;
`
`[0018] Another problem with the known warning signal
`lights is the absence of flexibility for the provision of
`
`[0030]
`(8) Is positionable at a variety of locations
`about an emergency vehicle; and
`
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`
`[0031]
`(9) Provides variable power intensity to the
`light source without adversely affecting the vehicle
`operator's ability to observe objects while seated
`within the interior of the vehicle.
`
`[0032] Other problems associated with the known warning
`signal lights relate to the restricted positioning 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.
`
`[0033] 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(cid:173)
`viduals during emergency situations.
`
`[0034]
`In the past, flashing light signals emanating from
`light bars have been used to signal the presence of an
`emergency situation necessitating caution. 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.
`A need also exists to enhance the flexibility of positioning of
`light sources about a vehicle for observation by individuals.
`In order to satisfy these and other needs, more spatially
`efficient light sources such as LED's are required. It is also
`necessary to provide alternative colored LED light sources
`which may be electrically controlled for the provision of any
`desired pattern of light signal such as flashing, alternating,
`pulsating, oscillating, modulating, rotational, and/or strobe
`light effects without the necessity of spatially inefficient and
`bulky mechanical devices. In that regard, a need exists to
`provide a spatially and electrically efficient LED light source
`for use on an emergency vehicle which provides any of the
`above-identified types of warning light signals without the
`necessity of mechanical devices. In addition, a need exists to
`provide a spatially and electrically efficient LED light source
`for use on an emergency vehicle which provides a flashing,
`alternating, pulsating, rotating, modulated, oscillating, and/
`or strobe light effect or combinations thereof without the
`necessity of mechanical devices.
`
`GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0035] 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 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 light signals for use by
`a vehicle. These light signals may include a strobe light, a
`pulsating light, a revolving light, a flashing light, a modu(cid:173)
`lated or variable intensity light, an oscillating light, an
`alternating light, and/or any combination thereof. Addition(cid:173)
`ally, the warning signal light may be capable of displaying
`symbols, characters, or arrows. Rotating and oscillating light
`signals may be produced by sequentially illuminating col(cid:173)
`umns of LED's on a stationary light support in combination
`with the provision of variable power 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 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 remote stand(cid:173)
`alone signaling device.
`[0036] For the replacement LED lamp, extending from the
`standard mounting base may be a light source which one or
`a plurality of LED lamp modules which may be formed of
`the same or different colors as desired by an individual.
`Additionally, rotating and oscillating light signals may be
`produced by substitution of an LED light source in an
`oscillating or reflective light assembly. In addition, the
`warning signal light and/or replacement warning signal light
`may be electrically coupled to a controller used to modulate
`the power intensity for the light sources to provide for
`various 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.
`[0037] Alternative colored LED light sources may also be
`electrically controlled for the provision of any desired
`pattern of warning light signals such as flashing, pulsating,
`oscillating, modulating, rotational, alternating, and/or strobe
`light effects without the necessity of spatially inefficient and
`bulky mechanical devices.
`
`[0038] Alternatively, a reflective light assembly may be
`provided. The reflective light assembly may rotate about a
`stationary light source or the light source may rotate about
`a stationary reflector. In another alternative embodiment, the
`reflective assembly may be positioned at an acute angle
`approximately 45° above a stationary LED panel or a
`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. The light source may be utilized in con(cid:173)
`junction with the reflective assembly and may also be
`electrically coupled to a controller for the provision of
`pulsating, oscillating, alternating, flashing, stroboscopic,
`revolving, variable, and/or modulated light intensity for
`observation by an individual.
`
`[0039] The controller is preferably in electrical commu(cid:173)
`nication with the power supply and the LED's to modulate
`the power intensity for the LED light sources for provision
`of a desired type of warning light effect.
`
`[0040] The warning signal light may be formed of an array
`of LED's, a single row of LED's or a solitary LED mounted
`upon and in electrical communication with a substantially
`flat light support which includes a circuit board or LED
`mounting surface coupled to a power source. The light
`support may have dimensions of three inches by three inches
`or smaller at the discretion of an individual. Each light
`support may include an adhesive, magnetic, and/or other
`
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`
`4
`
`affixation mechanism to facilitate attachment at vanous
`locations on and/or around an emergency vehicle. Each
`individual light support may be positioned adjacent to and
`be in electrical communication 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
`at the discretion of an individual. A plurality of light sources
`each containing an array or singular LED may be in elec(cid:173)
`trical communication with a power supply and a controller
`to selectively illuminate the LED's to provide for the
`appearance of a revolving, modulating, strobe, oscillating,
`alternating, pulsating, and/or flashing light source or any
`combinations thereof. The controller is preferably in elec(cid:173)
`trical communication with the power supply and the LED's
`to modulate the power intensity for the LED light sources for
`variable illumination of the LED light sources. The warning
`signal lights may encircle an emergency vehicle at the
`discretion of an individual. In addition, the light support may
`be encased within a waterproof enclosure to prevent mois(cid:173)
`ture contamination and shorting of the LED light sources.
`[0041] A principal advantage of the present invention is to
`provide a warning signal light capable of simulating revolv(cid:173)
`ing or oscillating light signals without the use of mechanical
`components.
`
`[0042] Another principal advantage of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion is that the warning signal light is capable of producing
`several different types of light signals or combinations of
`light signals.
`[0043] Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is to be rugged and have a relatively longer life
`cycle than traditional warning signal lights.
`[0044] Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is to produce a truer or pure light output color
`without the use of filters.
`[0045] 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 from a
`multi-colored panel.
`[0046] Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is that it may be formed into various shapes. This
`allows the invention to be customized for the particular
`need.
`[0047] Still another advantage of the present invention is
`that the light signal produced may be easily customized by
`the user via a controller or microprocessor.
`[0048] 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(cid:173)
`struction, and operation and which fulfills the intended
`purpose without fear of failure or injury to persons and/or
`damage to property.
`[0049] Still another principal advantage of the present
`invention is the provision of an LED light source which is
`flexible and which may easily replace existing illumination
`devices used as turn signals, brake lights, back-up lights,
`marker lights, and headlights in utility lens/reflector enclo(cid:173)
`sures.
`[0050] Still another principal of the present invention is