Flashlight with multistage switch and ARC lamp operation sensor
US7549765B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jun 23, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B20/00
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A flashlight has a body containing control circuitry, with a lamp connected to the body and to the control circuitry. A photodetector is connected to the body and the control circuitry, and faces the lamp to sense an operating condition of the lamp. The control circuitry operates the lamp in a start up mode until signaled by the photodetector that the lamp is properly operating. After this, the lamp is operated in a normal mode. The flashlight may have a switch with a button that moves through a range of positions. The switch may have several contact elements, and the button may have an actuator registered with each of the contact elements. The actuators may be of different heights, to provide a sequence of switch operation. Some of the actuators may be movable to allow the button to be actuated further after an initial contact is made.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.