US2607839A - Illumination apparatus for warning and signaling purposes and method of control - Google Patents

Description

g- 1952 A. c. HEEHLER 07,839

ILLUMINATION APPARATUS FOR WARNING AND SIGNALING PURPOSES AND METHOD OF CONTROL 7 Filed Feb. 2. 1949 I 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 1377527 Tar Awe/k C flax/1m ILLUMINATION APPARATUS FOR WARNING AND SIGNALING Aug. 19, 1952 A c. HEEHLER 2,607,839

PURPOSES AND METHOD OF CONTROL Filed Feb. 2. 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 19, 1952 A c. HEEHLER 2,667,839

ILLUMINATION APPARATUS FOR WARNING AND SIGNAL-IN Filed Feb. 2. 1949 PURPOSES AND METHOD OF CONTROL 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 01/4445}? I; if

Aug. 19, 1952 A. c. HEEHLER 2,607,339

ILLUMINATION APPARATUS FOR WARNING AND SIGNALING PURPOSES AND MET-HOD OF CONTROL Filed Feb. 2. 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Aug. 19, 1952 ILLUMINATION'APPARATUS FOR WARNING AND SIGNALING PURPOSES AND METHOD OF CONTROL Arthur C. Heehler, Chicago, Ill., assignor to The Pyle National Company, Chicago, 111., a corporation of New Jersey Application February 2, 1949, Serial No. 74,086

This invention relates to illumination apparatus and more specifically to, a ,novel and improved structure for a-red and white warning light. This invention further relates to a novel and improved method ofcontrolling the apparatus of a .warning light of the class herein described. 1-:

Although the present invention is to be understood as being of general utility, it may be pointed out that the structure shown herein and the method of control practiced thereby finds a particularly useful application as awarning light for vehicles such as railroad trains, or the like. According to the present invention, illumination apparatus is provided comprising a source of light fixedly mounted upon a frame structure in such a manner as to come in beam projecting relationship with a rotatable parabolically shaped reflector. The reflector is provided with a suitable supporting structure having a driven connection with motor means mounted on another portion of the frame and is specially designed so as to have a color screen unit reciprocate through a generally axially disposed aperture defined by the reflector. The color screen unit is equipped with. suitable reciprocating means so as to permit selective actuation of the unit to a forward color-screening position. When the color screen unit is in its forwardmost position, it surrounds the source of light, thereby providing for the production of a colored gyrating beam of light which isuniquely distinguishable within the range of visibility.

.It may be noted that multi-colored gyrating lights have heretofore beenyprovided; however, these lights have involved the use of an extremely cumbersome structure having intricate and involved mechanisms, or else have not been sufliciently rugged and reliable in use to permit wide spread, use, V

Thus, it is a particular object of this invention to provide a red and white warning light having a simplified construction which does not involve the unnecessaryduplication of elements and whichis convenientin operation.

A particular object of this invention is to provide a novel, light employing a highly simplified electrical control system. a v r V Another object of this invention is to provide a rotatable refiector defining a generally axially disposed aperture through which a color screen may be reciprocated for surrounding relationship witha bulb receptacle structure. Y Y

I A-further object of .this invention is to provide a, novel andimprovedpolor screen unit which I 17 Claims. (01. 177-329) -2 may be reciprocated upon a longitudinal axis in response to a change of rotational direction of a motor driving means. 1

A further object ofv this invention is to' provide a red and white warning light which may be used as an emergency headlight fora vehicle such as a railroad train.

Another object of this invention'is to provide a warning light which produces a gyrating beam of colored light in response to emergency conditions manifested through suitable actuating mechanisms. v

A further object ofthis invention is to provide a method of control for a red and white warning light whereby an emergency condition, such as is manifested by the application of I vehicle brakes, will cause the light to produce a gyrating beam of colored light. I

Another object of thisinvention is to provide a method of controlling a red and white warning light for a railroad locomotive whereby the light may project a fixed-beam which may be selectively positioned along the circumferential path of its normal trajectory by 'means of an inching control.

Yet another object of this inventionis to-provide a method of control whereby a red and white warning light operating as an emergency headlight and projecting a stationary beam ofwhite light will automatically start to rotate and produce a gyrating beam of colored light in response to predetermined emergency conditions.

Another object of this invention is to provide a red and white warning light for railway vehicles which is economical to manufacture, convenient in operation, and efiicient for its intended purpose.

Many other objects and advantages of the instant invention will become manifest to those versed in the art through reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view,; partly in section, of an:illumination apparatus incorporating the principles ofmy invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 11-11 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional viewtaken on line III-III of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view showing the electrical circuit employed in connection with the present apparatus; and

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view showing another electrical circuit which may be employed in connection with the present apparatus.

in theshield As may be seen on Figures 1 and 2, the frame ll comprises a drum-type enclosure member It with which a drum housing cap Ilia may be drawn up in firm surrounding assembly with a frame H by means of a knob' l'l threadedlyree ceived upon a stud afiixed to an upstanding sup port member Ha (Figure 2 of the frame it The frame H may take the form or a piece of wide bar stock bent in a U shap' as shown.

An end member I8 is also provided, which pref erably takes the form of a ring-like casting hay; 1 ing a socket mount [8a disposed on its diametric member l8. The"entiredruir'i type housing may i be pivotally mounted as at l'S-"and'maybe further provided with adjusting means" 2 2 forco'ntrolling the 'angle oftiltfofith'el apparatus l8. Extending inwardly of the'hou'sir'igappaiatus"is 'a' lamp shield 2| which may be "secured-'in'the socket mount 18a." A" bulb 22 isprbvide'cf which maybe turned into a "socket 22af'cen'trally' disposed with- Extending" inwardly from the socket mount 32a and lying in spaced parallel relation acute; and below the receptacle 2i area pair or guide rods 23; theuitility df'WvhichWillpresently be I eigi e Referring particularly to Figure 2 'the color screen unit lli 'sh'ownas comprising alc'olored glass globe I ia which, by wayfdf example, maylbe understood as being made I of transparentf'red 7 glass, and a globeho ldrframe Mb. The g lo'be holder fram efl lgiiincludes an'annular e'nd portion which :m ay'ibe suitably suspend 'receivel the b Mand bedyin 'r e fi efie e e re? ately away from the end 'portion'and terminates in a bossportion defining a, cylindrical borell A l mp p a I i sf rm r aseeme tn t end ort ni; h qbe ou rg ra e t? r d d witha ai n ibb spertie se ch a ts a ylindr al bore-Q 1 usi tpwi l b ppa nt heiiheelebe lder frame. 41 i ay, b pa e; 1 1 1 he ui e s 23 s i n sometim -r win-whfilier riminrocation ofthe coloredscreen unit occurs A pair of resilient ember u ima be enti l d. n; ce rounding relationship ,to the bosses of the clamp plate'l lcand the guiderods 2375c as' to 'permit a resilient shockabsorbing, contactbetween the socket mount lflq and the;color screen unit l4 when the color screen unit is advanced to itsforward position indicated by the dotted lines shown on Figure 2- 1 .v Referring further to Figures 1 and 2, the refiector apparatus 'l3'is shownibyway of example, as comprising a parabolic"bowl-shapedrefie'ctor I3a. More specificallithe reflector 13a has an inner surface formed as aisegnient of 'a paraboloid of revolutuion. It should be noted that the reflector l3a defines a: circular aperture which is disposed substantially on its centeiline axis. The reflectormaybe' arranged to 'ha'veits optic axis pass substantially through the'l'ampportion and may besituated'so' as to have the bulb 22 at the focal center of'the reflector.

The reflector apparatus]?! is further provided With a reflector spider comprising atmmnty of arm portions 13b and a cup-shaped housing [30 which terminates on its closed end in a boss portion defining a cylindrical bore. The housing portion I30 of the reflector spider comes in substantially registered alignment with the aperture defined by the reflector, and thereflector 13a is rigidly mounted within the spider arms 13b.

As may best be seen on Figure 1, a mounting structure 25 in the form of an integral casting is rigidly. assembled to the frame II and has mounted 35 assembly therewith the motor me ers. I a

L 1 connection is provided between the reflector apparatus 13 and the motor means 15 ifnjthe form a tubular drive shaft 26. Details of construction of the tubular drive shaft 26 are be t. se n in. F ure 3- p The shaft 26 is substantially a cylindrical member having an enlarged diameter portion 26a at one end which is encased within the cylindrical bore in the boss ot the reflector spider: and locked in firm relationship!therewith; byl means of one or more! set screws 211i (Figure- 2). The shaft 26 is f-urtherprovided with. a reduced diam.-.. eter' portion asat 26b. The "enla'rged:portion1 25a defines a partially threaded: cylindrical. bore terminating in a shoulder portion 25c. Seatedwithin" the bore and uponthe shoulder; scene a coiled. spring 28' which is preferably: selected to exert a spring bias of predetermined quantita tivevalue.

Positionedadjacentthespring zaland i n;abutiting assembly-therewith is 'afriction pressure ring 29. The; ring" ZS-is: annular in; shape and is adapted toreceive threaded relationship therewith a stop screwtfl;theheadiof whichimay; project'upwardly-intoa longitudinal slot formed in the enlarged portion 25a;of themubular-shaft 2a. V i i V V Thus -it-will be evident thatthe friction presesure ring 29operates-'to' confinethespri-ng; 28 within the limits presei-ibed by the-longitudinal dimension ofthe slot 'inth enlarged portion-wa of the shaft 2 5, arid thringQ-Zjd will be reciprocable within the bore-of the 'sliaftflfi whenever ailongitud inal thrust 29 insufficient of the spring 28:.

A friction spinner member; 3! o-f substanti-ally annular configuration is" positioned-adj acent the; ring 29 and within theborefof ytheenlarged por tion 26a. The end ofthe bolre ofthe-shaftjfii is closed'by a friction n-iit'j-i which is provided t n ter al y, c e eiln i eeedeb eefw A driven lbq piiheehe v .o the ame i' e bottl s F rme ted: portion 26b of the shaft 26 is such as t M ew 33, her with trie.,, r ea re u ring 29 and the friction spinner member-:31 in r c ed aial enm .c n ihe beliese 'fi shaft 26 A deep thread, d the-ref erence numeral 33% is cut upon th e-pri-pheral surface of the screw Stand; preferably termi nated t ethi n i 13 1 'J 3 It willbe understoodfo'f 'e,; th at ifpor itinuously threaded screw stool; 7 form a plurality of screw; em ers; the-thread portions 33:; may be terminated asg fo'rexample, by jmeans of welding a st 'iplug into theends of e ge'rtedupon the ring nee. r name h me cut' inteJengths -to '35. shaft 26 by means of one or more set screws 31.

planesof reference shown on the drawings, it will beapparent'that if; the shaft 26 is driven counterrcloc'kwise, the thread following pin 34 will be in the position shown in Figure 3, and'the shaft 26 will rotate freely while the screw 33 remains stationary:

However, if the shaft '26 is caused to rotate clockwise, a spring 'bias of a predetermined strength exerted by the spring 28 will result in a thrust beingimparted to the pressurering 29 along a longitudinal axis of the shaft and will thereby urge the ring 29' into frictional engagement with the friction spinner 3L. The friction spinner 3|, in turn, will be thrust into frictional contact with the friction'nut 32. Inasmuch as the spring bias exerted by the spring 28 is of a quantitative strength greater than opposition offered to the thread follower pin 34 by the screw 33, the friction spinner .3lwillremain stationary with respect to its relationship to'the friction nut 32 and the tubular shaft 26 and will therefore follow thehelic al path defined by the thread 33a of the screw 33. I

The end result is that a longitudinal thrust is imparted to the screw 33 by means of the bearing engagement of the thread follower pin 34 against the side walls of the threaded portion 33a, and the entire screw 33 will move leftwardly until the threadfollower pin 34 engages the stop portion 33b of the screw 33.

It may be seen on Figure 3 that the screw 33 is provided with a reduced diameter portion 330 which passes through the friction nut 32 and is seated within the bore defined by the boss portion ofthe. color screen frame. Thus, whenever the. screw 33- is actuated on a longitudinal path in response to a change in direction of the rotation'of shaft 26, the color screw unit [4 is reciprocated through the aperture defined by the reflector l3a and is carried by the guide rods 23 to the forward position indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 2. When in the forward position, the colored globe I40. completely surrounds the bulb 22, thereby causing the beam of light reflected by the reflector l3a to assume the coloring of the globe c1 of the color screen unit 14.

It is also to be noted that inasmuch as the housing l3c of the reflector spider is fixedly assembled to the shaft 26, the reflector apparatus l3 will be rotated whenever the motor means [5 is in operation. As may be most clearly seen in Figure 1, the vertical axis of the reflector l3a is essentially perpendicular, thus the beam of light emanating from the bulb 22 and reflected by the reflector [3a will gyrate to define a circumferential path because of the angularly displaced axis of rotation relative to the optic axis of the reflector; w v

The shaft. 26 may be supported in a conventional bearing structure 35 which is positioned upon the mounting structure 25 in firm assembly therewith. The tubular shaft 26 is maintained in longitudinal alignment with the bearing means .35 by means of an annular ring 36 adapted to surround the tubular shaft 26 in threaded assembly therewith and to abut the'bearing means The ring .36 may be looked upon the tubular As may be seen in Figures 1 and 2,: the motor means l5 more specifically comprises a prime mover [5a and a reduction gearbox 15b; The shaft 26 is suitably coupled in driven connection with the reduction gear box [512 as is indicated at I50 (Figure 3). a l

It should be notedthat the coupling I5c-is proyided with a centrally disposed aperture for receiving a snap switch impeller 38.v The impeller 38 extends inwardly of'the shaft 26 for bearing engagement with the end'of the screw 33 and extends rearwardlythrough the reduction gear box lib: for bearing engagement with an actuating arm '39aof a snap switch 39. The snap switch 39 maybe firmly anchored to the gear box |5b or to the'upstanding' portion Ila of the frame II as may bedesired. I

spring-biasedgto, its closed position when not restrained by the impeller 36. r 7

As may be seen on Figures 1 and -2, anenclosure member 56 is supported within the drum type casing by the frame I l and the mounting structure 25 wherein the electrical devices about to be described may be contained.

Turning now to Figure 4, the electrical circuit and ,devices employed in carrying out my novel control method are indicated as including the bulb 22, the-motor 15a, a motor field winding l5d for the motor 15a, a pilot light 40 associated with the motor l5a, and a series relay coil 4|. .It is assumed that the apparatus I6 is being used on a vehicle such a as a railroad train or the like in connection with a usual.locomotiveheadlight indicated by the reference numeral 50. I

It is believed thatthe actual method of control of the instant apparatuswill best be understood by tracing out and'following a typical sequence of operational events as they occur.

Ideally the instant apparatus may be operated in accordance with several distinct "operational phases as required bythe nature of the installation. Thus, if installed on a railroad locomotive, it maybe desirable to havethe main headlight 56 energized and the apparatus l0 fgyrating white" during one phase of operation.

As may be seen on Figure 4, a two-position switch 42 is provided which,by way of example, may haveits two positions indicated by the symbol W forfwhite" and R for red. The switch.42 may be provided with a dimmer resistance 42'b.-as ,show n'. Assuming that the switch 42 ismoved-to the position W, current will flow from the positive side of a suitable source of energy S through-theswitch 42 and into a lead a. Interposed in the lead a. is a two-position relay switch 43 which, in the position shown, serves to .S, thu'sthe bulb 22 is energized andabeam of white light will be reflected by the apparatus. Thebeamof; light.;may be selectively dimmed by manipulation of the switch 42.

- Following the other extension of. the lead 12, it will be evident that further control of the apparatusresides. inia series of, switches identified as. a lcmanual switch 44, an itching control switch 45,andthesnapswitch'39.x- I

B n-actuating themanualjswitph 44 to; a c o position; current will 'fiQW-T from: the lead b through'thelswitch'My and into the; lead 11-.

interposedin thellead d is a two-position relay switch .41 which;- in thegpositionshown, normally operates. toliconducttcurrent from, 1iead';.'d j 11.0 the lead'd; Thus; themotor L511, interposed in the lead d will be ene'rgimd. Current from. the lead d willreturnhtothe source S through. a twoposition relay switch, 48 which, in theposition shown, normally operatess'to. electrically" connect the-lead- '073 with theilead ewhichgin turn, is connectedwith'the lead c; Itiwillbe noted that the.

field 'windingl fi'd is interpo'sedi in aleadf. Thus,

when' "manual-- switch 64', is.- closed; current will flow from} the 'leadd into the leadfiand back to the sourceSthroughlead'a:

Another phase'of; operatic'n i of particular utility maybe refer-red to as gyra-ting red operation. The selector switch 42 is actuated to the R position so-'current will fiowjfrom 'the source S into the lead b and tothe seriesrelay coil 41'.-

The ser ies relay coil-M preferably of the type which is energized only when current flows thereth'roughin: a; "predetermineddirection, hence it will be eyiden't that when the selector switch lZfis in the-R position, the relay coil t i' will be energized-i The relay coil M is actuatingly linked-to thetwo-position relay switches circuit; thus all of the two -position relay switches willassume their second positionand the headlight circuit'f will' be' broken, extinguishing theheadlightjlifl. It will,- of course, be understood that the 'headlightis dc-energized; so as to make the red warning light all the more eifective as a warningsi lia urren from ell'a rliw ll a so ow through thegleaol I. through thejfieldwinding; d, and'back I to the s ur ejsinthe samed re n ibe re, thus itiwill be, evident that the direction ofrotation of; the motor l5a .will'b'e reversed;

As has been previouslyset forth, a reversal of rotational direction of the motor-15a will cause the screw 3'3' tO: be actuated forwardly; thus reciprocating the colorscreen unit M relative to the reflector-and the source of light intb'surrounding relationship with the bulb 22' to produce a beam of red light. v

However, when the screw 33 moves forward, the snap switch 39 normally held open when the screw 3il-iorces the'impeller 38 against the switch arm 39a, will shap to a closedposition; Although the actionof the switch 39'does not efifect red operationflits significance will be explained presently. V

The pilot light 48' interposed in a lead It will only-be energized whenthe system is operating rediby' 'virtue of the currentfiow from: the lead d into the lead h-and then back tothe source-S.

In-order to operate the apparatus as an auxiliary headlight, it is only necessary to close the selector switch to its w position with the manual switch 4'4 left in the 'open' position: "However, in connection withthisphaseof: operation,-

it may: be noted thatthe i-nching control switch 451 ofparticular utility inasmuch. as it willfbe apparent that the position of the reflector [3a relative to the light structure will resultlinthe stationary beam of light beingprojected at-a a The; inchingcontrolg switch 45 permits current .ltoflow: from the lead-:hiuto. the lead'd, thereby energizin the r-notor lz a- Thus. t effective pathpof; the auxiliary headlight beam maybe adjusted. to various; locations, on its rotational circumferenceas may be desired, for example, in rounding curves or in, adjusting the beam on a portion-of theroadbed;

The snap.,switch, 39: serves to normalize the operation'of: the apparatus; For; example, if the apparatus was: used on red operation and, then shut down prior to a subsequent operation asan auxiliary headlight, itwillbe apparentthat in. the absence of switch-39; the motor l'5a would not be energized, and yetthe color screenunit MifWOllld. be in its forward position. 'I-I'owever, since the snaplswitchv 3a9- is automatically spring biased to its closed position when the; color screen unit is in its forward position, re-enere gization oi the apparatus, even: for; .stationary white,xor, auxiliary head-light; operation will cause current to flow through the switch 33 and into the lead at, therebyenergizing the. motor [5a. "When th color screen unit: l' lmoves'to its rearward position, the impeller 33 snapsithe switch open, therebyrbreaking the circuitand restoring the: circuit? to itsnormal. operating position.

Turning now to Figure 5', a: wiring 'diagramis shown illustrating how the instant apparatus may be. arranged 'in a typical railroad vehicle installationand adaptedior semi-automatic operation; V

Onthe left-hand side of Figure 5 is shown a master switch 53'." The: positions of the switch are labelled; A for automatic and M for manual, although'this designation is only: for convenience inasmuch 'asthe M position is frequntly associated with normal" night operations and the A? position is frequently associated with norinal-Kdaj operations. The off position, in like manner, could be-thought' of as being suitablefonyardservice; v a t The switch 53' is shown in control of a'circ'uit leadingfrom a conventional fie-volt-supply produced by the usual train generators} When in the M position, current will flow 'i-nto a lead :1 toenergize amotor-generator set 55.-

star ing from the positive terminal of the generator; current will now 'in-alead is to the which is herein shown as comprising apressure responsive. devicef. suitably connected to the 'air brake conduits/of the-.trainz- For purposes of explanation; it'ywill be? assumed that the switch Ellis in. the; position shownwhen thebrakes are setw 7 Thus, if the train is operating; normally, the

switch:52 will be inits upper position, current 9 will flow through the switch 52 into the lead I, which corresponds to. the lead a ofvFigure 4, and the apparatus will be energized in accordance With'the description of white operation aforegoing.

If the switch 53 is in'the A position, the motor-generator set will not be energized unless the control device 51 is actuated. If the device is actuated, current'will flow into the switch 53, through a switch 55 actuatable by the device 5|, and into the lead y to the motor generator set 54.

Current will then flow from the generator into a lead 1', through the switch 52 and into the lead i, thereby energizing the apparatus in accordancewith the description of "red operation aforegoing.

In normal night operations, or if the apparatus is used in emergencyoperationas an auxiliary headlight, the master switch 53 will be at position M, the selector switch will be turned to its W position, and the manual switch 4 will be opened or closed so as to produce a stationary or gyrating beam of white light; However, it may be desirable to automatically change the operation of the apparatus so as to produce a gyrating beam of red light when the vehicle, upon which the apparatus is mounted, is decelerated through the application ofbrakes preparatory to coming to a full stop.

To that end, the control" device 5| and its associated switches incorporated into the wiring circuit are of particularutility. The device 5i may be of the pressure responsive type and may be arranged so as to be responsiveto variations in the pressure of-theair brake conduits, or may be of the inertia-type so as to be responsive to a predetermined deceleration.

As shown in Figure'igwhen-the control device 5| is actuated, current willflow from the generator into the lead i, through the two-position switch 52, and into therlead 2''. Thus, the apparatus is automatically energized as for red operation and the color screen unit will be actuated to its forward position'in response to the directional rotation of the motor [5a.

If the system is inadvertently shut down while the color screen unit is inthe forward position, subsequent operation will be normalized by the snap switch 39, as before.

All of the wiring circuit on the right-hand side of Figure 5 corresponds to the circuit previously described with respect to Figure 4 with the exception of the manual switch 44 and the inching control switch 45-. In Figure 5 these two switches are shown combined .into a selectively operable switch 51. Other elements have been identified with like reference numerals for orientation purposes. I i l I It will be apparent to' those versed in the art that many modifications could be made to the instant apparatus without marking a departure from the spirit of mylinvention.

Although I have resorted to detail in the description of my invention for the sake of clarity, it is to be understood that my invention is not to be confined to .the specific. embodiment herein shown but I wish to be limitedonly by the scope of the appendedclaims and the prior art.

I claim as my'inven'tion: i

1. A lamp unit comprisinga lamp, a generally parabolic reflector having its optic axi'spassing substantially through said lamp with said lamp substantially at the focal center of said reflector, means for rotating said reflector selectively in either direction about an axis of rotation displaced angularly with respectto said optic axis but'intersecting said optic axis substantially at said lamp, said reflector having a centrally located opening through the back thereof, and a color screen mounted for reciprocation into said opening from a first position between said lamp and said reflector to a second position rearwardly of said reflector, means responsive to rotation of said reflector in one direction to move said color screen to said first position, and means responsive to rotation of said reflector in the opposite direction to move said color screen to said second position. v

2. Illumination apparatus comprising, in combination, a frame, a bulb receptacle mounted on one end of said frame and extending inwardly thereof, a pair of rods secured to said frame in spaced alignment with said receptacle and extending inwardly in said frame in parallel relation with one another, a-bulb in said receptacle, a parabolic reflector in spaced relation to said bulb for reflecting a beam of light outwardly past said bulb, said reflector defining an axially disposed aperture, a cup-shaped reflector housing, the open end of said housingv being in registry with said aperture, said housing having spider arms extending therefrom for firm assembly with said reflector and defining a cylindrical bore at its closed end, a tubular shaft in said cylindrical bore and extending rearwardly of said housing, bearing means on said frame for supporting said shaft, motor means drivingly connected to said shaft, an annular pressure rin fixed in said tubular shaft adapted for limited longitudinal reciprocation therein, an annular friction spinner in said tubular shaft adjacent said pressure ring, spring means in said tubular shaft for spring biasing said ring toward said spinner, a screw engageable with said friction spinner and radially supported by said pressure ring in said tubular shaft, a globe retainer frame slidingly carried by said rods and reciprocatingly actuatable by said screw, and a colored globe in said retainer frame, whereby when said reflector is rotated in one direction a gyrating beam of white light is produced, and when rotated in the opposite direction said colored globe is reciprocated forwardly to surround said bulb thereby producing a colored gyrating beam of light.

3. Illumination apparatus comprising, in combination, a light source, a bowl-shaped reflector defining an axially disposed aperture and being in spaced relation with said light source, a cupshaped housing firmly assembled with said reflector and adapted to come in registry with said aperture, a tubular shaft locked to said housing, a two-directional motor drivingly connected to said shaft, screw means reciprocable in said tubular shaft and through said housing, a globe support connected to said screw means, and a globe in said support, said globe and said support normally received by said cup-shaped housing, said screw means operable upon actuation of saidmotor in a reverse direction to reciprocate said globe through said aperture of said reflector into surrounding relationship with said light source.

4. In illumination apparatus, the improvement comprising, in combination,a reflector defining a centrally disposed aperture, a selectively operable two-directional motor, a driven connection between said motor and said reflector, said connection comprising a substantially cylindrical tube defining a longitudinal bore, a screw reciprocable in said bore of said connection, a friction spinner defining a tooth for engaging said screw, an annular frictionpre'ssure ring loosely mounted in said bore, spring means in said bore adapted to spring bias said friction pressure ring toward said friction spinner whereby said screw may be reciprocated back'and forth in said bore in response to a change in rotational direction of said motor and globle means connected to said screw, said globle means adapted to reciprocate throughsaid aperture of said reflector.

5. In illumination apparatus of the type including a source of light and a rotatable'reflector driven by motor means, a selectively actuatable color screen comprising, in combination, a frame, a screen in said frame, a driven connection for said reflector comprising a substantially cylindrical hollow tube, a friction nut for closing one end of said tube, a screw member axially disposed in said tube and extending outwardly of said friction nut for driving assembly with said frame, an annular friction spinner engageable with said screw and adjacent said friction nut within said tube, an annular friction pressure ring longitudinally reciproc'able in a portion of said tube adjacent said spinner, and spring means in said tube adapted to exert a predetermined spring bias against said ring whereby said screw will reciprocate back and forth in said tube in response to the rotational direction of said driven connection for selective color screening of said 1 illumination apparatus.

6. In illumination apparatus, the improvement comprising a source of light, a gyratable reflector positioned in spaced relationship to said source of light, said reflector definingan axially disposed aperture, means to gyrate the reflector and color screen means selectively reciprocable through said aperture into the region between said source and said reflector for screening said source of light whereby a selectively colored gyrating beam of light may be produced.

.7.'A red and white warning light apparatus and control circuit therefor on a movable vehicle, comprising, a motor generator set, an energization circuit for said motor geneator set, a control device responsive to deceleration of said vehicle, switch means in said circuit controlled by 12 in response to the directional rotation'of said motor, a first energization circuitfor said source of light, a second energization circuit for said motor, a selector switch in control of said first and second energization circuits, and a manual switch in control of said second energization circuit, whereby said selector switch may be selectively actuated to close said circuits for two-directional energization of said motor and energization of said source of light and said manual switch may be selectively actuated to close said second circuit for intermittent energization of said motor.

9. A control system for an illumination ap paratus including a source of light, a two-directional motor, a rotatable-reflector having a driven connection to said motor and a reciprocable color said device for closing said circuit in response to automatic switch means actuable by said control device, said manual switch means operable to close said first circuit for energizing said bulb and said motor means as and for producing a gyrating beam of white light, said manual switch means operable to close said second circuit for energizing said bulb and said motor means as and for producing a beam of gyrating red light,

said automatic switch operable upon a deceleration of said vehicle to close said third circuit for energizing said bulb and said motor means as and for producing a beam of gyrating red light despite the position of said manual switch.

8. In a control system, for an illumination apparatus, including a source of light, a two-directional motor, a rotatable reflector and a reciprocable color screen unit selectively positioned screen unit selectively actuatable in response to the directional rotation of said motor, a selector switch, an energization circuit controlled by said switch, a relay means in said circuit actuatable in response to a predetermined directionalcurrent flow in said circuit, said source of light being interposed in said circuit, a manual switch, a motor energization circuit controlled by saidmanual switch and electrically connected to said first mentioned circuit, said motor being interposed in said motor energization circuit, switch means in said motor energization circuit actuatable by said relay means whereby current flow in said motor energization circuit may be reversed upon actuation of said switch means for reverse rotation of said motor, said manual switch being adapted for intermittent actuation whereby -a stationary beam of light produced by said apparatus may be selectively inched along a predetermined path upon intermittent energization of said motor.

10. In a warning and signalling lamp unit, a generally bowl-shaped reflector having a centrally located opening through the back thereof, a socket in front of the curved portion of the reflector, a lamp carried by the socket havinga filament projecting towards the reflecting surface of the reflector and being located substantially at the focal center of the reflector, means to gyrate said reflector to produce a changing pattern of light, and a color screen mounted for reciprocation from a first position rearwardly of said reflector through said opening and into a second position interposed between said reflector and said lamp bulb, and means for selectively moving said color screen to either of said two positions.

11. A lamp unit comprising an open-ended casing, an endmember in the open end thereof, a socket in the end member, an incandescent lamp having a base portion in the socket and a bulb portion extending into the casing, a generally parabolic reflector having its optic axis passing substantially through said lamp with said lamp spaced from and disposed substantially at the focal center of said reflector, means for rotating said reflector about an axis of rotation displaced angularly with respect to said optic axis but intersecting said optic axis substantially at said lamp, said reflector having a centrally located opening through the back thereof, and a color screen mounted for reciprocation through said opening from a position interposed between said lamp and said reflector to a position rearwardly of said reflector, and means for selectively moving said color screen to either of said two positions. v

12. Illumination apparatus for warning and signalling purposes comprising a light source, a

rection of said motor, whereby the changing pattern of light will be colored in accordance with the direction of motor rotation.

13. A warning light comprising, in combination, a source of light, a motor, a rotatable shaft housing aligned on a substantially colinear axis with said source of light, said housing connected to said motor, a reflector mounted on said housing in a predetermined axial relationship relative to a horizontal plane and in spaced relationship to said light source to reflect a changing pattern of light, shaft means in said housing, control means responsive to said directional rotation of the motor to selectively reciprocate said shaft means in said housing, and color screen means connected to said shaft means, said color screen means being interposable between said light source and said reflector to selectively color the reflected light in response to the directional rotation of the motor.

14. A control system according to claim 8 in which a normalizing switch means is provided for the second energization circuit, said normalizing switch means adapted to be actuated by said reciprocable color screen unit in accordance with the relative positioning thereof.

15. A control system according to claim 9 in which a normalizing switch means is provided for the second energization circuit, said normalizing switch means adapted to be actuated by said reciprocable color screen unit in accordance with the relative positioning thereof.

16. A warning light comprising a stationary light emitting source arranged to direct light rays in one direction, a rotatably movable parabolic reflector in spaced alignment with said source to collect and focus the directed light rays from said source into a beam of light projecting in an opposite direction beyond said source, means to selectively rotate said reflector in opposite angular direction to project a beam of light in a changing pattern of light, and color filter means selectively interposed between said source and said reflector in response to changes in direction of rotation of said reflector to color the directed rays of light, whereby the changing pattern of light'is selectively colored.

17. In a warning light apparatus, a stationary source of light, a generally centrally apertured gyratable reflector spaced from said source of light, a motor having a driving connection with said reflector to gyrate said reflector to produce a moving beam of light, a cup-shaped color filter, and means to selectively move said cup-shaped color filter through the apertured reflector to substantially screen said source of light, whereby said reflector will reflect a colored beam of light.

ARTHUR C. HEEHLER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 961,114 Forster June 14, 1910 2,104,911 Snyder Jan. 11, 1938 2,273,026 Dircksen Feb, 1'7, 1942 2,409,046 Kennelly Oct. 8, 1946 2,446,333 Kennelly Aug. 3,1948 2,464,318 Kennelly Mar. 15, 1949 2,487,591 Ricci Nov. 8, 1949 2,495,296 Springer Jan. 24, 1950

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