Abstract:
A mobile illumination apparatus. A universal clamp for attaching to wide range objects such that a broad range of clamping abilities are achieved. Incorporating into the clamp a self-locking ratcheting mechanism for adjusting over a range of spans and fold-out fingers for applying force to the object; the clamp folds up against or into the apparatus for transport or storage. An extendable-and-retractable neck mounting for a transducing-element head thereon, for activating-deactivating the transducing-element, and moving the head to hold an orientation so as to illuminate a region-of-immediate-interest or a particular target. Drive and control circuitry to maintain the illumination intensity substantially constant.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     Not applicable.  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not applicable.  
       REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX  
       [0003]     Not applicable.  
       BACKGROUND  
     Technical Field  
       [0004]     The technology described herein is related generally to the field of portable illumination and detection. More particularly, certain described exemplary embodiments relate to mobile illuminating apparatus, commonly or commercially referred to as “flashlights” and sometimes also referred to as “trouble lights.” Other described exemplary embodiments relate to mobile monitoring, detecting and sensing apparatus. For the purpose of describing the present invention, it should be recognized that the words “illuminate,” “illuminating,” “illumination,” its synonyms and the like are used both for active lighting phenomena—such as shining a white light for improving visibility—or for a more passive illumination—such as where a laser beam, infrared beam, or the like, is sometimes used for “lighting up” a predetermined target. The term “mobile illuminating device” (MID for short) is thus used generically to refer to both types of units.  
         [0005]     One problem with most mobile illuminating devices (“MID”), e.g., a commercial flashlight, is in maintaining a beam of light directly and steadily on the immediate target-of-interest. This is particularly difficult when work being performed by a user requires both hands or is required to move around for a task-at-hand. Sometimes, a flashlight must be held by a second person, inconveniencing him or interfering with his capability to help with the task. Alternatively, the flashlight may be set on something; but, conditions may be such that it is hard to find a place to put it and still have the light beam fall on a specific work area. Moreover, the size of the work area or a particular region-of-interest of the working area may shift. This generally requires moving the flashlight to redirect the beam. Few flashlights have a variable field of illumination (“FOI”) to compensate for a changing size of work area. Furthermore, commercial flashlights generally are cylindrical and tend to roll or turn, making positioning and maintaining a set position even more difficult.  
         [0006]     Some trouble lights and portable lamps, such as “book lights,” do incorporate a positioning clip or clamping accessory. These accessories usually only clip to very restricted type of mount or perhaps to the user&#39;s clothing. Similar to the latter, another alternative is a device known as a “headlamp,” where the lamp is attached to a helmet or a headband. A user&#39;s head-mounted unit is fairly specialized and not universally used for mobile illumination. The user must continually aim the light into the region they are working by pointing their head in that direction. Headlamps may be considered cumbersome or uncomfortable. If more than one person is working in the area but only one has a headlamp, problems are compounded as that one&#39;s head may need to be moved or turned for various reasons.  
         [0007]     Another common approach with a smaller flashlight is to hold it in one&#39;s teeth and aim it at the work area. This action is less than satisfactory. Aiming the lightbeam has the same problems as with headlamps. Moreover, dental damage may result; contamination of the mouth by dirt on the flashlight can occur. This approach is at best also only a short term solution as one&#39;s mouth muscles easily tire.  
         [0008]     Another problem is that many flashlights, trouble lights, headlamps, and the like, use incandescent bulbs whose filaments are fragile when they heat up. When bumped they often burn out. Often the lens or bell jar bulb cover becomes hot enough to burn skin. Yet another common problem with these models is that they are often used in working on vehicles. Once the user finally is positioned in a difficult place—e.g., under the vehicle—and has positioned the light, they either burn themselves on the hot incandescent bulb or bump it in repositioning themselves and redirect the beam or even blow out the bulb. The user then must withdraw from the difficult working position for treatment or to replace the bulb. Further, incandescent bulbs have a relatively low efficiency in conversion of electricity to light and a relatively short lifespan. Battery-operated, incandescent bulb apparatus are subject to a fading light intensity as the batteries are depleted and must be replaced or recharged.  
         [0009]     Rechargeable devices often use specialized batteries, require removing the batteries and charging elsewhere, and may require special charging voltages and specifically designed chargers. Rechargeable flashlights may require recharging only in a selective manner, selective locations, and with selective equipment which must be maintained in a proximity for repeated usage.  
         [0010]     The best illumination for human visibility generally is white light. Incandescent lights have a high yellow component of color and as battery output voltages deteriorate, the light becomes even more yellow. They therefore are not optimum for many required uses, particularly prolonged uses. In some cases, illumination with red light, ultraviolet light, or even infrared light is desired. Infrared and red light for example are desired in many military situations. Flashing red or even blue lights are often used in warning situations.  
         [0011]     Similarly, mobile detectors or sensors—such a motion detectors, heat detectors, and the like—suffer from like or similar problems as described hereinabove with respect to visible light projection.  
         [0012]     There is a need for improved solutions for these problems.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY  
       [0013]     The present invention generally provides for a self-contained mobile illumination apparatus, providing easy operational considerations including, but not limited to, user-variable mounting abilities, ease of headpiece directability, and a relatively longer operational duty cycle. Various exemplary embodiments are described.  
         [0014]     The foregoing summary is not intended to be inclusive of all aspects, objects, advantages and features of the present invention nor should any limitation on the scope of the invention be implied therefrom. This Brief Summary is provided in accordance with the mandate of 37 C.F.R. 1.73 and M.P.E.P. 608.01(d) merely to apprise the public, and more especially those interested in the particular art to which the invention relates, of the nature of the invention in order to be of assistance in aiding ready understanding of the patent in future searches. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, demonstrating a closed or stored configuration.  
         [0016]      FIG. 1A  is a schematic diagram of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, demonstrating a closed or stored configuration.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  demonstrating an exemplary in-use configuration.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2A  is an illustration of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A  in operation.  
         [0019]      FIG. 2B  is an illustration of another exemplary embodiment, similar to that of  FIG. 1  in operation.  
         [0020]      FIGS. 3A through 3C  are schematic illustrations of a more detailed exemplary embodiment of the invention as shown in  FIG. 1 , in which:  
         [0021]      FIG. 3A  includes a relative top view in partial cutaway and an orthogonal projection end view thereof,  
         [0022]      FIG. 3B  includes a relative side elevation view in partial cutaway and an orthogonal projection external end view thereof, and  
         [0023]      FIG. 3C  includes the side elevation view as shown in  FIG. 3B  in an altered operational state, an orthogonal projection internal end view thereof (left side), and an orthogonal projection external end view thereof (right side).  
         [0024]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are related views in a relative longitudinal perspective of another exemplary embodiment, demonstrating specific components and highlighting a universal clamping subsystem thereof.  
         [0025]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are related schematic perspective view of details of the exemplarily embodiment of  FIGS. 4A, 4B , illustrating clamping components with clamping jaws open to a position to engage and clamp onto a relatively wide object and a position to engage and clamp onto a relatively narrow object, respectively.  
         [0026]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are detail views of the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 5A, 5B , where  6 B is a detail of  6 A.  
         [0027]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are related plan views of an alternative exemplary embodiment of clamp mechanism features of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is an electrical schematic drawing of an exemplary embodiment of LED driver circuit providing battery depletion compensation in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 8A  (Prior Art) is an electrical schematic drawing of an exemplary embodiment of a emitter-detector driver circuit adaptable for use with the present invention.  
         [0030]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are related perspective views of schematic representations of another alternative exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which an emitter-detector head is employed. 
     
    
       [0031]     Like reference designations represent like features throughout the drawings. The drawings in this specification should be understood as not being drawn to scale unless specifically annotated as such.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     Mobile Illumination Device Exemplary Embodiments  
       [0032]     Looking now to both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exemplary embodiment for a portable, mobile illumination device (“MID”)  101  is disclosed, having several unique features. A handheld size implementation is shown, but it should be recognized that size is not a limitation of the present invention. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that actual size and external shape of the MID body  103  may be implemented to suit a variety of needs and ultimate functions. In  FIG. 1 , the MID  101  is illustrated in its carrying or storage configuration when not in active use. An MID body  103  may serve also as a handle. Internal electronics (not shown; see later drawings) with an illumination headpiece subsystem  105  (also referred to more simply hereinafter as “the head  105 ”) are depicted in a configuration with a transducer, and known manner lens if required,  107  protruding, at least partially, from the body  103 . In a preferred flashlight-like embodiment, white light emitting diode (“LED(s)”) elements are used as transducers.  
         [0033]      FIG. 2  illustrates the MID  101  of  FIG. 1 . in operation. The MID  101  is provided with a substantially universal clamp subsystem  109  to be described in more detail hereinafter. The clamping subsystem  109  includes projections  113  which may be selectively extended from the body  103  and retracted into the body  103 . The clamping subsystem  109  is configured for allowing the MID  101  to be clamped tightly; namely to be substantially locked onto an object to such an extent that bumping or the like will not alter the orientation of the MID  101 . Moreover, the clamping subsystem  109  is constructed to lock onto a relatively large variety of objects  111 , regardless of an individual object&#39;s shape and size within a given variable clamping span defined by specific design implementation. In other words, the clamping subsystem  109  may lock onto an object whether it is generally rectangular and flat surfaced as shown (e.g. two-by-four beams, shelves, tables, or projections from doors, windows, building structures, vehicles, or the like) or a circular-shaped surface (e.g., pipes, electrical conduits, hoses, and the like) as well as small odd-shaped objects (e.g., hose nozzles, bent rods, handles of devices, or smaller subparts of building structures or vehicles (e.g., a car fender)). In general, this substantially universal clamping feature is achieved by incorporating a ratcheting-type subsystem to quickly adjust and clamp over a relatively wide range, in general dictated only by the size of the body  103  and the reach and variable span of individual fingers  113  of the clamping mechanism  109 .  
         [0034]      FIGS. 1A and 2A  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an MID  101 A wherein a plurality of illumination heads  105 ,  105 A is provided.  FIG. 2B  illustrates an industrial application wherein a handheld sized exemplary embodiment of the MID  101  is shown gripping a common piece of PVC pipe such as commonly used as a waterline  111   wp.    
         [0035]     The MID  101  has an extendible, energy transducer support  115 . For example and as shown, the support  115  may have an extendible, flexible neck portion, sometimes referred to in the art as a “gooseneck,” onto which the illumination headpiece  105 , or at least some components thereof, may be mounted on an external end thereof so that the headpiece may be pulled outwardly from the body  103 . This allows the illuminator components of the headpiece  105  to be positioned for selectively aiming projected light beam  117  and illuminating a relatively specific target such as a working-area-of-interest  119 . Extraction and retraction of the neck-and-head subassembly may be manual, mechanically enhanced (e.g., known manner spring-loading or the like) or driven (e.g., via electrical motor-transmission subsystems or the like). It now can be recognized that this flexible energy transducer support  115  as well as the clamping fingers  113  fold conveniently back into the MID body  103  when the MID  101  is not in use, thus also making it easy to carry the MID without accidentally damaging them or having them snag on pockets or other carrying container parts (e.g., a belt pouch, not shown). The flexing of the exemplary gooseneck  115  should be rigid enough to support the head  105  and hold it aimed at a desired point. It however also should be flexible enough to be easily repositioned without disengaging the clamping mechanism  109  from the supporting object  111 . It can be recognized by those skilled in the art, that alternatively a relatively rigid energy transducer support  115  and a known manner universal swivel mount of the illumination head  105  may be implemented alternatively. Thus, once clamped in a location proximate to a work region-of-interest to be illuminated with the MID  101 , the adaptable head-and-neck construct may be pulled out and positioned and aimed at the working region-of-interest to be illuminated, freeing the user&#39;s hands. Note that with this adaptable configuration neck-and-head construct, the region may lie in more than a hemisphere space distal from and along the main axis of the MID  101  unit. In small units, the neck-and-head design may be such that the headpiece  105  may be positioned to shine in any direction of a spherical construct having the MID  101  at the general center of the sphere. Also alternatively, energy transducer support  115  may be of a type that has a telescoping capability.  
         [0036]     In a preferred embodiment of a flashlight type implementation, the MID  101  uses light emitting diode (“LED”) components because in accordance with the current state-of-the-art to provide durability and long operating life, high electrical-to-illumination conversion efficiency, provide a purer white light for better illumination in contrast to the yellow light of incandescent bulbs, and are available in other colors LED&#39;s for special illumination requirements (e.g., red for photographic darkrooms, ultraviolet for gemology studies, or the like).  
         [0037]     In addition as described in more detail and shown in later drawings, circuitry is incorporated into the MID  101  to hold the illumination light at the same intensity even as portable electrical supply voltage, viz., battery output, deteriorates. In general, in the preferred embodiment the MID  101  employs commonly available batteries which may be either rechargeable or non-rechargeable. For the latter, known manner recharging mechanisms are incorporated which preferably allow charging from common sources such as 115 volt, 60 Hz AC or 12 volt DC sources.  
         [0038]     Turning now to  FIG. 3A , a cutaway, relative top view (in section B—B, see  FIG. 3B  orthogonal end projection) and an end view orthogonal projection thereof, schematically illustrate both external and internal and internal features and component relationships in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The MID body  103  has a casing, or shell,  103   c  with interior compartments. As shown in the top view, on the left end of the case  103  there may be four stand-off feet  103   f  (two visible) protruding in a manner which promotes standing the unit on its end, specifically advantageous if the case  103   c  is designed to be cylindrical. In the end view, a relative bottom compartment  301   b  contains a printed circuit board  303  and electrical components thereof (not shown, but see also  FIGS. 8A, 8B ). An optional, known manner recharging connector subsystem  305  and related known manner charging-electronics (not shown), associated with optional, rechargeable batteries  307 , may be employed. It will be recognized that a commercial disposable battery type(s) may be employed in accordance with a specific implementation as needed.  
         [0039]     As per  FIG. 2 , the illumination head  105  is mounted onto one end of the energy transducer support  115 . For some implementations, it may be desirable to make the MID  101  moisture resistant. For example, an optional grommet  309  and other known manner elements (e.g., rubber gaskets, O-rings, bellows couplings for the case  103  and head  105 , and the like) may be employed. A conformal covering—such as a tight sheath may be used (for example formed from shrink tubing)—to seal the support  115  itself from moisture or other contaminants may also be employed. A variety of known manner sealing methods may be used for the head  105  where the support  115  attaches to it, such as a rubberized sealant or the like.  
         [0040]     Looking now also to  FIG. 3B  a cutaway, side elevation view and relative left orthogonal projection thereof illustrates both orientation and partial operational features of the exemplary embodiment of  FIGS. 1, 2  and  3 A. The end view in  FIG. 3B  depicts a case end piece  103   e ; also showing the section A-A designation for the side elevation view. In this embodiment, the case end piece  103   e  includes an openable, or removable, recharging connector cap  311  and an openable, or removable, battery cap  313 . The side elevation view of  FIG. 3B  is taken in section A-A of said end view.  FIG. 3C  left end view projection depicts the compartment segregation of the MID  101  into an “Electronics Section”  315  and a clamping subsystem “Clamp Section”  317 . It can be recognized that the batteries  307  have been deleted from the sectioned, side views of  FIGS. 3B and 3C  but would generally be included in or proximate the Electronics Section  315 .  FIG. 3C  right end view projection depicts for the first time an LED element  319 , in this exemplary embodiment an array of LED elements, used to create the light beam  117 ,  FIG. 1  only. As is known in the art, the amount of light output by an LED head  105  is proportional to the number of LEDs  319  used as well as the level of current excitation applied and which they can tolerate. In this exemplary embodiment, multiple LEDs  319  may be assembled into an array so they touch and are held adjacent to each other; while seven LEDs are shown in this configuration, a greater or lesser amount also could be used. For projector-type MID  101  apparatus other state-of-the-art projecting elements, e.g., fiber-optical bundles, or the like, may be employed and particularly useful in miniaturized versions of the MID which may be clamped to a medical operating instrument, or the like delicate-purposed instruments.  
         [0041]     In this exemplary embodiment, a substantially rigid guide-and-activation rod  321  may be fixedly mounted within the Electronic Section  315 . The rod  321  is in near proximity to the energy transducer support  115  and is approximately the same length, but slightly shorter in this embodiment for reasons to be explained. The rod  321  also may provide mechanical strength and force to restrain the support  115  and head  105  assembly from twisting while being extracted-retracted or once retracted. Distally from the head mount end of the energy transducer support  115 , there may be mounted to the neck a guide-and-switch block  323 . The guide-and-switch block  323  slidingly engages the guide-and-activation rod  321 , such as via a coupling arm  323 . A microswitch  325  which may be used to turn the LED, or array,  319  between ON and OFF conditions is also mounted to the guide-and-switch block  323 . As can be seen by comparing  FIG. 3B , where the energy transducer support  115  is fully retracted into the MID case  103   c , and  FIG. 3C  where the neck is partially extended from the case, the guide-and-activation rod  321  is positioned to respectively electrically disengage and engage the micro-switch  325  such that power is delivered from the batteries  307 ,  FIG. 3A , via the components of the printed circuit board  303  and flexible electrical wiring  327  to the LED array  119 . Alternatively, known manner tongue-and-groove type sliding electrical connectors or the like may be used to engage and electrically interconnect the LED array  319  with the electronics of the printed circuit board  303 . Another alternative to the use of a rod for guiding the travel of the switch block and preventing rotation is to include channels or guides actually built into an interior case wall so as to restrict the movement of the switch to a specific orientation and travel.  
         [0042]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are related views in a longitudinal perspective of an exemplary embodiment  401  of specific components of the present invention, highlighting a universal clamping subsystem thereof. In  FIG. 4A , housing case  103   c  is shown with an end cap removed.  FIG. 4B  comprises Section C-C of  FIG. 4A . Both illustrate an internal cavity  401  for the battery or batteries (not shown, see FIG.  3 A) and another internal cavity  403  for the electrical and electromechanical components (not shown, see  FIGS. 3A, 8A ,  8 B) of the apparatus. The clamping section  317  is now shown in detail in both Figures. In  FIG. 4B , a section of a distal one end cap  103   ec  is shown which holds the clamping subsystem  317  components in place on one side thereof with some special features explained later.  
         [0043]     In this exemplary embodiment, the main body of the housing case  103   c  may consist of an extrusion consisting of a battery compartment  401 , electromechanical components compartment  403 , and a clamp holding guide  405 . The clamping subsystem  109  includes a clamp base  407 , having a sawtooth ratcheting planar surface region  409 . In these views, the clamping subsystem is shown in a jaws closed, or stored, configuration. Briefly looking to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , there is respectively illustrated clamping components with the jaws of the clamping subsystem  109  open and moved along the sawtooth ratcheting plane to a position to engage and clamp a relatively wide object and a position to engage and clamp a relatively narrow object. A first mount assembly  411  has preferably a plurality of, but at least one, extendable fingers, or protrusions,  413   a . Once released from the jaws closed configuration of  FIGS. 4A, 4B , these fingers  413   a  may be on a pivot mechanism, such as an axle or pivot rod,  414  and may be moved, or be spring-loaded to automatically extend, substantially perpendicularly from the guide  405 , and hence also with respect to the case  103   c  as shown in  FIGS. 5A, 5B . A second mount assembly  415  may be slidingly mounted in the guide  405  and, similarly to first mount assembly  411 , may have a set of extending fingers  413   b . The two sets of fingers  413   a ,  413   b  form substantially parallel plane jaw teeth which are used to clamp the MID  103  to an external object  111  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Note that while shown have a substantially identical reach in the exemplary embodiments, projecting fingers with un-identical reach may be employed. Finger shape may be adapted to specific purposes.  
         [0044]     Both the first and second mount assemblies  411 ,  415  (also more simply referred to hereinafter as “mount” or “mounts”) generally are held laterally in place by the clamp holding guide  405 . As seen in these illustrations, the first and second mounts  411 ,  415  are substantially co-planer in freedom-of-motion along the longitudinal axis of the guide  405 . However, the first mount  411  has only a limited range of motion, “R 1 ” ( FIG. 4B ) and is biased to the casing end cap  103   ec  via, for example, a compression spring, or springs,  417  which apply compression force against the first mount  411  to push it away from the end cap  103   ec  and toward the second mount  415 . A push button  419  when depressed allows the closed jaws with extendable fingers interlocked ( FIGS. 4A, 4B ) to be opened by sliding the second mount  415  movable jaw section  415   j  longitudinally along the guide  405  away from the first mount  411  ( FIGS. 5A  &amp; B). The second mount  415  is shown to have a larger range of motion, “R 2 ” ( FIG. 4B ) relative to R 1 . The exact span of these ranges of motion R 1 , R 2  may be determined by the sized of the guide  405  as dictated by the size of a specific implementation of the unit&#39;s case  103 .  
         [0045]     A substantially automatic clamp locking mechanism is formed by a having a pawl mechanism  421  integrated with the second mount  415  and interfaced with the sawtooth ratcheting planar surface region  409  of the guide  405 .  FIG. 6A  is a closer, elevation view of details from  FIGS. 4A-5B  for clamping jaws, pawl mechanism, and ratchet-locking mechanism, and their respective operation. Note from  FIG. 6A , that for this exemplary embodiment, the protruding tip of each jaw finger  413  is wedged underneath each jaw pivot  414 ,  414 ‘of the opposing mount&#39;s jaw; thus in a torsional-spring (not seen) spring-loaded jaw implementation, the jaws are latching each other in a closed configuration as shown.  
         [0046]     At the left of this view, the second mount  415  is shown consisting of a cover body  416 , subjacent locking pawl  421  mounted on a pivot mechanism, such as an axle or pivot rod,  421   p , locking pawl release button  419 , and pivot  414 ′ mounted jaw section  415   j  with three extendable fingers  413 . At the right of this view, the end cap  103   ec  may be provided with a spring holding shoe  418 . This shoe  418  holds compression springs  417  (one exemplified) in guide  405  longitudinal alignment. Slightly to the left of the shoe  418 , the first mount  411  consists of a cover body  412 , a jaw section  411   j , opposing the second mount  415  with three fingers  413  mounted on a pivot  414  similar to spring-loaded pivot  414 ′. Descending tabs  412   t  on each side of the body  412  may be provided for slipping into each respective compression spring  417  to further maintain longitudinal alignment thereof. Horizontal arms  412   a  (one on each axial side) may be configured for holding the pivot  414 ′ (the arm on the viewer&#39;s side has been cut away). The pivot rods  414 ,  414 ′ pass through each respective jaw section  411   j ,  415   j  and into each respective arm  412   a ,  416   a  providing rotational support for the jaw. Further, each jaw section  411   j ,  415   j  may have a hub, or mandrel,  414   m  on at least one side (the viewer&#39;s side for the first mount  411 ) where a torsion spring (not shown) may be wound for spring-loading the jaws  411   j ,  415   j ; opposite ends of the torsion spring respectively engage the cover body  412 ,  416  and related jaws. Preferably, the spring may be wound so the rotational force is in the direction to open the jaws  411   j ,  415   j , but snap-shut bias may be useful in particular implementations where detaching speed is a critical consideration (e.g., military uses).  
         [0047]     Looking also now at  FIG. 6B , a detail of  FIG. 6A , section D-D, the sawtooth ratcheting planar surface region  409  (for convenience also referred to more simply hereinafter as the “ramped track  409 ”) interfaces with the pawl mechanism  421  for locking the jaws  415   j ,  411   j  about surfaces of an external object, e.g.,  111 ,  FIG. 1  or  111   wp  of  FIG. 2B . The second mount  415  cover body  416  has an aperture, hole,  601  for the locking pawl release button  419  to pass through and apertures, holes, (not seen) on the lateral sides thereof to accept and support the pivot  421   p  for the locking pawl  421 . It can now be seen how the locking pawl  421  operates and allows the second mount assembly  415  to be ratcheted into in place and released. Simultaneous reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B  will be helpful in understanding this operation.  
         [0048]     The locking pawl  421  is shown in  FIG. 6A  with its holding tooth  421   t  engaged into the ramped track  409 . As seen in  FIG. 6B , a pawl bias, such as a leaf or coil spring,  603  between the upper surface  421   s  of the pawl  421  and the lower surface  416   s  of the second mount  415  body  416 , forces the pawl toward the ramped track  409 . The pawl pivot axle  421   p  allows it to easily rotate to this position. Note that in  FIG. 6A  the button  419  is not in a depressed state. When the locking pawl  421  is thus engaged, a force applied to the left on the second mount assembly  415  is resisted by the vertical region of the sawtooth, keeping the pawl and the jaw  415   j  from further moving to the left. However, a force—such as applied by the user—applied toward the right would allow the second mount assembly  415  to move freely to the right as the locking pawl tooth  421   t  would move up the ramp. When the pawl  421  reaches the next sawtooth excursion, it would be forced by the bias  603  into a position as shown in  FIG. 6A  except it would be one sawtooth step to the right. A continued force to the right on the second mount assembly  415 , when meeting no restraining counter-force, would allow the assembly to continue to move to the right, locking at each step in this manner. However, when a restraining counter-force is met—for example from the object being clamped; see e.g.,  111 ,  FIG. 2 —that exceeds the applied force to the right, second mount assembly  415  will be stopped from further movement to the right. While the second mount assembly  415  may move back to the left when the force to the right is diminished even slightly, the first vertical region of the sawtooth it is on will stop further motion to the left. At that point the pawl  421  will be fully engaged and will hold its position and the restraining force is applied to the object. This overall action forms the ratcheting method of clamping the jaws  411   j ,  415   j  tightly to an object  111 .  
         [0049]      FIG. 6B  also illustrates the method of releasing the jaws  411   j,    415   j . Depressing the release button  419  causes the pawl  421  to rotate around its pivot  421   p , lifting the tooth  421   t  clear from the relative engaged surface  409   s  of ramped track  409 . Once lifted free, with the button  419  depressed the second mount assembly  415  can be slid to the left by the user, thereby releasing the clamping forces on the object  111 . If there is no further current need for the MID  101 , the jaws  411   j  and  415   j  may be moved to the closed or storage position and re-interlocked as described with respect to  FIG. 6A  hereinbefore.  
         [0050]     To illustrate that the clamping mechanism is not intended to be limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, an alternative exemplary embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the operation is substantially the same. However, in this embodiment as shown in both FIGURES, the guide surface  707  (compare e.g., surface  407 ) has a sawtooth raised region  709  (compare e.g., ramp track  409 ) wherein the catch surfaces  709   c  lie in the same relative horizontal plane as the guide  707  surface. Looking now at  FIG. 7B , a biased  717  jaw apparatus  711  (comparable to element  411 ) and a movable jaw apparatus  715  (comparable to element  415 ), each have clamping fingers  713  (see also element  413 ). A relatively horizontally-acting, biased-to-automatically-lock, pawl mechanism  715   p  interfaces the movable jaw apparatus  715  in a manner analogous to that described previously with respect to  FIGS. 6A and 6B . A difference is that a pawl lock-release button  719  now also operates in a relative horizontal fashion to allow free motion, left-right in the drawing orientation. Still other arrangements can be employed to create a clamp with a broad clamping range. For example, instead or sawtooth grooves a series of circular indentation may be used and they may be imposed into side or orthogonal to the base of the unit. The locking and release mechanism would be designed to have a plunger or pawl tip to engage these indentations. The clamp jaw would be adjusted by depressing the release and moving it along to some point then letting go of the release mechanism. At that point the locking would engage the circular indentation and be held there. Thus, without belaboring the point, it will be recognized that many such implementations may be designed yet still be within the scope of the present invention as claimed.  
         [0051]     To summarize one exemplary embodiment and operation thereof, one finger assembly allows grasping the object on one side and a second finger assembly grasps the object on the other side. In the simplest embodiment, one finger assembly uses a spring to push the assembly along the base of the unit and apply force against the object. The second finger assembly utilizes a ratchet mechanism for moving the assembly along the base of the unit and applying the force against the object. The ratchet is composed a series of indentations in the base of the unit and mechanism to lock the fingers to a position along the indentation as well as a release mechanism for moving the fingers to a relaxed position. The series of indentations consist in one embodiment of saw tooth type of steps promoting automatic detenting action as when the clamp finger assembly is pushed towards a clamping or compression position. A release control allows the finger assembly to be backed away from a compression position. Another embodiment allows the finger assembly to freely move along the indentations but be locked at particular position by a detenting mechanism activated by the user. Releasing the locked position requires the user to deactivate the detenting mechanism.  
         [0052]     Thus in operation, an object is clamped by depressing the push button release and initially advancing the movable jaw to encounter one side of the object while the biased, limited movement section encounters the other side of the object. The jaws are clamped tightly to the object by continuing to advance the movable jaw against the object but with out depressing the release button. This action will allow the movable jaw to ratchet, sawtooth-by-sawtooth, along the ratcheting plane, pushing against the object. The object then pushes against the limited movement jaw compressing the bias thereof. This total action increases the clamping force of both jaws against the object each time the movable jaw is advanced a ratchet step. At some point the force is increased to a degree where the clamp is tightly held on to the object. To disengage the clamp, the push button release is depressed and the movable section is slid back. The jaws when closed, such as shown in  FIGS. 4A, 4B  and  6 A, provide a low profile for transporting the illumination device. When opening the clamping assembly for attaching to an object, the jaws pivotally open automatically by means of spring compression once the movable section is retracted enough for the tip of the fingers of the jaws to disengage from their opposing base of the opposite jaw. To close the jaws, the finger tips must be manually forced closed and the movable section advanced to the position shown in  FIG. 4A  where the finger tips once again engage the opposing base of the opposite jaw and are held closed by them.  
       Mid Drive Circuitry  
       [0053]     Another feature of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is the drive circuitry. In the preferred embodiment, drive and control circuitry provides for the preferred mode of excitation of the illumination device and compensates for deteriorating battery voltage in order to maintain illumination intensity substantially constant until the batter is substantially depleted.  FIG. 8A  is a circuit schematic for an exemplary embodiment LED driver circuit  801 . Two batteries  803 A,  803 B are shown connected in series to produce a predetermined electrical voltage related to driving the LED 1 -LED 4  array  805 . If for example each battery consists of a single cell alkaline battery, the nominal voltage of each is 1.5 volts; or for example if single cell rechargeable NiMH type battery, the nominal voltage is 1.2 volts at full charge. Assume the LED array  805  requires about 3.65 volts each for them to be turned ON completely. Therefore circuitry  801  is required to step the voltage up; a known manner Buck Converter and Control Circuitry  807  is used to do this. The converter uses the circuitry in the Buck Converter and Control Circuitry to drive (“Drive” signal line) transistor Q 1  in and out of saturation. When Q 1  is switched ON to a saturation mode, current flows from the batteries  803 A,  803 B through the inductor L. After Q 1  switches ON, the current linearly rises with time through the inductor L. The current flows through Q 1  and first resistor R 1 . When the current reaches a level predetermined by the resistance of R 1 , the voltage rises across it to the point where predetermined Feedback ID signal reaches a level to signal the Buck Converter and Control Circuitry  807  to shut off the drive to Q 1 . When this happens since, the inductor L seeks to preserve current flow, the voltage at the collector of Q 1  jumps to a level where diode D 1  begins conducting, passing current to the capacitor C 1  and the string of LEDs. For example, if four LEDs are used as shown, this voltage level is approximately four times 3.65 volts. The Buck Converter and Control Circuitry  807  allows this action to occur for a time designed to allow most of the energy to be removed from the inductor L; then, Q 1  is switched ON again by the Drive signal, causing a repeat of the cycle. The duration of the cycle is set in part by the value of L and the value of R 1  as well as the Feedback ID signal trip point voltage. The capacitor C 1  provides a smoothing action to store extra charge when D 1  is conducting and delivering it to the LEDs when it is not.  
         [0054]     LEDs perform most safely when the current flowing through them is controlled to be a fixed value independent of their temperature and voltage drop across them. Thus, in order to compensate for battery power depletion, the circuitry  801  accomplishes this by using the voltage that develops across an added resistor R 2  as the feedback (Feedback ID signal) to the Buck Converter and Control Circuitry  807 . This feedback voltage, if less than some preset value (a trip point) allows the Buck Converter portion to continue to cycle until the voltage across R 2  rises above this trip point. It then stops the Buck Converter cycling until the voltage drops below the trip point and then it restarts the cycling action. In this manner charge is built up on C 1  and is discharged at a fairly constant rate through the LEDs. The current level is set by choosing the value of R 2  such that at the desired current the voltage across is equal to trip point level.  
         [0055]     Locating the R 2  in the light head or LED display head allows using different types—e.g., colors—of LEDs. For example, if a LED type is selected for the display head that requires less current than an alternative LED type, the head is designed with a higher value R 2  used in the head to properly control the current level. Interchangeable heads may be used by incorporating the proper R 2  value into each head assembly and by having a three lead contact arrangement in the head receiving section. The three leads would provide connections for the positive LED excitation, the return to ground, and a connection from R 2  to the feedback loop of the control circuitry.  
         [0056]     The illumination from the head may have a wide, medium, or narrow beam  119 ,  FIG. 2 . Each beam width may be optimized for a special purpose. For example, a narrow beam produced by a laser diode might be incorporated for the purpose of aiming the head at a specific target. The spectrum of the emitted light maybe mostly be of a single color or be composed of multicolors and the colors may be in the visible or non-visible region of the spectrum. For example, in military use, red illumination might be used to preserve the night vision of the user or infrared to avoid visible detection by others. Alternatively, white light may be used to provide the best visible illumination.  
       Mobile Monitoring Embodiments  
       [0057]     In yet other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, rather than used in the manner of a flashlight, the apparatus is adapted for operating as a monitor by use of detecting or sensing devices as a headpiece and associated circuitry. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , with a same basic configuration as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the headpiece  905 , rather than incorporating a projection element, may include instead emitting, detecting, or sensing, transducer(s) or both, which either passively or actively detect the presence or change in some phenomena or object lying in the direction that the head  905  is aimed.  FIG. 9A  illustrates an exemplary embodiment MID  901 A in which a projected energy beam  917   p  is expanding, e.g., a radar or sonar signal, and any object  907  in the path provides a return signal  917   r  that is captured.  FIG. 9B  illustrates an exemplary embodiment MID  901 B in which the projected energy beam is focused, e.g., a laser spot on object  911 , and the return signal  917   r  is spreading and capturable. Incorporated into the main body  903 A may be respective associated, respectively generally known manner circuitry to operate with these types of transducers.  FIG. 8A  (Prior Art) is a circuit block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of such circuitry.  
         [0058]     Examples of headpiece  905  transduction elements for emitter-detector implementations include, but since many adaptations are possible depending on intended use of a specific design implementation, are not limited to:  
         [0059]     an infrared detector in the head to sense the temperature of some object in the beam (see figure illustrating emissions or reflectance radiating from some region in the illumination beam back to the head);  
         [0060]     an ultraviolet light detector to detect ultraviolet emission from a specific material with response to high-energy illumination at a longer wavelength; and  
         [0061]     an sonar, ultrasound, microwave, or other electromagnetic spectrum may be emitted and received in a continuous or pulsed energy form in the direction of the beam pattern in order to detect the presence of an object, motion of an object, or the distance of an object from the head.  
         [0062]     A dual-head unit may also be implemented. For example, one transducer element might be incorporated in one head for emitting the interrogation energy and a receiving transducer in the other head for detecting the scattered energy. Also, multipurpose implementations may be implemented. For example, embodiment, one headpiece  105  ( FIG. 2 ) may be an active illumination device—e.g., emitting white light—and the other  905  ( FIGS. 9A, 9B ) may be a motion detecting type device which in a known manner turns on the active visible light illumination.  
         [0063]     It is to be understood also that such an MID unit could also include an signalling connection or a connection by telemetry to a remote site for processing and using the detected information.  
         [0064]     In summary, integration of the universality features of the clamping mechanisms, the tractable and retractable head with the mechanisms for turning and aligning it on a specific region, combined with the main body for batteries and electronics and a head which emits light useful for illuminating, monitoring, and visualizing its alignment all make the system a highly useful combination for portable sensing purposes.  
         [0065]     The foregoing Detailed Description of exemplary and preferred embodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and disclosure in accordance with the requirements of the law (subtitles are included for reference only and are not intended as any limitation on the scope of the invention nor should any be implied therefrom). It is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to any precise form(s) described, but only to enable others skilled in the art to understand how the invention may be suited for a particular use or implementation. The possibility of modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. No limitation is intended by the description of exemplary embodiments which may have included tolerances, feature dimensions, specific operating conditions, engineering specifications, or the like, and which may vary between implementations or with changes to the state of the art, and no limitation should be implied therefrom. Applicant has made this disclosure with respect to the current state of the art, but also contemplates advancements and that adaptations in the future may take into consideration of those advancements, namely in accordance with the then current state of the art. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims as written and equivalents as applicable. Reference to a claim element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated. Moreover, no element, component, nor method or process step in this disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or step is explicitly recited in the Claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for . . . ” and no method or process step herein is to be construed under those provisions unless the step, or steps, are expressly recited using the phrase “comprising the step(s) of . . . . ”