Abstract:
A utility light is provided. The utility light comprises a first array of light sources having a first color facing in a first direction, a second array of light sources having a second color facing in a second direction that substantially opposes the first direction, a motion sensor, and an electronic controller to receive a rotation motion input from the motion sensor, wherein the rotation motion input provides an indication of rotation of the utility light about an axis substantially vertical to the surface of the earth, to determine a first state based on the rotation motion input, to operate the first array of light sources in the first state, to determine a second state based on the rotation motion input, and to operate the second array of light sources in the second state.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/424,345, filed on Apr. 15, 2009, entitled “Motion Activated Utility Light,” by Aaron C. Wright, et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0004]    Some common methods for directing traffic and controlling crowds include the use of hand signals and orange cones attached to flashlights. Providing clear and concise traffic and/or crowd control signals promotes public safety and the safety of the operator. Being able to reduce confusion and providing clear signals when directing traffic and/or controlling crowds may help to alleviate confusion, prevent accidents, and increase safety. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In an embodiment, a utility light is disclosed. The utility light comprises a first array of light sources having a first color facing in a first direction, a second array of light sources having a second color facing in a second direction that substantially opposes the first direction, a motion sensor, and an electronic controller to determine a first state based on an input received from the motion sensor, to operate the first array of light sources in the first state, to determine a second state based on the input received from the motion sensor, and to operate the second array of light sources in the second state. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, a utility light is disclosed. The utility light comprises a housing, a first plurality of illuminators to radiate according to a first characteristic retained by the housing to face in a first direction, and a second plurality of illuminators to radiate according to a second characteristic retained by the housing to face in a second direction. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, a method of directing traffic is disclosed. The method comprises holding a motion activated utility light with a hand to achieve a first state of the motion activated utility light, wherein in the first state the motion activated utility light radiates a green light in a first direction, and rotating the motion activated utility light with the hand in substantially 180 degrees about an axis of the motion activated utility light to achieve a second state of the motion activated utility light, wherein in the second state the motion activated utility light radiates a red light in the first direction. 
         [0008]    These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a Motion Activated Utility Light (MAUL) according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the red/blue light array and the green/amber light array showing their layout in a head portion of the MAUL according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3   a  illustrates the operation of a traffic mode of the MAUL of  FIG. 1 , indicating a stop signal with a red light array according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3   b  illustrates the operation of the traffic mode of the MAUL of  FIG. 1 , indicating a go signal with a green or amber light array according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  illustrates multiple sectional views of the MAUL of  FIG. 1 , indicating some of the internal components, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of the MAUL according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6   a  depicts a hand-mounted embodiment of the MAUL, shown in a representative first operational hand position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6   b  depicts the hand-mounted MAUL of  FIG. 6   b , shown in a representative second operational hand position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7   a  depicts a glove-like embodiment of the MAUL, shown in a representative first operational hand position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7   b  depicts the glove-like MAUL of  FIG. 7   a , shown in a representative second operational hand position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. 
         [0021]    Embodiments are disclosed that relate to various tools that may be used to direct traffic and control crowds, including orange flashlight cones, traffic batons, hand signals, colored gloves, and hand held STOP &amp; SLOW signs. In one embodiment, a portable multi-colored light system that can substantially improve traffic directing communication and safety is disclosed. Some of the embodiments or components may be applicable to other applications and uses outside of the field of traffic and/or crowd control. 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a Motion Activated Utility Light (MAUL)  10  is depicted. In an embodiment, the MAUL  10  comprises a housing  11  having a handle portion  60 , a head portion  12 , and a base portion  80 . In various embodiments, the housing  11  may be constructed of aluminum, steel, or other metals and/or alloys. In some embodiments, the housing  11  may be constructed of an injection molded plastic construction in a well-known manner. In some embodiments, the housing  11  may be constructed of fiberglass and/or a composite material. In other embodiments, however, the housing may be constructed of other suitable materials. 
         [0023]    Turning now to  FIG. 4 , in an embodiment, the handle portion  60  may comprise a trigger switch assembly  64  and a battery charger receptacle assembly  68 . The handle portion  60  may be gripped so that an operator&#39;s finger can operate a trigger switch  65  and the palm of the hand faces the same general direction as the red/blue light array  18 . The charger receptacle assembly  68  may be positioned on the opposite side of the handle portion  60  from the trigger switch in such a way that the trigger switch  65  will not interfere with the charging of the MAUL  10 . In another embodiment, however, the MAUL  10  may not comprise the trigger switch assembly  64  and/or the battery charger receptacle assembly  68 . In another embodiment, the trigger switch assembly  64  and/or the battery charger receptacle assembly  68  may be located in a different position on the MAUL  10  than the handle portion  60 . 
         [0024]    In an embodiment, the trigger switch assembly  64  comprises a switch housing  66 , the trigger switch  65 , and a switch actuator  63 . The housing  66  may be constructed of any suitable material. In various embodiments, the housing  66  comprises anodized aluminum or high impact plastic constructed in a well-known manner. In some embodiments, the switch housing  66  is waterproof. 
         [0025]    In an embodiment, the charger receptacle assembly  68  comprises a housing  69 , one or more battery charger contacts  67 , and an electrically isolating material around the contacts. The housing  69  may be constructed of any suitable material. In various embodiments, the housing  69  is constructed of anodized aluminum or high impact plastic in a well-known manner. In some embodiments, the housing  69  is waterproof. 
         [0026]    The head portion  12  may comprise a red/blue light array  18  facing in a first direction, a green/amber light array  19  facing in a second direction, a spotlight assembly  41 , or combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the red/blue light array  18  and the green/amber light array  19  may face in substantially opposing directions. The spotlight assembly  41  may comprise a heat sink  42 , a spotlight  48 , a lens  45 , a lens holder  46 , and a reflector  44 . In an embodiment, the lens holder  46  may be suitable to being screwed down. The cross-sectional view of the light arrays  20  illustrates one manner of disposing or locating the red/blue light array  18  with respect to the green/amber light array  19 . The spotlight assembly top view  40  shows the layout of the heat sink  42 , the spotlight  48 , the lens holder  46 , the reflector  44 , and a plurality of screw mounting locations  43 . 
         [0027]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a plurality of red LEDs  50  and a plurality of blue LEDs  51  are depicted that comprise the red/blue light array  18 . In some contexts, the red/blue light array  18  may be referred to as an array of light sources. In an embodiment, a red light array may be provided without a blue light array. In another embodiment, however, different types of light sources may be employed. In an embodiment, the LEDs  50 ,  51  are arranged in a semi rectangular array, which includes five vertical rows with alternating red LEDs  50  and blue LEDs  51  in each row. In an embodiment, the center row contains one green indicator LED  52  and one amber indicator LED  53  to indicate which lights are active on the green/amber light array  19 , which may be turned away from the view of an operator of the MAUL  10 . In some contexts, the green/amber light array  19  may be referred to as an array of light sources. In an embodiment, a green light array may be provided without an amber light array. Thus, the indicator LEDs  52 ,  53  provide visual feedback to the operator about which color lights on the green/amber light array  19  are activated. In various embodiments, other numbers of LEDs  50 ,  51 ,  52 ,  53  and other positional dispositions of LEDs  50 ,  51 ,  52 ,  53  may be employed. 
         [0028]    A plurality of green LEDs  55  and a plurality of amber LEDs  54  are also depicted that comprise the green/amber light array  19 . In another embodiment, however, different types of light sources may be employed. In an embodiment, the LEDs  55 ,  54  are arranged in a semi rectangular array, which includes five vertical rows with alternating green LEDs  55  and amber LEDs  54  in each row. In an embodiment, the center row contains one red indicator LED  56  and one blue indicator LED  57  to indicate which lights are active on the red/blue light array  18 . Thus, the indicator LEDs  56 ,  57  provide visual feedback to the operator about which color lights on the red/blue light array  18  are activated. In various embodiments, other numbers of LEDs  55 ,  54 ,  56 ,  57  and other positional dispositions of LEDs  55 ,  54 ,  56 ,  57  may be employed. 
         [0029]    In an embodiment, the light arrays  18 ,  19  comprise ultra-bright LEDs that are bright enough to be suitable for daylight operation. In an embodiment, the brightness of the light arrays  18 ,  19  is adjustable for the prevailing conditions, including nighttime. In an embodiment, a sensor detects an intensity of ambient light, and a processor adjusts the brightness of the light arrays  18 ,  19  based on the sensed intensity of ambient light. 
         [0030]    Turning again to  FIG. 4 , in an embodiment, the spotlight assembly  41  may contain at least one white ultra-bright spotlight LED  48  or other light source and is facing out the top side of the head portion  12 . The spotlight LED  48  may be mounted with a reflector  44 , which directs the light emitting from the solid state light source  48  substantially out the top side of the head portion  12 . In an embodiment, the spotlight LED  48  has adjustable display modes and brightness levels controlled by the trigger switch  65 . In an embodiment, the spotlight assembly  41  may be shaped to prevent standing the MAUL  10  upright on the spotlight assembly  41 , for example to prevent the powerful spotlight LED  48  from overheating and/or from accidentally being left powered on for extended periods. 
         [0031]    In an embodiment, the base portion  80  comprises a power/mode switch  84 , a battery/charger indicator light  82  (for example, in an embodiment, a red/green battery/charger indicator light), a layer of rubber overmold  88 , and magnets  86 . The MAUL  10  unit bottom view  90  illustrates what the operator sees when the head portion  12  is pointing towards the ground or otherwise away from the operator. 
         [0032]    The operation of the two light arrays  18 ,  19  and the spotlight  48  depend on the operating mode of the MAUL  10 . In an embodiment, there are four operating modes of the MAUL  10 : a spotlight mode, a red/green traffic mode, a red/amber traffic mode, and a red/blue mode. In some contexts, the spotlight mode may be referred to as mode  1 , the red/green traffic mode may be referred to as mode  2 , the red/amber traffic mode may be referred to as mode  3 , and the red/blue mode may be referred to as mode  4 . In other embodiments, however, other operating modes and/or operating sub-modes may be promoted by the MAUL  10 . 
         [0033]    In an embodiment, upon powering up, the operating mode of the MAUL  10  is set to the spotlight mode. While in the spotlight mode, the red/green traffic mode is selected by quickly pressing and releasing the power/mode switch  84  one time. Each time the power/mode switch  84  is cycled, the MAUL  10  cycles to the next mode, for example from mode  1  to mode  2 , from mode  2  to mode  3 , from mode  3  to mode  4 , and from mode  4  to mode  1 . When the power/mode switch  84  is pressed and held, for a predefined time duration, the MAUL  10  will power off. 
         [0034]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a block diagram of the MAUL  10  is provided. In an embodiment, the MAUL  10  may be powered by a lithium battery pack assembly  62 , providing an output operating voltage between about 3.2 and about 4.2 volts. In an embodiment, the battery pack assembly  62  is configured to include up to three cells with a protection  32  circuit board and connector wiring. The circuit board includes circuitry to protect the battery pack assembly  62  from over charge, over discharge, over drain, and short circuit protection. The battery pack assembly cross sectional view  70  shown in  FIG. 4  illustrates the arrangement of the cells in the battery pack assembly  62 . In other embodiments, however, different power source configurations and dispositions may be employed. In other embodiments, other battery technologies may be employed. 
         [0035]    The power control circuit  30  controls power distribution on the circuit boards. The power control circuit  30  monitors the power/mode switch  84  to turn on power to the MAUL  10 . Powering off the MAUL  10  is controlled by one of multiple possible events including: the operator pressing and holding the power/mode switch  84  for a predefined time duration, the processor  31  turning the power off when the battery voltage is too low, the power control circuit  30  turning the power off if power is too low and the processor  31  is disabled, and the battery protection circuit  32  turning the power off if it detects a battery fault condition. 
         [0036]    In an embodiment, the power/mode switch  84  may also be used to change the operating mode of the MAUL  10 . If the power is on and the power/mode switch  84  is pressed and released in less than the specified power off time as determined by the processor  31 , the operating mode of the MAUL  10  is changed to the next sequential operating mode. 
         [0037]    The trigger switch  65  is monitored by the processor  31  and may provide ergonomic input to the operator to access features in a particular operating mode. The processor  31  counts and responds to two distinct press and release cycles: a quick press and release cycle and a long press and release cycle. A quick press and release cycle may be defined by occurring within less than a first predefined period of time. A long press and release cycle may be defined by occurring within greater than a second predefined period of time. In an embodiment, the first and second predefined periods of time may be different periods of time, with the first period of time being less than the second period of time. In another embodiment, the first and second predefined periods of time may be substantially equal. 
         [0038]    The motion sensors  33  are monitored by the processor  31  providing hand/arm motion indications that direct the processor  31  as to what action to take regarding the illumination of the red/blue light array  18  and the green/amber light array  19 . The appropriate action by the processor  31  depends on the MAUL  10  being held in the proper orientation with the handle portion  60  gripped around the elongated portion so that an operator&#39;s finger can operate the trigger switch  65  and the palm of the hand faces the same general direction as the red/blue light array  18 , and the MAUL  10  faces the direction of the oncoming traffic. When gripped properly with the arm extended upwardly away from the operator&#39;s body, the processor  31 , based on data from the motion sensors  33 , measures angular rotation of the MAUL  10  and switches the light color. If the red lights  50  are being displayed to oncoming traffic, a change to display the green lights  55  may be selected by the rotation of the operator&#39;s hand/forearm by the required number of degrees, while also rotating above the minimum rotation speed. This results in the processor  31  turning off the red lights  50  to avoid flashing the eyes of the operator with undesirable light intensity and turning on the green lights  55 , when the green display is substantially clear of the operator&#39;s direct view. In some contexts, the processor  31  may be said to be in a first state when the red lights  50  are switched on and/or operated while the processor  31  may be said to be in a second state when the green lights  55  are switched on and/or operated. In an embodiment, the motion sensors  33  do not provide absolute position in space but rather measure a rotation rate and degrees of rotation to determine the on/off timing of the light arrays  18 ,  19 . In an embodiment, the MAUL  10  depends on the operator starting from a valid position and rotating the hand holding the MAUL  10  to the opposite facing direction while staying above the minimum rotating speed. 
         [0039]    In an embodiment, the red lights  50  may comprise a first plurality of illuminators to radiate according to a first characteristic, and the green lights  55  may comprise a second plurality of illuminators to radiate according to a second characteristic. In embodiment, the first characteristic may be a first visible light wavelength, and the second characteristic may be a second visible light wavelength. In another embodiment, the first characteristic may be a first infrared light wavelength, and the second characteristic may be a second infrared light wavelength. In another embodiment, the first characteristic may be a radiation polarized in a first sense, and the second characteristic may be a radiation polarized in a second sense. 
         [0040]    The motion sensors  33  may also support battery save operation with optional safety marker light display. In an embodiment, when the operator&#39;s hand/arm is pointed toward the ground, and with the MAUL  10  gripped properly, the MAUL  10  enters battery save mode where the red/blue light array  18  and the green/amber light array  19  are turned off to save battery power. Optionally, a safety marker light can illuminate intermittently to provide a distinguishable light to alert onlookers to the operator&#39;s position. When exiting from battery save mode, the motion sensors  33  provide the processor  31  the motion data required to determine if the red/blue light array  18  or the green/amber light array  19  should be turned on when the MAUL  10  reaches the operating position. 
         [0041]    The processor  31  controls many actions of the MAUL  10 . The processor  31  monitors input modules including the trigger switch  65 , the motion sensors  33 , and the power/mode switch  84  on which it bases its control of the output modules, the red/blue light array  18 , the green/amber light array  19 , the spotlight  48 , the battery/charger indicator light  82 , the audio indicator  35 , and an ambient light sensor  92 . The power control  30  is both an input and an output module. Some actions that may not be controlled by the processor  31  include the automatic power shut off provided by the battery protection module  32  and the power control module  30 , which are caused by major fault conditions. 
         [0042]    The red/blue LED lights  50 ,  51  and the green/amber LED lights  55 ,  54  may be turned on and off by the processor  31 . In an embodiment, only one color is actively displayed at any given time, although various light arrays may be alternately displayed at various rates for desired visual effects. In an embodiment, the four colored light groups, red, blue, green, and amber, each have twenty-eight LEDs (twenty-seven LEDs on the main color side and one indicator LED on the opposite side). In an embodiment, each group of twenty-eight LEDs is electrically divided into four groups of seven LEDs, which are connected in series and driven by a constant current driver for the respective color, to provide uniformity of color and brightness. In an embodiment, the brightness may be controlled automatically by the processor  31  based on input from the ambient light sensor  92  and/or manually by use of the trigger switch  65 . The processor  31  then sets the desired brightness via a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. This technique allows for the lights to be a consistent color over the entire brightness range. In another embodiment, however, a different technique may be employed to control and/or modulate the brightness and color quality of the lights. 
         [0043]    In an embodiment, the red/blue indicator lights  56 ,  57  and the green/amber indicator lights  52 ,  53  are located on substantially opposite sides of their respective colored light arrays  18  and  19 . For example, if the red LED lights  50  are being displayed to oncoming traffic, or aiming away from the operator, the operator of the MAUL  10  will see the red indicator light  56  is lit, which assures the operator that the red LED lights  50  on the opposite side, are working. The red indicator light  56  is electrically connected in series to one of the four red groups of LEDs for the red LED driver. Each of the other colored light arrays and their respective indicators are connected in a similar fashion. 
         [0044]    The battery/charger indicator light  82  may consist of a red/green bi-color LED. In an embodiment, the processor  31  monitors the battery voltage and displays five levels of battery capacity, as shown by the LED color and predetermined flash rate. In an embodiment, the battery/charger indicator light  82  may be implemented as a bi-color LED that indicates when the battery pack assembly  62  is charging and/or is fully charged. In another embodiment, however, the processor  31  may display different numbers of levels of battery capacity. In an embodiment, the battery/charger indicator light  82  may be a light or LED or a plurality of lights or LEDs to simply indicate that operable battery capacity is available. 
         [0045]    In an embodiment, the audio indicator  35  is controlled by processor  31 . It provides audible indications to the operator during interactive operations and predetermined changes in battery capacity. 
         [0046]    In an embodiment, the battery charger  36  is used to re-charge the lithium-ion battery pack assembly  62  at the appropriate voltage and current. The charger  36  may accept power from a 12V DC source or from an AC to DC adapter. The charging voltage is supplied through a quick connect attachment to the MAUL&#39;s battery charger contacts  67 . 
         [0047]    The battery/charger indicator light  82  may consist of a red/green bi-color LED. The red light is displayed during charging and the green light is displayed when charging is complete. 
         [0048]    In an embodiment, the purpose of the MAUL  10  is to give the operator an all in one solution to portable lighting needs. One function of the MAUL  10  may be to direct traffic safely and efficiently. Traffic can be aircraft, automobiles, motorcycles, boats, people, ships, trucks, and anything else that moves around with human control. Locations or areas of use may be traffic accidents, loading docks, school zones, areas under construction, landing sites, public events, intersections, natural disaster areas, or any other area occupied by people or vehicles. Other functions of the MAUL  10  may include the spotlight mode and the red/blue light mode, where the spotlight  48  can be used instead of a separate flashlight, and the red/blue light can be used when the operator would like to get attention from onlookers and be identified as a law enforcement official. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 3   a  and  FIG. 3   b , one example of operational use of the MAUL  10  is the traffic mode, such as when a police officer or other operator is directing traffic at an intersection, for example. The operator may be positioned with a clear line of sight to view all approaching traffic, such as in the middle of the intersection. To select traffic mode, the operator may press and release the power/mode switch  84 . The MAUL  10  will turn on in mode  1 , the spotlight mode. The operator may then perform a quick press/release of the power/mode switch  84  to change to mode  2 , the red/green traffic mode. When the MAUL  10  is down by the operator&#39;s side and not moving, it may display intermittently flashing amber lights to alert onlookers of the operator&#39;s position. 
         [0050]    When the operator is ready to give a stop signal/red light, the operator will lift the hand/forearm holding the MAUL  10 , palm turned facing the ground, and arm extended in the direction of the oncoming traffic, in a similar fashion to traditional hand signaling methods. When the arm is nearly in its final position, extended and perpendicular to the ground, the palm of the hand should be facing the oncoming traffic as shown in  FIG. 3   a . This will activate the red light display  50  without the operator pressing buttons or switches, and promotes the operator controlling the MAUL  10  using his or her hands/arms similarly to traditional hand signaling methods. 
         [0051]    When the operator is ready to give a go signal/green light, and the MAUL  10  is down by his or her side in battery save mode, the operator will lift the hand/forearm holding the MAUL  10 , palm turned facing the sky, and arm extended in the direction of the oncoming traffic, in a similar fashion to traditional hand signaling methods. When the arm approaches its final position, the palm of the hand should be facing the operator, the back of the hand facing oncoming traffic, and the elbow should have nearly a 90-degree bend as shown in  FIG. 3   b . This will activate the green light display  55  without the operator pressing any buttons or switches, and allows the operator to move his or her hands/arms similar to traditional hand signaling methods. 
         [0052]    If the operator is currently displaying a red light for stop as shown in  FIG. 3   a , and would like to signal a green light for go as shown in  FIG. 3   b , then while still signaling in the same direction, the operator will simply bend his or her elbow to approximately a 90-degree angle, while at the same time rotating his or her hand/forearm 180 degrees while keeping his or her fingers pointed to the sky. The operator&#39;s palm will go from facing traffic to now facing the operator as shown in  FIG. 3   b . The red light will turn off and the green light will turn on automatically without the operator pressing any buttons or switches, and this allows the operator to move his or her hands/arms similar to traditional hand signaling methods. 
         [0053]    If the operator is currently displaying a green light for go as shown in  FIG. 3   b , and would like to signal a red light for stop as shown in  FIG. 3   b , then while still signaling in the same direction, the operator will simply extend his or her arm out, while at the same time rotating his or her hand/forearm 180 degrees while keeping his or her fingers pointed to the sky. The operator&#39;s palm will go from facing the operator to now facing traffic as shown in  FIG. 3   a . The green light will turn off and the red light will turn on automatically without the operator pressing any buttons or switches, and this allows the operator to move his or her hands/arms similar to traditional hand signaling methods. 
         [0054]    If the operator prefers, the MAUL  10  may be configured, in the options menu, to a manual switching method. This mode, when on, will turn on the red LEDs  50  automatically when the MAUL  10  is raised regardless of what position it is facing. The operator presses and holds the trigger switch  65  to signal the green LEDs  55 . The reason for this optional manual mode is to give the operator more control as to when and where the lights change color. This mode also requires appropriate timing on the operator&#39;s behalf in order not to shine the lights in his or her eyes while changing signal colors. A built in time delay is provided between signal changes to prevent this. When the operator releases the trigger switch  65  the green LEDs  55  will turn off and the red LEDs  50  will automatically turn on. 
         [0055]    To operate in the red/amber traffic mode, while the MAUL  10  is off, the operator must press and release the power/mode switch  84 . The MAUL  10  will turn on in mode  1 , the spotlight mode. The operator will then perform two quick press and releases of the power/mode switch  84  to change to mode  2 , the red/green traffic mode and then to mode  3 , the red/amber traffic mode. The operator will direct traffic in the same fashion as the red/green traffic mode described previously except amber LED lights  54  will take the place of the green LED lights  55 . 
         [0056]    To operate in the spotlight mode, while the MAUL  10  is off, the operator must press and release the power/mode switch  84 . The MAUL  10  will turn on in mode  1 , the spotlight mode. The battery save mode does not work in spotlight mode such that when the operator lowers his or her hand/forearm, the spotlight  48  will remain on. There are three levels of brightness and three different operating modes while in spotlight mode. To cycle through the brightness levels, the operator performs a quick press and release of the trigger switch  65 . To cycle through the operating modes of the spotlight mode, the operator presses and holds the trigger switch  65  for a predefined amount of time. The three different modes are spotlight mode, strobe/flash mode, and S.O.S. mode. The operator will be able to adjust the brightness of each of the three spotlight modes. 
         [0057]    To operate in the red/blue mode, while the MAUL  10  is off, the operator presses and releases the power/mode switch  84 . The MAUL  10  will turn on in mode  1 , the spotlight mode. The operator will then perform three quick press and releases to change to mode  2 , the red/green traffic mode and then to mode  3 , the red/amber traffic mode and then to mode  4 , the red/blue mode. The battery save mode does not work in red/blue mode such that when the operator lowers his or her hand/forearm, the red/blue lights will remain on. There are three levels of brightness, and two different operating modes while in red/blue mode. To cycle through the brightness levels, the operator will perform a quick press and release of the trigger switch  65 . To cycle through the operating modes of the red/blue mode, the operator will press and hold the trigger switch  65  for a predefined amount of time. The two different modes are red/blue mode and a road flare mode. The red/blue mode will act like the well-known lights seen on police vehicles and will display quick alternating flashes of red and blue LED lights. This mode can be used while a police officer is issuing traffic violations, for example, to provide passersby awareness of the officer&#39;s presence. The road flare mode will let the officer set the MAUL  10  down and display a unique flashing pattern of the red LEDs  50 . The intended use is to attract attention and alert passersby to proceed with caution. The operator will be able to adjust the brightness of each of the two red/blue modes. 
         [0058]    The operator will have a battery/charger indicator light  82  in view while the MAUL  10  is down by his or her side, which allows for a status check with a quick look down toward the MAUL  10 . In an embodiment, there are five levels of power indication: solid green showing that the battery has a full charge or at least 70% of usable power, slow flashing green that comes on when approximately 70% of usable power remains, fast flashing green that comes on when approximately 40% of usable power remains, slow blinking red that shows the battery has approximately 10% of usable power remaining, and solid red that indicates the battery is nearly discharged and will shutdown soon. In another embodiment, other battery capacity indications may be provided. In an embodiment, an audio indicator  35  will alert the operator when the MAUL  10  enters the flashing red and solid red battery light mode. This helpful alert provides a backup notification in case the operator is not visually monitoring the battery/charger indicator light  82 . 
         [0059]    In addition to the battery save mode, the MAUL  10  also has a built in auto-shut off timer (red/green and red/amber traffic modes only) that will turn off the MAUL  10  electronically so the MAUL  10  is not accidentally left on to drain the battery. After a predetermined amount of time, the MAUL  10  will begin to flash and beep ten times to alert the operator it is about to shut power off. If the operator takes no action, the MAUL  10  will shut off. If however, the operator presses the trigger switch  65  or the power/mode switch  84 , before it shuts down, the MAUL  10  will remain on and reset the internal auto shut off timer. 
         [0060]    To aid the operator with multiple placement positions, the MAUL  10  will have magnets  86  in the base portion  80  of the MAUL  10 . The MAUL  10  unit bottom view  90  of  FIG. 4  shows the magnets  86  positions relative to the power/mode switch  84  and the battery/charger indicator light  82 . 
         [0061]    To prevent the magnets  86  from scarring delicate surfaces, like paint on vehicles, in an embodiment, a layer of rubber overmold  88  may cover the magnets  86  and not expose them. The rubber overmold  88  will also help to absorb some of the impact if the operator were to drop the MAUL  10  on its base portion  80 . There will be a cutout in the layer of rubber overmold  88  to allow access to the battery/charger indicator light  82  and the power/mode switch  84  as seen in the MAUL  10  unit bottom view  90 . 
         [0062]    Turning now to  FIG. 6   a  and  FIG. 6   b , in another embodiment, the MAUL  10  may be provided in a hand-mounted configuration rather than the hand-held configuration of  FIG. 1 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 6   a  and  FIG. 6   b , the MAUL  10  comprises a body portion that extends beyond the width of the operator&#39;s hand and provides different colored LEDs on opposing sides of the body, such as at least one green LED on one side of the body and at least one red LED on the opposing side of the body. The hand-mounted configuration of the MAUL  10  may attach to the operator&#39;s hand via an adjustable strap, belt or other attachment means. The body of the hand-mounted MAUL  10  may be lightweight, thereby allowing the operator to operate the hand-mounted MAUL  10  through possibly long work shifts without undue fatigue. 
         [0063]    In various embodiments, the hand-mounted configuration of the MAUL  10  provides fewer operational modes, substantially the same number of operational modes, more operational modes, or different operational modes than the held-held configuration of the MAUL  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . Moreover, the operational modes of the hand-mounted MAUL  10  may provide substantially the same or different functionality as compared to the operational modes of the hand-held MAUL  10 .  FIG. 6   a  and  FIG. 6   b  depict the hand-mounted MAUL  10  in representative operational hand positions. In particular,  FIG. 6   a  depicts the hand-mounted MAUL  10  in a stop hand position and  FIG. 6   b  depicts the hand-mounted MAUL  10  in a go hand position. 
         [0064]    Turning now to  FIG. 7   a  and  FIG. 7   b , in a different embodiment, the MAUL  10  may be provided in a glove-like configuration rather than the hand-held configuration of  FIG. 1  or the hand-mounted configuration of  FIG. 6   a  and  FIG. 6   b . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7   a  and  FIG. 7   b , the glove-like MAUL  10  comprises a glove-like structure coupled with an electronic wrist mounted package. The glove-like structure may comprise any variety of suitable fabrics to cover or partially cover the hand and a plurality of different colored LEDs mounted on a palm side and on a back side, respectively. In some contexts, the glove-like structure may be referred to as a housing. In one embodiment, the glove-like structure comprises a plurality of red LEDs on the palm side and a plurality of green LEDs on the back side. The glove-like structure may also comprise one or more motion detectors. The electronic wrist mounted package is in communication with the LEDs and with the motion detector. In an embodiment, the fabric may provide thermal insulation to protect an operator&#39;s hand from heat radiated by the green and red LEDs as well as to protect the hand from the elements, such as from the cold. The glove-like structure may be comprised of a single layer or multiple layers of fabric or other suitable material. In an embodiment, the MAUL  10  may comprise a mitten-like structure rather than a glove-like structure. In some contexts, the mitten-like structure may be referred to as a housing. In an embodiment, the glove-like structure and/or mitten-like structure may retain the green and red LEDs while the battery, the processor, the motion sensor, and other components may be retained within a wrist band that is in communication with the LEDs. 
         [0065]    In various embodiments, the glove-like configuration of the MAUL  10  provides fewer operational modes, substantially the same number of operational modes, more operational modes, or different operational modes than other embodiments of the MAUL  10 . Moreover, the operational modes of the glove-like embodiment of MAUL  10  may provide substantially the same or different functionality as compared to the operational modes of other embodiments of the MAUL  10 .  FIG. 7   a  and  FIG. 7   b  depict the glove-like embodiment of the MAUL  10  in representative operational hand positions. In particular,  FIG. 7   a  depicts the glove-like MAUL  10  in a stop hand position and  FIG. 7   b  depicts the glove-like MAUL  10  in a go hand position. These statements apply, likewise, to a mitten-like configuration of the MAUL  10 . 
         [0066]    In the embodiments depicted and described herein, the MAUL  10  is presented as a standalone device. However, in other embodiments, the MAUL  10  may operate as a remote control device whereby the hand/arm motions of the operator trigger wireless commands that direct the operation of separate light sources, such as mounted street lights or a tripod mounted light, for example. In other embodiments, the MAUL  10  may operate as both a standalone device and also as a remote control device for a separate light source to provide synchronized signaling, for example. 
         [0067]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the MAUL  10  apparatus and methods of use have been presented for purposes of illustration and description and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many other modifications and variations are possible. In particular, the specific type and quantity of LEDs, operating modes and methods could be varied as well as other aspects of the MAUL  10  apparatus and methods. 
         [0068]    While various embodiments of the MAUL  10  apparatus and methods of use have been shown and described herein, modifications may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described are representative only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations, combinations, and modifications of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is defined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.