Abstract:
A light beacon includes a base, a plurality of towers supported on the base, a first set of LEDs having a first color mounted on each of said towers and a second set of LEDs having a second color also mounted on each of said towers. A microprocessor in operative communication with each of the first and second LEDs is configured to illuminate the first set of LEDs through a defined channel either simultaneously or sequentially, at a user&#39;s option through a user interface. The processor is further configured to illuminate the second set of LEDs through a defined channel either simultaneously or sequentially at a user&#39;s option. A lens mounted on the housing directs light from the LEDs in a preconfigured distribution.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. No. 61/157,041, filed Mar. 3, 2009, entitled ROTATING BEACON, which application is hereby incorporated by reference to the extent permitted by law. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention is in the field of light beacons, particularly for construction and emergency vehicles. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    Emergency vehicles and construction vehicles traditionally used warning beacons that flash and/or rotate as a warning. Multiple colors are often preferred. In order to achieve rotation of the light, prior art devices have typically rotated the light itself, or, more recently, rotated a reflector to redirect the beam of a stationary light source. Such products had a finite life span and proved to be of limited durability and resistance to harsh conditions, including temperature extremes, impacts and vibrations. 
         [0006]    Moreover, prior art devices achieved multiple color projection by including separate beacons or separate tinted lenses to achieve the desired multiplicity of colors. Similarly, where multiple patterns of flashing or rotation were required, a typical corresponding duplication of equipment and parts was required. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is a multi-color, multi-pattern single beacon without moving mechanical parts. A light beacon includes a base, a plurality of towers supported on the base, a first set of LEDs having a first color mounted on each of said towers and a second set of LEDs having a second color also mounted on each of said towers. A microprocessor in operative communication with each of the first and second LEDs is configured to illuminate the first set of LEDs through a defined channel either simultaneously or sequentially, at a user&#39;s option through a user interface. The processor is further configured to illuminate the second set of LEDs through a defined channel either simultaneously or sequentially at a user&#39;s option. A lens mounted on the housing directs light from the LEDs in a preconfigured distribution. 
         [0008]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a beacon compatible with the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the interior of the beacon incorporating the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram of a microprocessor of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a circuit diagram of a driver switch LED channel. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a circuit diagram of a stabilization circuit interposed between the microprocessor and power source and the driver  62 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0015]    The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
         [0016]    The beacon of the invention  10  is comprised of a lens  12 , a base  14 , a plurality of LED mounting towers  16  and a shield  18 . Shield  18  is an optional element that may be used to reduce the interference of sunlight during daylight use of the beacon. A grommet  20  is seated in an annular recess in base  14  in order to achieve a water tight seal of the lens  12  to the base  14  upon assembly. 
         [0017]    Within the beacon, the plurality of LED mounting towers  16  are arranged around a central axis of the beacon. In the depicted embodiment, this arrangement of eight LED mounting surfaces is circular and equally spaced around said central axis. In the depicted embodiment, each of the LED mounts is substantially planar on an outward facing surface. In the depicted embodiment, base  14  and towers  16  are cast aluminum. As depicted, the towers and base are integrally formed, and have orthogonal support fins  42  to further supplement durability. 
         [0018]    Each individual LED mounting tower  16  includes, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , a recess  24 . Whether with a recess  24  or otherwise, the LED mount  16  is configured to receive attachment thereto of an LED plate  26 . 
         [0019]    In the depicted embodiment, the LED plate  26  is a metal clad circuit board (MCCB). Both the MCCB  26  and recess  24  are dimensioned to include an alignment seat  40 . In the depicted embodiment both the MCCB  26  and recess  24  are pentagonal in shape, with an alignment angle on the MCCB  26  corresponding to an alignment notch in the recess  24 . In this manner, proper alignment during assembly is assured and maintenance of proper alignment during the useful life of the beacon is maintained through multiple cycles of vibration, possible impacts and temperature extremes. In this manner, the LEDs  28  and  30  on the MCCB  26  remain more securely positioned in their proper alignment with Fresnel and Scallop elements on the lens  12 , thereby advantageously improving the durability of the beacon, as distinguished from prior art devices which, for example, would simply pin a printed circuit board vertically on a base, thereby creating a unit prone to misalignment of LEDs with properly corresponding lens features. Misalignment is problematic because it can take the beacon out of compliance with the strict Department of Transportation and Federal highway standards requiring minimum standards of illumination in strictly preconfigured beam distribution patterns. Continuing compliance requires continuing proper alignment of LEDs and lens elements. 
         [0020]    Each LED MCCB plate  26  includes a first LED  28  and a second LED  30 . In the depicted embodiment, the first LED  28  is a first color, for example blue, and the second LED  30  is a second color, for example amber. The LED plate  26  includes electrical connections  32  and  34  for conveying power and control signals to the first LED  28  and also electrical connections  36  and  38  for conveying power and control signals to the second LED  30 . Each of the electrical connections  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38  and similar connections for the plurality of LED plates  26  on the other towers are in operative communication with a central controller  50 . The central controller  50  is configured to control the operation of first LED  28  and second LED  30 , and their corresponding first and second LEDs on different LED plates  26  around the axis of the beacon in order that they may be activated in varying patterns. The central controller  50  is also configured to alternate or vary colors, according to the user selection. Selection may be between a plurality of different preconfigured combinations. For example, only the LEDs  28  of the first color may be used in a first operating mode in order to project a first color continuously. Similarly, only the second LEDs  30  with the second LED color may be used in order to project a different color continuously. The first LEDs may be activated in a second operating mode to flash in unison in all directions for 360 degrees, as may be the plurality of second LEDs  30 . The first plurality of LEDs  28  may be activated sequentially in a third operating mode, with each first LED  28  being illuminated after an adjacent LED  28  has been turned off, in order to achieve a rotating effect of the first LED colors. Similarly, the second LEDs may also be activated in the third operating mode to achieve a rotating effect of the second color. Other operational modes may be configured to achieve other flashing, rotating, alternating or other lighting patterns. Thus, advantageously, continuous, rotating, flashing and alternative effects may be achieved without the necessity of moving parts within the beacon. Moreover, a single beacon can be used to project multiple colors, thereby obviating the need for multiple beacons. 
         [0021]    The apparatus of the present invention advantageously manages fabrication and assembly costs in manufacturing and power usage during a useful lifetime while maintaining a required level of light output at a lower power demand through its advantageous configuration of components. The central processor  50  is configured to define channels  60 , with each channel containing more than one individual LED. In the depicted embodiment, there being eight LED support towers, the circuit and processor define four channels. Other numbers of LEDs, towers and channels are within the scope of the present invention in varying combinations. Each channel  60  has a single driver  62 . Each driver  62  regulates voltage and controls switching for multiple LEDs through switches  64 . In the depicted embodiment, each channel  60  and driver  62  drives four LEDs on two towers. The configuration pairs two LEDs of a first color  28  on two adjacent towers  16  and selectively drives them to be illuminated upon a signal from microprocessor  50  through connections  52 . In the depicted embodiment, channel  60  is configured such that if a first pair of LEDs of a first color  28  are illuminated, then the other corresponding pair of LEDs of a second color  30 , also on the same two adjacent pillars  16 , are not illuminated. 
         [0022]    Federal, state and local regulations require certain minimums of lumens output in strictly defined beam distributions. The illumination of a pair of LEDs of a single color achieves a quantity of light output sufficient to maintain the required minimum lumens of illumination delivered through the lens to the preconfigured, regulated beam distribution with a minimum number of components while using a minimal degree of power. 
         [0023]    The configuration of groups of LEDs which are pairs in the depicted embodiment, also allows the execution of sequential illumination of channels and their corresponding pairs in order to achieve a rotating effect in the beacon light distribution. That is, controller  50  through channel  60 , driver  62  and switch  64  illuminates a first pair of LEDs, which are oriented through a first angular range of beam distribution, which may be substantially about 90 degrees in the depicted embodiment. After a preconfigured time, the first channel and first pair of LEDs are turned off, and a next adjacent channel and corresponding pair of LEDs is illuminated. This process repeats in order to generate a rotating beam from the beacon. Alternately, all channels and all LEDs having a first color may be illuminated at once for a 360 degree continuous beam distribution. A third alternative is that all channels and corresponding pairs of LEDs of a single color may flash. Other illumination patterns are configurable without departing from the scope of the invention. 
         [0024]    By associating a pair of a first color of LEDs  28  and also a pair of a second color of LEDs  30  with the single channel  60 , the same beacon can deliver multicolor functionality, which heretofore in the prior art could only be achieved through installing two different beacons. Each beam distribution pattern, 360 degree continuous illumination, flashing or rotating may be executed in either color. 
         [0025]    The processor  50  may be in operative communication with a user interface  70 . By way of illustration and not limitation, user interface  70  may include a three-way switch  72  for alternating between continuous illumination, rotating or flashing and include a second switch or mode  74  for designating a color. In a depicted embodiment, the processor  50  and the circuits are configured such that LEDs of a first color  28  cannot be illuminated simultaneously with LEDs of a second color  30 , on the same channel. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is a circuit diagram of a microprocessor of the present invention. The processor  50  is configured as disclosed herein, and signals the channels  60  through lines  52 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a circuit diagram of a channel  60 , driver  62  and switch  64 . LEDs  28  are two in number in the depicted embodiment,  28 A and  28 B. LEDs  30  are two in number in the depicted embodiment,  30 A and  30 B. Through lines  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38 , the LEDs are controlled as described above. 
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a circuit diagram of a stabilization circuit  80  interposed between the microprocessor  50  and power source and the driver  62 . 
         [0029]    As various modifications could be made to the exemplary embodiments, as described above with reference to the corresponding illustrations, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.