Patent ID: 7080928

Claim:
An electronically controlled retractable light, comprising: means for mounting the retractable light; an electrical motor connected with said mounting means, said motor including a brake; means for reducing speed and amplifying torque coupled to said motor, said speed reducing and torque amplifying means being environmentally sealed; a lighthead connected movably with said mounting means and connected with said speed reducing and torque amplifying means, said lighthead including at least one lamp; a contactless means for monitoring absolute position of said lighthead; at least one solid state switch configured to perform separate power switching events for said brake, motor, and lamp, respectively, wherein said at least one solid state switch performs the power switching events according to a soft switching scheme; and a control unit communicating with said position monitoring means and at least one solid state switch to: monitor the position of said lighthead; prevent simultaneous power switching events for said brake, motor and lamp; and to position said lighthead at a predetermined angle.