CA1235210A - Flash tube employing multiple flashes - Google Patents
Flash tube employing multiple flashesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1235210A CA1235210A CA000459364A CA459364A CA1235210A CA 1235210 A CA1235210 A CA 1235210A CA 000459364 A CA000459364 A CA 000459364A CA 459364 A CA459364 A CA 459364A CA 1235210 A CA1235210 A CA 1235210A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flashes
- flash
- capacitors
- circuit means
- warning light
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
- H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
- H05B41/30—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by pulses, e.g. flash lamp
- H05B41/34—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by pulses, e.g. flash lamp to provide a sequence of flashes
Landscapes
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
- Discharge-Lamp Control Circuits And Pulse- Feed Circuits (AREA)
- Audible And Visible Signals (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A warning system for emergency vehicles having one or more flash tubes which are flashed in rapid succession during an interval of 30-90 milliseconds to appear as a single flash. A pair of silicon controlled rectifiers are rendered successively conductive to discharge a pair of capacitors for causing the flashes of the flash tube. The interval between the conduction periods of the silicon controlled rectifiers is controlled by a timer device.
A warning system for emergency vehicles having one or more flash tubes which are flashed in rapid succession during an interval of 30-90 milliseconds to appear as a single flash. A pair of silicon controlled rectifiers are rendered successively conductive to discharge a pair of capacitors for causing the flashes of the flash tube. The interval between the conduction periods of the silicon controlled rectifiers is controlled by a timer device.
Description
35,~
TECZINIGAL FIELD AND PRiOR ART
.
This invention relates, in general, to warning systerns for emergency vehicles alld, in particular, to an improved warning system ernploying one or more flash tubes being tri~gered to produce two or more light flashes in rapid succession.
More specifically, but Arithout restriction to the particular use which is shown and described, this invention relates to a warning system havirlg olle or more flash tubes which are flashed in rapid succession for ~ duration of ~pproximately 30-90 milliseconds for greatly improving 0 the perception of brightness and the warning light conspicuity. Because the two or more light flashes are closely spaced, they appear as a single flash of light to the obse~ver.
It is a well~nown objective in warning ~ystems to direct a warning li~ht in a manner to be optimumly conspicuous to as many observers as possible in a given area. A flash tube has been found to be a greatly effective warnirlg light producing a brief, but highly intense flash. G;enerally, strobe lights are gas filled tubes which may produce brief fk~shes having a dur{3tion of around 200 microseconds.
Despite the capability of known flash tube designs to produce a highly intense ~sh, pri~r techniques have failed to be able to increase their perception of brightness in an effective and readily attainable manner.
In the past, brief flashes of a flash tube have been generated in succession in an attempt to enhance the conspicuity of the warning lights. These systems have failed to significantly increase brightness because the interval between flashes did not affect perceived brightness in any significant manner. It is common in the prior art to utilize two flashes spaced by approximately l50 milliseconds, a duratioll far longer than the critical interval discovered in conjunction with the invention of the application.
In 1902, the subject of brief flash brightness was discussed in a series of papers by Broca and Sulzer in which it was observed that the time during which light stimul~tes the eye of the observer has fln ef~ect on the perceived brightness of light seen. 1'his condition has become known as the Broca-Sulzer effect and demonstrRtes that there is a critical flash duration at which light flashes appear to the observer to be brighter than may be otherwise measured by a laboratory instrument.
Subsequent studies have confirmed lhe Broca-Sulzer fllndings. In one paper by M. S. Kat~, Vision Res., Yolume ~, Pages 361-373, Pergamon Press 1964, and adaptation of several curYes from the Broca and Sulzer papers dramaticaLly demonstrated the results of the E3roca-Sulzer efEect. It was shown that a brief elash duration of .05 seconds for 170 lux flash appears to the human eyes five to six times brighter than a steady 170 lux light. ThusJ hi~h intensity light can be made to appear more intense and brighter if two flashes of light are flashed at a critical range of short duration, a fter which intervaI the light loses its appearance of enhanced brightness~
It is therefore an object of this invention to use two or more flashes of light in rapid su~cession to irnprove perception of brightness.
Another object of this invention Is to create two or more strobe flashes at the Broca-Sulzer duration to enhance appearance of brightness and warning light conspicuity.
It is further an object of this invention to drive a flash tube to produce two or more successive flashes at ~ frequency higher than the flicker fusion frQquency.
Still another object of this invention is to enhance apparent brightness of a warning system and to create more visible light to the observers.
These and other objects are attained in accordance with the present invention wherein there is provided an irnpro~ed flash tube 25 systern taking advantage of the Broca-Sulzer effect in a rnanner that enhanced brightness of fl~sh is attained by increased awareness of a warning light by an observer. The invention of the flpplication uses two or more flflshes in rapid succession generated by a flash tube having a flash duration o E 3U-90 milliseconds to conform to the 30 Broca-Sul~er effect. TIle two flashes create an apparent brightness in accordance with the present invention of 5-6 times what is possible with a steady light of similar illumination9 because the time interval between the two or more pulses is within a critical range. Because the frequency of the flashes is higher than the so-called "flicker fusion 35 frequency", the two ~lashes appear as a single flash. Thus, the im~ention of the application is capable of attaining a greater s~-~
perceptible brightness using a standard flash tube than is possible in prior art devices using either multiple pulse light flashes or moving reflectors.
Specifically, the invention relates to a multiple flash strobe warning light system comprising, in combination, flash lamp means, and circuit means coupled to the flash lamp means for producing first and second flashes of light at a critical predetermined interval so as to create the appearance of a single flash and also greatly improve the perception of brightness, the circuit means producing the first and second flashes at an interval of between 30 and 90 milliseconds.
In its method aspect the invention relates to a method of enhancing the perception of brightness of a strobe warning light comprising the steps of producing first and second light flashes having a critical time interval of between 30 and 90 milliseconds so as to create the appearance of a single flash having a duration equal to the time interval.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A further object of the invention, together with additional features contributing thereto and advantages accruing therefrom, will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is shown in the accompanying drawing with like reference numerals indicating corresponding parts throughout, wherein:
Figure 1 is an electrical circuit diagram of one embodiment of the invention of the application for a double flash flash tube; and Figure 2 is a timing chart showing representative operation of the circuit of Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF
THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
In the following description, there is illustrated an embodiment of the circuit and method for operating one or more flash tubes in a manner that an enhancement of per-ceived brightness is attained of up to 5-6 times. Although many similar circuits and arrangements may be employed, the kh/~
clrcuit shown ,in Figure 1 is illustrative of one technique of attaining the objects of the invention. It is within the scope of the invention to utili~e other circuits and systems to attain the improved results of the invention, such that two or more brief flashes produced by a flash tube are created during a selected time interval for enhanced brightness appearing as a single flash.
In accordance with the invention as provided by the circuit of Figure 1, the flash tube of Figure 1 is arranged to create two or more flashes spaced by successive intervals of 30 90 milliseconds. It is found that a warning light system employing the technique in the invention a~pears to be approximately 5-6 times as bright as a liyht of equal lumens having a steady output, dependent on the magnitude of the duration in the approximate range of 30-90 milliseconds.
Because the flashes from the flash tube of the invention are so closely spaced, they appear as a single flash of light having a duration approximately equal to intervals between flashes.
- 3a -kh/~
~C~5~
Referring to ~igure 1 of the drawings~ flash lamp 10 is shown therein comprising a flash tube 12, a trans~rmer 14, and a capacitor 16 mounted in conjunction with a contac$ base and body portion ~n~t shown).
Flash tube 12 may eomprise a conventional Flash tube ha~ring a first electrode 20 which, for convenience, will be designated an anode;
a second electrode 22 which, for convenience, will be designated a cathode; and a trigger electrode 24 which e~tends from metal trigger band (not shown). Although no limitation is intended, flash ~ube 12 10 may be General Electric Model FT-106C.
Transformer 14 is generally a miniature transformer and although no limitation is intended, transformer 14 may comprise a Siemens ~S-1062 transformer. Capacitor 16 is preferably a disc ceramic capacitor and although no limitation is intended, capacitor 16 15 may comprise a Sprague 5CAS-S10 capacitor.
Electrical leRd 30 couples anode 20 to le~d 32 of capacitor 16, while lead 34 of capacitor 16 is connected to one side 36 of transforrner primary 38. Lead 4n connects the other side of transformer primary ~0 to the ground contas~t of lamp 10 and to one 20 side of the transformer secondary 4~, while leud 44 connects trigger electro~e 26 to the other side of the transformer secondary 48. Lead 45 connects the latter elements to the ground of the power supply psl.
The cathodes of a pair of silicon controlled rectiiers SCR1 and 25 SCR2 are connected together by electrical leads 46 and 48 extending from lead 30. The anodes of SCR1 and SCR2 are respectively conneeted to a power supply PSI through leads 50 nnd 52 having diodes CRl and CR2 in series with SCKI and SC:R2. Flash capacitors Cl and C2, respectively, are connected between lead 50 and 52; and lead 45 by 30 leads 54a, b and 56 a, b. The gates 60 and 62 of SC:R1 and SCR2 are each connected to a timing circuit G4 through transformer 66. T~le timing circuit 64 can comprise any suitable device SUCIl as the timer of National Semiconductor, Model LM555.
In operation, the power supply PS1 charges capacitor Cl and C2 35 to lhe desired energy level through diodes CR1 and C:R~ during a time intervel, tl. At the end of time tl, a positive going edge occurs on 1~ ~ 1l'~2 ~ O
- s -terminal 1 of the tin ing circuit 64 causing SCR1 to conduct. When SCR1 goes into conduction, a positive pulse appears on the trigger cap~citor lfi causing fl~sh tube 12 to fire, discharging capacitor Cl~
After time t2 (the Broca-Sulzer interval), a negative gGing edge occurs 5 Oll terminal 1 of the timing circuit 1g. causing SCR2 to conduct. Flash tube 12 atgain fires discharging capacitor C2. G~pacitors Cl and C2 discharge in approximately 2 milliseconds, thereby limiting the minimum Yalue of time interval t2.
For purposes of illustration, a timing graph is shown providillg 10 an example of energy levels and time intervals provided by the circuit of Figure 1. It should be understood that other energy levels and time intervals, tl and t2, may be employed, by which the flash tube 12 is fLashed sequentially within an interval equal to the critical ranges oî
approximately 30-90 milliseconds in accordetnce with the invention, 15 where optimum brightness generally occurs in the mid portion of this range. In Figure 2, timer 64 produces an output of 5 volts during interval t2 of 75 milliseconds. Both capacitors Cl and C2 may be charged to a voltetge of 450 volts through diodes CR1 etnd CR2. The circuit then applies as voltage across capacitor 16 of 450 volts for a 20 period to produce ltwo successive flashes of about 2 milliseconds spaced by a time period OI abo-ut 75 milliseconds within the critical range. The flashes then occur a$ a frequency greater than "flicker fusion frequency" to appear as a single flash OI light having a duration of 75 milliseconds and perceived brightness of 5-6 tirnes normetl brightness 25 and, thus, increased warning light conspicuity.
It should be apparent that the flash la mp 12, operated in accordance with the invention, may be used with other similar flash lamps in a warning system of any appropriate design. The invention herein disclosed may also accomplish the objects of invention by 30 flashing a strobe light for more than two successive ~lashes as long AS
tile time between flashes is within the separation Or 30-90 milliseconds.
While the in~rention has been described Witil reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted 35 for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a t`~Q
particular situation or material to the teachings o~ the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. ~herefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particul~r embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated ~or carrying out this 5 invesltion, but that the invention will include all embodiMents ~alling within the scope of the appended claims.
TECZINIGAL FIELD AND PRiOR ART
.
This invention relates, in general, to warning systerns for emergency vehicles alld, in particular, to an improved warning system ernploying one or more flash tubes being tri~gered to produce two or more light flashes in rapid succession.
More specifically, but Arithout restriction to the particular use which is shown and described, this invention relates to a warning system havirlg olle or more flash tubes which are flashed in rapid succession for ~ duration of ~pproximately 30-90 milliseconds for greatly improving 0 the perception of brightness and the warning light conspicuity. Because the two or more light flashes are closely spaced, they appear as a single flash of light to the obse~ver.
It is a well~nown objective in warning ~ystems to direct a warning li~ht in a manner to be optimumly conspicuous to as many observers as possible in a given area. A flash tube has been found to be a greatly effective warnirlg light producing a brief, but highly intense flash. G;enerally, strobe lights are gas filled tubes which may produce brief fk~shes having a dur{3tion of around 200 microseconds.
Despite the capability of known flash tube designs to produce a highly intense ~sh, pri~r techniques have failed to be able to increase their perception of brightness in an effective and readily attainable manner.
In the past, brief flashes of a flash tube have been generated in succession in an attempt to enhance the conspicuity of the warning lights. These systems have failed to significantly increase brightness because the interval between flashes did not affect perceived brightness in any significant manner. It is common in the prior art to utilize two flashes spaced by approximately l50 milliseconds, a duratioll far longer than the critical interval discovered in conjunction with the invention of the application.
In 1902, the subject of brief flash brightness was discussed in a series of papers by Broca and Sulzer in which it was observed that the time during which light stimul~tes the eye of the observer has fln ef~ect on the perceived brightness of light seen. 1'his condition has become known as the Broca-Sulzer effect and demonstrRtes that there is a critical flash duration at which light flashes appear to the observer to be brighter than may be otherwise measured by a laboratory instrument.
Subsequent studies have confirmed lhe Broca-Sulzer fllndings. In one paper by M. S. Kat~, Vision Res., Yolume ~, Pages 361-373, Pergamon Press 1964, and adaptation of several curYes from the Broca and Sulzer papers dramaticaLly demonstrated the results of the E3roca-Sulzer efEect. It was shown that a brief elash duration of .05 seconds for 170 lux flash appears to the human eyes five to six times brighter than a steady 170 lux light. ThusJ hi~h intensity light can be made to appear more intense and brighter if two flashes of light are flashed at a critical range of short duration, a fter which intervaI the light loses its appearance of enhanced brightness~
It is therefore an object of this invention to use two or more flashes of light in rapid su~cession to irnprove perception of brightness.
Another object of this invention Is to create two or more strobe flashes at the Broca-Sulzer duration to enhance appearance of brightness and warning light conspicuity.
It is further an object of this invention to drive a flash tube to produce two or more successive flashes at ~ frequency higher than the flicker fusion frQquency.
Still another object of this invention is to enhance apparent brightness of a warning system and to create more visible light to the observers.
These and other objects are attained in accordance with the present invention wherein there is provided an irnpro~ed flash tube 25 systern taking advantage of the Broca-Sulzer effect in a rnanner that enhanced brightness of fl~sh is attained by increased awareness of a warning light by an observer. The invention of the flpplication uses two or more flflshes in rapid succession generated by a flash tube having a flash duration o E 3U-90 milliseconds to conform to the 30 Broca-Sul~er effect. TIle two flashes create an apparent brightness in accordance with the present invention of 5-6 times what is possible with a steady light of similar illumination9 because the time interval between the two or more pulses is within a critical range. Because the frequency of the flashes is higher than the so-called "flicker fusion 35 frequency", the two ~lashes appear as a single flash. Thus, the im~ention of the application is capable of attaining a greater s~-~
perceptible brightness using a standard flash tube than is possible in prior art devices using either multiple pulse light flashes or moving reflectors.
Specifically, the invention relates to a multiple flash strobe warning light system comprising, in combination, flash lamp means, and circuit means coupled to the flash lamp means for producing first and second flashes of light at a critical predetermined interval so as to create the appearance of a single flash and also greatly improve the perception of brightness, the circuit means producing the first and second flashes at an interval of between 30 and 90 milliseconds.
In its method aspect the invention relates to a method of enhancing the perception of brightness of a strobe warning light comprising the steps of producing first and second light flashes having a critical time interval of between 30 and 90 milliseconds so as to create the appearance of a single flash having a duration equal to the time interval.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A further object of the invention, together with additional features contributing thereto and advantages accruing therefrom, will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is shown in the accompanying drawing with like reference numerals indicating corresponding parts throughout, wherein:
Figure 1 is an electrical circuit diagram of one embodiment of the invention of the application for a double flash flash tube; and Figure 2 is a timing chart showing representative operation of the circuit of Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF
THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
In the following description, there is illustrated an embodiment of the circuit and method for operating one or more flash tubes in a manner that an enhancement of per-ceived brightness is attained of up to 5-6 times. Although many similar circuits and arrangements may be employed, the kh/~
clrcuit shown ,in Figure 1 is illustrative of one technique of attaining the objects of the invention. It is within the scope of the invention to utili~e other circuits and systems to attain the improved results of the invention, such that two or more brief flashes produced by a flash tube are created during a selected time interval for enhanced brightness appearing as a single flash.
In accordance with the invention as provided by the circuit of Figure 1, the flash tube of Figure 1 is arranged to create two or more flashes spaced by successive intervals of 30 90 milliseconds. It is found that a warning light system employing the technique in the invention a~pears to be approximately 5-6 times as bright as a liyht of equal lumens having a steady output, dependent on the magnitude of the duration in the approximate range of 30-90 milliseconds.
Because the flashes from the flash tube of the invention are so closely spaced, they appear as a single flash of light having a duration approximately equal to intervals between flashes.
- 3a -kh/~
~C~5~
Referring to ~igure 1 of the drawings~ flash lamp 10 is shown therein comprising a flash tube 12, a trans~rmer 14, and a capacitor 16 mounted in conjunction with a contac$ base and body portion ~n~t shown).
Flash tube 12 may eomprise a conventional Flash tube ha~ring a first electrode 20 which, for convenience, will be designated an anode;
a second electrode 22 which, for convenience, will be designated a cathode; and a trigger electrode 24 which e~tends from metal trigger band (not shown). Although no limitation is intended, flash ~ube 12 10 may be General Electric Model FT-106C.
Transformer 14 is generally a miniature transformer and although no limitation is intended, transformer 14 may comprise a Siemens ~S-1062 transformer. Capacitor 16 is preferably a disc ceramic capacitor and although no limitation is intended, capacitor 16 15 may comprise a Sprague 5CAS-S10 capacitor.
Electrical leRd 30 couples anode 20 to le~d 32 of capacitor 16, while lead 34 of capacitor 16 is connected to one side 36 of transforrner primary 38. Lead 4n connects the other side of transformer primary ~0 to the ground contas~t of lamp 10 and to one 20 side of the transformer secondary 4~, while leud 44 connects trigger electro~e 26 to the other side of the transformer secondary 48. Lead 45 connects the latter elements to the ground of the power supply psl.
The cathodes of a pair of silicon controlled rectiiers SCR1 and 25 SCR2 are connected together by electrical leads 46 and 48 extending from lead 30. The anodes of SCR1 and SCR2 are respectively conneeted to a power supply PSI through leads 50 nnd 52 having diodes CRl and CR2 in series with SCKI and SC:R2. Flash capacitors Cl and C2, respectively, are connected between lead 50 and 52; and lead 45 by 30 leads 54a, b and 56 a, b. The gates 60 and 62 of SC:R1 and SCR2 are each connected to a timing circuit G4 through transformer 66. T~le timing circuit 64 can comprise any suitable device SUCIl as the timer of National Semiconductor, Model LM555.
In operation, the power supply PS1 charges capacitor Cl and C2 35 to lhe desired energy level through diodes CR1 and C:R~ during a time intervel, tl. At the end of time tl, a positive going edge occurs on 1~ ~ 1l'~2 ~ O
- s -terminal 1 of the tin ing circuit 64 causing SCR1 to conduct. When SCR1 goes into conduction, a positive pulse appears on the trigger cap~citor lfi causing fl~sh tube 12 to fire, discharging capacitor Cl~
After time t2 (the Broca-Sulzer interval), a negative gGing edge occurs 5 Oll terminal 1 of the timing circuit 1g. causing SCR2 to conduct. Flash tube 12 atgain fires discharging capacitor C2. G~pacitors Cl and C2 discharge in approximately 2 milliseconds, thereby limiting the minimum Yalue of time interval t2.
For purposes of illustration, a timing graph is shown providillg 10 an example of energy levels and time intervals provided by the circuit of Figure 1. It should be understood that other energy levels and time intervals, tl and t2, may be employed, by which the flash tube 12 is fLashed sequentially within an interval equal to the critical ranges oî
approximately 30-90 milliseconds in accordetnce with the invention, 15 where optimum brightness generally occurs in the mid portion of this range. In Figure 2, timer 64 produces an output of 5 volts during interval t2 of 75 milliseconds. Both capacitors Cl and C2 may be charged to a voltetge of 450 volts through diodes CR1 etnd CR2. The circuit then applies as voltage across capacitor 16 of 450 volts for a 20 period to produce ltwo successive flashes of about 2 milliseconds spaced by a time period OI abo-ut 75 milliseconds within the critical range. The flashes then occur a$ a frequency greater than "flicker fusion frequency" to appear as a single flash OI light having a duration of 75 milliseconds and perceived brightness of 5-6 tirnes normetl brightness 25 and, thus, increased warning light conspicuity.
It should be apparent that the flash la mp 12, operated in accordance with the invention, may be used with other similar flash lamps in a warning system of any appropriate design. The invention herein disclosed may also accomplish the objects of invention by 30 flashing a strobe light for more than two successive ~lashes as long AS
tile time between flashes is within the separation Or 30-90 milliseconds.
While the in~rention has been described Witil reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted 35 for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a t`~Q
particular situation or material to the teachings o~ the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. ~herefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particul~r embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated ~or carrying out this 5 invesltion, but that the invention will include all embodiMents ~alling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (9)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A multiple flash strobe warning light system comprising, in combination, flash lamp means, and circuit means coupled to said flash lamp means for producing first and second flashes of light at a critical predetermined interval so as to create the appearance of a single flash and also greatly improve the perception of brightness, said circuit means producing said first and second flashes at an interval of between 30 and 90 milliseconds.
2. A multiple flash strobe warning light system as defined in claim 1 where said circuit means produces said first and second flashes as consecutive flashes at an interval of between 30 and 90 milliseconds.
3. A multiple flash strobe warning light system as defined in claim 1 where said circuit means includes a pair of capacitors connected to said flash lamp, said capacitors being respectively discharged to trigger said first and second flashes.
4. A multiple flash strobe warning light system as defined in claim 3 wherein said circuit means further includes a pair of silicon controlled rectifiers respect-ively connected to said capacitors, said rectifiers being rendered conductive to discharge respective ones of said capacitors to produce respective ones of said first and second flashes.
5. A multiple flash strobe warning light system as defined in claim 4 wherein said circuit means includes timer means for controlling the conductive periods of said pair of rectifiers.
6. A multiple flash strobe warning light system comprising, in combination, flash lamp means, and circuit means coupled to said flash lamp means for producing first and second successive flashes of light at a critical predetermined interval of between 30 and 90 milliseconds so as to create the appearance of a single flash and also greatly improve the perception of brightness, said circuit means including first and second capacitors connected to said flash lamp, said capacitors being respectively dis-charged to trigger said first and second flashes, first and second silicon controlled rectifiers respectively connected to said first and second capacitors, said rectifiers being rendered conductive to discharge respective ones of said capacitors to produce said first and second flashes, and timer means for controlling the conductive periods of said first and second rectifiers.
7. A method of enhancing the perception of brightness of a strobe warning light comprising the steps of producing first and second light flashes having a critical time interval of between 30 and 90 milliseconds so as to create the appearance of a single flash having a duration equal to said time interval.
8. A method as defined in claim 7 where said first and second flashes are successive flashes.
9. A method as defined in claim 8 including the step of generating said successive flashes of approximately equal intensity.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US52342483A | 1983-08-16 | 1983-08-16 | |
| US523,424 | 1983-08-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1235210A true CA1235210A (en) | 1988-04-12 |
Family
ID=24084941
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000459364A Expired CA1235210A (en) | 1983-08-16 | 1984-07-20 | Flash tube employing multiple flashes |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0153345A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS61500086A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR890003061B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1235210A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2155710B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1985000950A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB8524735D0 (en) * | 1985-10-08 | 1985-11-13 | Lucas Ind Plc | Electric circuit arrangement |
| US5128591A (en) * | 1991-07-10 | 1992-07-07 | Wheelock Inc. | Strobe alarm circuit |
| US7501773B2 (en) * | 2006-04-21 | 2009-03-10 | Xenon Corporation | Multistrike gas discharge lamp ignition apparatus and method |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3286128A (en) * | 1962-12-17 | 1966-11-15 | Us Scientific Instruments | Apparatus for multiple electric impulse production |
| DE1806316A1 (en) * | 1968-10-31 | 1970-05-06 | Unomat Gmbh & Co Kg | Electronic flash unit |
| US3758817A (en) * | 1971-10-29 | 1973-09-11 | Honeywell Inc | Flash apparatus with automatic light termination using a number of storage capacitors |
| US3953763A (en) * | 1975-04-23 | 1976-04-27 | General Electric Company | Pulsed xenon arc lamp operating circuit |
| US4071808A (en) * | 1976-07-15 | 1978-01-31 | John Hobart Zentmyer | Method and circuit for operating an electrical flash-tube |
| US4139805A (en) * | 1977-12-29 | 1979-02-13 | Gte Sylvania Incorporated | Multiflash system |
| US4467248A (en) * | 1980-04-09 | 1984-08-21 | Konishiroku Photo Industry Co., Ltd. | Variable electronic flash light equipment |
-
1984
- 1984-07-18 EP EP84902986A patent/EP0153345A1/en active Pending
- 1984-07-18 WO PCT/US1984/001129 patent/WO1985000950A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1984-07-18 JP JP59502978A patent/JPS61500086A/en active Pending
- 1984-07-18 GB GB08506902A patent/GB2155710B/en not_active Expired
- 1984-07-20 CA CA000459364A patent/CA1235210A/en not_active Expired
- 1984-08-08 KR KR1019840004732A patent/KR890003061B1/en active IP Right Grant
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2155710B (en) | 1987-07-15 |
| EP0153345A4 (en) | 1985-07-30 |
| GB2155710A (en) | 1985-09-25 |
| KR890003061B1 (en) | 1989-08-19 |
| GB8506902D0 (en) | 1985-04-17 |
| WO1985000950A1 (en) | 1985-02-28 |
| KR850001654A (en) | 1985-03-30 |
| EP0153345A1 (en) | 1985-09-04 |
| JPS61500086A (en) | 1986-01-16 |
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