WO2008050240A2 - Method and apparatus for illuminating a wind indicator - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for illuminating a wind indicator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2008050240A2 WO2008050240A2 PCT/IB2007/004208 IB2007004208W WO2008050240A2 WO 2008050240 A2 WO2008050240 A2 WO 2008050240A2 IB 2007004208 W IB2007004208 W IB 2007004208W WO 2008050240 A2 WO2008050240 A2 WO 2008050240A2
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- base
- wind
- lighting device
- light
- wind indicator
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01P—MEASURING LINEAR OR ANGULAR SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION, OR SHOCK; INDICATING PRESENCE, ABSENCE, OR DIRECTION, OF MOVEMENT
- G01P13/00—Indicating or recording presence, absence, or direction, of movement
- G01P13/02—Indicating direction only, e.g. by weather vane
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates in general to wind indicator assemblies and in particular to a method and apparatus for illuminating a wind indicator.
- Fig. I a is a side view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
- Fig. Ib is a top view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the wind indicator illuminating apparatus of Fig. Ia.
- Fig. I c is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the wind indicator illuminating apparatus of Fig. Ia.
- Fig. 2a is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the wind indicator illuminating apparatus of Figs. Ia, Ib, and Ic.
- Fig. 2b is a top view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the wind indicator illuminating apparatus of Figs. I a 3 Ib, and Ic.
- FIG. 3a is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary alternative embodiment of a wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
- Fig. 3b is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the wind indicator illuminating apparatus of Figs. 3a.
- FIG. 4a is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary alternative embodiment of a wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
- Fig. 4b is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the wind indicator illuminating apparatus of Figs. 4a.
- Fig. 5a is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary alternative embodiment of a wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
- Fig. 5b is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the wind indicator illuminating apparatus of Figs. 5a.
- the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 100 includes an elongated base 102 having a pair of opposing distal ends 102a and 102b.
- the distal end 102b of the base 102 extends from a stationary object 104 that, in an exemplary embodiment, is mounted to a floor 106 such that the base 102 is held stationary relative to the floor 106.
- the distal end 102a of the base 102 includes a lighting device coupling 108 which is also held stationary relative to the floor 106 by the stationary object 104.
- the stationary object 104 may be a stand positioned on the floor 106 which holds the base 102 stationary relative to the floor 106 temporarily rather than mounted to the floor 106 and holding the base 102 stationary relative to the floor 106 permanently, as illustrated in Fig. Ia.
- a pair of power and control lines 1 10 run from the floor 106, through the stationary object 104 and the base 102, and to the lighting device coupling 108 and are operable to supply power and/or control information to the lighting device coupling 108.
- the power and control lines 1 10 may be coupled to a power supply which is located in the base 102, in the stationary object 104, and/or outside the base 102 and the stationary object 104.
- a housing 1 12 includes a coupling end 1 14 that is rotatably coupled to the distal end 102a of the base 102 by a plurality of rotational coupling members 1 16 that are located between the distal end 102a of the base 102 and the coupling end 1 14 of the housing 1 12.
- the housing 1 12 defines a lighting device housing 1 18 that is located adjacent the coupling end 1 14 of the housing 1 12.
- An reflecting member optical device 120 is coupled to the housing 1 12 and located adjacent the lighting device housing 1 18.
- a window 122 is defined by the housing 112 and located adjacent the lighting device housing 1 18 and the reflecting member optical device 120.
- a wind indicator 124 extends from the housing 1 12 adjacent the window 122 and includes a surface 124a that is fabricated from a translucent material known in the art such as, for example, nylon 66 or a variety of other translucent materials known in the art.
- a lighting device 126 is coupled to the lighting device coupling 108 on the base 102 such that the lighting device 126 is located in the lighting device housing 1 18 adjacent the optical device 1 18 and electrically coupled to the power and control lines 110.
- the lighting device 126 may be, for example, a halogen bulb or a variety of other lighting devices known in the art.
- the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 100 is positioned in a location where information on wind is desired.
- Power is supplied to the lighting device 126 through the power and control lines 1 10.
- a light 200 is produced by the lighting device 126.
- the light 200 is reflected off the reflecting member optical device 120 and directed through the window 122 and towards the wind indicator 124, as illustrated in Fig. 2a.
- the light 200 is directed at the surface 124a on the wind indicator 124 which results in the illumination of the surface 124a on the wind indicator 124.
- a wind supplied force 202 is then provided by the wind.
- the wind indicator 124 is operable to rotate about the base 102 and the lighting device 126 through the coupling of the coupling end 1 14 of the housing 1 12 and the distal end 102a of the base 102 and with a 360 degree range of motion A, the wind indicator 124 becomes positioned in an orientation B, as illustrated in Fig. 2b, due to the wind indicator 124 being designed to align itself with the wind supplied force 202 and hence the wind direction.
- the wind indicator 124 is allowed to rotate with the 360 degree range of motion A while the lighting device 126 remains stationary, and the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124 remains illuminated throughout the rotation of the wind indicator 124 due to the reflecting member optical device 120 rotating with the wind indicator 124 and directing the light 200 from the lighting device 126 towards the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124.
- a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 100 which allows a wind indicator 124 to be illuminated throughout a 360 degree range of motion without the need for electrical components that provide a rotating electrical connection such as, for example, slip rings and brushes, that are needed on conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus in order to allow the lighting device to rotate with the wind indicator and that can result in failure of conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
- a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 300 is substantially similar in design and operation to the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 100, described above with reference to Figs. Ia, Ib, Ic, 2a, and 2b, with the provision of a lens optical device 302 located in the window 122.
- the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 300 is positioned in a location where information on wind is desired. Power is supplied to the lighting device 126 through the power and control lines 1 10. As a result of power being supplied to the lighting device 126, a light 304 is produced by the lighting device 126.
- the light 304 is reflected off the reflecting member optical device 120 and directed through the lens optical device 302 positioned in window 122 and towards the wind indicator 124, as illustrated in Fig. 3b.
- the lens optical device 302 spreads the light 304 such that the light 304 is distributed onto the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124, resulting in the illumination of the surface 124a on the wind indicator 124.
- a wind supplied force 202 is then provided by the wind.
- the wind indicator 124 is operable to rotate about the base 102 and the lighting device 126 through the coupling of the coupling end 114 of the housing 1 12 and the distal end 102a of the base 102 and with a 360 degree range of motion A, the wind indicator 124 becomes positioned in an orientation B, as illustrated in Fig. 2b, due to the wind indicator 124 being designed to align itself with the wind supplied force 202 and hence the wind direction.
- the wind indicator 124 is allowed to rotate with the 360 degree range of motion A while the lighting device 126 remains stationary, and the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124 remains illuminated throughout the rotation of the wind indicator 124 due to the reflecting member optical device 120 and the lens optical device 302 rotating with the wind indicator 124 and directing the light 302 from the lighting device 126 towards the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124.
- a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 300 which allows a wind indicator to be illuminated throughout a 360 degree range of motion without the need for electrical components that provide a rotating electrical connection such as, for example, slip rings and brushes, that are needed on conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus in order to allow the lighting device to rotate with the wind indicator and that can result in failure of conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
- a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 400 is substantially similar in design and operation to the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 100, described above with reference to Figs. Ia, Ib, Ic, 2a, and 2b, with the provision of a optical fiber optical device 302 replacing the reflecting member optical device 120.
- the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 300 is positioned in a location where information on wind is desired. Power is supplied to the lighting device 126 through the power and control lines 1 10. As a result of power being supplied to the lighting device 126, a light 404 is produced by the lighting device 126.
- the light 404 is directed through the solid medium of the optical fiber optical device 402 and through the window 122 towards the wind indicator 124, as illustrated in Fig. 4b, resulting in the illumination of the surface 124a on the wind indicator 124.
- a wind supplied force 202 is then provided by the wind.
- the wind indicator 124 is operable to rotate about the base 102 through the coupling of the coupling end 1 14 of the housing and the distal end 102a of the base 102 and with a 360 degree range of motion A, the wind indicator 124 ends up in an orientation B, as illustrated in Fig. 2b, due to the wind indicator 124 being designed tb align itself with the wind supplied force 202 and hence the wind direction.
- the wind indicator 124 is allowed to rotate with the 360 degree range of motion A while the lighting device 126 remains stationary, and the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124 remains illuminated throughout the rotation of the wind indicator 124 due to the optical fiber optical device 402 rotating with the wind indicator 124 and directing the light 404 from the lighting device 126 towards the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124.
- a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 400 which allows a wind indicator to be illuminated throughout a 360 degree range of motion without the need for electrical components that provide a rotating electrical connection such as, for example, slip rings and brushes, that are needed on conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus in order to allow the lighting device to rotate with the wind indicator and that can result in failure of conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
- a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 500 is substantially similar in design and operation to the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 100, described above with reference to Figs. Ia, I b, Ic, 2a, and 2b, with the provision of a curved reflecting optical device 502 replacing the reflecting member optical device 120.
- the lighting device 126 is positioned adjacent the curved reflecting optical device 502 such that the lighting device 126 is located between the curved reflecting optical device 502 and the window 122.
- a plurality of the rotational coupling members 1 16 are also coupled to the wind indicator 124 and engage the base 102.
- the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 500 is positioned in a location where information on wind is desired. Power is supplied to the lighting device 126 through the power and control lines 1 10. As a result of power being supplied to the lighting device 126, a light 504 is produced by the lighting device 126. The light 504 is reflected from the curved reflecting optical device 502 and through the window 122 towards the wind indicator 124, as illustrated in Fig. 5b, resulting in the illumination of the surface 124a on the wind indicator 124. A wind supplied force 202 is then provided by the wind.
- the wind indicator 124 is operable to rotate about the base 102 through the coupling of the coupling end 1 14 of the housing and the distal end 102a of the base 102 and with a 360 degree range of motion A, the wind indicator 124 ends up in an orientation B, as illustrated in Fig. 2b, due to the wind indicator 124 being designed to align itself with the wind supplied force 202 and hence the wind direction.
- the wind indicator 124 is allowed to rotate with the 360 degree range of motion A while the lighting device 126 remains stationary, and the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124 remains illuminated throughout the rotation of the wind indicator 124 due to the curved reflecting optical device 502 rotating with the wind indicator 124 and directing the light 504 from the lighting device 126 towards the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124.
- a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 500 which allows a wind indicator to be illuminated throughout a 360 degree range of motion without the need for electrical components that provide a rotating electrical connection such as, for example, slip rings and brushes, that are needed on conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus in order to allow the lighting device to rotate with the wind indicator and that can result in failure of conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
- any foregoing spatial references such as, for example, "upper,” “lower,” “above,” “below,” “rear,” “between,” “vertical,” “angular,” etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above.
- one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted.
- some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features.
- one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
- Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
Abstract
A wind indicator apparatus (100) and its method for illuminating a wind indicator (124). The apparatus (100) comprises a base (102) having a pair of opposing ends (102a, 102b), a lighting device coupling (108) mounted on one end (102a) of the base (102) in a stationary fashion with respect to the base (102), the wind indicator (124) rotatably coupled to the base (102), an optical device (120) oupled to the wind indicator (124) and operable to move relative to the base (102) and the lighting device coupling (108).
Description
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ILLUMINATING A WIND INDICATOR
Cross Reference to Related Application
[0001] The present application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 200610103947.0 filed July 28, 2006 (attorney docket no. 23667.184), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Background
[0002] The present disclosure relates in general to wind indicator assemblies and in particular to a method and apparatus for illuminating a wind indicator.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0010] Fig. I a is a side view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
[0011] Fig. Ib is a top view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the wind indicator illuminating apparatus of Fig. Ia.
[0012] Fig. I c is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the wind indicator illuminating apparatus of Fig. Ia.
[0013] Fig. 2a is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the wind indicator illuminating apparatus of Figs. Ia, Ib, and Ic. [0014] Fig. 2b is a top view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the wind indicator illuminating apparatus of Figs. I a3 Ib, and Ic.
[0015] Fig. 3a is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary alternative embodiment of a wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
[0016] Fig. 3b is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the wind indicator illuminating apparatus of Figs. 3a.
[0017] Fig. 4a is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary alternative embodiment of a wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
[0018] Fig. 4b is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the wind indicator illuminating apparatus of Figs. 4a.
[0019] Fig. 5a is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary alternative embodiment of a wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
[0020] Fig. 5b is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the operation of the wind indicator illuminating apparatus of Figs. 5a.
Detailed Description
[0021] Referring now to Figs. Ia, Ib, and Ic, a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 100 is illustrated. The wind indicator illuminating apparatus 100 includes an elongated base 102 having a pair of opposing distal ends 102a and 102b. The distal end 102b of the base 102 extends from a stationary object 104 that, in an exemplary embodiment, is mounted to a floor 106 such that the base 102 is held stationary relative to the floor 106. The distal end 102a of the base 102 includes a lighting device coupling 108 which is also held stationary relative to the floor 106 by the stationary object 104. In an exemplary alternative embodiment, the stationary object 104 may be a stand positioned on the floor 106 which holds the base 102 stationary relative to the floor 106 temporarily rather than mounted to the floor 106 and holding the base 102 stationary relative to the floor 106 permanently, as illustrated in Fig. Ia. A pair of power and control lines 1 10 run from the floor 106, through the stationary object 104 and the base 102, and to the lighting device coupling 108 and are operable to supply power and/or control information to the lighting device coupling 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the power and control lines 1 10 may be coupled to a power supply which is located in the base 102, in the stationary object 104, and/or outside the base 102 and the stationary object 104.
[0022] A housing 1 12 includes a coupling end 1 14 that is rotatably coupled to the distal end 102a of the base 102 by a plurality of rotational coupling members 1 16 that are located between the distal end 102a of the base 102 and the coupling end 1 14 of the housing 1 12. The housing 1 12 defines a lighting device housing 1 18 that is located adjacent the coupling end 1 14 of the housing 1 12. An reflecting member optical device 120 is coupled to the housing 1 12 and located adjacent the lighting device housing 1 18. A window 122 is defined by the housing 112 and located adjacent the lighting device housing 1 18 and the reflecting member optical device 120. A wind indicator 124 extends from the housing 1 12 adjacent the window 122 and includes a surface 124a that is fabricated from a translucent material known in the art such as, for example, nylon 66 or a variety of other translucent materials known in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, a lighting device 126 is coupled to the lighting device coupling 108 on the base 102 such that the lighting device 126 is located in the lighting device housing 1 18 adjacent the
optical device 1 18 and electrically coupled to the power and control lines 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the lighting device 126 may be, for example, a halogen bulb or a variety of other lighting devices known in the art.
[0023] Referring now to Figs. Ia, 2a and 2b, in operation, the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 100 is positioned in a location where information on wind is desired. Power is supplied to the lighting device 126 through the power and control lines 1 10. As a result of power being supplied to the lighting device 126, a light 200 is produced by the lighting device 126. The light 200 is reflected off the reflecting member optical device 120 and directed through the window 122 and towards the wind indicator 124, as illustrated in Fig. 2a. The light 200 is directed at the surface 124a on the wind indicator 124 which results in the illumination of the surface 124a on the wind indicator 124. A wind supplied force 202 is then provided by the wind. Because the wind indicator 124 is operable to rotate about the base 102 and the lighting device 126 through the coupling of the coupling end 1 14 of the housing 1 12 and the distal end 102a of the base 102 and with a 360 degree range of motion A, the wind indicator 124 becomes positioned in an orientation B, as illustrated in Fig. 2b, due to the wind indicator 124 being designed to align itself with the wind supplied force 202 and hence the wind direction. However, as the wind supplied force 202 changes direction, the wind indicator 124 is allowed to rotate with the 360 degree range of motion A while the lighting device 126 remains stationary, and the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124 remains illuminated throughout the rotation of the wind indicator 124 due to the reflecting member optical device 120 rotating with the wind indicator 124 and directing the light 200 from the lighting device 126 towards the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124. Thus, a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 100 is provided which allows a wind indicator 124 to be illuminated throughout a 360 degree range of motion without the need for electrical components that provide a rotating electrical connection such as, for example, slip rings and brushes, that are needed on conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus in order to allow the lighting device to rotate with the wind indicator and that can result in failure of conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
[0024] Referring now to Figs. I a, 2b, 3a, and 3b, in an alternative embodiment, a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 300 is substantially similar in design and operation to the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 100, described above with reference to Figs. Ia, Ib, Ic, 2a, and 2b, with the provision of a lens optical device 302 located in the window 122.
In operation, the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 300 is positioned in a location where information on wind is desired. Power is supplied to the lighting device 126 through the power and control lines 1 10. As a result of power being supplied to the lighting device 126, a light 304 is produced by the lighting device 126. The light 304 is reflected off the reflecting member optical device 120 and directed through the lens optical device 302 positioned in window 122 and towards the wind indicator 124, as illustrated in Fig. 3b. In an exemplary embodiment, the lens optical device 302 spreads the light 304 such that the light 304 is distributed onto the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124, resulting in the illumination of the surface 124a on the wind indicator 124. A wind supplied force 202 is then provided by the wind. Because the wind indicator 124 is operable to rotate about the base 102 and the lighting device 126 through the coupling of the coupling end 114 of the housing 1 12 and the distal end 102a of the base 102 and with a 360 degree range of motion A, the wind indicator 124 becomes positioned in an orientation B, as illustrated in Fig. 2b, due to the wind indicator 124 being designed to align itself with the wind supplied force 202 and hence the wind direction. However, as the wind supplied force 202 changes direction, the wind indicator 124 is allowed to rotate with the 360 degree range of motion A while the lighting device 126 remains stationary, and the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124 remains illuminated throughout the rotation of the wind indicator 124 due to the reflecting member optical device 120 and the lens optical device 302 rotating with the wind indicator 124 and directing the light 302 from the lighting device 126 towards the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124. Thus, a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 300 is provided which allows a wind indicator to be illuminated throughout a 360 degree range of motion without the need for electrical components that provide a rotating electrical connection such as, for example, slip rings and brushes, that are needed on conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus in order to allow the lighting device to rotate with the wind indicator and that can result in failure of conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
[0025] Referring now to Figs. Ia, 2b, 4a, and 4b, in an alternative embodiment, a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 400 is substantially similar in design and operation to the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 100, described above with reference to Figs. Ia, Ib, Ic, 2a, and 2b, with the provision of a optical fiber optical device 302 replacing the reflecting member optical device 120. In operation, the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 300 is positioned in a location where information on wind is desired. Power is
supplied to the lighting device 126 through the power and control lines 1 10. As a result of power being supplied to the lighting device 126, a light 404 is produced by the lighting device 126. The light 404 is directed through the solid medium of the optical fiber optical device 402 and through the window 122 towards the wind indicator 124, as illustrated in Fig. 4b, resulting in the illumination of the surface 124a on the wind indicator 124. A wind supplied force 202 is then provided by the wind. Because the wind indicator 124 is operable to rotate about the base 102 through the coupling of the coupling end 1 14 of the housing and the distal end 102a of the base 102 and with a 360 degree range of motion A, the wind indicator 124 ends up in an orientation B, as illustrated in Fig. 2b, due to the wind indicator 124 being designed tb align itself with the wind supplied force 202 and hence the wind direction. However, as the wind supplied force 202 changes direction, the wind indicator 124 is allowed to rotate with the 360 degree range of motion A while the lighting device 126 remains stationary, and the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124 remains illuminated throughout the rotation of the wind indicator 124 due to the optical fiber optical device 402 rotating with the wind indicator 124 and directing the light 404 from the lighting device 126 towards the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124. Thus, a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 400 is provided which allows a wind indicator to be illuminated throughout a 360 degree range of motion without the need for electrical components that provide a rotating electrical connection such as, for example, slip rings and brushes, that are needed on conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus in order to allow the lighting device to rotate with the wind indicator and that can result in failure of conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
[0026] Referring now to Figs. I a, 2b, 5a, and 5b, in an alternative embodiment, a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 500 is substantially similar in design and operation to the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 100, described above with reference to Figs. Ia, I b, Ic, 2a, and 2b, with the provision of a curved reflecting optical device 502 replacing the reflecting member optical device 120. The lighting device 126 is positioned adjacent the curved reflecting optical device 502 such that the lighting device 126 is located between the curved reflecting optical device 502 and the window 122. In addition, a plurality of the rotational coupling members 1 16 are also coupled to the wind indicator 124 and engage the base 102. In operation, the wind indicator illuminating apparatus 500 is positioned in a location where information on wind is desired. Power is supplied to the lighting device 126 through the power and control lines 1 10. As a result of power being
supplied to the lighting device 126, a light 504 is produced by the lighting device 126. The light 504 is reflected from the curved reflecting optical device 502 and through the window 122 towards the wind indicator 124, as illustrated in Fig. 5b, resulting in the illumination of the surface 124a on the wind indicator 124. A wind supplied force 202 is then provided by the wind. Because the wind indicator 124 is operable to rotate about the base 102 through the coupling of the coupling end 1 14 of the housing and the distal end 102a of the base 102 and with a 360 degree range of motion A, the wind indicator 124 ends up in an orientation B, as illustrated in Fig. 2b, due to the wind indicator 124 being designed to align itself with the wind supplied force 202 and hence the wind direction. However, as the wind supplied force 202 changes direction, the wind indicator 124 is allowed to rotate with the 360 degree range of motion A while the lighting device 126 remains stationary, and the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124 remains illuminated throughout the rotation of the wind indicator 124 due to the curved reflecting optical device 502 rotating with the wind indicator 124 and directing the light 504 from the lighting device 126 towards the surface 124a of the wind indicator 124. Thus, a wind indicator illuminating apparatus 500 is provided which allows a wind indicator to be illuminated throughout a 360 degree range of motion without the need for electrical components that provide a rotating electrical connection such as, for example, slip rings and brushes, that are needed on conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus in order to allow the lighting device to rotate with the wind indicator and that can result in failure of conventional wind indicator illuminating apparatus.
[0027] It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0028] Any foregoing spatial references such as, for example, "upper," "lower," "above," "below," "rear," "between," "vertical," "angular," etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above. [0029] In several exemplary embodiments, it is understood that one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, it is understood that one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations.
[0030] Although exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes and/or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.
Claims
1 . A wind indicator illuminating apparatus, comprising: a base comprising a lighting device coupling; a wind indicator rotatably coupled to the base and operable to move relative to the base and the lighting device coupling; and an optical device coupled to the wind indicator and operable to move relative to the base and the lighting device coupling.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base extends from a stationary object and is held stationary relative to a floor.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the optical device is operable to direct light towards the wind indicator from a lighting device that is coupled to the lighting device coupling.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wind indicator comprises a housing rotatably coupling the wind indicator to the base, whereby the housing defines a window such that the optical device may direct light through the window and towards the wind indicator from a lighting device that is coupled to the lighting device coupling.
5. The apparatus of claim I 1 wherein the optical device comprises a reflecting member.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the optical device comprises a curved reflecting optical device.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the optical device comprises an optical fiber.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the optical device comprises a lens.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the wind indicator comprises a translucent material.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a lighting device coupled to the lighting device coupling on the base.
1 1. A wind indicator illuminating apparatus, comprising: a base comprising means for coupling a means for providing light to the base; means for indicating a wind direction rotatably coupled to the base and operable to move relative to the base and the means for coupling a means for providing light to the base; and means for directing light coupled to the means for indicating a wind direction and operable to move relative to the base and the means for coupling a means for providing light to the base.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the base comprises a means for holding the base stationary relative to a floor.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 1, wherein the means for directing light is operable to direct light towards the means for indicating a wind direction from a means for providing light that is coupled to the means for coupling a means for providing light to the base.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 1, wherein the means for indicating a wind direction comprises a housing defining a means for allowing light through the housing such that the means for directing light may direct light towards the means for indicating a wind direction from a means for providing light that is coupled to the means for coupling a means for providing light to the base.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 1 , wherein the means for directing light comprises a means for reflecting light.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 1 , wherein the means for directing light comprises a means for directing light through a solid medium. K)
17. The apparatus of claim 1 1, wherein the means for directing light comprises a means for spreading light.
18. The apparatus of claim 1 1 , wherein the means for indicating a wind direction comprises a means for allowing light to be visible through the means for indicating a wind direction.
19. The apparatus of claim 1 1 , further comprising: means for providing light coupled to the means for coupling a means for providing light to the base.
20. A method for illuminating a wind indicator, comprising: providing a base including a lighting device coupled to the base and a wind indicator rotatably coupled to the base and operable to move relative to the base and the lighting device; and directing light from the lighting device towards the wind indicator with an optical device that is coupled to the wind indicator and operable to move relative to the base and the lighting device with the wind indicator.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the directing the light from the lighting device towards the wind indicator with an optical device comprises illuminating a surface on the wind indicator with the light from the lighting device.
22. The method of claim 20, further comprising: rotating the wind indicator and the optical device relative to the base and the lighting device.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the rotating the wind indicator and the optical device relative to the base and the lighting device comprises the wind indicator and the optical device rotating in response to a wind supplied force.
24. A wind indicator illuminating apparatus, comprising: a base extending from a stationary object and held stationary relative to a floor, the base comprising a lighting device; a wind indicator comprising a translucent material rotatably coupled to the base and operable to move relative to the base and the lighting device; and an optical device comprising a reflecting member coupled to the wind indicator and operable to move relative to the base and the lighting device, whereby the optical device is operable to direct light from the lighting device towards the wind indicator.
25. A wind indicator illuminating apparatus, comprising: a base comprising a means for holding the base stationary relative to a floor; means for providing light coupled to the base; means for indicating a wind direction rotatably coupled to the base and operable to move relative to the base and the means for providing light, the means for indicating a wind direction comprising a means for allowing light to be visible through the means for indicating a wind direction; and means for directing light comprising a means for reflecting light coupled to the means for indicating a wind direction and operable to move relative to the base and the means for providing light, wherein the means for directing light is operable to direct light from the means for providing light towards the means for indicating a wind direction.
26. A method for illuminating a wind indicator, comprising: providing a base including a lighting device coupled to the base and a wind indicator rotatably coupled to the base and operable to move relative to the base and the lighting device; directing light from the lighting device towards the wind indicator with an optical device that is coupled to the wind indicator and operable to move relative to the base and the lighting device with the wind indicator, wherein the directing the light from the lighting device towards the wind indicator with an optical device comprises illuminating a surface on the wind indicator with the light from the lighting device; and rotating the wind indicator and the optical device relative to the base and the lighting device in response to a wind supplied force.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN200610103947.0 | 2006-07-28 | ||
| CNA2006101039470A CN101113989A (en) | 2006-07-28 | 2006-07-28 | Illuminating method and equipment of wind vane |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2008050240A2 true WO2008050240A2 (en) | 2008-05-02 |
| WO2008050240A3 WO2008050240A3 (en) | 2008-08-21 |
Family
ID=39022439
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2007/004208 WO2008050240A2 (en) | 2006-07-28 | 2007-07-27 | Method and apparatus for illuminating a wind indicator |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN101113989A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2008050240A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITPD20130278A1 (en) * | 2013-10-08 | 2015-04-09 | Giovine Vincenzo Di | WIND DETECTION SYSTEM |
| EP3096151A1 (en) | 2015-05-22 | 2016-11-23 | Combustion and Energy S.r.l. | Device for indicating wind direction |
Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1913672A (en) * | 1930-04-04 | 1933-06-13 | Harry W Huking | Internally lighted wind cone |
| US4241604A (en) * | 1979-11-13 | 1980-12-30 | Hergenrother Rudolf C | Nighttime wind direction and speed indicator |
| US4481505A (en) * | 1982-01-21 | 1984-11-06 | Thompson David M | Illuminated mast-top wind indicator |
| US4522069A (en) * | 1981-01-12 | 1985-06-11 | Samuel Birnbaum | Windvane |
| US4627278A (en) * | 1985-04-25 | 1986-12-09 | Soto Henry L | Illuminated wind sock |
| WO1997040390A1 (en) * | 1996-04-25 | 1997-10-30 | Kent Johansson | Wind direction indicator |
| EP1426769A2 (en) * | 2002-12-03 | 2004-06-09 | aqua signal Aktiengesellschaft Spezialleuchtenfabrik | Wind sock |
-
2006
- 2006-07-28 CN CNA2006101039470A patent/CN101113989A/en active Pending
-
2007
- 2007-07-27 WO PCT/IB2007/004208 patent/WO2008050240A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1913672A (en) * | 1930-04-04 | 1933-06-13 | Harry W Huking | Internally lighted wind cone |
| US4241604A (en) * | 1979-11-13 | 1980-12-30 | Hergenrother Rudolf C | Nighttime wind direction and speed indicator |
| US4522069A (en) * | 1981-01-12 | 1985-06-11 | Samuel Birnbaum | Windvane |
| US4481505A (en) * | 1982-01-21 | 1984-11-06 | Thompson David M | Illuminated mast-top wind indicator |
| US4627278A (en) * | 1985-04-25 | 1986-12-09 | Soto Henry L | Illuminated wind sock |
| WO1997040390A1 (en) * | 1996-04-25 | 1997-10-30 | Kent Johansson | Wind direction indicator |
| EP1426769A2 (en) * | 2002-12-03 | 2004-06-09 | aqua signal Aktiengesellschaft Spezialleuchtenfabrik | Wind sock |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITPD20130278A1 (en) * | 2013-10-08 | 2015-04-09 | Giovine Vincenzo Di | WIND DETECTION SYSTEM |
| EP2860531A1 (en) * | 2013-10-08 | 2015-04-15 | Vincenzo Di Giovine | Wind detection apparatus |
| AU2014240312B2 (en) * | 2013-10-08 | 2017-05-25 | Combustion And Energy S.R.L | Wind Detection Apparatus |
| EP3096151A1 (en) | 2015-05-22 | 2016-11-23 | Combustion and Energy S.r.l. | Device for indicating wind direction |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2008050240A3 (en) | 2008-08-21 |
| CN101113989A (en) | 2008-01-30 |
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