Stack Light with Modular Power Converter
First Claim
1. A power converter for use in a stack light of a type providing a set of beacon modules interlocking to each other and to a base unit by means of interlocking mechanical connectors, and interfitting electrical connectors positioned at a top and bottom of each beacon module and at a top of the base unit together allowing multiple beacon modules and one base to be mechanically and electrically assembled into a tower with electrical communication between the base and each beacon module, the power converter comprising:
- a housing;
first and second mechanical connectors positioned at a top and bottom of the housing adapted to releasably interlock with corresponding mechanical connectors of beacon modules and a base;
first and second electrical connectors positioned at a top and bottom of the housing adapted to releasably interface with corresponding electrical connectors of beacon modules and a base; and
a power conversion circuit positioned within the housing and receiving electrical power from the second electrical connector having a parameter of at least one of voltage and a mode to provide converted power to the first electrical connector having a different value of the parameter.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A power converter is introduced into a stack light in the form of a compatible modular element that fits between the base and a light module. By converting multiple input voltages to a common core voltage in a module distinct from the base and light modules, proliferation of different varieties of base modules and light modules may be reduced without impact on customer selection.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A power converter for use in a stack light of a type providing a set of beacon modules interlocking to each other and to a base unit by means of interlocking mechanical connectors, and interfitting electrical connectors positioned at a top and bottom of each beacon module and at a top of the base unit together allowing multiple beacon modules and one base to be mechanically and electrically assembled into a tower with electrical communication between the base and each beacon module, the power converter comprising:
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a housing; first and second mechanical connectors positioned at a top and bottom of the housing adapted to releasably interlock with corresponding mechanical connectors of beacon modules and a base; first and second electrical connectors positioned at a top and bottom of the housing adapted to releasably interface with corresponding electrical connectors of beacon modules and a base; and a power conversion circuit positioned within the housing and receiving electrical power from the second electrical connector having a parameter of at least one of voltage and a mode to provide converted power to the first electrical connector having a different value of the parameter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A stack light comprising:
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a set of interconnected beacon modules, power conversion module and base, wherein the interconnected beacon modules each provide; (a) a transparent beacon light housing; (b) first and second mechanical connectors positioned at a top and bottom of the beacon light housing releasably interlocked with corresponding mechanical connectors of corresponding beacon modules or the power conversion module; (c) first and second electrical connectors positioned at a top and bottom of the beacon light housing releasably interfaced with corresponding electrical connectors of beacon modules or the power conversion module; and (d) a lamp held within the housing and communicating with a connector element of the second electrical connector; wherein the power conversion module provides; (a) a converter housing; (b) first and second mechanical connectors positioned at a top and bottom of the converter housing, the first mechanical connector releasably interlocking with a corresponding mechanical connector of a given beacon module and the second mechanical connector releasably interlocking with a corresponding mechanical connector of the base; (c) first and second electrical connectors positioned, at a top and bottom of the housing, the first electrical connector releasably interfacing with a corresponding electrical connector of the given beacon module and the second electrical connector releasably interfacing with a corresponding electrical connector of the base; and (d) a power conversion circuit receiving electrical power from the second electrical connector having a parameter of at least one of voltage and a mode to provide converted power to the first electrical connector having a different value of the parameter; wherein the base provides; (a) a base housing (b) a first mechanical connector releasably interlocking with the second mechanical connector of the power conversion module; (c) a first electrical connector releasably interfacing with the second electrical connector of the power conversion module; (d) a terminal block electrically communicating with the first electrical connector; and (e) a mounting flange providing openings for receiving machine screws to attach the mounting flange to a surface. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification