Emergency lighting unit

• US 4,365,232 A
• Filed: 03/23/1981
• Issued: 12/21/1982
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/1981
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: the united states of america as represented by the secretary of the navy
• Original Assignee: the united states of america as represented by the secretary of the navy
• Inventors: Miller, George R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Robinson, Thomas A.
• Application Number:
  US06/246,781
• Time in Patent Office: 638 Days
• Field of Search: 362/20, 362/62, 362/63, 362/457, 362/802, 340/25, 340/27 R, 340/28, 340/52 H
• US Class Current: 340/945
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/267 Door handles; Hand grips
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/46 Emergency lighting, e.g. for escape routes
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/47 Circuits; Control arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/80 Circuits; Control arrangements for dashboards B60Q3/16; for mass transit vehicles B60Q3/47
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 47/02 Arrangements or adaptations of signal or lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 7/062 indicating emergency exits

Abstract

An emergency lighting unit having a electroluminescent lamp is provided forse in locating an aircraft exit. The emergency lighting unit contains a battery and an inverter for converting DC battery current to high frequency alternating current required for illumination of the electroluminescent lamp. Various means are provided for automatically lighting the lamp during a distress situation. The lighting unit is configured to serve as a handle for use in leaving a disabled aircraft.

Claims

1. In an aircraft, at least one emergency lighting unit mounted to a bulkhead by standoff brackets to serve as an evacuation light and a handle, said lighting unit comprising,

a casing formed by a flat metallic heat sink and a translucent cover,

an electroluminescent lamp fixed to said translucent cover,

alternating current means within said casing for illuminating said electroluminescent lamp, and

circuit means for connecting said alternating current means to said electroluminescent lamp.

2. An emergency lighting unit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said alternating current means includes a battery and an inverter for converting DC current from said battery to high frequency alternating current.