Flashlight with selectable output level switching
First Claim
1. A flashlight comprising:
- a lamp;
a power storage element;
a first switch;
a second switch;
an electronic controller;
the controller having a first switch input connected to the first switch;
the controller having a second switch input connected to the second switch;
the controller being operable in response to actuation of the first switch to deliver power to the lamp;
the controller being operable in response to a signal received from the second switch to establish a degree of the delivered power, such that the second switch determines a brightness of the lamp;
wherein the flashlight is an elongated body defining an axis, and the second switch is a ring rotatable about the axis;
wherein the flashlight includes a leak-resistant housing defining a chamber, and wherein the second switch is positioned outside the chamber; and
wherein the second switch includes a sensor component within the housing, the sensor component operable to detect the position of the second switch.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A flashlight has a lamp, a power source, two switches, and a controller connected to the switches. The first switch controls delivery of power to the lamp, and the second switch selects a dimmed brightness level. The first switch may invoke the dimmed level, or a maximum brightness level. The second switch may be a ring rotatable about the axis the flashlight, and either rotatable through a wide range of positions, with sensor circuitry to detect the absolute position, or having a limited range of rotation, with dimmed level selection provided by a duration of momentary rotation in either direction. The second switch may be positioned outside a leak resistant housing, and may include a magnet detectable by magnetic field sensors within the chamber.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A flashlight comprising:
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a lamp; a power storage element; a first switch; a second switch; an electronic controller; the controller having a first switch input connected to the first switch; the controller having a second switch input connected to the second switch; the controller being operable in response to actuation of the first switch to deliver power to the lamp; the controller being operable in response to a signal received from the second switch to establish a degree of the delivered power, such that the second switch determines a brightness of the lamp; wherein the flashlight is an elongated body defining an axis, and the second switch is a ring rotatable about the axis;
wherein the flashlight includes a leak-resistant housing defining a chamber, and wherein the second switch is positioned outside the chamber; and
wherein the second switch includes a sensor component within the housing, the sensor component operable to detect the position of the second switch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A flashlight comprising:
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a lamp; a power storage element; a first switch; a second switch; an electronic controller; the controller having a first switch input connected to the first switch; the controller having a second switch input connected to the second switch; the controller being operable in response to actuation of the first switch to deliver power to the lamp; and the controller being operable in response to a signal received from the second switch to establish a degree of the delivered power, such that the second switch determines a brightness of the lamp; wherein the flashlight is an elongated body defining an axis, having the first switch at a first end and the lamp at an opposed second end; wherein the second switch is a ring rotatable about the axis and positioned at an intermediate location on the body between the first and second ends;
wherein the first switch is a push-button switch responsive to linear pressure; and
wherein the first switch is positioned on a rear end portion of the body and responsive to linear pressure along the axis.
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12. A flashlight comprising:
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an elongated housing body defining an axis; a lamp within the housing; a power storage element within the housing; a first switch connected to the housing; a second switch including a movable portion that is movable with respect to the housing and that includes a magnet; the second switch including a sensor portion in the housing; an electronic controller in the housing; the controller having a first switch input connected to the first switch; the controller having a second switch input connected to the second switch sensor portion; the controller being operable in response to actuation of the first switch to deliver power to the lamp; the controller being operable in response to a signal received from the second switch to establish a degree of the delivered power, such that the second switch determines a brightness of the lamp. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification