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Self-powered light bar

  • US 9,346,397 B2
  • Filed: 01/13/2012
  • Issued: 05/24/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/22/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for use by a vehicle, the system comprising:

  • an emergency device for mounting to the vehicle and housing at least one warning light;

    a rechargeable power source disposed within the emergency device for powering the at least one warning light;

    a solar energy source for converting solar energy into electrical energy associated with the emergency device;

    a device connecting the solar energy source and the rechargeable power source to control the flow of energy from the solar energy and rechargeable power sources to the at least one warning light such that the energy from the solar energy source charges the rechargeable power source and powers the at least one warning light;

    a control interface in an interior of the vehicle in communications with the emergency device for controlling the at least one warning light; and

    a trickle charging source separate from the solar energy source, wherein the trickle charging source charges the rechargeable power source from an external power source using excess energy generated by a power train for the vehicle,wherein the external power source is external to the emergency device and provides a substantially continuous and substantially constant charge to the rechargeable power source, wherein the external power source supplements the charge provided to the rechargeable power source by the solar energy source, andwherein the trickle charging source comprises a wireless connection between the rechargeable power source and the external power source via two electromagnetic coils.

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