초록 ▼

A deployment system for illumination devices, including: a holding mechanism for engaging at least one illumination device; and a deploying mechanism for causing the at least one illumination device to exit the system. In the preferred embodiment, the deploying mechanism is at least one solenoid, wh

A deployment system for illumination devices, including: a holding mechanism for engaging at least one illumination device; and a deploying mechanism for causing the at least one illumination device to exit the system. In the preferred embodiment, the deploying mechanism is at least one solenoid, where the at least one solenoid extends to cause the illumination device to exit the system. The system allows a user or an automated system to deploy illumination devices without being exposed to dangerous conditions. For example, the system can be mounted internally or externally to a law enforcement, road crew, or utility company vehicle. The user may then deploy the illumination devices to mark the road without being subjected to the dangers of oncoming traffic.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A system, comprising: a holding mechanism for engaging at least one illumination device, wherein the at least one illumination device is non-incendiary, wherein the holding mechanism comprises: a clamp for contacting the at least one illumination device, a guide for engaging

What is claimed is: 1. A system, comprising: a holding mechanism for engaging at least one illumination device, wherein the at least one illumination device is non-incendiary, wherein the holding mechanism comprises: a clamp for contacting the at least one illumination device, a guide for engaging the illumination device to ensure proper orientation of the at least one illumination device, a charging mechanism, wherein the charging mechanism comprises a circuit board coupled to the clamp, wherein the clamp forms an electrical connection between the at least one illumination device and the charging mechanism; and a deploying mechanism for causing the at least one illumination device to exit the system. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the holding mechanism comprises one of a group consisting of: a clamp; a magnetic coupling mechanism; a compliant coupling mechanism; and a chemical adhesive. 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism to prevent accidental deployment of the at least one illumination device from the system. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the deploying mechanism comprises at least one solenoid, wherein the at least one solenoid extends to cause the at least one illumination device to exit the system. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the deployment mechanism consists of one of a group comprising: a gravity-fed door; a gate release mechanism; a corkscrew mechanism; an explosive; a chemical reaction; magnetic or electromagnetic force; pneumatics; fluidics; an electric motor; an internal combustion engine; and at least one solenoid. 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the holding mechanism resides within the housing. 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising an inner plate coupled to the housing, wherein the inner plate comprises at least one slot, wherein the at least one illumination device resides within the at least one slot when engaged with the holding mechanism. 8. A system, comprising: a holding mechanism for engaging at least one illumination device, wherein the at least one illumination device is non-incendiary; a deploying mechanism for causing the at least one illumination device to exit the system, wherein the least one illumination device comprises: a shell comprising a plurality of sides, wherein the at least one illumination device can be positioned upon a surface or attached or suspended at any of the plurality of sides; and at least one light-emitting device within the shell, wherein when the at least one illumination device is positioned upon a surface or attached or suspended at any of the plurality of sides of the shell, light from the at least one light-emitting device emits through all of the plurality of sides of the shell; and a communication port for transmitting a signal from the device and for receiving a signal from outside the at least one illumination device. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein a signal programming a pattern of light emission is received by the at least one illumination device utilizing the communication port. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein a signal programming the at least one illumination device in synchronization or cooperation with other illumination devices in a network is received or sent by the at least one illumination device utilizing the communication port. 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one illumination device receives a signal at its communication port to turn on or off. 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is utilized in traffic safety or control. 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one illumination device automatically turns on when disengaged from the holding mechanism. 14. A system, comprising: a holding mechanism for engaging at least one illumination device, the at least one illumination device comprising: a shell comprising a plurality of sides, wherein the at least one illumination device can be positioned upon a surface or attached or suspended at any of the plurality of sides, and at least one light-emitting device within the shell, wherein when the at least one illumination device is positioned upon a surface or attached or suspended at any of the plurality of sides of the shell, light from the at least one light-emitting device emits through each of the plurality of sides of the shell; and a deploying mechanism for causing the at least one illumination device to exit the system, wherein the holding mechanism comprises: a clamp for contacting the at least one illumination device; a guide for engaging the illumination device to ensure proper orientation of the illumination device; and a charging mechanism, wherein the charging mechanism comprises a circuit board coupled to the clamp, wherein the clamp forms an electrical connection between the at least one illumination device and the charging mechanism. 15. A system, comprising: a first deployment system, comprising: a first holding mechanism for engaging at least a first illumination device, wherein the first illumination device is non-incendiary, wherein the first holding mechanism comprises: a clamp for contacting the first illumination device; a guide for engaging the first illumination device to ensure proper orientation of the first illumination device; and a charging mechanism, wherein the charging mechanism comprises a circuit board coupled to the clamp, wherein the clamp forms an electrical connection between the first illumination device and the charging mechanism; and a first deploying mechanism for causing the first illumination device to exit the first deployment system; and a second deployment system, comprising: a second holding mechanism for engaging at least a second illumination device, wherein the second illumination device is non-incendiary, and a second deploying mechanism for causing the second illumination device to exit the second deployment system. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the second holding mechanism comprises: a clamp for contacting the second illumination device; and a guide for engaging the second illumination device to ensure proper orientation of the second illumination device. 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the first holding mechanism comprises one of a group consisting of: a clamp; a magnetic coupling mechanism; and a chemical adhesive. 18. The system of claim 15, wherein the second holding mechanism comprises one of a group consisting of: a clamp; a magnetic coupling mechanism; a compliant coupling mechanism; and a chemical adhesive. 19. A system, comprising: a first deployment system, comprising: a first holding mechanism for engaging at least a first illumination device, wherein the first illumination device is non-incendiary; and a first deploying mechanism for causing the first illumination device to exit the first deployment system; and a second deployment system, comprising: a second holding mechanism for engaging at least a second illumination device, wherein the second illumination device is non-incendiary, wherein the second holding mechanism comprises, a clamp for contacting the first illumination device; a guide for engaging the first illumination device to ensure proper orientation of the first illumination device; and a charging mechanism, wherein the charging mechanism comprises a circuit board coupled to the clamp, wherein the clamp forms an electrical connection between the second illumination device and the charging mechanism; and a second deploying mechanism for causing the second illumination device to exit the second deployment system. 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the first deployment system comprises at least one solenoid, wherein the at least one solenoid extends to cause the first illumination device to exit the first deployment system. 21. The system of claim 15, wherein the first deployment mechanism consists of one of a group comprising: a gravity-fed door; a gate release mechanism; a corkscrew mechanism; an explosive; a chemical reaction; magnetic or electromagnetic force; pneumatics; fluidics; an electric motor; an internal combustion engine; and at least one solenoid. 22. The system of claim 15, wherein the second deployment system comprises at least one solenoid, wherein the at least one solenoid extends to cause the second illumination device to exit the second deployment system. 23. The system of claim 15, wherein the second deployment mechanism consists of one of a group comprising: a gravity-fed door; a gate release mechanism; a corkscrew mechanism; an explosive; a chemical reaction; magnetic or electromagnetic force; pneumatics; fluidics; an electric motor; an internal combustion engine; and at least one solenoid. 24. The system of claim 15, further comprising an interface or automatic controller for controlling both the first and second deployment systems.