US3898383A - Automatic dimming and recycleable lamp - Google Patents
Automatic dimming and recycleable lamp Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3898383A US3898383A US382279A US38227973A US3898383A US 3898383 A US3898383 A US 3898383A US 382279 A US382279 A US 382279A US 38227973 A US38227973 A US 38227973A US 3898383 A US3898383 A US 3898383A
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lamp
- sound
- power
- dimming
- level
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000030808 detection of mechanical stimulus involved in sensory perception of sound Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000003292 diminished effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 15
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 description 4
- 206010011469 Crying Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000282472 Canis lupus familiaris Species 0.000 description 1
- 206010017577 Gait disturbance Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010041349 Somnolence Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004630 mental health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010255 response to auditory stimulus Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
- H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
- H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
- H03K17/94—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02M—APPARATUS FOR CONVERSION BETWEEN AC AND AC, BETWEEN AC AND DC, OR BETWEEN DC AND DC, AND FOR USE WITH MAINS OR SIMILAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; CONVERSION OF DC OR AC INPUT POWER INTO SURGE OUTPUT POWER; CONTROL OR REGULATION THEREOF
- H02M1/00—Details of apparatus for conversion
- H02M1/08—Circuits specially adapted for the generation of control voltages for semiconductor devices incorporated in static converters
- H02M1/088—Circuits specially adapted for the generation of control voltages for semiconductor devices incorporated in static converters for the simultaneous control of series or parallel connected semiconductor devices
- H02M1/096—Circuits specially adapted for the generation of control voltages for semiconductor devices incorporated in static converters for the simultaneous control of series or parallel connected semiconductor devices the power supply of the control circuit being connected in parallel to the main switching element
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B39/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for operating incandescent light sources
- H05B39/04—Controlling
- H05B39/041—Controlling the light-intensity of the source
- H05B39/044—Controlling the light-intensity of the source continuously
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
- H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
- H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
- H05B47/105—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters
- H05B47/115—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
- H05B47/12—Controlling the light source in response to determined parameters by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings by detecting audible sound
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B20/00—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B20/00—Energy efficient lighting technologies, e.g. halogen lamps or gas discharge lamps
- Y02B20/40—Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
Definitions
- ABSTRACT A sound responsive apparatus for automatically dimming a lamp from an initial condition of maximum brightness to a terminal condition of minimum brightness comprising a detector for detecting the presence of sound having at least a predetermined amplitude and an automatic dimming apparatus operatively connected to the detector to actuate the automatic dimming apparatus upon detecting sound having at least the predetermined amplitude.
- the automatic dimming apparatus when actuated, controls the brightness of the lamp from a first level of brightness to a second, diminished, level of brightness.
- Means may be provided for varying the period of time required for the 3,534,224 10/1970 Skirpan etal 315/291 3,582,671 6/1971 Ott 340/148 lamp to pass from maximum brightness to minlmum 3,636,515 1/1972 Smith 340/148 brlghmess- 3,733,528 5/1973 Gilbreath 315/291 4 Cl 2 D 3,748,496 7/1973 Hfidln et a] 179/1 vc 1 raw'ng SUPPLY 1111 24 26 MIN POWER i6 20 22, 1 32, 14
- the present invention relates to a control apparatus 5 tion to provide an automatic light dimming apparatus for varying the power available to a load in response to the presence of sound having at least a predetermined amplitude. More particularly, the invention relates to an electric lamp which is illuminated in response to the presence of sound above a preselected level and is then automatically dimmed.
- timedelay switches which are operable to provide a delay of a predetermined time period before the switching action is completed.
- Such devices permit, for example, a person to operate a light switch, cross a room, and get into bed before the light is switched off. However, to turn on the light again, the person may be required to walk across the dark room to reactivate the switch with a risk of stumbling or falling in the dark room.
- An automatic, resetting light dimming apparatus intended to substantially accomplish the foregoing objects includes a lamp, a detector for detecting the presence of'sound having a predetermined amplitude, a dimmer for automatically controlling the brightness of the lamp, when actuated, from a first level of brightness to a second, diminished level of brightness over a predetermined time period, means for providing power to the lamp, and a switch which is responsive to the sound detector for actuating the dimmer in the presence of a predetermined amplitude of sound.
- the apparatus may include means for varying the extinguishing rate of the lamp and may further include means for setting the initial and terminal intensities of the lamp. Moreover, means may be provided for varying the minimum amplitude or threshold sound at which the apparatus is actuated.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the apparatus of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 there may be seen an automatic resetting dimming apparatus 10 connected to a source 12 of alternating current.
- a microphone 14 is provided which is connected to a detector stage 16.
- the microphone 14 may be a conventional crystal microphone.
- the detector stage 16 is operable to detect an audio signal having a predetermined amplitude. The minimum amplitude to which the detector will be responsive may be preset by means of a threshold adjustment 18.
- the detector 16 is connected to an electronic switch 20 which is actuated when the detector receives an audio signal above the preset threshold amplitude.
- This electronic switch 20 is connected to an automatic dimmer 22 and is operable to reset the automatic dimmer.
- This automatic dimmer 22 may include a maximum adjustment 24 and a minimum adjustment 26.
- the maximum adjustment is generally preset to at least provide the maximum illumination from the lamp 28 although, if desired, the maximum adjustment may be adjusted to a lesser value.
- the minimum adjustment 26 is operable to set the minimum illumination at which the light 28 may be continuously maintained when the automatic dimmer 22 has cycled through its extinguishing period. Often, the minimum adjustment may be set at a value which gives substantially zero illumination.
- the automatic dimmer 22 is electronic and when triggered, will alternately charge and discharge an RC circuit having an extremely long time constant as will be described in greater detail below.
- the automatic dimmer 22 may include a conventional clock or similar timing mechanism (not shown) connected to a rheostat (also not shown).
- the automatic dimmer 22 may include an adjustment 30 for adjusting the extinguishing rate which will determine the period required for the dimmer to pass from its initial maximum setting to its terminal minimum setting.
- the automatic dimmer 22 is connected to a switch 32.
- This switch 32 controls the average power from the alternating current source 12 which is applied to the light 28.
- this switch may be a solid state electronic circuit which conducts current for a relatively long interval when the automatic dimmer is operating in the maximum range of its cycle and for a relatively short interval when the automatic dimmer is operating in the minimum range of its cycle.
- the first switch will be actuated.
- the switch 20 When the switch 20 is actuated, it triggers the automatic dimmer 22.
- the automatic dimmer in turn is connected to a second switch 32 and the automatic dimmer and switch 32 together function to provide a predetermined maximum power to the light and then reduce the power to a predetermined minimum to thereby reduce or dim the illumination provided by the light 28.
- the automatic dimmer may be adjusted to vary the rate at which the maximum power falls to the minimum power. This period or extinguishing rate, may vary from several seconds to, a predetermined time of up to about 20 minutes.
- the sound responsive apparatus of the present invention may also optionally include an audio output device 80 shown by dotted lines in FIG. 1 such as a tape player, cassette player, radio, television or the like.
- the audio output device may be operative in conjunction with the sound responsive apparatus of the invention in any suitable conventional manner so that the device is energized when the lamp circuit is actuated to the maximum brightness and is deen'ergized at the end of the extinguishing period.
- the timing signal from the automatic dimmer 22 which controls the operation of the lamp 28 may control the on/off cycle of the audio output device in a suitable manner.
- the audio output device such as a tape or cassette player can be pre-programmed to include soothing, sleep-inducing lullabies or sounds of barking dogs or the like depending upon the contemplated use ofthe sound responsive apparatus.
- FIG. 2 there is illustrated a preferred embodimen of the invention in detailed schematic diagram form.
- an AC signal from the AC supply 12 may be applied to a direct current (DC) power supply source 33 to provide the DC output voltage required for the operation of the detector 16, electronic switch 20 and the automatic dimmer 22.
- the DC suppply 33 may be any suitable conventional AC/DC convertor such as the illustrated full wave rectifier and may include a Zenner diode 34 or other suitable voltage regulating means.
- the detector 16 preferably includes a high impedance, low power input transistor 36 driven by the sound detector or microphone 14, and a further amplifying transistor 38.
- the transistors 36 and 38 may be applied from the DC power supply 33 through a suitably poled blocking diode 40, and the detector 16 may be coupled from'the DC source through the use of a suitable decoupling capacitor 42.
- a biasing resistor 44 may be provided between a gate electrode of the transistor 36 and common or ground for the circuit, and load resistors 46 and 48 may be provided to develop the output signals from the transistors 36 and 38.
- the load resistor 46 may be a potentiometer so that a selectable percentage of the output signal from the transistor 36 may be coupled through the transistor 38.
- the electronic switch 20 preferably comprises a silicone controlled rectifier (SCR) 50 having its anode electrode connected to the source 33 of DC voltage and having its cathode electrode connected through a control switch 52 and a variable RC timing circuit 54 to common.
- SCR silicone controlled rectifier
- the output signal from the detector 16, i.e., the output from the transistor 38, may be applied to the gate electrode of the SCR 50 to control the conduction thereof.
- the switch 52 may be a manually operable, three position switch having an on position, an auto and an off position.
- the charging of the RC timing circuit 54 may be controlled through selective control of the conduction of the SCR 52.
- the RC timing circuit In the on position of the switch 52, the RC timing circuit is kept fully charged from the DC source, and in the off position of the switch 52 the RC circuit 54 is fully discharged, i.e., is grounded.
- the RC timing circuit 54 may be a part of the automatic dimmer 22 and the time constant thereof may control the period of time over which the lamp 28 is dimmed from its maximum level to its minimum level.
- a variable resistor 56 may be pro vided to control the discharge time of a capacitor 58 and to thereby control the RC time constant of the timing circuit 54.
- An output signal may be coupled from the timing circuit 54 through biasing resistors 60 and 62, through a variable biasing resistor 64, and through a switch 66 to the DC power supply output signal.
- the timing circuit 54 output signal may be coupled from the resistor 60- resistor 62 junction to the input terminal of a suitable amplifier such as the illustrated Darlington amplifier 68.
- the output signal from the amplifier 68 may be applied to the gate electrode of a conventional unijunction transistor 70 and the gate electrode of the transistor 70 may be supplied through a resistor 72 with a DC biasing voltage from the DC supply 33 and may be connected to ground through a capacitor 74.
- the unijunction transistor 70 when rendered conductive, may generate a signal across the primary of a transformer 76 and the secondary winding of the transformer 76 may be connected to the gate electrode of a suitable switch 32 such as the illustrated TRIAC 78.
- the switch 66 may be coupled to the adjustment knob of the variable resistor 64 and may be closed when the variable 64 is increased in resistance.
- the increase in resistance of the resistor 64 controls the minimum brightness of the lamp 28 as will hereinafter become apparent.
- the switch 52 may be placed in the auto position to engage the RC timing circuit 54.
- the variable resistor 56 may be set to a position of a relatively high extinguishing rate to bring the lamp 28 to its minimum brightness.
- the resistor 64 may then be adjusted to set the brightness desired after the dimmer has passed through its extinguishing cycle.
- any sound detected by the microphone 14 is converted to an electrical signal and applied to the gate electrode of the transistor 36. If the amplitude of the detected sound exceeds the threshold set by the potentiometer 46, the transistor 38 is triggered rendering the SCR 50 conductive. Conduction of the SCR 50 charges the capacitor 58 of the RC timing circuit 54 and, as the charge on the capacitor 58 increases, the conduction of the Darlington amplifier 68 increases so that capacitor 74 charges more rapidly.
- the capacitor 74, the resistor 72 and the unijunction transistor 70 form a pulsing circuit which periodically gates the switch 32 to supply AC power to the lamp 28.
- the period of the oscillator Prior to the triggering of the SCR 50, the period of the oscillator is sufficiently long that very little AC power is supplied to the lamp 28 and the lamp 28 is quite dim. This minimum power level is set by the variable resistor 64 since the resistor 64 controls, at least in part, a bias level supplied to the amplifier 68.
- the SCR 50 conducts and the amplifier 68 charges the capacitor 74 more rapidly, the period of the oscillator or pulser formed by the unijunction transistor 70 increases considerably and the conduction period of the switch 32 is likewise increased considerably. The AC power supply to the lamp 28 is thus increased to the predetermined maximum value.
- the capacitor 58 discharges in accordance-with a time constant determined primarily by the variable resistor 56. As the capacitor 58 discharges, the conduction of the Darlington amplifier 68 decreases and the charge time of the capacitor 74 is thus increased. The period of the unijunction transistor controlled oscillator is thus slowly decreased resulting in the gradual dimming of the lamp 28.
- the capacitor 58 reaches its initial charge condition determined primarily by the resistor 64, the brightness of the lamp 28 is at its minimum or dimmed position. Of course, resistor 64 may be adjusted to extinguish the lamp 28 at the minimum position.
- the apparatus of this preferred form of the present invention may comprise components having the following typical values:
- the present invention may be automatically set merely by sound above a predetermined amplitude. Once the apparatus has been set to the auto position, it is not necessary that the dimmer be manually reset for subsequent dimming cycles.
- the apparatus may be reset at any time during the cycle by the presence of sound above the preset threshold. The extinguishing rate may be varied depending upon the particular use to which the present apparatus is put.
- the present invention is operable to automatically dim a lamp to a predetermined minimum brightness so that dim light may be provided, say, throughout the night, but the light will be switched to full brillance upon the detection of, say, a crying sound and will then gradually dim again to the earlier level of minimum brightness.
- the apparatus of the present invention finds particular utility in child care. Child care may be facilitated through the use of the present invention to the advantage of parents.
- the apparatus of the present invention furthermore, can be used to induce sleep in persons who encounter difficulty in falling asleep.
- the present apparatus also may advantageously be used to provide increased safety to a homeowner since the noise made by a potential burglar may actuate the apparatus and scare off the burglar. Other advantageous uses will quickly come to mind.
- a sound responsive apparatus for automatically controlling the brightness of a lamp, said apparatus comprising: a lamp; detector means for detecting the presence of sound having at least a predetermined amplitude;
- dimming means for energizing said lamp at a first predetermined level of brightness, when actuated, and for automatically reducing the level of brightness of said lamp from said first level to a second predetermined level of brightness lower than the first level over a predetermined time period;
- switch means cooperable with said detector means for actuating said dimming means in response to the detection of sound above the predetermined amplitude.
- threshold adjustment means for varying the minimum amplitude of sound at which said detector means will actuate said switch means.
- variable adjustment means for varying a minimum brightness of said lamp to prevent said dimming means from reducing the brightness of said lamp to below a predetermined level.
- variable dimming rate adjustment means for varying the time required for said dimming means to reduce the power available to said lamp from a maximum power level to a minimum power level.
- the apparatus of claim 1 further including:
- audio output means operatively connected to said switch means and actuated by said switch means in response to to said sound above the predetermined amplitude.
- a sound responsive apparatus for automatically reducing the power to a load from an initial condition of maximum power to a terminal condition of minimum power, said apparatus comprising:
- detector means for detecting the presence of sound having at least a predetermined amplitude; and means responsive to said detector means for providing an initial condition of maximum power to the load and for reducing over a predetermined time period the power available to the load from said initial condition of maximum power to a terminal condition of minimum power when said detector means detects sound having the predetermined amplitude.
- threshold adjustment means for varying the minimum amplitude of sound at which said automatic power reducing means will respond to said detector means.
- varible power reducing rate adjustment means for varying the period of time for said automatic power reducing means to reduce the power to said load from the maximum condition to the minimum condition.
- a sound responsive apparatus for automatically dimming a lamp comprising:
- detector means for detecting sound having at least a predetermined amplitude; first electronic switch means operably responsive to said detector means when sound having an amplitude at least as great as the predetermined amplitude is detected; second electronic switch means operable to control the average power available to the lamp; automatic dimming means actuable by said first electronic switch means for actuating said second electronic switch means to provide a maximum power level to the lamp and to reduce the average power available to the lamp from said maximum power level to a minimum power level to thereby automatically dim the lamp over a predetermined period of time when sound having at least the predetermined amplitude is detected; and means for supplying power to said detector means, said first and second electronic switches, and said automatic dimming means.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US382279A US3898383A (en) | 1973-07-24 | 1973-07-24 | Automatic dimming and recycleable lamp |
CA205,474A CA1001745A (en) | 1973-07-24 | 1974-07-23 | Automatic dimming and recycleable lamp |
JP49084252A JPS5071177A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) | 1973-07-24 | 1974-07-24 |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US382279A US3898383A (en) | 1973-07-24 | 1973-07-24 | Automatic dimming and recycleable lamp |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3898383A true US3898383A (en) | 1975-08-05 |
Family
ID=23508267
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US382279A Expired - Lifetime US3898383A (en) | 1973-07-24 | 1973-07-24 | Automatic dimming and recycleable lamp |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3898383A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) |
JP (1) | JPS5071177A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) |
CA (1) | CA1001745A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) |
Cited By (38)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4107462A (en) * | 1977-06-09 | 1978-08-15 | Satya Pal Asija | Electroventriloquist |
US4225808A (en) * | 1978-06-05 | 1980-09-30 | Novitas, Inc. | Selective illumination |
FR2547690A1 (fr) * | 1983-06-20 | 1984-12-21 | Capel Raymond | Dispositif electronique permettant de creer une ambiance lumineuse comparable au coucher du soleil |
US4540984A (en) * | 1982-11-05 | 1985-09-10 | Waldman Herbert H | Energy saving control circuit for a light switch and a method therefor |
FR2578436A1 (fr) * | 1985-03-05 | 1986-09-12 | Trouve Paul | Jeu comprenant un vehicule monte sur voie de roulement |
EP0226681A1 (fr) * | 1985-12-09 | 1987-07-01 | Tibor Arvai | Dispositif de commande d'extinction progressive d'une lampe d'éclairage |
US5078067A (en) * | 1990-07-10 | 1992-01-07 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Sewing machine with abnormal condition warning means for warning abnormal condition by changing color of light |
FR2668675A1 (fr) * | 1990-10-31 | 1992-04-30 | Mouynet Maxime | Dispositif destine a faire varier l'alimentation d'une charge resistive, telle que lampe a incandescence. |
US5142199A (en) * | 1990-11-29 | 1992-08-25 | Novitas, Inc. | Energy efficient infrared light switch and method of making same |
US5227762A (en) * | 1990-10-26 | 1993-07-13 | Thomas Industries Inc. | Power line carrier controlled lighting system |
US5281961A (en) * | 1990-07-06 | 1994-01-25 | Novitas, Inc. | Motion detection sensor with computer interface |
WO1994015349A1 (en) * | 1992-12-22 | 1994-07-07 | Fuller Edward E Sr | Electric lamp and time dependent illumination control |
US5406173A (en) * | 1993-12-10 | 1995-04-11 | The Watt Stopper | Apparatus and method for adjusting lights according to the level of ambient light |
US5598042A (en) * | 1993-09-22 | 1997-01-28 | The Watt Stopper | Moveable desktop load controller |
US5939995A (en) * | 1994-08-18 | 1999-08-17 | Phillips; Dorothy J. | Entertainment apparatus |
US6238061B1 (en) * | 1999-06-17 | 2001-05-29 | Mckenzie Roy L. | Combination lighting system, alarm clock, radio and television having secondary power supply |
US6275163B1 (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2001-08-14 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Automatic switch dimmer device |
EP1209411A3 (de) * | 2000-11-22 | 2003-04-16 | Michael Seppeler | Nachtlichteinrichtung |
GB2381104A (en) * | 2001-08-24 | 2003-04-23 | Kirk Kayon Sinclair | Acoustically activated control system |
US6634768B2 (en) | 1999-06-17 | 2003-10-21 | Mckenzie Roy L. | Emergency notification system |
US20030231495A1 (en) * | 2002-06-15 | 2003-12-18 | Searfoss Robert Lee | Nightlight for phototherapy |
DE10126684B4 (de) * | 2000-06-07 | 2004-07-08 | Rüdiger Dr. Penthin | Lichtregulationssystem bei Ein- und Durchschlafstörungen |
US20050109333A1 (en) * | 2003-11-21 | 2005-05-26 | Thomas Lowell R. | Safety device for regulating electrical power to a cooking appliance |
US20060105671A1 (en) * | 2004-11-17 | 2006-05-18 | Connolly Sally L | Interactive plush toy |
US20070273539A1 (en) * | 2006-05-26 | 2007-11-29 | Cooper Technologies Company | System for controlling a lamp as a function of at least one of occupancy and ambient light |
US20070273509A1 (en) * | 2006-05-26 | 2007-11-29 | Cooper Technologies Company | System for controlling the operation of a lamp in multiple operational modes |
US20080079568A1 (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2008-04-03 | Primous Christopher C | Occupancy sensor with dimmer feature and night light and method of lighting control using the same |
US20080136623A1 (en) * | 2006-12-06 | 2008-06-12 | Russell Calvarese | Audio trigger for mobile devices |
GB2459180A (en) * | 2008-04-19 | 2009-10-21 | Paul Rylatt | Adjusting light output according to predetermined condition |
US20090298384A1 (en) * | 2004-11-17 | 2009-12-03 | Sally Lee Connolly | Illuminated artificial eye structures for toys, mannequins and the like |
US7924174B1 (en) | 2006-05-26 | 2011-04-12 | Cooper Technologies Company | System for controlling a lighting level of a lamp in a multi-zone environment |
US9024810B2 (en) | 2009-01-27 | 2015-05-05 | Xyz Interactive Technologies Inc. | Method and apparatus for ranging finding, orienting, and/or positioning of single and/or multiple devices |
US9392673B2 (en) | 2005-09-29 | 2016-07-12 | K2M, Inc. | Adjustable interbody introducer device and method |
USRE46463E1 (en) | 2007-03-30 | 2017-07-04 | Designs For Vision, Inc. | Remote control of illuminating headlamp |
US9791138B1 (en) | 2014-12-16 | 2017-10-17 | Designs For Vision, Inc. | Cordless LED headlight and control thereof |
US10300242B2 (en) * | 2016-11-02 | 2019-05-28 | Hush Buddy, LLC | Sleep training child night light |
US10320384B2 (en) | 2014-06-02 | 2019-06-11 | Xyz Interactive Technologies Inc. | Touch-less switching |
US10452157B2 (en) | 2014-10-07 | 2019-10-22 | Xyz Interactive Technologies Inc. | Device and method for orientation and positioning |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS5467572U (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * | 1977-10-17 | 1979-05-14 | ||
JPH0469897U (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) * | 1990-10-29 | 1992-06-19 | ||
JP7476491B2 (ja) * | 2019-07-18 | 2024-05-01 | 三菱電機株式会社 | コントローラおよび照明制御システム |
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US2998547A (en) * | 1959-11-27 | 1961-08-29 | Acf Ind Inc | Magneti amplifier control circuitry for gated electronic switches and application to ghting controls |
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US3534224A (en) * | 1968-10-07 | 1970-10-13 | Skirpan Electronics Inc | Control apparatus for electronic dimmers |
US3582671A (en) * | 1969-07-07 | 1971-06-01 | Novar Electronics Corp | Sound-responsive light |
US3636515A (en) * | 1969-09-10 | 1972-01-18 | George C Smith | Electronic sound responsive lighting system and control |
US3733528A (en) * | 1971-08-02 | 1973-05-15 | Hunt Electronics Co | Dimmer unit for a lighting control system |
US3748496A (en) * | 1971-10-26 | 1973-07-24 | R Hedin | Sound activated controller |
-
1973
- 1973-07-24 US US382279A patent/US3898383A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
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1974
- 1974-07-23 CA CA205,474A patent/CA1001745A/en not_active Expired
- 1974-07-24 JP JP49084252A patent/JPS5071177A/ja active Pending
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US4107462A (en) * | 1977-06-09 | 1978-08-15 | Satya Pal Asija | Electroventriloquist |
US4225808A (en) * | 1978-06-05 | 1980-09-30 | Novitas, Inc. | Selective illumination |
US4540984A (en) * | 1982-11-05 | 1985-09-10 | Waldman Herbert H | Energy saving control circuit for a light switch and a method therefor |
FR2547690A1 (fr) * | 1983-06-20 | 1984-12-21 | Capel Raymond | Dispositif electronique permettant de creer une ambiance lumineuse comparable au coucher du soleil |
WO1985000264A1 (fr) * | 1983-06-20 | 1985-01-17 | Raymond Capel | Dispositif pour creer une ambiance lumineuse variable |
FR2578436A1 (fr) * | 1985-03-05 | 1986-09-12 | Trouve Paul | Jeu comprenant un vehicule monte sur voie de roulement |
EP0226681A1 (fr) * | 1985-12-09 | 1987-07-01 | Tibor Arvai | Dispositif de commande d'extinction progressive d'une lampe d'éclairage |
US5281961A (en) * | 1990-07-06 | 1994-01-25 | Novitas, Inc. | Motion detection sensor with computer interface |
US5078067A (en) * | 1990-07-10 | 1992-01-07 | Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Sewing machine with abnormal condition warning means for warning abnormal condition by changing color of light |
US5227762A (en) * | 1990-10-26 | 1993-07-13 | Thomas Industries Inc. | Power line carrier controlled lighting system |
US5475360A (en) * | 1990-10-26 | 1995-12-12 | Thomas Industries, Inc. | Power line carrier controlled lighting system |
EP0485003A1 (fr) * | 1990-10-31 | 1992-05-13 | Maxime Mouynet | Dispositif destiné à faire varier l'alimentation d'une charge résistive, telle que lampe à incandescence |
FR2668675A1 (fr) * | 1990-10-31 | 1992-04-30 | Mouynet Maxime | Dispositif destine a faire varier l'alimentation d'une charge resistive, telle que lampe a incandescence. |
US5142199A (en) * | 1990-11-29 | 1992-08-25 | Novitas, Inc. | Energy efficient infrared light switch and method of making same |
WO1994015349A1 (en) * | 1992-12-22 | 1994-07-07 | Fuller Edward E Sr | Electric lamp and time dependent illumination control |
US5598042A (en) * | 1993-09-22 | 1997-01-28 | The Watt Stopper | Moveable desktop load controller |
US5406173A (en) * | 1993-12-10 | 1995-04-11 | The Watt Stopper | Apparatus and method for adjusting lights according to the level of ambient light |
US5939995A (en) * | 1994-08-18 | 1999-08-17 | Phillips; Dorothy J. | Entertainment apparatus |
US6275163B1 (en) * | 1998-08-24 | 2001-08-14 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Automatic switch dimmer device |
US6238061B1 (en) * | 1999-06-17 | 2001-05-29 | Mckenzie Roy L. | Combination lighting system, alarm clock, radio and television having secondary power supply |
US6634768B2 (en) | 1999-06-17 | 2003-10-21 | Mckenzie Roy L. | Emergency notification system |
DE10126684B4 (de) * | 2000-06-07 | 2004-07-08 | Rüdiger Dr. Penthin | Lichtregulationssystem bei Ein- und Durchschlafstörungen |
EP1209411A3 (de) * | 2000-11-22 | 2003-04-16 | Michael Seppeler | Nachtlichteinrichtung |
GB2381104A (en) * | 2001-08-24 | 2003-04-23 | Kirk Kayon Sinclair | Acoustically activated control system |
GB2381104B (en) * | 2001-08-24 | 2005-08-10 | Kirk Kayon Sinclair | Acoustically-activated control system |
US20030231495A1 (en) * | 2002-06-15 | 2003-12-18 | Searfoss Robert Lee | Nightlight for phototherapy |
US6902296B2 (en) | 2002-06-15 | 2005-06-07 | Searfoss, Iii Robert Lee | Nightlight for phototherapy |
US20050109333A1 (en) * | 2003-11-21 | 2005-05-26 | Thomas Lowell R. | Safety device for regulating electrical power to a cooking appliance |
US20060105671A1 (en) * | 2004-11-17 | 2006-05-18 | Connolly Sally L | Interactive plush toy |
US7566258B2 (en) * | 2004-11-17 | 2009-07-28 | Sally Lee Connolly | Interactive plush toy |
US8052502B2 (en) * | 2004-11-17 | 2011-11-08 | Sally Lee Connolly | Illuminated artificial eye structures for toys, mannequins and the like |
US20090298384A1 (en) * | 2004-11-17 | 2009-12-03 | Sally Lee Connolly | Illuminated artificial eye structures for toys, mannequins and the like |
US9392673B2 (en) | 2005-09-29 | 2016-07-12 | K2M, Inc. | Adjustable interbody introducer device and method |
US7924174B1 (en) | 2006-05-26 | 2011-04-12 | Cooper Technologies Company | System for controlling a lighting level of a lamp in a multi-zone environment |
US20070273539A1 (en) * | 2006-05-26 | 2007-11-29 | Cooper Technologies Company | System for controlling a lamp as a function of at least one of occupancy and ambient light |
US20070273509A1 (en) * | 2006-05-26 | 2007-11-29 | Cooper Technologies Company | System for controlling the operation of a lamp in multiple operational modes |
US9820357B2 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2017-11-14 | Hubbell Incorporated | Occupancy sensor with dimmer feature and night light and method of lighting control using the same |
US20080079568A1 (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2008-04-03 | Primous Christopher C | Occupancy sensor with dimmer feature and night light and method of lighting control using the same |
US8970372B2 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2015-03-03 | Hubbell Incorporated | Occupancy sensor with dimmer feature and night light and method of lighting control using the same |
US9357620B2 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2016-05-31 | Hubbell Incorporated | Occupancy sensor with dimmer feature and night light and method of lighting control using the same |
US20080136623A1 (en) * | 2006-12-06 | 2008-06-12 | Russell Calvarese | Audio trigger for mobile devices |
USRE46463E1 (en) | 2007-03-30 | 2017-07-04 | Designs For Vision, Inc. | Remote control of illuminating headlamp |
GB2459180A (en) * | 2008-04-19 | 2009-10-21 | Paul Rylatt | Adjusting light output according to predetermined condition |
US9024810B2 (en) | 2009-01-27 | 2015-05-05 | Xyz Interactive Technologies Inc. | Method and apparatus for ranging finding, orienting, and/or positioning of single and/or multiple devices |
US10320384B2 (en) | 2014-06-02 | 2019-06-11 | Xyz Interactive Technologies Inc. | Touch-less switching |
US11362657B2 (en) | 2014-06-02 | 2022-06-14 | Xyz Interactive Technologies Inc. | Touch-less switching |
US10452157B2 (en) | 2014-10-07 | 2019-10-22 | Xyz Interactive Technologies Inc. | Device and method for orientation and positioning |
US10996768B2 (en) | 2014-10-07 | 2021-05-04 | Xyz Interactive Technologies Inc. | Device and method for orientation and positioning |
US9791138B1 (en) | 2014-12-16 | 2017-10-17 | Designs For Vision, Inc. | Cordless LED headlight and control thereof |
US10300242B2 (en) * | 2016-11-02 | 2019-05-28 | Hush Buddy, LLC | Sleep training child night light |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPS5071177A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) | 1975-06-12 |
CA1001745A (en) | 1976-12-14 |
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