WO2024035565A1 - Temperature sensing light control - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting device includes a temperature sensor to monitor heat radiating from a nearby external surface that may be overheated from light emanating from the lighting device whereby the temperature sensor may induce a power reduction to the light to dim or turn off the light to prevent heat damage to the external surface.

Description

Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT TITLE TEMPERATURE SENSING LIGHT CONTROL CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This utility patent application claims benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63/474,338 filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) on August 8, 2022, and United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63/427,313 filed in the USPTO on November 22, 2022, both of which are incorporated in their entireties by reference thereto. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE [0002] Portable

area, to make crafts, et cetera. Usually, the lights will employ a visible light source, such as an incandescent light bulb to produce visible light or another light form on the electromagnetic spectrum, such as ultraviolet light. The lights also typically have an electronic circuit that controls the light source, and a lens through which light passes to illuminate a desired area. [0003] Substantial heat may be generated as light passes through the lens of a light. The temperature of an illuminated external object may reach as high as four hundred degrees Fahrenheit (400º F) (~two hundred and four point four degrees Celsius or centigrade (~204.4º C)). Therefore, if the light is placed in close proximity to the object, exposure to the heat can cause damage to or within the object and have other undesirable effects. For instance, if the light is turned on and its lens is placed on or next to a plastic surface, such as a car seat, the plastic may warp or melt. Although shields or guards might be used to maintain some separation from the light and an external object, shields can undesirably increase size and weight of the light and block some of its intended illumination. Proximity detectors to detect an object near the light Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT might also be used, but by definition, proximity detectors detect only distance and not temperature. Furthermore, proximity detectors may be dependent on reflective properties of the external object. Although orientation sensors might also be used, these may not be able to distinguish between a light that is placed downward on a surface versus merely being in a downward orientation. [0004] What is needed in the industry is a lighting device equipped with a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of external surfaces that are in close proximity to the lighting device, whereby the temperature sensor will interrupt power to the lighting device under high- temperature conditions to prevent damage to external surfaces from the emitted energy. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE [0005] The present disclosure is directed in general to lighting devices equipped with temperature sensors to measure temperatures of external objects or surfaces that may come into close proximity to the lighting devices, whereby the temperature sensors will interrupt power to the lighting devices when sensing an increased temperature condition of an external surface to prevent heat damage to the surface from light emanating from the lighting devices. [0006] In an exemplary embodiment, a lighting device subassembly may include several LED light sources and an infrared (IR) temperature sensor in electrical communication with a circuit control board located behind a lens of the lighting device. As the light sources shines light into a work or other area with the emanating light generating heat, if the lighting device comes into contact or close proximity to an external object, the IR sensor will detect heat reflecting or radiating from the external object and provide a signal to the control board to dim the light to reduce heat or shut off the light, depending on circumstances. [0007] In another embodiment, a temperature sensing lighting device may include a housing Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT having a lens with an infrared window that may be spaced apart from the lens; a light disposed in the housing proximate the lens, the light configured to emit light rays; a heat sensor disposed proximate the light; a control board being in electrical communication with the light and the heat sensor; and a power supply in communication with the control board and configured to power the light to emit the light rays, wherein the light rays generate heat that, if reflected or radiated from an external object proximate the lens and exceeding a temperature parameter, will be sensed by the heat sensor and communicated to the control board, the control board being configured to dim the light or interrupt power from the power supply. The lens in this embodiment may be a clear synthetic material that allows unrestricted passage of the light rays, and the heat sensor may be an infrared sensor. Multiple lights and sensors may be employed. Also in this exemplary embodiment, the control board may be electrical circuit board, which includes a cut-off or dimmer switch or is programmed with the temperature parameter, which, if exceeded, cause the circuit board to dim the light or interrupt the power from the power supply. [0008] Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed features, processes, and elements hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of the various embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification. Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which refers to the appended figures, wherein: [00010] FIGURE 1 is a front plan view of a lighting device with temperature control system according to an aspect of the disclosure; [00011] FIGURE 2 is an enlarged partial view of an exemplary heat sensor system as may be used in the embodiment of FIGURE 1, particularly showing a sensor in a detailed perspective frame; [00012] FIGURE 3A shows a partial, schematic, side view of the embodiment as in FIGURE 1 directing light toward a work piece in an exemplary operation; [00013] FIGURE 3B shows a partial, schematic, side view as in FIGURE 3A radiating heat from the work piece in a direction of the heat sensor as in FIGURE 2; [00014] FIGURE 4 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical interoperation of an embodiment such as in FIGURE 1; and [00015] FIGURE 5 is a flow chart showing an exemplary operation of a heat sensor system according to an aspect of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE [00016] As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as their equivalents. Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT [00017] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term or acronym herein, those in this section prevail unless stated otherwise. [00018] As used herein, the term “heat” is total temperature emitting from a target object and may include ambient heat, target object heat, reflected heat, radiated heat, and combinations thereof – radiated heat being heat produced by directed light lays causing a target object to absorb heat (resulting in a raised object temperature), which then causes the object to radiate IR energy measurable by an IR/temperature sensor as described herein. [00019] Wherever the phrase “for example,” “such as,” “including,” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, “an example,” “exemplary” and the like are understood to be non-limiting. [00020] The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited. [00021] The term “about” when used in connection with a numerical value refers to the actual given value, and to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred by one of ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and or measurement conditions for such given value. [00022] The terms “comprising” and “including” and “having” and “involving” (and similarly “comprises,” “includes,” “has,” and “involves”) and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, et cetera. Thus, for example, “a device having components a, b, and c” means that the device includes at least components a, b, and c. Similarly, the phrase “a method involving steps a, b, and c” means that the method includes at least steps a, b, and c. [00023] Where a list of alternative component terms is used, e.g., “a structure such as ‘a,’ ‘b,’ ‘c,’ ‘d’ or the like,” or ‘a’ or ‘b’,” such lists and alternative terms provide meaning and context unless indicated otherwise. [00024] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” [00025] The various embodiments of the disclosure and/or equivalents falling within the scope of present disclosure overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide a useful alternative. [00026] Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which examples embodying the present subject matter are shown. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features of the drawings. The drawings and detailed description provide a full and written description of the present subject matter, and of the manner and process of making and using various exemplary embodiments, so as to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to make and use them, as well as the best mode of carrying out the exemplary embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Thus, the examples set forth in the drawings and detailed descriptions are provided by way of explanation only and are not meant as limitations of the disclosure. The Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT present subject matter thus includes any modifications and variations of the following examples as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. [00027] Turning now to FIGURE 1, an embodiment of a lighting device according to the disclosure is broadly designated by element number 10. The lighting device 10 generally includes a housing 12 carrying one or more lights 14, which may be incandescent bulbs or light emitting diodes (LED), and a heat sensor system 16, which may be equipped to sense infrared (IR) heat. Also in this example, the lights 14 and the heat sensor system 16 may be located behind a clear lens 18, which may be hardened, scratch-resistant plastic. Although not shown, the lighting device 10 may be powered by batteries, wired electrical sources, and/or alternative power sources. [00028] FIGURE 2 is a detailed view of the lights 14 and the sensor system 16 briefly introduced above. As shown in this enlarged view, the sensor system 16 may include a housing 20 equipped with electrical contacts 22 located at a distal end of the housing 20 with an IR light window 24 and an IR sensor 26 disposed at a proximal end of the housing 20. By way of a non- limiting example, the IR temperature sensor 26 may be an Amphenol^® ZTP-159S sensor as used in non-contact IR thermometers to measure human body temperature. As explained in greater detail below, when powered on the lights 14 may generate heat, which, when reflected or radiated from a nearby external object, may signal an overheating condition to the sensor 26 that will operate to dim or shut off the lights 14 to prevent damage to the external object. [00029] With reference to FIGURE 3A, portions of the lighting device 10 introduced in FIGURE 1 are shown schematically in operation. Here, the lights 14 and the IR temperature sensor 26 of the sensor system 16 are connected to a circuit control board 28, e.g., by the electrical contacts 22 introduced above. In this example, the IR light window 24 is shown Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT schematically formed in or through the lens 18 with the lights 14 generating light rays 30 that pass through the clear lens 18 and shine onto an external object or surface 32, although the window 24 can be spaced at a distance from the lens 18. In FIGURE 3B, heat energy 34 in the form of IR light is reflected or radiated from the external surface 32, which activates and/or is sensed by the sensor 26. If the sensor 26 registers and communicates an overheating condition to the circuit control board 28, which may be a preprogrammed temperature threshold, the circuit control board 28 will dim or shut off the lights 14 to prevent damage to the surface 32 as further described below. [00030] With continued reference to FIGURES 1 – 3B, various types of lighting devices may be used for the device 10, such as handheld flashlights, table lanterns, and/or portable, rechargeable, or non-rechargeable devices, or the device 10 may be powered via an electrical cord (not shown). As introduced above, a variety of temperature sensing devices may be used for the sensor 26, such as a semiconductor IR sensor, and one or more IR sensors 26 can be embedded in, near, or around the light sources 14. A maximum temperature that an external device 32 can be exposed to can be controlled by the sensitivity of the IR sensing system 16 and can be programmed in the circuit board 28 appropriate for an intended application. Further, the system 10 can be equipped with a temperature display as well as an alarm, such as a sound, a flashing light, and the like. [00031] As briefly introduced above, the material of the lens 18 can be any suitable plastic, glass, or other materials that admit visible and IR light. While lens materials may have differing degrees of transparency relative to visible and IR light, a specific degree of transparency is not required. However, if the lens material does not admit both visible and IR light, the separate IR window 24 can be used to admit the IR light that is to be detected by the IR sensor 26. Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT [00032] FIGURE 4 shows a circuit diagram or schematic of a control board, which is broadly designated by the element number 128. The circuit diagram 128 (also referred to herein as an IR sensor circuit) depicts a principle of operation of an IR temperature sensor system 116 for portable lights, such as the lighting device 10 described above. Here, the IR sensor circuit 128 provides an analog voltage input 136 to a Micro Controller Unit (MCU) 138 within the lighting device 10. This voltage 136 corresponds to temperature – if the temperature exceeds a pre- determined limit or temperature parameter (e.g., one hundred and fifty degrees Fahrenheit (150º F) (~sixty-five point six degrees Celsius (~65.6º C)), the MCU 138 will dim the lights/LEDs 14 (see FIGURE 1) to reduce their heat output. The temperature parameters, such as the predetermined temperature limit of 150º F (~65.6º C), can be modified in the MCU software to accommodate manufacturing requirements or user desires. [00033] The IR sensor 116 provides a low voltage DC output that is proportional to the temperature. Here, the output is approximately zero (0) to 0.1 mV at ambient temperatures, and approximately 11 mV at 176 ̊ F (80 ̊ C). The output voltage must be amplified to a range that is sufficiently high to be fed into an analog input in the MCU 138 but also filtered to minimize the effects of electrical noise. In the example shown in FIGURE 4, the amplification of the IR sensor 116 is determined by the values of fixed resistors 140, 142. Additionally, a Microchip^® MCP606 operational amplifier chip 144 was selected for various properties, e.g., the amplifier chip 144 is “single-ended” (requiring only a single power supply voltage, not positive and negative); it permits “rail-to-rail operation” (input voltage as low as zero volts (0V) above ground); and it has a low input bias current and a low input offset voltage, so the Microchip MCP606 chip 144 can be paired with an extremely low input device, e.g., in the 0.1 millivolt range, referenced to ground 146. Here also, the amplifier 144 operates with a power supply or Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT battery voltage 148 of between 2.5 to 6 volts (in this example, 3.3V). [00034] With the input voltage being relatively low in the example described above, an input capacitor 150 as shown in FIGURE 4 may be utilized to suppress alternating current (AC) noise from the sensor 116, and another capacitor 152 may be utilized in a feedback circuit to prevent the amplifier 144 from amplifying residual noise. More particularly, the amplifier 144 is powered from the regulated +3.3V output 148 that is provided by the MCU 138. If the battery voltage 148 is less than 3.3V, the regulated output will also fall below 3.3V. [00035] With continued reference to FIGURE 4, temperature is calculated in the MCU software from the voltage at the sensor input. This represents the temperature of an external surface that is close to the lens, e.g., lens 18 as shown in FIGURE 3A. The external surface could be a car seat, carpet, or other sensitive surface that can be damaged by heat. [00036] Again, if an object temperature exceeds a specified limit such as 150º F (~65.6º C) as noted above (although it may be as low as 100º F (~37.8º C) or as high as 250º F (~121.1º C) or other desired temperature limit), the MCU 138 will reduce the duty cycle of the LEDs 14 to dim their emitted light to reduce their heat output and limit further temperature increases. After the temperature drops below the desired limit, the duty cycle will return to the original value. In the example shown in FIGURE 4, two duty cycles – high and reduced brightness – were programmed, but additional duty cycles may be utilized, if desired, for greater control over a range of temperatures. [00037] With reference to both FIGURES 3B and 4, with the exemplary upper limit temperature of 150º F (~65.6º C) programmed in the software, to avoid a situation in which the lights 14 might flicker between high and lower brightness as a result of slight changes in temperature, another temperature gate several degrees below the 150º F (~65.6º C) limit can be Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT utilized as a threshold to restore the full duty cycle (full brightness of the light). However, if the lights 14 are again placed against an external surface after full brightness is restored, the sensor system 116 will sense the increase in temperature (radiated heat) and again dim the lights 14. To notify a user that the lights 14 are being dimmed, the lights 14 can be programmed to turn off momentarily (e.g., a fraction of a second) and to power on again twice before dimming. When the temperature drops below the preset limit, the lights 14 will flash off and on at full brightness to notify the user that the lights 14 are returning to full brightness. The various flashes and dimming combinations can be programmed in the software according to user needs. [00038] FIGURE 5 shows an example of the preceding operations in which a lighting device 10 according to the disclosure is powered on, as indicated at START step 254. A sensor, such as sensor 26 introduced above, at step 256 will SENSE TEMPERATURE and ascertain whether the temperature exceeds the preset limit at TEMPERATURE > LIMIT step 258. If the temperature limit is exceeded at YES step 260, the system will REDUCE LED BRIGHTNESS at step 262. If the temperature limit is not exceeded at NO step 264, the system will continue to USE NORMAL LED BRIGHTNESS at step 266. The system will LOOP at step 268 as it continues to monitor and SENSE TEMPERATURE 256. [00039] By way of example and not of limitation, various embodiments according to the disclosure may include: [00040] EMBODIMENT 1: A temperature sensing lighting device, comprising a housing having a lens; a light disposed in the housing proximate the lens, the light configured to emit light rays through the lens; a heat sensor disposed proximate the light; a control board being in electrical communication with the light and the heat sensor; and a power supply in communication with the control board and configured to power the light to emit the light rays, Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT wherein the light rays generate heat that, if absorbed and radiated from an external object proximate the lens and exceeding a temperature parameter, will be sensed by the heat sensor and communicated to the control board, the control board being configured to dim the light or interrupt power from the power supply. [00041] EMBODIMENT 2: The temperature sensing lighting device as in Embodiment 1, wherein the lens is made of a clear synthetic material that allows unrestricted passage of the light rays. [00042] EMBODIMENT 3: The temperature sensing lighting device as in Embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the heat sensor is an infrared sensor. [00043] EMBODIMENT 4: The temperature sensing lighting device as in any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the control board is a circuit board programmed with the temperature parameter, which, if exceeded, cause the circuit board to dim the light or interrupt the power from the power supply. [00044] EMBODIMENT 5: A temperature sensing lighting device, comprising a lens; a light disposed proximate the lens, the light configured to emit light rays through the lens; a heat sensor disposed proximate the light; a control board being in electrical communication with the light and the heat sensor, the control board being programmed with a temperature parameter; and a power supply in communication with the control board, the power supply configured to power the light to emit the light rays, wherein the light rays generate heat directed towards an external object disposed proximate the lens, the external object then producing radiated heat that is sensed by the heat sensor and communicated to the control board, the control board being configured to dim the light or interrupt power from the power supply when the radiated heat exceeds the temperature parameter. Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT [00045] EMBODIMENT 6: The temperature sensing lighting device as in Embodiment 5, wherein the heat sensor is an infrared sensor. [00046] EMBODIMENT 7: The temperature sensing lighting device as in Embodiments 5 or 6, wherein the temperature parameter is between 100º F (~37.8º C) to 250º F (~121.1º C), preferably greater than 150º F (~65.6º C). [00047] EMBODIMENT 8: The temperature sensing lighting device as in Embodiments 5, 6, or 7, further comprising a housing configured to house the lens, the light, the heat sensor, the control board, and the power supply. [00048] EMBODIMENT 9: A temperature sensing lighting device, comprising a lens having an infrared window; a light disposed proximate the lens, the light configured to emit light rays through the lens; an infrared sensor disposed proximate the light and the infrared window; a control board being in electrical communication with the light and the infrared sensor, the control board being programmed with a temperature parameter; and a power supply in communication with the control board, the power supply configured to power the light to emit the light rays, wherein the light rays generate heat directed towards an external object disposed proximate the lens, the external object then producing radiated heat that is sensed by the infrared sensor through the infrared window and communicated to the control board, the control board being configured to dim the light or interrupt power from the power supply when the radiated heat exceeds the temperature parameter. [00049] EMBODIMENT 10: The temperature sensing lighting device as in Embodiment 9, wherein the temperature parameter is between 100º F (~37.8º C) to 250º F (~121.1º C), preferably greater than 150º F (~65.6º C). [00050] EMBODIMENT 11: The temperature sensing lighting device as in Embodiments 9 Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT or 10, further comprising a housing configured to house the lens, the light, the infrared sensor, the control board, and the power supply. [00051] EMBODIMENT 12: The temperature sensing lighting device as in any of the Embodiments 9 through 11, wherein the infrared window is spaced apart from the lens. [00052] While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT Claims: 1 A temperature sensing lighting device, comprising: a housing having a lens disposed therein; a light disposed in the housing proximate the lens, the light configured to emit light rays through the lens; a heat sensor disposed proximate the light; a control board being in electrical communication with the light and the heat sensor; and a power supply in communication with the control board, the power supply configured to power the light to emit the light rays, wherein the light rays generate heat that, if absorbed and radiated from an external object disposed proximate the lens and exceeding a temperature parameter, will be sensed by the heat sensor and communicated to the control board, the control board being configured to dim the light or interrupt power from the power supply. 2. The temperature sensing lighting device as in Claim 1, wherein the lens is formed of a synthetic material configured to permit passage of the light rays. 3. The temperature sensing lighting device as in Claim 1, wherein the heat sensor is an infrared sensor. 4. The temperature sensing lighting device as in Claim 1, wherein control board is a circuit board programmed with the temperature parameter, which, if exceeded, causes the circuit board to dim the light or interrupt the power from the power supply. 5. A temperature sensing lighting device, comprising: a lens; a light disposed proximate the lens, the light configured to emit light rays through the lens; Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT a heat sensor disposed proximate the light; a control board being in electrical communication with the light and the heat sensor, the control board being programmed with a temperature parameter; and a power supply in communication with the control board, the power supply configured to power the light to emit the light rays, wherein the light rays generate heat directed towards an external object disposed proximate the lens, the external object then producing radiated heat that is sensed by the heat sensor and communicated to the control board, the control board being configured to dim the light or interrupt power from the power supply when the radiated heat exceeds the temperature parameter. 6. The temperature sensing lighting device as in Claim 5, wherein the heat sensor is an infrared sensor. 7. The temperature sensing lighting device as in Claim 5, wherein the temperature parameter is greater than 150º F (~65.6º C). 8. The temperature sensing lighting device as in Claim 5, further comprising a housing configured to house the lens, the light, the heat sensor, the control board, and the power supply. 9. A temperature sensing lighting device, comprising: a lens having an infrared window; a light disposed proximate the lens, the light configured to emit light rays through the lens; an infrared sensor disposed proximate the light and the infrared window; a control board being in electrical communication with the light and the infrared sensor, the control board being programmed with a temperature parameter; and Patent Application Attorney Ref. No.1509.0016-PCT a power supply in communication with the control board, the power supply configured to power the light to emit the light rays, wherein the light rays generate heat directed towards an external object disposed proximate the lens, the external object then producing radiated heat that is sensed by the infrared sensor through the infrared window and communicated to the control board, the control board being configured to dim the light or interrupt power from the power supply when the radiated heat exceeds the temperature parameter. 10. The temperature sensing lighting device as in Claim 9, wherein the temperature parameter is between 100º F (~37.8º C) to 250º F (~121.1º C). 11. The temperature sensing lighting device as in Claim 9, further comprising a housing configured to house the lens, the light, the infrared sensor, the control board, and the power supply. 12. The temperature sensing lighting device as in Claim 9, wherein the infrared window is spaced apart from the lens.