CA2289058A1 - Switch cover plate providing automatic emergency lighting - Google Patents
Switch cover plate providing automatic emergency lighting Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2289058A1 CA2289058A1 CA 2289058 CA2289058A CA2289058A1 CA 2289058 A1 CA2289058 A1 CA 2289058A1 CA 2289058 CA2289058 CA 2289058 CA 2289058 A CA2289058 A CA 2289058A CA 2289058 A1 CA2289058 A1 CA 2289058A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- switch
- electrical circuit
- illumination
- switch plate
- wall
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
- H01H9/18—Distinguishing marks on switches, e.g. for indicating switch location in the dark; Adaptation of switches to receive distinguishing marks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
Abstract
A wall switch cover plate (40) conceals an electrical circuit (50) capable of sensing the field provided by the covered switch circuit. When power is lost at the switch circuit the electrical circuit (50) senses the loss of power and activates one or more LEDs (56) to provide emergency illumination. The electrical circuit (56) is self contained and does not require stand-by energy so that the batteries are long lasting.
Description
1 TITLE: SWITCH COVER PLATE PROVIDING AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY LIGHTING
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
s This invention relates generally to emergency lighting devices such as 9 standby automatic lamps, and more particularly to such an emergency lighting device assembled into a common switch cover plate and providing 11 an illumination source and a sensor for determining when AC power has 12 been lost to the electrical switch covered by the plate.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART:
1~ The following art defines the present state of this field:
19 Nicholl et al., U. S. 4,177,500 describes a power failure light for monitoring a 2o power line and for illumination upon the interruption of power. This 2i invention includes a light bulb, a rechargeable battery, a power supply 22 providing charging current for the battery, a pair of diodes connecting the 23 battery across the power supply, a pair of cascaded transistors connecting the 24 bulb across the battery with base-emitter junctions 26 Chiu, U. S. 4,461,974 describes a multiple lamp system for use with fiber optic 2~ light guide for automatically switching from a main lamp to a standby lamp, 28 upon failure of the former. A solenoid is employed with the inductor in the 29 circuit of the main lamp to overcome the bias of the switch in the standby lamp circuit to keep the former open. When the main lamp fails causing the 31 interruption of current flow, the switch closes thereby permitting 32 energization of the standby lamp. An indicator is provided to show which 33 lamp is functioning.
2 Jester, U. S. 4,514,789 describes a light switch plate having a rearwardly 3 opening housing for removably holding an AA battery. This invention is detachably mountable over a conventional wall mounted 110 volt AC light switch. An LED mounted on the front of the housing is connected to the battery through an integrated circuit oscillator, which flashes the LED.
s McCue et al., U. S. 4,631,649 describes an emergency Iight fixture that is permanently mountable in a conventional power outlet box having, in fixed to relation, a threaded bore for accommodating a screw for a face plate and slots i1 for accommodating an electric plug. The emergency light fixture includes a 12 housing, an electric plug extending from the rear wall of the housing, a 13 battery, a battery charger, and a lamp mounted in the housing and wired to 14 provide illumination during a power outage.
16 Bavaro et al., U. S. 4,977,351 describes an emergency lighting system which 1~ permits at least one gas discharge lamp to be operated from an AC power is source when AC current is present and form a battery when AC signal is not 19 present. The circuit also provides the capability for turning the lamp on 2o under other selected emergency conditions such as in response to an intruder 21 detection, or in response to detection of smoke, heat, water, or some other 22 emergency.
24 Waiters et al., U. S. 5,132,596 describes an outdoor lighting control that includes a photosensor responsive to ambient outdoor light and an 26 alternating current relay with a pair of contacts movable between make and 2~ break positions. The relay includes a contact actuating arrangement that 2s responds to the photosensor and alternating current bias the contact into a 29 make position and move the contacts electromagnetically into a break 1 position. The contact actuating arrangement is sufficiently stiff and 2 responsive to the alternating current to limit chatter in the contact during 3 passage from make to break to fifteen milliseconds when the photosensor senses a transition between dark and daylight. Preferably, the chatter is limited between 1 and 10 mill-seconds.
7 Li, U. S. 5,336,977 describes an emergency lighting device that includes a hollow casing, a magnetic field detecting unit, a lamp unit and a driving unit.
9 The casing is positioned adjacent to an electric outlet. The magnetic field 1o detecting unit is disposed inside the casing and detects the absence of a 11 magnetic field from the electric outlet. The lamp unit is mounted operatively 12 on the casing. The driving unit is disposed inside the casing and is connected 13 electrically to the lamp unit and to the detecting unit. The driving unit 14 includes a light-sensitive switch unit and is responsive to the detecting unit so as to activated the lamp unit only when the magnetic field from the electric 16 outlet is absent and there is weak surrounding light.
18 Blackman, U. S. 5,473,517 describes a housing for an emergency light source, 19 which is electrically connectable to a conventional Iight switch. The housing 2o replaces a conventional switch plate and has at Ieast one opening for 2i receiving the switch plate and has at least one opening for receiving the 22 switch actuator of the light switch. The replacement housing includes wires 23 for electrical connection to the light switch and is divided into upper and 24 lower housing section, wherein the upper section includes a battery compartment, a printed circuit board compartment, and an opening to 26 receive the switch actuator. The lower housing section includes a 27 compartment for receiving a compact fluorescent lamp, reflectors, and a 28 diffuser cover.
1 The prior art teaches a variety of safety and emergency lighting devices.
2 Blackman teaches a replacement switchplate with wired connection to a light 3 switch. This switch plate contains a lighting means. Walters teaches a °
4 lighting control having photosensor responsive means. Jester teaches a lighted switch plate. Li teaches a magnetic field sensor responsive to an absence of power at a nearby AC outlet, such a sensor being unable to operate in conjunction with a switch since without current flow a magnetic field is not 8 produced. However, the prior art does not teach a switch plate of compact size and proportions having field sensing capability so as to avoid the to necessity of hard wiring and which provides an exit marker and illumination.
11 The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related 12 advantages as described in the following summary.
16 The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which 1~ give rise to the objectives described below.
19 The present invention provides a wall switch cover plate which includes an 2o electrical circuit capable of sensing the electrostatic field associated with the 21 adjacent wall switch circuit. The electrical circuit uses an antenna for sensing 22 the loss of field energy and then makes a lighting circuit in order to provide 23 emergency exit lighting.
A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a proximity circuit 26 capable of providing emergency lighting when a power failure occurs, such 2~ circuit having advantages not taught by the prior art.
1 Another objective is provide such a circuit within a switch plate that is 2 mounted over a switch box by the typical screw-on method used for common 3 switch plates.
s This invention relates generally to emergency lighting devices such as 9 standby automatic lamps, and more particularly to such an emergency lighting device assembled into a common switch cover plate and providing 11 an illumination source and a sensor for determining when AC power has 12 been lost to the electrical switch covered by the plate.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART:
1~ The following art defines the present state of this field:
19 Nicholl et al., U. S. 4,177,500 describes a power failure light for monitoring a 2o power line and for illumination upon the interruption of power. This 2i invention includes a light bulb, a rechargeable battery, a power supply 22 providing charging current for the battery, a pair of diodes connecting the 23 battery across the power supply, a pair of cascaded transistors connecting the 24 bulb across the battery with base-emitter junctions 26 Chiu, U. S. 4,461,974 describes a multiple lamp system for use with fiber optic 2~ light guide for automatically switching from a main lamp to a standby lamp, 28 upon failure of the former. A solenoid is employed with the inductor in the 29 circuit of the main lamp to overcome the bias of the switch in the standby lamp circuit to keep the former open. When the main lamp fails causing the 31 interruption of current flow, the switch closes thereby permitting 32 energization of the standby lamp. An indicator is provided to show which 33 lamp is functioning.
2 Jester, U. S. 4,514,789 describes a light switch plate having a rearwardly 3 opening housing for removably holding an AA battery. This invention is detachably mountable over a conventional wall mounted 110 volt AC light switch. An LED mounted on the front of the housing is connected to the battery through an integrated circuit oscillator, which flashes the LED.
s McCue et al., U. S. 4,631,649 describes an emergency Iight fixture that is permanently mountable in a conventional power outlet box having, in fixed to relation, a threaded bore for accommodating a screw for a face plate and slots i1 for accommodating an electric plug. The emergency light fixture includes a 12 housing, an electric plug extending from the rear wall of the housing, a 13 battery, a battery charger, and a lamp mounted in the housing and wired to 14 provide illumination during a power outage.
16 Bavaro et al., U. S. 4,977,351 describes an emergency lighting system which 1~ permits at least one gas discharge lamp to be operated from an AC power is source when AC current is present and form a battery when AC signal is not 19 present. The circuit also provides the capability for turning the lamp on 2o under other selected emergency conditions such as in response to an intruder 21 detection, or in response to detection of smoke, heat, water, or some other 22 emergency.
24 Waiters et al., U. S. 5,132,596 describes an outdoor lighting control that includes a photosensor responsive to ambient outdoor light and an 26 alternating current relay with a pair of contacts movable between make and 2~ break positions. The relay includes a contact actuating arrangement that 2s responds to the photosensor and alternating current bias the contact into a 29 make position and move the contacts electromagnetically into a break 1 position. The contact actuating arrangement is sufficiently stiff and 2 responsive to the alternating current to limit chatter in the contact during 3 passage from make to break to fifteen milliseconds when the photosensor senses a transition between dark and daylight. Preferably, the chatter is limited between 1 and 10 mill-seconds.
7 Li, U. S. 5,336,977 describes an emergency lighting device that includes a hollow casing, a magnetic field detecting unit, a lamp unit and a driving unit.
9 The casing is positioned adjacent to an electric outlet. The magnetic field 1o detecting unit is disposed inside the casing and detects the absence of a 11 magnetic field from the electric outlet. The lamp unit is mounted operatively 12 on the casing. The driving unit is disposed inside the casing and is connected 13 electrically to the lamp unit and to the detecting unit. The driving unit 14 includes a light-sensitive switch unit and is responsive to the detecting unit so as to activated the lamp unit only when the magnetic field from the electric 16 outlet is absent and there is weak surrounding light.
18 Blackman, U. S. 5,473,517 describes a housing for an emergency light source, 19 which is electrically connectable to a conventional Iight switch. The housing 2o replaces a conventional switch plate and has at Ieast one opening for 2i receiving the switch plate and has at least one opening for receiving the 22 switch actuator of the light switch. The replacement housing includes wires 23 for electrical connection to the light switch and is divided into upper and 24 lower housing section, wherein the upper section includes a battery compartment, a printed circuit board compartment, and an opening to 26 receive the switch actuator. The lower housing section includes a 27 compartment for receiving a compact fluorescent lamp, reflectors, and a 28 diffuser cover.
1 The prior art teaches a variety of safety and emergency lighting devices.
2 Blackman teaches a replacement switchplate with wired connection to a light 3 switch. This switch plate contains a lighting means. Walters teaches a °
4 lighting control having photosensor responsive means. Jester teaches a lighted switch plate. Li teaches a magnetic field sensor responsive to an absence of power at a nearby AC outlet, such a sensor being unable to operate in conjunction with a switch since without current flow a magnetic field is not 8 produced. However, the prior art does not teach a switch plate of compact size and proportions having field sensing capability so as to avoid the to necessity of hard wiring and which provides an exit marker and illumination.
11 The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related 12 advantages as described in the following summary.
16 The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which 1~ give rise to the objectives described below.
19 The present invention provides a wall switch cover plate which includes an 2o electrical circuit capable of sensing the electrostatic field associated with the 21 adjacent wall switch circuit. The electrical circuit uses an antenna for sensing 22 the loss of field energy and then makes a lighting circuit in order to provide 23 emergency exit lighting.
A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a proximity circuit 26 capable of providing emergency lighting when a power failure occurs, such 2~ circuit having advantages not taught by the prior art.
1 Another objective is provide such a circuit within a switch plate that is 2 mounted over a switch box by the typical screw-on method used for common 3 switch plates.
5 A further objective is to provide such a circuit which has the advantage of 6 being operated over long periods of time by a small battery source and 7 therefore does not require the use of household current.
9 A still further objective is to provide such a switch plate embodied in a relatively flat and compact size so as to give the appearance of an ordinary 11 switch plate, yet which provides the advantages of emergency lighting and 12 automatic functioning upon power failure.
14 Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the 16 accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles 17 of the invention.
2o BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
22 The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such 23 drawings:
FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of the present invention;
27 FIGURE 2 is a sectional side elevational view thereof taken along cutting Line 2s 2-2 in Fig.1 and showing a switch box and wall switch;
WO 98/49492 6 PCTlUS98/08223 1 FIGURE 3 is an overall block diagram of an electrical circuit of the invention;
2 and 4 FIGURE 4 is a detailed electrical schematic diagram of the electrical circuit of the invention.
s DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
to The above described drawing figures illustrate the invention, an emergency 11 lighting device for covering a wall switch electrical box 10, which is mounted 12 in a wall 20. The electrical box 10 contains an electrical wall switch 30 having 13 a switch arm 32 extending outwardly from the wall 20 so as to be easily 14 moved for turning room lights, for instance, on or off.
16 The invention includes a switch plate 40, best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, for i7 covering the wall switch electrical box 10, the switch plate providing an 18 electrical circuit mounting means 42, a switch plate mounting means 44 19 typically a pair of spaced apart holes, and a switch arm engaging means 46, 2o typically a rectangular hole. Preferably, the switch plate 40 is rectangular in 21 shape and provides a central portion 40A including the switch plate 22 mounting means 44 and the switch arm engaging means 46. The central 23 portion 40A is contoured to lie in contact with the wall switch 30. The switch 24 plate 40 further includes a peripheral portion 40B providing an enclosure means 40C for enclosing an electrical circuit 50. The enclosure means 40C
26 provides a space for containing the components of the electrical circuit 50.
27 This space is enclosed between the wall 20 and the switch plate 40 so that the 2s electrical circuit components and supporting elements are not visible from the 29 front of the switch plate 40. The central portion 40A in its phyical 3o cooperation with the wall switch 30, and the peripheral portion 40B in 1 cooperation with the central portion and the surrounding wall is considered a 2 key inventive aspect of the present invention in that the device, as a whole 3 takes on the appearance of a simple, common wall switch cover, and provides, a close-to-the wall portion (40A) for engaging the switch arm 32 (also commonly refered to as a "bat" or "toggle"), and a peripheral enclosure 6 portion (40B) which takes on an aesthetic appearance while providing a means for circuit housing within the electrostatic filed of the switch.
9 The electrical circuit 50, best illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, comprises an to electrostatic field sensing means 52. In this case an antenna is used to sense a 11 changing electrostatic field generated in the space surrounding a wall switch.
12 This is based upon the fact that an open switch that is interconnected with a i3 source of AC voltage maintaines a voltage across its contacts. Such a voltage 14 has associated with it an electrostatic field, which is, in fact, the source of the voltage differential. Because the voltage is varying, the field is built-up and 16 then collapses regularly with the varying voltage differential. An antenna is able to detect such a varying electrostatic field because each time the field Is collapses a spike of energy is transmitted into space by the switch contacts.
19 This is normally heard on a radio receiver as noise or static. The use of an 2o antenna for the present purpose is considered a key inventive aspect of the 21 present invention. The circuit further includes an emergency switching 22 means 54, an illumination means 56 and a power source means 58. The 23 electrical circuit 50 is engaged by the electrical circuit mounting means 42 so 24 that the electrical circuit 50 is covered from view when the switch plate 40 is mounted to the wall 20 by the switch plate mounting means 44, typically 26 taking two screws 44A. An antenna A1 picks up an AC signal generated by 2~ the electrostatic field associated with the AC voltage at the electrical wall 2s switch 30, which is in proximity to the antenna A1. As seen in Fig. 4, this 29 signal is DC coupled to a logic buffer at Ul-1 operating as a semi-linear first 1 amplifier stage. R2 and R3 establish a bias level which is fed to the first 2 amplifier stage through a very large value resistor R1. R1 allows the input 3 impedance of the first amplifier stage to be very high so that the antenna 4 does not have to be tightly coupled to the source of the signal. The bias makes the input stage more sensitive so that a small antenna can be used, in 6 this case a short wire.
s The output of the first stage at U1-2 is AC coupled to the second stage at 9 via C1. The second stage is biased by R4 so that the output at U1-4 is low, 1o near ground, when there is a lack of signal from the input first stage.
i2 The output of the second stage at U1-4 is rectified and filtered by the 13 combination of D1, R5, R6, and C2. R5 limits the charging time of the 14 capacitor C2 when the antenna A1 senses an AC signal. R6 discharges C2 i5 slowly in the absence of the AC signal. The charge and discharge time 16 constants prevent the circuit from false tripping on noise signals and produce i7 a desired sluggish and clean signal response.
19 The output of the rectifier section is fed to the first of the output drivers at 20 U1-13. This driver switches its output, at U1-12, low when AC signals are 21 present at the antenna A1, and high, near the battery voltage, when the AC
22 signal is absent. The output of this first output driver, at U1-12, drives two 23 more drivers, at U1-5 and at U1-9 in parallel.
25 The output of the two parallel drivers, at U1-8 and U1-6, drives the switch 26 transistor, Q2. Two drivers in parallel are used to guarantee that Q1 will be 2~ turned on very hard and therefore Q1 will have the lowest possible loss of 2s available power.
1 The switch Q1 turns on the illumination means 56, preferably an array of up 2 to 8 high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs). The array preferably consists 3 of 4, near identical, pairs of LEDs. Each pair includes a resistor R9-R12 in series with two of the LEDs as shown in Fig. 4. The resistors function to limit current to the LEDs. This current limiting resistor arrangement sets the 6 maximum LED current when the batteries are fresh. Therefore battery life is 7 maximized. One of the 4 pairs of LEDs has a pickoff through a limiting s resistor, R29. This pickoff may be used for indicating a low battery warning 9 indication. Such a warning indication circuit 70 is well known in the art so 1o that it is not further described here. U1 is shown as UlA to U1-F to illustrate 11 the various portions of this integrated circuit U1 and their functions.
13 The switch plate 40 further provides an illumination means viewing means 14 48. The illumination means viewing means 48 may include , at least one aperture 48A in the switch plate 40, the apertures) 48A being positioned and 16 engaged with the illumination means 56 for direct viewing of the illumination 1~ means 56. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 1, aperture 48A is one or more i8 rectangular holes in switch plate 40 through which elements of illumination 19 means 56 may protrude. Alternately, the illumination means viewing means 48 may include at least one light transmissive portion 48B on the switch plate 21 40, where, the at least one light transmissive portion 48B is positioned and 22 engaged with at least one element of the illumination means 56 for indirect 23 viewing of the illumination means 56, i.e., by viewing the light from the 24 illumination means 56 without viewing the illumination means 56 itself.
Such an alternate viewing means 48B may be a clear or a colored portion of switch 26 plate 40 which, as shown in Fig. 1 may lay over an illumination element part 27 of illumination means 56.
WO 98/49492 1o PCT/US98/08223 s The emergency switching means 54 interconnects the power source means 58 2 with the illumination means 56 when the field sensing means 52 fails to sense 3 an electrostatic field so as to provide emergency illumination when power is ' 4 lost at the electrical wall switch 30.
The invention preferably further including a test switch 60 interconnected with the electrical circuit 50 for testing the circuit 50 by closing the electrical s circuit 50 manually.
1o Further, the electrical circuit 50 further preferably includes a low-battery z1 sensor 70 interconnected with the electrical circuit 50 for sensing a low battery 12 condition and for lighting the illumination means 56, i.e., LED 5, for 13 indicating a low battery condition.
While the invention has been described with reference to at least one 16 preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the 17 art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention z8 is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.
14 Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the 16 accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles 17 of the invention.
2o BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
22 The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such 23 drawings:
FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of the present invention;
27 FIGURE 2 is a sectional side elevational view thereof taken along cutting Line 2s 2-2 in Fig.1 and showing a switch box and wall switch;
WO 98/49492 6 PCTlUS98/08223 1 FIGURE 3 is an overall block diagram of an electrical circuit of the invention;
2 and 4 FIGURE 4 is a detailed electrical schematic diagram of the electrical circuit of the invention.
s DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
to The above described drawing figures illustrate the invention, an emergency 11 lighting device for covering a wall switch electrical box 10, which is mounted 12 in a wall 20. The electrical box 10 contains an electrical wall switch 30 having 13 a switch arm 32 extending outwardly from the wall 20 so as to be easily 14 moved for turning room lights, for instance, on or off.
16 The invention includes a switch plate 40, best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, for i7 covering the wall switch electrical box 10, the switch plate providing an 18 electrical circuit mounting means 42, a switch plate mounting means 44 19 typically a pair of spaced apart holes, and a switch arm engaging means 46, 2o typically a rectangular hole. Preferably, the switch plate 40 is rectangular in 21 shape and provides a central portion 40A including the switch plate 22 mounting means 44 and the switch arm engaging means 46. The central 23 portion 40A is contoured to lie in contact with the wall switch 30. The switch 24 plate 40 further includes a peripheral portion 40B providing an enclosure means 40C for enclosing an electrical circuit 50. The enclosure means 40C
26 provides a space for containing the components of the electrical circuit 50.
27 This space is enclosed between the wall 20 and the switch plate 40 so that the 2s electrical circuit components and supporting elements are not visible from the 29 front of the switch plate 40. The central portion 40A in its phyical 3o cooperation with the wall switch 30, and the peripheral portion 40B in 1 cooperation with the central portion and the surrounding wall is considered a 2 key inventive aspect of the present invention in that the device, as a whole 3 takes on the appearance of a simple, common wall switch cover, and provides, a close-to-the wall portion (40A) for engaging the switch arm 32 (also commonly refered to as a "bat" or "toggle"), and a peripheral enclosure 6 portion (40B) which takes on an aesthetic appearance while providing a means for circuit housing within the electrostatic filed of the switch.
9 The electrical circuit 50, best illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, comprises an to electrostatic field sensing means 52. In this case an antenna is used to sense a 11 changing electrostatic field generated in the space surrounding a wall switch.
12 This is based upon the fact that an open switch that is interconnected with a i3 source of AC voltage maintaines a voltage across its contacts. Such a voltage 14 has associated with it an electrostatic field, which is, in fact, the source of the voltage differential. Because the voltage is varying, the field is built-up and 16 then collapses regularly with the varying voltage differential. An antenna is able to detect such a varying electrostatic field because each time the field Is collapses a spike of energy is transmitted into space by the switch contacts.
19 This is normally heard on a radio receiver as noise or static. The use of an 2o antenna for the present purpose is considered a key inventive aspect of the 21 present invention. The circuit further includes an emergency switching 22 means 54, an illumination means 56 and a power source means 58. The 23 electrical circuit 50 is engaged by the electrical circuit mounting means 42 so 24 that the electrical circuit 50 is covered from view when the switch plate 40 is mounted to the wall 20 by the switch plate mounting means 44, typically 26 taking two screws 44A. An antenna A1 picks up an AC signal generated by 2~ the electrostatic field associated with the AC voltage at the electrical wall 2s switch 30, which is in proximity to the antenna A1. As seen in Fig. 4, this 29 signal is DC coupled to a logic buffer at Ul-1 operating as a semi-linear first 1 amplifier stage. R2 and R3 establish a bias level which is fed to the first 2 amplifier stage through a very large value resistor R1. R1 allows the input 3 impedance of the first amplifier stage to be very high so that the antenna 4 does not have to be tightly coupled to the source of the signal. The bias makes the input stage more sensitive so that a small antenna can be used, in 6 this case a short wire.
s The output of the first stage at U1-2 is AC coupled to the second stage at 9 via C1. The second stage is biased by R4 so that the output at U1-4 is low, 1o near ground, when there is a lack of signal from the input first stage.
i2 The output of the second stage at U1-4 is rectified and filtered by the 13 combination of D1, R5, R6, and C2. R5 limits the charging time of the 14 capacitor C2 when the antenna A1 senses an AC signal. R6 discharges C2 i5 slowly in the absence of the AC signal. The charge and discharge time 16 constants prevent the circuit from false tripping on noise signals and produce i7 a desired sluggish and clean signal response.
19 The output of the rectifier section is fed to the first of the output drivers at 20 U1-13. This driver switches its output, at U1-12, low when AC signals are 21 present at the antenna A1, and high, near the battery voltage, when the AC
22 signal is absent. The output of this first output driver, at U1-12, drives two 23 more drivers, at U1-5 and at U1-9 in parallel.
25 The output of the two parallel drivers, at U1-8 and U1-6, drives the switch 26 transistor, Q2. Two drivers in parallel are used to guarantee that Q1 will be 2~ turned on very hard and therefore Q1 will have the lowest possible loss of 2s available power.
1 The switch Q1 turns on the illumination means 56, preferably an array of up 2 to 8 high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs). The array preferably consists 3 of 4, near identical, pairs of LEDs. Each pair includes a resistor R9-R12 in series with two of the LEDs as shown in Fig. 4. The resistors function to limit current to the LEDs. This current limiting resistor arrangement sets the 6 maximum LED current when the batteries are fresh. Therefore battery life is 7 maximized. One of the 4 pairs of LEDs has a pickoff through a limiting s resistor, R29. This pickoff may be used for indicating a low battery warning 9 indication. Such a warning indication circuit 70 is well known in the art so 1o that it is not further described here. U1 is shown as UlA to U1-F to illustrate 11 the various portions of this integrated circuit U1 and their functions.
13 The switch plate 40 further provides an illumination means viewing means 14 48. The illumination means viewing means 48 may include , at least one aperture 48A in the switch plate 40, the apertures) 48A being positioned and 16 engaged with the illumination means 56 for direct viewing of the illumination 1~ means 56. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 1, aperture 48A is one or more i8 rectangular holes in switch plate 40 through which elements of illumination 19 means 56 may protrude. Alternately, the illumination means viewing means 48 may include at least one light transmissive portion 48B on the switch plate 21 40, where, the at least one light transmissive portion 48B is positioned and 22 engaged with at least one element of the illumination means 56 for indirect 23 viewing of the illumination means 56, i.e., by viewing the light from the 24 illumination means 56 without viewing the illumination means 56 itself.
Such an alternate viewing means 48B may be a clear or a colored portion of switch 26 plate 40 which, as shown in Fig. 1 may lay over an illumination element part 27 of illumination means 56.
WO 98/49492 1o PCT/US98/08223 s The emergency switching means 54 interconnects the power source means 58 2 with the illumination means 56 when the field sensing means 52 fails to sense 3 an electrostatic field so as to provide emergency illumination when power is ' 4 lost at the electrical wall switch 30.
The invention preferably further including a test switch 60 interconnected with the electrical circuit 50 for testing the circuit 50 by closing the electrical s circuit 50 manually.
1o Further, the electrical circuit 50 further preferably includes a low-battery z1 sensor 70 interconnected with the electrical circuit 50 for sensing a low battery 12 condition and for lighting the illumination means 56, i.e., LED 5, for 13 indicating a low battery condition.
While the invention has been described with reference to at least one 16 preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the 17 art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention z8 is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.
Claims (7)
1. An emergency lighting device for covering a wall switch electrical box mounted in a wall, the electrical box containing an electrical wall switch having a switch arm extending outwardly from the wall, the device comprising:
a switch plate for covering the wall switch electrical box, the switch plate including an electrical circuit mounting means, a switch plate mounting means and a switch arm engaging means;
an electrical circuit comprising a varying electrostatic field sensing means, an emergency switching means, an illumination means and a power source means, the electrical circuit being engaged by the electrical circuit mounting means so that the electrical circuit is covered from view when the switch plate is mounted to the wall by the switch plate mounting means;
the switch plate further providing illumination means viewing means;
the emergency switching means interconnecting the power source means with the illumination means when the field sensing means fails to sense a varying electrostatic field so as to provide emergency illumination when power is lost at the electrical wall switch.
a switch plate for covering the wall switch electrical box, the switch plate including an electrical circuit mounting means, a switch plate mounting means and a switch arm engaging means;
an electrical circuit comprising a varying electrostatic field sensing means, an emergency switching means, an illumination means and a power source means, the electrical circuit being engaged by the electrical circuit mounting means so that the electrical circuit is covered from view when the switch plate is mounted to the wall by the switch plate mounting means;
the switch plate further providing illumination means viewing means;
the emergency switching means interconnecting the power source means with the illumination means when the field sensing means fails to sense a varying electrostatic field so as to provide emergency illumination when power is lost at the electrical wall switch.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the illumination means viewing means includes at least one open portion of the switch plate, the at least one open portion being positioned and engaged with the illumination means for direct viewing of the illumination means.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the illumination means viewing means includes at least one light transmissive portion of the switch plate, the at least one light transmissive portion being positioned and engaged with the illumination means for indirect viewing of the illumination means.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the switch plate is rectangular in shape and provides a central portion including the switch plate mounting means and the switch arm engaging means, and a peripheral portion providing an enclosure means for enclosing the electrical circuit.
5. The device of claim 2 further including a test switch interconnected with the electrical circuit for testing the circuit and for opening the electrical circuit manually.
6. The device of claim 1 further including a low-battery sensor interconnected with the electrical circuit for sensing a low battery condition and for lighting the illumination means for indicating a low battery condition.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein the electrostatic field sensing means is an antenna, the emergency switching means is a transistor driven by an amplified signal provided by the antenna, the illumination means is a plurality of LED devices, and the power source means is a battery.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/846,041 US5833350A (en) | 1997-04-25 | 1997-04-25 | Switch cover plate providing automatic emergency lighting |
| US08/846,041 | 1997-04-25 | ||
| PCT/US1998/008223 WO1998049492A1 (en) | 1997-04-25 | 1998-04-23 | Switch cover plate providing automatic emergency lighting |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2289058A1 true CA2289058A1 (en) | 1998-11-05 |
Family
ID=25296781
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2289058 Abandoned CA2289058A1 (en) | 1997-04-25 | 1998-04-23 | Switch cover plate providing automatic emergency lighting |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US5833350A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20010020277A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU7361698A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2289058A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1998049492A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (159)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5813873A (en) * | 1995-09-07 | 1998-09-29 | Mcbain; Theodore | Electrical outlet safety cover |
| US8003886B1 (en) * | 1996-05-02 | 2011-08-23 | Rintz William J | Light switch assembly |
| US6965205B2 (en) * | 1997-08-26 | 2005-11-15 | Color Kinetics Incorporated | Light emitting diode based products |
| US6032983A (en) * | 1998-05-26 | 2000-03-07 | Lanter; Steven S. | Emergency color and tactile coded identification plate |
| US6480510B1 (en) | 1998-07-28 | 2002-11-12 | Serconet Ltd. | Local area network of serial intelligent cells |
| US6249089B1 (en) | 1998-10-09 | 2001-06-19 | Frederick Bruwer | Intelligent electrical device comprising microchip |
| US6984900B1 (en) | 1998-10-09 | 2006-01-10 | Azoteq (Pty) Ltd. | Intelligent electrical switch |
| AU761811B2 (en) * | 1999-02-26 | 2003-06-12 | Gregory B. Moreland | Switch cover plate providing automatic emergency lighting |
| GB2350722B (en) * | 1999-05-29 | 2002-10-02 | Gamesman Ltd | Improvements relating to push button switch assemblies |
| US6956826B1 (en) | 1999-07-07 | 2005-10-18 | Serconet Ltd. | Local area network for distributing data communication, sensing and control signals |
| US6690677B1 (en) | 1999-07-20 | 2004-02-10 | Serconet Ltd. | Network for telephony and data communication |
| US6883927B2 (en) * | 2000-01-31 | 2005-04-26 | Cube Investments Limited | Frame assembly and light for an electrical wall conduit |
| US7049761B2 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2006-05-23 | Altair Engineering, Inc. | Light tube and power supply circuit |
| US20050073839A1 (en) * | 2003-09-18 | 2005-04-07 | The Litebook Company Ltd | Light therapy device |
| IL135744A (en) | 2000-04-18 | 2008-08-07 | Mosaid Technologies Inc | Telephone communication system over a single telephone line |
| US6788000B2 (en) * | 2000-05-12 | 2004-09-07 | E-Lite Technologies, Inc. | Distributed emergency lighting system having self-testing and diagnostic capabilities |
| WO2001097379A2 (en) | 2000-06-13 | 2001-12-20 | Azoteq (Pty) Ltd | Intelligent switch for connecting power to a load |
| US6993289B2 (en) * | 2000-08-02 | 2006-01-31 | Simple Devices | System including a wall switch device and a system including a power outlet device and methods for using the same |
| US6350039B1 (en) * | 2000-10-06 | 2002-02-26 | Lee Chien-Yu | Wall switch and lamp assembly |
| IL144158A (en) | 2001-07-05 | 2011-06-30 | Mosaid Technologies Inc | Outlet for connecting an analog telephone set to a digital data network carrying voice signals in digital form |
| TWI239026B (en) * | 2001-08-29 | 2005-09-01 | Au Optronics Corp | Plasma display panel structure and its driving method |
| EP2523358A3 (en) | 2001-10-11 | 2012-11-21 | Mosaid Technologies Incorporated | Outlet with analog signal adapter |
| US6547411B1 (en) | 2001-11-16 | 2003-04-15 | Timothy J. Dornbusch | Illuminated outlet |
| US6986589B2 (en) * | 2002-01-30 | 2006-01-17 | Cyberlux Corporation | Apparatus and methods for providing an emergency lighting augmentation system |
| US7270436B2 (en) * | 2002-02-07 | 2007-09-18 | Michael Jasper | Backlighting for electrical cover plates |
| US20040056638A1 (en) * | 2002-09-20 | 2004-03-25 | Bamber Claire E. | Electrical outlet and back-up power supply for the same |
| US7909477B2 (en) * | 2005-03-31 | 2011-03-22 | Tseng-Lu Chien | LED night light with liquid optics medium |
| IL152824A (en) | 2002-11-13 | 2012-05-31 | Mosaid Technologies Inc | Addressable outlet and a network using same |
| US7086747B2 (en) * | 2002-12-11 | 2006-08-08 | Safeexit, Inc. | Low-voltage lighting apparatus for satisfying after-hours lighting requirements, emergency lighting requirements, and low light requirements |
| US7869171B2 (en) * | 2003-12-02 | 2011-01-11 | Pass & Seymour, Inc. | Protective electrical wiring device with a center nightlight |
| US6859145B2 (en) | 2003-04-03 | 2005-02-22 | Scott Wilker | Safety system |
| US7312101B2 (en) * | 2003-04-22 | 2007-12-25 | Micron Technology, Inc. | Packaged microelectronic devices and methods for packaging microelectronic devices |
| US7118235B2 (en) * | 2003-05-03 | 2006-10-10 | Robert A Barton | Concealed safety lighting device |
| US20060262462A1 (en) * | 2003-05-03 | 2006-11-23 | Robert Barton | Concealed Safety Lighting and Alerting System |
| US6805469B1 (en) * | 2003-05-03 | 2004-10-19 | R A Barton | Concealed safety lighting device |
| US20090284384A1 (en) * | 2003-05-03 | 2009-11-19 | Barton Robert A | Unobtrusive Power Failure Lighting System |
| IL157787A (en) | 2003-09-07 | 2010-12-30 | Mosaid Technologies Inc | Modular outlet for data communications network |
| US7045975B2 (en) * | 2003-10-14 | 2006-05-16 | Cyberlux Corporation | Apparatus and methods for providing emergency safety lighting |
| US7045964B1 (en) | 2004-01-13 | 2006-05-16 | Hermans Albert L | Emergency lighting system with automatic diagnostic test |
| IL159838A0 (en) | 2004-01-13 | 2004-06-20 | Yehuda Binder | Information device |
| IL160417A (en) | 2004-02-16 | 2011-04-28 | Mosaid Technologies Inc | Outlet add-on module |
| US20060039136A1 (en) * | 2004-08-20 | 2006-02-23 | Probasco Max A | Lighted plug apparatus |
| US11098863B2 (en) * | 2004-10-01 | 2021-08-24 | Tseng-Lu Chien | Multiple functions LED night light |
| US7358927B2 (en) * | 2004-10-26 | 2008-04-15 | Eaton Corporation | Antenna employing a cover |
| US7873058B2 (en) | 2004-11-08 | 2011-01-18 | Mosaid Technologies Incorporated | Outlet with analog signal adapter, a method for use thereof and a network using said outlet |
| US7408476B1 (en) * | 2004-12-11 | 2008-08-05 | Dean Christopher Beaton | Emergency shut-off system and method of using same |
| US7511231B2 (en) * | 2005-07-15 | 2009-03-31 | Thomas & Betts International, Inc. | Illuminated recessed electrical floor box with transparent or translucent cover or window |
| US7549785B2 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2009-06-23 | Michael J Faunce | Night lighting system |
| US7547131B2 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2009-06-16 | Michael Joseph Faunce | Illuminated electrical box cover plate |
| US20070193866A1 (en) * | 2006-01-18 | 2007-08-23 | John Eder | Lampholder |
| US7506990B2 (en) * | 2006-01-21 | 2009-03-24 | Nite Ize, Inc. | Switchplate area light |
| US7850322B2 (en) * | 2006-01-21 | 2010-12-14 | Nite Ize, Inc. | Switch plate area light |
| US9520671B2 (en) | 2006-09-26 | 2016-12-13 | Calm Technologies Inc. | Configurable safety light receptacle |
| US9083126B2 (en) | 2006-09-26 | 2015-07-14 | Calm Technologies Inc. | Configurable safety light receptacle |
| US8496342B2 (en) * | 2006-09-26 | 2013-07-30 | Calm Technologies Inc. | Configurable safety light receptacle |
| CA2667709A1 (en) * | 2006-10-27 | 2008-05-02 | Manifold Products, Llc | Mapped nodes in a wire network providing power/communication & load identification |
| US20080169176A1 (en) * | 2007-01-11 | 2008-07-17 | Hsiu-Ling Yang | Push-button switch structure with illumination function |
| US7862350B2 (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2011-01-04 | Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Combination device including a guide light and an electrical component |
| US8118447B2 (en) | 2007-12-20 | 2012-02-21 | Altair Engineering, Inc. | LED lighting apparatus with swivel connection |
| US7938555B1 (en) | 2008-01-07 | 2011-05-10 | Kalhofer Richard | Emergency preparedness lamp |
| DE102008017653B4 (en) * | 2008-04-04 | 2010-02-25 | EVN Elektro-Vertrieb-Nürnberg GmbH | lighting device |
| WO2009137817A1 (en) * | 2008-05-08 | 2009-11-12 | Outsmart Power Systems Llc | Device and method for measuring current and power in a plug or receptacle |
| USD634866S1 (en) | 2008-05-16 | 2011-03-22 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Nightlight for an electrical device |
| US8360599B2 (en) | 2008-05-23 | 2013-01-29 | Ilumisys, Inc. | Electric shock resistant L.E.D. based light |
| US7569950B1 (en) * | 2008-06-20 | 2009-08-04 | Hsiu-Ling Yang | Enhanced structure of plug switches |
| WO2010011862A1 (en) * | 2008-07-23 | 2010-01-28 | Outsmart Power Systems, Llc | Providing additional electrical functionality to a node |
| US20100033950A1 (en) * | 2008-08-06 | 2010-02-11 | Becky Farrell | Switchplate with nightlight |
| EP2342666B1 (en) * | 2008-09-05 | 2017-02-22 | OutSmart Power Systems, LLC | Apparatus and methods for mapping a wired network |
| US7938562B2 (en) | 2008-10-24 | 2011-05-10 | Altair Engineering, Inc. | Lighting including integral communication apparatus |
| US8901823B2 (en) | 2008-10-24 | 2014-12-02 | Ilumisys, Inc. | Light and light sensor |
| US8653984B2 (en) * | 2008-10-24 | 2014-02-18 | Ilumisys, Inc. | Integration of LED lighting control with emergency notification systems |
| US8324817B2 (en) | 2008-10-24 | 2012-12-04 | Ilumisys, Inc. | Light and light sensor |
| US8214084B2 (en) | 2008-10-24 | 2012-07-03 | Ilumisys, Inc. | Integration of LED lighting with building controls |
| US7714790B1 (en) * | 2009-10-27 | 2010-05-11 | Crestron Electronics, Inc. | Wall-mounted electrical device with modular antenna bezel frame |
| US8393747B2 (en) * | 2010-03-17 | 2013-03-12 | Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Faceplate guidelight system |
| EP2553320A4 (en) | 2010-03-26 | 2014-06-18 | Ilumisys Inc | Led light with thermoelectric generator |
| US8540401B2 (en) | 2010-03-26 | 2013-09-24 | Ilumisys, Inc. | LED bulb with internal heat dissipating structures |
| USD674753S1 (en) | 2010-08-13 | 2013-01-22 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Wiring device with illumination |
| US8444309B2 (en) * | 2010-08-13 | 2013-05-21 | Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Wiring device with illumination |
| US9482426B2 (en) | 2010-09-07 | 2016-11-01 | Venmill Industries, Inc. | Illuminable wall socket plates and systems and methods thereof |
| US8523394B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2013-09-03 | Ilumisys, Inc. | Mechanisms for reducing risk of shock during installation of light tube |
| EP2638479A4 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2015-07-15 | Outsmart Power Systems Llc | Maintaining information integrity while minimizing network utilization of accumulated data in a distributed network |
| US9615428B2 (en) | 2011-02-01 | 2017-04-04 | John Joseph King | Arrangement for an outdoor light enabling motion detection |
| US8710999B2 (en) | 2011-06-14 | 2014-04-29 | Robert Tas | Emergency power-off button with proximity alarm |
| TW201301685A (en) * | 2011-06-27 | 2013-01-01 | Hon Hai Prec Ind Co Ltd | Electrical connector and electronic device using same |
| USD849511S1 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2019-05-28 | Snaprays Llc | Light switch cover plate |
| US11158982B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2021-10-26 | Snaprays Llc | Active cover plates |
| USD849513S1 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2019-05-28 | Snaprays Llc | Light switch cover plate |
| USD849510S1 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2019-05-28 | Snaprays Llc | Light switch cover plate |
| USD877599S1 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2020-03-10 | Snaprays Llc | Light switch cover plate |
| USD847608S1 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2019-05-07 | Snaprays, Llc | Light switch cover plate |
| US9832841B2 (en) | 2016-01-18 | 2017-11-28 | Snap Rays LLC | Wall-plate-switch system and method |
| USD809899S1 (en) * | 2016-01-11 | 2018-02-13 | Snaprays Llc | Illuminated light switch plate |
| USD849512S1 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2019-05-28 | Snaprays Llc | Light switch cover plate |
| US10109945B2 (en) | 2017-02-17 | 2018-10-23 | Snaprays, Llc | Active cover plates |
| US9899814B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2018-02-20 | Snaprays Llc | Active cover plates |
| US10381789B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2019-08-13 | Snaprays Llc | Active cover plates |
| USD913963S1 (en) | 2012-05-02 | 2021-03-23 | Snaprays Llc | Active wall plate |
| USD842075S1 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2019-03-05 | Snaprays, Llc | Light switch cover plate |
| USD832224S1 (en) | 2012-05-02 | 2018-10-30 | Snaprays, Llc | Active wall plate |
| USD819426S1 (en) | 2013-10-29 | 2018-06-05 | Snaprays, Llc | Lighted wall plate |
| US10381788B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2019-08-13 | Snaprays Llc | Active cover plates |
| USD842076S1 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2019-03-05 | Snaprays, Llc | Light switch cover plate |
| US10644461B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2020-05-05 | Snaprays Llc | Modified electrical devices |
| US9871324B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2018-01-16 | Snap Rays LLC | Active cover plates |
| US11888301B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2024-01-30 | Snaprays, Llc | Active cover plates |
| US9917430B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2018-03-13 | Snap Rays | Active cover plates |
| US10291007B2 (en) | 2012-10-30 | 2019-05-14 | Snaprays Llc | Active cover plates |
| US9882318B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2018-01-30 | Snaprays Llc | Active cover plates |
| US11664631B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2023-05-30 | Snaprays, Llc | Environment sensing active units |
| US9787025B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2017-10-10 | Snaprays, Llc | Active cover plates |
| USD832223S1 (en) | 2012-05-02 | 2018-10-30 | Snaprays, Llc | Active wall plate |
| US9882361B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2018-01-30 | Snaprays Llc | Active cover plates |
| USD882377S1 (en) | 2011-09-06 | 2020-04-28 | Snaprays Llc | Lighted wall plate |
| US8604695B2 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2013-12-10 | Gregory Moreland | Automatic backup lighting system |
| US8752972B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2014-06-17 | Patno Enterprise, Llc | Lighting system |
| US9184518B2 (en) | 2012-03-02 | 2015-11-10 | Ilumisys, Inc. | Electrical connector header for an LED-based light |
| US9107269B2 (en) | 2012-03-09 | 2015-08-11 | C-M Glo, Llc | Emergency lighting device |
| US9163794B2 (en) | 2012-07-06 | 2015-10-20 | Ilumisys, Inc. | Power supply assembly for LED-based light tube |
| US9271367B2 (en) | 2012-07-09 | 2016-02-23 | Ilumisys, Inc. | System and method for controlling operation of an LED-based light |
| US9285084B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2016-03-15 | Ilumisys, Inc. | Diffusers for LED-based lights |
| US9267650B2 (en) | 2013-10-09 | 2016-02-23 | Ilumisys, Inc. | Lens for an LED-based light |
| US9226373B2 (en) | 2013-10-30 | 2015-12-29 | John Joseph King | Programmable light timer and a method of implementing a programmable light timer |
| WO2015112437A1 (en) | 2014-01-22 | 2015-07-30 | Ilumisys, Inc. | Led-based light with addressed leds |
| US9510400B2 (en) | 2014-05-13 | 2016-11-29 | Ilumisys, Inc. | User input systems for an LED-based light |
| US10161568B2 (en) | 2015-06-01 | 2018-12-25 | Ilumisys, Inc. | LED-based light with canted outer walls |
| US10139790B2 (en) | 2015-06-10 | 2018-11-27 | Vivint, Inc. | Powered faceplate integration |
| US10720727B1 (en) | 2016-07-27 | 2020-07-21 | Ibo Partners, Llc | Outlet cover assembly with electrical connection |
| US9978547B1 (en) * | 2016-11-03 | 2018-05-22 | Crestron Electronics, Inc. | Battery powered keypad assembly |
| US10373773B2 (en) | 2017-02-17 | 2019-08-06 | Snaprays Llc | Active cover plates |
| US10727731B1 (en) | 2017-04-01 | 2020-07-28 | Smart Power Partners, LLC | Power adapters adapted to receive a module and methods of implementing power adapters with modules |
| US10996645B1 (en) | 2017-04-01 | 2021-05-04 | Smart Power Partners LLC | Modular power adapters and methods of implementing modular power adapters |
| US10530597B1 (en) | 2017-04-01 | 2020-01-07 | Smart Power Partners LLC | System for controlling a plurality of power switches configured to apply power to devices |
| GB2563290A (en) * | 2017-06-11 | 2018-12-12 | Paul John Maxwell King | Socket with integrated emergency lighting |
| CA3005793C (en) * | 2017-06-26 | 2020-06-30 | Swidget Corp. | Configurable electrical receptacles |
| US11489298B2 (en) | 2017-09-21 | 2022-11-01 | O'Reilly Winship, LLC | Electrical outlet cover with integrated lighting with connectivity |
| US10644465B2 (en) | 2017-09-21 | 2020-05-05 | O'Reilly Winship, LLC | Electrical outlet cover with integrated lighting |
| US10665996B2 (en) | 2017-09-21 | 2020-05-26 | O'Reilly Winship, LLC | Rechargeable USB electrical outlet with integrated lighting |
| US10364977B2 (en) | 2017-09-21 | 2019-07-30 | O'Reilly Winship, LLC | Electrical outlet cover with integrated lighting |
| US9997860B1 (en) * | 2017-10-13 | 2018-06-12 | Alltrade Tools Llc | Coverplate and method for electrical outlet |
| US11025044B2 (en) | 2018-03-06 | 2021-06-01 | Thomas & Betts International Llc | Electrical floor box with light source assembly |
| US10375807B1 (en) * | 2018-03-23 | 2019-08-06 | Abl Ip Holding Llc | Controller with peripheral visual feedback |
| WO2019236553A1 (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2019-12-12 | Hubbell Incorporated | Emergency notification system |
| CN108717908A (en) * | 2018-07-20 | 2018-10-30 | 中铁十局集团第二工程有限公司 | A kind of double control switch and lighting system |
| US11264769B1 (en) | 2019-06-30 | 2022-03-01 | Smart Power Partners LLC | Power adapter having contact elements in a recess and method of controlling a power adapter |
| US11201444B1 (en) | 2019-06-30 | 2021-12-14 | Smart Power Partners LLC | Power adapter having contact elements in a recess and method of controlling a power adapter |
| US11231730B1 (en) | 2019-06-30 | 2022-01-25 | Smart Power Power LLC | Control attachment for a power adapter configured to control power applied to a load |
| US10958020B1 (en) | 2019-06-30 | 2021-03-23 | Smart Power Partners LLC | Control attachment for an in-wall power adapter and method of controlling an in-wall power adapter |
| US10958026B1 (en) | 2019-06-30 | 2021-03-23 | Smart Power Partners LLC | Contactless thermometer for an in-wall power adapter |
| US11579640B1 (en) | 2019-06-30 | 2023-02-14 | Smart Power Partners LLC | Control attachment for an in-wall power adapter |
| US11189948B1 (en) | 2019-06-30 | 2021-11-30 | Smart Power Partners LLC | Power adapter and method of implementing a power adapter to provide power to a load |
| US11460874B1 (en) | 2019-06-30 | 2022-10-04 | Smart Power Partners LLC | In-wall power adapter configured to control the application of power to a load |
| US10938168B2 (en) | 2019-06-30 | 2021-03-02 | Smart Power Partners LLC | In-wall power adapter and method of controlling the application of power to a load |
| US10965068B1 (en) | 2019-06-30 | 2021-03-30 | Smart Power Partners LLC | In-wall power adapter having an outlet and method of controlling an in-wall power adapter |
| US11043768B1 (en) | 2019-06-30 | 2021-06-22 | Smart Power Partners LLC | Power adapter configured to provide power to a load and method of implementing a power adapter |
| US10917956B1 (en) | 2019-06-30 | 2021-02-09 | Smart Power Partners LLC | Control attachment configured to provide power to a load and method of configuring a control attachment |
| US11219108B1 (en) | 2019-06-30 | 2022-01-04 | Smart Power Partners LLC | Power adapter arrangement and method of implementing a power adapter arrangement |
| USD940658S1 (en) * | 2020-12-28 | 2022-01-11 | Guangzhou Susheng Technology Service Co., Ltd. | Building block type battery box base |
| US11916330B2 (en) | 2022-03-30 | 2024-02-27 | Lawrence Ko | Modularized smart inwall system |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2863038A (en) * | 1956-10-15 | 1958-12-02 | Dominick A Lombardo | Auxiliary outlet with emergency light |
| US3739226A (en) * | 1971-09-08 | 1973-06-12 | W Seiter | Emergency light unit for mounting to an electrical wall outlet |
| US4177500A (en) * | 1978-09-29 | 1979-12-04 | Thomas H. Nicholl | Power failure light and circuit therefor |
| US4461974A (en) * | 1982-06-09 | 1984-07-24 | David Chiu | Dual light source |
| US4514789A (en) * | 1984-03-07 | 1985-04-30 | Jester Michael H | Illuminated light switch plate with LED and oscillator circuit |
| US4631649A (en) * | 1985-10-16 | 1986-12-23 | Chloride Systems, a division of Chloride Power Electronics, Incorporated | Plug-in emergency light fixture |
| US4749908A (en) * | 1985-12-26 | 1988-06-07 | Electronic Specialists, Inc. | Emergency power supply |
| US4977351A (en) * | 1986-11-18 | 1990-12-11 | Bavco Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Emergency lighting system |
| US5132596A (en) * | 1991-09-18 | 1992-07-21 | Pacific Scientific Company | Outdoor lighting controls |
| US5336977A (en) * | 1993-05-18 | 1994-08-09 | Li Ming Chun | Emergency lighting device |
| US5473517A (en) * | 1995-01-23 | 1995-12-05 | Blackman; Stephen E. | Emergency safety light |
-
1997
- 1997-04-25 US US08/846,041 patent/US5833350A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1998
- 1998-02-27 US US09/032,371 patent/US6000807A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-04-23 KR KR1019997009879A patent/KR20010020277A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1998-04-23 WO PCT/US1998/008223 patent/WO1998049492A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1998-04-23 AU AU73616/98A patent/AU7361698A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-04-23 CA CA 2289058 patent/CA2289058A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1998049492A1 (en) | 1998-11-05 |
| US6000807A (en) | 1999-12-14 |
| US5833350A (en) | 1998-11-10 |
| AU7361698A (en) | 1998-11-24 |
| KR20010020277A (en) | 2001-03-15 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5833350A (en) | Switch cover plate providing automatic emergency lighting | |
| US6010228A (en) | Wireless emergency safety light with sensing means for conventional light switch or plug receptacle | |
| US4694285A (en) | Combination electrical light, smoke and/or heat detector | |
| US4717910A (en) | Detector and light assembly | |
| US6805469B1 (en) | Concealed safety lighting device | |
| US5763872A (en) | Motion actuated night light | |
| US7118235B2 (en) | Concealed safety lighting device | |
| US6883927B2 (en) | Frame assembly and light for an electrical wall conduit | |
| AU692341B2 (en) | Emergency safety light | |
| US7506990B2 (en) | Switchplate area light | |
| US4071749A (en) | Self-contained maintenance-free emergency lighting | |
| US4255746A (en) | Emergency lighting and fire detector system | |
| EP0696407B1 (en) | Fiber-optic anticycling device for street lamps | |
| EP0101147B1 (en) | Improvements in and relating to lighting apparatus | |
| KR20090006056A (en) | Lighting device | |
| AU761811B2 (en) | Switch cover plate providing automatic emergency lighting | |
| US5803581A (en) | Device to illuminate keyhole area | |
| GB2255242A (en) | Emergency lighting system | |
| US20040080932A1 (en) | Door sensing illumination device | |
| JPH0992472A (en) | Nightlight | |
| JP3845881B2 (en) | Foot light | |
| CA2297539C (en) | Frame assembly and light for an electrical wall conduit | |
| JPH1079201A (en) | Outdoor light | |
| KR200267538Y1 (en) | a wall clock | |
| JPH10106339A (en) | Outdoor lamp |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |