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Wireless control device having an antenna illuminated with visible light

  • US 10,476,126 B2
  • Filed: 10/28/2016
  • Issued: 11/12/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/30/2015
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A wireless control device configured to be installed on a ceiling, the wireless control device comprising:

  • a housing comprising a light-transmissive cover and a base portion;

    wherein the light-transmissive cover is configured to protrude from the base portion;

    wherein the base portion is configured to be attached to the ceiling and defines an enclosed volume;

    a printed circuit board disposed within the enclosed volume of the base portion;

    a wireless communication circuit mounted to the printed circuit board;

    an antenna coupled to said wireless communication circuit and configured to communicate wireless signals, the antenna electrically connected to, and extending in a normal direction away from, the printed circuit board;

    wherein the antenna comprises a first portion and a second portion different from the first portion;

    a control circuit coupled to said wireless communication circuit, mounted to the printed circuit board, and configured to control the generation of signals by said wireless communication circuit to be transmitted by said antenna;

    a visible-light-generating circuit coupled to said control circuit and mounted to the printed circuit board;

    a light pipe proximate to the visible-light-generating circuit and disposed within the enclosed volume of the base, the light pipe configured to provide an amount of light energy from the visible-light-generating circuit to the light-transmissive cover; and

    a reflective shroud disposed within the enclosed volume of the base and surrounding said light pipe to reduce loss of light energy from said light pipe; and

    wherein the first portion of the antenna is disposed inside of the enclosed volume of the base portion of the housing and is surrounded by the light pipe and the reflective shroud; and

    wherein the second portion of the antenna is surrounded by the light-transmissive cover.

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