Vegetation grow light embodying power delivery and data communication features

• US 10,517,231 B2
• Filed: 04/09/2018
• Issued: 12/31/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Biological Innovation & Optimization Systems, LLC
• Original Assignee: Biological Innovation & Optimization Systems, LLC
• Inventors: Thosteson, Eric, Yorio, Neil
• Primary Examiner(s): Alavi, Ali
• Application Number:
  US15/948,144
• Publication Number:
  US 20180332777A1
• Time in Patent Office: 631 Days
• Field of Search: 362221
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 9/247 Watering arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 9/249 Lighting means with special arrangements for promoting growth A01G7/045
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/061 with a non-rigid pendant, i.e. a cable, wire or chain
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/003 the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/185 via power line carrier transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/19 via wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/195 the transmission using visible or infrared light
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 40/25 Greenhouse technology, e.g. cooling systems therefor

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to fixtures, systems and methods for providing vegetation grow light fixtures with auxiliary power and/or data communication ports or hubs allowing for expansion of their functionality, modularity and adaptability. The addition of power or communication ports integrated with a grow light fixture enables other components to be connected directly to and powered by the grow light fixture. Such components may include but are not limited to supplemental lighting, sensors and actuators.

Claims

1. A lighting fixture with an integrated supplemental power source comprising:

an LED light engine comprising at least one LED;

a power supply for powering said LED light engine;

an auxiliary power source operative to provide electrical output power from the lighting fixture;

an input means for receiving power from an external power source to provide power to said power supply and to said auxiliary power source; and

means for near field communications with at least one actuator or sensor.

2. The lighting fixture of claim 1 wherein said means for near field communications includes Bluetooth reception and transmission capability.

3. The lighting fixture of claim 1 further comprising a sensor for sensing at least one parameter from the environment or the lighting fixture and wherein said sensor is powered by said auxiliary power source and is detachable from said fixture.

4. The lighting fixture of claim 1 further comprising a backup power source.

5. The lighting fixture of claim 1 further comprising an integrated proximity sensor.

6. The lighting fixture of claim 1 further comprising a programmable controller integrated into said fixture operable to process at least one sensor datum and adjust at least one operational parameter of said fixture.

7. The lighting fixture of claim 6 wherein said integrated controller is operable to control or adjust at least one remote actuator via wireless communication.

8. An LED lighting fixture configured to operate with digital power and provide auxiliary power comprising:

an LED light engine operable to be powered by a digital power source;

an auxiliary power source operative to provide output power from the lighting fixture; and

an input means for receiving digital power for powering said LED light engine and for powering said auxiliary power source.

9. The LED lighting fixture of claim 8 wherein said auxiliary power source provides digital power output.

10. The LED lighting fixture of claim 8 wherein said auxiliary power source provides non-digital power output.

11. The LED lighting fixture of claim 8 further comprising means for data communications between the fixture and one or more external devices.

12. The LED lighting fixture of claim 11 wherein said means for data communication includes a wireless antenna.

13. The LED lighting fixture of claim 8 further comprising at least one onboard sensor that is powered by digital power or the auxiliary power source.

14. The LED lighting fixture of claim 8 further comprising at least one onboard actuator that is powered by digital power or the auxiliary power source.

15. The LED lighting fixture of claim 8 further comprising means for near field communication.

16. The LED lighting fixture of claim 8 further comprising a modular supplemental LED light bar that is detachable from said fixture and which is powered by said auxiliary power source.

17. The LED lighting fixture of claim 16 wherein said supplemental LED light bar produces a different illumination output spectrum than said LED light engine.

18. The LED lighting fixture of claim 8 wherein said input means for receiving digital power comprises a power-on delay switch to provide current in-rush protection.

19. The LED lighting fixture of claim 18 wherein said switch is a programmable switch programmed with a random delay to delay current supplied to said light engine.

20. An LED lighting fixture with an integrated supplemental power source and data communication and control capabilities comprising:

an LED light engine comprising at least one LED;

an auxiliary power source operative to provide electrical output power from the lighting fixture;

means for data communication between said fixture and at least one sensor and one actuator; and

a programmable controller for receiving and processing sensor data and for controlling an actuator in response thereto.