Multiple dimmer lighting system

• US 20060113927A1
• Filed: 12/01/2004
• Published: 06/01/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/01/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Allen Bruce Hepworth, Brent J. Mckee, Montgomery Clifford Bondy, Richard J. Bentley
• Original Assignee: Allen Bruce Hepworth, Brent J. Mckee, Montgomery Clifford Bondy, Richard J. Bentley
• Inventors: Bentley, Richard J., McKee, Brent J., Bondy, Montgomery Clifford, Hepworth, Allen Bruce
• Application Number:
  US10/999,917
• Publication Number:
  US 20060113927A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 315/307
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 2/00 Systems of lighting devices, not provided for in main groups F21S4/00 - F21S10/00 or F21S19/00, e.g. of modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/022 intended to be recessed in a floor or like ground surface, e.g. pavement or false floor
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 15/01 Housings, e.g. material or assembling of housing parts F21V15/02 takes precedence housings forming signs or letters G09F13/04
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/04 the elements being switches safety devices F21V25/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0435 activated by remote control means
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/10 Outdoor lighting
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/109 of gardens
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/10 Controlling the light source
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/165 following a pre-assigned programmed sequence; Logic control [LC]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/17 Operational modes, e.g. switching from manual to automatic mode or prohibiting specific operations

Abstract

A system of lighting in which a multitude of secondary line extra-low voltage lights each have an individual dimmer control with voltage compensating circuitry. This enables pre-setting of individual brightness for each light in the multitude. The individual lights have substantially spherical housings that allow for partial burial at different angles of illumination. The system is especially suited for garden lighting.

Claims

1. A system of lighting comprising a plurality of secondary extra-low voltage line lights, each having an individual dimmer control to enable setting of different individual brightness levels for the respective lights in the plurality.

2. The system of lighting of claim 1, in which at least one individual dimmer control comprises a voltage variation compensating circuit that maintains a pre-selected brightness level for its light despite supply line voltage variations.

3. The system of lighting of claim 1, in which a plurality of individual dimmer controls can be accessed after installation for adjustment of pre-set dimming.

4. The system of lighting of claim 1, in which a soft start module controls the multitude of lights upon turning on the system such that the lights gradually brighten to a pre-set level.

5. The system of lighting of claim 1, in which each of a plurality of lights have an individual soft start module such that individual lights brighten gradually at different speeds to pre-set levels.

6. The system of lighting of claim 1, in which a line voltage switch on the primary side of a transformer turns on or off the system.

7. The system of lighting of claim 1, in which a remote control device provides on/off switching for the line voltage to the system and provides centralized dimming control by sending diming commands to individual extra-low voltage lights in the system.

8. The system of lighting of claim 1, in which the remote control device provides programmable switching on and off and dimming of a plurality of individual lights.

9. The system of lighting of claim 1, in which a plurality of lights are each encased in a substantially spherical housing suited for tilting in a substantially spherical mounting place at various selected orientations.

10. The system of lighting of claim 1, in which a plurality of lights are each encased in a weather-proof housing suited for partial burial in a garden.

11. The system of lighting of claim 1, in which extra-low voltage insulated electrical supply lines are used to connect a plurality of lights within the system, suited for installation by property owners who are not electricians.

12. The system of lighting of claim 1, in which a plurality of lights use extra-low voltage, long-life bulbs.

13. The system of lighting of claim 1, in which at least one light has a housing with a ledge and a rim surrounding a lens for each light in the plurality, to enable the housing to support and hold enable portion of a housing has a case has top tube and ledge to hold and support a light shade

14. The system of lighting of claim 1, in which at least one light has a mushroom cap shade that captures light energy shining up from the light and reflects it downward.

15. The system of lighting of claim 2, in which:

a) a plurality of individual dimmer controls can be accessed after installation for adjustment of pre-set dimming;

b) a soft start module controls the multitude of lights upon turning on the system such that the lights gradually brighten to a pre-set level;

c) a line voltage switch on the primary side of a transformer turns on or off the system.

d) a plurality of lights are each encased in a substantially spherical housing suited for tilting in a substantially spherical mounting place at various selected orientations;

e) a plurality of lights are each encased in a weather-proof housing suited for partial burial in a garden;

f) extra-low voltage insulated electrical supply lines are used to connect a plurality of lights within the system, suited for installation by property owners who are not electricians;

g) a plurality of lights use extra-low voltage, long-life bulbs;

16. The system of lighting of claim 15, in which at least one light has a housing with a ledge and a rim surrounding a lens for the light, to enable the housing to support and hold a mushroom cap shade that captures light energy shining up from the light and reflects it downward.