Variable color aquarium lighting

• US 20080218995A1
• Filed: 02/27/2008
• Published: 09/11/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Drew Edward Gilkey, Richard Jeff Garcia
• Original Assignee: Drew Edward Gilkey, Richard Jeff Garcia
• Inventors: Garcia, Richard Jeff, Gilkey, Drew Edward
• Application Number:
  US12/072,670
• Publication Number:
  US 20080218995A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/101
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 63/06 Arrangements for heating or lighting in, or attached to, receptacles for live fish
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/308 for aquaria
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/10 Controlling the light source
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/16 by timing means
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/165 following a pre-assigned programmed sequence; Logic control [LC]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Abstract

A variable color aquarium lighting system that allows for a naturalistic day and moonlight cycle. The device will mount in the hood of an aquarium and can optionally be suspended above the aquarium by other means. Another embodiment of the device will allow the device to display a selected color.

Claims

1. A device for simulating day and moonlight cycles by the use different color LEDs in different intensities for the purpose of aquarium lighting, comprising:

a. A microcontroller to stimulate LEDs through electrical means.

b. A real time clock.

c. Two of more LEDs of different color.

2. The device such as described in claim 1 can also be applied to other pet enclosures that could benefit from day and moonlight cycles such as reptile cages, terrariums, and other pet enclosures.

3. A device such as described in claim 1 in which the incandescent lights are used in place of LEDs.

4. A device such as described in claim 1 in which a color mixing IC is used in place of the microcontroller.

5. A device such as described in claim 1 in which a crystal is used in combination with a microcontroller to keep time.

6. A device such as described in claim 1 in which the unit can be suspended above an aquarium.

7. A device such as described in claim 1 in which the unit can be submerged under water.

8. A device such as described in claim 1 in which the unit can be controlled from an optional source.

9. A device that allows for variable color selection for aquarium lighting;

comprising;

a. Two or more LEDs of different color.

b. A microcontroller to stimulate LEDs through electrical means.

10. A device such as described in claim 9 in which incandescent lights are used in place of LEDs.

11. A device such as described in claim 9 in which a color mixing IC is used in place of the microcontroller.

12. A device such as described in claim 9 in which the unit can be suspended above an aquarium.

13. A device such as described in claim 9 in which the unit can be submerged under water.

14. A device such as described in claim 9 in which the unit can be controlled from an optional source.

15. A device such as described in claim 9 in which the unit can be programmed to randomly select colors.