Grow Light Embodying Power Delivery and Data Communications Features

• US 20170023193A1
• Filed: 05/06/2016
• Published: 01/26/2017
• 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
• Granted Patent: US 9,943,042 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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; and

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

2. The lighting fixture of claim 1 wherein said auxiliary power source also provides for the transmission and reception of data.

3. The lighting fixture of claim 1 wherein said LED light engine produces light tailored for agricultural, horticultural or other plant growth applications.

4. The lighting fixture of claim 1 wherein said auxiliary power source is a USB port integrated into the lighting fixture.

5. The lighting fixture of claim 1 wherein said auxiliary power source is a Ethernet Hub integrated into the lighting fixture.

6. The lighting fixture of claim 2 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.

7. The lighting fixture of claim 6 wherein data communications capability between said sensor and said fixture is provided by said auxiliary power source.

8. The lighting fixture of claim 1 further comprising a supplemental lighting module for providing supplemental lighting said supplemental lighting module being powered by said auxiliary power source and not being powered directly by said power supply.

9. The lighting fixture of claim 1 further comprising an antenna for wireless communication.

10. The lighting fixture of claim 9 further comprising means for wireless Bluetooth data reception and transmission.

11. The lighting fixture of claim 2 wherein said auxiliary power source sends data signals to control and/or power one or more switches or actuators.

12. The lighting fixture of claim 11 wherein said switches or actuators control or actuate at least one of:

lighting, ventilation or air temperature, humidity, soil irrigation, nutrient delivery, lighting fixture orientation or configuration, video cameras, warnings, or data logging.

13. An LED grow lighting fixture with an integrated supplemental power source comprising:

an LED light engine operative to produce light tailored for plant growth;

a power supply for powering said LED light engine;

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

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

14. The lighting fixture of claim 13 wherein said auxiliary power source is a USB port or the Ethernet hub integrated into the lighting fixture.

15. The lighting fixture of claim 14 wherein said input means for receiving power from an external power source is operative to receive digital power.

16. The lighting fixture of claim 13 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.

17. The lighting fixture of claim 13 further comprising means for wireless communications.

18. An LED grow light fixture with integrated supplemental power, wireless communications and sensor capabilities comprising:

an LED light engine operative to produce light tailored for plant growth;

a power supply for powering said LED light engine;

a USB port or Ethernet Hub operative to provide output power from the lighting fixture and provide for data communications;

a means for wireless communications; and

a sensor for measuring at least one aspect of the environment or lighting fixture wherein the sensor is powered by said USB port or Ethernet hub.

19. The LED grow light fixture of claim 18 further comprising a supplemental lighting module for providing supplemental lighting, said supplemental lighting module being powered by said auxiliary power source and not being powered directly by said power supply.

20. The LED grow light fixture of claim 18 wherein said means for wireless communications include a Bluetooth antenna.