Illuminated light switch plate with LED and oscillator circuit
First Claim
1. An apparatus for aiding a person in locating a conventional wall mounted light switch in the dark, comprising:
- a generally planar switch plate configured to be removably secured over the light switch and having an aperture in the medial portion thereof for receiving therethrough an actuator of the light switch;
a housing connected to the switch plate for positioning on the exterior side of the wall when the switch plate is secured over the light switch;
means mounted within the housing for removably holding a battery and for establishing electrical connection with a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the battery when inserted;
an LED mounted in the housing so as to be visible externally of the housing;
a solid state oscillator mounted within the housing;
a capacitor mounted within the housing; and
means for electrically interconnecting the LED, the battery holding means, the solid state oscillator and the capacitor independent of the light switch so that when the battery is inserted into the battery holding means the LED will flash to provide an eye catching signal for at least three months before the battery is substantially drained of its stored energy.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A light switch plate having a rearwardly opening housing for removably holding an AA battery is detachably mountable over a conventional wall mounted 110 volt AC light switch. An LED mounted on the front of the housing is connected to the battery through an integrated circuit oscillator which flashes the LED. A phototransistor is also mounted on the front of the housing and is connected in the circuit for disabling the flashing of the LED except when the room is dark. The flashing LED provides an eye catching signal so that a person can more readily locate the light switch in the dark. The circuit has extremely lower current drain on the battery permitting operation for a year without requiring battery replacement.
144 Citations
10 Claims
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1. An apparatus for aiding a person in locating a conventional wall mounted light switch in the dark, comprising:
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a generally planar switch plate configured to be removably secured over the light switch and having an aperture in the medial portion thereof for receiving therethrough an actuator of the light switch; a housing connected to the switch plate for positioning on the exterior side of the wall when the switch plate is secured over the light switch; means mounted within the housing for removably holding a battery and for establishing electrical connection with a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the battery when inserted; an LED mounted in the housing so as to be visible externally of the housing; a solid state oscillator mounted within the housing; a capacitor mounted within the housing; and means for electrically interconnecting the LED, the battery holding means, the solid state oscillator and the capacitor independent of the light switch so that when the battery is inserted into the battery holding means the LED will flash to provide an eye catching signal for at least three months before the battery is substantially drained of its stored energy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification