Programmable apparatus for controlling illuminating lamps
First Claim
1. An apparatus for controlling at least on illuminating lamp comprising:
- illuminating lamp means for producing illumination in response to a signal applied thereto;
light sensing means for generating a first output signal when the illumination produced by a light source has fallen below a predetermined level;
storage means for storing said first output signal;
first timing means for generating a second output signal a first predetermined time after said storage means stores said first output signal;
switching means for supplying a signal to said illuminating lamp means beginning when said second output signal is generated by said first timing means so long as said first output signal is also present; and
second timing means for removing said signal from said illuminating lamp means after a second predetermined period of time has elapsed since said first timing means first generates said second output signal.
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Abstract
An apparatus for controlling illuminating lamps. Ambient light of the surroundings is sensed, and a timer is turned on when the ambient light falls below a predetermined level. When the timer times out, the illuminating lamps are turned on provided that the ambient light is still below a predetermined level. A second timer is activated which turns the illuminating lamps off automatically a predetermined time after they are turned on regardless of the ambient light level. Before the lamps are turned off, a warning signal is issued to allow people using the illumination time to leave. The warning may be audible or may comprise flashing or dimming the illuminating lamps for a predetermined time. The intensity of each illuminating lamp can be independently varied to accommodate different lighting requirements.
57 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for controlling at least on illuminating lamp comprising:
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illuminating lamp means for producing illumination in response to a signal applied thereto; light sensing means for generating a first output signal when the illumination produced by a light source has fallen below a predetermined level; storage means for storing said first output signal; first timing means for generating a second output signal a first predetermined time after said storage means stores said first output signal; switching means for supplying a signal to said illuminating lamp means beginning when said second output signal is generated by said first timing means so long as said first output signal is also present; and second timing means for removing said signal from said illuminating lamp means after a second predetermined period of time has elapsed since said first timing means first generates said second output signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus for controlling an illuminating lamp comprising:
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light sensing means for sensing the ambient light level produced by a light source; means for producing a first signal when the ambient light level sensed by said sensing means falls below a predetermined level; means for timing a first predetermined period of time beginning when said first signal-producing means first produces said first signal; means for producing a second signal when said first predetermined period of time timed by said timing means has elapsed so long as said first signal-producing means is still producing said first signal; and means for supplying power to at least one illuminating lamp in response to said second signal. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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18. A method for controlling an illuminating lamp comprising the steps:
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(1) sensing the ambient light level produced by a light source; (2) producing a first signal when the ambient light level sensed by said sensing step (1) falls below a predetermined level; (3) timing a first predetermined period of time beginning when said producing step (2) first produces said first signal; (4) producing a second signal when said first predetermined period of time timed by said timing step (3) has elapsed so long as said producing step (2) is still producing said first signal; and (5) supplying power to at least one illuminating lamp in response to said second signal. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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Specification