Dim-down electric light time switch method and apparatus
First Claim
1. Timed lighting method comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a series electrical circuit including a source of alternating current electric power, a load device usually in the form of an incandescent light bulb, and a switch means effective for connecting and disconnecting electrical coupling of the light bulb with the power source;
b. coupling an electrical timing device substantially in series with the load device, the switch means, and the power source, whereby subsequent to initiation of current flow through the circuit the timing device operation serves to;
ba. couple full-cycles of alternating current electrical power to produce about symmetrical power flow between the power source and the load device for a first period of time; and
,bb. couple a portion of every-other half-cycle of alternating current electrical power to produce asymmetrical power flow between the power source and the load device for a successive second period of time.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electrical timer which controls the ON-time of a light bulb circuit hooked up to a power source by way of an ordinary power switch. Usual operation of the timer is such that, when the power switch (which is initially OFF) is turned ON by a person, the light bulb which is connected to the switch by way of the timer will first turn-on FULL brightness for a period of time, after which it will DIM-down to about 30 to 50 percent brightness. In a fundamental version of the timer, the light bulb will remain in the dimmed-down mode until a person turns the light switch OFF. Another version allows that after a period of time in the dimmed-down mode, the light bulb will be fully shut OFF by the timer. The dimmed-down mode may also be arranged to occur in two or more level steps, i.e. part-DIM and full-DIM for example, with each step having a finite and substantial duration. A touch-strip may also be provided in which, when "touched" by a person, body capacitance serves to reset a dimmed-down light to full-brightness. The solid state modular timer may work in conjunction with any ordinary " two-terminal" wall-type electrical switch, such as commonly used in building construction.
82 Citations
20 Claims
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1. Timed lighting method comprising the steps of:
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a. providing a series electrical circuit including a source of alternating current electric power, a load device usually in the form of an incandescent light bulb, and a switch means effective for connecting and disconnecting electrical coupling of the light bulb with the power source; b. coupling an electrical timing device substantially in series with the load device, the switch means, and the power source, whereby subsequent to initiation of current flow through the circuit the timing device operation serves to; ba. couple full-cycles of alternating current electrical power to produce about symmetrical power flow between the power source and the load device for a first period of time; and
,bb. couple a portion of every-other half-cycle of alternating current electrical power to produce asymmetrical power flow between the power source and the load device for a successive second period of time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. Timed electrical lighting apparatus comprising a substantially series circuit hookup and, therefor including:
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a. a source of alternating current electric power coupled with said series circuit; b. load means coupled effectively in series with said circuit; c. timed switch means having at least a first terminal means and a second terminal means coupled effectively in series with said circuit, and further comprising; ca. semiconductor switch means coupled between said first terminal and said second terminal; cb. timing circuit means coupled with said semiconductor switch means, effective to produce at least a first time period state followed by a second time period state, whereby start of said first time period state is initiated by commencement of power flow through said circuit and such first time period persists for a predetermined length of time, and further that during said first time period substantially full-cycles of alternating current power flows through said semiconductor switch means, and that during said second time period a portion of every-other half-cycle of alternating current power flows through said semiconductor switch means; and
,d. d.c. power supply means coupled with the semiconductor switch means and effective to derive electrical power from any voltage drop developed thereacross which is rectified and coupled with the timing circuit means. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. Timed electrical controller apparatus means comprising a substantially series circuit hookup and therefor comprising:
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a. source of alternating current electrical power coupled with said series circuit; b. load means coupled effectively in series with said circuit; c. timed switch means having at least a first terminal means and a second terminal means coupled effectively in series with said circuit, and further comprising; ca. semiconductor switch means coupled between said first terminal means and second terminal means; cb. time control signal means coupled with said semiconductor switch means, effective to produce a first time period signal which enables about fully substantially bidirectional a.c. power flow through said semiconductor switch means, followed by a second time period signal which enables a reduced level of unilateral a.c. power flow through said semiconductor switch means; and
,d. d.c. power supply means coupled with said semiconductor switch means and effective to produce d.c. power from signals present across the semiconductor switch means during a portion of each a.c. power cycle. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification