Solar powered lighting and alarm systems activated by motion detection
First Claim
1. A solar powered lighting system, comprising:
- (a) a solar cell for receiving sunlight and for generating charging current therefrom;
(b) a rechargeable power source coupled to said solar cell for receiving said current and charging as a result thereof;
(c) a contactless sensor means for monitoring, without requiring contact between said contactless sensor means and an object, in an area near said sensor means, the movement into the area of the object or a source of radiation, and for providing a signal indicative thereof;
(d) an amplifier coupled to said contactless sensor means and to said rechargeable power source for amplifying said signal;
(e) a light source; and
(f) a control circuit coupled to said amplifier, to said rechargeable power source, and to said light source, including switching means for causing said rechargeable power source to turn on said light source when an amplified signal is received from said amplifier, and timing means for causing said switching means to disconnect said light source from said rechargeable power source after a desired length of time has transpired.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Solar powered outdoor lighting and/or alarm systems are provided and include a light source or alarm, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor in conjunction with a battery recharged via solar cells, and a control circuit coupled to the light source or alarm, the PIR sensor, and the rechargeable battery. The control circuit guarantees that the light source or alarm is turned on by the battery only when the sensor senses the presence of a moving target. The systems may include a light detector which is utilized to prevent the system from activating in daylight. In the case of a lighting system, a timer is utilized to turn off a lamp after a desired period of time (e.g. 3 minutes). By limiting the "on-time" of the light source, a two to five watt bulb may be used. In the case of an alarm, the alarm may be hardwired to the control circuit; or if desired, a transmitter powered by the rechargeable battery may be used to transmit an alarm signal to a remote receiver. The receiver is in turn coupled to its own power supply and to a control circuit which controls or switches desired components such as horns, bells, lights, etc.
112 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A solar powered lighting system, comprising:
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(a) a solar cell for receiving sunlight and for generating charging current therefrom; (b) a rechargeable power source coupled to said solar cell for receiving said current and charging as a result thereof; (c) a contactless sensor means for monitoring, without requiring contact between said contactless sensor means and an object, in an area near said sensor means, the movement into the area of the object or a source of radiation, and for providing a signal indicative thereof; (d) an amplifier coupled to said contactless sensor means and to said rechargeable power source for amplifying said signal; (e) a light source; and (f) a control circuit coupled to said amplifier, to said rechargeable power source, and to said light source, including switching means for causing said rechargeable power source to turn on said light source when an amplified signal is received from said amplifier, and timing means for causing said switching means to disconnect said light source from said rechargeable power source after a desired length of time has transpired. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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2. A system according to claim , further comprising:
(g) background lighting sensing means coupled to said control circuit, for sensing the level of ambient light, and in conjunction with said control circuit, for preventing said light source from being turned on by said rechargeable power source unless said level of ambient light is below a desired level. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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12. A solar powered alarm system, comprising:
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(a) a solar cell for receiving sunlight and for generating charging current therefrom; (b) a rechargeable power source coupled to said solar cell for receiving said current and charging as a result thereof; (c) a contactless sensor means for monitoring, without requiring contact between said contactless sensor means and an object, in an area near said sensor means, the movement into the area of the object or a source of radiation, and for providing a signal indicative thereof; (d) an amplifier coupled to aid sensor means and to said rechargeable power source for amplifying said signal; (e) an alarm means for providing a sound alarm; and (f) a control circuit coupled to said amplifier, to said rechargeable power source, and to said alarm means, including switching means for causing said rechargeable power source to turn on said alarm means when an amplified signal is received by said control circuit from said amplifier. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification