Electromagnetic Christmas tree lights

• US 5,118,196 A
• Filed: 03/05/1990
• Issued: 06/02/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 03/05/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David J. Ault
• Original Assignee: David J. Ault
• Inventors: Ault, David J., Atkins, Thomas E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lazarus, Ira S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hagarman, Sue
• Application Number:
  US07/487,915
• Time in Patent Office: 820 Days
• Field of Search: 362/123, 362/249, 362/263, 362/251, 362/806, 315/34, 315/76, 315/248
• US Class Current: 362/123
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 33/06 Artificial Christmas trees
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/04 for Christmas trees
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 65/042 by an external electromagnetic field
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 428/90 Magnetic feature

Abstract

Wireless Christmas tree lights (1) illuminated by means of Electro-Magnetic Energy eminating from a self contained antenna. Multiple wireless lamps may be placed anywhere on the tree without being constrained by wire length. The Electro-Magnetic Energy is produced from an RF power unit (5) decorated like a gift box that may be placed under the tree or in a remote location several feet away. The various illumination effects are selected via a magnetic wand (8) that activates switches and selector circuits, and a non-linear modulator internal to the RF generator.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic Christmas tree light comprising:

radio frequency oscillator means, receivable of a DC electric current and responsive to a modulation signal, for providing a modulated radio frequency current;

radio frequency modulator means, receivable of a DC electric current and operatively connected to said radio frequency oscillator, for producing a modulation signal, said radio frequency modulator means containing a plurality of selectively activatable modulation control circuits, each of said modulation control circuits producing a respective modulation control signal;

radio frequency amplifier means, receivable of a DC electric current and operatively connected to said radio frequency oscillator means, for producing an amplified modulated radio frequency current;

antenna means, receivable of an amplified modulated radio frequency current, for propagating an electromagnetic field, said antenna means comprising at least one array, said array comprising odd elements and even elements, said array including means for alternating polarity of said odd elements and said even elements, to propagate said electromagnetic field between said odd elements and said even elements, said antenna means further comprising distribution means for distributing said amplified modulated radio frequency current to said at least one array such that juxtaposed arrays alternate in polarity and said electromagnetic field is substantially contained within said antenna;

coupling means, operatively connecting said radio frequency amplifier means and said antenna means, for maximizing power transfer from said radio frequency amplifier means to said antenna means;

power supply means, receivable of an AC electric current, for rectifying and converting a AC electric current into a DC electric current, said power supply means operatively connected to said radio frequency oscillator means, said radio frequency modulator means and said radio frequency amplifier means;

switching means for electrically connecting said power supply means with an external AC power source, said switching means comprising at least one magnetically-closeable, normally open switch, latching means for latching said switch into a closed position when said switch is magnetically closed and deactivation means for unlatching said switch when closed, said at least one magnetically-closeable, normally open switch being closeable upon positioning of a magnetic object proximate said at least one magnetically-closeable, normally open switch;

timing means, operatively connected to said radio frequency modulator means and said power supply means, for selectively activating one of said plurality of selectively activatable modulation control circuits, said timing means including sensing for detecting the amount of time a magnetic object is proximate said at least one magnetically-closeable, normally open switch, said timing means selecting said one of said plurality of selectively activatable modulation control circuits to be activated in response to the amount of time said magnetic object is proximate said at least one magnetically-closeable normally open switch.

2. A phased antenna for producing Electro-Magnetic Fields surrounding a Christmas tree to illuminate gas filled vials attached to said Christmas tree comprising:

a multiplicity of spaced, connical, coaxial antenna arrays, each said antenna array with means for electrically inter-connecting multiple elongated, electrically conductive, spaced elements,

a source conductor within a distribution cable, electrically connected in combination to a first antenna array and each said antenna array alternating from said first antenna array,

a return conductor within said distribution cable, electrically connected in combination to a second antenna array and each said antenna array alternating from said second antenna array, means for attaching said elements and said distribution cable to said Christmas tree,

whereby an Electro-Magnetic Field is interposed between adjacent said coaxial antenna arrays in a plane approximately perpendicular to the antenna element, juxtaposed said Electro-Magnetic Fields are approximately 180 degrees out of phase, and maximum energy is contained within said antenna to maximize illumination of said gas filled vial.

3. The antenna of claim 2 wherein said elements are placed within the Christmas tree structure.

4. The antenna of claim 3 wherein said elements are attached to the Christmas tree structure by means of an adhesive.

5. The antenna of claim 4 wherein said elements attached by adhesive are thin wires.

6. The antenna of claim 5 wherein said elements are made of a thin strip of flexible material coated on one side with an adhesive and said strip is coated on the other side with a metallic film.

7. The antenna in claim 2 wherein said elements are placed adjacent to the exterior surface of the tree structure.

8. The antenna in claim 7 wherein said elements are attached to the Christmas tree structure by means of thin straps which encircle both said tree structure and said element.

9. The antenna of claim 2 wherein said elements are constructed of insulated ornamentally decorated twisted wire and conductive part of wire is attached to said structure by means of an electrical socket embedded within the Christmas tree structure wall.

10. The antenna of claim 9 wherein said twisted wire element is provided with a hinge whereby said Christmas tree may be easily stored.

11. A wireless Christmas tree light set comprising;

A) a plurality of electrodeless lamps, each of said lamps comprising a translucent envelope containing a gas and a predetermined quantity of mercury, said envelope having an interior coating of a fluorescent substance;

B) a power control circuit, connectable to an external 60 Hz electric power supply, comprising;

a multiple-throw multiple-pole power relay, latch means to latch said power relay in on state after said power relay is put in on state,

a signal relay, receivable of a control signal, for unlatching said power relay upon receipt of a control signal,

a normally open switch means for placing said power relay in on state when closed, said normally open switch means being closeable by placement of a magnet proximate said normally open switch means and generating a closure signal when closed;

C) a vertical antenna comprising;

a plurality of spaced coaxial arrays, each array having a plurality of electrically interconnected, elongated, spaced elements,

means to attach said elements to a Christmas tree, said arrays divided into odd number arrays and even number arrays, said odd numbered arrays alternating with said even numbered arrays, a source conductor in a distribution cable electrically connected to each said odd numbered array, a return conductor in aid distribution cable connected to each said even numbered array;

D) a thin circular metallic plate, disposable at the base of said vertical antenna, said metallic place electrically connectable to said return conductor in said distribution cable;

E) a radio frequency power supply unit, electrically connected to said power control circuit and said vertical antenna, for supplying radio frequency power across said source conductor and said return conductor when said multiple-throw, multiple-pole power relay is in on state; and

F) magnetic wand means for closing said normally open switch means, said wand means comprising;

a manually graspable handle, a magnet connected to said handle, and an ornamental covering for at least partially concealing said magnet;

said radio frequency power supply unit and said vertical antenna cooperating to produce an electromagnetic field substantially contained within said Christmas tree of sufficient intensity to cause said electrodeless lamps to illuminate when placed within said electromagnetic field.

12. The lamp in claim 11 with the addition of a second envelope with means of attachment to first said envelope, said second envelope is coated on the inside surface with a flourescent material with means for emitting a second colored visible light.

13. The wireless Christmas tree light set according to claim 11, wherein said radio frequency power supply unit compirses:

a high Q radio frequency inductor comprising a core and spaced winding wound on said core, said inductor being connectable to said source conductor being connectable to said source conductor of said distribution cable,

a radio frequency power amplifier for supplying radio frequency power to said inductor,

a radio frequency oscillator for supplying a radio frequency current to said amplifier;

a modulator for amplitude modulating said oscillator from a plurality of selectable non-linear variable duty cycle signals,

a timer circuit means for selecting one of said plurality of selectable non-linear variable duty cycle signals for amplitude modulation of said oscillator in response to said closure signal and generating a control signal for said signal relay in a predetermined manner,

a power supply, interconnecting said power control circuit and said amplifier, said oscillator, said modulator and said timer, for receiving 60 Hz AC current from said power control circuit and converting said AC current into DC current.

14. The wireless Christmas tree light set according to claim 13, wherein said core is a noninductive electrically insulating air core.

15. The wireless Christmas tree light set according to claim 13, wherein said core is a ferrite core.