Two photocell controlled lighting system employing filters for the two photocells that control on/off operation for the system

• US 5,412,284 A
• Filed: 09/12/1994
• Issued: 05/02/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Martha H. Moore, Robbie C. Koenig
• Original Assignee: Martha H. Moore, Robbie C. Koenig
• Inventors: Koenig, Robbie C., Moore, Martha H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pascal, Robert J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Shingleton, Michael B.
• Application Number:
  US08/304,596
• Time in Patent Office: 232 Days
• Field of Search: 315/155, 315/159, 315/185 S, 315/324, 359/142, 359/147, 362/123, 362/252, 362/227, 362/396, 362/800, 362/806, 250/206, 307/11, 307/38, 307/40, 307/117, 307/157
• US Class Current: 315/155
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/155 Coordinated control of two or more light sources
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/175 by remote control
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/195 the transmission using visible or infrared light
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

A cordless lighting system for a Christmas tree comprising a control transmitter for generating light signals of first and second frequencies, and a plurality of light elements adapted to be supported on the Christmas tree. Each of the light elements comprises a light source for generating visible light, a battery for supplying power to activate the light source, a bistable switch having an input, and an output connected to the light source, and first and second photocells responsive to light signals of the first and second frequencies, respectively, for generating first and second control signals to the input of the bistable switch. The first control signal controls the bistable switch to activate the light element and the second control signal controls the bistable switch to deactivate the light element. Preferably, the light elements activate each other in a cascade fashion.

Claims

1. A cordless lighting system for a decorative tree, comprising:

a control transmitter for generating light signals of first and second frequencies;

a plurality of light elements, each of the light elements comprising;

a light source for generating visible light of the first frequency;

a battery for supplying power to activate the light source;

a bistable switch having an input, and an output connected to the light source;

first and second photocells, each photocell having a colored lens such that the lens of the first photocell causes the first photocell to respond to light signals of the first frequency and the lens of the second photocell causes the second photocell to respond to light Signals of the second frequency, thereby generating first and second control signals to the input of the bistable switch, wherein the first control signal controls the bistable switch to activate the light source for generating visible light of the first frequency and the second control signal controls the bistable switch to deactivate the light source; and

a plurality of clamps, each of the clamps for attaching a light element to the tree;

wherein upon activation of the light source of a first light element, light of the first frequency is received by the first photocell of a second light element to thereby activate the light source of the second light element such that the first and second light elements are lit in a cascaded manner.

2. The cordless lighting system as described in claim 1 wherein the visible light is of the first frequency.

3. The cordless lighting system as described in claim 2 wherein the first photocell of at least one of the light elements is responsive to the visible light generated by the light source of a light element supported nearby on the decorative tree such that the light elements are activated in a cascade fashion.

4. The cordless lighting system as described in claim 1 wherein the light source in the light element is a light emitting diode.

5. The cordless lighting system as described in claim 1 wherein the light element is supported in a simulated candle.

6. The cordless lighting system as described in claim 1 further including a recharging unit for storing and recharging the batteries of the light elements.

7. A light element adapted for support on a decorative tree having a plurality of such elements, comprising:

a light source for generating visible light of the first frequency;

a battery for supplying power to activate the light source;

a bistable switch having an input, and an output connected to the light source; and

first and second photocells, each photocell having a different colored lens such that the lens of the first photocell causes the first photocell to respond to light signals of the first frequency and the lens of the second photocell causes the second photocell to respond to light signals of the second frequency, thereby generating first and second control signals to the input of the bistable switch, wherein the first control signal controls the bistable switch to activate the light source for generating visible light of the first frequency and the second control signal controls the bistable switch to deactivate the light source.