Remote zone operation of lighting systems for above-ground enclosed or semi-enclosed parking structures

• US 5,714,754 A
• Filed: 04/07/1997
• Issued: 02/03/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 03/04/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: John Jacob Nicholas
• Original Assignee: John Jacob Nicholas
• Inventors: Nicholas, John Jacob
• Primary Examiner(s): Westin, Edward P.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lee, John R.
• Application Number:
  US08/838,461
• Time in Patent Office: 302 Days
• Field of Search: 250/338.1, 250/339.14, 250/205, 250/214 AL, 250/208.4, 250/221, 250/222.1
• US Class Current: 250/221
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 1/42 using electric radiation detectors optical or mechanical part G01J1/04; by comparison with a reference light or electric value G01J1/10

Abstract

A systemic method to control fluorescent and/or incandescent lighting fixtures located in or on an above ground, enclosed or partially enclosed, parking structure uniquely employing previously patented components whereby the existing lighting fixtures of an above ground, enclosed or partially enclosed parking structure are reconfigured and rewired to accommodate a zonal, sensored lighting control system. A remote sensing unit is employed at predetermined spacing locations utilized to detect vehicular and human body movement across the sensed thresholds and to detect infrared emissions from the same sources to initiate the switching units thereby energizing the zoned lighting fixtures. Also employing included photoelectric controls of previously patented detectors to prohibit energy usage of the fixtures during the daylight hours.

Claims

1. A parking structure, comprising at least one parking level with a permanent covering having an area of zoned illumination comprising at least two illumination zones, each of said illumination zones containing parking spaces for at least four vehicles, said area of zoned illumination having at least one vehicle throughway located to allow for ingress and egress of said vehicles, and at least one pedestrian walkway, stairway, passageway, or elevator access to said parking level, said level being covered and either open or partially open on its sides to the ambient environment, said parking structure having an illumination system comprising:

a plurality of passive infrared sensors mounted to the ceiling of the said parking structure at plural locations in the area of zoned illumination, said illumination system comprised of plural light fixtures of the incandescent or fluorescent types with a majority of said fixtures in the area of zoned illumination being permanently mounted overhead, the fixtures illuminating said area of zoned illumination to a lighting level of at least 0.25 foot candles of lumen output at floor level;

each of said illumination zones comprising at least one sensor, at least one light fixture within said illumination zone, and at least one power supply for supplying power to said at least one fixture, each sensor having a field of detection of 360 degrees around the sensor to allow for a generally conical field of detection, said sensors located and spaced such that sensor coverage of a substantial portion of the area of zoned illumination is attained, each of said sensors capable of being activated when a vehicle or pedestrian passes within its suzerain, said activation causing electrical energy to be supplied to said at least one fixture within said illumination zone, a plurality of said ceiling mounted sensors positioned with their respective conical fields of detection distributed such that a vehicle travelling along said vehicle throughway passes through multiple fields of detection.

2. A parking structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the said sensors within the illumination system contain an adjunct photoelectric cell responsive to an ambient light level from either natural or artificial sources and which will override the ability of said sensors to supply energy to said lighting fixtures, the light level being adjustable.