Exit sign self-testing system

• US 5,966,069 A
• Filed: 03/19/1998
• Issued: 10/12/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 03/19/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Prescolite, Inc. (Hubbell, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Prescolite-Moldcast Lighting Company
• Inventors: Zmurk, Greg, Buckser, Steve
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LIEU, JULIE BICHNGOC
• Application Number:
  US09/045,628
• Time in Patent Office: 572 Days
• Field of Search: 340/330, 340/506, 340/507, 340/514, 340/516, 340/636, 340/333, 307/64, 307/66, 362/20, 315/86
• US Class Current: 340/636.16
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 29/126 of annunciator circuits
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 7/062 indicating emergency exits
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 2013/05 indicating exit way or orientation

Abstract

A system for testing the electrical integrity of an illuminated exit sign alternately powered by a battery, rechargeable from a source of alternating current power. The system includes an alarm for indicating an electrical failure, precluding the illumination of the exit sign. A circuit tests the presence of battery electrical power for illuminating the exit sign. In addition, the circuitry periodically tests for the provision of adequate battery power to achieve the same function. Moreover, the system periodically tests and retests for adequate recharging of the battery during a preselected period of time and includes an alarm for indicating failure of the recharging system.

Claims

1. A system for testing the electrical integrity of an exit sign illuminated by a lamp, alternately powered by a battery rechargeable from a source of AC power and powered by the AC power source;

comprising;

a. alarm means for indicating an electrical failure precluding illumination of the exit sign;

b. means for periodically testing for the presence of battery electrical power to illuminate the exit sign, said alarm means indicating the absence of battery power;

c. means for periodically testing for the provision of adequate battery power to illuminate the exit sign, said alarm means indicating inadequate battery power;

d. means for periodically testing for adequate recharging of the battery during a preselected period of time, said alarm means indicating the failure of the recharging of the battery;

said means for periodically testing for the presence of the battery power, said means for periodically testing for the provision of adequate battery power, and said means for periodically testing for adequate recharging of the battery further comprise means for transferring the source of illumination of the exit sign between the AC source and the battery; and

e. means for periodically testing for the existence of the lamp and for the operation of said means for transferring the source of illumination of the exit sign between AC source and the battery, including a detector for a ripple voltage associated with the AC source.

2. The system of claim 1 in which said alarm means comprises a visual unit having distinctive signals to selectively indicate the absence of battery power, inadequate battery power and failure of the recharging of the battery.

3. The system of claim 1 in which said detector comprises a control circuit, said control circuit includes a comparator for detecting the presence of said ripple voltage at the output of said comparator.

4. The system of claim 3 in which said alarm means comprises a visual unit having distinctive signals to selectively indicate the absence of battery power, inadequate battery power, and failure of the recharging of the battery.

5. The system of claim 4 in which said alarm means comprises a light emitting diode.

6. The system of claim 4 in which said alarm means further comprises a bicolor light emitting diode.