Remote positionable photocell device for use with an exterior landscape lighting assembly

• US 6,160,353 A
• Filed: 09/03/1999
• Issued: 12/12/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 06/18/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael L. Mancuso
• Original Assignee: Michael L. Mancuso
• Inventors: Mancuso, Michael L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Philogene, Haissa
• Application Number:
  US09/389,719
• Time in Patent Office: 466 Days
• Field of Search: 315/149, 315/152, 315/276, 315/156, 315/158, 315/159, 315/292, 315/316, 315/324, 250/205
• US Class Current: 315/159
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/0824 Ground spikes
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/11 by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/16 by timing means
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Abstract

A photocell device for use with an exterior landscape lighting assembly. The lighting assembly includes a transformer having an input line connected to an electrical power source. The transformer converts a primary electrical load to a secondary electrical load which is in turn outputted through an output line connecting to a plurality of individual lighting units. The photocell device is capable of being mounted at an appropriate exterior location, such as to the side of a building structure. An enclosure unit includes a power supply circuit, a photo sensor and control circuitry communicating with the photo sensor. At least one light permissive window is formed within a selected front facing and/or top facing surface of the enclosure unit. The power supply circuit converts the secondary transformer output to an unregulated and filtered direct current suitable for powering the control circuitry. The control circuitry interfaces with the photo sensor and, in response thereto, selectively activates and deactivates the plurality of lighting elements. The control circuitry further includes such features as timer and dimmer capability and also may include software algorithmic capability for receiving a selected real time input signal and operating the lighting units responsive to the input signal.

Claims

1. A photocell device for use with an exterior landscape lighting assembly, the lighting assembly including a transformer having an input line connected to an electrical power source and an output line connecting to a plurality of individual lighting units, the transformer converting the power source from a primary electrical load through the input line to a secondary electrical load through the output line, said photocell device comprising:

an enclosure unit including a power supply circuit, a photo sensor and control circuit means operatively communicating with said photo sensor;

means for supporting said enclosure unit at an outdoor and light receiving location; and

said photocell device electrically communicating with the output line at a point remote from the transformer and prior to a first of the plurality of individual lighting units, said power supply converting the secondary load to an unregulated and filtered direct current suitable for powering said control circuit means, said control circuit means selectively activating and deactivating the secondary electrical load to said plurality of individual lighting units.

2. The photocell device according to claim 1, further comprising an elongate and transparent rod extending upwardly from said enclosure unit, said rod serving as a light conduit to transmit ambient light to said photo sensor.

3. The photocell device according to claim 1, further comprising the transformer output being provided at 12 V AC.

4. The photocell device according to claim 1, said control circuit means further comprising a light control circuit incorporating said photo sensor, a Schmitt trigger introducing a dead band into said light control circuit to prevent activation and deactivation of said secondary electrical load within specified parameters.

5. The photocell device according to claim 4, said control circuit means further comprising a dimmer circuit for establishing a degree of illumination of the lighting units.

6. The photocell device according to claim 4, said control circuit means further comprising a timer circuit for establishing an off time for deactivating the secondary electrical load to the lighting units.

7. The photocell device according to claim 1, said means for supporting said enclosure unit further comprising means for securing to an exterior facing and light receiving surface of a building.

8. The photocell device according to claim 7, further comprising a plurality of fasteners for securing said enclosure unit to the facing surface of the building.

9. The photocell device according to claim 1, further comprising a light transmissive window formed within at least one of a forward facing and top facing surface of a building to serve as a light conduit for transmitting ambient light to said photo sensor.