Adaptive sound actuated illumination device for battery operation

• US 6,278,366 B1
• Filed: 12/22/1999
• Issued: 08/21/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: NU Born Tek, Inc.
• Original Assignee: NU Born Tek, Inc.
• Inventors: Taylor, Stephen P., Donnelly, W. W. Jr., Fletcher, Mark W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, Don
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lee, Wilson
• Application Number:
  US09/469,591
• Time in Patent Office: 608 Days
• Field of Search: 315/149-159, 315/119, 315/292-296, 315/360, 315/362, 362/100, 362/802, 362/276, 362/383, 340/542, 340/545-549
• US Class Current: 340/542
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/0079 Locks with audio features E05B45/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/10 Illuminating devices on or for locks or keys; Transparent or translucent lock parts; Indicator lights

Abstract

An adaptive, battery-operated sound actuate illumination device includes a housing of a durable material having an interior chamber and electronic components located within the chamber. The housing utilizes existing door lock hardware to secure the device to the door for unobtrusive, mechanical installation. The electrical components include a light emitting device positioned within the housing adjacent to an area to be illuminated, a sound receiving sensor adapted to respond to a noise by the user and energize the light emitting device, an optical sensor adapted to determine the existence of ambient light and thereby preclude the illumination of the light device when light is detected, an integrated circuit to receive the inputs of the microphone and optical sensor and to provide an output to energize the light emitting device, a time sensing electrical component adjacent to the input end of the integrated circuit to time out the activation of the light emitting diode after a predetermined period of time and a power source to power the microphone, optical sensor, timing circuit, and light emitting diode.

Claims

1. A new and improved illumination system for door locks and keyholes to effect the illumination of a door lock assembly upon the making of a noise by a user comprising, in combination;

an enclosure having an adaptive non-marring region with an aperture and flange positioned between the door and the exterior portion of the deadbolt lock, within this enclosure of durable material having an interior chamber consisting of electronic components located within the chamber, the electrical components including a light emitting diode positioned within the housing adjacent to the exterior portion of the deadbolt lock or door knob lock, a sound receiving microphone adapted to be energized in response to a noise by the user to energize the light emitting diode, an optical sensor adapted to determine the existence of ambient light to thereby preclude the illumination of the light emitting diode when sufficient light is detected, an electronic circuit to receive the inputs of the microphone and optical sensor and to provide an output to energize the light emitting diode, a time sensing electrical component including a resistor, capacitor and an integrated circuit to time out the activation of the light emitting diode after a predetermined period of time between, but not limited to, 20 and 60 seconds, and a battery to power the electrical components.

2. A system to effect illumination comprising:

a housing of durable material having an interior chamber; and

electrical components located within the chamber, the electrical components including an illumination device positioned within the housing adjacent to an area to be illuminated, a sound receiving microphone adapted to be energized in response to a noise by the user to energize the illumination device, an optical sensor adapted to determine the existence of ambient light to thereby preclude the illumination of the illumination device when sufficient light is detected, an integrated circuit to receive the inputs of the microphone and optical sensor and to provide an output to energize the illumination device, a time sensing electrical component adjacent to the input end of the integrated circuit to time out the activation of the light emitting diode after a predetermined period and a power source to power the sound sensor, optical sensor, timing circuit, and light emitting diode.

3. The system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the housing is coupled in proximity to a door lock assembly of a door.

4. The system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the time out is set but not limited to be between 20 and 60 seconds.

5. The system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the power source is a battery.

6. An adaptive, battery operated, sound actuated illumination device for entry door lock assemblies comprising:

an acoustic transducer for receiving sound energy;

a signal amplifier for receiving the output signal of the acoustic transducer;

an ambient noise detection and signal conditioning component for receiving the output signal from the signal amplifier;

a comparator for receiving an output signal of the ambient noise detection and signal conditioning component;

an ambient light sensor;

a power switch and voltage reference component for receiving an output signal from the ambient light sensor;

a timer and light source enable component for receiving an output signal from the comparator, the power switch and voltage reference, and the ambient noise detection and signal conditioning component;

an illumination source drive circuitry for receiving an output signal from the comparator and the timer and light source enable;

a battery adapted to the power switch and voltage reference to be disabled upon the activation of the power switch and voltage reference;

an illumination device for receiving an output signal from the illumination source drive circuitry powered by the battery when the illumination device is enabled by the power switch and voltage reference, whereby photons are emitted from the illumination device upon the activation thereof;

an enclosure having a universal adaptive non-marring region with an aperture and flange positioned between the door and the exterior portion of the deadbolt lock; and

an optional illumination enhancement device used to collect emitted photons from the LED light source to redirect or generate new photons.