Dual LED/incandescent security fixture

• US 6,909,239 B2
• Filed: 07/08/2003
• Issued: 06/21/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/08/2003
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Original Assignee: Regents of the University of California (University of California)
• Inventors: Gauna, Kevin Wayne
• Primary Examiner(s): TRAN, THUY V
• Application Number:
  US10/616,313
• Publication Number:
  US 20050007025A1
• Time in Patent Office: 714 Days
• Field of Search: 315/130, 315133-134, 315/136, 315307-308, 315/360, 340/541, 340/573.1, 340/693.7, 340/693.11
• US Class Current: 315/134
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/232 specially adapted for generating an essentially omnidirectional light distribution, e.g. with a glass bulb
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/61 using light guides
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/035 by means of plugging into a wall outlet, e.g. night light
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0442 activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2105/10 comprising a two-dimensional array of point-like light-generating elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2113/20 of different form
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/11 by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/115 by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Abstract

A dual LED and incandescent security lighting system uses a hybrid approach to LED illumination. It combines an ambient LED illuminator with a standard incandescent lamp on a motion control sensor. The LED illuminator will activate with the onset of darkness (daylight control) and typically remain on during the course of the night (“always on”). The LED illumination, typically amber, is sufficient to provide low to moderate level lighting coverage to the wall and ground area adjacent to and under the fixture. The incandescent lamp is integrated with a motion control circuit and sensor. When movement in the field of view is detected (after darkness), the incandescent lamp is switched on, providing an increased level of illumination to the area. Instead of an “always on” LED illuminator, the LEDs may also be switched off when the incandescent lamp is switched on.

Claims

1. A dual LED and incandescent security lighting system, comprising:

an ambient LED illuminator;

an incandescent lamp positioned in proximity to the LED illuminator;

a darkness sensor for detecting an occurrence of darkness;

a motion sensor for detecting motion around the lighting system;

a control system connected to the darkness sensor and the motion sensor and to the LED illuminator and the incandescent lamp for turning on the LED illuminator when darkness is detected and for then turning on the incandescent lamp when motion is detected.

2. The dual lighting system of claim 1 wherein the LED illuminator comprises an array of LEDs.

3. The dual lighting system of claim 2 wherein the LEDs are amber or yellow.

4. The dual lighting system of claim 1 further comprising a single fixture containing both the LED illuminator and the incandescent lamp.

5. The dual lighting system of claim 4 wherein the fixture comprises a substantially flat top with the LED illuminator mounted to the underside of the top and the incandescent lamp is mounted in a substantially horizontal orientation below the top, the LED illuminator being positioned either in front of or above the incandescent lamp.

6. The dual lighting system of claim 5 wherein the fixture further comprises a diffuser or lens extending down from the top and enclosing or surrounding the LED illuminator and the incandescent lamp.

7. The dual lighting system of claim 4 wherein the fixture comprises a base to which the LED illuminator and the incandescent lamp are mounted in a vertical downward position, with the LED illuminator around the lamp, and a diffuser or lens extending down from the base and enclosing or surrounding the LED illuminator and the lamp.

8. The dual lighting system of claim 4 further comprising a lamp base that screws into a standard electrical light socket, the LED illuminator being mounted in the base, and a lamp socket formed in the base for receiving the incandescent lamp.

9. The dual lighting system of claim 8 further comprising a light guide or cover lens attachable to the base, in alignment with the LED illuminator and enclosing and surrounding the incandescent lamp.

10. The dual lighting system of claim 1 further comprising a pair of adjacent fixtures, one containing the LED illuminator and the other containing the incandescent lamp.

11. The dual lighting system of claim 10 wherein the incandescent lamp fixture plugs into the LED fixture.

12. The dual lighting system of claim 1 further comprising:

a control box containing the control system and mounted to a wall;

a fixture containing the incandescent lamp attached to the front of the control box;

an adjustable drop arm extending down from the control box;

a LED drop unit containing the LED illuminator and the motion sensor connected to the adjustable drop arm and through the drop arm to the control box.

13. The dual lighting system of claim 1 wherein the control system includes a timer for keeping the incandescent lamp on for a selectable preset period of time.

14. The dual lighting system of claim 1 wherein the control system turns the LED illuminator off when the incandescent lamp is on.

15. The dual lighting system of claim 1 wherein the control system comprises:

a first on/off switch connected between the darkness sensor and the LED illuminator;

an AND gate having inputs connected to the darkness sensor and the motion sensor;

a second on/off switch connected between the AND gate and the incandescent lamp.

16. The dual lighting system of claim 15 comprising a presetable timer connected in feedback to the second on/off switch.

17. The dual lighting system of claim 15 wherein the second on/off switch is connected to the first on/off switch.

18. A dual LED and security lighting system, comprising:

an ambient LED illuminator,

means for positioning an A-lamp in proximity to the LED illuminator;

a darkness sensor for detecting an occurrence of darkness;

a motion sensor for detecting motion around the lighting system;

a control system connected to the darkness sensor and the motion sensor and to the LED illuminator and the A-lamp for turning on the LED illuminator when darkness is detected and for then turning on the A-lamp when motion is detected.

19. The dual LED and security lighting system of claim 18, wherein said A-lamp comprises:

a halogen lamp.

20. The dual LED and security lighting system of claim 18, wherein said A-lamp comprises:

a compact fluorescent lamp.

21. The dual LED and security lighting system of claim 18, wherein said A-lamp comprises:

an incandescent amp.