Controlling device for use with exterior landscape lighting assemblies

• US 6,984,944 B2
• Filed: 01/13/2004
• Issued: 01/10/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/14/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John Garrity
• Original Assignee: John Garrity
• Inventors: Garrity, John
• Primary Examiner(s): Philogene, Haissa
• Application Number:
  US10/756,235
• Publication Number:
  US 20040195982A1
• Time in Patent Office: 728 Days
• Field of Search: 315/149, 315/152, 315/156, 315/276, 315/292, 315/294, 315/312, 315/316, 315/158, 315/159, 307112-116, 307/132.E, 307/140
• US Class Current: 315/294
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/081 of low-built type, e.g. landscape light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/10 Controlling the light source

Abstract

A controlling 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 though an output line connecting to a plurality of individual lighting units. The controlling device is capable of being mounted at an appropriate location indoors or outdoors. An enclosure unit includes a power supply circuit, a switch, a relay and control circuitry. The power supply circuit converts the secondary transformer output to a filtered direct current suitable for powering the control circuitry. The control circuitry interfaces with remote momentary switches and alternately activates and deactivates the lighting units. The control circuitry further includes an optional receiver for wireless operation. The controlling device can be incorporated into the transformer assembly.

Claims

1. A controlling device for use with exterior landscape lighting assembly, the lighting assembly including a transformer having an input line connected to a power supply and an output line connecting to a plurality of individual lighting units, said controlling device comprising:

an enclosure unit including a power supply circuit, a relay and control circuitry operatively communicating with said relay and a means for communicating electrically with a plurality of momentary switches;

said controlling device electrically communicating with the output line of the transformer and prior to a first of the plurality of individual lighting units, said power supply circuit converting a secondary electrical load through the output line to a filtered direct current suitable for powering said control circuitry, said control circuitry selectively activating and deactivating the secondary electrical load to said plurality of individual lighting units; and

means for supporting said enclosure indoors or outdoors.

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

3. The controlling device according to claim 1, said control circuitry further comprising a bounceless switch circuit to filter chatter in the electrical signal received from a plurality of momentary switches.

4. The controlling device according to claim 3, further comprising a flip-flop integrated circuit to alternately activate and deactivate said relay, an on/off switch to communicate the initial state of said flip-flop integrated circuit when said controlling device initially receives power.

5. The controlling device according to claim 3, further comprising a receiver circuit to receive a wireless signal to activate and deactivate said relay.

6. The controlling device according to claim 1, wherein the controlling device is incorporated into said transformer.