Apparatus and methods for providing an emergency lighting augmentation system

• US 6,986,589 B2
• Filed: 12/13/2003
• Issued: 01/17/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cyberlux Corp.
• Original Assignee: Cyberlux Corp.
• Inventors: Schmidt, Mark D., Evans, Donald F., Brady, Robert O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ward, John Anthony
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cranson, Jr., James W
• Application Number:
  US10/734,349
• Publication Number:
  US 20050007024A1
• Time in Patent Office: 766 Days
• Field of Search: 362/20, 362/95, 362/545, 362/276, 362/800, 362/802, 315/86, 340/635
• US Class Current: 362/20
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/035 by means of plugging into a wall outlet, e.g. night light
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 9/022 Emergency lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/04 the elements being switches safety devices F21V25/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0442 activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/0008 providing for indirect lighting
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2113/20 of different form
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6683 with built-in sensor
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/717 with built-in light source
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7172 Conduits for light transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7175 Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 25/006 the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/02 in which an auxiliary distribution system and its associated lamps are brought into service
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/802 Position or condition responsive switch

Abstract

The present invention includes an emergency lighting device comprising, at least one light emitting diode (LED), a local energy source such as a lithium ion battery, a control circuit in electric communication with the at least one LED and further sensing a main power supply, and a reflector for broadcasting light produced by the LED to designated areas. In particular, the present invention transforms existing fluorescent, incandescent or halogen light fixtures into emergency lighting systems for homes, hospitals, hotels, nursing homes and businesses. The device includes a power sensor for triggering the control circuit to engage the LEDs when electrical service is disrupted, thereby broadcasting a wash of light over an otherwise darkened room or corridor.

Claims

1. A lighting device having a power sensor for sensing a disruption in a main power supply, the lighting device comprising:

at least one light emitting diode (LED) in electrical communication with corresponding electrical circuitry;

a local electrical energy source for supplying electrical energy to said at least one LED;

an LED drive circuit/boost converter;

a control circuit in electrical communication with said at least one LED, said LED drive circuit/boost converter, and the power sensor, wherein upon sensing the disruption in the main power supply the power sensor signals said control circuit to engage said LED drive circuit/boost converter and, thus, operatively engage said at least one LED to illuminate; and

a reflector positioned proximate to said at least one LED for reflecting light provided by said LEDs.

2. A lighting device as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one LED is mounted adjacent a light fixture.

3. A lighting device as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one LED is a white LED.

4. A lighting device as recited in claim 1, wherein said at least one LED is an amber LED.

5. A lighting device as recited in claim 1, wherein said local energy source is an electrochemical battery pack.

6. A lighting device as recited in claim 5, further comprising a battery charger in electronic communication with said the power supply for charging said battery pack.

7. A lighting device as recited in claim 6, wherein said control circuit operatively engages said at least one LED via wireless technology.

8. A lighting device as recited in claim 7, wherein said local energy source, the power sensor and said control circuit are in electrical communication via a circuit board;

and wherein a housing encloses said local energy source, the power sensor, said control circuit and said circuit board.

9. A lighting device as recited in claim 8, wherein said housing is mounted adjacent a light fixture.

10. A lighting augmentation device having a power sensor for sensing a disruption in a main power supply, the lighting augmentation device comprising:

a light fixture comprising, at least one light bulb having at least one electrode, wherein said at least one electrode of said at least one light bulb is in electrical communication with the main power supply;

at least one light emitting diode (LED) in electrical communication with corresponding electrical circuitry;

a local electrical energy source for supplying electrical energy to said at least one LED;

an LED drive circuit/boost converter;

a control circuit in electrical communication with said at least one LED, said LED drive circuit/boost converter, and the power sensor, wherein upon sensing the disruption in the main power supply the power sensor signals said control circuit to engage said LED drive circuit/boost converter and, thus, operatively engage said at least one LED to illuminate; and

a reflector positioned proximate to said at least one LED for reflecting light provided by said at least one LED.

11. A lighting augmentation device as recited in claim 10, further comprising a ballast in electrical communication with the at least one electrode of said at least one light bulb and the main power supply;

said ballast for regulating the current applied to said at least one light bulb; and

wherein the power sensor is in electrical communication with said main power supply via said ballast.

12. A method of providing emergency lighting using a power sensor configured to sense a disruption to a main power supply, the method comprising:

providing at least one light emitting diode (LED) in electrical communication with corresponding electrical circuitry;

providing a local electrical energy source for supplying electrical energy to said at least one LED;

providing an LED drive circuit/boost converter;

providing a control circuit in electrical communication with said at least one LED, said LED drive circuit/boost converter and the power sensor;

signaling said control circuit to engage said LED drive circuit/boost converter and, thus, operatively engage said at least one LED to illuminate in response to the power sensor sensing a disruption of the main power supply; and

providing a reflector positioned proximate to said at least one LED for reflecting light provided by said LEDs.

13. A lighting device having a power sensor for sensing a disruption in a main power supply, the lighting device comprising:

a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured in a substantially circular pattern, wherein said plurality of LEDs are disposed in electrical communication with corresponding electrical circuitry, wherein at least three of said plurality of LEDs include parabolic reflectors having a vertex, and wherein said at least three of said plurality of LEDs are disposed adjacent the vertexes of said parabolic reflectors;

a local electrical energy source for supplying electrical energy to said plurality of LEDs; and

a control circuit in electrical communication with said plurality of LEDs and the power sensor, wherein said control circuit signals said plurality of LEDs to illuminate upon the power sensor sensing a disruption in the main power supply.

14. A lighting device as recited in claim 13, wherein said plurality of LEDs are mounted adjacent a light fixture.

15. A lighting device as recited in claim 13, wherein at least one of said plurality of LEDs are white LEDs.

16. A lighting device as recited in claim 13, wherein at least one of said plurality of LEDs are amber LEDs.

17. A lighting device as recited in claim 13, wherein said local energy source is an electrochemical battery pack.

18. A lighting device as recited in claim 17, further comprising a battery charger in electronic communication with said main power supply for charging said battery pack.

19. A lighting device as recited in claim 13, wherein said control circuit operatively engages said plurality of LEDs via wireless technology.

20. A lighting device as recited in claim 13, wherein said local energy source, the power sensor and said control circuit are in electrical communication via a circuit board;

and wherein a housing encloses said local energy source, said control circuit and said circuit board.

21. A lighting device as recited in claim 20, wherein said housing is mounted remotely from said plurality of LEDs.

22. A method of providing emergency lighting incorporating a power sensor for sensing a disruption in a main power supply, the method comprising the steps of:

arranging a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a substantially circular pattern;

providing a parabolic reflector adjacent each of said plurality of LEDs;

electrically connecting a local electrical energy source to said plurality of LEDs;

electrically connecting a control circuit to said plurality of LEDs and to the power sensor; and

configuring said control circuit to operatively engage at least one of said plurality of LEDs to illuminate in response to the power sensor sensing a disruption of the main power supply.