Self-powered long-life occupancy sensors and sensor circuits

• US 7,319,389 B1
• Filed: 01/28/2005
• Issued: 01/15/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC (Acuity Brands, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Brian P. Platner
• Inventors: Mudge, Philip H
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, MATTHEW VAN
• Application Number:
  US11/045,751
• Time in Patent Office: 1,082 Days
• Field of Search: 307/116, 307/117, 361/157, 361/160, 361/168, 361/178, 340/540, 340/541, 340/565
• US Class Current: 340/541
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/00 Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/115 by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/13 by using passive infrared detectors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Abstract

Occupancy sensors are provided that do not require an external power source in order to operate. The sensors operate with a low voltage non-rechargeable battery and are fully functional for at least about 15-20 years. The sensors include a relay output capable of switching high or low voltage and high or low current with virtually no generated heat. The sensors require no warm-up period, no minimum load, and no external ground connection. The sensors are always active and are easily installed, having two electrically interchangeable outputs for coupling to, for example, a load and a load power source.

Claims

1. A method of coupling a first relay output to a second relay output based on an occurrence of an event, said method comprising:

generating a signal in response to an occurrence of said event;

applying a voltage pulse of a first polarity across a relay coil in response to said generating;

coupling said first and second relay outputs to each other in response to said applying; and

powering said generating, said applying, and said coupling with a self-contained, non-rechargeable energy storage device supplying no more than about 3.6 volts.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising enclosing said generating, said applying, said coupling, and said energy storage device in a single housing.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said event comprises the sensing of occupancy in a designated area.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said first relay output is operative to be coupled to a load and said second relay output is operative to be coupled to power for said load.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said generating comprises amplifying a signal using no more than about 30 microamperes of current supplied by said energy storage device in response to an occurrence of said event.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

illuminating a light emitting diode in response to said generating a signal; and

powering said illuminating with said energy storage device.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said energy storage device is a non-rechargeable battery.

8. A method of coupling a first relay output to a second relay output based on an occurrence of an event, said method comprising:

generating a signal in response to an occurrence of said event;

activating a timer for a limited period of time in response to said generating a signal;

applying a voltage pulse of a first polarity across a relay coil in response to said generating;

coupling said first and second relay outputs to each other in response to said applying;

decoupling said first and second outputs from each other in response to said limited period of time expiring; and

powering said generating, said activating, said applying, said coupling, and said decoupling with a self-contained, non-rechargeable energy storage device supplying no more than about 3.6 volts.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

preventing for a limited period of time after said decoupling said activating a timer; and

powering said preventing with said energy storage device.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein said event comprises the sensing of occupancy in a designated area.

13. The method of claim 8 wherein said first relay output is operative to be coupled to a load and said second relay output is operative to be coupled to power for said load.

14. The method of claim 8 wherein said energy storage device is a non-rechargeable battery.

15. The method of claim 8 further comprising:

illuminating a light emitting diode in response to said generating a signal; and

powering said illuminating with said energy storage device.

10. A method of coupling a first relay output to a second relay output based on an occurrence of an event, said method comprising:

generating a signal in response to an occurrence of said event;

activating a timer for a limited period of time in response to said generating a signal;

applying a first voltage pulse of a first polarity across a relay coil in response to said generating;

coupling said first and second relay outputs to each other in response to said applying;

applying a second voltage pulse of a second polarity across said relay coil in response to said limited period of time expiring;

decoupling said first and second relay outputs from each other in response to said applying a second voltage pulse; and

powering said generating, said activating, said applying a first voltage pulse, said coupling, said applying a second voltage pulse, and said decoupling with a self-contained, non-rechargeable energy storage device supplying no more than about 3.6 volts.

16. The method of claim 10 wherein said event comprises the sensing of occupancy in a designated area.

17. The method of claim 10 wherein said first relay output is operative to be coupled to a load and said second relay output is operative to be coupled to power for said load.

18. The method of claim 10 wherein said energy storage device is a non-rechargeable battery.

19. The method of claim 10 further comprising:

illuminating a light emitting diode in response to said generating a signal; and

powering said illuminating with said energy storage device.

20. The method of claim 10 further comprising:

preventing for a limited period of time after said decoupling said activating a timer; and

powering said preventing with said energy storage device.

11. Apparatus for coupling a first relay output to a second relay output based on an occurrence of an event, said apparatus comprising:

means for generating a signal in response to an occurrence of said event;

means for applying a voltage pulse of a first polarity across a relay coil in response to said generating;

means for coupling said first and said second relay outputs to each other in response to said applying; and

means for powering said generating, said applying, and said coupling with no more than about 3.6 volts, said means for powering being non-rechargeable, self-contained, and portable.