Method and system for controlling light fixtures

• US 7,553,039 B2
• Filed: 11/01/2006
• Issued: 06/30/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems, LLC (Fluidra, S.A.)
• Original Assignee: Nexxus Lighting, Inc.
• Inventors: Harris, Robert, Archer, Roy, Ehresman, Adrian, Faber, Stephen, Koren, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar; Stephen F
• Application Number:
  US11/555,530
• Publication Number:
  US 20080080168A1
• Time in Patent Office: 972 Days
• Field of Search: 362/101, 362/267, 362/294, 362/373, 362/800, 449/6
• US Class Current: 362/101
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/00 Lighting devices intended for fixed installation F21S9/00, F21S10/00 take precedence; using a string or strip of light sources F21S4/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/70 characterised by passive heat-dissipating elements, e.g. heat-sinks
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/02 for fountains
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/12 by detecting audible sound
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/155 Coordinated control of two or more light sources
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/18 via data-bus transmission
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

A system and method for controlling a plurality of light fixtures to create light and music, including a processor having a memory. Software is loaded in the memory and is executable by the processor to operate a plurality of light fixtures and at least one music speaker. At least one DMX controller is operable by the software to control the color of at least one of the plurality of light fixtures, the at least one light fixture controllable by the DMX controller including an LED light engine. The system and method generates light and sound displays by operating the lights in synchronization with music played through the music speaker. The color of at least one of the plurality of light fixtures is altered in synchronization with the music by the DMX controller. Also disclosed is a light fixture suitable for use in the light and music displays.

Claims

1. An underwater light assembly for a wall surrounding water, the assembly comprising:

a pipe having at least one return fitting and being positioned in the wall; and

a light body having a lens at one end and enclosing a LED light engine and a tubular heat sink, the light body being inserted into the at least one return fitting in the pipe, the LED light engine being coupled to a power source via the pipe, and the lens protruding from the pipe and being in contact with the water along an outer surface of the lens only, wherein the LED light engine is cooled by convection cooling.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the light body is elongated.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the LED light engine is connected to the heat sink with conductive epoxy.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the LED light engine and the heat sink are in thermal communication at least through at least one of thermal grease, heat transfer tape, heat transfer film or a mechanical heat transfer structure.

5. A water feature including:

a pipe having at least one return fitting and being positioned in the wall; and

a light body having a lens at one end and enclosing a LED light engine and a tubular heat sink, the light body being inserted into the at least one return fitting in the pipe, the LED light engine being coupled to a power source via the pipe, and the lens protruding from the pipe and being in contact with the water along an outer surface of the lens only, wherein the LED light engine is cooled by convection cooling.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the light body is elongated.

7. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the LED light engine is connected to the heat sink with conductive epoxy.

8. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the LED light engine and the heat sink are in thermal communication at least through at least one of thermal grease, heat transfer tape, heat transfer film or a mechanical heat transfer structure.

9. A spa including:

a pipe having at least one return fitting and being positioned in the wall; and

a light body having a lens at one end and enclosing a LED light engine and a heat sink having a cylindrical shape at least in part, the light body being inserted into the at least one return fitting in the pipe, the LED light engine being coupled to a power source via the pipe, and the lens protruding from the pipe and being in contact with the water along an outer surface of the lens only, wherein the LED light engine is cooled by convection cooling.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the light body is elongated.

11. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the LED light engine is connected to the heat sink with conductive epoxy.

12. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the LED light engine and the heat sink are in thermal communication at least through at least one of thermal grease, heat transfer tape, heat transfer film or a mechanical heat transfer structure.