Self-powered long-life occupancy sensors and sensor circuits
First Claim
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1. An occupancy sensor comprising an electrical circuit, said circuit comprising:
- first and second inputs operative to connect to respective positive and negative terminals of an energy storage device;
a relay output comprising first and second outputs and a switch between said first and second outputs operative to connect and disconnect said first and second outputs to and from each other;
a relay driver coupled to said first input and to said relay output, said relay driver comprising a relay coil and an input operative to receive a signal indicating occupancy, said relay driver causing said relay output to connect said first output to said second output in response to receiving said signal; and
a housing dimensioned to enclose therein said first and second inputs, said relay output, said relay driver, and said energy storage device, the housing having no means of connection to an external power source for powering the relay driver.
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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.
75 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An occupancy sensor comprising an electrical circuit, said circuit comprising:
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first and second inputs operative to connect to respective positive and negative terminals of an energy storage device; a relay output comprising first and second outputs and a switch between said first and second outputs operative to connect and disconnect said first and second outputs to and from each other; a relay driver coupled to said first input and to said relay output, said relay driver comprising a relay coil and an input operative to receive a signal indicating occupancy, said relay driver causing said relay output to connect said first output to said second output in response to receiving said signal; and a housing dimensioned to enclose therein said first and second inputs, said relay output, said relay driver, and said energy storage device, the housing having no means of connection to an external power source for powering the relay driver. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An occupancy sensor comprising an electrical circuit, said circuit comprising:
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first and second inputs operative to connect to respective positive and negative terminals of a non-rechargeable energy storage device; a relay output comprising first and second outputs and a switch between said first and second outputs operative to connect and disconnect said first and second outputs to and from each other; a relay driver coupled to said first input and to said relay output, said relay driver powered solely by said energy storage device, said relay driver operative to cause said relay output to connect said first output to said second output in response to occupancy being sensed by said occupancy sensor; and a housing dimensioned to enclose therein said first and second inputs, said relay output, said relay driver, and said energy storage device.
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20. An occupancy sensor comprising an electrical circuit, said circuit comprising:
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a relay output comprising first and second outputs and a switch between said first and second outputs operative to connect and disconnect said first and second outputs to and from each other, said first and second outputs comprising outputs of said occupancy sensor; a relay driver coupled to said relay output and to a non-rechargeable energy storage device, said relay driver powered solely by said energy storage device, said relay driver comprising a relay coil and an input operative to receive a signal indicating occupancy, said relay driver causing said relay output to connect said first output to said second output in response to receiving said signal; and a housing dimensioned to enclose therein said relay output, said relay driver, and said energy storage device.
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Specification