U.S. patent application number 10/822392 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-16 for electrically illuminated flame simulator.
Invention is credited to Gutstein, Robert A., Liu, Monita.
Application Number | 20040252498 10/822392 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27753451 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040252498 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gutstein, Robert A. ; et
al. |
December 16, 2004 |
Electrically illuminated flame simulator
Abstract
An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two
light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the
light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the
light sources independently of other light sources such that the
light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement,
and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit.
The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental
device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative
clothing, or may be part of a hazzard or warning system. One or
more solid state light sources may also be used.
Inventors: |
Gutstein, Robert A.;
(Calabasas, CA) ; Liu, Monita; (Calabasas,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Colin P. Abrahams
Suite 400
5850 Canoga Avenue
Woodland Hills
CA
91367
US
|
Family ID: |
27753451 |
Appl. No.: |
10/822392 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10822392 |
Apr 12, 2004 |
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10084272 |
Feb 27, 2002 |
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6719443 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/227 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S 9/022 20130101;
Y10S 362/81 20130101; Y10S 362/812 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801;
F21S 10/04 20130101; F21S 6/001 20130101; F21V 23/04 20130101; F21V
23/06 20130101; F21S 9/02 20130101; F21V 33/0028 20130101; H05B
47/10 20200101; H05B 47/12 20200101; F21V 23/0442 20130101; H05B
45/12 20200101; H04R 1/028 20130101; F21V 35/00 20130101; F21W
2121/00 20130101; Y10S 362/80 20130101; Y02B 20/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/227 |
International
Class: |
F21S 002/00 |
Claims
1. An electrically powered flame simulator comprising: at least two
light sources; an integrated circuit electrically connected to the
light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the
light sources independently of other light sources such that the
light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement;
a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit.
2. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 1 comprising at least four
light sources.
3. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprising
switch means for activating and deactivating the integrated
circuit.
4. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 3 wherein the switch means
has three positions comprising an on position, an off position, and
an on-timed position where the flame simulator will remain
activated for a predetermined length of time.
5. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
microphone connected to the integrated circuit wherein the
microphone inputs preselected audio signals which are processed by
the integrated circuit to switch the flame simulator between and on
position, an off position and an on-timed position where the flame
simulator will remain activated for a predetermined length of
time.
6. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 5 wherein the integrated
circuit processes signals having a higher frequency to place the
flame simulator in the on position and processes lower frequency
signals to place the flame simulator in the off position.
7. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the integrated
circuit illuminates the light sources in an random operation.
8. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the integrated
circuit illuminates the light sources in a preselected
predetermined operation.
9. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
light sensor for controlling operation of the flame simulator to
function only when selected ambient light conditions are
present.
10. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
heat sensor for controlling operation of the flame simulator to
function only when selected ambient heat conditions are
present.
11. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
body in the shape of a candle in which the flame simulator is
contained, the body having an upper end with a mounting means for
receiving the integrated circuit and light sources and a chamber
therein for receiving the power source.
12. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 11 wherein the power
source comprises electrical connectors for connection to an
external power member.
13. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 11 wherein the power
source comprises at least one battery received within the
chamber.
14. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 13 wherein the battery is
selected from the group consisting of rechargeable and disposable
batteries.
15. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 1 wherein all of the
light sources are intermittently illuminated.
16. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
body in the shape of a fire log in which the flame simulator is
contained, the body having a receiving means with a mounting means
for receiving the integrated circuit and light sources and a
chamber therein for receiving the power source.
17. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the power
source comprises voltage sources generated by at least one output
selected from one of the following: (a) a micro-controller
executing seven segment light emitting diode (LED) driver software,
(b) a seven segment LED driver circuit, (c) an electronic circuit
generating at least one of random pulses, random signals,
semi-random pulses, semi-random signals, sequential pulses, or
sequential signals.
18. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light
sources are light emitting diodes (LEDs).
19. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 11 wherein the integrated
circuit is mounted on a flexible base which can be shaped so as to
conform to the shape of at least a portion of the candle to
conserve space.
20. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the power
source is spaced from the integrated circuit and light source and
is electrically in contact therewith by means of extended
electrical connectors.
21. A candle having an electrically powered flame simulator
comprising: a candle body having an upper portion, a lower portion
and a chamber therein; a flame simulator having at least two light
sources located near the upper portion of the candle body, an
integrated circuit within the candle body and electrically
connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at
least one of the light sources independently of other light sources
such that the light sources together provide the effect of a
flickering movement, and a power source in the chamber of the
candle body for providing power to the integrated circuit.
22. An electrically powered flame simulator comprising: at least
one solid state type light source; an integrated circuit
electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently
illuminating at the light source such that the light source
provides the effect of a flickering movement; a power source for
providing power to the integrated circuit.
23. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 22 wherein the solid
state light source is an LED light bulb.
24. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 22 wherein the solid
state light source is an electro-luminescent device.
25. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 22 wherein the solid
state light source is a liquid crystal device.
26. A flame simulator as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
motion detector for controlling operation of the flame simulator to
function in response to motion detected within a predetermined
range.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/084,272 filed Feb. 27, 2002, which
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an electrically illuminated flame
simulator. Particularly, the invention relates to decorative
candles, fire logs, or other devices which may be illuminated so as
to produce a flickering flame effect. The flame simulator of the
invention would typically be electrically powered by batteries,
either disposable or rechargeable, but may also be powered through
a regular AC outlet, with or without an AC adaptor.
[0003] Candles, fire logs, specially created street lights and
other devices which may be used, for example, on clothing, cycles
or other products are commonly available and valued for their
effect. However, in many instances, where candles, fire logs or
related lighting fixtures are used, the lighting produced is from a
flame which may typically burn in an oil container, wax candle or
the like. There are, of course, natural hazards associated with
such a device, since they may result in fire accidents which, if
unattended or not properly controlled, can produce extensive
damage, smoke or pollution.
[0004] The invention therefore utilizes the concept of such
decorative elements, but uses, instead of a flame, an electrically
illuminated flame simulator which is programmed to operate so that,
when observed, is shown to produce a light-flickering effect which
is the same as or similar to a burning candle, fire log or the
like. However, the invention is not limited to devices such as
candles and fire logs, and the electrically illuminated flame
simulator of the invention can be used in a wide array of products
and conditions, such as in ornamental or decorative street lights,
in clothing such as belts, shoes and caps, greeting cards, or on
bicycles, scooters and the like. Furthermore, the flickering effect
of the flame simulator of the invention may be used to advantage as
a hazard warning, such as on road hazard or emergency automobile
lights.
[0005] Certain devices and methods are known which may have the
effect of producing or simulating a real flame. For example, a
single specially designed, unstable neon light bulb may be used.
Such unstable neon bulbs, however, inherently produce an unnatural
"jerky" flickering pattern that may not be easily controlled
electronically, and must be operated by high voltage sources. At
the least, this makes them generally unsuitable for battery
operation. A further example can be found in a single incandescent
light bulb whose light output may be modulated by varying the
output of an AC or DC voltage source. Such incandescent light
bulbs, however, are inherently limited in terms of flickering rate
and effect due to retention of filament heat, and draw
substantially more current than solid state light sources such as
LED lights. Once more, this is not generally suitable for battery
operation, at the least.
[0006] Where multiple light bulbs each switched on and off may be
used for display and decorative purposes, there is an absence of
the illusion of light movement characteristic of a flickering flame
since the light bulbs are not switched or modulated in a manner
which would generate light motion typical of that produced by a
real flame.
[0007] Linear arrays of "traveling" or "chaser" lights are also
known but these arrays are structured and controlled to generate
the effect of a large magnitude of light motion in a linear
direction, which is coincident with the linear array of such
lights. Certainly, the effect produced by these linear arrays does
not mimic the illusion of a flickering flame.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect, the invention is for an electrically
illuminated flame simulator. Preferably, the flame simulator of the
invention is associated with an ornamental or decorative device, or
with other devices such as hazard indicators. In one form, the
flame simulator of the invention may constitute a part of an
ornament or decoration such as a candle; fire log, or an indoor or
outdoor lighting display, giving the appearance that the ornament
is providing a natural flame. Other such decorative uses may make
the flame simulator of the invention useful when associated with
clothing, such as on belts or caps, greeting cards, or when
incorporated into shoes.
[0009] When used as a hazard warning, the flame simulator of the
invention may be used in conjunction with cycles or cycle clothing,
or with road barriers, signs for warning motorists or as emergency
lighting for vehicles.
[0010] In a preferred form, the electrically illuminated flame
simulator is used with a decorative candle. The candle itself may
be comprised of wax or other conventional materials from which
candles are produced, or materials such as plastics which can
emulate the look of a candle. The flame simulator of the invention
would preferably be located within the candle body so that the
flame simulator, when illuminated, can be seen not only from the
top of the candle, but also as a glow or source of light emanating
from within the candle.
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the flame
simulator may also be used to provide an effect similar to that of
a candle when used in a fake fire log intended to produce the
effect of a natural burning log.
[0012] In one form, the flame simulator of the invention comprises
at least two light sources, preferably four, such as light bulbs,
which may be randomly, sequentially, or semi-randomly illuminated
to produce a flickering and moving light effect to resemble a real
flame, for example a flame provided by a burning candle. The light
sources are preferably light-emitting diodes (LEDs), randomly or
semi-randomly illuminated electronically.
[0013] In another embodiment, the flame simulator of the invention
comprises a single non-filament (solid state) light source, such as
an LED light bulb, liquid crystal display, or electro luminescent
material, in which such light source is driven by a randomly or
semi-randomly modulated voltage source to provide a flickering
effect to resemble a real flame.
[0014] Further, in another aspect of the invention, the illuminated
source producing the flame-flickering effect may be operated
(namely, activated and deactivated) by externally produced,
preselected sounds. Therefore, the electrically illuminated flame
simulator of the invention may have associated therewith a
microphone integrated as part of the electronics, so that sounds or
different frequencies may be programed to produce a given result,
such as the switching on or switching off of the flame
simulator.
[0015] The flame simulator of the invention may also incorporate
other features, including motion detectors, light sensors and the
like, so that any ornament or decoration incorporating the flame
simulator of the invention will operate automatically, for example,
when ambient light conditions reach a certain level, and/or when
movement is detected within a specific range.
[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided
an electrically powered flame simulator comprising: at least two
light sources; an integrated circuit electrically connected to the
light sources for intermittently, such as systematically, randomly
or semi-randomly, illuminating at least one of the light sources
independently of other light sources such that the light sources
together provide the effect of a flickering movement; and a power
source for providing power to the integrated circuit. Preferably,
the a flame simulator comprises at least four light sources.
[0017] The flame simulator preferably includes a switch means for
activating and deactivating the integrated circuit. The switch
means may have three positions comprising an on position, an off
position, and an on-timed position where the flame simulator will
remain activated for a predetermined length of time.
[0018] The flame simulator may further comprise a microphone
connected to the integrated circuit wherein the microphone inputs
preselected audio signals which are processed by the integrated
circuit to switch the flame simulator between an on position, an
off position, and an on-timed position where the flame simulator
will remain activated for a predetermined length of time.
Preferably, the integrated circuit processes signals from the
microphone having a higher frequency, such as those produced by a
finger snap, to place the flame simulator in the on position and
processes lower frequency signals, such as those produced by
blowing, to place the flame simulator in the off position.
[0019] The integrated circuit may illuminate the light sources in a
random or semi-random operation, in a preselected, predetermined
operation, and may function only when selected ambient sound or
light conditions are present.
[0020] In one form, the flame simulator comprises a body in the
shape of a candle in which the flame simulator is contained, the
body having an upper end with a mounting means for receiving the
integrated circuit and light sources and a chamber therein for
receiving the power source.
[0021] Preferably, the light sources are light emitting diodes
(LEDs). The integrated circuit may be mounted on a rigid base, or
on a flexible base which can be shaped so as to conform to the
shape of at least a portion of the candle to conserve space.
[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a candle having an electrically powered flame simulator
comprising: a candle body having an upper portion, a lower portion
and a chamber therein; and a flame simulator having at least two
light sources located near the upper portion of the candle body, an
integrated circuit within the candle body and electrically
connected to the light sources for intermittently, such as by
randomly or semi-randomly, illuminating at least one of the light
sources independently of other light sources such that the light
sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a
power source in the chamber of the candle body for providing power
to the integrated circuit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a candle with the
electrically illuminated flame simulator of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a front view of artificial fire logs incorporating
a flame simulator of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view, showing various components,
of an artificial candle with flame simulator of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a top view of the candle shown in FIG. 3 of the
drawings;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the candle shown in FIG. 3 of the
drawings;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the flame simulator of the
invention, shown independent of any decorative ornament with which
it may be associated;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing the electronics in one
embodiment of the flame simulator of the invention;
[0030] FIGS. 8a and 8b show another embodiment of the flame
simulator of the invention standing alone, shown as a front view
and top view respectively;
[0031] FIG. 9 shows a schematic side view of a candle with the
electrically illuminated flame simulator of the invention as
illustrated in FIG. 1, but with LED light sources which face
upwards;
[0032] FIG. 10 shows schematically a single "birthday" type candle
in accordance with the present invention; and
[0033] FIG. 11 shows schematically a greeting card in accordance
with the present invention; and
[0034] FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of a single
light source flame simulator of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The invention is for a flame simulator which is powered
electrically, and comprises a series of bulbs or LEDs which are
illuminated randomly, semi-randomly or in a predetermined a manner
to provide the visual effect of a flickering flame. The device is
preferably coupled to an ornament such as a candle or fire log to
enhance this effect.
[0036] FIG. 1 of the drawings shows schematically a candle 12,
generally of cylindrical shape having side wall 14, a base 16, and
a top surface 18. The candle 12 comprises a hollowed out central
portion 20, generally extending between the top surface 18 and the
base 16, which, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, may accommodate a
power source such as batteries 22. Near the top surface 18 there is
located circuitry 24, the circuitry 24 being connected to LED light
sources 26, four of which are shown in the embodiment in FIG. 1 of
the drawings. The LED light sources 26 open into a chamber 28,
generally formed between the top of the batteries 22 and the
undersurface of the circuitry 24. In a variation, the LED light
sources 26 may point upwardly.
[0037] The circuitry 24 further comprises a microphone 30, at least
a portion of which is exposed and not embedded within the candle
12. The microphone 30 has an operative portion thereof exposed to
the outside air and is capable of receiving and processing signals
of various frequencies, as will be described, which are transmitted
to and then processed by the circuitry 24, to activate the LED
light sources 26 to provide a flickering flame effect.
[0038] At the lower end of the hollow central portion 20,
electrical pins 32 are located, and these may be connectable to an
electric source (not shown). Such pins 32 may be used for different
purposes, such as for recharging the batteries 22 when they are of
rechargeable type, or for providing power directly to the circuitry
24 and the LED light sources 26. The batteries could, of course, be
disposable, and, in a further variation, the candle 12 would be
able to accommodate both disposable and rechargeable batteries.
[0039] Preferably, the candle 12 is cylindrically shaped, and may
be comprised of wax or a synthetic material which provides a
candle-like appearance. The candle 12 may be of desired color or a
combination of colors, and may be translucent or opaque. The
material of the candle 12 is chosen, and its thickness selected, so
that the possibility exists for light from the LED light sources 26
to be viewed not only from the top surface 18 of the candle 12, but
also through the body 34 of the candle, possibly in a muted or
semi-transparent manner to provide a glowing effect.
[0040] As will be described below, the LED light sources 26 may be
illuminated randomly, semi-randomly, or in a predetermined pattern.
However, the overall purpose of illuminating the LED light sources
26 is to do so in such a way that the modulated illumination of
each of the LED light sources provides an aesthetic flickering
effect when illuminated in combination with the other LED light
sources being similarly illuminated, so that the light and movement
produced thereby emulates a natural candle flame.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 2 of the drawings, there is shown a
pair of synthetic fire logs 40 and 42, which may be comprised of
conventional materials known to those skilled in the art, and
having ornamentation and design features thereon which look like
real fire logs. In FIG. 2, which shows only one embodiment of the
invention, the fire log 40 has two electric circuits 44 and 46,
both of which are substantially identical to each other, and each
of which may be powered by battery power source 48. An AC power
source may be utilized in an alternative embodiment. The battery
power source 48 is preferably contained within a specially hollowed
out portion 50 of the fire log 40, and is placed electrically in
contact with the circuitry 44 and/or 46 in a conventional manner,
not shown in FIG. 2.
[0042] Associated with each of the electrical circuits 44 and 46 is
a series of LED light sources 51. Each of the electrical circuits
44 and 46 may also include a microphone 52. The electrical circuits
44 and 46, together with their associated LED light sources 51 and
microphone 52, operate in essentially the same manner as described
with reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings. Thus, each of the LED
light sources 51 in the array is activated to illuminate in a
random or predetermined manner, so as to give off light at various
points along the fire log 40 to provide the effect that the fire
log 40 is glowing, or that flames are burning thereon.
[0043] Reference is now made to FIG. 3 of the drawings which shows,
in side view, a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of an
ornamental candle incorporating the flame simulator of the
invention. Where applicable, reference numerals will be used
corresponding to those in FIG. 1 of the drawings. In FIG. 3, the
candle 12 comprises side wall 14, a base 16, and a top wall 18.
These various walls of the candle 12 define a candle body 34.
[0044] In the lower half of the candle 12, there is formed a hollow
chamber 60 adapted to receive three batteries 62, 64 and 66, which
form a battery or power pack. The chamber 60, at an upper portion
thereof, leads into a wire channel 68 extending therefrom towards
the circuits and light sources above, which will be described.
[0045] The chamber 60 is accessed through a removable cover plate
70 near the base 16 of the candle. The batteries 62, 64 and 66 are
connected to a power switch 72, contained within the chamber 60,
the power switch 72 having a switch lever 74 which extends from
within the chamber 60 to outside of the candle 12, through the
cover plate 70. In this way, the user has manual access to and
control of the switch lever 74 for activating or deactivating the
candle 12.
[0046] At the base 16 of the candle 12, there is a recessed portion
76, the recessed portion 76 leading to the chamber 60, but, in
normal usage, sealed from the chamber 60 by means of the cover
plate 70.
[0047] At the upper end 78 of the candle 12, there is an upper
recess 80 leading into a LED chamber 82. A printed circuit board 84
or an integrated circuit mounted on a board 84 houses the
electronics, one embodiment of which is described below, for
activating the candle 12. Attached to the PC board 84 are four LED
light sources 26, which extend from the PC board 84 into the LED
chamber 82. A microphone 30 extends upwardly from the PC board 84,
into the upper recess 80. The PC board 84 is electrically connected
to the power source of batteries 62, 64 and 66 through appropriate
electrical connectors which extend though the wire channel 68.
[0048] FIG. 6 shows, schematically, a flame simulator 90
independent of the body or ornament on which it may be mounted,
including an integrated circuit 92, an arm 94 extending therefrom
which supports or contains conductors, preferably flexible
conductors, and a support plate 96 at the end of arm 94 which can
be arranged at an angle to the arm 94, as required. The support
plate 96 includes a microphone 98 and LEDs 100. The integrated
circuit 92 is powered by a power source, indicated generally at
102.
[0049] With reference to FIG. 7 of the drawings a preferred circuit
diagram showing some of the electronics and operation of the
equipment is described.
[0050] The heart of the system is the integrated circuit IC1
connected to a number of LEDs, LD1-LD4. IC1 systematically or
randomly or semi-randomly, at the designer's choice, turns on and
off the LEDs simulating the flickering of the candle 12.
[0051] Power is applied to all electronic circuitry, where
indicated by "VCC", by operation of a switch S1. The switch S1 has
three positions: "on"; "off"; and "timed". In the "on" position of
switch S1, the integrated circuit IC1 operates in a continuous mode
after enablement, and stops only when commanded to do so by the
user. That is, in this mode, operation starts and stops under
remote control by the user, as explained below. In the "off"
position of switch S1, the entire system is shut down, since switch
S1 disconnects the battery from VCC. In the "timed" position of the
switch S1, after starting operation, the integrated circuit IC1
stops operation automatically after a predetermined time has
passed.
[0052] In the "on" position of switch S1, typically at least 3
volts (2.times.1.5V) from the batteries is routed through the
switch S1 and applied to all circuitry requiring VCC. All circuit
points designated "GND" are connected together representing ground
potential for the system. Ground potential (GND) is not switched by
the switch S1, except in the "on" position of the switch S1, when
GND is applied to a pin 17 of the IC1 to set the functional
operation of the IC1 in a continuous mode of operation until a
"stop" signal is received on the pin 18 to cease its operation. In
the "timed" position of S1, VCC is applied to the pin 17 of the
IC1, causing an internal timer in the IC1 to time out and stop
operation of the IC1 after a predetermined delay time, e.g., three
hours.
[0053] In the "on" position of the switch S1, all circuits are
powered and in a standby mode, defining an initial quiescent state
for the IC1 in which none of the LEDs LD1-LD4 are lit. However,
upon the occurrence of a high frequency sound at the microphone
MIC1, such as a hand clap or finger snap, a signal is generated at
the output of the microphone MIC1 and applied to the +terminal of
an operational amplifier IC2A. The IC2A amplifies the sharp sound
sensed by the microphone MIC1, and applies the amplified output
signal simultaneously to the +input of an IC3A and to the -input of
the IC3B, which enables ICI to begin modulating the LEDs to produce
the flickering effect. The circuit may be modified to respond to
different frequency signals without altering the principles of the
present invention.
[0054] R1, C3, R5; C4, C5, R2, R4; R11; and R7, R8 are coupling,
frequency compensation, feedback, and biasing components, the
functions and operations of which are familiar to a skilled worker
and therefore need not be further described in detail herein. C2
and R6 define a high-pass filter, while R10, C1, and R3 define a
low-pass filter arrangement.
[0055] In the presence of a sharp, high frequency sound input to
the microphone MIC1, high frequency signal components are present
at the output of the IC2A, which signal components are passed on
only to the -terminal of the IC3B through the high-pass filter C2,
R6, i.e., the high frequency signal from the IC2A is blocked from
reaching the +terminal of the IC3A due to the presence of the
low-pass filter R10, C1, R3.
[0056] Thus, the IC3B amplifies its input signal and sends it to a
pin 4 of the IC1 as a "start" pulse, initiating the operation of
the IC1. When in an operational mode, the IC1, either
systematically (e.g., sequentially) or randomly, applies power
sufficient to light the LEDs LD1-LD4 individually via pins 6 and 13
for LD1, via pins 7 and 12 for LD2, via pins 8 and 11 for LD3, and
via pins 9 and 10 for LD4.
[0057] In the "on" switch setting, this condition will continue
until the switch S1 is moved to the "off" position, or until a low
frequency sound, such as that made by blowing or making a thud-like
sound near the microphone MIC1, is sensed by the microphone
MIC1.
[0058] In the presence of a low frequency sound input to the
microphone MIC1, low frequency signal components are present at the
output of the IC2A, which signal components are passed on only to
the +terminal of the IC3A through the low-pass filter R10, C1, R3,
i.e., the low frequency signal from the IC2A is blocked from
reaching the -terminal of the IC3B due to the presence of high-pass
filter C2, R6.
[0059] Thus, the IC3A amplifies its input signal and sends it to a
pin 18 of the IC1 as a "stop" pulse, ceasing the operation of the
IC1, at which time, the circuitry is again returned to its
quiescent state awaiting another high frequency sound in the
vicinity of the microphone MIC1. As previously explained, other
frequency sounds may be selected to control various functions
including on and off functions.
[0060] When the switch S1 is moved to the "timed" position,
starting the operation of the IC1 is accomplished in the same
manner as described above, i.e., by the sensing of a high frequency
sound present at the microphone MIC1. However, in the "timed" mode,
VCC is applied to the pin 17 of the IC1 through the switch S1. This
VCC potential on the pin 17 sets an internal timer to run for the
aforementioned predetermined delay time, after which the operation
of the IC1 is automatically terminated, and the circuitry is again
returned to its quiescent state awaiting another high frequency
sound in the vicinity of the microphone MIC1.
[0061] It is to be understood that the circuit diagram of FIG. 7
depicts a preferred embodiment for the electronics of the
invention, and that other functions may be employed by either
reconfiguring the connections to the IC1 and/or by the use of
additional, or other, electronic components. Examples of variations
of the described circuit would be apparent to a person of ordinary
skill in the art. For example, the switch S1 could be modified, or
a separate switch could be provided, to operate a modified
electronic system in yet another mode in which the microphone MIC1
is disconnected from the system, and starting and stopping
operation of the IC1 is accomplished solely by manual control. As
another example, the delay for a timed stop could be made
selectable with only minor modification of the circuit diagram and
the provision of a manual delay time control device.
[0062] In FIGS. 8a and 8b there is shown a further embodiment of a
circuit board 104, which is arcuate in order to conform with the
shape of a battery around which it may be located as a space-saving
technique. An arm 106 (or simply wires which are flexible and may
be in flexible tubing) preferably extends upwardly or away from the
printed circuit board and circuitry 104, and terminates in a
support plate 110 substantially at right angles to the arm 106. The
plate 110 supports the microphone 108 and LED light sources which
would be located, in use, near the upper portion of a candle.
[0063] FIG. 9 shows a view of a candle very similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings, but with the light sources
26 pointing upwardly for a slightly different effect. FIG. 10 shows
schematically a "birthday" type candle 120 having a battery area
122, a circuit 124 and an LED 126. LED 126 may be substituted by an
alternative form of light without altering the principles of the
present invention.
[0064] A greeting card 130 is illustrated in FIG. 11 and includes a
printed candle 132 having an LED light source 134 thereabove which
is operated by a circuit 136 to which it is connected by embedded
wires 138. A power source 140 is also provided.
[0065] The circuit board may be comprised of a flexible material so
that its shape can be easily manipulated to fit the space in which
it is to be mounted. The circuit board can be connected to the LED
light sources through any appropriate electrical connection means
so that it can be distanced therefrom, and this also functions as a
space-saving technique for confining and mounting the electronics
into smaller spaces.
[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there are at
least two light bulbs, although more (such as four) are preferable,
powered by randomly or sequentially generated voltage sources to
produce the flickering effect. In a preferred embodiment, at least
two pairs of output ports of a micro-controller may be programmed
to provide a seven-segment LED/LCD 12-hour time clock multiplex
function. An audio signal is processed, in one embodiment, by a
high-frequency filtering circuit, the output of which provides a
power-on signal which is responsive to a fingersnap, handclap or
the like, as described with reference to FIG. 7. Further, the audio
signal may be processed by a low-frequency filtering circuit, the
output of which provides a power-off signal, which is responsive
to, for example, a blowing sound.
[0067] A mode switch or remote control device may be employed to
select between the modes of power-off, power-on or power-on with
various microphone functions, or power-on for a predetermined
period of time.
[0068] Another preferred feature of the invention may include the
use of LED-type light bulbs, generally in the manner described
above, wherein such light bulbs radiate light in a non-parallel and
substantially downward direction, so as to illuminate a translucent
candle body, as briefly referenced in the description of FIG. 1 of
the drawings. Incandescent or neon light bulbs may substitute one
or more of the LED light bulbs, and non-micro controller circuitry
may be used.
[0069] The two light bulbs may be operated by at least two voltage
sources, where a voltage source is randomly generated,
semi-randomly generated, or sequentially generated, thereby
producing the flickering flame and moving light effect.
[0070] The flame simulator of the invention may have a signal
produced by a microphone and microphone amplifier which triggers
the modulated voltage sources into power on and power off states
alternately. Frequency equalization may be applied to the amplifier
such as to favor high frequency sounds (such as a finger snap or
hand clap) in triggering the power on state, and the frequency
equalization may also be applied to the amplifier such as to favor
low frequency sounds (such as blowing air) in triggering the power
off state. Preferably, at least one of the light bulbs radiates
light into or from a translucent candle body, and any two such
light bulbs may radiate light in directions that are parallel or
non-parallel to one another.
[0071] The invention is not limited to the precise details, and
variations of the particular electronics and circuitry, as well as
the ornaments or devices to which they may be attached, may vary
within the disclosure herein. Further, additional features may form
part of the invention. For example, a light sensor device may be
associated and electrically connected to the circuitry of the
invention. The light sensor senses the level of ambient light and
may switch on the flame simulator, or place it in a mode receptive
to audio signals as described above, only when light levels drop
below a pre-selected intensity. In this way, the flame simulator of
the invention would only operate during darker periods or in darker
environments.
[0072] The invention may also include a motion detector associated
therewith and electrically connected with the circuitry of the
flame simulator of the invention. The inclusion of motion detector
sensors would confine operation of the flame simulator of the
invention to periods of time when movement, such as that made by
people in the vicinity, is present and thereby save power by
inoperation when motion is not detected. Another option would be to
incorporate heat sensors to restrict operation of the flame
simulator to conditions when temperatures drop below or move above
pre-selected levels.
* * * * *