U.S. patent application number 11/078576 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-28 for repeater unit with flourescent ballast.
Invention is credited to Kates, Lawrence.
Application Number | 20050164630 11/078576 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36571917 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050164630 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kates, Lawrence |
July 28, 2005 |
Repeater unit with flourescent ballast
Abstract
A signal repeater for receiving and re-transmitting signals from
environmental transducers and the like, and for mechanically and
electrically cooperating with existing electrically powered
fixtures is described. In one embodiment, the repeater is
configured to be mechanically and electrically coupling to a
standard power fixture such as, for example, a screw-in lamp base
(two-way, three-way, and the like), a wall outlet, etc. In one
embodiment, the repeater unit includes fluorescent lamp ballast for
driving one or more fluorescent lamps.
Inventors: |
Kates, Lawrence; (Corona Del
Mar, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
36571917 |
Appl. No.: |
11/078576 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11078576 |
Mar 11, 2005 |
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10718374 |
Nov 19, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/11.1 ;
455/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 25/10 20130101;
H05B 47/19 20200101; G08B 1/08 20130101; G08C 2201/40 20130101;
H01R 33/945 20130101; G08B 7/06 20130101; H01R 33/942 20130101;
G08B 25/009 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/011.1 ;
455/010 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 007/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A repeater for mounting to an electrically powered fixture: a
rechargeable power source configured to be charged by electrical
power received from said electrically powered fixture; a repeater
module configured to receive power from said rechargeable power
source; and a fluorescent lamp ballast configured to receive
electrical power from said electrically powered fixture.
2. The repeater in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
electrically powered fixture comprises a screw-in lamp base.
3. The repeater in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
electrically powered fixture comprises a two-way lamp base.
4. The repeater in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
electrically powered fixture comprises a three-way lamp base.
5. The repeater in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a
power supply configured to convert electrical power received from
said electrically powered fixture to a current and voltage suitable
for recharging said rechargeable power source.
6. The repeater in accordance with claim 1, wherein further
comprising a mating structure for maintaining said electrically
powered fixture functionality.
7. The repeater in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
rechargeable power source comprises one or more rechargeable
batteries.
8. The repeater in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a
connector for connecting to a fluorescent lamp.
9. The repeater in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a
communication path between said ballast and said repeater
module.
10. The repeater in accordance with claim 9, wherein said repeater
module is configured to receive commands to control said
ballast.
11. The repeater in accordance with claim 9, wherein said repeater
module is configured to receive status information from said
ballast.
12. The repeater in accordance with claim 9, wherein said repeater
module receives a signal from at least one transducer and
re-transmits said signal to a base station.
13. The repeater in accordance with claim 9, wherein said repeater
module is configured to control said ballast to produce a desired
brightness of a fluorescent lamp driven by the ballast.
14. The repeater in accordance with claim 9, further comprising a
housing unit configured to insert into an exit sign.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/718,374 titled "REPEATER UNIT", which was
filed Nov. 19, 2003, the entire contents of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to radio frequency wireless
signaling systems, and more particularly to an improved repeater
system which can be incorporated into electrically powered fixtures
for supplying power to common electrical devices such as light
bulbs, fluorescent tubes, circuit outlets and switches, or other
electrical appliances.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Known systems employ remote transducers to signal various
observations to a base station, but can lack power to reach the
destination, such as a centrally located station. One or more
repeaters intercept the signal, amplify it and retransmit it until
the destination is reached. For example, a transducer at a remote
location can detect and signal smoke, temperature, humidity, wind
speed and other important environmental parameters. Other
transducers can provide signals representative of the state or the
physical condition of an object or physical location.
[0006] Most buildings, including dwellings, are now equipped with
transducers or sensors combined in a detector to monitor the
performance and efficiency of heating, ventilation and air
conditioning equipment. Other sensors incorporated in a smoke
detector are used to monitor atmospheric parameters such as smoke
level or temperature condition that warn of a fire. Still other
sensors are used to signal a security breach, or other hazardous or
dangerous condition.
[0007] For the most part, such detectors issue an audible or
visible alarm, but not necessarily a signal that can be received in
a centrally located station where someone can call for assistance.
A repeater circuit associated with a transducer such as a smoke
detectors or other fire sensors, if equipped with a wireless
transmitter to broadcast a signal that includes the location of the
sensor and the conditions being monitored could, if operated in
conjunction with repeaters between the sensor and the base station,
alert the base station to the change in conditions that can be
interpreted as a fire.
[0008] But providing a power supply to such a repeater is
troublesome because electrical outlets can not be readily
available. Usually, within relatively close range of a detector are
installed powered devices such as light fixtures or power outlets
to which power is applied from a central location for predetermined
and finite periods of time. For example, in a large residential
complex such as an apartment building, area lights are illuminated
during the hours of darkness and are not powered during the times
when adequate ambient light is provided from natural sources.
SUMMARY
[0009] These and other problems are solved by the repeater
configured to mate to an electrical power connection and to act as
a repeater to receive and retransmit signals. In one embodiment,
the repeater can be installed in an existing electrical receptacle
so that signals from nearby detectors that need monitoring can be
stored, amplified, and broadcast to a centrally located station or
other repeaters. The repeater can be compacts and provide
relatively continuous operation, even when electrical power from
the receptacle is unavailable. In one embodiment, a rechargeable
power supply, such as, for example capacitors, rechargeable
batteries, etc., is provided. The rechargeable power supply is
charged when power is provided to the repeater unit and is used to
power the repeater unit when other power is not available or
insufficient. The recharging of the rechargeable power supply
facilitates relatively uninterrupted communication by the
transceiver.
[0010] In one embodiment, the repeater unit is designed to mate
with an existing light bulb socket so that it can be interposed
between a light bulb and the socket. Since the repeater unit also
includes a light bulb socket, that must be done to install the
repeater unit is remove the light bulb from the socket, insert the
repeater unit and return the light bulb to the socket of the
repeater unit. During daylight hours, while the light bulb is not
being powered-on, the rechargeable batteries permit operation of
the repeater unit to relay sensor information to the central
location such as a base station. In the evening, when the lights
are powered-on, the repeater unit is also powered-on and the
batteries are recharged. Thereby, the repeater unit provides
continuous operation even when electrical power from a light bulb
socket or other receptacle is unavailable.
[0011] In other embodiments, the repeater unit is installed in a
fluorescent light fixture and connected to the power lines. In
additional embodiments, the repeater unit could be installed in
EXIT signs or even switches. In yet other embodiments, the repeater
unit can be incorporated in outlet receptacles where power is
provided to the unit and the batteries provide a back up in the
event of a loss of power to the premises.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the below referenced accompanying
drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side, partially sectioned view of repeater
incorporated in a lamp base.
[0014] FIGS. 2A, 2B are block diagrams of the circuits for a
repeater in a lamp base as shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 shows the repeater incorporated into an R30 light
fixture.
[0016] FIG. 4A shows the repeater is incorporated with a light
bulb.
[0017] FIG. 4B shows the repeater is a light bulb shaped fixture
that cooperates with a light bulb.
[0018] FIGS. 5A and 5B shows the repeater is incorporated with a
fluorescent light fixture.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a repeater is
incorporated into an electrical outlet.
[0020] FIG. 7 partly sectional, partly phantom view of outlet of
FIG. 6.
[0021] FIG. 8 shows a repeater that includes a repeater module and
a fluorescent lamp ballast.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the repeater unit shown in FIG.
8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a repeater adapted to be installed into an
electrical light socket 14. In FIG. 1, the repeater 10 includes a
housing unit 12 fitted with a first mating structure 16 which is
adapted to mechanically and to electrically cooperate with the
electrical light socket 14. The repeater unit 10 further includes a
first power supply 22 to provide power to the repeater unit 10. In
one embodiment, the electrical light socket 14 is a candelabra
socket and the first mating structure 16 is adapted to fit the
candelabra socket. It should be noted that the electric light
socket 14 is electrically connected to the second power supply 48
that provides electrical power. In one embodiment, the electrical
light socket 14 maintains its existing functionality when repeater
unit 10 is installed. Further, in this embodiment, the first mating
structure 16 is a standard candelabra base that mechanically and
electrically cooperates with the candelabra socket. Additionally,
it should be noted that the first mating structure 16 can be any
mechanical structure that mates with an electrical receptacle.
Electrical light socket 14 can be an electrical outlet, an
electrical receptacle, an electrical fixture, a power supply
fixture, an existing fixture, an electrically powered fixture, a
fixture or a fixture that is associated with a second power supply
48.
[0024] The housing unit 12 can further include a heat shield 11.
The heat shield 11 acts as a reflector for light when a light bulb
18 is powered-on. However, it should be noted that even though the
light bulb 18 is depicted in the figure as an incandescent flood
light bulb, a repeater designed to cooperate with other light
fixtures such as a fluorescent light, a fluorescent tube, a neon
light, a neon tube, other light sources or common electrical
devices come within the spirit and the scope of the present
invention. In addition, the housing unit 12 includes a housing
interior wall 20, wherein the first power supply 22 is mounted
between the housing interior wall 20 and the heat shield 11, the
first power supply 22. Mounted to the housing unit 12 is an antenna
24 which transmits and receives wireless signals. The antenna 24 is
depicted as a monopole antenna but can be any device that will
receive and transmit wireless signals. The antenna 24 is shown
external to the housing, but one of ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that the antenna 24 can also configured to be conformal
with the housing and/or internal to the housing. A repeater module
26 is located at the base of the housing interior while a second
circuit board 34 is connected to a second mating structure 17 that
is adapted to insert a light source such as a light bulb 18.
Further, the second mating structure 17 is electrically connected
to the second power source 48. In one embodiment, the repeater
module 26 includes a transceiver circuit 28. In addition, the first
power supply 22, which can include a rechargeable power storage
module, comprising a rechargeable power storage cell and a power
recharger, to provide energizing power to set the desired operating
point for the transceiver circuit 28.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, block diagrams of the repeater
module 26 is shown. In one embodiment, the first power supply 22 is
a rechargeable battery module including a rechargeable battery 27
and a battery charger 46. It should be noted that the first power
supply 22 can be any electrical storage device such as a nickel
cadmium battery, a lithium-ion battery, a rechargeable power
storage module, or any device that provides electrical energy. It
should also be noted that a power recharger can be any device that
charges a rechargeable power storage cell such as a solar panel
array, transformer, electrical circuit board or other electrical
circuit. The second power supply 48 is a source of energy from the
electrical light socket 14. The second power supply 48 furnishes
electrical energy to the battery charger 46. The battery charger
46, in turn, powers the transceiver circuit 28 and recharges the
rechargeable battery 27 when power from the second power supply 48
is available, i.e., powered-on. When the second power supply 48 is
not available, not being supplied, or powered-off to the mating
structure 16, the first power supply 22 powers the repeater unit
10.
[0026] The repeater module 26 further includes a first system and a
second system. The first system includes the transceiver circuit
28, a received signal strength indicator 31 and a display 38. The
second system includes a micro-controller unit 40, a memory storage
unit 32 and a data communication port 42. In one embodiment, the
transceiver circuit 28 is a Texas Instruments, part No. TRF6901 RF
transceiver circuit. However, the transceiver circuit 28 can be any
similar transmit/receive circuit that will receive and transmit
electrical signals. In this embodiment, the transceiver circuit 28
receives at least one electrical signal from the antenna 24. The
signal is a Radio Frequency (RF), a microwave or millimeter wave
signal. The signal originates at a transducer 23, which can by
example be located in a building, such as an apartment or office
building, which measures environmental parameters such as smoke
index, particulate matter, moisture, humidity, pressure or
temperature. By way of other examples, the transducer 23 can be
located in an exit sign, a fire alarm, an air-conditioning unit, or
other locations where a user desires to monitor the environmental
parameters and to send this information to another location, such
as a repeater or a base station.
[0027] After the transceiver circuit 28 receives and processes the
signal representing the measured environmental parameter, the
signal is electrically coupled to the micro-controller 40. In one
embodiment, the micro-controller is a Xilinix, Part No. XE2S100E.
Generally, the micro-controller evaluates the signal, then
categorizes and maps the signal into representative values for
storage within the memory storage unit 32. In one embodiment, the
memory storage unit 32 is a Microchip, Part No. #93AA56A, but,
other memory storage devices can be substituted and are also
included. Following, the micro-controller 40 can send the
representative values back through the transceiver circuit 26 for
re-transmission through the antenna 24 to a centrally located
station, a centralized database station, another repeater unit, or
other destination.
[0028] The data communication port 42 provides control and data
signals to the micro-controller unit 40. Such control and data
signals used to program, to reprogram, to enter data, or to remove
data which can be stored internally within the micro-controller
unit 40 or externally within the memory storage unit 32. In one
mode, the control and data signals program the micro-controller
unit 40 to determine which of the signals received by the antenna
24 is to be processed further by the transceiver circuit 28. In
another mode, the control and data signals program the
micro-controller 40 to store such signals in the memory storage
unit 32. In another mode, the control signals program the
micro-controller unit 40 to select which of the stored signals is
to be retrieved from the memory storage unit 32, and which of them
are to be transmitted from the transceiver unit 28 through the
antenna 24, to the next repeater unit, the base station, centrally
located station, or centralized database station.
[0029] The repeaters described in the following paragraphs are not
hard-wired, but rather plug into an existing socket. Additionally,
the repeaters described below can include sockets for use with
other electrical appliances in the same way that the first
embodiment includes sockets for the light bulb that was removed to
install the repeater.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows the repeater 10 configured to allow insertion
of an R30-type light bulb and fits into an R30-type light fixture.
This embodiment includes the repeater board 26, the antenna 24 and
the first power supply 22 and other circuitry (not shown) but
described functionally in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The major difference
from the FIG. 1 embodiment is that this embodiment fits into an R30
light fixture.
[0031] FIG. 4A shows the repeater 10 packaged within a light bulb.
This embodiment includes the repeater board 26, the antenna 24, and
the first power supply 22 and other circuitry (not shown) but
described functionally in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The major difference
from the FIG. 1 embodiment is that in this alternative embodiment,
the repeater unit 10 looks like a light bulb.
[0032] FIG. 4B shows the repeater 10 as a light bulb shaped fixture
that cooperates with another light bulb. This embodiment includes
the repeater board 26, the antenna 24, and the first power supply
22 and other circuitry (not shown) but described functionally in
FIGS. 2A and 2B. The major difference from the FIG. 1 embodiment is
that in this alternative embodiment, the repeater unit 10 looks
like a light bulb and cooperates with another light bulb.
[0033] FIGS. 5A, 5B show the repeater 10 incorporated with a
fluorescent light fixture 13 that includes a ballast 9. This
embodiment includes the repeater board 26, the antenna 24, and the
first power supply 22 and other circuitry (not shown) but described
functionally in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The major difference from the FIG.
1 embodiment is that this alternative embodiment repeater unit 10
plus a first fluorescent light bulb 21 replaces a standard
fluorescent light bulb. The repeater unit 10 includes a plug 19
that fits into a fluorescent light fixture socket (not shown) and
is mechanically adapted to accept a first fluorescent bulb 21 so
that the functionality of the fluorescent light fixture 13 is
maintained. Moreover, a second fluorescent bulb 15 also fits into
the fluorescent light fixture 13 to permit more light. The repeater
described in the next two paragraphs is not hard-wired, but rather
plugs into an existing socket. Additionally, the repeaters
described below include sockets for use with other electrical
appliances in the same way that the first embodiment includes
sockets for the light bulb that was removed to install the
repeater. Finally, installation can be described as described
above.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a repeater incorporated into
a service outlet 62. A service outlet 62 is an electric outlet but
can be any outlet that provides a source of electrical energy. In
particular, a service outlet repeater unit 60 (not shown) is
installed into the plastic housing 58. Further, the service outlet
repeater unit 60 (not shown) includes outlet repeater antennas 56
to receive and to transmit electric signals to and from repeaters,
base stations, or other destinations such as a centrally located
data center. However, the major difference from other embodiments
discussed elsewhere in this specification is that this alternative
embodiment is plugged into an existing electrical outlet or socket
instead of inserted into an electrical light receptacle.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a partly sectional, partly phantom view of the
service outlet 62 of FIG. 6. This alternative embodiment houses the
service outlet repeater unit 60 within the service outlet 62 and
has the similar functional aspects and building blocks as shown in
FIGS. 2A and 2B. In particular, the service outlet repeater unit 60
includes the following components: the plastic housing 58 (as shown
in FIG. 3); the service outlet 62 (functionally equivalent to the
second power supply 48); outlet batteries 64 (functionally
equivalent to the first power supply 22); a transceiver/repeater
printed circuit board 66 (functionally equivalent to the RF circuit
board 26); and outlet repeater service antennas 56 (functionally
equivalent to the antenna 24). The service outlet repeater unit 60
draws power from the outlet batteries 64 during periods of time the
service outlet 62 is not powered, e.g., blown fuse or when power is
unavailable. The service outlet repeater unit 60 recharges the
outlet batteries 64 and powers the service outlet repeater unit 60
during periods when the service outlet 62 is energized, i.e.,
powered-on. It should be noticed that the choice for components are
only exemplary in nature including: the plastic housing which can
be any housing unit, a service outlet which can be any wired
electrical receptacle, and the outlet batteries, which can be any
rechargeable storage device.
[0036] Further, in another embodiment of FIG. 6, the repeater can
further be hard-wired into an existing electrical outlet. In this
embodiment, the component functionality is the same as discussed in
the above embodiments, however, the installation would be different
such as requiring partial or full removal of existing wall outlet
plug, and electrical connection of the repeater to existing wires
disconnected from an existing wall outlet and mounting to the
surface associated with an existing wall outlet.
[0037] Further, in another embodiment of FIG. 6, the repeater is
adapted to replace a building accouterment while maintaining said
functionality of said building accouterment. The building
accouterment is by way of example, a ceiling tile, a heating and
ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) grill, a ceiling speaker, a
ceiling speaker tile, and a speaker grill or speaker attached to
the wall of the building or the like. In this embodiment, a first
power supply can be the sole source of electrical power for the
repeater unit. An alternative of this embodiment, both a first
power supply and a second power supply can supply power to the
repeater unit. Further, in this embodiment, the installation would
be different than FIG. 6 above, including removal of the building
accouterment which is well known in the art, and installation of
the repeater unit adapted to replace a building accouterment.
[0038] FIG. 8 shows the repeater 800 incorporated in to a screw-in
lamp fixture and including fluorescent lamp ballast 801 module. The
repeater unit 800 includes the repeater module 26, the antenna 24,
and the power supply 22. A connector 802 is provided for connecting
to a fluorescent lamp 810. A lamp 810 is shown in FIG. 8 by way of
example and not by way of limitation. The repeater unit 800 mates
to electrical power through a mating structure 16. In one
embodiment, the mating structure 16 is configured to mate with a
two-way screw-in lamp base. In one embodiment, the mating structure
16 is configured to mate with a three-way screw-in lamp base. In
one embodiment, the mating structure 16 is configured to mate with
an electrical outlet.
[0039] FIG. 9 is a block diagram 900 of the repeater unit 800.
Input power is provided from the mating structure 16 to an optional
surge protector 901. Output power from the surge protector 901 is
provided to the ballast 801 and to the repeater module 26. If the
surge protector 901 is omitted, then input power from the mating
structure 16 is provided to the ballast 801 and to the repeater
module 26. Output power from the ballast 801 is provided through
connector 802 to the lamp 810. One of ordinary skill in the art
will recognize that the ballast 801 and the repeater module 26 are
shown as separate modules for purposes of explanation and not by
way of limitation. A power supply 905 is provided to provide power
from the mating structure 16 to the rechargeable supply 22. Power
from the rechargeable supply 22 is provided to the repeater module
26.
[0040] In one embodiment, the ballast 801 and the repeater module
26 are be combined into a single unit.
[0041] In one embodiment, the ballast 801 and the repeater module
26 share some common functionality. For example, in one embodiment,
a low-voltage common low-voltage power supply is provided to power
portions of the ballast 801 and the repeater module 26. In one
embodiment, an optional communication path 902 is provided between
the ballast 801 and the repeater module 26. In one embodiment, a
processor that controls functions of the repeater module 26 uses
the control path 902 to also control and monitor selected functions
of the ballast 801. In one embodiment, the ballast 801 uses the
control path 902 to provide status and operational information to
the repeater module 26 such that the repeater module 26 can
transmit ballast status information (e.g., ballast failed, lamp
failed, etc.) to a monitoring system. In one embodiment, the
repeater module 26 is configured to use the communication path 902
to control one or more operational functions of the ballast 801
(e.g., on/off functions, dimmer functions, etc.). In one
embodiment, the repeater module 26 controls the ballast 801
according to commands received by the repeater module 26 by radio
frequency communications.
[0042] In one embodiment, the mating structure 16 is configured to
mate with a three-way lamp base having a common lead, a "high"
lead, and a "low" lead. The repeater 26 is configured to draw power
from either the high lead, the low lead, or both. The ballast 801
is configured to provide relatively brighter light from the lamp
810 when the high lead is activated and relatively dimmer light
form the lamp 810 with only the low lead is activated.
[0043] The lamp control described in connection with the block
diagram 900 can also be provided in connection with the repeater
unit shown in FIGS. 1-7. In such case, the ballast 801 can be
replaced with one or more relays or electronic switches (e.g.,
dimmer circuits) controlled by the repeater module 26 to provide
switched power to the connector 17.
[0044] The invention is not limited to the specific embodiment
described in the above disclosure. Thus, the scope of the invention
is limited only the by claims that follow and equivalents
thereto.
* * * * *