Illumination – Light source and modifier – Condition responsive
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-08
2001-10-30
Sember, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Light source and modifier
Condition responsive
C362S394000, C362S802000, C362S265000, C362S432000, C362S457000, C340S567000, C340S326000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06309090
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to home security systems and the like which employ outdoor lighting as part of the system, and more particularly, to such a system utilizing an audio alarm in conjunction with the lighting to further warn of a possible intrusion.
Many home security systems employ outdoor lighting in which floodlights or similar high intensity lights are located about a premises. These systems typically include motion sensors also placed about the premises. When the system is armed, usually at night, it is expected that no one will be moving about the premises; or that anyone doing so is an unauthorized person intent upon breaking into the premises or carrying out some other illegal act. In some areas, it is common for wild animals such as deer and raccoons to prowl around at night often damaging trees and shrubs, upsetting garbage cans doing other mischief. Conventional lighting system react to sensed movement by activating the floodlights about the premises and illuminating the property so any person or animal invading the property is now readily visible. The expectation is that the sudden illumination of an area, or the exposure of a person will scare the person or animal into immediately leaving the premises.
While such systems may work well for their intended purpose, they are not foolproof. If, for example, a floodlight goes out, the effect of motion being sensed will not result in an intruder suddenly being made visible. Or, if the occupants of the premises are heavy sleepers, they may not notice when the lights come on. In addition, some animals are not scared away by lights and some human intruders may risk the lights to carry out their intended actions. Accordingly, it would be helpful to have a second alarm system which, in conjunction, with the first, further acts to signify an intrusion, is effective to sound an alarm even if the first system does not, and which insures that the occupants of the premises know that someone or something is on their property.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Among the several objects of the present invention may be noted the provision of a dual security lighting system for use with homes and other premises;
the provision of such a security system usable as part of a conventional home security lighting system;
the provision of such a security system which can be retrofit with an existing system or can be part of new installation;
the provision of such a dual security system to employ an audible alarm which is activated simultaneously with the lights controlled by the system so that an alarm is sounded at the same time lights are turned on;
the provision of such a dual security system to include a time control to shut-off the audible alarm a predetermined time after the system is activated as the result of an intrusion;
the provision of such a dual security system which is small in size, easy to install, simple to operate, and convenient to use;
the provision of such a dual security system which is available in kit form for use in retrofitting existing lighting systems;
the provision of such a dual security system which is a low cost upgrade to existing home security lighting systems, or which does not substantially increase the cost of new lighting installations; and,
the provision of such a dual security system which provides increased security to a premises and added peace of mind to the property owner.
In accordance with the invention, generally stated, a dual security system of the present invention includes one or more lights such as floodlights installed about a premises. One or more motion sensors are also located about the property. When the system is “armed”, intruder or animal motion sensed by a motion sensor produces a sensor output which causes the floodlights to be turned “on” and illuminate the premises. An audible alarm is wired in parallel with the floodlights so that when the floodlights are turned “on” so is the alarm. Preferably, while the floodlights may remain “on” for an extended period of time, the audible alarm is connected to a time delay which shuts the audible alarm “off” after a predetermined shorter period of time. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 374496 (1996-10-01), Small et al.
patent: 4730184 (1988-03-01), Bach
patent: 5463595 (1995-10-01), Rodhall et al.
patent: 5662411 (1997-09-01), Haslam et al.
patent: 5781108 (1998-07-01), Jacob et al.
patent: 5854588 (1998-12-01), Dockery
patent: 5867099 (1999-02-01), Keeter
Alavi Ali
Polster Lieder Woodruff & Lucchesi L.C.
Sember Thomas M.
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