Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems – Discharge device and/or rectifier in the supply circuit – Flashers
Reissue Patent
1999-02-01
2001-05-08
Kinkead, Arnold (Department: 2817)
Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems
Discharge device and/or rectifier in the supply circuit
Flashers
C315S199000, C315S291000, C315S076000, C315S246000, C315S2090SC, C362S810000, C362S161000
Reissue Patent
active
RE037168
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are a number of situations where a candle is impracticable or too expensive. It would, for example, be impractical to use a candle for votive purposes in a cemetery, and in some places fire safety regulations would prevent it. Although candles are often used at dining tables in a restaurant, they are very expensive.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, in accordance with this invention, an electrical candle is provided that simulates the flickering flame of an actual candle. An electrical circuit generates a control signal for varying the brightness of light emitted by a light emitting means between a first level and a second level and back to the first level during spaced periods of gradually increasing duration followed by periods of gradually decreasing duration, there being a number of periods of such short duration as to cause no noticeable change in brightness. In accordance with an aspect of this invention a suitable control signal may be derived by means including a first oscillator for producing waves at a given frequency, means including a second oscillator for producing waves at a slightly different frequency and means for increasing or decreasing the brightness of the light during times when the output waves of the first and second oscillators have like or unlike polarities respectively. The waves produced by the oscillators can be of any shape including sinusoidal or rectangular.
In accordance with this invention there are preferred operating parameters that the variations in brightness should meet in order to most effectively simulate the flame of a candle.
The change in brightness from a first level to a second and back to the first so as to produce a flicker during successive periods should occur at a rate between two and ten Hz with rates between four and one-half Hz and six Hz inclusive being preferred. When the first level is lower than the second, the flicker is an increase in brightness during the spaced periods, herein referred to as a positive flicker. This is preferred to the first level being higher than the second so as to produce a reduction in brightness during the spaced periods, herein referred to as a negative flicker. Furthermore, it is preferable that there be a ten to twenty percent change in brightness between the levels so that the light is not turned on and off because this tends to produce blinking rather than flickering. A blinking effect is also avoided by making the changes in brightness occur in a random manner or in a sequence that appears to be random.
It is important that the durations of the periods vary from one having the longest duration to one having minimum or no duration in a time between seven and thirty seconds, with fifteen seconds being preferred. The closer the frequencies of the two oscillators the longer it takes to go from a period of maximum duration to one of minimum duration, and the best simulation occurs when there is at least one period in each sequence during which there is no apparent flicker.
An electronically simulated candle of this invention can be energized by a battery so as to be easily moved about or it can obtain its energy by being plugged into an A.C. power outlet.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the light emitting means be an incandescent bulb that has the generally conical shape of a candle flame. A bulb that provides excellent simulation is about one and one half inches in height so as to approximate the height of a candle flame and has blue at its base and black lines extending part way up from the base so as to simulate a wick. For best results, the bulb should be translucent. If a bulb of clear glass is used, the simulation is improved by placing a translucent enclosure over the bulb that is preferably shaped like a candle flame and has the dark or blue base and the black lines simulating a wick.
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Kinkead Arnold
Timbie Donald N.
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