Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems – Current and/or voltage regulation – Pre-selectable regulator systems
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-24
2001-06-05
Philogene, Haissa (Department: 2821)
Electric lamp and discharge devices: systems
Current and/or voltage regulation
Pre-selectable regulator systems
C315S194000, C315S058000, C315S360000, C315SDIG004, C313S315000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06242872
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of rheostat controlled lighting systems in general, and in particular to a programmable lighting device wherein the rheostat control is coupled to a timer mechanism to provide gradual illumination.
2. Description of Related Art
As can be seen by reference to the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,450,941; 3,496,451; 3,573,543; 3,896,334; and 5,789,869, the prior art is replete with myriad and diverse rheostat controlled lighting systems.
While all of the aforementioned prior art constructions are more than adequate for the basic purpose and function for which they have been specifically designed, they are uniformly deficient with respect to their failure to provide a simple, efficient, and practical gradual illumination lighting device that is programmable and coupled to a timer so that the increasing illumination levels can be used in lieu of a noisy alarm clock that jars a person awake.
While there are many individuals who have no problem with audible alarm clocks, there are also a significant number of other individuals who would much prefer a quiet, subtle method of being slowly aroused from sleep at the appropriate time.
As a consequence of the foregoing situation, there has existed a longstanding need for a new and improved type of programmable gradual illumination lighting device that can be incorporated into a conventional light fixture to gently, gradually, and silently rouse a person from slumber, and the provision of such a lighting device is a stated objective of the present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the gradual illumination lighting device that forms the basis of the present invention is designed for use with conventional lighting fixtures and light bulbs and comprises in general, a housing unit having male and female components which are adapted to be connected to the female socket of a conventional light fixture and the male end of a light bulb, respectively. The housing unit also contains a variable resistance unit, a timing unit, and a control unit.
As will be explained in greater detail further on in the specification, the timing unit is operatively connected to the variable resistance unit to gradually supply increased illumination through the conventional light bulb until the maximum illumination is produced at the end of a selected amount of time to simulate sunrise when the light bulb is provided with an optional tinted filter dome.
In addition, the control unit includes a selector switch member that will allow the light bulb to be used in the conventional manner with or without a manual dimming function provided by a rotatable dimming knob, or in a timed on/off fashion similar to a timed burglar prevention system, or as a programmed dimming or gradual illumination system to either help induce sleep or gradually raise the consciousness of the user through timer controlled increased luminosity in the morning as an alternate to jarring audible alarms.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3450941 (1969-06-01), Butts
patent: 3496451 (1970-02-01), Duncan
patent: 3573543 (1971-04-01), Grindstaff
patent: 3781593 (1973-12-01), Rodriguez
patent: 3896334 (1975-07-01), Rodriguez
patent: 4008416 (1977-02-01), Nakasone
patent: 5519263 (1996-05-01), Santana, Jr.
patent: 5619081 (1997-04-01), Gershen et al.
patent: 5731663 (1998-03-01), Davis
patent: 5789869 (1998-08-01), Lo et al.
Henderson & Sturm LLP
Philogene Haissa
Vo Tuyet T.
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