US4701669A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Compensated light sensor system
Assignee: Honeywell Ltd Canada
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Filing: 1985-02-15
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Granted: 1987-10-20
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Expires: 2005-02-15
Abstract
Abstract A light sensing compensation system is provided for controlling the level of light at a workplane so that the ratio of the light at the ceiling where the sensor means is located to the level of controlled light at the workplane is maintained substantially constant as daylight entering the room varies.
Inventors
- 👤 W. John Head
- 👤 Francis M. Watson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 01:47
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B39/00; H05B39/04; H05B39/041; H05B39/042; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B20/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
A system for controlling the level of light at a workplane within a building, said level of light being supplied from sources of light including sunlight and at least one artificial light source, said system compensating for variations in sunlight within the building to produce a substantially constant light level at said workplane, said system comprising: first light sensor means for sensing light at a workplane area within the building; second light sensor means for sensing only light from said artificial light source; controller means connected to said first and second light sensor means and having an output such that the ratio of the light sensed by said first and second sensor means to the light at said workplane remains substantially constant as light from said sources varies; and, means responsive to the output of said controller for controlling the level of said artificial light for maintaining a substantially constant level of light at said workplane.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
156 words
A system for controlling the level of light at a workplane within a building, said level of light being supplied from sources of light including sunlight and at least one artificial light source, said system compensating for variations in sunlight within the building to produce a substantially constant light level at said workplane, said system comprising: first light sensor means for sensing light at a workplane area within the building; second light sensor means for sensing only light from said artificial light source; controller means connected to said first and second light sensor means and having an output such that the ratio of the light sensed by said first and second sensor means to the light at said workplane remains substantially constant as light from said sources varies; and, means responsive to the output of said controller for controlling the level of said artificial light for maintaining a substantially constant level of light at said workplane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said first light sensor means is directionally adjustable so that it can view deeper sunlight penetrations within said building.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
142 words
A system for controlling the level of light at a workplane within a building, said level of light being supplied from sources of light including sunlight and at least one artificial light source, said system compensating for variations in sunlight within the building to produce a substantially constant light level at said workplane, said system comprising: first light sensor means for sensing light at a workplane area within the building; second light sensor means for sensing only light from said artificial light source; controller means connected to said first and second light sensor means and having an output for controlling the artificial light source such that said light at said workplane remains substantially constant; and, means responsive to the output of said controller for controlling the level of said artificial light for maintaining a substantially constant level of light at said workplane.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
142 words
A system for controlling the level of light at a workplane within a building, said level of light being supplied from sources of light including sunlight and at least one artificial light source, said system compensating for variations in sunlight within the building to produce a substantially constant light level at said workplane, said system comprising: first light sensor means for sensing light at a workplane area within the building; second light sensor means for sensing only light from said artificial light source; controller means connected to said first and second light sensor means and having an output for controlling the artificial light source such that said light at said workplane remains substantially constant; and, means responsive to the output of said controller for controlling the level of said artificial light for maintaining a substantially constant level of light at said workplane.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 3 wherein said first light sensor means is directionally adjustable so that it can view deeper sunlight penetrations within said building.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
133 words
A system for controlling the level of light at a workplane within a building, said level of light being supplied from sources of light including sunlight and at least one artificial light source, said system compensating for variations in sunlight within the building to produce a substantially constant light level at said workplane, said system comprising: light sensor means for sensing light within said building; controller means connected to said light sensor means and having an output such that the ratio of the light sensed by said light sensor means to the light at said workplane remains substantially constant as light from said sources varies; and, means responsive to the output of said controller for controlling the level of said artificial light for maintaining a substantially constant level of light at said workplane.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
133 words
A system for controlling the level of light at a workplane within a building, said level of light being supplied from sources of light including sunlight and at least one artificial light source, said system compensating for variations in sunlight within the building to produce a substantially constant light level at said workplane, said system comprising: light sensor means for sensing light within said building; controller means connected to said light sensor means and having an output such that the ratio of the light sensed by said light sensor means to the light at said workplane remains substantially constant as light from said sources varies; and, means responsive to the output of said controller for controlling the level of said artificial light for maintaining a substantially constant level of light at said workplane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 5 wherein said light sensor means is directionally adjustable so that it can view deeper sunlight penetrations within said building.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-10-19 | 1991-04-20 | 1991-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-10-19 | 1995-04-20 | 1995-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-10-19 | 1999-04-20 | 1999-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |