US5825019A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Timing device capable of synchronizing initiation time
Assignee: HPM Industries Pty Ltd
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Filing: 1996-10-10
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Granted: 1998-10-20
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Expires: 2016-10-10
Abstract
Abstract A timing device which is associated with a light level sensor and which is arranged to provide a time-out signal to a relay after a predetermined time has elapsed following detection of a low light condition and initial energization of the relay. The device provides for synchronization of an initiation time T 1 and, hence, a time-out signal generating time T 2 with respect to a periodically occurring event time T 3 (for example, sunset time) in order that the desired time of generating the time-out signal might be re-established following interruption of power to the device. Should loss of power occur, the last entered event time T 3 is employed to synchronize the initiation time T 1 and, hence, the signal generating time T 2 , when detection of a predetermined light level next occurs following re-establishment of power to the device.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter C. Birrell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 02:52
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B47/00; H05B47/10; H05B47/105; H05B47/11; H05B47/16; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B20/00; Y02B20/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
152 words
An electronic timing device for use in connection with a light level sensor and which comprises means for providing a clock function and for setting an initiation time T 1 upon initial implementation of the device, means for entering and storing a signal time T 2 for generating a time-out signal, where T 2 =T 1 +t 1 and t 1 is a predetermined time interval, means for generating the time-out signal at the signal time T 2 on expiration of the predetermined time interval t 1 following the initiation time T 1 in successive 24-hour periods of time, means for entering and storing an event time T 3 for a periodically occurring event responsive to a predetermined light level being detected by the light level sensor, and means for synchronizing the initiation time T 1 with respect to the entered event time T 3 upon detection of the predetermined light level.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
152 words
An electronic timing device for use in connection with a light level sensor and which comprises means for providing a clock function and for setting an initiation time T 1 upon initial implementation of the device, means for entering and storing a signal time T 2 for generating a time-out signal, where T 2 =T 1 +t 1 and t 1 is a predetermined time interval, means for generating the time-out signal at the signal time T 2 on expiration of the predetermined time interval t 1 following the initiation time T 1 in successive 24-hour periods of time, means for entering and storing an event time T 3 for a periodically occurring event responsive to a predetermined light level being detected by the light level sensor, and means for synchronizing the initiation time T 1 with respect to the entered event time T 3 upon detection of the predetermined light level.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
72 words
The timing device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for providing a clock function and setting an initiation time, the means for entering and storing a signal time T 2 , the means for generating a time-out signal, the means for entering and storing an event time T 3 and the means for synchronizing the initiation time T 1 and the event T 3 are embodied, respectively, within a microprocessor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The timing device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the device is integrated with the light level sensor and the light level sensor incorporates a photoelectric transducer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The timing device as claimed in claim 3 wherein an output from the light level sensor is digitized and processed by the microprocessor at periodic intervals which are short relative to the predetermined time interval t 1 .
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The timing device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the output from the microprocessor is applied by way of a driver circuit to a relay which is arranged to switch power to a lighting circuit.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
173 words
A method for generating a time-out signal in an electronic timing device which is used in conjunction with a light level sensor, wherein the time-out signal is generated at a selected signal time T 2 and wherein the method comprises the step of implementing a clock function and setting an initiation time T 1 upon the implementation of the timing device, entering and storing the selected signal time T 2 , where T 2 =T 1 +t 1 and t 1 is a predetermined time interval, generating the time-out signal at the signal time T 2 on expiration of the predetermined time interval t 1 following the initiation time T 1 in successive 24-hour periods of time, entering and storing an event time T 3 for a periodically occurring event at which a predetermined light level is detected by the light level sensor, and employing the entered event time T 3 to synchronize the initiation time T 1 with respect to the event time T 3 upon detection of the predetermined light level.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
173 words
A method for generating a time-out signal in an electronic timing device which is used in conjunction with a light level sensor, wherein the time-out signal is generated at a selected signal time T 2 and wherein the method comprises the step of implementing a clock function and setting an initiation time T 1 upon the implementation of the timing device, entering and storing the selected signal time T 2 , where T 2 =T 1 +t 1 and t 1 is a predetermined time interval, generating the time-out signal at the signal time T 2 on expiration of the predetermined time interval t 1 following the initiation time T 1 in successive 24-hour periods of time, entering and storing an event time T 3 for a periodically occurring event at which a predetermined light level is detected by the light level sensor, and employing the entered event time T 3 to synchronize the initiation time T 1 with respect to the event time T 3 upon detection of the predetermined light level.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein synchronization of the initiation time T 1 with respect to the event time T 3 is effected upon detection of the predetermined light level following loss of and subsequent re-establishment of power to the timing device incorporating the light level sensor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the periodically occurring event time T 3 is entered and stored upon detection of a LOW light condition.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method as claimed in claim 8 wherein the periodically occurring event time T 3 is entered and stored upon the detection of a LOW light condition which is established as a consequence of sunset.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein the event time T 3 is established as T 3 =T 1 +t 2 , where t 2 is a time interval shorter than the predetermined time interval t 1 .
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein a test is made at periodic testing intervals for the existence of the predetermined light level and wherein each testing interval period is short relative to the predetermined time interval t 1 .
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-10-19 | 2002-04-20 | 2002-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-10-19 | 2006-04-20 | 2006-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-10-19 | 2010-04-20 | 2010-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |