Remote control for a ceiling fan
US5189412A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 1990 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B47/1965
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A remote control for operating a combination ceiling fan and light fixture features a dual microprocessor control. A microprocessor mounted in the remote control includes a clock and may be programmed to operate the ceiling fan and/or light fixture in a timed manner. A microprocessor mounted in the ceiling fan controls fan speed, fan direction, and light intensity. The two microprocessors communicate over the 60 Hz power line between the remote control and the ceiling fan. The remote control features a control panel for inputting commands from the user, as well as a display for displaying fan and light status as well as time. One feature of the display are animated fan and light displays. The animated fan display appears to rotate in the same direction as the ceiling fan and may also indicate fan speed. The animated light display depicts a light bulb with a series of flashing rays emanating therefrom. The remote control connects in series with the load line of the ceiling fan and features a power supply which provides power for the remote control from the voltage drop of a triac in series with the ceiling fan load line.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.