Patent · US Expired

Automatic shutoff system

US6196703A · kind A · utility

3Cited by
5References
29Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 16, 1998
Grant dateMar 6, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 16, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S362/802
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A control system is provided for use in conjunction with a lighting fixture which will provide additional safety by avoiding the risk of fire. The safety system provides a number of sensors which are capable of detecting the presence of objects in close proximity to the lighting element and appropriately switching power off when such objects are detected. The actual detection is accomplished by use of a plurality of infrared sensors which create an infrared shield around the bulb of the lighting fixture and insure no objects intrude upon the shielded space while the lighting system is in operation. A second safety benefit is provided by the use of a tilt switch. The tilt switch cuts off power to the lamp if the lamp is tipped or knocked over.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.