Automatic occupancy and temperature control for ceiling fan operation
US6415984B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 13, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B30/70
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Ceiling fan operation control for turning the fan on and off based on a passive infrared sensor, combined with a temperature sensor to regulate, the speed of the fan. The passive infrared sensor, the temperature sensor and controls for both are in a housing directly mounted to the fan motor of the ceiling fan. Me controls can be set screws covered by a removable cap. The passive if sensor can include a fresnal lens for sensing a 360 degree circumference beneath the fan, and a photo-optical sensor such as a photocell, which suspends ceiling fan control changes for allowing the fan to continue operation when the room is dark and occupants may be sleeping.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.