AU2006100421B4 - Repeater Unit - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR AN INNOVATION PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor: Address for Service: Invention Title: Lawrence Kates, of 1111 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar, California 92625, United States of America Lawrence Kates DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, of 1 Nicholson Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia "Repeater Unit" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 Q \OPER\SEW\2006\MAY\12766650 INNOV PAT FIL REP.DOC 19/5/06 PAOPMSEUM61276650spcdoc.I9A5A)6 -2- REPEATER UNIT Background of the Invention Field of the Invention The present invention relates to radio frequency wireless signalling systems, and more particularly to an improved repeater system which can be incorporated into electrically powered fixtures for supplying power to common electrical devices such as light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, circuit outlets and switches, or other electrical appliances.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a repeater electrically coupled to an electrical fixture, and including a transceiver unit electrically connected to a first power supply, having a housing unit that is adapted to mechanically cooperate with an electrical fixture, whereby the repeater unit provides continuous operation even when electrical power from the electrical fixture is unavailable.

Description of the Related Art Previously proposed systems employ remote transducers to signal various observations to a base station, but may lack power to reach the destination, such as a centrally located station. One or more repeaters intercept the signal, amplify it and retransmit it until the destination is reached. For example, a transducer at a remote location can detect and signal smoke, temperature, humidity, wind speed and other important environmental parameters. Other transducers can provide signals representative of the state or the physical condition of an object or physical location.

Most buildings, including dwellings, are now equipped with transducers or sensors combined in a detector to monitor the performance and efficiency of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. Other sensors incorporated in a smoke detector are used to monitor atmospheric parameters such as smoke level or temperature condition that warn of a fire. Still other sensors are used to signal a security breach, or other hazardous or dangerous condition.

For the most part, such detectors issue an audible or visible alarm, but not necessarily a signal that can be received in a centrally located station where someone can 19-12-2006 12:52 FROM- T49 P0505 FS T-439 P-005/015 F-569 Q QPRWWMftCcouflr26,fi3 S yarn pa;.10c hM]tmlh ci 3- 0 call for assistance. A repeater circuit associated with a transducer such as a smoke detectors or other fire sensors, if equipped with a wireless transmitter to broadcast a signal that includes the location of the senior and the conditions being monitored could, if operated in conjunction with repeaters between the sensor and the base station, alert the base station to the change in conditions that can be interpreted as a fire.

o But providing a power supply to such a repealer unit is troublesome because electrical outlets may not be readily available, Usually, within relatively close range of a o detector are installed powered devices such as light fixtures or power outlets to which power is appli ed from a central location for predetermined and finite periods of time. For example, in a large residential complex such as an apartment. building, area lights are illuminated during the hours of darkness and are not powered during the times when adequate ambient light is provided from natural sources, Thus, there is a need for a repeater unit that is suitable to be installed in an existing electrical receptacle so that signals from nearby detectors that need monitoring may be stored, amplified, and broadcast to a centrally located station and that provides other advantages and features over present repeater units, such as compactness and continuous operation even when electrical power from a receptacle is unavailable.

Summary of thc Invention According to the present invention, there is provided a repeater for mounting to an electrically powered fluorescent light fixture, said repeater unit comprising: a transceiver unit; a power supply electrically coupled to said transceiver unit; a plug configured to mate with a fluorescent light fixture socket; and a housing unit for housing the transceiver and said power supply, wherein said plug is provided to said housing unit, said housing unit is adapted to accept a fluorescent bulb; and a fluorescent bulb configured to replace a standard fluorescent bulb, said fluorescent bulb provided to said housing to allow functionality of the fluorescent light fixture to be maintained.

COMS ID No: SBMI-05711525 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:54 Date 2006-12-19 19-12-2006 12:52 FROM- T49 P0605 FS T-439 P-006/015 F-569 q VpaB0flDW~1W27E6 5OtOW *eel papas 19 DM O6.fl.WZZIU Cl 4- 0 The present invention also provides a repeater unit which replaces a building accoutrement C" fitted with a fluorescent light and ballast for the fluorescent light, which comprises;, a transceiver for receiving and re-transmitting a signal; a power supply electrically connected to said transceiver unit; and a housing unit for housing the transceiver and said power supply, whereby said housing Ounit is adapted to replace said building accoutrement while maintaining functionality of the fluorescent light finted to said building accoutrement.

No The present invention further provides a method for relaying a transducer signal to a base O station comprising: housing a transceiver and first power supply in a housing having mating structure for mounting to an existing electrically powered fixture used for providing power from a fluorescent light ballast to a fluorescent light; mechanically connecting the housing unit to said existing electrically powered fixture; and electrically connecting the transceiver and first power supply to a second power supply associated with said existing electrically powered fixture; receiving a signal; transmitting a signal; when power is available from the second power supply, providing power to said transceiver circuit from said second power supply, and for recharging the first power supply; and when power is not available from said second power supply, providing power to said transceiver circuit from said first power supply.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a repeater unit that are proximal to sensors to receive and retransmit signals, including circuits that power the transmit and the receive functions. Also present are circuits that respond to the intermittent provision of electrical power to recharg batteries which normally power the system when electrical power is absent. The frequent recharging of the batteries facilitates uninterrupted communication between the sensors and the base station.

In a preferred embodiment, the repeater unit is designed to mate with an existing light bulb socket so that it can be interposed between a light bulb and the socket, Since the repeater unit also includes a light bulb socket that must be done to install the repeater unit is remove the light bulb from the socket, insert the repeater unit and return the light bulb to the socket of the repeater unit.

During daylight hours, while the light bulb is not being COMS ID No: SBMI-05711525 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:54 Date 2006-12-19 P:OPERSE W\2006\12766650 spcdo-19M)S)6 powered-on, the rechargeable batteries permit operation of the repeater unit to relay sensor information to the central location such as a base station. In the evening, when the lights are powered-on, the repeater unit is also powered-on and the batteries are recharged.

Thereby, the repeater unit provides continuous operation even when electrical power from NI 5 a light bulb socket or other receptacle is unavailable.

In other embodiments, the repeater unit is installed in a fluorescent light fixture and connected to the power lines. In additional embodiments, the repeater unit could be installed in EXIT signs or even switches. In yet other embodiments, the repeater unit can ,I be incorporated in outlet receptacles where the power always is present to the unit and the batteries provide a back up in the event of a loss of power to the premises.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the below referenced accompanying drawings. Reference number refer to the same or the equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the drawings.

Figure 1 is a side, partially sectioned view of repeater incorporated in a lamp base according to the present invention; Figures 2A, 2B are block diagrams of the circuits of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which a repeater unit incorporates into an R30 light fixture; Figure 4A is another alternative embodiment of the present invention in which a repeater unit is incorporated within a light bulb; Figure 4B is another alternative embodiment of the present invention in which a repeater unit is a light bulb shaped fixture that cooperates with a light bulb; Figures 5A and 5B are an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which a repeater unit is incorporated within a fluorescent light fixture; Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which a repeater is incorporated into an electrical outlet; and Figure 7 partly sectional, partly phantom view of outlet of Figure 6.

P AOPERISEWL2f12766650 spc doc.-191/06 -6- Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figure 1, there is shown one preferred embodiment of the present invention in which a repeater unit is adapted to install into an electrical light socket 14. In Figure 1, a repeater unit 10 comprises a hosing unit 12 fitted with a first mating structure 16 which is adapted to mechanically and to electrically cooperate with the electrical light socket 14. The repeater unit 10 further comprises a first power supply 22 to provide power to the repeater unit 10. In one preferred embodiment, the electrical light socket 14 is a candelabra socket and the first mating structure 16 is adapted to fit the candelabra socket.

It should be noted that the electric light socket 14 is electrically connected to the second power supply 48 that provides electrical power. In one preferred embodiment, the electrical light socket 14 maintains its existing functionality when repeater unit 10 is installed. Further, in this embodiment, the first mating structure 16 is a standard candelabra base that mechanically and electrically cooperates with the candelabra socket.

Additionally, it should be noted that the first mating structure 16 may be any mechanical structure that mates with an electrical receptacle. Electrical light socket 14 may be an electrical outlet, an electrical receptacle, an electrical fixture, a power supply fixture, an existing fixture, an electrically powered fixture, a fixture or a fixture that is associated with a second power supply 48.

The housing unit 12 may further comprise a heat shield 11. The head shield 11 acts as a reflector for light when a light bulb 18 is powered-on. However, it should be noted that even though the light bulb 18 is depicted in the figure as a incandescent flood light bulb, a repeater according to the present invention is designed to cooperate with other light fixtures such as a fluorescent light, a fluorescent tube, a neon light, a neon tube, other light sources or common electrical devices come within the spirit and the scope of the present invention. In addition, the housing unit 12 comprises a housing interior walls 20, wherein the first power supply 22 is mounted between the housing interior wall 20 and the heat shield 11, the first power supply 22. Mounted to the housing unit 12 is an antenna 24 which transmits and receives wireless signals. The antenna 24 is depicted as a monopole antenna but may be any device that will receive and transmit wireless signals. A repeater circuit board 26 is located at the base of the housing interior while a second circuit board 34 is connected to a second mating structure 17 that is adapted to insert a light source such P.A0PERSEVW2(x6112766650 spc doc.19A)5A6 -7as a light bulb 18. Further, the second mating structure 17 is electrically connected to the second power source 48. In one preferred embodiment, the repeater circuit board 26 comprises a transceiver circuit 28. In addition, the first power supply 22, which may include a rechargeable power storage module, comprising a rechargeable power storage cell and a power recharger, to provide energising power to set the desired operating point for the transceiver circuit 28.

Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, block diagrams of the repeater circuit board 26 is shown. In one preferred embodiment, the first power supply 22 is a rechargeable battery module including a rechargeable battery 27 and a battery charger 46. It should be noted that the first power supply 22 may be any electrical storage device such as a nickel cadmium battery, a lithium-ion battery, a rechargeable power storage module, or any device that provides electrical energy. It should also be noted that a power recharger may be any device that charges a rechargeable power storage cell such as a solar panel array, transformer, electrical circuit board or other electrical circuit. The second power supply 48 is a source of energy from the electrical light socket 14. The second power supply 48 furnishes electrical energy to the battery charger 46. The battery charger 46, in turn, powers the transceiver circuit 28 and recharges the rechargeable battery 27 when power from the second power supply 48 is available, powered-on. When the second power supply 48 is not available, not being supplied, or powered-off to the mating structure 16, the first power supply 22 powers the repeater unit The repeater circuit board 26 further comprises a first system and a second system.

The first system includes the transceiver circuit 28, a received signal strength indicator 31 and a display 38. The second system includes a micro-controller unit 40, a memory storage unit 32 and a data communication port 42. In one preferred embodiment, the transceiver circuit 28 is a Texas Instruments, part No. TRF6901 RF transceiver circuit.

However, the transceiver circuit 28 may be any similar transmit/receive circuit that will receive and transmit electrical signals. In this embodiment, the transceiver circuit 28 receives at least one electrical signal from the antenna 24. The signal is as a Radio Frequency a microwave or millimetre wave signal. The signal originates at a transducer 23, which may by example be located in a building, such as an apartment or office building, which measures environmental parameters such as smoke index, P OPERSEW\ (W612766650 spcdoc-195I0)6 -8particulate matter, moisture, humidity, pressure or temperature. By way of other examples, the transducer 23 may be located in an exit sign, a fire alarm, an air-conditioning unit, or other locations where a user desires to monitor the environmental parameters and to send this information to another location, such as a repeater or a base station.

After the transceiver circuit 28 receives and processes the signal representing the measured environmental parameter, the signal is electrically coupled to the microcontroller 40. In one preferred embodiment, the micro-controller is a Xilinix, Part No.

XE2S100E. Generally, the micro-controller evaluates the signal, then categorises and maps the signal into representative values for storage within the memory storage unit 32.

In one preferred embodiment, the memory storage unit 32 is a Microchip, Part No.

#93AA56A, but, other memory storage devices may be substituted and are also included within the scope of this invention. Following, the micro-controller 40 may send the representative values back through the transceiver circuit 26 for re-transmission through the antenna 24 to a centrally located station, a centralised database station, another repeater unit, or other destination.

The data communication port 42 provides control and data signals to the microcontroller unit 40. Such control and data signals used to program, to reprogram, to enter data, or to remove data which may be stored internally within the micro-controller unit or externally within the memory storage unit 32. In one mode, the control and data signals program the micro-controller unit 40 to determine which of the signals received by the antenna 24 is to be processed further by the transceiver circuit 28. In another mode, the control and data signals program the micro-controller 32 to store such signals in the memory storage unit 32. In another mode, the control signals program the micro-controller unit 32 to select which of the stored signals is to be retrieved from the memory storage unit 32, and which of them are to be transmitted from the transceiver unit 28 through the antenna 24, to the next repeater unit, the base station, centrally located station, or centralised database station. The following paragraphs address alternative component packaging for a repeater unit of the present invention. The repeaters described in the following paragraphs are not hard-wired, but rather plug into an existing socket.

Additionally, the repeaters described below may include sockets for use with other P :OPERSEW20061 12766650 spc d-19A)SM06 -9electrical appliances in the same way that the first embodiment includes sockets for the light bulb that was removed to install the repeater.

Referring to Figure 3, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which a repeater unit 10 allows insertion of an R30 light bulb and fits into an R30 light fixture. This embodiment includes the same components and functionality as the Figure 1 embodiment including the repeater board 26, the antenna 24 and the first power supply 22 and other circuitry (not shown) but described functionally in Figures 2A and 2B. The major difference from the Figure 1 embodiment is that this alternative embodiment fits into an R30 light fixture.

Referring to Figure 4A, another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which a repeater unit 10 is packaged within a light bulb. This embodiment includes the same components and functionality as the Figure 1 embodiment including the repeater board 26, the antenna 24, and the first power supply 22 and other circuitry (not shown) but described functionally in Figures 2A and 2B. The major difference from the Figure 1 embodiment is that in this alternative embodiment, the repeater unit 10 looks like a light bulb.

Referring to Figure 4B, another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which a repeater unit 10 is a light bulb shaped fixture that cooperates with another a light bulb. This embodiment includes the same components and functionality as the Figure 1 embodiment including the repeater board 26, the antenna 24, and the first power supply 22 and other circuitry (not shown) but described functionally in Figures 2A and 2B. The major difference from the Figure 1 embodiment is that in this alternative embodiment, the repeater unit 10 looks like a light bulb and cooperates with another light bulb.

Referring to Figures 5A, SB, an additional alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in which a repeater unit 10 is incorporated within a fluorescent light fixture 13 that includes a ballast 9. This embodiment includes the same components and functionality as the Figure 1 embodiment including the repeater board 26, the antenna 24, and the first power supply 22 and other circuitry (not shown) but described functionally in Figures 2A and 2B. The major difference from the Figure 1 embodiment is that this alternative embodiment repeater unit 10 plus a first fluorescent light bulb 21 replaces a P.OPER\SEW\2006\12766650 spc doc-19Af056 standard fluorescent light bulb. The repeater unit 10 includes a pug 19 that fits into a fluorescent light fixture socket (not shown) and is mechanically adapted to accept a first fluorescent bulb 21 so that the functionality of the fluorescent light fixture 13 is maintained. Moreover, a second fluorescent bulb 15 also fits into the fluorescent light fixture 13 to permit more light. The repeater described in the next two paragraphs is not hard-wired, but rather plugs into an existing socket. Additionally, the repeaters described below include sockets for use with other electrical appliances in the same way that the first embodiment includes sockets for the light bulb that was removed to install the repeater.

Finally, installation should be described in the same way installation was described for the first embodiment.

Referring to Figure 6, a perspective view is shown of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which a repeater is incorporated into a service outlet 62. A service outlet 62 is an electric outlet but may be any outlet that provides a source of electrical energy. In particular, a service outlet repeater unit 60 (not shown) is installed into the plastic housing 58. Further, the service outlet repeater unit 60 (not shown) includes outlet repeater antennas 56 to receive and to transmit electric signals to and from repeaters, base stations, or other destinations such as a centrally located data centre. However, the major difference from other preferred embodiments discussed elsewhere in this specification is that this alternative embodiment is plugged into an existing electrical outlet or socket instead of inserted into an electrical light receptacle.

Referring to Figure 7 is a partly sectional, partly phantom view of the service outlet 62 of Figure 6. This alternative embodiment houses the service outlet repeater unit within the service outlet 62 has the same functional aspects and same basic component building blocks as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. In particular, the service outlet repeater unit 60 comprises the following components: the plastic housing 58 (as shown in Figure the service outlet 62 (functionally equivalent to the second power supply 48); outlet batteries 64 (functionally equivalent to the first power supply 22); a transceiver/repeater printed circuit board 66 (functionally equivalent to the RF circuit board 26); and outlet repeater service antennas 56 (functionally equivalent to the antenna 24). The service outlet repeater unit 60 draws power from the outlet batteries 64 during periods of time the service outlet 62 is not powered, blown fuse or when power is unavailable. The service outlet P:OPER\SEW\VA2006\12766 50 spc C doc-19)5M6 Ilrepeater unit 60 recharges the outlet batteries 64 and powers the service outlet repeater unit during periods when the service outlet 62 is energised, powered-on. It should be noticed that the choice for components are only exemplary in nature including: the plastic housing which may be any housing unit, a service outlet which may be any wired electrical receptacle, and the outlet batteries, which may be any rechargeable storage device. As such, these possible variations in components are included within the scope of this invention.

Further, in another embodiment of Figure 6, a repeater unit may further be hardwired into an existing electrical outlet. In this embodiment, the component functionality is the same as discussed in the above embodiments, however, the installation would be different such as requiring partial or full removal of existing wall outlet plug, and electrical connection of a repeater unit to existing wires disconnected from a existing wall outlet and mounting to the surface associated with an existing wall outlet.

Further, in another embodiment of Figure 6, a repeater unit is adapted to replace a building accoutrement while maintaining said functionality of said building accoutrement.

The building accoutrement is by way of example, a ceiling tile, a heating and ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) grill, a ceiling speaker, a ceiling speaker tile, and a speaker grill or speaker attached to the wall of the building or the like. In this embodiment, a first power supply may be the sole source of electrical power for the repeater unit. An alternative of this embodiment, both a first power supply and a second power supply may supply power to the repeater unit. Further, in this embodiment, the installation would be different than Figure 6 above, including removal of the building accoutrement which is well known in the art, and installation of the repeater unit adapted to replace a building accoutrement.

Information as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described object of the invention, the present preferred embodiment of the invention, and is, thus, representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. The scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and is to be limited, accordingly, by nothing other than the appended claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but P.%OPERX.SEW006%I2766650 spc doc.19lJ5/06 12rather "one or more". All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment and additional embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are hereby expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.

Moreover, no requirement exists for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be resolved by the present invention, for such to be encompassed by the present claim. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. However, one skilled in the art should recognise that various changes and modifications in form and material details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventiveness as set forth in the appended claims.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (2)

10-12-2006 12:53 FROW-T40 P00/1 -6 T-439 P-007/015 F-569 ci -13- 0 THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. A repeater for mounting to an electrically powered fluorescent light fixture, said repeater unit comprising: a transceiver unit; O a power supply electrically coupled to said transceiver unit; INOa plug configurd to mate with a fluorescent light fixture socket; and O a housing unit for housing the trasceiver and said power supply, wherein said plug is provided to said housing unit, said housing unit is adapted to accept a fluorescent bulb; and a fluorescent bulb configured to replace a standard fluorescent bulb, said fluorescent bulb provided to said housing to allow functionality of the fluorescent light fixture to be maintained. 2. The repeater in accordance with claim 1, wherein sai d fluorescent light fixture is located in an apartment building and a transducer sends a signal to said fluorescent light fixture. 3. A repeater unit which replaces a building accoutrement fitted with a fluorescent light and ballast for the fluorescent light, which comprises: a transceiver for receiving and re-transmitting a signal; a power supply electrically connected to said transceiver unit; and a housing unit for housing the transceiver and said power supply, whereby said housing unit is adapted to replace said building accoutrement while maintaining functionality of the fluorescent light fitted to said building accoutrement. 4. A repeater unit in accordance with Claim 3, wherein said building accoutrement is a ceiling tile. COMS ID No: SBMI-05711525 Received by IP Australia: lime 12:54 Date 2006-12-19

19-12-2006 12:53 FROM-T-3 P.0/1 F-O T-439 P-008/015 F-569 ci 14- A method for relaying a transducer signal to a base station comprising: bowsing a transceiver and first power supply in a housing having mating structure for mounting to an existing electrically powered fixture used for providing power from a fluorescent light ballast to a fluorescent light; o mechanically connecting the housing unit to said existing electrically powered VaO fixture; and o electrically connecting the transceiver and first power supply to a second power supply associated with said existing electrically powered fixture; receiving a signal; transmitting a signal; when power is available from the second power supply, providing power to said transceiver circuit from said second power supply, and for recharging the first power supply; and is when power is not available from said second power supply, providing power to said transceiver circuit from said first power supply. COMS ID No: SBMI-0571 1525 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:54 Date 2006-12-19