David G Rhoades

US Patent:

54554888, Oct 3, 1995

Filed:

Jan 28, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/188402

Inventors:

David P. Rhoades - San Francisco CA
Christopher S. Paul - San Francisco CA
Edward M. Buckley - San Jose CA
David M. Barton - San Jose CA
Claude A. S. Hamrick - Los Gatos CA

Assignee:

CMC Technologies, Inc. - San Francisco CA

International Classification:

H05B 3700
G02B 600

US Classification:

315156

Abstract:

Miniature light-activated lamp control apparatus and the like, including a thin disk-shaped switching unit positionable within a light bulb socket and a thin light conductor having one end attached thereto, the light conductor being extendable through the gap between the electrically conductive inner wall of the socket and the electrically conductive outer surface of the bulb base disposed in the socket, and terminating at the opposite end in a lens for gathering ambient or other light. The switching unit has a first contact on one side for engagement with the socket center terminal, and a second contact on an opposing side for engagement with the center terminal of a light bulb. The unit includes a thin circuit board having control circuitry mounted thereon, such circuitry being positioned to occupy available space between the conical bulb base and the circuit board. Also mounted on the circuit board and in light communication with the light conductor is a photodetector electrically coupled to the control circuitry. The control circuitry receives operating power from the lamp through the first contact and is responsive to light communicated through the light conductor to turn the power to the second contact OFF and ON.