Liquid motion lamp with temperature control system
OwnerLouis J. Finkleinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A control system for a liquid motion lamp maintains the proper temperature of liquids within the lamp to provide desired motion within the lamp, and reduces sensitivity to ambient temperature. The lamp preferably includes two heating elements, a first element for initial heating, such as a heat blanket, resistive glass coating, or a submerged ring, and a second heating element generally providing both heat and lighting. A sensor measures the temperature of the liquid inside the lamp and the control system controls the heat sources to maintain the temperature within operating limits.
Claims17
A liquid motion lamp comprising:
- a container;
- a first liquid suitable for residing in the container;
- a second liquid suitable for residing in the container and adapted to cooperate with the first liquid, wherein the first liquid has a lesser density than the second liquid at a higher temperature, and the first liquid has a greater density than the second liquid at a lower temperature;
- a base portion, at least a portion of which is below the container;
- a first heat source residing within the base portion;
- a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of at least one of the first liquid and the second liquid;
- and
- a control circuit responsive to the temperature sensor and controlling power to the first heat source.
A liquid motion lamp comprising:
- a container with see-through walls;
- a first liquid suitable for residing in the container and viewable through the see-through walls;
- a second liquid suitable for residing in the container and viewable through the see-through walls, the second liquid adapted to cooperate with the first liquid, wherein the first liquid has a lesser density than the second liquid at a higher temperature, and the first liquid has a greater density than the second liquid at a lower temperature;
- a base portion, at least a portion of which is below the container;
- a heat source comprising a light residing within the base portion;
- a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of at least one of the first liquid and the second liquid;
- and
- a control circuit responsive to the temperature sensor and controlling power provided to the light.
A liquid motion lamp comprising:
- a container;
- a first liquid suitable for residing in the container, which first liquid is a solid at room temperature, a liquid at a lower operating temperature, and a liquid at a higher operating temperature;
- a second liquid suitable for residing in the container, which second liquid is a liquid at room temperature, wherein the first liquid has a lower density than the second liquid at the higher operating temperature and a greater density than the second liquid at the lower operating temperature;
- a base portion substantially below the container;
- a first heat and light source within the base portion;
- a second heat source configured to be in thermal cooperation with the second liquid when the lamp is in use;
- a sensor for measuring the temperature of the second liquid;
- and
- a control system receiving measurements from the sensor and controlling the first heat source and the second heat source.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.