Patent 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.

Full Description:
[0001]    The present application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/605,779 filed on Nov. 28, 2006 which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/814,267, filed Jun. 16, 2006, which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to decorative lighting and in particular to a liquid motion lamp. 
         [0003]    Liquid motion lamps, commonly called “lava lamps” have been known since the 1960s. Such lamp is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,387,396 for “Display Devices.” The &#39;396 patent describes a lamp having globules of a first liquid suspended in a second liquid, wherein the first liquid has a thermal expansion coefficient providing sufficient expansion, and therefore reduction in density, such that the first liquid is heavier than the second liquid at a lower temperature, and lighter than the second liquid at a higher temperature. The temperatures may be, for example, 45 degrees Centigrade and 50 degrees Centigrade. The first and second liquids are contained in a clear container having a heat source at the bottom, and as a result, the first liquid is heated, rises within the second liquid, cools, and drops back to the bottom of the container. At least one of the liquids is preferably colored, and provides an entertaining motion for an observer. Lamps such as described by the &#39;396 patent are typically small and are sold as a sealed unit. 
         [0004]    Unfortunately, known lamps often exhibit erratic behavior because of temperature fluctuations. The internal lamp temperature fluctuates with ambient temperature and the liquids fail to behave as intended. Further, high temperatures can cause the liquids to break down. 
         [0005]    Recently, liquid motion lamps have gained popularity, and there is a desire to use such lamps in various commercial settings, for example hotel lobbies, clubs, lounges, etc. There is a desire that such lamps used in a commercial setting be substantially larger than known liquid motion lamps, but shipping such large lamps filled with liquid results in a high probability of damage and high shipping costs. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/856,457 filed Jun. 1, 2004 by the present applicant discloses a liquid motion lamp which may be shipped dry, and filled with a liquid at it&#39;s final destination. The dry shipment thus makes large liquid motion lamps much more practical. However, such large lamps are being used in luxurious settings where the appearance of the motion in the lamps is very important, and the large lamps may not behave consistently due to temperature fluctuations, particularly with tall lamps, for example, over five feet high. If the temperature is not carefully controlled, the desired visual affects may not be achieved. For example, too high of temperatures may cause the first liquid to remain near the top of the container, and cause clouding. Too low of temperatures will result in the first liquid failing to rise a desired amount. The &#39;457 application is herein incorporated by reference. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention addresses the above and other needs by providing a control system for a liquid motion lamp. The control system maintains the proper temperature of liquids in 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 generally providing lighting and heat, and a second heating element such as a heat blanket, resistive glass coating, or a submerged ring, for initial heating or for when additional heat is required for proper operation of the lamp. 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. 
         [0007]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a liquid motion lamp including a container, a base portion, a first liquid suitable for residing in the container, a second liquid suitable for residing in the container, a first heat and light source, a second heat source, a temperature sensor, and a control system. The first liquid is a solid at room temperature, a liquid at a lower operating temperature, and a liquid at a higher operating temperature. The 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. The base portion resides substantially below the container and the first heat and light source resides within the base portion. The second heat source is configured to be in thermal cooperation with the second liquid when the lamp is in use. The sensor measures the temperature of the second liquid and the control system receives measurements from the sensor and controls the first heat source and the second heat source. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0008]    The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is liquid motion lamp according to the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the liquid motion lamp. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3A  shows the liquid motion lamp with a base cover raised to gain access to a first heating element and a control system. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3B  shows the liquid motion lamp with a base cover raised and with the first heating element removed. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of the liquid motion lamp taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 , showing a second heating element. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4A  is a detailed view of the bottom portion of the cross-sectional view of the liquid motion lamp taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 , showing bottom sealing details and a second heat source comprising a circular heating element suitable for immersion in the second liquid. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4B  is a detailed view of a bottom portion of the cross-sectional view of the liquid motion lamp taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 , showing bottom sealing details and a second heat source comprising a heat blanket residing on the exterior of the container. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4C  is a detailed view of a bottom portion of the cross-sectional view of the liquid motion lamp taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1 , showing bottom sealing details and a second heat source comprising a resistive coating residing on the interior of the container. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4D  shows the liquid motion lamp with an external control connected to the lamp by wiring. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5A  shows the liquid motion lamp with a temperature sensor residing above a first liquid residing in the bottom of the container portion. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5B  shows the liquid motion lamp with a temperature sensor residing on an outer surface of the container. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5C  shows the liquid motion lamp with a temperature sensor residing proximal to the top of the container. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  describes a method for controlling the liquid motion lamp. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a high level view of a control circuit for the liquid motion lamp. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a micro controller element of the control circuit. 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a power controller element of the control circuit. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a power supply element of the control circuit. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11A  is a sensor element of the control circuit. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11B  is an alternative embodiment of the sensor element of the control circuit. 
       
    
    
       [0028]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing one or more preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims. 
         [0030]    Liquid motion lamps, or lava lamps, are well known as small home decorative lighting. U.S. Pat. No. 3,387,396 for “Display Devices,” U.S. Pat. No. 3,570,156 for “Display Devices,” and U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,576 for “Novelty Lamp,” describe such lamps. A detailed description of liquids used in such lamps is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,283 for “Liquid compositions for display devices.” Construction of a large liquid motion lamp is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/856,457 filed Jun. 1, 2004 by the present applicant. The &#39;396, &#39;156, &#39;576, and &#39;283 patents are herein incorporated by reference. The &#39;457 application was incorporated by reference above. 
         [0031]    Although basic home lava lamps have become commonplace, large versions for commercial use have not been entirely practical for various reasons. The liquid motion lamp  10  shown in  FIG. 1  overcomes these obstacles. The lamp  10  includes a top piece  12 , a container  14 , and a base portion  19  including a base cover  16  and a base flange  18 . The container  14  is preferably transparent and more preferably made from boro silicate glass or any clear stable plastic, for example, acrylic or poly carbonate. The top piece  12 , base cover  16 , and base flange  18  are preferably made from cast aluminum. The container  14  preferably extends into the base portion  19 , and preferably, at least part of the base portion  19  is below the bottom of the container  14 . 
         [0032]    The container  14  diameter D 1  is preferably between six inches and 36 inches, the base cover diameter D 2  is preferably between approximately one inch and approximately two inches greater than the container diameter D 1 , and the base flange diameter D 3  is preferably between approximately two inches and approximately twelve inches greater than the container diameter D 1 . The overall height H 1  of the lamp  10  is preferably between approximately three feet and approximately nine feet, and the height H 2  of the visible portion of the container  14  is preferably between approximately two feet and approximately six feet While the primary advantages of the present invention are directed to a lamp  10  having the preferred dimensions, any lamp including the present invention described herein is intended to come within the scope of the present invention. A perspective view of the lamp  10  is shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0033]    A lamp  10  intended for use in a commercial setting, for example, hotel lobbies, clubs, lounges, etc., may be much larger and heavier than known lava lamps. As a result, it is not practical to lift or move the lamp  10  to replace a heat source which has failed or to adjust controls  40 . To address replacement of the heat source, the base cover  16  is vertically moveable along an arrow  20  as shown in  FIG. 3A . With the base cover  16  raised, a first heat source  22  and the control  40  are accessible. The heat source  22  is preferably also a light source, and is more preferably an incandescent light bulb. The heat source  22  is electrically and mechanically connected to a socket  24 . A view of the lamp  10  with the heat source  22  removed is shown in  FIG. 3B . The container  14  is preferably supported by supports  26  residing between the base flange  18  and the container  14 . There are preferably three supports  26 , and a container base  15  proximal to the bottom of the container  14 . The supports  26  connect to the base portion  15 , and the container  14  is held by the base portion  15 . While a first heat source  22  comprising a single light (for example an incandescent bulb) is shown in  FIG. 3A , the first heat source  22  may also comprise one, two, three, or more lights, for example, a single 450 watt bulb or three 150 watt bulbs for a large lamp, or a single 150 watt bulb for a small lamp. 
         [0034]    A cross-sectional view of the lamp  10  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  is shown in  FIG. 4 . A second heat source comprising a heating coil  28   a  is shown inside the container  14 , and a thermal sensor  42  is supported by a sensor arm  44  attached to the heating coil  28   a . The heating coil  28   a  is preferably an approximately 350 watt (for a small lamp) to approximately 1,000 watt (for a large lamp) heat coil and is substantially concealed (e.g., not visible from the side) when the base cover  16  is in place. The top piece  12  comprises a round cover  12   a  for the container  14  and a short cylindrical portion  12   b  for positioning the top piece  12  on the container  14 . The top piece  12  is preferably fabricated from the same material as the base cover  16  and the base flange  18 , and preferably provides a moisture proof seal to the container  14 . 
         [0035]    The sensor  42  is preferably a Resistive Thermal Device (RTD) sensor, but may be any electronic, electro mechanical or non-contact infared temperature or thermal optical device. An example of a suitable sensor  42  is an LM34 manufactured by National Semiconductor in Santa Clara, Calif. Another suitable sensor  42  is a series 5100 Hermetically Sealed Immersion-Type Thermostat made by Airpax in Frederick, Md. 
         [0036]    The sensor arm  44  is preferably made from a thermally conductive material, and attaching the sensor arm  44  to the heating coil  28   a  provides a thermally conductive path between the heating coil  28   a  and the thermal sensor  42 . If the lamp is turned on without liquid in the lamp, the heating sensor  42  will be rapidly heated by heat conducted by the sensor arm  44 , and an overheated condition may be detected and the lamp turned off before damage to the lamp occurs. 
         [0037]    Although liquid motion lamps may function properly with a fixed amount of heat provided to the liquids, in general, the best visual effects are not obtained if the temperature of the liquids falls outside an intended temperature range. The temperature of the second liquid at the base of the lamp must be sufficient to heat the first liquid to a temperature where the density of the first liquid is less than the density of the second liquid so that the first liquid rises to near the top of the container, and the temperature of the second liquid at the top of the container must be low enough to cool the first liquid to a temperature where the density of the first liquid is greater than the density of the second liquid so that the first liquid falls proximal to the bottom of the container. If the temperature of the second liquid in the base is low, the first liquid will not be heated sufficiently to rise proximal to the top of the container, and if the temperature of the second liquid in the top of the container is too high, the first liquid will remain proximal to the top of the container. In particularly, large and/or tall lamps the temperature of the second liquid must be carefully controlled to maintain proper behavior of the second liquid. 
         [0038]    To provide the desired behavior of the first liquid, the lamp  10  according to the present invention includes a control circuit  40 . The control circuit  40  may reside in the base of the lamp (see  FIGS. 4-4C ), or be located outside the lamp (see  FIG. 4D ). The control circuit is preferably a programmable control circuit  50  as described in  FIGS. 7-11B , however, the control circuit may simply comprise a variable resistance sensor, for example a bi-metal device, and relays controlled by the variable resistance sensor to control the heaters  22 ,  28   a ,  28   b , and  28   c  (see  FIG. 4A-4C ). The present invention may also be practiced without a second heat source, thereby impacting the start-up time, but not necessarily the operation of the lamp  10 . 
         [0039]    Sensor wires  46  electrically connect the sensor  42  to the control circuit  40  providing temperature measurements, first heater wires  30   a  connect the heater  22  to the control circuit  40  providing power to the heater  22 , and second heater wires  30   b  connect the heater  28   a  to the control circuit  40  providing power to the heater  28   a . Wires  32  provide electrical power to the control circuit  40 . 
         [0040]    A detailed view of a bottom portion of the cross-sectional view of the liquid motion lamp  10  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  is shown in  FIG. 4A  showing bottom sealing details. The base  15  surrounds and supports the bottom of the container  14 . The container base  15  includes a shelf  15 ′ reaching under a lower edge of the container  14  to provide vertical support. A sealing material  29  resides between vertical walls of the base  15  and the container  14 , and between the bottom edge of the container  14  and the shelf  15 ′. The base  15  cooperates with a base ring  15   a  to sandwich a container bottom  14   a . Seals, which are preferably O-rings  17 , reside between the bottom  14   a  and the base  15  and between the bottom  14   a  and the base ring  15   a . The supports  26  (see  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B) are preferably attached to the base  15  using support studs  26   a , passing through the base ring  15   a , thereby joining the base ring  15   a  to the base  15 , and compressing O-rings  17 . The container bottom  14   a  is preferably fabricated from a transparent material to pass light from the heat source  22  into the container  14 , and the container bottom  14   a  is more preferably made from the same material as the container  14 . A recess  15   c  in the base  15  and base ring  15   a  provide space for the wires  30   b  and  46  to pass downward inside the base cover  16 . 
         [0041]    A detailed view of a bottom portion of the cross-sectional view of a liquid motion lamp  10   a  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  is shown in  FIG. 4B , with a second heat source comprising a heat blanket  28   b . The blanket  28   b  preferably resides between the base  15  and the container  14 , and is preferably potted in the sealant  29 . The heating blanket  28   b  is preferably an approximately 350 watt (for a small lamp) to approximately 1,000 watt (for a large lamp) heating blanket. The lamp  10   a  is otherwise similar to the lamp  10 . 
         [0042]    A detailed view of a bottom portion of the cross-sectional view of a liquid motion lamp  10   b  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  is shown in  FIG. 4C , with a second heat source comprising a resistive coating  28   c  on the interior of the container  14 . The resistive coating  28   c  is preferably an approximately 350 watt (for a small lamp) to approximately 1,000 watt (for a large lamp) resistive coating. The lamp  10   b  is otherwise similar to the lamp  10 . 
         [0043]    A detailed cross-sectional view of a liquid motion lamp  10   c  taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 1  is shown in  FIG. 4D , with the control circuit  40  residing outside the lamp  10 . The control circuit  40  may reside at any distance from the lamp which is compatible with the power requirements of the heaters and with the sensor signal from the sensor  42 , and wherein the heater wires  30   a  and  30   b  do not have excessive resistance. The lamp  10   b  is otherwise similar to the lamp  10 . 
         [0044]    When the lamp  10  is in use, the container  14  is substantially filled with two immiscible liquids. The lamp  10  is shown in cut-away in  FIG. 5A  with the first liquid  34  residing in the bottom of the container  14 , which first liquid  34  is preferably a solid at room temperature and preferably reside behind the base cover  16  when solidified, and is preferable below the heating element  28   a  when solidified. The second liquid (not shown) is preferably liquid at room temperature and more preferably comprises water. 
         [0045]    A lamp  10   d  including a surface mounted temperature sensor  42   a  is shown in  FIG. 5B . The sensor  42   a  is preferably mounted on an outside surface of the container  14  and positioned behind the base  15 . When such sensor  42   a  is used, the temperature measurements are slightly lower (for example, approximately five degrees Fahrenheit) than the measurements made by a sensor immersed in the second liquid and using the coil heater  28   a , and may be slightly higher than the measurements made by sensor immersed in the second liquid and using the heat blanket  28   b  or the resistive coating  28   c . Temperature settings for the control circuit  40  are adjusted accordingly. 
         [0046]    A lamp  10   e  with the temperature sensor  42  residing proximal to the top of the container  14  is shown in  FIG. 5C . The surface mounted sensor  42   a  may similarly be mounted inside the cylindrical portion  12   b  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0047]    The first liquid  34  has greater density than the second liquid at room temperature. When heated to operating temperature, the first liquid  34  becomes less dense than the second liquid and rises in the container  14 , thereby creating liquid motion. As the first liquid  34  rises in the container  14 , the first liquid  34  cools sufficiently to become more dense than the second liquid, and thus drops back to the bottom of the container  14  where the first liquid  34  is again heated. The lamp preferably operates at between approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit and approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit. 
         [0048]    An exemplar first liquid  34  is a paraffin based thermally expansive material, and preferably a combination of chlorinated paraffin and paraffin. The paraffin is preferably a low melting temperature paraffin, and more preferably a low oil content paraffin, and most preferably a less than three percent oil content paraffin, also known as a scale wax. The paraffin is preferably a low melting temperature paraffin to allow a low operating temperature for the lamp. A surfactant is preferably added to the container to reduce surface tension of the liquids, and a binder is preferably added to prevent the paraffin and chlorinated paraffin from separating. The surfactant is preferably a high cloud point surfactant, and the binder is preferably Polyboost binder made by Hase Petroleum Wax Co. in Arlington Heights, Ill. 
         [0049]    While the lamp described in  FIGS. 4-5C  includes a first and a second heater, a lamp with only a single heater, a temperature sensor, and a temperature control is intended to come within the scope of the present invention. Further, both large lamps and desk top lamps including at least one heater, a temperature sensor, and a temperature control is intended to come within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0050]    A method for controlling the liquid motion lamp  10  is described in  FIG. 6 . The lamp is turned on at step  200 . The temperature Ts of the liquid in the container is measured at  202 . Ts is compared to a lower temperature T 1  at step  204 . If Ts is less than T 1 , full power is provided to the second heater at step  206 , and the control logic returns to step  202  to again measure the temperature Ts. If Ts is not less than T 1 , the second heater is turned off and power is provided to the first heater at step  208 . The temperature Ts is again measured at step  209 . After power is provided to the first heater, the sensor temperature Ts is again compared to the lower temperature threshold T 1  at step  210 , and if Ts is less than T 1 , power is again provided to the second heater at step  212  and the temperature Ts is again measured at step  209  after a very short time period. In this instance, the power may be a single power level, one of a plurality of discrete power levels selected based on the difference between Ts and T 1 , or may be a variable power lever which is a function of T 1 -Ts. For example, power may be either full power, or half power, based on Ts. 
         [0051]    If Ts is not less than T 1  at step  210 , the power to the second heater is turned off at step  213  and Ts is compared to a second temperature T 2  at step  214 . If Ts is less than T 2 , temperature Ts is again measured at step  209 . If Ts is greater than T 2  at step  214 , and Ts is less than Tmax at step  218 , power is reduced to the first heater at step  216  and the temperature Ts is again measured at step  209 . If Ts is greater than T 2 , at step  214  and Ts is greater than Tmax at step  218 , an over temperature condition has been detected and all power is removed from the lamp at step  220 . The first heating element is preferably the lamp  22  and the second heating element is preferably the heater  28 . 
         [0052]    The temperature control methods regulate the liquids in the container to reach and maintain a temperature within a range preferred for the general operating temperature of the lamp. In general, the lower the temperature, the less chemical reactions that occur and at higher temperatures, for example, above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, a slow but continual break down of both the first liquid (generally a wax and its constituent components) and the surfactant and additives which reside in the water phase of said display takes place. The basic function of the lamp operates on the expansion and contraction of heated first liquid. The hotter the first liquid (and second liquid), the greater tendency of the said first liquid to rise, and in some cases, stay at top of said lamp. Too low of temperature creates a stall condition and the first liquid will remain at bottom of the lamp, and in some cases, re-solidify into a non-flowing solid. Preferably, the lamp is operated below 120 degree Fahrenheit, and more preferably T 1  is approximately 110 degrees Fahrenheit and T 2  is approximately 120 degree Fahrenheit. To maintain a preferred temperature, the second heater may be turned on to half power if Ts is below approximately 114 degrees Fahrenheit, and the second heater may be turned on to full power if Ts drops below 110 degrees Fahrenheit. More preferably, the heaters are provided power to maintain a three degrees Fahrenheit operating range (i.e., hysteresis). Tmax is preferably approximately 160 degrees Fahrenheit. 
         [0053]    Heating the second liquid initially as described in steps  202 - 206  is preferred because melting the first liquid (e.g., the wax) first may result in undesired cooperation of the first liquid and the second liquid. 
         [0054]    The method described in  FIG. 6  may be performed with an arrangement of bi-metal strip temperature sensors and relays, with an off the shelf programmable controller, or with a custom programmable circuit. An example of a suitable off the shelf controller is the model CT 15  controller made by Minco Products, Inc. In Minneapolis, Minn. 
         [0055]    A high level view of a custom control circuit  50  for the liquid motion lamp is shown in  FIG. 7 . The circuit  50  includes a power supply  52 , a sensor data processor  54 , a micro controller circuit  56  and a power controller  58 . The power controller  58  preferably includes at least one triac for regulating a flow of current to the heater and light. Household or commercial AC power (for example, either 120 volt or 240 volt) is provided to the circuit  50  through wires  32 . The power supply  52  receives the AC power through the wires  32  (see  FIGS. 4 ,  4 A,  4 B,  4 C, and  4 D) connected to an AC plug  60 , and one of the wires  32  may include an in-series fuze F 1 . The power supply  52  provides a 5 volt DC power signal  62  to the micro controller circuit  56  and to the sensor data processor  54  and a zero cross signal  62  to the micro controller circuit  56 . 
         [0056]    The sensor data processor  54  provides 5 volt DC power to the temperature sensor  42  and a ground connection, and receives a first temperature signal T 1  from the sensor  42  through a second connector J 2 . A second temperature signal T 2  may optionally be received through the connector J 2 . The sensor data processor  54  provides a temperature measurement signal  64  to the micro controller circuit  56 . 
         [0057]    The power controller  58  receives the AC power from the AC plug  60  and also receives a heater control signal  66  and a lighting control signal  68  from the micro controller circuit  56 . A current feedback signal  70  representing the current provided to the heater  28  or the light  22  is provided to the micro controller circuit  56  from the power controller  58 . The power controller  58  provides power to the light  22  through wires  30   a  and to the heater  28  through wires  30   b.    
         [0058]    A detailed diagram of the micro controller circuit  56  of the control circuit  50  is shown in  FIG. 8 . The micro controller circuit  56  includes a micro controller  57 . A suitable micro controller  57  is a model number MC68HC908AP16 MicroController Unit (MCU) made by Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. | Terminals for a microprocessor  57  of the micro controller circuit  56  are described in Table 1 and a similar MCU may be used with appropriate connections. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Terminal 
                 Signal 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 PTB6/T2CH0 
               
               
                 2 
                 VREG 
               
               
                 3 
                 PTB5/T1CH1 
               
               
                 4 
                 VDD 
               
               
                 5 
                 OSC1 
               
               
                 6 
                 OSC2 
               
               
                 7 
                 VSS 
               
               
                 8 
                 PTB4/T1CH0 
               
               
                 9 
                 IRQ 
               
               
                 10 
                 PTB3/RxD 
               
               
                 11 
                 RST 
               
               
                 12 
                 PTB2/TxD 
               
               
                 13 
                 PTB1/SCL 
               
               
                 14 
                 PTB0/SDA 
               
               
                 15 
                 PTC7/SCRxD 
               
               
                 16 
                 PTC6/SCTxD 
               
               
                 17 
                 PTC5/SPSCK 
               
               
                 18 
                 PTC4/SS 
               
               
                 19 
                 PTC3/MOSI 
               
               
                 20 
                 PTC2/MISO 
               
               
                 21 
                 PTC1 
               
               
                 22 
                 PTC0/IRQ2 
               
               
                 23 
                 PTA7/ADC7 
               
               
                 24 
                 PTA6/ADC6 
               
               
                 25 
                 PTA5/ADC5 
               
               
                 26 
                 PTA4/ADC4 
               
               
                 27 
                 PTA3/ADC3 
               
               
                 28 
                 PTA2/ADC2 
               
               
                 29 
                 PTA1/ADC1 
               
               
                 30 
                 PTA0/ADC0 
               
               
                 31 
                 VREFL 
               
               
                 32 
                 VREFH 
               
               
                 33 
                 PTD7 
               
               
                 34 
                 PTD6 
               
               
                 35 
                 PTD5 
               
               
                 36 
                 PTD4 
               
               
                 37 
                 PTD3 
               
               
                 38 
                 VSSA 
               
               
                 39 
                 VDDA 
               
               
                 40 
                 PTD2 
               
               
                 41 
                 PTD1 
               
               
                 42 
                 PTD0 
               
               
                 43 
                 PTB7 
               
               
                 44 
                 CGMXFC 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0059]    Pins on the micro controller  57  are connected as follows. Pins  1 ,  3 ,  10 ,  12 ,  13 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 ,  19 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  33 ,  35 ,  36 ,  40 ,  41 , and  42  are not connected to elements of the micro controller circuit  56 . The remaining pins are connected to: 
         [0060]    Pin  2  is connected to ground through a 1 μf capacitor C 10 . 
         [0061]    Pin  4  is connected to the 5 volt DC power signal  62 . 
         [0062]    Pin  5  is connected to a second pin of a connector J 3  of a clock  59 . 
         [0063]    Pin  6  is connected to the clock  59 . 
         [0064]    Pin  7  is connected to ground. 
         [0065]    Pin  8  is connected to the zero cross signal  63 . 
         [0066]    Pin  9  is connected to through a diode D 1  (current toward pin  9 ) to the 5 volt DC power signal  62 . 
         [0067]    Pin  11  is connected through a 100K resister R 15  to the 5 volt DC power signal  62 . 
         [0068]    Pin  14  is connected through a 10K resister R 19  to ground. 
         [0069]    Pin  20  is connected to the lamp out signal  66  (see ( FIG. 7 ). 
         [0070]    Pin  21  is connected to the heater out signal  68  (see ( FIG. 7 ). 
         [0071]    Pin  23  is connected to the sensor data signal  64  from the sensor data processor  54 . 
         [0072]    Pin  25  is connected to the current input signal  70  (see  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0073]    Pin  27  is connected through a 1K resister R 40  and a 10K resister R 38  to the 5 volt DC power signal  62 . 
         [0074]    Pin  28  is connected through a 10K resister R 13  to ground. 
         [0075]    Pin  29  is connected through a 22K resister R 16  to the 5 volt DC power signal  62 . 
         [0076]    Pin  30  is connected through a 22K resister R 11  to the 5 volt DC power signal  62 . 
         [0077]    Pin  31  is connected to ground. 
         [0078]    Pin  32  is connected to ground through in-parallel 1 μf capacitor C 13  and 0.1 μf capacitor C 12 . 
         [0079]    Pin  34  is connected to the 5 volt DC power signal  62  through in-series 560 ohm resister R 17  and red LED D 10  (current toward pin  34 ). 
         [0080]    Pin  37  is connected to the 5 volt DC power signal  62  through in-series 560 ohm resister R 12  and yellow LED D 7  (current toward pin  37 ). 
         [0081]    Pin  38  is connected to ground. 
         [0082]    Pin  39  is connected to the 5 volt DC power signal  62 . 
         [0083]    Pin  43  is connected to the 5 volt DC power signal  62  through in-series 560 ohm resister R 5  and red LED D 9  (current toward pin  43 ). 
         [0084]    Pin  44  is connected to an RC circuit. 
         [0085]    A detailed diagram of the power controller  58  of the control circuit  50  is shown in  FIG. 9 . The power controller  58  receives AC power through wires  32  and the 5 volt DC power signal  62  from the power supply  52 . The power controller  58  includes two high power triacs TR 1  and TR 2  utilizing phase power control to control the flow of electricity to the first heat source  22  (preferably a lamp) and to the second heat source  28   a ,  28   b , or  28   c  (see  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  4 C) through wires  30   a  and  30   b  respectively. The concept of phase angle control is to apply only a portion of the ac waveform to the load. Once fired, the Triac will conduct until the next zero crossing. The average voltage is proportional to the shaded area under the curve. The phase angle is measured from the trigger point to the next zero crossing to provide precise control. Suitable triacs TR 1  and TR 2  are model BTA24-600BW triacs made by Snubberless &amp; Standard in Carrollton, Tex. 
         [0086]    The triacs TR 1  and TR 2  are controlled through isolators U 5  and U 4  respectively which isolate the high power switched by the triacs from the low voltage control circuit. Preferably, the isolators U 5  and U 4  are optoisolators, for example, model MOC3022 optoisolators made by Fairchild Semiconductor in South Portland, Me. 
         [0087]    The optoisolators U 4  and U 5  receive the heater and lamp control signals  66  and  68  through bias resistor transistors Q 3  and Q 4 . An example of suitable bias resistor transistors Q 3  and Q 4  is a model MUN5211 made by On Semiconductor in Phoenix, Ariz. 
         [0088]    A second transformer T 2  is connected in series with the AC power output to the heater  28  and the lamp  22  and the resulting signal is processed by the power controller  58  to provide current sensing. The sensed current signal is provided from the transformer T 2  to an operational amplifier U 2  and a rectifier comprising a switching diode D 12  (for example a model RLS4148 switching diode made by ROHM Co. in Piano, Tex.), a 4.7K resister R 20 , and a 10K resister R 18 . The operational amplifier U 2  is preferably a general purpose operational amplifier, for example, a model LMV321 made by National Semiconductor in Santa Clara, Calif. Output of the rectifier (the diode D 12 ) is filtered using the resister R 20  and a 1 μf capacitor C 14  to provide a filtered output  70 . The filtered output  70  is connected to channel  5  (pin  25 ) of the Analog to Digital converter on the micro controller  57 . Software uses the filtered signal  70  to determine the health of the heater and the Lamp circuit. 
         [0089]    A detailed diagram of the power supply  52  of the control circuit  50  is shown in  FIG. 10 . The power supply section  52  has two functions: provide the 5 volt DC signal for all of the circuits; and an AC line synchronization pulse for zero crossing circuit in the power controller  58  (see  FIG. 9 ). A first transformer T 1  is used as a step down transformer providing an eight volt AC signal and diodes D 2  and D 3  and 1000 μf capacitor C 1  form a full way rectifier to provide a rectified DC power signal. An example of a suitable transformer T 1  is a model SB2816-1614 made by Tamura Corp. with US offices in Temecula, Calif. 
         [0090]    A 5V linear voltage regulator U 6  with a 1000 μf capacitor C 17  used as an output filter capacitor and a 0.33 μf capacitor C 3  as high frequency rejection capacitor to provide the 5 volt DC power signal  62 . Diodes D 4  and D 5  produce a full waveform on the base of a first NPN general purpose transistor Q 1 , the collector of Q 1  goes low at every 180 of the 60 Hz input cycle. A 10K resistor R 4 , 0.01 μf capacitor C 6 , 100K resister R 6  and second NPN general purpose transistor Q 2  form a narrow pulse generator which is synchronized with the 60 Hz AC line frequency. The narrow pulses are used by the microprocessor  57  to generate the appropriate phase delay pulses to fire the triac devices TR 1  and TR 2  (see  FIG. 9 ) used to control the power provided to heater and the lamp. An example of a suitable transistor Q 1  is a model MMST3904 made by ROHM in Piano, Tex. 
         [0091]    A diode D 8  is connected to the 5 volt DC power signal  62  providing a Green LED used as power available indicator. 
         [0092]    A detailed diagram of the sensor data processor  54  of the control circuit  50  is shown. The lamp  10  preferably includes a very accurate solid-state temperature sensor  42  embedded with the heater element in the Lava lamp, which sensor  42  is preferably a Resistive Thermal Device (RTD) sensor. Output of the sensor  42  is filtered through a first low pass filter F 1  formed by a 4.7 K ohm resister R 31  and a 0.33 μf capacitor C 16 . The low pass filter provides a very steep roll off to reduce noise in the system. An operational amplifier U 1 A is used as a multiply by two amplifier and very high impedance load for the filter. Output from the amplifier UA 1  passes through a second filter F 2  formed by a 10K ohm resister R 30  and a 0.33 μf capacitor C 11  to reduce or eliminate high frequency noise passed to the analog to digital converter inside the microprocessor  57 . 
         [0093]    Large lamps including the control circuit  40  also pose problems in blending the first liquid and in shipping. These issues are addressed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/856,457, filed Jun. 1, 2004, for “LIQUID MOTION LAMP” filed by the applicant of the present invention and incorporated above by reference. 
         [0094]    While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6