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US005670776A
United States Patent [19] [ii] Patent Number: 5,670,776
Rothbaum [45] Date of Patent: Sep. 23, 1997
[54] ELECTROLUMINESCENT WALL PLATE AND SWITCH
[76] Inventor: Wayne P. Rothbaum, 10 Cedar Ridge Ave., Smithtown, N.Y. 11787
[21] Appl. No.: 369,644
[22] Filed: Jan. 6,1995
[51] IntCI.6 F21V 33/00
[52] U.S. CI 250/214 AL; 362/95
[58] Field of Search 250/214 AL, 214 R,
250/205, 221, 239; 362/84, 95, 226, 276;
200/310, 313, 314, 315, 317
[56] References Cited
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5,485,356 1/1996 Nguyen 362/95
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OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Switch LimeliteTM, No. 4370000, p. 2, Alsto's Handy Helpers, Summer 1995.
ImprovementsTM, Winter 1995, © 1995 Leichtung, Inc., p. 54, Lifetime Night Light, Item No. 109975.
Primary Examiner—Edward P. Westin
Assistant Examiner—John R. Lee
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—J. P. Blasko; Mark A. Garzia
[57] ABSTRACT
An improved wall plate incorporating an electroliiminescent lamp for providing illumination to the immediate area proximate the wall plate. The electroluminescent (EL) panel is activated and deactivated by a photoconductive cell, in response to the intensity of ambient light falling on the wall plate. A further embodiment provides for an easily accessible regulating means for regulating the intensity of the light emitted by the EL panel.
22 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
