| 摘要 |
An illuminated light socket is provided for powering a light bulb in a typical light string system. The illuminated socket contains its own lighting element, separate and distinct from the light bulb. The lighting element remains off when the light bulb is inserted into the socket and is illuminating properly. The lighting element illuminates when either the bulb is removed from the socket or the bulb is not illuminating correctly. The illuminated light element provides a visually perceptible warning, on the socket itself, that the associated light bulb is either absent or defective. Alternatively, a collar performing the same function is provided such that the collar may be mounted to existing light sockets. The illuminated sockets and housings may accommodate light bulbs of any technology, e.g. incandescent, LED (single or multiple color), or electroluminescent. The socket lighting element itself is preferably a low power LED or electroluminescent light. |
| 主权项 |
1. A light socket for providing power to a light bulb, said light socket having two terminals coupled to two light string leads, said light string leads coupled to an electrical power source to provide current to said socket through said two light string leads, said terminals coupled to said bulb when said bulb is seated in said light socket, said coupling providing electrical connection between said terminals and said electrical power source so that current flows through said bulb when seated in said socket, said socket comprising:
a lighting element coupled to said socket and having two terminals, said lighting element terminals coupled to said light string leads and making electrical connection therewith for providing current to said lighting element, said lighting element having a sensor for sensing a voltage applied across said socket terminals, said sensor being triggered when said sensor detects a change in said supplied voltage across said socket terminals, said sensor allowing current to pass through said lighting element in response to said trigger. |
