1982 - Volume #6, Issue #4, Page #23
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No Switches Needed To Turn Lights On/Off
"Infracon", an exciting new energy saving device, automatically turns lights on when a person enters a room and shuts them off after everyone leaves.The energy saver turns room lights on when it senses the infrared heat change that occurs when a person enters a room. When everybody leaves the room, or the person remains completely still for a short time, the lights will go out. A time delay feature lets you leave the room for up to 12 min. without the lights going off.
Tests in offices reportedly show that Infracon reduces lighting energy consumption by as much as 50%.
Developed by United Technologies Corp. and Tishman Realty and Construction, Infracon is an electronic infrared sensor. It measures the absence, presence or movement of infrared heat, naturally given off by humans, in a conical "zone of influence". Says Andrea Budd, United Technologies Corp spokesperson:"The presence of small animals like a mouse or small dog would not activate the system. To activate Infracon, an animal would have to be very large and very active to produce the same amount of heat as a human."
The sensor connects to a control unit which is wired to the room's existing lighting system. Infracon measures 6 1/4 in. by 2 1/2 in., and installs in suspended ceilings so that less than 1 1/2 in. shows.
The unit can be installed in new or existing homes or buildings. Its solid state circuitry minimizes its power usage.
One Infracon covers up to a 365 sq. ft. area. To cover larger areas, two sensors can be connected to one control unit. Infracon sells for $129, which includes the control unit and one sensor.
For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Tishman Research Co., 666 Fifth Ave., New York, N.Y. 10103 (ph 212 399-3600).
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