Patents by Inventor Ching-Chuan Kuo

Ching-Chuan Kuo has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20130069546
    Abstract: A controller controls power to a light source. The light source receives a rectified AC voltage and includes a first plurality of LEDs and a second plurality of LEDs. The controller regulates a current flowing through the first plurality of LEDs to a first predetermined level when the rectified AC voltage is within a first predetermined range. The second plurality of LEDs remain off when the rectified AC voltage is within the first predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: O2MICRO, INC.
    Inventors: Yung-Lin LIN, Ching-Chuan KUO
  • Patent number: 8378589
    Abstract: A dimming controller for controlling dimming of a light-emitting diode (LED) light source includes a monitoring terminal and a control terminal. The monitoring terminal receives a switch monitoring signal indicative of an operation of a power switch which transfers power from an AC power source to a bridge rectifier when the power switch is on. A power converter receives input power from the bridge rectifier and provides output power to the LED light source. The control terminal generates a control signal to adjust the output power according to the switch monitoring signal so as to control dimming of the LED light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Chuan Kuo, Yung-Lin Lin
  • Patent number: 8378588
    Abstract: A driving circuit for driving a light source includes a converter and a dimming controller. The converter coupled to a power source is operable for receiving power from the power source and for providing regulated power to the light source according to control signals. The dimming controller coupled to the converter is operable for monitoring a power switch coupled between the power source and the converter, for receiving a color change signal indicating a first set of operations of the power switch and a dimming request signal indicating a second set of operations of the power switch, for controlling the control signals to change the color of the light source in response to the color change signal, and for controlling the control signals to adjust the brightness of the light source in response to the dimming request signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: O2Micro Inc
    Inventors: Ching Chuan Kuo, Yung Lin Lin
  • Publication number: 20130038227
    Abstract: A driving circuit for controlling power of a light-emitting diode (LED) light source includes a transformer, a switch controller, and a dimming controller. The transformer has a primary winding that receives input power from an AC/DC converter and a secondary winding that provides output power to the LED light source. The switch controller coupled between an optical coupler and the primary winding receives a feedback signal indicative of a target level of a current flowing through the LED light source from the optical coupler, and controls input power to the primary winding according to the feedback signal. The dimming controller coupled to the secondary winding receives a switch monitoring signal indicative of an operation of a power switch coupled between an AC power source and the AC/DC converter, and regulates the output power by adjusting the feedback signal according to the switch monitoring signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: O2MICRO, INC.
    Inventors: Tiesheng YAN, Feng LIN, Youling LI, Ching-Chuan KUO
  • Patent number: 8371627
    Abstract: A latch-bolt mechanism includes a housing, a latch-bolt, and a drive member. The latch-bolt is movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and includes a bolt body and an engaging member operable to move relative to the bolt body between an engagement position and a disengagement position and having an engaging portion. The drive member has a driving portion. When the engaging member is at the engagement position, the driving portion can be activated to contact and push the engaging portion so as to move the latch-bolt from the extended position to the retracted position. When the engaging member is at the disengagement position, contact between the driving portion and the engaging portion can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tong Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Liang Chiang, Ting-Cheng Chang, Song-Gen Shyu, Ching-Chuan Kuo
  • Publication number: 20130000364
    Abstract: A mortise lock is provided with a reinforcing plate to enhance structural rigidity and robustness for resistance against external destructive pulling forces. The reinforcing plate is disposed in abutment with an exterior cover and a door panel, and is mounted on a mounting post of the exterior cover. The reinforcing plate has a notch to receive and engage a key lock. A securing plate may be disposed between and in abutment with the door panel and a main body of a torsional returning unit which is connected to an exterior handle to further increase structural rigidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Tsung-Chung HUANG, Cheng-Chung LIU, Wei-Liang CHIANG, Ju-Lin YANG, Song-Gen SHYU, Ching-Chuan KUO
  • Patent number: 8339067
    Abstract: A controller for controlling dimming of a light-emitting diode (LED) light source provides a pulse signal by comparing a sensing signal indicative of a current flowing through the LED light source to a reference signal. The controller controls the current through the LED light source according to the pulse signal during a first state of a pulse-width modulation signal and cutting off the current through the LED light source during a second state of the pulse-width modulation signal. The controller receives a dimming request signal indicative of an operation of a power switch coupled between an AC power source and a bridge rectifier and adjusts both a level of the reference signal and a duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation signal based on the dimming request signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Yung Lin Lin, Ching Chuan Kuo, Tiesheng Yan, Xinhe Su
  • Patent number: 8339063
    Abstract: A driving circuit includes a first inductor coupled in series with a light source for providing power to the light source. A controller coupled to the first inductor can control a switch coupled to the first inductor, thereby controlling a current flowing through the first inductor. A current sensor coupled to the first inductor can provide a first signal indicative of the current flowing through the first inductor, regardless of whether the switch is on or off. The switch is controlled according to the first signal. A second inductor magnetically coupled to the first inductor is also electrically coupled to the first inductor via a common node between the switch and the first inductor for providing a reference ground for the controller. The reference ground is different from the ground of the driving circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: O2Micro Inc
    Inventors: Tiesheng Yan, Youling Li, Feng Lin, Xinhe Su, Ching-Chuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 8330388
    Abstract: A dimming controller for controlling power of a light source has a monitoring terminal, a dimming terminal, and a control terminal. The monitoring terminal is operable for receiving a current monitoring signal indicating a current flowing through the light source. The dimming terminal is operable for receiving a ramp signal. The voltage of the ramp signal increases if a power switch coupled between a power source and the light source is turned on. The control terminal is operable for providing a control signal to control a control switch coupled in series with the light source based on the current monitoring signal and the ramp signal. An average current of the light source increases as the ramp signal increases until the average current reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Ching-Chuan Kuo, Yung Lin Lin
  • Publication number: 20120304712
    Abstract: In a cylinder lock assembly, a latch operating tube has an enlarged end portion extending into an outer drive tube disposed in an outer handle. A locking spindle is disposed in the latch operating tube and has a locking tongue extending radially and outwardly through the outer drive tube to interlock with an outer rose when the locking spindle is pressed by a push button to move to a locked state. A locking plate is sleeved around the locking spindle and has a radial locking part to engage a protrusion that projects radially and inwardly from an inner surface of the enlarged end portion so that the locking spindle is locked against movements to an unlocked state when the locking spindle is in its locked state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: TONG LUNG METAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming-Shyang CHIOU, Chia-Min SUN, Yu-Ting HUANG, Song-Gen SHYU, Ching-Chuan KUO
  • Patent number: 8324832
    Abstract: A driving circuit for driving a light source includes a power converter, a controller and a voltage-controlled current source. The power converter is coupled to the light source, and receives an input voltage from a power source and provides an output voltage to the light source. The power converter includes a switch coupled in series with the light source. The controller is coupled to the power converter and controls a power of the light source by controlling the switch. The voltage-controlled current source is coupled to the controller and provides a first current. The controller controls the switch based on the first current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiesheng Yan, Zhimou Ren, Jun Ren, Ching-Chuan Kuo
  • Publication number: 20120299502
    Abstract: A controller for controlling power to a light source includes a first sensing pin, a second sensing pin, a third sensing pin, and a driving pin. The first sensing pin receives a first signal indicating an instant current flowing through an energy storage element. The second sensing pin receives a second signal indicating an average current flowing through the energy storage element. The third sensing pin receives a third signal indicating whether the instant current decreases to a predetermined current level. The driving pin provides a driving signal to a switch to control an average current flowing through the light source to a target current level. The driving signal is generated based on one or more signals selected from the first signal, the second signal and the third signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Tiesheng YAN, Youling LI, Feng LIN, Xinhe SU, Ching-Chuan KUO
  • Patent number: 8316676
    Abstract: A re-keyable cylinder lock has a control member to permit or restrict transverse movement of a re-keying unit. The control member is movable axially between first and second positions and transversely to a third position from the second position. In the third position, the re-keying unit moves transversely and disengages from first tumbler pieces. A limit member is provided to prevent the control member from moving axially when no right key is inserted into a plug. A security arm is connected to the control member and is breakable so that destructive forces cannot reach the control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Tong Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Liang Chiang, Ju-Lin Yang, Cheng-Chung Liu, Kun-Chen Lee, Song-Gen Shyu, Ching-Chuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 8305013
    Abstract: A controller that monitors a rectified voltage and detects whether the rectified voltage comes from a TRIAC dimmer or an on/off switch dimmer is disclosed. The controller controls dimming of a light source according to the rectified voltage if the rectified voltage comes from the TRIAC dimmer. The controller controls dimming of the light source according to an operation of the on/off switch dimmer if the rectified voltage comes from the on/off switch dimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: O2Micro International Limited
    Inventors: Yung Lin Lin, Ching-Chuan Kuo
  • Publication number: 20120268023
    Abstract: A driving circuit for driving a light-emitting diode (LED) light source includes a buck-boost converter and a controller. The buck-boost converter receives an input voltage and an input current and powers the LED light source, and comprises a switch controlled by a driving signal. The controller receives a first signal indicating a current through the LED light source, and generates the driving signal based on the first signal to control the switch and to adjust the current through the LED light source. The buck-boost converter further comprises a current sensor which provides a second signal indicating an instant current flowing through the buck-boost converter, wherein the first signal is derived from the second signal, and wherein a reference ground of the controller is different from a ground of the driving circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: O2MICRO, INC.
    Inventors: Tiesheng YAN, Ching-Chuan KUO, Yung Lin LIN
  • Publication number: 20120262079
    Abstract: A circuit for powering a light source includes a filter, a transformer, and a controller. The filter receives an input voltage and filters the input voltage to provide a regulated voltage. The transformer converts the regulated voltage to an output voltage to power the light source. The controller generates a driving signal to alternately operate the switch between a first state and a second state. The controller corrects a power factor of the circuit by controlling time durations of the first state and the second state, such that an input current decreases to a predetermined level during the second state and increases from the predetermined level to a peak level proportional to the input voltage during the first state. The controller controls the ratio of time in the first state to time in the second state to adjust an output current flowing through the light source to a target level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Yung-Lin LIN, Ching-Chuan KUO
  • Publication number: 20120243269
    Abstract: A circuit includes a transformer and a controller. The transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding, and operates in multiple switching cycles. A switching cycle includes a charging period and a discharging period. During the charging period, the transformer is powered by the input voltage and a current flowing through the primary winding increases. During the discharging period the transformer discharges to power the load and a current flowing through the secondary winding decreases. The controller includes a pin that receives a first feedback signal indicating the input voltage during the charging period and receives a second feedback signal indicating an electrical condition of the secondary winding during the discharging period. The controller generates a first control signal and a second control signal to regulate the input voltage and an output current flowing through the load, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: O2MICRO, INC.
    Inventors: Zhimou REN, Ching-Chuan KUO, Jianlong GAO, Xinmin YI, Yunning XIE
  • Publication number: 20120235429
    Abstract: In a handle-returning device of a cylinder lock assembly, a support base has an inner annular flange and an axial spring-retaining lug. A rotation driver has an inner tubular wall extending into the inner annular flange of the support base, and a spring driving element. A torsion spring is disposed around the inner annular flange and between the support base and the rotation driver, and has a spring leg abutting the spring-retaining lug and the spring driving element. A rotary plate abuts the support base opposite to the rotation driver, and has an engaging part engaging a tongue projecting from the rotation driver. A reinforced structure is thus provided to oppose high torsional stresses produced upon rotation of a lever handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: TONG LUNG METAL INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Po-Yang CHEN, Kai-Ting TUNG, Yu-Ting HUANG, Chia-Min SUN, Song-Gen SHYU, Ching-Chuan KUO
  • Patent number: 8237371
    Abstract: A differential driving circuit for powering a light source is disclosed. The differential driving circuit includes a first set of switches and a second set of switches. A first current from a power source flows through the first set of switches to charge a first energy storage element when the first set of switches are turned on. A second current from the first energy storage element flows through the second set of switches to power the light source when the second set of switches are turned on. The differential driving circuit further includes a second energy storage element coupled to the light source in parallel and for providing a differential voltage to the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: O2 Micro, Inc
    Inventors: Yung Lin Lin, Ching-Chuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 8227998
    Abstract: A controller for controlling dimming of a light source includes a detector, a dimming signal generator coupled to the detector, and a pulse generator coupled to the dimming signal generator. The detector can detect a startup phase of a burst dimming cycle of the light source and can generate a triggering signal when the startup phase ends. The burst dimming cycle includes an ON period and an OFF period. The dimming signal generator can trigger the ON period of the burst dimming cycle for a predetermined duration in response to the triggering signal. The pulse generator operable for generating a pulse signal to control a current through the light source can be enabled during the ON period and disabled during the OFF period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Liu, Luyang Luo, Lianping Chen, Ching-Chuan Kuo