Lamp Or Discharge Device Patents (Class 307/157)
  • Patent number: 11916342
    Abstract: A system to couple a controller to a roadside aerial lighting fixture includes a primary male connector integrated with the controller and a primary female connector integrated with the roadside aerial lighting fixture. The primary male and female connectors are compliant with a roadway area lighting standard promoted by a standards body. The primary male connector protrudes from a first substantially planar surface of the controller. The primary female connector is recessed within a second substantially planar surface of the roadside aerial lighting fixture. A controller-side high speed communications data element is integrated with the primary male connector, and a fixture-side high speed communications data element is integrated with the primary female connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Ubicquia, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald B. Zimmerman, III, Ian B. Aaron, Bradford Brian Hutson, Jeffrey T. Root
  • Patent number: 11784637
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an edge detection circuit configured to receive an input signal comprising one or more falling or falling edges and provide an output signal comprising pulses or spikes corresponding to the one or more rising or falling edges. The edge detection circuit comprises a passive differentiator circuit configured to receive an input and provide a differentiator output signal that that is proportional to the rate of change of the input, and a comparator circuit operably connected to a voltage source. The comparator circuit is configured to receive the differentiator output signal, compare the differentiator output signal to a threshold voltage; and output a pulse or spike signal based on the comparison to the threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: CAMBRIDGE GAN DEVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: Sheung Wai Fung, Loizos Efthymiou, Florin Udrea, Martin Arnold
  • Patent number: 11696385
    Abstract: A load controller in a load control system may communicate messages with load control devices for controlling electrical loads. The load controller may receive messages that comprise values for controlling different load control parameters over different overlapping fade times. The load controller may identify a shorter remaining fade time for controlling one of the load control parameters and may determine an updated target value for controlling another load control parameter over the shorter remaining fade time. The load controller may transmit a series of messages within a limited fade time using an updated target value for each message to control an electrical load at a fade rate that during a fade time that is longer than the limited fade time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Eiding, David L. Wykes, Jr., Mark Ryan Lopez
  • Patent number: 11674327
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to pole bases, specifically to light pole base cabinets that can house items. The pole base cabinets can be positioned between a light pole and a footing. The pole base cabinets provide a base to a light pole while adding additional functionality. The cabinets can include a main opening allowing access to a cavity in which items can be stored. Access to the cavity can be restricted with a door that uncovers and covers the main opening. The pole base cabinets can include support panels, internal stiffening panels, external stiffening panels, support tabs, flanges, tabs, a peripheral wall, and other features to provide structural support and enclose the contents in the pole base cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: IPB Solution, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Victor Ducros, Nathan Ross Mowery, Ryan Smith
  • Patent number: 11558941
    Abstract: A control device for controlling at least one LED module includes: a power supply module arranged to receive power over Ethernet to generate a first supply power; and an illumination controlling module coupled to the power supply module for receiving a communication signal from the Ethernet to generate a serial bus signal to control an illumination of the at least one LED module; wherein the illumination controlling module is powered by the first supply power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: XIAMEN ECO LIGHTING CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Yang Liu, Jianxin Xie, Liping Lin
  • Patent number: 11506330
    Abstract: A rotatable base stand with a rotatable powering source that includes a lower base body, an electrical body plug for powering the rotatable base, an upper base body with a top surface defining an extension outlet port and with an extension electrical outlet coupled thereto, wherein the extension electrical outlet has outlet ports, is disposed within the extension outlet port, is oriented in a longitudinal direction, and is operably configured to electrically couple with the electrical body plug. The stand also includes an electrical extension plug electrically coupled to the extension electrical outlet and operably to provide power to objects supported by the base stand. The base stand also includes a bearing assembly and a motor that is operably coupled to the upper base body and operably configured to selectively rotate the upper base body 360° along a base rotation path with respect to the lower base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: David I. Correa
  • Patent number: 11477283
    Abstract: Systems and method of remote server management replace the traditional server network port associated network cabling with power line networking by using a server's power cables are used to carry both power and Ethernet traffic between the remote server and a network management switch. In this manner, the amount of network cabling in a server rack is reduced, and the need for a management port on a server is eliminated, freeing up ports on a top of rack switch that, otherwise, would have been used for management purposes only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventor: Andrew Breedy
  • Patent number: 11458548
    Abstract: Handheld power tool having a housing with a machining axis along which a tool is or can be arranged, and having a lighting device that has at least one activatable lamp, the lighting device generating work light within a beam angle with an increased or maximum light intensity in a main emission direction in order to illuminate a work region, and having at least one light sensor for measuring the light intensity, characterized in that the light sensor detects the light intensity of the work light reflected on the work region during operation and generates control signals representing the light intensity, in that an adjustment unit is provided for setting and/or adjusting the work light generated by the lighting device, and in that a control unit is provided which controls the adjustment unit on the basis of the sensor signals during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: FESTOOL GMBH
    Inventors: Marc Rusch, Peter Seiler
  • Patent number: 11355904
    Abstract: A pole attachable enclosure is installable, replaceable, and accessible from ground level on poles installed in various deployments for camera, lights, and antennas. The pole attachable enclosure provides a secure, tamper resistant enclosure for electronic and support equipment in both new and retrofit installations to improve serviceability and protect investment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventor: Glenn Joseph Bronson
  • Patent number: 11074807
    Abstract: A remote three-way switch. The remote three-way switch includes an actuator configured to actuate a mechanical switch, such as a light switch, according to a signal received from a remote control in wireless communication with the actuator. The signal received directs the actuator to mechanically actuate the switch from an on position to an off position, or from the off position to the on position. The remote three-way switch is portable, easy to install and uninstall, and is configured to assist an individual with operating the switch from a distance. The remote three-way switch may also be configured to be permanently installed into a wall, such that it appears like an ordinary light switch after installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventors: George Goin, Lily Appleby
  • Patent number: 10367414
    Abstract: A switch mode power supply is described including a primary side for coupling to a mains supply and a secondary side for coupling to a device, an isolation transformer comprising a primary coil and a secondary coil and arranged to isolate the primary side from the secondary side, and a noise filter coupled between a primary ground at the primary side and a secondary ground at the secondary side, the noise filter having a conductance value that varies with frequency. The noise filter conductance comprises a peak conductance in a peak conductance frequency region. The noise filter is operable to reduce the common-mode noise of the switch mode power supply at frequencies occurring in the peak conductance frequency region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Wilhelm Rudolf Martin van Roosmalen, Petrus Cornelis Theodorus Laro, Humphrey de Groot, Bobby Jacob Daniel, Arjan van den Berg, Dirk Wouter Johannes Groeneveld
  • Patent number: 10159122
    Abstract: A system and method for emulating a gas discharge lamp comprising an input arranged to direct electric current from a lamp ballast to a delay circuit, wherein the delay circuit is arranged to establish an electrical communication between the lamp ballast and an electric lamp when a predetermined condition associated with one or more characteristics of the gas discharge lamp is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: CITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
    Inventors: Nan Chen, Shu-Hung Henry Chung
  • Patent number: 10136482
    Abstract: A lighting driver is for receiving an alternating current power supply from a fluorescent lighting ballast and makes use of a closed loop control of a shunt device for selectively shunting the power supply for example to implement dimming control. The closed loop control is adapted based a detected current. This enables low frequency components of the ballast current to be removed or reduced so that a smaller output capacitor is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Xianhui Zhang, Derek Zheng
  • Patent number: 10123391
    Abstract: A dimmer switch system electrically connected between a power source and a load includes a primary housing including a primary switch actuatable by a user, a processor structured to change a state of the dimmer switch based on actuation of either the primary switch or the secondary switch, and a secondary switch isolation circuit. The dimmer switch system also includes a secondary housing including a secondary switch actuatable by the user and being electrically connected to the power source. The secondary switch isolation circuit is electrically connected between the secondary switch and the processor, the secondary switch isolation circuit including a transistor electrically coupled between the power source and the processor and being structured to provide impedance between the power source and the processor. The secondary switch isolation circuit is structured to provide a signal to the processor based on a state of the secondary switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Tom Xiong, Kevin Zhong, Lin Yang
  • Patent number: 9883560
    Abstract: A control scheme for a dimmable lighting driver is provided. The control scheme may operate with a phase cut type dimmer (leading or trailing edge). In an embodiment, the control scheme is programmed or otherwise configured into a controller as a control algorithm. The control algorithm is configured to measure phase cut and zero crossing angles of the input mains waveform, and to subsequently maintain constant LED current commensurate with a user-set dimming level, with no flicker. The control algorithm may be implemented in software, such as a firmware-based routine executable by one or more controllers of a given driver. The one or more controllers may be, for example, an existing general purpose controller of the given driver, or a dedicated dimming controller. Numerous configurations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Garner
  • Patent number: 9660696
    Abstract: A power line communication (PLC) AC/DC adaptor includes a filter, a rectifier, a power factor correction circuitry, and a PLC module. The filter includes a differential mode choke and a common mode choke. The differential mode choke is coupled to AC. The common mode choke is coupled to the differential mode choke. The rectifier is coupled to the common mode choke. The power factor correction circuitry is coupled to the rectifier. The PLC module is coupled to AC to process a PLC signal from AC and output a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignees: Asys Corporation, IOT Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Tzu-Chieh Su
  • Patent number: 9464772
    Abstract: A lighting system having a general light source and directional light sources disposed on a light bar pendant, mounted, or extending from the general light source. The general light source is flush mounted to the ceiling and includes an array of LEDs, powered by an LED driver, all enclosed in a canopy having a light-transmitting lens, and one or more directional light sources containing LEDs are adjustably, and movably mounted to the light bar. Electrical conductor paths on or within the light bar connect the directional light sources to the main power supply or LED driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: CORDELIA LIGHTING INC.
    Inventors: Aaron O'Brien, Huan C. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9414464
    Abstract: The lighting system in accordance with the present invention includes a lighting fixture including a first controller configured to control a light source; and a sensing device. The sensing device includes: an image sensor configured to take an image of a predetermined area; and a second controller having a function of adjusting sensitivity of the image sensor and a function of setting a dimming rate for the light source. The first controller is configured to light the light source at a dimming level according to the dimming rate set by the second controller. The second controller is configured to, when concluding that a condition where no person is present in the predetermined area continues for a predetermined time period, perform an operation of decreasing the dimming rate by a preset value and increasing the sensitivity of the image sensor for a preset time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuto Hidaka, Atsuo Nanahara
  • Patent number: 9300121
    Abstract: A magnetic wall cover system that includes an inner cover made at least partially of a ferrous material. The inner cover has an outer alignment surface. The magnetic wall cover system also has an outer cover that has an inner alignment surface. The outer cover is adapted to be removably mounted on the inner cover such that the inner alignment surface is in engaging relationship to the outer alignment surface when the outer cover is mounted over the inner cover. The magnetic wall cover system also includes at least one magnet disposed on the outer cover. The magnet is adapted to form a magnetic attraction between the magnet and the ferrous material of the inner cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Belwith Products, LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Myers, Michael Aaron Cohen, Alyssa M. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9163428
    Abstract: A door illumination apparatus directs light emitted by a string of diodes towards a face of an exterior door to enhance visual identification of a door lock. The apparatus positions on a periphery of a door jamb, such as in a recess in a jamb stop. The illumination apparatus actuates on demand from a user, lighting the door face through three-way switches that are operable from a position in proximity to the door, at least one of which three-way switches being a compatible electronic three-way switch which is operable remotely from a device configured to be carrier by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Michael S. Fare
  • Patent number: 9048647
    Abstract: A magnetic wall cover system that includes an inner cover made at least partially of a ferrous material. The inner cover has an outer alignment surface. The magnetic wall cover system also has an outer cover that has an inner alignment surface. The outer cover is adapted to be removably mounted on the inner cover such that the inner alignment surface is in engaging relationship to the outer alignment surface when the outer cover is mounted over the inner cover. The magnetic wall cover system also includes at least one magnet disposed on the outer cover. The magnet is adapted to form a magnetic attraction between the magnet and the ferrous material of the inner cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Belwith Products, LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Myers, Michael Aaron Cohen, Alyssa M. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8928191
    Abstract: A system and method of synchronization protocol for fire alarm strobe systems which has the ability to synchronize the strobe light devices from different manufactures simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Eiden, Glenn Wontorcik, Jeff Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 8558413
    Abstract: Power over Ethernet power sourcing device is provided inside a light fixture to enable a communications interface and provide electrical power to devices such as cameras, rain sensors, chemical sensors, wireless data uplink units, and other power over Ethernet powered devices. The power over Ethernet system is especially adapted for use in LED street lights and must be able to operate from a wide AC voltage supply range that is typically found in these types of lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Global Green Lighting, LLC
    Inventor: Donald E. Lepard
  • Patent number: 8525372
    Abstract: A dimming switch comprises an enclosure with a mounting surface, a flat plate button mounted on the mounting surface, a dimming button, a tripping button, a dimmer mounted inside the enclosure, a resetting/tripping device, a dimming control circuit, a power input end configured to connect to a live wire of a power supply, and a power output end configured to connect to an electrical load. Pressing the flat plate button resets the resetting/tripping device, thereby electrically connecting the power input end with the power output end through the dimming control circuit. The dimming button is configured so that rotating the dimming button and pressing the dimming button up and down regulates the output voltage of the dimming control circuit. The tripping button and resetting/tripping device trip so that the electrical connection between the power input end and the power output end will be cut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Huadao Huang
  • Patent number: 8344559
    Abstract: Improved power distribution architectures for the uniform delivery of single frequency RF power to plasma chambers are disclosed. The architectures include feeding into multiple points across a single large-area electrode, multiple electrodes driving a common plasma discharge as well as multiple coils driving a common plasma discharge. The time-averaged electromagnetic field distribution may be controlled using an array of generator and match (delivery) systems, one of which may be capable of absorbing net power and presenting controlled impedance to the plasma load. In variations, an M+N port network (with M the number of generators and N the number of feed points on the electrode) may be implemented to level the power required from each generator while maintaining a desired field strength distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gideon Van Zyl, Juan Jose Gonzales
  • Patent number: 8232498
    Abstract: A short-circuit device is provided for medium and high-voltage switching devices, in which at least one moving contact is moved onto a fixed contact by means of a propelling charge. Two contact arrangements are provided in series to provide a higher dielectric strength. Each of the contact arrangements includes a fixed contact and a moving contact. A first fixed contact of a first one of the contact arrangements contains a mechanical ignition device for providing a propelling charge to a moving contact of the second one of the contact arrangements, such that when the moving contact reaches the fixed contact of the first contact arrangement, the propelling charge is mechanically ignited to cause the moving contact of the second contact arrangement to be propelled toward the fixed contact of the second contact arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Dietmar Gentsch
  • Patent number: 8193665
    Abstract: A system and method of synchronization protocol for fire alarm strobe systems which has the ability to synchronize the strobe light devices from different manufactures simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Eiden, Glenn Wontorcik, Jeff Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 8148851
    Abstract: The invention offers an improvement in lighting control systems by providing a simplified power switching control system (i.e., using direct AC line voltage or DC current power switches instead of low voltage switches that control higher-current-capable relays) that controls the power to the power supplies that drive the light producing devices in a plurality of luminaires or lighting fixtures in a given installation. The lighting control system facilitates multiple modes of lighting configurations while requiring fewer switches that the prior art and also being easier to operate. The system supports the simultaneous use of multiple lighting technologies. Other embodiments showing extensions to the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Litecontrol Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Hahnlen, Jeremy W. Yon
  • Patent number: 7964997
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus comprises a power unit, a fan unit, a charging unit, a light source unit and a control unit. The power unit receives power from an external power source. The fan unit is rotated using the power supplied from the power unit. The charging unit stores power generated from rotation of the fan unit. The light source unit generates light. The light source unit employs an LED as a light source. The control unit connects the light source unit to the charging unit when power level of the charging unit is greater than a specified level, and the control unit connects the light source unit to the power unit when the power level of the charging unit is lower than the specified level. Therefore, power consumed by the lighting apparatus is reduced and vibration resistance of the lighting apparatus is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Won-Kuk Son
  • Publication number: 20110140548
    Abstract: A load control device for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load is operable to be converted from being configured as an electronic switch to being configured as a dimmer switch after installation. The load control device comprises a dimmer bezel having a control actuator and an intensity adjustment actuator and a detachable switch bezel adapted to be attached to the dimmer bezel. The detachable switch bezel has an opening through which the control actuator may be actuated, and is adapted to cover the intensity adjustment actuator when the detachable switch bezel is attached to the dimmer bezel. The load control device is operable to change from a switch mode of operation to a dimmer mode of operation after the detachable switch bezel is removed from the dimmer bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: Susan Hakkarainen, Joseph M. Nichols, JR., Michael W. Pessina
  • Patent number: 7960872
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a side illumination LED lighting device which includes at least one semiconductor light emitter mounted on a thermally conductive substrate and positioned within a reflective cavity such that the forward light path of the LED is directed towards a reflective member. The reflective member is effective in re-directing the light from the semiconductor light emitter such that the light is extracted from the side of the lighting device through a substantially transparent output window, thereby provide a side illumination solid-state semiconductor lighting device. The lighting device may further include a wavelength conversion element to facilitate the production of a white light that can be extracted from the side of the lighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: LEDnovation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinhui Zhai, Israel J. Morejon
  • Publication number: 20100301682
    Abstract: A dimming switch comprises an enclosure with a mounting surface, a flat plate button mounted on the mounting surface, a dimming button, a tripping button, a dimmer mounted inside the enclosure, a resetting/tripping device, a dimming control circuit, a power input end configured to connect to a live wire of a power supply, and a power output end configured to connect to an electrical load. Pressing the flat plate button resets the resetting/tripping device, thereby electrically connecting the power input end with the power output end through the dimming control circuit. The dimming button is configured so that rotating the dimming button and pressing the dimming button up and down regulates the output voltage of the dimming control circuit. The tripping button and resetting/tripping device trip so that the electrical connection between the power input end and the power output end will be cut off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Huadao Huang
  • Patent number: 7813131
    Abstract: The main objective of the present invention is a modular outdoor LED power supply disposed inside or outside of an outdoor LED light or an LED device so as to decrease the distance between the power supply and a LED light base for preventing an output power drop from an output of the power supply to the LED light base. One or more than one power supply can be disposed in a groove of a main heat-dissipating outer cover of the power supply according to the actual requirements, so that the production and installation thereof become more convenient. The power supply is characterized by being water-resistant, moisture-proof, dust-proof, antirust and direct heat-dissipating, wherein the water-resistant effect is above the IP 65 standard, and thus the reliability and the lifetime of the power supply are increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Aeon Lighting Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Chien-Kuo Liang
  • Patent number: 7808767
    Abstract: A control unit includes an input terminal and an output terminal for a signal to be controlled, a control input terminal and a control output terminal for a control signal, variable capacitors connected in a bridge configuration between the input terminal and control input terminal, between the input terminal and control output terminal, between the control input terminal and output terminal, and between the control output terminal and output terminal, capacitances thereof being changed by the control signal, and a differential signal-controlled power source in which the control signal is applied across the control input terminal and control output terminal in a differential mode with a pair of signals having the same absolute value and mutually opposing polarities. Voltage or current of the signal to be controlled is controlled by the control signal changing the capacitances of the variable capacitors in the bridge configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masayoshi Kanno
  • Publication number: 20100194207
    Abstract: A device including a wireless power transmitter is connected to a light fixture rather than a standard electrical outlet. Optionally, the device also includes at least one light source or includes at least one socket for a light source. Thus, the device connected to the light fixture can output power from the wireless power transmitter and light from the light source. In one embodiment, a power splitter enables independent control over powering the light and the wireless electricity transmitter. This feature allows, for example, the light to be turned off or on while the wireless electricity transmitter remains on. In some embodiments, the device including the wireless power transmitter has the form of a light bulb or light tube, whereas in other embodiments, the device does not have the form of a light bulb or light tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: David S. Graham
  • Patent number: 7672760
    Abstract: A searchlight (3) on board a vessel (1) arranged for illuminating a point (2p) and maintain said point (2p) illuminated regardless of the movements of said vessel (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Aptomar AS
    Inventors: Lars Andre Solberg, Jonas Aamodt Moræus
  • Patent number: 7531922
    Abstract: Electronic lighting ballast in a facility intentionally presents a non-unity power factor load to an inductive or capacitive power supply, such a capability being used to correct the power factor for a larger facility employing different types of loads. Electronic lighting ballast is also used to intentionally generate specified harmonics of a certain phase and amplitude to a power source, and further, the method, apparatus and system uses such a capability to cancel undesirable harmonics generated by other equipment in a larger facility. A method of employing a communications protocol between an electronic ballast and a facility control or monitoring system, such that the system can communicate with many adjustable ballast's in a facility, and direct the ballast's, collectively or individually, to change their power factor or light output status or harmonic characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Zobi Mobile
    Inventor: Erlend Olson
  • Patent number: 7499261
    Abstract: A load control device is adapted to be installed in an electrical wallbox having a barrier. The load control device comprises a split enclosure having first and second enclosure portions spaced apart so as to define a gap, such that the gap is adapted to receive the barrier of the electrical wallbox when the load control device is installed in the wallbox. First and second connectors are provided in first and second openings of the first and second enclosure portions, respectively. The load control device is operable to receive a first control signal at the first connector and to generate a second control signal, which is provided at the second connector, in response to the first control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Hash
  • Patent number: 7385310
    Abstract: The invention relates to the supply of lamps (8?, 8??) of at least two different lamp types, of which a first lamp type (8??) has a wattage which is approximately a whole multiple of the wattage of a second lamp type (8?), whereby the same ballast devices (1) are used, embodied for the direct supply of the second lamp type (8?) and which may be operated in parallel for the supply of the first lamp type (8??). The correct connection of a suitable lamp (8?, 8?, 8??) to the ballast device (1) is monitored by means of a signal exchange between ballast device (1) and lamps (8?, 8?, 8??) before switching on the supply line of the ballast device (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: B&S Elektronische Geräte GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Brauckmann, Ulrich Klipstein
  • Patent number: 7375951
    Abstract: A load control device is operable to receive a first control signal having a first magnitude and to generate a second control signal having a second magnitude. The load control device is adapted to be installed in an electrical wallbox having a barrier. The load control device comprises a split enclosure having first and second enclosure portions and a gap between the two portions. A first connector is provided in an opening of the first portion for receipt of the first control signal and a second connector is provided in an opening of the second portion for providing the second control signal. The gap of the split enclosure receives the barrier when the load control device is installed in the electrical wallbox, such that the first control signal is electrically isolated from the second control signal. Accordingly, the load control device meets the requirements of the National Electrical Code when installed in the electrical wallbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Hash
  • Patent number: 7276818
    Abstract: Energy-saving drive apparatus for DC loads including a blocking oscillator, an amplifier, an AC-DC-converter, a voltage comparator, a current comparator, and a signal feedback circuit. The DC power produced by all kinds of batteries pass through the blocking oscillator and the amplifier to obtain an amplified signal voltage that is then converted into DC voltage and current. Meanwhile, the voltage comparator and the current comparator are connected at an output terminal of the AC-DC-converter. The signal feedback circuit obtains a load signal voltage from the load. After a feedback operation, a comparison voltage and a comparison current are transmitted to the input terminal of the voltage comparator and the current comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventors: Chun-Liang Wu, William F. Polley
  • Patent number: 6727601
    Abstract: The invention concerns a motor vehicle headlight with an ignition device (3) for generating an ignition voltage for operating a light (4). The headlight has a safety device 1 for protection from injuries caused by electricity, wherein the ignition device (3) comprises a housing (5) for receiving the light (4) and an ignition switch which can be connected to the light (4) and terminals (6, 7) for electric connection of the ignition switch and the vehicle electrical system. The housing (5) can be mounted to a base plate (2). To improve safety of maintenance or mounting of the headlight, in particular to prevent injuries through contact with exposed electrically conducting parts where high voltages could be present, the use of a safety device 1 is proposed which is disposed on the base plate 2 and comprises means for mounting the housing 5, wherein the ignition device 3 can be connected to the vehicle electrical system via the safety device 1 only when the housing 5 is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Rothfuss, Thomas Gross, Klaus Jahnel, Heinz Ruckwied
  • Patent number: 6388345
    Abstract: A corner light switch assembly to be mounted against a corner edge of a wall corner at a predetermined location and vertical height. The corner light switch assembly includes 1) a main switch body; 2) a switch body cover plate of L-shape constructed of a transparent plastic material connected to the main switch body; 3) a touch sensitive switch assembly mounted in the main switch body and engageable with the switch body cover plate; and 4) a power supply cord to connect an appliance, table lamp or light fixture to the touch sensitive switch assembly for selective operation thereof The switch body cover plate has a sensor section with a plurality of sensor openings therein. The touch sensitive switch assembly includes a touch plate sensor connected to a touch sensitive switch circuit. The touch plate sensor is placed within one of the sensor openings in the sensor section of the switch body cover plate and having the touch plate sensor mounted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Aaron N. Stimpson
  • Patent number: 6256909
    Abstract: An external electrical connector for connecting one or more components of a snowplow blade unit. The electrical connector includes two housing components that are securable together. Each housing component includes an interface end and a coupling end. The coupling ends of the two housing components are designed to be connect together to form an electrical connection. At least one of the interface ends includes at least one electrical connection interface that is designed to form an electrical connection with at least one external snowplow blade component. One of the housings components is secured to a component of said snowplow blade unit. Protection caps and housing holders are used to protect the parts of the housings when the housings are disconnected from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: James A. Kost, Tim K. Howell
  • Patent number: 6138388
    Abstract: An external electrical connector for connecting one or more components of a snowplow blade unit. The electrical connector includes two housing components that are securable together. Each housing component includes an interface end and a coupling end. The coupling ends of the two housing components are designed to be connect together to form an electrical connection. Each of the interface ends includes at least one electrical connection interface that is designed to form an electrical connection with at least one external snowplow blade component. The number of electrical connection interfaces on the interface side of the two housing components is greater than the number of electrical connection interfaces on the coupling end of the two housing components. One of the housings components is secured to a component of said snowplow blade unit. Protection caps and housing holders are used to protect the parts of the housings when the housings are disconnected from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: James A. Kost, Tim K. Howell
  • Patent number: 6020692
    Abstract: A circuit for use with optical inspection lamps, e.g., tungsten-halogen or Marco lamps, in semiconductor fabrication machines performing ADI and AEI operations, that will lower the operating voltage of the lamps when the machine is not being used by an operator, while providing full light intensity during optical inspections. The circuit is coupled into the Marco lamp power supply and contains two micro-switches, each containing two sets of switch contacts normally configured with one set closed and one set open to render one micro-switch closed providing the operating voltage to the lamp and the other open rendering the circuit inactive in this condition. The micro-switches have operating levers that cooperate with indexes which follow the position of cassette elevators that deliver the semiconductor wafers for processing and each of which has an "up" and a "down" position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd
    Inventors: Danniel Rcraw, Tsun-Ching Lin, Ren-Zhi Demg, Chin-Chuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 6008551
    Abstract: A portable light control keyboard for electrically energizing illuminating devices using piano keys, wherein each piano key, when depressed, activates switches so as to provide power to a receptacle into which an illuminating device such as a light or bank of lights is connected. The portable light control keyboard provides a visual rhythmic accompaniment to musical performances and productions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: John B Coray
    Inventor: John B Coray
  • Patent number: 6005308
    Abstract: An electrical switch and dimmer device for controlling current applied to a load comprises a bezel assembly (16) which includes a bezel housing (17), a switch actuator (18) and a dimmer actuator (19). The bezel housing supports both switch and dimmer actuators for respective movement between first and second positions, whereby the on/off state of an electrical switch adapted to apply power to an electrical load (e.g. an electric light or fan) is controllable, as is the level of power applied to the load by the switch. The bezel housing and the switch/dimmer actuators which it supports comprise a self-contained assembly which can be releasably connected to a yoke member (20) on which an electrical switch and dimmer circuitry are mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gary William Bryde, James Edgar Swain, John Roderick Woodman, Mark Andrew Cieri
  • Patent number: 5932973
    Abstract: An incandescent lamp has an attachment for connection to a two-wire electrical power line and a bulb containing a radiating element. At least two filaments are housed in the bulb and constitute the radiating element, and circuitry has an input connected to the electrical power line and an output connected to filaments. When a selection signal indicating the desired brightness is passed to circuitry, preferably along the electrical power line, and acts in such a way that circuitry selectively provides a feed to filaments on the basis of the selection signal, a change in brightness is obtained without deterioration of the color characteristics because the filaments operate under their rated operating conditions. The change in brightness will not be continuous, but discrete, but is more than acceptable for domestic requirements even with a small number of filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics, S.r.l.
    Inventor: Massimo Cecchetti
  • Patent number: 5889339
    Abstract: A control device for a fluorescent lamp comprises two independent circuits based on a power transistor and a switching control circuit, series-connected between a high voltage and the ground. The power transistor has a diode that is reverse mounted between its two electrodes. The switching control circuit comprises a circuit for the detection of a voltage at the terminals of the diode greater than a voltage reference value and a circuit for the detection of the integral of the current flowing in the transistor that is greater than a current reference value corresponding power of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics S.A.
    Inventor: Marco Bildgen