Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling an illumination of a lamp.

Abstract: Disclosed is a touch-programmable lighting and security device in the form of a stand lamp which can be programmed to provide illumination by means of an AC bulb or DC bulb in conjunction with parameters including the ambient light level, presence of people, and AC mains power failure. In one embodiment, this novel lighting and security device includes a transmitter which transmits an Alarm signal to a remote receiver upon detection of an intruder. This user friendly device conveniently plugs into any wall power outlet by means of a suitable length of cable and it can be easily programmed by touching different nonmetallic areas of the device. In one embodiment, four indicator lights in the form of LEDs are provided to identify its prevailing mode.

Abstract: A capacitive element is introduced in series with the gate of a switching element in an automatic turn on/off circuit which automatically provides artificial light depending on the ambient light incident on a photo sensitive element of the circuit wherein the capacitive element holds an offset voltage which aids in turning on the switching element and provides a hysteresis in the system which counteracts a flickering effect common to automatic turn on/off circuits controlling an artificial light which employ a photo sensitive device.

Abstract: This is an emergency lighting system that provides an emergency driving voltage to drive at least one lamp when the AC power input to the lamp is detected as absent. A rechargeable battery pack and recharging circuit are contained in a first modular housing, and driving circuitry is contained in a second modular housing. An easily accessible, manually-operable service switch disables the provision of battery power to the driving circuitry (when the switch is in the open state), thereby allowing substantial reduction in installation time and cost. A test switch is included to emulate power failures. A transmitter and receiver mechanism allow a user to remotely disable the provision of battery power to the driving circuitry, thereby offering battery power conservation, if the emeregency lamplight is not needed. Likewise, a photo-sensing mechanism disables the provision of battery power to the driving circuitry, if there is sufficient ambient light.

Abstract: A cordless lighting system for a Christmas tree comprising a control transmitter for generating light signals of first and second frequencies, and a plurality of light elements adapted to be supported on the Christmas tree. Each of the light elements comprises a light source for generating visible light, a battery for supplying power to activate the light source, a bistable switch having an input, and an output connected to the light source, and first and second photocells responsive to light signals of the first and second frequencies, respectively, for generating first and second control signals to the input of the bistable switch. The first control signal controls the bistable switch to activate the light element and the second control signal controls the bistable switch to deactivate the light element. Preferably, the light elements activate each other in a cascade fashion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a touch-programmable lighting and security device in the form of a stand lamp which can be programmed to provide illumination by means of an AC bulb or DC bulb in conjunction with parameters including the ambient light level, presence of people, and AC mains power failure. In one embodiment, this novel lighting and security device includes a transmitter which transmits an Alarm signal to a remote receiver upon detection of an intruder. This user friendly device conveniently plugs into any wall power outlet by means of a suitable length of cable and it can be easily programmed by touching different nonmetallic areas of the device. In one embodiment, four indicator lights in the form of LEDs are provided to identify its prevailing mode.

Abstract: A rechargeable electronic flasher powered by a solar panel and solar-rechargeable battery. The circuit has particular application as an auxiliary safety measure for use in roadway cats' eyes, or in memorial symbols for mounting on, or near, grave stones and the like so as to provide substantially perpetual illumination. Minimum charging time is necessary, while operation on battery power is extended to many days, rather than hours. The circuit can also be set to flash at a rate above the frequency the eye can distinguish, creating a substantially constant light.

Abstract: A vehicle's input switches relating to ignition, lights and moisture or rain provide responsive inputs that feed through a digital logic circuit to outputs of an electronic switching device for automatically activating the vehicle's lights and wipers.An alarm may be activated if certain input switches are turned on when the ignition is off.The digital logic circuit may be discrete, a programmable read only memory (PROM) or a programmable logic array (PLA).The electronic switching device may constitute a driver circuit and an integrated circuit which includes both a relay switching circuit and a switched circuit, for example a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) driver and a power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistor (MOSFET) integrated circuit.

Abstract: A lighting system for use in a vehicle cabin comprises a plurality of first lamps which are arranged between a roof and a plane including an eye point of a seat occupant for illuminating predetermined surfaces, and at least one second lamp for illuminating a floor. Luminance levels of the predetermined surfaces are controlled by, for example, an illuminance measuring apparatus, a luminance measuring apparatus, and a lighting controller.

Abstract: An electron emitting device, comprising: a first electrode provided on a substrate; a first layer provided on said electrode and capable of undergoing transition from an electrically high resistance state to a low resistance state when irradiated by a radiant ray; and a conductive layer, an insulating layer and a second electrode, laminated on said first layer. An electron generator includes the electron emitting device as well as an applicator for applying an electric field to said device, and an irradiator for irradiating a radiant ray on the device. A method for driving the electron emitting device is also provided.

Abstract: The invention circuit for a discharge lamp comprising a first switching circuit, a series resonant circuit, and a current transformer. The series resonant circuit energizes the discharge lamp by means of resonant output corresponding to the output from the first switching circuit. The current transformer incorporates the first, second, and the third windings. When the first winding inserted in the series resonant circuit is driven, the first winding outputs a predetermined amount of current to the second and third windings. The inverter circuit further comprises a second switching circuit, a pair of time constant circuits, and a control circuit. The second switching circuit controls ON-OFF operation of the first switching circuit in response to the output from the second winding.

Abstract: Arc lamp output stability is improved by use of negative feedback which stabilizes arc position and intensity. Position and intensity of an image of the arc are sensed by optical sensors to control electromagnets which shift arc position so as to decrease wander and to control lamp current to decrease arc intensity variation.

Abstract: A device for use as an electronic generator for generating a highly realistic flickering light is disclosed which has adjustable brightness, flicker rate, and flicker level to accurately simulate a variety of lighting effects such as fire, reflections from natural sources, and light from man-made sources. The device uses a pseudorandom output generator to generate a variable level analog signal which may be adjusted in frequency, with additional controls being added to control the level of the signal of the signal variation and the overall signal level. The resulting signal is then used to drive lamps through relays, with multiple channels being used in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A photoelectrically controlled corner light system for a vehicle includes corner lights adjacent to headlights which are disposed in the right and left corners of the vehicle. The corner lights switched by operating a headlight turn lever are connected to a light detecting sensor for operatively controlling the brightness of its illumination. The light detecting sensors detects the light of headlights from opposing vehicles and controls the brightness of the illumination in the light system to prevent the view of a driver of the opposing vehicle from being disturbed.

Abstract: A lighting peg having a solar cell and a battery installed in a casing including a number of sensors each including a photoelectric conversion element mounted on a side surface of the casing, a differential circuit provided on the subsequent stage of the conversion element, and a comparator which delivers a high level output when the output of the differential circuit exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A chromatic lighting display utilizes a plurality of light-producing elements positioned to be visually accessed by a user, the elements arranged in co-extensive and diverse positions, controlled in light-emitting intensities and colors by a centrally located control mechanism coupled thereto. A plurality of light sensors are disposed to receive natural external light, each adapted with suitable color filters. The signals generated by the light-receiving sensors are transmitted to the control device which, in turn, operating upon a predetermined color-responsive algorithm, provides energization to each of the plurality of light-emitting devices, providing the display of different colors of light, at different intensities, accessible to the user.

Abstract: In a lighting peg with a variable pulsation rate including a square outer casing provided with a solar cell and a battery and adapted to be installed at an intersection of two roads, light emitting diodes and a photoelectric conversion element are provided on each side surface of the square outer casing. An ambient light sensor for detecting ambient light and a pulse signal generating circuit for generating pulse signals are further provided together with vehicle sensors, each including the photoelectric conversion element, a differential circuit and a comparator.

Abstract: A high-power switch network includes a laser fiber optically coupled to a network including light-initiated glow discharge switches in a Marx configuration. A low pressure gas source is used to replenish gas within the switches lost due to ionization. Each switch has a cylindrical insulating envelope with conductive end caps at each end. The end caps are electrically coupled, respectively, to a cup-shaped anode and a cup-shaped cathode. Apertures are formed centrally in closely spaced plates of the respective cup-shaped electrodes. Optical fiber cables extend through vacuum sealed ports of the switches so that the unfocused laser light is directed about the aperture of the cathode so as to close the switch, thus providing a high power output from the network.

Abstract: A switch assembly actuated by passive infrared radiation for operating a light in a space, the switch assembly including an optical system which senses infrared radiation over a 180.degree. range in horizontal plane including two separate vertical fields of view, a generally horizontal "look-out" field and a vertical semi cone-shaped "look-down" sensing field for directing to a common sensing element passive infrared radiation produced by a person moving within the sensing field of the switch assembly, the sensing element connected to a control circuit which responsively turns on the light, maintains the light on while the person remains in the space, and turns the light off automatically when the person leaves the space. The switch assembly includes a one-piece optical shell enclosed within a housing which is adapted for installation in a conventional light switch box in room.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically responding to headlamp radiation from oncoming vehicles to down-switch beam patterns in a tri-beam headlamp system in an automotive vehicle. A mid-beam sensor is provided to detect only that headlamp radiation from oncoming vehicles present within the defined high intensity projection areas of the mid-beam pattern and functions in conjunction with a conventional automatic dimmer sensor and a unique control circuit to achieve appropriate and automatic down-switching.

Abstract: The illumination device includes a charging part, an energy storage device, a flash tube and an amplitude control device, by means of which the energy storage device can be charged to different voltages. A time control device is superposed upon the amplitude control device. In consequence of the two control devices, the flash tube emits light with a predetermined color temperature as a function of the set amplitude and of the set flash duration. The color temperature can thereby be influenced in a controlled manner, with the maintenance of a very fine setting of the quantity of light, and can also be maintained constant independent of the quantity of light emitted.

Abstract: An illumination control system has a plurality of infrared detection systems located in a plurality of adjacent scanning areas. Each of the detection systems controls the activation of light sources located in two or more scanning areas. Each of the detection systems is equipped with an infrared radiation sensor, an ambient light resistor, a timing circuit, a light source driving circuit, and a blinking condition prevention circuit.

Abstract: A switch assembly actuated by passive infrared radiation for operating a ceiling light in a room, the switch assembly including first and second optical independent systems which senses infrared radiation over a 360.degree. range in horizontal plane including two separate vertical fields of view, a shallow cone-shaped "look-out" and a more vertical cone-shaped "look-down" sensing field of view for directing to a common sensing element passive infrared radiation produced by a person moving within the sensing field of the switch assembly, the sensing element connected to a control circuit which responsively turns on the light, maintains the light on while the person remains in the room, and turns the light off automatically when the person leaves the room. The switch assembly includes a one-piece optical shell enclosed within a housing which is adapted for installation in a conventional light bulb socket and including a socket for receiving the light bulb to be controlled.

Abstract: A temperature switch for HID lamp fixtures is provided to enable such lights to be operated at low temperatures on the order of minus forty degrees Celsius, or minus fifteen degrees Fahrenheit. In one embodiment, the switch is comprised of a thermistor circuit and a resistive photocell circuit. When the resistance of either the thermistor or the photocell exceeds the reference value, or when the combined resistance of thermistor and the photocell exceed that value, the HID lamp will be turned on. The lamp is thereby turned on when the ambient temperature becomes very cold, regardless of the amount of ambient light in order that the components of the light fixture may be heated internally for more reliable operation.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling multiple light strings to achieve a wide variety of visual effects including, on the same string, variations in color, blink rate, and brightness.

Abstract: A light sensing compensation system is provided for controlling the level of light at a workplane so that the ratio of the light at the ceiling where the sensor means is located to the level of controlled light at the workplane is maintained substantially constant as daylight entering the room varies.

Abstract: A controlled color light source including a lamp for projecting a beam of light, a power supply for energizing the lamp and a light conduit for sampling a portion of the light emitted from the lamp. A beam splitter is arranged to split the light from the conduit into two channels, and a pair of photo detectors, one for each channel are arranged to receive the light from the conduit via the beam splitter. A divider circuit has a pair of inputs and an output, the inputs being connected to the two photo detectors and an output circuit is connected to the output of the divider circuit for providing an output signal which is proportional to the color of light captured by the conduit.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to ornamental lighting controls and particularly to a lighting control for Christmas tree lighting having preferably at least four duty cycle outputs and wherein the duty cycle pattern of each output differs, with respect to a predetermined time interval, from the duty cycle pattern of each of the other outputs of the control thereby to produce, in a plurality of ornamental lighting strings respectively connected to the outputs of the control, a coordinated condition of continuously changing light intensities between strings that occur in predetermined sequential time differing order to result in an overall lighting effect totally unobtainable by any other form of light controlling apparatus.The present device is an improvement over applicant's U.S. Pat. Nos.

Abstract: In an electronic flash apparatus which is provided with a first discharge tube for bounce illumination and a second flash discharge tube for direct illumination, emission of flash light by the first flash discharge tube and emission of flash light by the second are arranged to separately begin and to simultaneously end to simplify complex circuit arrangement otherwise required for having the amount of light reflected by the object of flash light emission by the first discharge tube and that of flash light emission by the second discharge tube in a fixed ratio. The second discharge tube is arranged to flash without fail despite of the simplified circuit arrangement.

Abstract: A composite light pickup device for use in an automotive vehicle to collect light from both the ambient surroundings and from oncoming vehicles and employing separate optical fiber couplings of the collected light to a headlamp system that responsively activates the vehicle headlamps when the ambient light level is too low and switches the activated headlamps between high and low beams in response to receiving light from oncoming vehicle headlamps.

Abstract: A first phototransistor (20, 20') is mounted on the structure such as a home (12) or a garage (14) to sense the level of ambient illumination. A second phototransistor (22, 22') senses both the level of ambient illumination and illumination from the headlights of an approaching vehicle or the like. The phototransistors are arranged with a pair of resistors (54, 56) in a balanced bridge (50). A central bridge junction (52) assumes a higher potential when both phototransistors are illuminated the same, whether light or dark, and a lower potential when the second phototransistor is illuminated more brightly than the first. In response to the uneven illumination of the phototransistors, a timer (60) produces an output signal for a preselected duration. An optic coupler (90) gates a triac (92) conductive for the preselected duration of the timer.

Abstract: A second photoelectric element or cell (P2) is mounted in series with a first photoelectric element or cell (P1) of the prior art and in parallel with a portion of a voltage divider of which said first element is a part to shunt out a portion of the divider in response to light from a light load turned on by the operation of said first element incident to an increase in impedance thereof due to ambient darkness. Addition of the second photoelectric cell results in hysteresis of the turn-on/turn-off operating points of the first cell to prevent flicker to the light which is present at or near dusk in lights controlled by the prior art circuits. Mechanically, one cell (P1) is mounted on the side of a collar (21) surrounding the neck of a light bulb (13) outside direct light rays from the filament (23) while cell (P2) is mounted on the collar top in the direct path of light rays from the filament.

Abstract: A display dimming circuit is disclosed which provides a coordinated automatic display brightness level adjustment for a plurality of instruments associated within the same general region. Its use in an aircraft cockpit, for example, allows the left, or captain's instruments, to be coordinated to be responsive to the ambient light in that region of the cockpit and the co-pilot's bank of instruments, or right region, of the aircraft is separately coordinated such that both regions exhibit appropriate brightness levels on all instruments. In this manner, gas discharge displays, for example, are installed adjacent cathode ray tube displays or vacuum fluorescent displays and all are effectively maintained at an appropriate lighting level.

Abstract: In an electronic flash device for use in a still camera, a calculation circuit means calculates a ratio of the amounts of light to be emitted by a plurality of flash light tubes on the basis of color temperature information and control circuit means controls the emission of light of the respective flash light tubes in such a manner that the ratio of light amount emitted from the respective flash light tubes corresponds to the ratio calculated by the calculation circuit means.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an improved light measuring device which is used in flash photography for measuring a preliminary flash light to obtain camera exposure information for photography under a primary flash light. The device is so arranged as to preliminarily obtain informations of light amount contributing to photographing, with respect to each portion or area of a scene to be photographed or object field, in taking photographs with the employment of the auxiliary light.

Abstract: An automatic control device for the lighting and extinction of headlamps of car, comprising at least two photo-sensitive elements connected to control circuits defining luminosity thresholds to produce control signals depending on ambient luminosity, and a logic control circuit receiving said control signals to control the three levels of headlamps of the vehicle.Said logic control circuit comprises further photo-sensitive elements connected to further control circuit means and input and output means to receive and produce control signals respectively. The automatic control system selectively provides automatic operation or manual operation or semi-manual operation. It is associated with a system for monitoring reflected light to eliminate influence of extraneous light reflections from obstacles as the vehicle moves on the road.

Abstract: An electric flash device for camera of the present invention comprises, substantially, a first flash unit incorporated into a camera, and a second flash unit operated associating with the flash operation of the first flash unit, said second flash unit comprises flash starting means for starting a flash operation of a flash tube by means of receiving a flash light from said first flash unit. The electric flash device of the present invention further comprises means for eliminating or reducing flash light quantity of said flash tube of said second flash unit.

Abstract: A device for activating an electronic slave flash unit for photographic use includes a circuit wherein there is a delay circuit responsive to a light sensing signal after a predetermined time delay to activate a flash unit. The time delay of the delay circuit is adjustable as required, and the delayed operation of the flash of the slave flash unit eliminates incorrect impulse signals being transmitted to light sensors of other slave flash units which would otherwise prematurely extinguish their flash and give a resultant incorrect lighting effect. The power for the circuit is obtained from a capacitor which is energized by a flash unit. The energy in the capacitor is used to power the delay circuit, and a Zener diode and unijunction transistor and variable resistance permit accurate variable time delays.

Abstract: A digital room light controller comprising optical emitters--sensors, a digital up/down counter, associated transistor--transistor logic(TTL) and solid state relay(SSR) has been constructed. The combination of optical emitters--sensors, TTL logic, up/down counter and SSR, which, when positioned in a doorway of a room, will maintain an electric light bulb in an on or off state depending on the accumulated count in the counter. The digital light controller increments the total count by +1 (i.e. counts up) in the counter when the room is entered and increments the count by -1 (i.e. counts down) when an exit is made from the room. A count of zero causes the interruption of electric power at a selected light fixture, while a non-zero count in the counter insures the maintenance of electric power at the fixture. Therefore a room light is maintained in an off state when the room is not in use.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automatic light system for a moving vehicle wherein there is provided an on/off control feature responsive to ambient light conditions and responsive to the activation of windshield wipers. Included in the on/off control feature is electronics for a built in delay to delay changes in the on/off condition of the headlights caused by sudden or gradual darkness, sudden or gradual light, and the starting of the vehicle. The automatic light system includes a high/low beam control feature which is responsive to oncoming or passing cars.

Abstract: A light regulation system is provided wherein the light output of a second, fluorescent lamp fixture is regulated in accordance with the light output of a first or preceeding fluorescent lamp fixture. Each fixture includes a lamp or lamps, a ballast or ballasts and a control or regulating device which controls the ballasting of the lamp(s) of the fixture and hence the light output thereof. The system provides for monitoring the light output of the master fixture and optically coupling a corresponding signal to a photocell in the control device of the following fixture so as to control the output of the lamp(s) of the following fixture. Additional fixtures can be optically coupled in like manner to either the master or a follower fixture to provide additional controlled following fixtures.

Abstract: A plurality of photodetectors in a single line exposed to a field of view transversely across the complete region of a glow discharge volume. The detectors are connected in an electronic circuit to trigger a crowbar device across the power supply circuit providing the voltage producing the discharge when any one detector receives an optical input substantially greater than normal, thereby preventing damage to the discharge electrodes due to arcing across the glow discharge.

Abstract: A large area visual display matrix of ultra-violet initiated individual small gas discharge elements. Each element remains in a discharge condition until the voltage applied to a common anode is turned off and for this reason the matrix requires no associated memory or storage property to remain on as long as information is to be displayed. The matrix generally comprises, in order, an electrically conductive cathode with a low work function material photo-emissive coated thereon which emits electrons when irradiated by U.V. light, an insulating medium with apertures therein, individual anodes with holes therein the holes being axially aligned with the apertures in the insulating medium, a voltage supply for each anode, the foregoing elements being sandwiched between a base and a U.V. permeable cover, and a suitable gas filling for the apertures. A source of U.V. light is directed at the portion of the visual display it is desired to illuminate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light-sensing circuit used in a so-called light regulating type flash device to automatically control the amount of flash emitted. In the present invention, a flash photographing with an appropriate exposure is done, securing such flash amount as providing appropriate exposure always regardless of the position of an object in a photographing frame. This is done by making light-sensing for each of different zones independently using a plural number of light-sensing circuits for stopping the flashing by the output of the one light-sensing circuit reaching a prescribed level of output from the different light-sensing circuits.

Abstract: An auxiliary electronic flash apparatus coactuable with a main electronic flash apparatus of the type having a first flash lamp for converting the energy stored on a first main capacitor into light for illuminating a subject, and a control circuit for turning off the first flash lamp when the light emitted from the first flash lamp and reflected back from the subject reaches a predetermined amount. The auxiliary electronic flash apparatus includes a photometric circuit responsive only to the light emitted from the first flash lamp within a predetermined light wavelength range for generating a flash start signal in response to which a second flash lamp in the auxiliary electronic flash apparatus is turned on and for generating a flash and signal in response to which the second flash lamp is turned off.

Abstract: A modular lighting control apparatus utilizes a housing having a plurality of total electric light centers mounted therein, such that the centers may be manually activated by light beams emanating from a hand held flashlight. The housing is provided with a utility outlet receptacle and is operated by a flexible line cord which is energized by a household utility current. Each light sensor controls a character of the outlet voltage available at the output receptacle. One light sensor provides a source of continuous full voltage at the light receptacle. Another light sensor de-energizes the voltage supply to the output receptacle. Still another light sensor causes the voltage, present at the output receptacle, to become intermittent. Yet another light sensor determines the amount of voltage available at the output receptacle.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling actuation of various parts of an automobile in accordance with various sensed conditions. Four photocells are mounted, preferably about the periphery of the courtesy light inside the automobile on the roof, to receive ambient light from four orthagonal directions and are connected to a logic circuit to produce a signal causing the automobile's lamps to be turned off only when all four of the photocells are sensing daytime conditions and to be turned on, after a short delay, when any of the photocells senses nighttime conditions which persist during the delay. A water cell is mounted at the base of the windshield so that during a rain shower the water cell will become conductive. The water cell is also connected to the logic circuit and to a motor driver circuit, which signal produced by the conductive water cell causing the lights and windshield wipes to be actuated as long as the shower continues.

Abstract: A light detection and signaling system for attachment to a bicycle, pedestrian, or to any other object. The system includes a housing having a first photosensitive surface mounted therein for detecting the headlights of a vehicle approaching from any direction. The system further includes at least one light source mounted for visibility, along with circuitry responsive to detection of the vehicle headlights for illuminating the light source. A second photosensitive surface may also be provided to receive largely ambient light and to be nonresponsive to the lights of an approaching vehicle, along with circuitry to allow the illumination of the light source only when the second photosensitive surface detects the absence of a predetermined level of ambient light.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling the energization of a night lighting load or the like, in which failure of the main circuit to control and shut off electrical supply to the load during daylight hours leads to permanent shutdown of the electrical supply to the load. Two photosensitive elements are provided in the circuit. One element, e.g. a photocell, is a main control which periodically operates a relay and supplies electricity to the load, i.e. at night. The second element, e.g. a second photocell, is connected in the circuit, together with a second relay, in such a manner that failure of the first relay to operate and open the load circuit during daylight hours will cause the second relay to operate and permanently open the load circuit.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an improved light measuring device which is used in flash photography for measuring a preliminary flash light to obtain camera exposure informations for photography under a primary flash light. The device is so arranged as to preliminarily obtain information of light amount contributing to photographing, with respect to each portion or area of a scene to be photographed or object field, in taking photographs with the employment of the auxiliary light.