Plural Power Supplies Patents (Class 315/160)
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Patent number: 7619367Abstract: A method of electronic ballast protection including providing an electronic ballast having an AC/DC converter 104 with an electronic ballast input and a mains voltage connection 103 connectable to a mains voltage 102, an inverter 120 operably connected to the AC/DC converter 104 and having an electronic ballast output 125 connectable to a lamp 124, a control circuit 116 controlling the inverter 120, and a low voltage power supply 114 providing low voltage power to the control circuit 116; supplying power to the low voltage power supply 114 from the electronic ballast input when the mains voltage connection 103 is wired to mains voltage 102; and disconnecting the power to the low voltage power supply 114 when the electronic ballast output 125 is wired to the mains voltage 102.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Roy Hendrik Anna Maria Van Zundert, Subramanian Muthu, Wouter Edgard Koen Broeckx, Gerlach Corne Pieter Maria Emmen, Oscar Jan Deurloo, Lukas Leyten
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Patent number: 7612743Abstract: An Electron Emission Display (EED) with decreased signal distortion has a data driver to convert data driving signals into display data signals having predetermined data voltage levels and to output the display data signals to data electrode lines. A method of driving the EED includes supplying an auxiliary voltage to the data electrode lines during blanking periods according to subsequent data and supplying the display data signals during active periods between the blanking periods.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ji-Won Lee, Duck-Gu Cho
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Patent number: 7586762Abstract: Power supply circuit for LCD backlight and method thereof are disclosed in the present invention. The power supply circuit includes a power bus, a boost converter, a buck converter and a controller. The power bus supplies power to a load. The boost converter and buck converter are coupled to the power bus respectively for storing the power from the power line and restoring the power to the load. A controller is further coupled to the buck and boost converter for enable them alternatively according to a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: O2Micro International LimitedInventor: Yu-Chang Hsu
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Patent number: 7573456Abstract: A voltage impressed across the drain and source is reduced by further connecting in series one or two or more transistors between a couple of transistors in an output circuit including an output stage formed by connecting in series a couple of output transistors between a couple of power source voltage terminals and outputting the signal supplied to a gate signal generating circuit of a liquid crystal panel. Simultaneously, potential setting switch elements are also provided to prepare an intermediate potential of a couple of power source voltages and impress the intermediate potential to a base material of output transistors of the OFF state while the output transistors are turned OFF. Thereby, a liquid crystal display driving semiconductor integrated circuit may be realized.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.Inventor: Shinobu Nohtomi
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Publication number: 20090174333Abstract: A display device where the influence of variations in current of the light emitting element due to changes in ambient temperature and changes with time can be suppressed. The display device of the invention has a light emitting element, a driving transistor connected in series to the light emitting element, a monitoring light emitting element, a limiter transistor connected in series to the monitoring light emitting element, a constant current source for supplying a constant current to the monitoring light emitting element, and a circuit for outputting a potential equal to an inputted potential. A first electrode of the light emitting element is connected to an output terminal of the circuit through the driving transistor, and a first electrode of the monitoring light emitting element is connected to an input terminal of the circuit through the limiter transistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2009Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.Inventors: Masahiko Hayakawa, Yu Yamazaki, Yukari Ando, Keisuke Miyagawa, Jun Koyama, Mitsuaki Osame, Aya Anzai, Shunpei Yamazaki, Satoshi Seo, Hiroko Abe
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Publication number: 20090160345Abstract: An ultraviolet lamp system for irradiating a substrate includes a magnetron and a memory physically attached to the magnetron. An electrodeless lamp is configured to emit ultraviolet light when excited by microwave energy generated from the magnetron. Main control circuitry is operable to read and write operational data associated with the magnetron to the memory. The ultraviolet lamp system is operated by generating microwave energy from the magnetron. A plasma within an electrodeless lamp is excited with the microwave energy to emit ultraviolet light. Operational data associated with the magnetron is tracked and written to the memory associated with the magnetron.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATIONInventors: Carl A. Bretmersky, James W. Schmitkons
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Publication number: 20090141497Abstract: In an integrally embedded AC/DC double-headed lamp, at least one illuminative element is disposed on a lamp board, two sides of the light board are respectively disposed with a conductive terminal used for letting in a lamp seat to electrically connect to the lamp seat and an integrally formed cover body is used to cover the illuminative element directly thereby reducing the processing time and elevating the production efficiency, further attaining to the cost reducing object. Furthermore, the illuminative element is allowed to generate a different illumination effect through a different cover body to provide a user with different illumination and decoration uses.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2008Publication date: June 4, 2009Applicant: NANO LIGHT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Chi-Chung Chen
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Patent number: 7525255Abstract: An apparatus and method for driving a lamp are provided. In one embodiment, an inverter having four switching elements is split into two inverter arms that are deployed at separate terminals of a floating lamp structure to achieve even light output. A controller drives both inverter arms such that power switching lines do not cross the floating lamp structure. In one embodiment, the controller adjusts the brightness of the lamp structure by adjusting the phase difference between outputs of a first inverter arm relative to a second inverter arm. In one embodiment, the controller adjusts the brightness by symmetrically pulse width modulating the outputs of the first inverter arm and the second inverter arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Microsemi CorporationInventor: Xiaoping Jin
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Publication number: 20090102388Abstract: A light source assembly employed in a projector includes a light source, a power device, a light energy storage device, and a selection switch. The light source is configured for providing light beams for the projector. The selection switch is electrically connected to the light source, the light energy storage device and the power device and is configured for selecting one of the light energy storage device and the power device to provide power for the light source. The light energy storage device can absorb heat from the light source and convert the heat into electricity. Therefore, energy is saved and heat produced by the light source is reduced via the light energy storage device compared to the conventional light source assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: KAI HUANG
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Patent number: 7514931Abstract: To provide a solar simulator which has a plurality of xenon arc lamps as a light source, in which a predetermined amount of light is stably obtained from each of the xenon arc lamps so that constant irradiance over a test plane is ensured. The solar simulator comprises a plurality of xenon arc lamps; a plurality of light amount sensors provided one for each of the xenon arc lamps; and a plurality of control circuits provided one for each of the xenon arc lamps, for controlling a current flowing through, or a voltage applied to, each of the xenon arc lamps, wherein a detection signal output from each of the light amount sensors is fed back to each of the control circuits to control the relevant control circuit, to thereby control the amount of light emitted from each of the xenon arc lamps.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Shimotomai, Yoshihiro Shinohara, Katsumi Irie
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Publication number: 20090058308Abstract: A pair of internal electrodes are disposed at both ends of a lamp. A first voltage including a positive DC voltage superimposed on a substantial rectangular waveform voltage is applied to one of the internal electrodes. A second voltage including a negative DC voltage superimposed on the substantial rectangular waveform voltage is applied to the other internal electrode. The dark portion occurring substantially at the center in the longitudinal direction of the lamp becomes invisible, so that the brightness distribution is improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshiaki Kurachi, Satoshi Kominami
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Publication number: 20080297027Abstract: A white-light electro-luminescent lamp having an adjustable spectral power distribution, including a first light-emitting element which emits light within each of three wavelength bands, 1) between 440 and 520 nm, 2) between 520 and 600 nm, and 3) between 600 and 680 nm. A second light-emitting element emits light within each of three wavelength bands, 1) between 440 and 520 nm, 2) between 520 and 600 nm, and 3) between 600 and 680 nm. A controller modulates the integrated spectral power of the light produced by the first and the second light-emitting elements such that the spectral power distribution of the light formed by combining the light produced by the modulated first and second light-emitting elements is substantially equal to a CIE standard daylight spectral power distribution for correlated color temperatures between 4000K-9500K.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Michael E. Miller, Thomas E. Madden, Ronald S. Cok, Paul J. Kane
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Publication number: 20080266856Abstract: The light device with changeable function which At least one of any conventional available light means install within housing-unit or joint-means and the said housing-unit and joint-means can be change the orientation, or position, or viewing angle, or others light properties related to any other of the said light means to allow the said light device emit light beam to desired direction to make illumination to viewer. The said light device selected incorporated with solar means, wind generator or other generators, home electricity to get the power to turn on the said preferred light means under predetermined functions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
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Publication number: 20080238330Abstract: A light emitting element driving circuit, which can achieve accurate/high-speed operation even at low voltage supply voltage, comprises: driving current supply, connected to light emitting element in series between first and second power supplies, to supply driving current to the light emitting element according to the voltage of control terminal; current determiner to determine and output the current according to an output light amount of the light emitting element; current/voltage converter to convert the determined current into voltage and output it to the control terminal of the driving current supply if control signal is in a first state, and to electrically shield its output voltage terminal from the control terminal of the driving current supply if the control signal is in a second state; and resetter to connect the control terminal of the driving current supply to the second power supply if the control signal is in the second state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2008Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takashi Muto, Masanobu Oomura
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Publication number: 20080224619Abstract: Auxiliary power is provided on a lighting ballast by a charge pump circuit. A direct current power supply circuit in the ballast outputs auxiliary power for operation of loads other than the lighting load of the ballast.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: Simon Richard Greenwood, Stephen Soar
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Publication number: 20080174248Abstract: A lighting module power-saving control method in which a switching control loop is installed in a lamp for outputting a high-frequency current output signal and a low-frequency current output signal, the length of a unit time is divided into multiple equal parts for enabling the power output loop of the lamp to alternatively output a normal-consumption current and a power-saving current to the lighting module of the lamp subject to the control of the switching control loop, and the frequency of the supply of the normal-consumption current is not less than 16 times/second.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: Chuan Shih Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chao-Chin Yeh
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Patent number: 7327092Abstract: A circuit for driving the current for inductive loads such as an electron beam deflection coil for an x-ray generator system. The circuit includes two selectable voltage levels provided by a high level and a low level source. A plurality of switches selects the voltage level and determines the polarity of the current through the coil. The high level source is selected when the load is charging or discharging. The low level source is selected when the load is operating in a constant current mode, where a high frequency switching device controls the voltage through the load by switching the low level source to generate a PWM waveform according to a reference current duty cycle. A feedback loop monitors the current through the load to adjust the duty cycle of the PWM waveform to more accurately control the current through the load.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: GE Homeland Protection, Inc.Inventors: Antonio Caiafa, Juan Antonio Sabate
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Patent number: 7327090Abstract: An electronic module includes an EL section; a first substrate on which the EL section is formed; a second substrate attached to the first substrate; an integrated circuit chip mounted on the second substrate; a plurality of first power supply interconnects formed on the first substrate, extending through a pair of regions located on both sides of the EL section; and a plurality of second power supply interconnects formed on the second substrate, extending through a pair of regions located on both sides of the integrated circuit chip.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Takaaki Hayashi
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Publication number: 20080007183Abstract: To provide an image display apparatus having: an electron source; a light-emitting member for emitting a light by irradiation with electrons emitted from the electron source; an anode electrode, which is arranged being opposed to the electron source; a high-voltage generating circuit for generating a potential which rises in a predetermined period; a wiring for connecting the anode electrode to the high-voltage generating circuit; a comparator; a first circuit for applying a first potential satisfying a positive correlation with the potential on the wiring to the comparator; and a second circuit for applying a second potential, which continuously rises or rises in stepwise manner in the predetermined period, to the comparator. The comparator outputs a result of comparison between the first potential and the second potential.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2007Publication date: January 10, 2008Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: EISAKU TATSUMI
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Patent number: 7208883Abstract: In the current detection circuit that detects the output currents of a switching power supply circuit, an improved current detection circuit makes it possible to detect the output current directions of power supplies solves the malfunction of the power supplies vibrating or diverging during changes in load state and during parallel operation, and thus implements stable operation. The direction of an output current I2 can be detected by using the current detection circuit 8 that has multiple switching elements S1 to S4 each operating synchronously with an inverter circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Maru, Hideho Yamamura, Koji Nisisu, Shigeo Oomae
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Patent number: 7151344Abstract: An electroluminescent driver circuit with improved power consumption efficiency. In one embodiment, an electroluminescent driver circuit comprises a load to provide illumination, an inductor, a transistor and a plurality of switches. The inductor has a first side coupled to a positive terminal of a power supply and a second side selectively coupled to the load. The transistor is coupled to selectively conduct current from the second side of the inductor to a ground terminal of the power supply in response to a digital signal. The plurality of switches are coupled to the load to selectively charge and discharge the load. Moreover, the switches selectively provide a discharge path for positive charge on the load to be discharged to the positive terminal of the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.Inventor: Grady M. Wood
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Patent number: 7135823Abstract: An image forming apparatus comprising: a cathode; a gate; an anode; an electron emitting element arranged on the cathode; an image forming member that is arranged opposite to the electron emitting element; a deflection electrode that deflects the orbit of the electron emitted from the electron emitting element and headed toward the anode; and a driver, wherein assuming that an electric field required to start electron emission from the electron emitting element is Ee, that an electric field applied to the electron emitting element by applying voltage to the anode is Ea and that an electric field applied to the electron emitting element by applying voltage to the gate is Eg, the driver applies voltages to the cathode, the gate, and the anode in such a way that (i) Ea>Ee or (ii) Ea+Eg>Ee and Ea>Eg is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Noritake Suzuki, Shigeki Yabu
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Patent number: 7122805Abstract: The present invention refers to a field emitter beam source (10) comprising at least one emitter (11); at least one extracting electrode (19) to extract a beam current (IE) from the emitter (11); a current source (12) for providing a predetermined beam current (IE0); a first voltage source (13) for providing a first voltage (UA) between the emitter (11) and the extracting electrode (19) to switch on the beam current (IE); and a first switch (S1) for disconnecting the first voltage source (13). With such a field emitter beam source, the emitter voltage (UE) necessary to emit a predetermined beam current (IE0) can be determined. This in turn enables the field emitter beam source (10) to generate beam current pulses with a fast rise time and a well defined beam current pulse charge Q.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: ICT, Integrated Circuit Testing Gesellschaft fur Halbleiterpruftechnik mbHInventor: Kurt Hoffmann
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Patent number: 7088048Abstract: This invention relates to a device for switching and controlling an electron dose emitted by a micro-emitter comprising a sensor module (30) that receives the output current from the micro-emitter and a voltage to adjust the polarization point of the said device, a comparator module that receives a threshold voltage to adjust the quantity of charges to be emitted, a logical module to initialize the electron emission, and to define whether or not the micro-emitter should emit, a control module that generates the voltages necessary for initialization and extinction of the micro-emitter current pulse, means of varying the threshold voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Jean-Luc Martin, Claude Bieth, Nicolas Delorme
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Patent number: 7084574Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for deriving power for an external device from the power source of a fluorescent light. The power source includes a fluorescent ballast electrically connected to the connectors of a light fixture for receiving an input voltage and for converting the input voltage to a lamp voltage suitable for powering a fluorescent lamp. The fluorescent ballast may be modified to include an output line that outputs a voltage for powering the external device to a power port. The power port may be mounted on or near the fluorescent light. Alternatively, the power port may be integrated within a housing that contains one of the connectors of the light fixture. The ballast may be further modified to include an output line for extracting network data and control signals from the power line carrier signals on the input voltage.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: NxSteps Communication, Inc.Inventors: Peter O. Roach, Thomas J. Mayer, Pierce J. Roberts, Jr.
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Patent number: 7067982Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for deriving power for an external device from a circuit of a fluorescent light. A first circuit supplies power from a fluorescent light power source to a fluorescent lamp. The power converter of an external device can be electrically connected to any two points within that circuit to create a second circuit to supply power to the external device. The power converter may be connected to the first circuit via one or more power coupling or power tether. At least one of the two points within the first circuit may comprise a pin of the fluorescent lamp. Alternatively, at least one of the two points may comprise a connector of a fluorescent light fixture designed to receive a pin of the fluorescent lamp or a point within the fluorescent ballast of the fluorescent light fixture.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: NxSteps CommunicationsInventors: Peter O. Roach, Jr., Thomas J. Mayer, Pierce J. Roberts, Jr.
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Patent number: 7045964Abstract: An emergency lighting system powers all the luminaires of a lighting system during normal use, and switches from utility power to an emergency power source to drive some of the luminaires during a power outage. The typical on/off wall switch control for regular use carries out an automatic system test routine every time it is switched off. First, the non-emergency luminaires are extinguished, the emergency luminaires are activated for a time-limited period, and the system reverts to regular utility power and on/off control by the wall switch.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Inventor: Albert L. Hermans
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Patent number: 7029140Abstract: Flashing lights may be added to footwear or other objects worn by persons. Flashing light systems are necessarily compact, consisting primarily of flashing lights and a power-and-control circuit that controls and enables the flashing of the lights. The lights may be illuminated by differing voltage levels, so that lights will flash brighter or dimmer depending on whether the light receives a higher voltage or a lower voltage. The voltages may be achieved by using batteries in series. A unique flashing effect is achieved by the use of differing voltages in sequence on the same lamps or LEDs. A battery charger may also be included to restore battery life.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Cheerine Development (Hong Kong) Ltd.Inventors: Wai Kai Wong, Lai Cheong Mak
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Patent number: 6979955Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for deriving power for a wireless network component from the power source of a fluorescent light. Power couplings are electrically connected to the pins of a fluorescent lamp and to a power converter of the wireless network component so that a circuit is completed between the pins and the power converter. The power couplings may alternatively be electrically connected to the fluorescent lamp connectors of a fluorescent light fixture and to the power converter of the wireless network component to complete the circuit. Power supplied to fluorescent lamp is drawn by the circuit to power the wireless network component. Alternatively, the ballast of the fluorescent light power source may be modified to include an output line that outputs a voltage for powering the wireless network component to a power port. The power port may be mounted on or near the fluorescent light.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2004Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: NxSteps CommunicationsInventors: Peter O. Roach, Thomas J. Mayer, Pierce J. Roberts, Jr.
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Patent number: 6946802Abstract: An electronic module includes an EL section; a first substrate on which the EL section is formed; a second substrate attached to the first substrate; an integrated circuit chip mounted on the second substrate; a plurality of first power supply interconnects formed on the first substrate, extending through a pair of regions located on both sides of the EL section; and a plurality of second power supply interconnects formed on the second substrate, extending through a pair of regions located on both sides of the integrated circuit chip.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Takaaki Hayashi
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Publication number: 20040257271Abstract: A power system for a phased-array radar system powers an antenna array with a single multiphase transformer. A plurality of AC/DC converters are connected in parallel between the single multiphase transformer and a common bus. The common bus is balanced with respect to chassis ground reducing noise and improving operating safety of the antenna. The AC/DC converters each has a multi-sloped characteristic which enables the converters to share power by modifying output impedance as a function of load without external control signals. The system also has several layers of fault detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Boris Solomon Jacobson, John McGinty, Paul Christian Thomas
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Publication number: 20040232851Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for deriving power for a wireless network component from the power source of a fluorescent light. Power couplings are electrically connected to the pins of a fluorescent lamp and to a power converter of the wireless network component so that a circuit is completed between the pins and the power converter. The power couplings may alternatively be electrically connected to the fluorescent lamp connectors of a fluorescent light fixture and to the power converter of the wireless network component to complete the circuit. Power supplied to fluorescent lamp is drawn by the circuit to power the wireless network component. Alternatively, the ballast of the fluorescent light power source may be modified to include an output line that outputs a voltage for powering the wireless network component to a power port. The power port may be mounted on or near the fluorescent light.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2004Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventors: Peter O. Roach, Thomas J. Mayer, Pierce J. Roberts
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Patent number: 6819064Abstract: A display system capable of raising limits on the response speed of the spatial light modulator and the rate of pulse-width modulation signal transfer is provided at a low cost. The display system comprises: a color switch filter unit used in the sequential color separation of white light from the light source; a spatial light modulator which is illuminated by lights of plural color elements from the color switch filter unit and generates image lights of the respective color elements; and an intensity switch filter unit for switching three or more intensity levels of the respective lights of plural color elements, being separate from the color switch filter unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: NEC Viewtechnology, Ltd.Inventor: Shuichi Nakanishi
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Publication number: 20040183456Abstract: The present invention refers to a field emitter beam source (10) comprising at least one emitter (11); at least one extracting electrode (19) to extract a beam current (IE) from the emitter (11); a current source (12) for providing a predetermined beam current (IE0); a first voltage source (13) for providing a first voltage (UA) between the emitter (11) and the extracting electrode (19) to switch on the beam current (IE); and a first switch (S1) for disconnecting the first voltage source (13). With such a field emitter beam source, the emitter voltage (UE) necessary to emit a predetermined beam current (IE0) can be determined. This in turn enables the field emitter beam source (10) to generate beam current pulses with a fast rise time and a well defined beam current pulse charge Q.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2003Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventor: Kurt Hoffmann
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Publication number: 20040183465Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a light assembly with fewer peripheral devices than is currently required is presented. The apparatus of the invention includes a lamp unit, a current restricting unit coupled to the lamp unit, and a current sensing unit that is coupled to the current restricting unit. Upon detecting a current output exceeding a predetermined magnitude for at least a predetermined time period, the current restricting unit increases the load on one of the lamps. The current sensing unit senses the output from each of the lamps as modified by the current restricting unit, and sums the outputs to determine a total current flow through the lamps. A current control unit that is coupled to the current sensing unit uses the total current flow to adjust the current input to the lamps.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventor: Hyeon-Yong Jang
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Publication number: 20040178741Abstract: A capacitive-load drive apparatus is provided with a first oscillation-transition-voltage-generation device which is connected between a first power supply and a capacitive load; a second oscillation-transition-voltage-generation device which is connected between a second power supply and the capacitive load; and a voltage-fluctuation-detection device which outputs a detection signal when the voltage of the first power supply or the second power supply fluctuates outside a specified range; and wherein the first oscillation-transition-voltage-generation device is provided with a first switch device and first inductance and moves the voltage of the capacitive load between a reference voltage and a first voltage by oscillation of the first inductance and the capacitive load; and the second oscillation-transition-voltage-generation device is provided with a second switch device and second inductance and moves the voltage of the capacitive load between the first voltage and a second voltage by oscillation of the sType: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: PIONEER CORPORATIONInventor: Yuuki Masumura
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Patent number: 6717565Abstract: A liquid crystal monitor (LC monitor) illuminating apparatus utilizes a fluorescent lamp. The lamp is provided in a backlight portion to illuminate a liquid crystal monitor from behind. The fluorescent lamp is activated by a direct-current (DC) lighting circuit that is provided with a switching circuit which reverses the polarity of the DC lighting circuit. A digital camera with a liquid crystal monitor including an LC monitor illuminating apparatus is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: PENTAX CorporationInventors: Yuichi Kurosawa, Tetsuya Abe
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Publication number: 20040061450Abstract: A vehicular lamp used in a vehicle, includes: a light source including a light-emitting diode for emitting light in accordance with power received from a power supply provided in the outside of the vehicular lamp; a lamp body for accommodating the light source therein to protect the light source from water; and a breaking detection unit for detecting breaking of the light source and notifying the outside of the lamp body of the detection result.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Masayasu Ito, Shogo Sugimori, Hitoshi Takeda
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Publication number: 20040000877Abstract: An ASIC (138) that is useful in electronic devices that include a piezoelectric transducer (112), and an electroluminescent lamp (130), includes a DC to DC converter (402), a piezoelectric drive signal input (424), a piezoelectric transducer drive amplifier (404), an oscillator (406), and an electroluminescent drive amplifier (408). The DC to DC converter (402) boosts a voltage of an external power source (132) and powers the piezoelectric drive amplifier (404), and the electroluminescent drive amplifier (408). An externally supplied piezoelectric drive signal is input through the piezoelectric drive signal input (424) to a piezoelectric transducer drive amplifier input (426), and amplified. An amplified version of the signal is output on a pair of differential outputs (432). The electroluminescent drive amplifier (408) is driven by a signal generated by the oscillator (406).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2002Publication date: January 1, 2004Inventors: Bruce McKay Morton, Thomas James Rollins
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Patent number: 6628083Abstract: An integral emergency lighting system which utilizes the same branch circuit wiring as main alternating current (AC) power to selectively supply emergency power to light fixtures during an emergency condition such as during an interruption or unavailability of main power from the AC source. The system includes line detection circuitry at the lighting fixtures to enable switching from main AC operation to emergency DC power and also the energizing of the associated egress lighting regardless of the on/off switch settings connected to the branch circuitry. Upon the restoration of main power, the DC battery source automatically switches off and a built-in time delay circuit allows line detection circuitry to stabilize into AC input condition before AC power re-energizes the branch circuit (i.e., switches into the main power mode).Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Pickering Associates, Inc.Inventor: Charles L. Pickering
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Publication number: 20030132714Abstract: An apparatus and method for regulating the emission current from a single (macroscopic) field emitter, from groups of emitters within a large (microscopic) array, or from each cell within an array is described. The apparatus includes an additional aperture, fabricated at each field emitter array cell, to create and electron energy filter. The filter aperture of the electron energy filter is similar to the gate aperture but located above or in front of the gate aperture, and is held at a positive potential lower than the gate. The filter allows only those electrons with energy greater than some minimum (the cutoff energy) to pass through. A current-limiting circuit is placed in series with the gate aperture, limiting the total current of electrons that do not pass through the filter. Thus, emission from low energy states is limited without limiting emission from states near the Fermi level.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2003Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Jonathan L. Shaw, David S. Y. Hsu
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Publication number: 20030128000Abstract: A display system capable of raising limits on the response speed of the spatial light modulator and the rate of pulse-width modulation signal transfer is provided at a low cost. The display system comprises: a color switch filter unit used in the sequential color separation of white light from the light source; a spatial light modulator which is illuminated by lights of plural color elements from the color switch filter unit and generates image lights of the respective color elements; and an intensity switch filter unit for switching three or more intensity levels of the respective lights of plural color elements, being separate from the color switch filter unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2003Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: NEC Viewtechnology, Ltd.Inventor: Shuichi Nakanishi
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Patent number: 6583571Abstract: An emergency illuminator includes a rectifying circuit for converting an input AC voltage to a DC voltage; an electric magnetic device having a primary side coil electrically connected to an output end of the rectifying circuit and a secondary side coil, wherein the secondary side coil becomes conductive when the AC voltage is interrupted; at least one lighting device having an anode electrically connected to a node of the secondary side coil of the electric magnetic device; a battery having a positive end electrically connected to the anode of the lighting device for providing the lighting device with working power; a control circuit electrically connected to a common end of the secondary side coil of the electric magnetic device, cathode of the lighting device, and a negative end of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Kuan Yun Wang
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Patent number: 6573663Abstract: A high intensity light source comprises a solid dielectric sheet having its back surface in contact with a conducting medium, which is electrically conducted to a fixed potential (such as ground) and its front surface free to receive electric charge to be electrostatically bound to the sheet. In one example, the charge is delivered to the surface by a unipolar Corona discharge arrangement having a plurality of Corona sources at different locations over the surface of the sheet. In order to generate a light output from the source, the electric charge build-up on the surface is discharged as an electric discharge by the rapid application of a switchable voltage to at least a localized region of the surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1999Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: University of StrathyclydeInventors: Scott John MacGregor, Richard Anthony Fouracre
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Patent number: 6570340Abstract: A device and method for connecting multiple electrochemical cells to a powered device in a manner to allow disconnected cells to autoregenerate while the device is powered. Devices according to the present invention have two or more cells and methods of selecting and connecting one or more of the cells to a powered device. In one embodiment, multiple push button selector switches on a flashlight each connect a cell in series to a flashlight bulb. Each cell may be thereby independently connected or disconnected from the flashlight bulb. In a preferred embodiment, a voltage control sensor-switch connected in parallel to the powered device and a power cutoff relay is provided to ensure that a user selected cell combination does not deliver a combined voltage greater than a limit for incurring damage to the powered device. Unique methods of operating such devices are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Inventor: Jeffrey S. Davis
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Patent number: 6542135Abstract: The display device of the present invention is provided with a means (8) for setting the writing pulse width of the attentional light-emitting sub-field wider than the normal writing pulse width at all the gray scale levels in the case where at least two continuous non-light-emitting sub-fields possibly exist before the attentional light-emitting sub-field at a certain gray scale level among all the gray scale levels specified on the basis of the number Z of sub-fields and the weighting of the sub-fields. According to the display device of the present invention, the discharge for writing can be stably executed without reducing the number of sub-fields in one field.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuhiro Kasahara, Yuichi Ishikawa, Tomoko Morita, Makoto Kawachi, Tadayuki Masumori, Takao Wakitani, Toshio Wakahara, Akira Yawata
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Patent number: 6448950Abstract: A driving circuit for powering an electroluminescent display using energy recovered from a varying panel capacitance of the display. The driving circuit comprises a source of electrical energy; and a resonant circuit using the panel capacitance for receiving the electrical energy and in response generating a sinusoidal voltage to power the display at a resonance frequency which is substantially synchronized to a scanning frequency of the display. The resonant circuit uses a step down transformer to reduce the effective panel capacitance of the display in order to reduce its effect on the resonance frequency.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: iFire Technology Inc.Inventor: Chun-Fai Cheng
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Publication number: 20020079843Abstract: An AC type plasma display panel is designed so as to have the relationships of Wb>Wg>Wr and Db>Dg>Dr, where Wb, Wg and Wr denote the widths of blue, green and red discharge cells and Db, Dg and Dr denote the widths of address electrodes (15b, 15g and 15r) corresponding to respective colors. As a result, it is possible to adjust the electric charge stored in the discharge cells due to a write discharge according to colors, thereby making complete lighting write voltages of the discharge cells uniform. This achieves the AC type plasma display panel with an excellent display quality that has less occurrence of erroneous discharge and discharge flicker and an improved white display quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2002Publication date: June 27, 2002Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazunori Hirao, Kenji Kiriyama, Koji Aoto, Yoshihito Tahara, Taichi Shino, Kochi Wani
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Patent number: 6384542Abstract: An electron-emitting apparatus comprising a substrate, an electron-emitting device comprising a layer structure having a first electroconductive member provided on the surface of the substrate, an insulation layer provided on the first electroconductive member, and a second electroconductive member provided on the insulation layer, an anode electrode provided apart from the surface of the substrate, first voltage application means for applying potential, higher than the potential applied to the first electroconductive member, to the second electroconductive member, and second voltage application means for applying potential, higher than the potential applied to the second electroconductive member, to the anode electrode, wherein T1<A×exp [B×(Vf−&phgr;wk)/(Vf)] A=−0.50+0.56×log (T3), B=8.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takeo Tsukamoto
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Publication number: 20020039007Abstract: There is disclosed an image forming apparatus which can effectively inhibit various damages such as a pixel defect attributed to abnormal discharge, and which is extremely high in reliability. Adjacent sections of a conduction path 8a are electrically insulated from one another via cutouts 3 in a metal back surface 8, and the metal back surface 8 is constituted by the presence of the cutouts 3 to have a single detour-like conduction path 8a electrically interconnected (in series) at a high-voltage extracting section 7 as an end. Specifically, the conduction path 8a preferably has a zigzag or spiral shape. The conduction path 8a constituted in this manner also functions as an inductor and a resistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2000Publication date: April 4, 2002Inventors: Keisuke Yamamoto, Tamaki Kobayashi, Satoshi Mogi