Plural Diverse-type Load Devices Patents (Class 315/178)
  • Patent number: 11464089
    Abstract: A method for dynamically adjusting a PWM signal includes steps of: presetting a standard signal period and a standard duty ratio of an effective pulse; receiving a target duty ratio entered by a user and comparing the target duty ratio with the standard duty ratio; adjusting a duration of a signal period relative to the standard signal period while keeping a duration of the effective pulse unchanged to cause a duty ratio to reach the target duty ratio, when the target duty ratio is smaller than the standard duty ratio; adjusting the duration of the effective pulse while keeping the duration of the standard signal period unchanged to cause the duty ratio to reach the target duty ratio, when the target duty ratio is larger than the standard duty ratio, when the target duty ratio is equal to the standard duty ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventor: Weikai Jiang
  • Patent number: 11436902
    Abstract: A lighting fixture is provided. The lighting fixture includes a light source and an environmental detection system. The environmental detection system is coupled to a continuous supply of electrical power. The environmental detection system includes one or more sensors operable to detect a parameter associated with a space in which the lighting fixture is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas Matthew Hamilton, Blake Ashton Nickles
  • Patent number: 10440795
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the disclosed technology include a decorative lighting system that can be integrated with an artificial tree. The decorative lighting system may include a white light emitting diode (LED) light string and a variable-color LED light string. The variable-color LED light string may employ LED lamps having embedded Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) LEDs. The RGB LED lamps may include an embedded integrated circuit (IC) configured to communicate with and control the energizing of each of the corresponding RGB LEDs to create a multitude of colors and color combinations that can vary with time to create a light show. An electronic controller in communication with the LED lamps may allow a user to select the mode for the light show and further may provide a periodic reset signal to restart or re-synchronize the light show.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: POLYGROUP MACAU LIMITED (BVI)
    Inventors: Chi Yin Alan Leung, Chi Kin Samuel Kwok
  • Patent number: 10232763
    Abstract: An adaptive light module for incorporation into a vehicle's headlight assembly is provided, where the light module may be incorporated as a single unit, or incorporated as one of a plurality of units. The light module, which uses an LED array, collimating optics, illumination and projection micro-lens-arrays (HLAs), is configured to allow tailoring of the illumination intensity distribution by selectively activating/deactivating subsets of the LED array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Wiebke Eckstein, Hans-Christoph Eckstein, Eric Magnus Bach
  • Patent number: 10129959
    Abstract: A colorful light apparatus controlled by input edge signals from a power supply line includes a plurality of LED group, an edge signal generator configured to generate edge signals and output edge signals to the power supply line, and LED drivers configured to drive LED groups based on the edge signals from the power supply line corresponding to each LED group. The edge signal is generated by the controllable switch switching between on and off based on output signals of a control circuit, and is carried to the power supply line. The LED modules are configured to be driven to obtain a plurality of lighting modes, wherein each LED module and its drivers can be connected to the power supply line directly. The structures of the circuits are simple and of low cost. Moreover, various effects of decorations can be achieved by programming using a Microprocessor Control Unit (MCU).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Xiaohua Luo
  • Patent number: 9824878
    Abstract: A ceramic metal halide lamp includes a luminous tube; an illuminating arrangement having at least two illuminators serially connected with each other and deposed inside the luminous tube; and at least one retainer having at least contacting one end being contacted with an inner surface of the luminous tube to support the illuminators being stability located at a predetermined position inside said luminous tube, wherein the two illuminators are serially connected with each other along a central line of said luminous tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Su
  • Publication number: 20150035441
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes light sources differing from one another in terms of light-emission color and voltage drop when identical current flows therein, switches in one-to-one correspondence with the light sources, a DC power supply circuit, and a control circuit. The control circuit performs a first control of the switches through a time division control method such that an on-period of each switch is not overlapped with that of any other switch. The control circuit also performs a second control to individually control at least one of a target current magnitude, flowing through each switch in the switched-on state, and a target on-period length of each switch, and to adjust a ratio of the plurality of light sources in terms of a product of the target current magnitude and the target on-period length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Junichi HASEGAWA, Hiroshi KIDO, Akinori HIRAMATSU, Shigeru IDO
  • Patent number: 8933633
    Abstract: A lamp including a primary light source and a secondary light source, and a secondary light source control circuit configured to provide an operating voltage to the secondary light source. The secondary light source control circuit including a resistance element having an initial resistance which changes in response to being exposed to a temperature above a predetermined threshold. The secondary light source control circuit including a charging branch resistance-capacitance time constant that is configured to change with a change in the resistance element resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gabor Szabo, Jacint Gergely, Sandor Lukacs, Peter Lucz
  • Patent number: 8860312
    Abstract: A method for using an electronic ballast circuit configured to operate a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. Multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) are attached to the current output of the electronic ballast circuit, and current is driven from the current output to light said LEDs. Optionally, prior to driving current through the LEDs, the impedance of the current output is sensed; and the current is driven through the LEDs to light the LEDs upon detection of an impedance significantly lower than an impedance characteristic of the HID lamp. Ignition appropriate to ignite the high intensity discharge is not performed when LEDS are attached to the current output. Alternatively, a signal is provided to disconnect the LEDs during a high voltage output for ignition of the high intensity discharge (HID) lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Metrolight Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan Hollander
  • Patent number: 8816588
    Abstract: A lighting system and method combine at least one LED and at least one gas discharge lamp within a common housing. The lighting system includes a control system to dependently operate each LED and each gas discharge lamp during overlapping, non-identical periods of time. In at least one embodiment, the control system can provide light output by activating LEDs during gas discharge preheating operations and thus extend the useful life of each gas discharge lamp. When dimming the lighting system, the control system can reduce current to the gas discharge lamps and one or more gas discharge lamps can be phased out as dimming levels decrease. As dimming levels decrease, one or more of the LEDs can be activated or groups of LEDs can be phased in to replace the light output of the dimmed gas discharge lamps. Thus, the lighting system can reduce power consumption at low dimming levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Patent number: 8723429
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling a lighting system having a ballast is provided. The ballast may be used in a lamp system that utilizes different types of lamps. The ballast may detect a lamp signal that indicates a change in state of at least one of the lamps in the lighting system. A voltage regulator signal can be modified based on the detected lamp signal and the light system controlled based on the modified voltage regulator signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gang Yao, James Mieskoski
  • Patent number: 8723430
    Abstract: A lamp assembly provides both instant light through use of an incandescent/halogen light/lamp source and an energy saving type light provided by a compact fluorescent light/lamp source. Both light sources are enclosed within a common envelope or outer bulb. First and second thermal sensors are provided in the lamp envelope at spaced locations to monitor the temperature of the lamp. When the sum of these two temperatures reaches a preselected value, power to the incandescent lamp source is terminated. Alternatively, when the difference these two temperatures reaches a preselected value, power to the incandescent lamp source is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Peter Lucz, Laszlo Bankuti, Qi Long, Devin Sun
  • Patent number: 8669707
    Abstract: An electronic control gear for operating at least one of at least one LED and at least one discharge lamp is provided. It may include a first terminal for coupling to a phase of an AC voltage supply; a second terminal for coupling to the neutral conductor of the AC voltage supply; a control input for coupling in a control signal of a control apparatus; a first output for coupling to the LED; a second output for coupling to the discharge lamp; a first driver circuit for the LED; a second driver circuit for the discharge lamp; an evaluation apparatus for evaluating the control signal at the control input, the evaluation apparatus comprising a microcontroller, which activates said driver circuits depending on the control signal, wherein a first capacitance is coupled between the second terminal and the control input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: OSRAM AG
    Inventors: Maximilian Gerber, Reinhard Lecheler, Siegfried Mayer, Arwed Storm
  • Patent number: 8624499
    Abstract: A power converter that receives a plurality of direct current (DC) powers, which are received in different modes and have a common ground and substantially the same potential, and operates a plurality of loads, wherein the power converter operates the respective loads according to input states of the plurality of DC powers and supplies the plurality of loads with power via at least a common switch element or a common coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Toshifumi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8604715
    Abstract: A lamp tube switch circuit includes a first connector and a second connector for connecting a lamp tube, a power supply, a switch module including at least six switches connected between the power port, the first connector and second connector, a detecting unit connected between the first connector and the second connector, a control unit, a ballast and a starter. The detecting unit detects impedances between the pins of the lamp tube to determine the type of the lamp tube. The control unit is connected to the detecting unit, and operated to have some of the switches to turn one and the others to turn off whereby a drive circuit is formed enabling power from the power supply to flow through the lamp tube to make the lamp tube to generate light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qing-Shan Cao, Zheng-Nian Liu, Yu Hu, Jian-Pu Chen
  • Patent number: 8604706
    Abstract: A lamp tube switch circuit supplies power to a selected LED/fluorescent lamp tube connected between first and second connectors and comprises a ballast and a starter. A power supply has positive and negative terminals. A switch module comprises first, second and third switches each having a first end connecting with the positive terminal, fourth and fifth switches each having a first end connecting with the negative terminal and a sixth switch having a first end connecting with the first connector. A button module has six buttons one of which is correspondent to the selected lamp tube. A control unit is connected to the button module, and functions to turn on and turn off the switches with a predetermined mode according the selected lamp tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qing-Shan Cao, Zheng-Nian Liu, Lin-Shu Zhou, Ye-La An
  • Patent number: 8564208
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting device with color temperature adjusting functionality, comprising: a light-emitting device array module, a first driving unit, a second driving unit, a third driving unit, a fourth driving unit, a main controlling unit, and a power management unit, wherein the first driving unit, the second driving unit, the third driving unit, the fourth driving unit are used for respectively driving a first high color temperature light-emitting device array, a first low color temperature light-emitting device array, a second low color temperature light-emitting device array, and a second high color temperature light-emitting device array of the light-emitting device array module, so as to selectively drive a plurality of first high color temperature light-emitting devices, a plurality of first low color temperature light-emitting devices, a plurality of second low color temperature light-emitting devices, and a plurality of second high color temperature light-emitting devices to e
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventor: Jwo-Huei Jou
  • Patent number: 8558478
    Abstract: A hybrid lamp apparatus is presented having a primary lamp circuit with a CFL and an electronic ballast, as well as a Halogen or incandescent secondary lamp circuit with a control circuit that shuts off the secondary lamp a time period after powerup, where the secondary lamp time period varies according to the amount of time the apparatus was previously unpowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Qian Ni, Devin Sun, Peter Lucz, Balazs Torok
  • Publication number: 20130264952
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling a lighting system having a ballast is provided. The ballast may be used in a lamp system that utilizes different types of lamps. The ballast may detect a lamp signal that indicates a change in state of at least one of the lamps in the lighting system. A voltage regulator signal can be modified based on the detected lamp signal and the light system controlled based on the modified voltage regulator signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Gang Yao, James Mieskoski
  • Patent number: 8502458
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a dimmable operating device for the combined operation of a gas discharge lamp and a semiconductor light source is provided. The dimmable operating device may be configured such that only the semiconductor light source is operated in the lower dimming range and only the gas discharge lamp is operated in the upper dimming range, and at the changeover points at which one sort of light source out of the semiconductor light source and the gas discharge lamp is switched off or on, at the same time a jump in power is applied to the other light source out of the semiconductor light source and the gas discharge lamp, with the result that the human eye cannot perceive, or can only perceive with difficulty, the changeover point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Osram Gesellschaft Mit Beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventors: Andreas Huber, Thomas Mudra
  • Publication number: 20130082608
    Abstract: A dimming ballast allowing individual control of multiple lamps is described. The ballast includes a lamp driver to control at least one lamp. Further, the ballast includes a current sensing module , connected as part of a feedback loop from the at least one lamp to the lamp driver, the current sensing module being configured with a maximum allowable output current value for each lamp. A lamp resonant circuit, connected between the lamp driver and the at least one lamp, operates over the entire range of the output current values. A lamp status module is coupled to the lamp driver for monitoring at least one condition related to the at least one lamp being controlled. Moreover, a control module controls the lamp driver independently based on a feedback loop from the lamp status module. Various embodiments of the dimming ballast along with related methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jaiganesh Balasubramanian
  • Patent number: 8354803
    Abstract: A hybrid light source comprises a discrete-spectrum lamp (for example, a fluorescent lamp) and a continuous-spectrum lamp (for example, a halogen lamp). A control circuit individually controls the amount of power delivered to the discrete-spectrum lamp and the continuous-spectrum lamp in response to a phase-controlled voltage generated by a connected dimmer switch, such that a total light output of the hybrid light source ranges throughout a dimming range. The continuous-spectrum lamp is driven by a continuous-spectrum lamp drive circuit, which is operable to conduct a charging current of a power supply of the dimmer switch and to provide a path for enough current to flow through the hybrid light source, such that the magnitude of the current exceeds rated latching and holding currents of a thyristor of the dimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Newman, Jr., Keith Joseph Corrigan, Aaron Dobbins, Mehmet Ozbek, Mark Taipale, Joel S. Spira
  • Patent number: 8344642
    Abstract: A lighting device may include a transformer; a rail device, configured to be attached to a surface of an object, wherein the rail device has two rails, which are arranged so as to be spaced apart from one another, to which rail device a lamp can be attached and on which the lamp can be supplied with power, the rails being electrically connected to the transformer, at least one first lamp being arranged on the rails and being configured to be supplied with power in the low-voltage range via the transformer and the rails; and at least one second lamp being arranged on a housing of the transformer and being connected to the system voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: OSRAM GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Noll
  • Patent number: 8339048
    Abstract: A hybrid light source comprises a discrete-spectrum lamp (for example, a fluorescent lamp) and a continuous-spectrum lamp (for example, a halogen lamp). A control circuit individually controls the amount of power delivered to the discrete-spectrum lamp and the continuous-spectrum lamp in response to a phase-controlled voltage generated by a connected dimmer switch, such that a total light output of the hybrid light source ranges throughout a dimming range. The discrete-spectrum lamp is turned off and the continuous-spectrum lamp produces all of the total light intensity of the hybrid light source when the total light intensity is below a transition intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Newman, Jr., Keith Joseph Corrigan, Aaron Dobbins, Mehmet Ozbek, Mark S. Taipale, Joel S. Spira
  • Publication number: 20120268020
    Abstract: A hybrid light source comprises a discrete-spectrum lamp (for example, a fluorescent lamp) and a continuous-spectrum lamp (for example, a halogen lamp). A control circuit individually controls the amount of power delivered to the discrete-spectrum lamp and the continuous-spectrum lamp in response to a phase-controlled voltage generated by a connected dimmer switch, such that a total light output of the hybrid light source ranges throughout a dimming range. The continuous-spectrum lamp is driven by a continuous-spectrum lamp drive circuit, which is operable to conduct a charging current of a power supply of the dimmer switch and to provide a path for enough current to flow through the hybrid light source, such that the magnitude of the current exceeds rated latching and holding currents of a thyristor of the dimmer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Robert C. Newman, JR., Keith Joseph Corrigan, Aaron Dobbins, Mehmet Ozbek, Mark S. Taipale, Joel S. Spira
  • Patent number: 8228002
    Abstract: A hybrid light source comprises a discrete-spectrum lamp (for example, a fluorescent lamp) and a continuous-spectrum lamp (for example, a halogen lamp). A control circuit individually controls the amount of power delivered to the discrete-spectrum lamp and the continuous-spectrum lamp in response to a phase-controlled voltage generated by a connected dimmer switch, such that a total light output of the hybrid light source ranges throughout a dimming range. The discrete-spectrum lamp is turned off and the continuous-spectrum lamp produces all of the total light intensity of the hybrid light source when the total light intensity is below a transition intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Newman, Jr., Keith Joseph Corrigan, Aaron Dobbins, Mehmet Ozbek, Mark S. Taipale, Joel S. Spira
  • Publication number: 20120091903
    Abstract: A luminaire is disclosed that allows a transfer from ambient light to task light through physical manipulation by the user. The luminaire comprises OLED light sources for generating an ambient light effect and LED light sources for generating a task light effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Mathew Lee Bembridge, George Francis Watson, Oscar Enrique Pena, Stefano Luigi Marzano
  • Patent number: 8102127
    Abstract: A lighting system and method combine at least one LED and at least one gas discharge lamp within a common housing. The lighting system includes a control system to dependently operate each LED and each gas discharge lamp during overlapping, non-identical periods of time. In at least one embodiment, the control system can provide light output by activating LEDs during gas discharge preheating operations and thus extend the useful life of each gas discharge lamp. When dimming the lighting system, the control system can reduce current to the gas discharge lamps and one or more gas discharge lamps can be phased out as dimming levels decrease. As dimming levels decrease, one or more of the LEDs can be activated or groups of LEDs can be phased in to replace the light output of the dimmed gas discharge lamps. Thus, the lighting system can reduce power consumption at low dimming levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20110248637
    Abstract: An illumination device includes a replaceable lamp including at least one light emitting element; a lighting device for lighting the light emitting element by supplying a power to the lamp; and an illuminance correction unit for performing a dimming control on the lamp. The illuminance correction unit includes a timer for counting a cumulative lighting time of the light emitting element and a memory for storing the cumulative lighting time counted by the timer. The illuminance correction unit determines a dimming ratio of the light emitting element based on the cumulative lighting time stored in the memory and an illuminance correction characteristic, in which the relationship between the cumulative lighting time and the dimming ratio of the light emitting element is determined to uniformly maintain a light output from the light emitting element even when the cumulative lighting time increases. The memory is provided in the lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kei MITSUYASU, Katunobu Hamamoto
  • Publication number: 20110176326
    Abstract: An illuminatable apparatus includes a fabric sheet containing fiber optic rods interwoven with fabric threads. The ends of the fiber optic rods are bundled together to form a ferrule which is removably insertable into a holder carrying a light source and a power source. An outer ferrule can be fixed over the sleeve-like ferrule or robust applications. The holder may be removably attached to articles of clothing. The illuminatable fabric sheet can be used as an optical bandage, in a medical cast, in a negative pressure device, or in a bed pad/sheet, or in a therapeutic brace support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: John Stephan
  • Publication number: 20100181922
    Abstract: A lighting device may include a transformer; a rail device, configured to be attached to a surface of an object, wherein the rail device has two rails, which are arranged so as to be spaced apart from one another, to which rail device a lamp can be attached and on which the lamp can be supplied with power, the rails being electrically connected to the transformer, at least one first lamp being arranged on the rails and being configured to be supplied with power in the low-voltage range via the transformer and the rails; and at least one second lamp being arranged on a housing of the transformer and being connected to the system voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: OSRAM GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRAENKTER HAFTUNG
    Inventor: Thomas Noll
  • Publication number: 20100141158
    Abstract: A hybrid light source comprises a discrete-spectrum lamp (for example, a fluorescent lamp) and a continuous-spectrum lamp (for example, a halogen lamp). A control circuit individually controls the amount of power delivered to the discrete-spectrum lamp and the continuous-spectrum lamp in response to a phase-controlled voltage generated by a connected dimmer switch, such that a total light output of the hybrid light source ranges throughout a dimming range. The discrete-spectrum lamp is turned off and the continuous-spectrum lamp produces all of the total light intensity of the hybrid light source when the total light intensity is below a transition intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Robert C. Newman, JR., Keith Joseph Corrigan, Aaron Dobbins, Mehmet Ozbek, Mark S. Taipale, Joel S. Spira
  • Publication number: 20100052551
    Abstract: A lamp has a power management circuit 11. It includes an integrated circuit 12 for control of the lamp. The IC can be controlled by operation of a switch 7 to apply a voltage on line 30 switch on the transistor 26.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Roger Lionel David Sparrow
  • Publication number: 20090146942
    Abstract: A backlight apparatus includes a plurality of light source parts, a plurality of transformers and a scanning control part. The light source parts include at least one light source, respectively. The transformers provide the light source parts with power, respectively. The scanning control part drives a first transformer based on a vertical synchronization signal Vsync provided from an external device and sequentially driving at least one of remaining transformers based on a clock signal provided from the external device. Therefore, a light emitting time between light source groups may be made uniform even though an operating frequency corresponding to images is varied, so that a response time of a moving picture may be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyoung-Rae LEE, Sang-Won LEE, Ri-Na YOU
  • Publication number: 20090051295
    Abstract: An apparatus for radiating an object with UV-radiation, the apparatus comprises a series arrangement of an incandescent lamp (LA1) and a gas discharge UV lamp (L2) which generates at least UV light. The series arrangement is arranged for receiving current (IP) from an AC power source (PS). A controllable switching element (T1) is arranged for obtaining a lamp current (ILA1) through the incandescent lamp (LA1) to preheat the incandescent lamp (LA1) before igniting the gas discharge UV lamp (L2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Ettes, Jacob Dijkstra, Andries Bron
  • Patent number: 7489091
    Abstract: A backlight unit includes: a plurality of cold cathode fluorescent lamps; a plurality of capacitors respectively connected to both ends of each of the cold cathode fluorescent lamps, the capacitors having respective impedance that are selected to allow the same amount of current to flow through each of the plurality of the cold cathode fluorescent lamps; and an inverter connected to the capacitors of the cold cathode fluorescent lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pu Jin Kim, Jae Ho Lee, Yong Kon Lee
  • Patent number: 7248230
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an ornamental system, apparatus and method that is dynamically modifiable. Embodiments of the ornament system comprise a processor, at least one ornamental member and a data controller. The processor is a computer which stores user input data for transmission and transmits a request for the transmission of data files. The ornamental member is configured to receive and display image data stored in a database, wherein the stored data can be changed at anytime. Embodiments of the present invention can be coupled to other ornamental systems across a wide area network, wherein users can share data files for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Gregory A. Piccionelli
  • Patent number: 7215523
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an integrated circuit is applied to an electrical apparatus having a control unit. The control unit is used for controlling the integrated circuit and the protecting apparatus. The protecting apparatus includes a power input terminal, a power output terminal, and a control terminal. The power input terminal is used for receiving a power, and the power output terminal is used for outputting the power to the integrated circuit. The control terminal is used for receiving a control voltage of the control unit. When the control unit is at the power on mode, the control unit outputs the control voltage of a first level to prevent the power being input to the integrated circuit. Over a predetermined period of time, the control unit outputs the control voltage of a second level, so that the power can be input to the integrated through the protecting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventor: Chih-Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 7102301
    Abstract: A decorative light strand has user-selectable color schemes corresponding to each holiday for year-round use. The light strand has a plurality of differently colored lights; a decorating selector comprising a switch which provides a plurality of user-selectable settings; and logic coupled to the switch and the plurality of differently colored lights to provide different holiday color schemes in response to the user-selectable settings. In one specific example, the light strand includes a plurality of red lights, a plurality of white lights, a plurality of blue lights, a plurality of green lights, a plurality of orange lights, and a plurality of yellow lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventors: Frank Joseph Oskorep, John Jeffery Oskorep
  • Patent number: 6933680
    Abstract: A decorative light strand has user-selectable color schemes corresponding to several holidays for year-round use. The light strand has a plurality of lights including at least one commonly-controlled set of color-controllable multi-color LEDs; a decorating selector comprising a switch which provides a plurality of user-selectable settings; and logic coupled to the switch and the plurality of lights to provide different holiday color schemes in response to the user-selectable settings. Preferably, a plurality of commonly-controlled sets of color-controllable multi-color LEDs exist along the strand, where LEDs of each set are interleaved with LEDs of other sets along the light strand. Advantageously, this light strand may be hung permanently and utilized year-round for major holidays and other suitable occasions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Frank Joseph Oskorep, John Jeffrey Oskorep
  • Patent number: 6768268
    Abstract: A dimmer for vehicle use of the present invention has a circuitry in which an output part of an amplifier in an oscillating circuit is grounded through a diode and a ground resistor in series, an anode of the diode is coupled to the output part, and a junction point between a cathode of the diode and the ground resistor is coupled to a non-inversion input part through a feedback resistor. The dimmer can subject stable brightness prevented from changing in response to ambient temperature in the simple and inexpensive circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Fujita, Tsurugi Sawai
  • Patent number: 6690120
    Abstract: A decorative light strand has user-selectable color schemes corresponding to each holiday for year-round use. The light strand has a plurality of differently colored lights; a decorating selector comprising a switch which provides a plurality of user-selectable settings; and logic coupled to the switch and the plurality of differently colored lights to provide different holiday color schemes in response to the user-selectable settings. In one specific example, the light strand includes a plurality of red lights, a plurality of white lights, a plurality of blue lights, a plurality of green lights, a plurality of orange lights, and a plurality of yellow lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Joseph Oskorep, John Jeffery Oskorep
  • Patent number: 6621224
    Abstract: A light-controlling device of this invention includes a controlling circuit having a function for turning an incandescent lamp and an LED off simultaneously, which have different minimum voltages each other at predetermined illumination. When illumination of the lamp and the LED decrease to the predetermined illumination by rotating an operating section of a variable resistor, the controlling circuit turns the lamp and the LED off based on a signal from a detecting switch linked with rotating operation of the operating section. As a result, an operator does not feel strange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeyoshi Umezawa, Tsurugi Sawai, Toshihiro Nomura, Yoshiyuki Nakade
  • Patent number: 6329755
    Abstract: A light adjustment device for a vehicle comprises: a control circuit 8 connected to a lamp 2; a first variable resistor 20 for adjusting the intensity of illumination of the lamp 2 by changing the output voltage of the control circuit 8; and a second variable resistor, having different resistance value characteristics to the first variable resistor 20, for adjusting the intensity of illumination of the LED 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Nakade, Shigeyoshi Umezawa, Masahiro Takamatsu, Shigeo Shigeyama
  • Patent number: 6169373
    Abstract: A work light includes a generally cylindrical, at least partly transparent housing, a first light source which is an elongated, rodlike bulb disposed within the housing, a second light source which is a narrow beam bulb disposed within the housing at one end face thereof, a connection of the first light source to an alternating current electrical main and a hangar hook projecting externally from the housing. Circuitry is also provided for converting alternating current of a first frequency from the main into direct current, for converting the direct current into alternating current of a second frequency substantially higher than the first frequency, and for selectively operating the first light source and the second light source with the alternating current of a second frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Josef Riesinger
  • Patent number: 6155694
    Abstract: A multi-flash strobe light pattern is superimposed on each individual light pulse produced by an incandescent lamp to provide a warning signal of enhanced visibility in a particulate laden ambient environment. The first pulse of each multi-flash strobe pattern is delayed for a time period, subsequent to energization of the incandescent lamp, which is equal to at least 80% of the time required for the incandescent lamp to achieve its maximum light output intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Wayne Lyons, James L. Stopa
  • Patent number: 5793164
    Abstract: A wing tip system for rotor craft includes a downwardly-facing light housing to provide a visual aid to rotor wingtip position. This system is visible to crew members and to adjacent crew, particularly when using night vision goggles (NVG) or other ambient night vision (ANVIS) equipment. This allows tip lighting to be provided in situations where covert helicopter operations are desired. The lighting further is compatible with ANVIS equipment, in that it permits operation noncandescent light in order to prevent blooming or other effects which would otherwise diminish the effectiveness of the ANVIS equipment. The lighting system further has a higher level of illumination, in which rotor tip lighting is increased to become more visible without the use of ANVIS equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Ricky J. Authier
  • Patent number: 5763964
    Abstract: A high frequency power supply for distributed luminous tube signage including a master power unit and one or more slave units. The master unit includes a digital oscillator, controller, and electronic switches to induce a switched high frequency waveform across the primary of an output transformer. This waveform is preferably of a non-symmetrical variety to minimize neon bubble formation and mercury gas migration. The output transformer includes one or more low voltage ancillary power outputs for interconnection through appropriate twisted pairs or other transmission medium to the slave units. A high voltage secondary for direct luminous tube connection may also be provided. Various slave unit topologies are contemplated including remote or moving luminous tube segments; electronic controllers and sequencers, and motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Everbrite, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Rotta
  • Patent number: 5661347
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention the circuitry arrangement comprises a central unit (5) and a plurality of peripheral units, such as control apparatuses for lamps, connected with the central unit via a data bus. These peripheral units are each connected with the data bus (1) via a coupling unit (3), each coupling unit (3) having a receiving branch for the transfer of information from the central unit (5) to the peripheral unit, and a transmission branch for the transfer of information from the peripheral unit to the central unit (5). Here, the central unit (5) sends out information in the form of a modulated a.c or pulse voltage onto the data bus. The transmission branch applies information to the data bus (1) in that the output resistance of the transmission branch is varied. Because the receiving branch in the coupling unit (3) is continuously active and the transmission branch is inactive in the case of non-sending operation, at most a very small return current is consumed in the coupling unit (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Tridonic Bauelemente GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Luger, Walter Werner
  • Patent number: 5661367
    Abstract: A high pressure gas discharge lamp includes first and second discharge devices electrically connected in series within an outer envelope. The discharge devices each include a discharge vessel enclosing a discharge space with an ionizable fill and first and second discharge electrode assemblies. The first discharge electrode assemblies of the discharge devices are connected so as to receive a starting pulse and lamp operating voltage. Each discharge vessel includes a first wall portion spaced from the first discharge electrode assembly and defining an ionizable gap therebetween. A conductive element bridges the discharge devices at the first wall portions and capacitively couples the first discharge electrode assemblies to induce ionization in one of the discharge devices in the ionizable gap between the first wall portion and first discharge electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Philips Electronics North America Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Fellows, Andrew D. Jackson, Daniel H. Shumway