Abstract: An integrated LED driving device for multiple LED strings which employs a single linear regulator or other controller and a multiple-output current mirror which is almost independent of the DC input voltage source, almost independent of the transistor's or MOSFET's variations from the semiconductor integration process, and almost independent of temperature variation. The multiple-output current mirror includes a plurality of transistors or MOSFETs each of which are integrated on the same substrate, with identical width-to-length channel ratios and with identical source and gate connections. The integrated LED driving device provides for automatic current sharing in a DC mode and, alternately, with minimized phase delays in a PWM mode. The mirror-output current mirror may include mirror-cascode transistor pairs.

Abstract: A central controller and a number of image projection lighting devices (“IPLD”), a type of multiparameter light, are interconnected by an enhanced performance communications path that is capable of simultaneously carrying different digital signals on various bidirectional channels, such as various content signals, including continuous video and/or audio, in digital form on respective content transfer channels, a command signal on a control channel, and a control or content signal in digital form on an auxiliary channel. In accordance with commands transmitted from the central controller over the control channel, content signals may be sent from any of the IPLDs to any other of the IPLDs, or from the central controller to any of the IPLDs, or from any of the IPLDs to the central controller. The IPLDs have respective unique device addresses, and the control channel, the auxiliary channel, and the content transfer channels also have respective unique channel addresses.

Abstract: A typical light fixture is an integral unit that has a lamp assembly and a communications node to control the lamp assembly. Lighting systems contain many such light fixtures. One type of lighting system has at least two communications systems that interconnect the light fixtures. A digital controller is connected to one of the communications systems, at least one of the light fixtures of that communications system is a designated gateway for sending control signals to the other communications system. Another type of lighting system has two digital controllers connected to respective communications systems. Each of the communications systems interconnects many light fixtures, at least one of which has two communications nodes respectively connected to the communications systems. A third type of lighting system mixes combines the first and second types.

Abstract: A theatre system operating in compliance with the DMX512 protocol is also able to support remote channel assignment of the various theatre devices included therein as well as other auxiliary operating modes by establishing a device hierarchy based on unique ID numbers assigned to the theatre devices when DMX communication is inactive. The theatre devices communicate with each other bi-directionally to establish a device hierarchy. Each theatre device has a pre-assigned unique device identification number, and a hierarchy is established based on these unique ID numbers. One way to establish a hierarchy is to create a list of the unique device identification numbers of the bi-directional theatre devices in the system, and then determine the position of each theatre device on the list. The list may be assembled by one of the bi-directional theatre devices and broadcast to all when completed, or each bi-directional theatre device may itself assemble a complete list.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for operating one of a plurality of lamps employed within a luminaire via a single ballast, thereby extending the operational life of the luminaire. The operating lamp disables the lamps downstream from itself by preventing current from conducting through lamps other than the operating lamp. The lamps upstream from the operating lamp typically lack a sufficient voltage for ignition and operation. However, if any of the upstream lamps begin to operate, the lamps operating downstream cease to operate. In the event that two lamps begin to operate in an asymmetric manner, a capacitor is preferably provided to maintain a reverse voltage with respect to the output of the ballast, thus ensuring reduced voltage across the rectified lamps until one lamp extinguishes and the second lamp begins to operate.

Abstract: A typical light fixture is an integral unit that has a lamp assembly and a communications node to control the lamp assembly. Lighting systems contain many such light fixtures. One type of lighting system has at least two communications systems that interconnect the light fixtures. A digital controller is connected to one of the communications systems, at least one of the light fixtures of that communications system is a designated gateway for sending control signals to the other communications system. Another type of lighting system has two digital controllers connected to respective communications systems. Each of the communications systems interconnects many light fixtures, at least one of which has two communications nodes respectively connected to the communications systems. A third type of lighting system mixes combines the first and second types.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a plurality of control modules distributed on the AC power line for remote control of lights within a residential/office building structure. Each control module is hard-wired to an electrical load and is provided with a dimmer and up to four control switches and LEDs for status indication. Each control module has a data decoder, a switch and LED interface, a dimmer driver and processor with memory for independently processing and communicating data signals to the other control modules on the AC power line without the need for a central processor to coordinate the lighting control operation. Every control module is programmable through a programmable module and a PC. The system data downloaded to each control module includes a unique address, a system configuration file and a response file for evaluating system transmission commands. Each control switch may be programmed to control the hard-wired load or any other load in the system.

Abstract: In a discharge lamp lighting circuit 1 using a common starter circuit 5A to a plurality of discharge lamps 6i (i=1, 2, . . . , n) to start the discharge lamps 6, the starter circuit 5A has a transformer 7 comprising a plurality of secondary windings 7bi (i=1, 2, . . . , n) provided for a primary winding 7a. A primary circuit 8 comprises a capacitor 9 and a switch element 10 and the generated voltage when the capacitor 9 is charged when the switch element 10 conducts is increased by the transformer 7, then is applied through each secondary winding to the corresponding discharge lamp.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for selectively providing electric supply voltage from an input feed line with a neutral conductor, a phase conductor and optionally an earth conductor to individual or parallel-connected groups of connected terminals each comprising a phase core, a neutral core and optionally an earth core, to which electrical units using electricity, for instance light fittings, are or can be connected, which circuit includes: a neutral connection between the neutral conductor and each neutral core; optionally an earth connection between each earth conductor and each earth core; a phase connection between the phase conductor and each phase core, in which phase connection is arranged a current control element; and an overcurrent safety element, for instance a fuse, which is incorporated in each phase connection and which limits the current to the maximum value determined for the relevant phase connection.

Abstract: A digital illumination adjusting circuit used to adjust the output to a power level of an alternating load via a digital setting manner is disclosed. The digital illumination adjusting circuit includes a microprocessor unit, a power phase detecting circuit, a time base signal generating circuit, a display, and an input pad. The microprocessor unit receives a phase synchronization signal from the power phase detecting circuit, utilizing half cycle of the alternating current power as a counting period, utilizing a time base signal generated from the time base signal generating circuit as counting pulses for the counting period. The microprocessor generates a switch control signal for controlling a conductive angle of the switch circuit which in turn controls the power output to the load.

Abstract: A variable-effect lighting system includes a lamp assembly, and a programmable lamp controller. The lamp assembly comprises a string of bicolored lamps, each bicolored lamp including a first illuminating element for producing a first color of light, and a second illuminating element for producing a second color of light. The programmable lamp controller is coupled to the lamp assembly for setting the conduction angle of the illuminating elements according to at least one predetermined pattern stored in a memory of the lamp controller. Preferably, the controller includes a user-operable input to allow the user to select the predetermined pattern and hence the color display as desired.

Abstract: A system for promoting passive end of life light source failure in response to thermal cycling of the light source includes an automatic relay in communication with a ballast or groups thereof for interrupting power to the associated light sources. Alternatively, the relay may be configured to short out the light source directly. The automatic relays are configured to turn off associated light sources at predetermined or random times for predetermined or random durations.

Abstract: A lamp device includes an oscillating circuit and a brightness control circuit coupled to the lamp member. The brightness control circuit has two or more capacitors of different capacitances for energizing the lamp device to different brightnesses. A contacting control circuit is coupled to the brightness control circuit via an integrated circuit for actuating the lamp device via the integrated circuit by contacting a terminal of the contacting control circuit. A switching circuit is coupled to the brightness control circuit for selectively actuating the capacitors.

Abstract: An electron emission device exhibits a high electron emission efficiency. The device includes an electron-supply layer of metal or semiconductor, an insulator layer formed on the electron-supply layer, and a thin-film metal electrode formed on the insulator layer. The insulator layer has at a film thickness of 50 nm or greater and a field-stabilizing layer. When an electric field is applied between the electron-supply layer and the thin-film metal electrode, the electron emission device emits electrons.

Abstract: A backlight device for a color liquid crystal display includes a high-voltage generating means including a d.c. power source, an inverter and a switch interposed between the d.c. power source and the inverter to control the output supplied from the high-voltage generating means. Connected to the high-voltage generating means are three cold cathode-ray tubes in parallel for generating three colors, red, green and blue, and connected in series to respective cold cathode-ray tubes are switching means which may be bi-directional thyristors which are readily available, inexpensive, resistant to high voltages and permit a current to flow in both directions.

Abstract: An electrical go-go light belt includes a sawtooth or step-wave generator. The sawtooth or step-wave is transmitted to a lamp section via a drive line, the voltage of the rising sawtooth or step-wave being supplied to a voltage divider to trigger silicon controlled rectifiers and turn on any bulbs that are connected in series with the rectifiers one by one. The rearmost bulb in a preceding lamp section is turned on to trigger the sawtooth or step-wave generator of the relay circuit of the next lamp section so as to turn on the bulbs of that section, the last bulb of which triggers the sawtooth or step-wave relay of a further section, and so forth. A control system regulates the frequency of the sawtooth or step-waves emitted by the sawtooth or step wave generator of the current lamp section, and the relay circuits, in order to control the rate at which bulbs are turned on.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improvement of a field emission display architecture in which low-voltage row and column address signals control a much higher pixel activation voltage. Instead of using a pair of series-coupled transistors the emitter node grounding path as in the original architecture (one of which is gated by a column signal d the other of which is gated by a row signal), only a single transistor is utilized in the emitter node grounding path thus eliminating an intermediate node between the two transistors that was responsible for unwanted emissions under certain operating conditions. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a current regulating resistor is placed in the grounding path in series with the primary grounding transistor, with the resistor being directly coupled to ground. Additionally, for the preferred embodiment of the invention, the gate of the grounding transistor is coupled via a second field-effect transistor to either a row signal or a column signal.

Abstract: A system for remote control of electrical load devices, particularly electrical lighting where the commands are broadcast over a radio pager system. A radio pager receiver is located within or nearby the electrical light fixture and is normally in a standby state, receives the commands broadcast. The radio pager receiver is connected to a computer processor and electronic circuitry. The computer processor interprets the commands and instructs the electronic circuitry to perform a desired operation. These operations include but are not limited to turning an electrical light element or group of electrical light elements on or off, dimming the light element or reprogramming the electrical light element to be included in a different control group of lights. Before the operation is accomplished, the computer processor checks for the appropriate security code entry.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an improvement of a field emission display architecture in which low-voltage row and column address signals control a much higher pixel activation voltage. Instead of using a pair of series-coupled transistors in the emitter node grounding path as in the original architecture (one of which is gated by a column signal and the other of which is gated by a row signal), only a single transistor is utilized in the emitter node grounding path, thus eliminating an intermediate node between the two transistors that was responsible for unwanted emissions under certain operating conditions. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a current regulating resistor is placed in the grounding path in series with the primary grounding transistor, with the resistor being directly coupled to ground. Additionally, for the preferred embodiment of the invention, the gate of the grounding transistor is coupled via a second field-effect transistor to either a row signal or a column signal.

Abstract: A dual mode exterior lamp for an aircraft includes a higher intensity anticollision light, a lower intensity recognition light, a power supply for the lights, and means for activating the anticollision light when the aircraft is airborne and for activating the recognition light when the aircraft is on the ground. In the preferred embodiment the activating means is responsive to a landing gear position switch.

Abstract: A current mirror circuit has first through fourth transistors. The first and second transistors are of a first conductivity type and have their emitters connected to a power source and their bases commonly connected. The third transistor is of the first conductivity type and has its collector connected to a reference potential, its emitter connected to the bases of the first and second transistors, and its base connected to a collector of the first transistor. The fourth transistor is of the first conductivity type and has its emitter connected to a collector of the second transistor. A control device controls a base of the fourth transistor by an output current which changes in accordance with a current flowing in the collector of the first transistor.

Abstract: A recessed lighting fixture system comprising a power service module which includes sockets for receiving fluorescent light lamps, a ballast for driving each of the light lamps, and a field adjustable connector which is electrically connected to the sockets and the ballasts. The power service module mounts in a mounting frame assembly which is mounted in the ceiling. A primary terminal block is provided in the mounting assembly and is connected to the main power supply. When mounted in the mounting assembly, the field adjustable connector connects to the primary terminal block, thus connecting the light lamps and ballasts to the main power supply. The field adjustable connector is four-pole pre-wired for providing single phase or dual phase power supply to the ballasts of the respective fluorescent light lamps.

Abstract: An illumination control apparatus is constituted by a main operation panel for performing dimming control of a plurality of different lighting units, a plurality of dimming terminals for receiving dimming data from the main operation panel, and a pair of transmission lines for connecting the plurality of dimming terminals to the main operation panel. In the dimming terminals, the types of different lighting unit are selected in accordance with the dimming data from the main operation panel. Upon selection of the types, the dimming characteristics of the lighting units are converted into desired dimming characteristics, respectively. Dimming signals corresponding to the lighting units are formed on the basis of the dimming characteristics obtained by the conversion. The formed dimming signals are output to the lighting units. With this operation, dimming outputs from the plurality of different lighting units are controlled in accordance with the dimming data from the main operation panel.

Abstract: A plurality of current transformers connected in series provide secondary winding sides respectively connected to lamps. A constant-current source is provided to supply constant current to these lamps. Each lamp is connected to the corresponding terminal unit including a short-circuit switch for short-circuiting the secondary winding side of the transformer when the lamp is disconnected. A master station issues a request for detecting a disconnected lamp or checking whether or not failure occurs in the terminal unit to each terminal unit in the form of an instant power interruption. Each terminal unit has a proper identification time assigned thereto.

Abstract: A lighting control system for pinball games employs a lighting circuit board that supports at least one string of lamps connected in parallel. The lighting board associates a triac with each lighting string for switching the output of an a.c. power supply to each lighting string. The triacs are controlled responsive to the output of a zero-cross detection circuit, which monitors the a.c. power supply. The intensity of the lighting strings is independently controllable responsive to conditions on the game playfield by varying the length of time the triac switches power relative to the zero-crossing point of the output of the a.c. power supply.

Abstract: A table lamp controlling device comprising a power controller controlled by a scanner, which detects signal input, to produce a signal output for driving a starter, via a mercury switch, to increase or reduce the intensity of light of the lamp or to cut off power supply to the lamp according to the value of signal output. The mercury switch cuts off the connection between the power controller and the starter to turn off power supply once the lamp falls from its standing position. Timer is connected to the power controller for the control. Indicator lamp is turned on once the signal output from the power controller is cleared.

Abstract: A track lighting system is provided including a power track electrically connected to electrical power lines in a building. A plurality of track lighting units are selectively engageable with the power track. Each track lighting unit includes a signal responsive switch that responds to signals transmitted over the power lines of a building. The track lighting system further includes a transmitter that is selectively engageable with the power circuitry to transmit signals to control the operation of the signal responsive switches and the track lighting units to which the switches are operatively connected.

Abstract: Novel systems, circuits, and methods for initiating ionization, maintaining constant illumination current, and extinguishing illumination in a gas discharge tube and in gas discharge tube arrays. Input controls for current regulating circuits for gas discharge tubes comprise directly connected semiconductor logic circuits. In the currently preferred embodiment, each gas discharge tube is maintained in consistently bright illumination by a constant current or extinguished by inhibition of the constant current, as controlled by a surprisingly simple circuit comprising a single PNP transistor and three resistors. A parallel coupled input which provides an impedance connection for a gas discharge tube ionizing high voltage pulse comprises a single resistor and a serially interposed isolating diode which protects the transistor from the high voltage ionizing pulse and imposes the ionizing pulse primarily upon the gas discharge tube.

Abstract: A lighting control circuit having particular adaptability to tractor-trailer truck usage where a considerable increase of illumination is provided for the best interests of safety. The circuitry provides non-blinking left and right turn signal lights which supplement the blinking of the existing turn signal lights. Additionally, backup lights are programmed into the circuit operation. Through the use of a four-way flasher control, all the lights on the vehicle are caused to serve flashing, signaling an/or blinking purposes, except those provided by the invention which remain non-blinking.

Abstract: An improved pellicle for use in projection printing comprises a pellicle in which the transparent film is formed from a specific polyvinyl butyral resin from a casting composition which is a mixture of the specific polyvinyl butyral resin and dimethylformamide.

Abstract: A heavy duty flasher for incandescent lamps for a motor coach or the like incorporates a pair of power MOSFETs in parallel for efficient, cool operation and includes a pair of timers, one for flash rate control and the other for producing AC for operating a voltage multiplier to provide gate voltage for the MOSFETs. Protective circuitry senses current overload and terminates current flow to protect the power devices while allowing inrush current to the lamps at the beginning of each cycle. A circuit sensitive to the presence of load supplies power to the timers only under load conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for altering the amount of electrical energy supplied to a plurality of fluorescent lamps, has a first switch connected in series between a source of electrical energy and a plurality of lamps connected in parallel. The first switch may be a simple ON-OFF, single pole- single throw wall switch. A second switch is connected in series with less than all of the lamps and is an electrically actuated toggle switch which responds to actuation of the wall switch. Multiple actuation of the wall switch permits turning all lights on or off or some on while others are off.

Abstract: A track lighting system including remote on-off control of the lighting element, carrier-current transmitter for transmitting carrier-current signals over power lines, a bipolar rail for the electric power connected to the signal transmitter, a lamp holder comprising a first section cooperating with the rail, an intermediate section housing, a receiver for receiving the carrier-current signals and connected to a power switch, and an end section for supporting a lighting element, and selecting apparatus housed in the intermediate section for adjusting the receiver so that the receiver is responsive only to one among a plurality of the carrier-current signals sent over the power lines through the bipolar rail. The selecting apparatus includes a comb connection associated with the receiver and a movable contact for selecting the one signal to which the receiver is to be responsive.

Abstract: A lamp switching circuit and method for selectively energizing one or more lamps of a bank of lamps and thereafter energizing other of the lamps when power is interrupted and next applied. The lamp switching circuit and method is also effective in selectively and sequentially operating one or more ballasts in a group of ballasts which, in turn, operate one or more lamps in a circuit arrangement. The lamps with which the present invention is used are typically phosphor excitable lamps, such as flourescent lamps. In this way, power consumption is reduced, even through lumen output is correspondingly reduced. However, by selectively and sequentially energizing only certain of the lamps in a circuit arrangement, the overall life of the lamps is materially increased. Moreover, the lamps will operate with the same degree of efficiency as they would operate if all lamps connected to a ballast were operating.

Abstract: A microprocessor based controller for electric liturgical lights similar to an array of votive candles including controllable duration of "burn" as well as selective actuation by the user in a variety of modes. The duration of burn for all lights is controlled by a singular timer which is located within the stand supporting the array. Data indicative of the operational state of a light array may also be transferred to a remote light array for continuation of operation at the remote site.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an electrical lamp to control the electrical energy from a source of electrical power to the lamp to simulate the emission of a flame, the apparatus including an intensity controller section having first and second manually adjustable signal generating devices, the first being settable to the desired average brightness of the lamp, and the second being settable to a desired "flicker intensity". The flicker is effected by means of circuitry effectively providing a modulation about the value of the first signal. The magnitude of "flickering" may be reduced to zero permitting un-modulated full range light dimming control. A phase-angle controllable switching device in circuit relation with the lamp is actuated by a gate circuit within the circuitry. One or more lamps may be employed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electronic dimmer with specific computer control especially for theatrical productions with an emphasis upon improved electronic processing especially a parallel access memory.

Abstract: An illumination mode selecting device for an illumination lamp having more than one individual illumination element is arranged so as to enable an operator to remotely control the number of illumination elements to be lit without special wiring between the remote control and the illumination lamp. A mode selector consists of a switch in parallel with an impedance. The mode selector is placed in series with an A.C. line connected between an A.C. power source and the illumination lamp. The speed of operation of the switch of the mode selector determines the mode of operation of the illumination lamp, that is the number of separate illumination elements which are to be lit.

Abstract: In a lighting installation comprising light sources each connected to an A.C. supply system, a control device including: power variation circuits connected to the different sources and each comprising means for varying the electrical power supplied to the respective source, in response to magnitude variations of an electrical quantity, and control circuits associated to the different sources and each comprising a clock circuit, an illuminating programme circuit in which is recorded a programme representing desired timed variations of the illuminating power for a given period, a selection circuit receiving clock pulses from the clock circuit and connected to the programme circuit for selecting an illuminating power dependent on the elapsed time from the beginning of said period, and an output circuit for converting said selected power to a particular magnitude of said electrical quantity.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus for independently controlling the lighting level in several areas or zones. For example, each zone has two fluorescent lamp units, one connected between the power lines through the contacts of a first low voltage AC latching relay, and the other which produces about half the light of the first connected between the power lines through the contacts of a second relay. Each relay has three terminals. When a low voltage AC signal is applied between a first terminal and a common terminal, the relay is latched closed; and when a low voltage AC signal is applied between a second terminal and a common terminal the relay is latched open. The common terminals of the two relays of each zone are connected together to provide enable connections identifying each zone.

Abstract: A preset lighting device in which the number of common input and output terminals is reduced and which does not respond to a duplicate switch activation state so that a previously-determined lighting state as maintained until a valid activation state is present. A lighting element is provided for each of plural input switches which are in turn coupled to corresponding input/output terminals. A latch circuit is provided for each lighting element to maintain the lighted state until reset occurs. First and second gate circuits detect a duplicate switching state and control the activation of the lighting elements accordingly.

Abstract: A switching circuit for energizing a load, such as fluorescent lamp ballasts, in response to a control signal of preselected frequency superimposed on AC power circuits which supply the load. A triac is gated to conduct the AC power to the load by a circuit including an impedance element and a series resonant LC network tuned to the frequency of the control signal. The gate circuit is arranged to block the control signal during all but a small portion of each half cycle of the applied AC power, thereby reducing the consumption of control signal power.

Abstract: Electronic touch key assembly with a metal probe having touch or keying surfaces through which, when the surfaces are contacted, a capacitive reactive current flows, triggering a switching amplifier through which an electronic valve for controlling brightness of a lamp is opened, including a high resistance serially connected to the touch or keying surfaces, the surfaces being formed of metal and being insulated from one another, a filter and a rectifier connected to the high resistance, the high resistance serving through the filter and the rectifier as a voltage source, a first and a second bistable multivibrator, the voltage source having an output connected to the second bistable multivibrator, the first bistable multivibrator being connected to the second bistable multivibrator and serving as a switching amplifier which, at a defined voltage threshold of the line voltage, sets the second bistable multivibrator into an opposite output state, a PNP transistor having a base, the second bistable multivibrato

Abstract: A light control system for selectively controlling the light intensity levels of a plurality of light groups, each group including one or more lights, is disclosed. The system comprises a control for generating a parallel binary-coded signal representative of a predetermined current level to be applied to a particular light group; a signal generator for providing (1) a unique and predetermined serially-coded address signal corresponding to the particular light group and, (2) a serially-coded data signal representative of the current level in response to the parallel binary-coded signal, and; a plurality of receivers, at least one for each light group for applying the current level to the particular light group only in response to the address signal and data signal. A common wire bus for transmitting the address and data signals from the signal generator to each of the receivers is utilized to substantially reduce the wiring required.

Abstract: A latching circuit is used to exclusively select either a full intensity command signal, a presettable intermediate intensity command signal or a zero intensity command signal. The command signals are fed to an output signal generating circuit which controls a variable voltage supply source for a lighting system. A null comparator and integrating circuit compares the output signal with the selected command signal and increases or decreases the output signal until it is in conformity with the selected command signal. Circuits are also disclosed which provide the capability of changing the intensity of the lights between two preselected intermediate intensity levels or between any two of a number of preselected intermediate intensity levels.

Abstract: A split cross fader for the control of theatre lighting in which functions previously found only in separate master control units and cross fader units are combined into a single device which permits operation as a scene master, as a cross fader and also permits pile-on operation with smooth fading between each scene condition commanded.