Keyboard Or Pattern Controlled Switch Patents (Class 315/316)
  • Patent number: 6930456
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a central controller and multiparameter lights, including IPLDs. A display of the multiparameter lights at the central controller includes the IPLDs and their image parameters, which are used to evoke a display of graphics tools at the central controller for originating images. Images originating at the central controller are transmitted to the IPLDs either by or under control of the central controller. The graphics tools may also be able to manipulate images. The central controller is provided with one or more image editors, which include the graphics tools. The outputs of the image editors, which are referred to as “image banks,” are routed to multiple multiparameter lights (including IPLDs) in accordance with assignments made by the operator of the central controller. The central controller also uses a collage display screen of a collage generator to allow the operator to select an image to collage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6930455
    Abstract: A theatrical lighting control network is disclosed which incorporates a local area network for communication among a number of node controllers and control consoles or devices employed in establishing lighting or other effects levels in a theater, film production stage or other performance environment. Use of the network eliminates the requirements for the majority of hardwiring for interconnection of consoles and other controller or monitoring devices to effects controller racks and provides great flexibility in location and relocation of various components of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard M. Chansky, John W. Fuller, Ronald A. Land, Robert Whitten
  • Patent number: 6927547
    Abstract: A method for operatively interconnecting a first and second lighting control subnet is disclosed. In the method, a link claim is transmitted to the first and second lighting control subnets from a bridge. The link claim directs the first and second lighting control subnets to wait for a lighting control command, which is transmitted to the lighting control command to the first lighting control subnet. A random wait time is assigned to the first lighting control subnet and a maximum random wait time is assigned to the second lighting control subnet. Finally, an acknowledgement is received from the first lighting control subnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Francis Walko, Jr., Jon Michael Keagy, Jason Douglass Craze, Glen Andrew Kruse
  • Patent number: 6894443
    Abstract: A stage lighting lamp unit includes a processor for receiving control data from a remote console. Beam orientation data for the lamp unit is passed to the lamp in the form of the x, y and z co-ordinates of a point in space through which the beam is to pass. The processor divides the required lamp travel into a number of stages dependent on execution duration data sent with the position data, and calculates, for each stage, a new value for pan and tilt angles for the lamp. These values are passed to pan and tilt controlling co-processors which control servo-motors for pan and tilt operation. The lamp unit also incorporates a rotatable shutter for interrupting the lamp beam when required. The shutters of all the lamps in a system can be instructed from the remote console to open and close in synchronism, thereby providing a stroboscopic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Production Resource Group L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hunt, Keith J. Owen, Michael D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6894442
    Abstract: A light source and method for controlling the same. The light source utilizes a light generator that generates a light signal of a wavelength at an intensity that is set by a control signal. The control signal is controlled by a servo that monitors the light output of the light generator and compares the monitored value with a target value. When the target value is changed, the control signal is initially replaced by a predicted control signal based on the new target value rather than the error signal generated in the servo. This provides time for the servo to adjust to the new target value. In one embodiment, the control signal includes a periodic signal that switches between a value that causes the light generator to generate light of the wavelength and a second value at which the light generator does not generate light of the wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Li Lim, Joon Chok Lee, Rizal Bin Jaffar
  • Patent number: 6888315
    Abstract: A lamp, comprising a base of the lamp configured with a wireless transmission component. The wireless transmission component is adapted to having an electric circuit enabled to implement wireless signal reception\transmission. A power cord is connected to a power supply circuit of the electric circuit. An aerial circuit of the electric circuit is connected to a metal stand of the lamp or to a metal frame of a lampshade, therewith enabling a connection to be made between a signal transmission port of the wireless transmission component and wired network equipment. Furthermore, the lamp is structured such to implement wireless signal transmission through linking the wireless transmission component with equipment having a wireless network card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Po-Sen Hsiao
  • Patent number: 6866402
    Abstract: A multiparameter lighting fixture, which includes a locking system for pan and/or tilt, either of which may include a manual input device and an actuator. The locking systems for pan and tilt can be manually locked or unlocked by a technician using their respective manual input devices and automatically locked or unlocked by their respective actuators. A yoke of the multiparameter lighting fixture can be locked in more than one rotational position in relation to the base housing. In addition, the lamp housing of the multiparameter lighting fixture can be locked in more that one rotational position in relation to the yoke. The locking systems for pan or tilt can be automatically locked by an appropriate actuator in response to an electronic control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6867558
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for a networked lighting system that may be controlled either remotely or locally by a power line communication (PLC) link. The components of the system, addressable lamp ballasts and addressable wall switches, replace their conventional counterparts. The resulting networked lighting system implemented with these components is controlled remotely from a centralized building control center. A particular room may be controlled by the building control center or locally by a wall switch. The invention requires no rewiring of the building's wiring plant, because the addressable components are direct electrical replacements, and installation of the system, therefore, takes a minimum amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Gaus, Jr., Kenneth Welles, Janos Sarkozi
  • Patent number: 6859644
    Abstract: A method of initializing system components of a wireless-controlled lighting system. The system components include a remote control and a plurality of lighting units which communicate with a control master for the system via commonly-received radio communications. In order to become part of the system, each component transmits a respective request for initialization. A local control master for the system responds to each request, in turn, by allocating and transmitting a unique ID code for the requesting component. It then transmits a verify command to the requesting component which, if it has received the ID code, signals the user affirmatively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Ling Wang
  • Patent number: 6845274
    Abstract: An improved technique of interfacing a computer lighting device to a control computer is disclosed, wherein a hardware device is interposed between the control computer and the lighting device. The hardware device handles certain functions in hardware, thereby permitting the microprocessor at the lighting device to incur substantially less processing load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Shenghong Wang
  • Patent number: 6812653
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a central controller and multiparameter lights, including IPLDs. A display of the multiparameter lights at the central controller includes the IPLDs and their image parameters, which are used to evoke a display of graphics tools at the central controller for originating images. Images originating at the central controller are transmitted to the IPLDs either by or under control of the central controller. The graphics tools may also be able to manipulate images. The central controller is provided with one or more image editors, which include the graphics tools. The outputs of the image editors, which are referred to as “image banks,” are routed to multiple multiparameter lights (including IPLDs) in accordance with assignments made by the operator of the central controller. The central controller also uses a collage display screen of a collage generator to allow the operator to select an image to collage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Richard S. Bellivean
  • Patent number: 6788011
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to LED systems capable of generating light, such as for illumination or display purposes. The light-emitting LEDs may be controlled by a processor to alter the brightness and/or color of the generated light, e.g., by using pulse-width modulated signals. Thus, the resulting illumination may be controlled by a computer program to provide complex, predesigned patterns of light in virtually any environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 6777892
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (C, C′) for controlling operating means (3, 3′) for at least one electric illuminating means (4, 4′). The inventive device comprises an input (8a, 8b, 8a′, 8b′) for receiving control signals from an external control device (7) and an evaluating means (9, 9′) that is suitable to detect analogous and digital control signals on the input (8a, 8b, 8a′, 8b′) for control signals and to evaluate said signals for controlling operating means (3, 3′) for the illuminating means (4, 4′). The invention also relates to a method for controlling the operating means (3, 3′) for electric illuminating means (4, 4′) by means of analogous or digital control signals. In an advantageous embodiment, the inventive device (C, C′) is a component of an operating device (B, B′) for electric illuminating means (4, 4′).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fur Elektrische Gluhlampen mbH
    Inventors: Andreas Huber, Axel Pilz
  • Publication number: 20040155609
    Abstract: Track lighting methods and apparatus. In various examples, power and data are provided to a plurality of lighting fixtures via at least one pair of essentially rigid electrically conductive tracks that are mechanically coupled to an essentially rigid linear or curvilinear-shaped housing. The plurality of lighting fixtures includes at least one LED-based lighting fixture mechanically coupled to the housing, electrically coupled to the at least one pair of electrically conductive tracks, and configured to be responsive to the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, George G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6771029
    Abstract: An electronic ballast circuit for powering a gas discharge lamp is networked with other ballast circuits to provide large scale lighting control on a local or remote basis. The ballast has an interface connectable to a standard PC for receiving commands and obtaining query information. The ballasts can be controlled individually or in groups. The ballast control also can download lighting profiles to a microcontroller in the ballast, and can support lighting control protocols including the DALI standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Ribarich, Cecelia Contenti
  • Patent number: 6756911
    Abstract: A controller input/output module visual indicator and safety means including a light redirector, terminal block assembly and at least one circuit having at least one light emitting diode or like light transmission means positioned distally from terminal block assembly. Each light redirector is configured to receive light from each corresponding light transmission means on a proximate end and redirect the light information to a distal end adjacent to the terminal block assembly for viewing by the control operator. An optional shield or side barrier may optionally be coupled to the circuit to provide operator safety from the high voltage signals which may exist on each input/output module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Striano, Michael D. Carney, Thomas P. Overholt, Jack Elias
  • Patent number: 6720745
    Abstract: Provided herein may be methods and systems for delivering data, which may include a track having a plurality of conducting wires, a housing for the track, a driver, for delivering data to the track, the driver capable of controlling a transition signal between a state representing a logical one and a state representing a logical zero, and a plurality of devices disposed on the housing and connected to the track, the devices being compatible with the RS-485 standard, wherein the devices include an LED system designed to be controlled by a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, George G. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20040066151
    Abstract: A multi-lamp backlight system. The system comprises a core, a first coil set wrapped around the core, to which a first AC voltage is applied, a second and third coil sets wrapped around the core and respectively disposed on two sides of the first coil set, on which a second and third AC voltage are induced by the first voltage signal applied to the first coil set respectively, wherein the numbers of coils of the second and third coil sets are substantially the same, and first and second lamps are supplied with power by the second and third AC voltages respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Darfon Electronics Corp.
    Inventors: Chang-Lung Kang, Ching-Fu Hsueh, Yu-Feng Wei, Wan-Chin Hsu, Cheng-Hsien Chien
  • Patent number: 6693395
    Abstract: An electronic ballast system controls one or more ballasts of HID or fluorescent lamps, which are controlled in an “on/off” manner by a ultra low power controller that is isolated for a primary power circuit or derives its very low switch power from the ballast itself. The on/off control provides a near lossless control system. This system may be applied to electronic ballast for operates at fractional power levels corresponding to different lighting intensities and with conventional occupancy sensors. The system may also be applied to other electronically compatible end-use devices and applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Nextek Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William George Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 6664745
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6650070
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to a solid state low voltage power supply controller which reduces a conventional 120 volt AC power source to 12 volt pulsating DC for the purpose of operating a single “point of use” light source wherein the low voltage power supply is in proximate location to the light source. A pulse width modulator integrated circuit operating in conjunction with a field effect transistor induces energy in the secondary of a step-down transformer to provide a reduced pulsating DC current to a lamp load. A feedback voltage from the secondary winding of the stepdown transformer operates to set the gain of internal circuitry of the integrated circuitry to provide a predetermined constant pulsating DC voltage and a predetermined limited range of power wattage. A feedback voltage operates to reduce current drawn by overcurrent demands on the primary of the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Varon Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hudson, Thomas J. Mayer
  • Patent number: 6621239
    Abstract: A multi-parameter light is a type of theater light that includes a lamp in combination with one or more optical components such as reflectors, lenses, filters, iris diaphragms, shutters, and so forth for creating special lighting effects, various electrical and mechanical components such as motors and other types of actuators, wheels, gears, belts, lever arms, and so forth for operating the optical components, suitable electronics for controlling the parameters of the multi-parameter light, and suitable power supplies for the lamp, motors, and electronics. Typically, the lamp is enclosed by the lamp housing, which also contains the other optical components and many of the electrical and mechanical components which operate them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6611114
    Abstract: A control circuit assembly installed in a fountain display apparatus for controlling the reproduction of music and the formation of artificial springs and a lighting effect subject to the reproduction of music.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Jen-Yen Yen
  • Patent number: 6605907
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6597132
    Abstract: A stage lighting lamp unit includes a processor for receiving control data from a remote console. Beam orientation data for the lamp unit is passed to the lamp in the form of the x, y and z co-ordinates of a point in space through which the beam is to pass. The processor divides the required lamp travel into a number of stages dependent on execution duration data sent with the position data, and calculates, for each stage, a new value for pan and tilt angles for the lamp. These values are passed to pan and tilt controlling co-processors which control servo-motors for pan and tilt operation. The lamp unit also incorporates a rotatable shutter for interrupting the lamp beam when required. The shutters of all the lamps in a system can be instructed from the remote console to open and close in synchronism, thereby providing a stroboscopic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Light and Sound Design Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hunt, Keith J. Owen, Michael D. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20030132722
    Abstract: A theatrical lighting control network is disclosed which incorporates a local area network for communication among a number of node controllers and control consoles or devices employed in establishing lighting or other effects levels in a theater, film production stage or other performance environment. Use of the network eliminates the requirements for the majority of hardwiring for interconnection of consoles and other controller or monitoring devices to effects controller racks and provides great flexibility in location and relocation of various components of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Leonard M. Chansky, John W. Fuller, Ronald A. Land, Robert Whitten
  • Patent number: 6590343
    Abstract: A compensating circuit initially adjusts the electrical parameters for a plurality of light emitting diodes for inclusion within standardized specifications for the electrical system of a light fixture. The compensating circuit includes a compensator which may be a zener diode positioned downstream from a series of light emitting diodes. The compensating software monitors the current drop across a series of light emitting diodes and initially assigns a current analysis value based upon the frequency and/or type of light emitting diode utilized. The compensating software then compares a signal representative of the current drop to the current analysis value to increase and/or decrease current exposed to the light emitting diodes to maximize illumination from the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: 911EP, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Pederson
  • Publication number: 20030117089
    Abstract: A lighting system (1) comprises a plurality of high intensity discharge lamps (9, 39, 6) and an electronic control (2) having a power input (4), an alternating current power output regulator (22), and an alternating power output (3) having an output frequency arranged to be variable within an output frequency range, the output having a first and a second output line. The lamps are connected in series with each other so that the first line is connected to the first electrode (11) of the first of the lamps, the second electrode (12) of the first of the lamps is connected to the first electrode (41) of the next lamp in the series, the second electrode (13) of the final lamp in the series being connected to the second output line. The lamps have an acoustic resonant frequency range and the output frequency range of the control is arranged to be above the acoustic resonant frequency range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Lawrence Samuel Tyson
  • Patent number: 6577080
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for signal processing for illumination control signals, which may include a decoder for decoding a combined signal and a connection for delivering a portion of the combined signal to an illumination source, which source is capable of generating an illumination condition from the portion of the combined signal. The system may also include an encoder for encoding the combined signal from an illumination control signal and a second signal. The illumination source may be an LED system that is controlled by a microprocessor to vary at least one of the color and intensity of the illumination produced by the illumination source in response to the illumination control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, George G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6570348
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6531836
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a light switch designed physically similarly to a present day conventional light switch having a face plate and on/off switching capability for connection to standard house current using 110/115 volts AC electricity. The present invention discloses the light switch having memory capability wherein the light usage patterns actually used by the household resident can be stored into memory so that when the household residents are away from home they can activate the memory of the present invention so that the light switches are operated in their absence according to the actual usage pattern which has been exhibited by them while present in the house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin Jones
  • Patent number: 6498440
    Abstract: An illuminator assembly that is capable of utilizing a plurality of light sources to produce a desired resultant hue, includes a processor, a memory, a plurality of light sources and a detector. The memory is coupled to the processor and stores data and information. Each of the plurality of light sources are coupled to the processor and produce a different color. The processor is capable of independently controlling the intensity of each light source so as to produce a desired resultant hue. The detector is also coupled to the processor. The detector provides the processor with information which the processor utilizes in determining how to adjust the intensity of each of the light sources to provide the desired resultant hue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph S. Stam, John K. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6459217
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6424096
    Abstract: A hand-held transmitter (T) delivers an IR control signal to a receiver (R) that is connected to send the signal to a lighting control module (LCM) within a housing (16). A cable (18) of light strings (20, 22, 24, 26) and a common conductor (28) extends away from the housing (16) a distance sufficient to provide a desired number of lights (30, 32, 34, 36). All lights (30, 32, 34, 36) may be the same color or each light string (20, 22, 24, 26) may have lights of a color different from the color of any other light string. The receiver conductor 39 may be wound on the cable (18). In use, an AC plug (12) is plugged into an AC receptacle. A first length of wiring (14) and the receiver conductor (39) space the receiver (R) a predetermined distance from the AC receptacle. This allows the receiver (R) to be positioned forwardly of a Christmas tree or other object in which the light display (10) is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventors: Donovan S. Lowe, Steve Ranta, Paul Szabo
  • Patent number: 6369524
    Abstract: An addressable lighting device and control system uses a DMX-512 protocol controller or other serial network protocol controller to selectively generate an electronic address for the addressable lighting device on which the device will respond to all future signals from the controller corresponding to that electronic address. The addressable device has a program mode for setting the address and a working mode for receiving control signals on the set address. The addressable device may have the address set and changed remotely using the DMX-512 protocol controller and a remote control to switch modes, thereby avoiding the problems associated with using DIP switches to set device electronic addresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: MAF Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Alberto Sid
  • Patent number: 6348768
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a remote control device of lamp tube for controlling the action of at least a lamp tube through wireless remote control way. The remote control device of lamp tube comprises a remote controller module, at least a base, and at least a remote control receiver inserted into the base. The remote controller module is used to emit a remote control signal to be received by the remote control receiver, of which the addressing code has been learned and set beforehand. After unmistakably recognized, the lamp tube will be triggered to generate the on or off action so that the effect of controlling lamp tubes through wireless remote control way can be achieved. The present invention has the characteristics of convenience and flexibility in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignees: Hugewin Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Linsong Weng
  • Patent number: 6348766
    Abstract: A LED lamp with an integrally build-in a function for preannouncement end of life time in a LED lamp per se and to realize the LED lamp having such function with simple construction and at low cost. The LED lamp system has an alternating current power source connecting portion for receiving an alternating current, a power source converting portion for receiving the alternating current and rectifying the received alternating current for generating a direct current power, LED group consisted of a plurality of LEDs and received a direct current power output from the power source converting portion, the LED group having a life time preannouncement portion for integrating power supply period for issuing preannouncement indicative of approaching to the end of the life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignees: Avix Inc., Central Japanese Railway Company
    Inventors: Masatoshi Ohishi, Toyotaro Tokimoto, Fumio Imai
  • Patent number: 6346783
    Abstract: The patterned light beam from a multiparameter light is moved by a position sequence macro that automatically references the present position of projection of light from the multiparameter light. The present position of projection may be, for instance, the last position of the multiparameter light prior to the position sequence macro as indicated by a position parameter for the multiparameter light, and the position sequence macro controls movement of the patterned light beam through several different positions of pan and/or tilt that are, for example, centered on a position specified in the position parameter. The position parameter may be specified remotely by a lighting control system or at the multiparameter light itself. Other parameters such as, for example, color, iris and shutter may be varied as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6331756
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6329766
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventors: Daniel Liu, Dragon Chang
  • Patent number: 6326741
    Abstract: A stage lighting lamp unit includes a processor for receiving control data from a remote console. Beam orientation data for the lamp unit is passed to the lamp in the form of the x, y and z co-ordinates of a point in space through which the beam is to pass. The processor divides the required lamp travel into a number of stages dependent on execution duration data sent with the position data, and calculates, for each stage, a new value for pan and tilt angles for the lamp. These values are passed to pan and tilt controlling co-processors which control servo-motors for pan and tilt operation. The lamp unit also incorporates a rotatable shutter for interrupting the lamp beam when required. The shutters of all the lamps in a system can be instructed from the remote console to open and close in synchronism, thereby providing a stroboscopic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Light & Sound Design Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hunt, Keith J. Owen, Michael D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6249091
    Abstract: Individual variable parameters of a multiparameter lighting device may be varied in response to a processed audio signal. The multiparameter lighting device is equipped with an audio transducer to receive sound waves in the vicinity of the device. The audio signal generated by the transducer in response to the sound waves is sent to a signal processor where the audio signal is processed and converted to a control signal for varying selected parameters of the multiparameter lighting device. The multiparameter lighting device is operated remotely from a control device using a digital communication scheme. An operator of the control device may remotely select which parameter of the multiparameter lighting device may be varied in response to the processed audio signal. One or several parameters may be varied in response to the processed audio signal. The intensity of the light source may also be varied in response to the processed audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6249092
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus capable of dimming lighting units using a discharge lamp in various ways. Each lighting unit includes a metal halide lamp and two spaced shutters arranged in front of the lamp on the optical path of the lamp. A shutter driver selectively opens or closes the shutters for mechanically dimming light issuing from the lamp. Six lighting units are cascaded in a single group. Ballast boxes each are assigned to a particular lighting unit and include a power supply section for feeding electric power to the lamp and a shutter controller for controlling a shutter driver. These structural elements are collectively controlled from a keyboard via a single control box. A command generating section included in the control box transforms a command input on the keyboard to a command for controlling the individual lighting unit. A selector also included in the control box distributes the command to five groups of lighting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Coburn Japan Corporation
    Inventor: Hisao Kanatani
  • Patent number: 6236170
    Abstract: Display system comprising a number of lamp holders which each have a local control unit and which are suitable for holding and connecting to the local control unit a lamp, the local control units of the various lamp holders being connected to a common conductor bundle to which a central control unit and a supply unit are also connected. Each local control unit contains an address. If a local control unit receives a message containing the address of the local control unit from the conductor bundle it responds, depending on any other content of the message, for optionally activating the associated lamp, for optionally changing the address and for sending back a message which specifies the conducting state between connections for the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Suzo International (NL) B.V.
    Inventor: Antonius L. G. M. de Leijer
  • Patent number: 6188181
    Abstract: An improved signal generator that is capable of providing a multitude of control schemes to connected ballasts or transformers to adjust the luminous output of an attached lamp or light source. The control scheme is preferably at least one of the type 0 to 10V sink, 0 to 10V source, pulse width modulated (PWM), and digital serial interface (DSI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Siddharth Prakash Sinha, Robert S. Balog, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6181086
    Abstract: The present invention features an electronic ballast for use with gas discharge lamps incorporating a microprocessor-based network controller which facilitates the direct attachment of the ballast to a local or building-wide energy management systems. The use of the inventive ballast allows the production of a lighting luminaire whose light output, power consumption, and other operational or environmental parameters can be monitored and controlled as part of the distributed building control network. A building control computer network can control lighting functions, such as power on/off and dimming. The ballast of the present invention includes provision allowing connection to a local utility so that lighting in large buildings can be cut back in times of high power demand to help balance system loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Jrs Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Katyl, Robert M. Murcko, David W. Dranchak, James R. Petrozello
  • Patent number: 6175201
    Abstract: An addressable lighting device and control system uses a DMX protocol controller to selectively generate an electronic address for the addressable lighting device on which the device will respond to all future signals from the controller corresponding to that electronic address. The addressable device has a program mode for setting the address and a working mode for receiving control signals on the set address. The addressable device may have the address set and changed remotely using the DMX protocol controller and a remote control to switch modes, thereby avoiding the problems associated with using DIP switches to set device electronic addresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: MAF Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Alberto Sid
  • Patent number: 6175771
    Abstract: An improved lighting control architecture provides many different kinds of controlling options. A single channel per line communication is described. This can be used to form single channel DMX to communicate with DMX format luminaires, while still using only one communication per line. The controlling console has only a single connector that outputs information for all luminaires. This is connected to a distribution rack, which itself includes plural connectors but spaced from the console. The multiple connectors can represent communications in many different formats including format of one lamp per line, or time division multiplexed formats of many lamps per line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Light & Sound Design Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hunt, William Hewlett, Ian Clarke
  • Patent number: 6166496
    Abstract: A system is provided for combining an illumination control signal and an entertainment signal. At a decoder, the combined signal may be decoded into an entertainment signal that is delivered to an entertainment device, and an illumination control signal that is delivered to an illumination source. The entertainment device may be a video- and/or audio-capable device, such as a TV set, a computer, a CD- or tape recorder/player, a toy, and the like. The illumination source may be an LED system that is controlled by a microprocessor to vary the color and intensity of the illumination produced by the illumination source in response to the illumination control signal. The system may be used to adjust illumination conditions in response to the contents of the entertainment signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, George G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6160353
    Abstract: A photocell device for use with an exterior landscape lighting assembly. The lighting assembly includes a transformer having an input line connected to an electrical power source. The transformer converts a primary electrical load to a secondary electrical load which is in turn outputted through an output line connecting to a plurality of individual lighting units. The photocell device is capable of being mounted at an appropriate exterior location, such as to the side of a building structure. An enclosure unit includes a power supply circuit, a photo sensor and control circuitry communicating with the photo sensor. At least one light permissive window is formed within a selected front facing and/or top facing surface of the enclosure unit. The power supply circuit converts the secondary transformer output to an unregulated and filtered direct current suitable for powering the control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Michael L. Mancuso