Plural Switches Patents (Class 315/320)
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Patent number: 8044596Abstract: Electron-emissive drive units of electron-emissive elements capable of being arranged with a smaller pitch. FET and emitter array units exist in matrix element areas partitioned by a control wiring and data wiring. An exemplary unit is composed of four emitter arrays. The control wiring and data wiring are driven by first and second drive circuits, respectively. Corresponding arrays between units are connected by selection wiring and driven by a third drive circuit. The third drive circuit drives each unit of data wiring every time the drive circuit sequentially drives the four units of control wiring, and the emitter array drive circuit drives each emitter array selection wiring every time the drive circuit sequentially drives the three units of data wiring. Electrons can be emitted in units of arrays smaller than the unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignees: Futaba Corporation, NHK Science & Technical Research LaboratoriesInventors: Masateru Taniguchi, Takahiro Niiyama, Shigeo Itoh, Kazuhito Nakamura, Kenta Miya, Masakazu Namba, Yuki Honda, Toshihisa Watabe, Norifumi Egami
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Patent number: 8026672Abstract: A light emitting device is disclosed herein. An embodiment of the light emitting device comprises a first plurality of light emitters comprising a first group and a second group, wherein the first group is connectable in series to the second group. A first driver is connected to the first group. A second driver is connectable to the second group. A first voltage comparator is coupled to the first driver, wherein the voltage comparator compares the voltage of the first driver to a predetermined voltage. The light emitting device is in a first state when the voltage of the first driver is below the predetermined voltage. The light emitting device is in a second state when the voltage of the first driver is greater than the predetermined voltage. The light emitting device is in the first state, the first group is connected in series with the second group to form a series circuit between the first driver and a reference voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Farn Hin Chen, Tak Meng Cheang, Boon Keat Tan
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Publication number: 20110140618Abstract: A light emitting device including a voltage source, a light emitting unit, and a current source is provided. The voltage source is coupled to the light emitting unit for supplying a voltage. The light emitting unit includes n light emitting diodes (LEDs) and n current control switches, wherein n is greater than or equal to 3. The LEDs are respectively coupled to the current control switches in series. The current control switches are turned on and off according to a current threshold. The current source is coupled to the light emitting unit for supplying a fixed current. Thereby, the luminous intensity of the light emitting device remains stable even when some of the LEDs fail.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: SILICON TOUCH TECHNOLOGY INC.Inventor: Jia-Shyang Wang
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Publication number: 20110127922Abstract: A light generating device (20) comprises: —a rectifier (23) rectifying an AC input voltage and providing a rectified AC output voltage (Vin); —a controllable current source (40); —a switch matrix (30) comprising a plurality of controllable switches (S1-SN); —a plurality of n LEDs (D1, D2, . . . Dn) connected to output terminals of the switch matrix (30); —a controller (50) controlling said switches and controlling the current generated by the current source dependent on the momentary value of the rectified voltage (Vin). The controller is capable of operating in at least three different control states. In a first control state all LEDs are connected in parallel. In a second control state all LEDs are connected in series. In a third control state at least two of said LEDs are connected in parallel while also at least two of said LEDs are connected in series.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Georg Sauerlaender
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Publication number: 20110109251Abstract: A light-emitting element driving circuit system is provided in which a plurality of current paths, in each of which a light-emitting element and a switching element which is controlled to be switched ON and OFF for causing light to be emitted from the light-emitting element are connected in series, are placed in parallel to each other, wherein an ON time of each switching element is adjusted based on a light-emission period which is a period in which the light-emitting elements are caused to emit light in a circulating manner, such that a number of switching operations of each switching element is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicants: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD, SANYO SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Takuya TAKEUCHI
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Publication number: 20110101890Abstract: A welding shield includes a durable shell body having a front viewing window pivotally attached to a headband, a welding shield lens attached to the shell body covering the front viewing window of the shell body, a first light source disposed to the front area of the shell body, a second light source disposed to the front area of the headband, and at least one control device for controlling the light sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventor: Levi Jacob Robinson
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Patent number: 7923943Abstract: A secondary side post regulator arrangement for a plurality of LED strings. For each secondary winding, a first electronically controlled switch is provided arranged to control the power output, and a LED string is connected thereto. A second electronically controlled switch is further connected in series with the LED string, arranged to receive a PWM signal, thereby pulsing current through the LED string. A current sensing element is further provided outputting a voltage representation of the current through the LED string, and a synchronized sampling circuit is provided arranged to sample the voltage representation during the on period of the second electronically controlled switch. The sampled and held voltage representation is compared with a reference signal and fed back to control the first electronically controlled switch. The voltage output associated with each secondary winding is controlled, responsive to the reference voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Microsemi Corp.—Analog Mixed Signal Group Ltd.Inventors: Arkadiy Peker, Dror Korcharz
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Publication number: 20110058009Abstract: The light-emitting device includes: a self-scanning light-emitting element array including: light-emitting elements; memory elements; and switch elements; and a light-up controller supplying a transfer signal setting ON of the switch elements, a memory signal causing, in a case where a switch element corresponding to a light-emitting element forming a group is set at the ON state, a corresponding memory element to be temporarily changed from OFF to ON if the light-emitting element is to light up, and the corresponding memory element to be kept in OFF if the light-emitting element is not to light up, and then causing the memory element having been temporarily changed to the ON state to be temporarily set at ON again, and a light-up signal for each group, the light-up signal causing a light-emitting element to be set at ON after causing a memory element to be set at ON.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventor: Seiji Ohno
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Patent number: 7902773Abstract: A light emitting device includes multiple light units each of which includes a semiconductor light source, and a current supply control means for controlling supply of current to the semiconductor light source. A control unit includes a control signal generation means for generating and providing a control signal. The light emitting device also includes switching means for controlling feeding from a DC power source to a corresponding one of the light units in response to the control signal. Each of the switching means is coupled to a corresponding one of the light units through a feed line.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Fuminori Shiotsu, Takanori Namba, Masayasu Ito
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Publication number: 20110012540Abstract: A multipurpose flame light is disclosed, which is made up of a body and an ON-OFF control unit, where the body is formed by a lighting module of a neat and ordered array of multiple LED lamps and an actuator for offering stable electric voltage and current to the lighting module. The body is provided with a base at its bottom and a wire slot at its one side, where the base is further provided with a control system in it, which comprises a memory and a CPU. The ON-OFF control unit is connected to the control system through a data line passing through the wire slot. And the ON-OFF control unit further comprises an on-off switch and a fine-tuning switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: Superiorlite Corporation LimitedInventors: Charles Lan, John Liu
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Publication number: 20100327781Abstract: A lighting device comprising: a shell, a plurality of luminophors, a first slideway and a second slideway. The plurality of luminophors is set in an external surface of the shell. The first slideway and the second slideway each of which comprise an up peristome and a down peristome respectively. A plurality of trigger switches is set in the first slideway. Each of which is configured for connecting/disconnecting a first circuit, so as to turn on/off the one or more luminophors. A ball is located movable along the slideways. A launching device is set in a bottom of the second slideway and is configured for driving the ball to move. A controlling unit is configured for connecting/disconnecting a second circuit, so as to connect/disconnect a power supply, which supplies power for the lighting device via the first circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Ting LUO, Xian-Wei MA
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Patent number: 7852018Abstract: A method of driving a lamp of a liquid crystal display device includes generating a control signal; generating a first drive signal using the control signal; generating a second drive signal by shifting a voltage level of the first drive signal; selectively outputting one of a high potential supply voltage and a low potential supply voltage in response to the second drive signal; transforming the selectively outputted voltage; and supplying the transformed voltage to a lamp.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: In Ho Ahn, Pu Jin Kim, Jae Hun Song, Chang Ho Lee
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Publication number: 20100301779Abstract: A lighting device is mounted onto a support structure, e.g., helmet. The lighting device includes a light body having forward facing light sources including a visible white light source, visible colored light source, an infrared light source and a side facing IFF light source. The light body includes switches for activating the visible light sources and a three-position switch for activating the IR and light sources. The light body mounts onto a mount assembly and includes a connector arrangement for slidably connecting to a platform of the mount assembly. A base member of the mount assembly includes a clamp that connects to a support structure. The light body and platform member may be swivelly moved relative to the base member by forcing the light body and platform member away from the base member and rotating the same. Also disclosed is boost circuitry, battery chemistry detection and control modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.Inventors: David A. Spartano, Frank F. Huang, Peter F. Hoffman, Mark A. Ferguson
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Publication number: 20100289434Abstract: An assembly for doorway illumination, the doorway having a door jamb and a door, the assembly for doorway illumination including an electrical circuit having first, second, and third electrical switches, the first and second electrical switches, upon closure of the third electrical switch, being electrically parallel to each other, and the first and second electrical switches, upon opening of the third electrical switch, being electrically isolated from each other; a base supporting the first switch; a door contacting spring biased push button adapted for alternatively closing and opening the first electrical switch; an electric torch including the second electrical switch; a plurality of “C” clips adapted for alternatively attaching and releasing the electric torch to and from the base; and a plurality of electrical contacts adapted for, upon the alternative torch attaching and releasing, alternatively closing and opening the third electrical switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2009Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventor: Tracy Dunbar
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Publication number: 20100277107Abstract: A user interface (240) includes buttons (410) associated with lighting scenes stored in a memory (230). Selection of one of the buttons (410) selects an associated lighting scene as a focus group including focus light sources, where the remaining light sources are included in a surrounding group. A contrast switch (430, 435) of the user interface (240) may be configured to change a ratio of the focus group to the surrounding group, and a brightness switch (440, 445) may be configured to change the intensity by multiplying by a factor focus intensity levels of the focus light sources and/or surrounding intensity levels of the remaining light sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Johannes Petrus Wilhelmus Baaijens, Bram Francois Joosen
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Publication number: 20100259200Abstract: The present invention relates to LED lighting devices and, more particularly, to an LED lighting device which luminous intensity may be regulated by a user of the device. In one embodiment, the LED lighting device includes a user-operated switching controller, which is adapted for selectively energizing a pre-determined portion of LED arrays of the device. The LED lighting device may also include a user-controlled means of modifying beam angle spread of the emitted light.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventor: David M. Beausoleil
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Publication number: 20100244735Abstract: A lighting device operable to supply temporally appropriate light to a user comprises a light socket adapter interposed between a primary socket and a first type of lamp. The primary socket is connected to a switchable supply of electrical power. A first type of lamp includes wavelengths below 530 nm that are suppressive of melatonin production in a user viewing the light. There is a second type of lamp that supplies light substantially all above 530 nm so as to avoid suppressing melatonin production in a user viewing the light. The light socket adapter has at least one mode of operation in which automatic means causes the first and second types of lamp to be exclusively operable during respective predetermined periods of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: Energy Focus, Inc.Inventor: Roger F. Buelow, II
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Publication number: 20100231135Abstract: A light-emitting device capable of being powered by an AC power supply or an unregulated DC power supply is disclosed. The light-emitting device, in an aspect, is coupled to a controller, a light-emitting diode (“LED”) array, and a power supply, wherein the power supply can be an AC power source or an unregulated DC power source. While the power supply provides electrical power, the controller generates various LED control signals in response to power fluctuation of the electrical power. The LED array allows at least a portion of LEDs to be activated in accordance with the logic states of the LED control signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: Bridgelux,Inc.Inventors: David Hum, Steve Lester
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Publication number: 20100225727Abstract: The light-emitting device includes: light-emitting elements linearly arrayed at intervals corresponding to a first resolution; switch elements electrically connected to the light-emitting elements; a transfer signal supply unit supplying a transfer signal for transmitting an on state among the switch elements by alternately repeating operations of turning on one switch element and turning on two adjacent switch elements including the one switch element; and a light-emission signal supply unit supplying a light-emission signal corresponding to a second resolution being a half of the first resolution, at supply timing changed according to whether in a first mode for causing an odd-numbered light-emitting element and a next even-numbered one to emit light as a pair, or the second mode for causing an even-numbered light-emitting element and a next odd-numbered one to emit light as a pair, the light-emitting elements arrayed at positions corresponding to the numbers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2009Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventor: Seiji Ohno
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Patent number: 7791595Abstract: A user interface for a load control device comprises a bezel, a touch sensitive device, and a touch sensitive actuator. The touch sensitive actuator is received in an opening of the bezel and comprises a plurality of force concentrator for actuating the touch sensitive device. A front surface of the touch sensitive actuator is operable to be actuated by a user of the load control device such that the touch sensitive actuator transmits the force from the front surface of the touch sensitive actuator to the touch sensitive device. Preferably, the touch sensitive actuator is provided in an opening of a faceplate of the load control device along a linear axis. The load control device is operable to control a connected electrical load in response to an actuation of the touch sensitive actuator. The load control device further comprises a plurality of status indicators mounted immediately behind the touch sensitive actuator and above the touch sensitive device.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Gregory Altonen, Jeremy Nearhoof
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Patent number: 7777704Abstract: The present invention relates to displays that use LED strings for backlighting. A lead string is provided with continuous drive voltage and the non-lead strings are provided with pulsed drive pulses. The string having the highest forward voltage is selected as the lead string. Feedback information indicative of the currents flowing through the non-lead strings is used to determine the duty cycles of the voltage pulses provided to drive the non-lead strings. The non-lead strings are controlled using pulsed drive voltages to minimize power dissipation in the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: mSilica, IncorporatedInventors: Dilip S, Gurjit Thandi, Hendrik Santo, Kien Vi
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Publication number: 20100181941Abstract: A controlling circuit and a controlling method are disclosed. The controlling circuit includes a plurality of switches and a comparator. The first terminals of the switches are respectively coupled to one of a plurality of LED channels. The switches are conducted according to a plurality of switching signals respectively, wherein the switching signals are asserted alternately. The first input terminal of the comparator is coupled to the second terminals of the switches and the second input terminal of the comparator receives a reference voltage for the comparator to compare the voltage of the first input terminal with the voltage of the second input terminal so as to output a comparison result. In this way, whether the LED channels work abnormally or not may be detected. In addition, the hardware cost may also be reduced by employing fewer comparators through a sharing mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: ITE TECH. INC.Inventors: Chih-Yuan Kuo, Hsu-Min Chen
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Publication number: 20100157011Abstract: A light-emitting element array drive device includes: plural light-emitting elements; plural switch elements electrically connected mutually in an array and respectively to the light-emitting elements, and setting the respective light-emitting elements ready to emit light when turned on, and unready to emit light when turned off; a transfer signal supply unit supplying transfer signals for getting the switch elements turned-on by sequentially switching each switch element from being turned-off to turned-on, and to turned-off, where periods during which the respective switch elements are turned on are displaced so that each two periods for two of the switch elements adjacently-connected overlap; and a light-emission signal supply unit supplying a light-emission signal having light-emitting periods for the light-emitting elements, where an end point of each light-emitting period is set based on a start point of the above overlap, while a start point thereof is set before each end point.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.Inventor: Seiji Ohno
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Patent number: 7728533Abstract: An exemplary backlight control circuit (20) includes: at least two load circuits (210), a pulse width modulation integrated circuit (PWM IC) (250) having a current sampling pin (251), a switching circuit (270), and an input circuit (230). Each load circuit includes a backlight and a backlight inspecting circuit having an output end. The switching circuit includes a first transistor which includes a source electrode connected to ground, a drain electrode connected to the current sampling pin, a gate electrode connected to a power supply. The input circuit includes at least two first diodes, at least two input resistor, a second transistor, and a pink-to-pink detector circuit. The pink-to-pink detector circuit includes a second diode, a second bias resistor, and a second filter capacitor. Each output end of the load circuits is connected to the gate electrode of the second transistor via the input resistor, the first and second diode.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Innolux Display Corp.Inventors: Jian-Hui Lu, Tong Zhou
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Patent number: 7723922Abstract: There is provided an integrated LED driving device including: a DC/DC converting part converting and outputting a DC voltage inputted from the outside by switching of a switch into a driving voltage of a magnitude suitable for driving a plurality of LED arrays; a constant current controlling part receiving at least one of information on the current flowing through the LED array and information on a voltage applied to the LED array by feed-back, the constant current controlling part including a PWM controller PWM-controlling a switching duty of the switch of the DC/DC converting part, and controlling a switching duty of each of the switches of the switching part to allow the current to flow through the LED array with a predetermined magnitude; and a control logic receiving a control signal by a user and controlling the PWM controller in response to the control signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sang Yun Lee, Chang Hoon Baek, Do Hun Kim, Hyung Suk Kim
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Publication number: 20100123403Abstract: Apparatus and methods to regulate an input power applied to a plurality of light emitters are provided. A regulator device includes a plurality of switches and a control circuit that controls the plurality of switches. The plurality of switches selectively couple respective strings of the light emitters in series to the input power to emit light when deactivated. The control circuit may deactivate a number of the switches to couple the respective light emitters to the input power in response to a sensed operational parameter of the input power. The control circuit may adjust the number of the switches deactivated in response to a change in the sensed operational parameter of the input power. A number of the light emitters may be coupled to the input power regardless of the sensed operational parameter of the input power.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2009Publication date: May 20, 2010Inventor: William G. Reed
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Publication number: 20100117563Abstract: An electronic operating device for the incremental dimming of one or more luminous means, comprising two or more switching inputs, which can be current-carrying or non-current-carrying, wherein the operating device dims the luminous means to different light levels owing to the switching combination of the switching inputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventor: Michael Hani
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Patent number: 7710050Abstract: A novel and advantageous power supply is disclosed for lighting systems employing semiconductor light sources where the semiconductor light sources are connected in series. The power supply includes a constant current source to supply current to the semiconductor light sources and a bypass switch is provided around each semiconductor light source, or each sub-string of series connected semiconductor light sources. By opening or closing respective bypass switches, individual semiconductor light sources or sub-strings of semiconductor light sources can be illuminated or extinguished as desired. If the bypass switches are electrically controllable, such as semiconductor switches or relays, failures of one or more semiconductor light sources can be determined by the power supply and failed light sources can be bypassed and/or redundant semiconductor elements illuminated to replace failed light sources.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Magna International IncInventors: Nigel Ashley Preston, Jamie A. MacDonald
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Publication number: 20100079091Abstract: This invention relates to a light source (201) having a plurality of light elements (207) and a control system for controlling the, light elements. The control system comprises a plurality of light element controllers (213), each connected to a respective light element (207), and arranged to obtain light element data; and a bus interface (203), which is connected to the light element controllers (213) via a light source bus (209). The bus interface (203) provides the light element controllers (213) with a general command, and the light element controllers (213) generate light element drive signals on basis of the general command and the light element data.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2007Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Peter Deixler, Cornelis Jojakim Jalink, Paul Stravers
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Publication number: 20100060205Abstract: Packaged semiconductor electronic device to be individually positioned and coupled to peripheral electronic devices, the package comprising a light emitting semiconductor device (D1), and a switch (S1) for controlling the light emitting semiconductor device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2007Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: NXP, B.V.Inventors: Steven F.E. Vaassen, Peter Deixler
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Publication number: 20090315485Abstract: A lighting fixture system for fluorescent lamps includes one or more fluorescent lamps and one or more ballasts configured to provide controlled power to the one or more fluorescent lamps. The lighting fixture further includes a controller wired to the fluorescent lighting fixture. The controller includes one or more relays configured to turn power provided to the one or more ballasts on and off such that the one or more fluorescent lamps turn on and off with the switching of the one or more relays. The controller further includes a logic circuit configured to control the switching of the one or more relays, wherein the logic circuit is configured to log usage information for the fluorescent lighting fixture in memory. The controller yet further includes communications electronics configured to output the logged usage information.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2009Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Daniel J. Czaja, JR., Michael J. Potts, Ryan M. Franzen, Eric A. Smasal
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Publication number: 20090302782Abstract: A lighting control system comprising a plurality of intelligent switches designed to replace a conventional light switch, each of the intelligent switches including a receiver configured to receive communication signals that include rules based instructions for controlling one or more lighting circuits; a circuit interrupter configured to control the amount of current flowing to a lighting circuit; a memory configured to store the rules based instructions; and a processor coupled with the receiver, memory, and circuit interrupter, the processor configured to control the operation of the circuit interrupter based on the rules based instructions stored in memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: Tesla Controls CorporationInventor: Derek Matthew Smith
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Patent number: 7578025Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hand-held cleaning device including an elongated nozzle base having opposed first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. The second end is releasably connected to a hand-held suction wand of a vacuum source. The longitudinal axis of the elongated nozzle base is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the wand. A battery is located in the elongated nozzle base. A DC motor is located in the elongated nozzle base and is electrically connected to the battery. The motor has an axially rotated output drive shaft. A drive assembly is connected to the drive shaft for rotation therewith. A first brush is located at the first end of the elongated nozzle base and is connected to the drive assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Royal Appliance Mfg. Co.Inventors: Steve Kostreba, Steve Dings, David Khalil, Andrew A. Amberik
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Publication number: 20090072764Abstract: A lighting controlling device of vehicle lighting equipment includes switching regulators for supplying a current to a plurality of semiconductor light sources respectively; a plurality of current driving portions, having switching elements connected to the semiconductor light sources for controlling ON/OFF of the semiconductor light sources, for current-driving the semiconductor light sources at a maximum current value or a current value smaller than the maximum current value in response to respective operating states of the switching elements; current setting portion for setting a maximum current value applied in current-driving the current driving portion or a maximum current value of currents fed from the switching regulators to the semiconductor light sources separately in plural stages in response to respective assignments; and a controlling portion for controlling the current driving portion and the current setting portion in response to a plurality of lighting modes based on communication informationType: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Takayoshi Kitagawa, Masayasu Ito
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Publication number: 20090066268Abstract: A quantification indicating circuit includes an indicating lamp set, a converting circuit, and an indicating lamp control circuit. The indicating lamp set has a plurality of indicating lamps. The converting circuit has a plurality of predetermined threshold values which are compared with a numerical signal of a circuit board to generate a comparison result. The comparison result is converted to be outputs of a plurality of control bits. The indicating lamp control circuit is coupled between the indicating lamp set and the converting circuit and is used for controlling the number of the indicating lamps which are brightened according to the outputs of the control bits.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC.Inventors: Bing-Min Lin, Chao-Chung Wu, Chin-Fu Ho
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Patent number: 7477020Abstract: An electronic ballast includes an inductor, an output transformer, at least two switching elements, a control circuit, a clamping circuit, and at least two return circuits. The inductor is electrically coupled to a DC power supply. The control circuit is electrically connected to the inductor, the output transformer and the switching elements for controlling on/off statuses of the switching elements. The clamping circuit is electrically connected to the inductor, and limits a node voltage among the inductor, the control circuit, and the clamping circuit below a threshold value and generates an output current on condition that the node voltage is larger than the threshold value. Each of the return circuits is electrically connected to the clamping circuit and coupled to both terminals of one of the switching elements for transmitting the output current to the output transformer, thereby permitting a reverse voltage of the switching elements within a maximum allowable range of the switching elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Ching-Ho Chou
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Publication number: 20080203948Abstract: A lighting device includes a control circuit board and a plurality of light-emitting diodes. The light-emitting diodes are electrically connected to the control circuit board and each light light-emitting diode includes at least a red-light chip, a blue-light chip, and a green-light chip. The control circuit board forms a control circuit that includes a band switch. Operation of the band switch allows switching of the light-emitting diodes among emission of light of different preset colors.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Ching-Huei Wu, Yuan-Cheng Chin, Tai-Ho Huang
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Patent number: 7413845Abstract: Methods of forming a component of a thin film magnetic head and improving the plating of a component of a thin film magnetic head are provided. The methods include the use of a high activation energy chemically amplified photoresist (CARS) that is contacted with a low pH high saturation magnetic moment plating solution to form a magnetic head component that is essentially free of plating defects. The methods find utility in hard disk drive applications, such as in the manufacture of magnetic poles for the write head of a hard disk drive.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Kim Y. Lee, Dennis Richard McKean
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Patent number: 7405524Abstract: A lighting control system is disclosed. The lighting control system is electrically coupled to a load circuit for controlling indoor and/or outdoor lighting. The lighting control system includes a control module with a night light for providing low-level night light illumination and one or more sensors for operatively controlling the indoor and/or outdoor lighting and the night light in response to measured light levels and/or detected motion. The system is preferably configured to provide low-level night light from the night light when measured light levels and detected motion are below threshold values and to automatically turn on the indoor and/or outdoor lighting and simultaneously turn off the night light when measured light levels and detected motion are above the threshold values.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: The Watt Stopper Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Null, Melissa Lynn Smith, Thomas Joseph T J Beyer
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Patent number: 7394213Abstract: A multi-lamp driver t disclosed, comprising a power driver coupled to a plurality of lamps to supply power thereto, a feedback circuit coupled to at least one of the lamps to generate a feedback signal, a control circuit coupled between the feedback circuit and the power driver to control the power driver according to an illumination control signal and the feedback signal for total illumination adjustment of the lamps, and at least one switch controlled by the control circuit to turn at least one of the lamps on or off. In a total illumination adjustment of the lamps, the switch turns on or off timely. The difference between the maximum and minimum value of the total illumination of the lamps is thus increased.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: QISDA CorporationInventors: Chung-Jung Huang, Yung-Yi Hsu
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Patent number: 7358685Abstract: The invention relates to a DC-DC converter having over-current/over-voltage protection function and an LED driving circuit using the same. The DC-DC converter adjusts a width of a switching pulse outputted from a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controller to control on/off durations of a switch, thereby providing a controlled level of voltage to a load. The DC-DC converter includes a microcontroller for detecting a voltage, and if the detected voltage is greater than a reference voltage, generating an alarm signal. The DC-DC converter further includes a digital-analogue converter for outputting a voltage of 0V and an analogue dimmer for generating a control signal that changes an ‘on’ duration of the switching pulse outputted from the PWM controller to 0 and providing the control signal to the PWM controller.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang Yun Lee
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Publication number: 20080036400Abstract: An exemplary backlight control circuit (20) includes: at least two load circuits (210), a pulse width modulation integrated circuit (PWM IC) (250) having a current sampling pin (251), a switching circuit (270), and an input circuit (230). Each load circuit includes a backlight and a backlight inspecting circuit having an output end. The switching circuit includes a first transistor which includes a source electrode connected to ground, a drain electrode connected to the current sampling pin, a gate electrode connected to a power supply. The input circuit includes at least two first diodes, at least two input resistor, a second transistor, and a pink-to-pink detector circuit. The pink-to-pink detector circuit includes a second diode, a second bias resistor, and a second filter capacitor. Each output end of the load circuits is connected to the gate electrode of the second transistor via the input resistor, the first and second diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventors: Jian-Hui Lu, Tong Zhou
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Patent number: 7327102Abstract: A portable hand held fluorescent task lamp comprising at least two compact fluorescent lamp (“CFL”) bulbs of any wattage and of either a non-starting type or a self-starting type; an electronic ballast circuit; and an SPST function switch disposed in series with each CFL bulb, wherein the CFL bulbs may be ignited and sustained in illumination in parallel, simultaneously or individually, as determined by the respective SPST switches.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Bayco Products, Ltd.Inventor: James Newton
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Patent number: 7250732Abstract: A system for providing a controllable current to a high intensity discharge lamp is provided. The system includes a current controller that is configured to receive input power and to provide an output current waveform to the high intensity discharge lamp. This current causes a discharge of light from the lamp. The output current waveform includes an absolute value amplitude in each half cycle that is generally constant during a first portion and that which increases non-linearly from the generally constant amplitude to a peak amplitude during a second portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mohamed Rahmane, Eric Croquesel, Svetlana Selezneva
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Patent number: 7148628Abstract: A method and circuit arrangement dynamically calibrate a photosensitive control for a light source that includes a voltage divider circuit coupled to a resistive light detector and configured to output to a comparison circuit a variable voltage signal that varies with the resistance of the resistive light detector. To calibrate the photosensitive control, a variable impedance circuit in the voltage divider circuit is adjusted to null out any changes in voltage caused by feedback from the controlled light source. The amount of correction is proportional to the amount of light feedback. Based on the amount of correction needed, a new reference voltage is selected that will accurately detect the next dusk to dawn transition while the light feedback is present.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Desa IP, LLCInventors: Kim Irwin McCavit, Roger Dennis Cornett, William C. Raper
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Patent number: 7088059Abstract: A control circuit for a lighting system allows analog control over a first range of illumination intensities in which the intensity of the illumination source varies in proportion to the voltage level of the control signal. The circuit provides for improved dimming and color mixing capability by allowing pulse width or frequency modulation control in addition to analog control over a second range of illumination intensities.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Boca FlasherInventors: Steven J. McKinney, Matthew C. Polak
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Patent number: 6933686Abstract: An AC controller provides programmable switching of AC power flow, together with producing a source of DC power for the AC controller. The AC controller is connected in series with only one side of the AC power source and the AC load, and uses a microcontroller or a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) for the programmable capability. The AC controller can be programmed to provide a light flasher function, a time delay off function, an automatic fade function, a dimming function, a burglar deterrent function, and a time delay dim function. With a multiple-position switch replacing a current wall switch, the operator can easily select many pre-programmed functions.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventor: Richard Anthony Bishel
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Patent number: 6867558Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Richard C. Gaus, Jr., Kenneth Welles, Janos Sarkozi
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Publication number: 20040227472Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Richard C. Gaus, Kenneth Welles, Janos Sarkozi
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Patent number: 6784628Abstract: A control system for selectively illuminating fluorescent light units in a fluorescent fixture having a plurality of fluorescent light units. A control system employs a first relay which when energized connects one of the light units to energizing power and a second relay which when energized connects a second and third light unit to energizing power. The control switch has one position in which the first relay is energized to turn on the first light unit and a second position in which the second relay is energized to turn on the second and third light units. The control switch also has a third position in which both relays are energized thereby turning on all three light units. Current steering through diodes in the switch and at the relays permits a single wire to be employed connecting the switch at a convenient manually accessible area to the relays at the fluorescent light fixture.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2003Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Inventor: Victor Horowitz