Abstract: One embodiment relates to a portable article illumination system with an enclosure disposed between openings in the interior and external surfaces of a portable article. A removable illumination device may be disposed within the enclosure such as a selectably engageable portable lighting device. The interior and exterior openings may each be substantially covered by transparent and opaque members respectively. The transparent members cover the interior and exterior openings and are disposed proximal to the enclosure with respect to the opaque members. The transparent members may further provide optical pathways between the enclosure and the interior and/or exterior region. The opaque members substantially cover the transparent members thereby optically obstructing the optical pathways which extend from the enclosure through the corresponding transparent member to the interior or exterior region.

Abstract: A lighting device having a housing incorporating an electrical circuit, a light source and a source of power with a gravity controller. The gravity controller regulates the power applied to the light source in response to the relationship between the position angle and the tilt angle of the lighting device with respect to the vertical. The lighting device has a storage orientation wherein the light source is non-energized and a transporting or use orientation wherein the light source is energized. A plurality of lighting devices are mounted on a storage bracket in a non-energized orientation. A plurality of lighting devices are mounted on a carrier having a changeable orientation, wherein the lighting devices are energized during transporting and non-energized during storage.

Abstract: The size of a light emitting device is reduced. The light emitting device for flash photography includes: a luminescent xenon tube; IGBT for the discharge switch of the xenon tube; a capacitor for discharging the xenon tube; and MOSFET for the charge switch of the capacitor. A semiconductor device used in this light emitting device is obtained by sealing the following in a package: a semiconductor chip in which the IGBT is formed; a semiconductor chip in which the MOSFET is formed; a semiconductor chip in which a drive circuit of the IGBT and a control circuit of the MOSFET are formed; and multiple leads coupled thereto.

Abstract: An electronic candle includes a main body, a lamp unit fixed on the main body; and a detecting system received in the main body. The main body includes a top plate. The top plate defines a plurality of air ducts communicating with the inside of the main body. The detecting system includes a temperature detector configured for detecting an air temperature traveling through the air ducts from the lamp unit of the inside of the main body and outputting the temperature as an analog electrical signal, an analog-to-digital convertor configured for converting analog electrical signal into a digital signal, a storage unit configured for buffering the digital signal and storing a predetermined temperature value, a switching unit continuing or discontinuing the power to the lamp unit; and a processor for comparing the digital signal with the predetermined temperature and instructing the switching unit to turn off the lamp unit.

Abstract: The invention discloses a light-emitting decorative accessory which includes a shaft, a first shoulder, a second shoulder, and a light-emitting module. The first shoulder and the second shoulder connect two opposite ends of the shaft respectively. The shaft has hollow space therein, and the outer diameter of the shaft is shorter than each outer diameter of the first shoulder and the second shoulder. The second shoulder has an upper surface with an aperture forming through the second shoulder and protruding to the hollow space inside the shaft. The light-emitting module includes a light-emitting unit, a circuit board, and a vibration switch for triggering the light-emitting unit. The light-emitting unit is electrically connected to the circuit board disposed on the upper surface of the second shoulder. The vibration switch is contained inside the hollow space inside the shaft and electrically connected to the circuit board.

Abstract: A hand lantern includes a base, a circuit unit received in the base, a touch switch unit received in the base and electrically connected to the circuit unit, a rechargeable unit received in the base and electrically connected to the circuit unit for providing electricity, a illuminating unit received in the base and electrically connected to the circuit unit, a lantern connected to the base and electrically connected to the touch switch, and a handle connected to the lantern to be adapted to be held by hand. When user touches the lantern, the touch switch unit sends a trigger signal to the circuit unit. When the circuit unit receives the trigger signal, the circuit unit sends a switch signal to the illuminating unit to switch on/off the illuminating unit.

Abstract: A method for feeding electric power to a planar light-emitting element which includes a planar anode electrode, a planar cathode electrode, a light-emitting layer provided between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, two or more anode terminal portions protruding from the anode electrode and one or more cathode terminal portions protruding from the cathode electrode. The method includes sequentially providing the electric power to the anode terminal portions.

Abstract: A color adjustable lamp may be controlled using a well-known TRIAC dimmer circuit. The color adjustable lamp comprises two or more light sources. Each light source may output light having a different color. By setting an output intensity of each light source, light having a desired color may be output. A circuit or a processing unit comprised in a lamp driving circuit may detect a set phase angle of the TRIAC dimmer circuit by determining a shape of the supplied alternating voltage. According to the determined shape, the circuit or processing unit controls a lamp driver circuit for each light source in order to control the intensity of the light output by each light source.

Abstract: A portable lighting device having a plurality of modes of operation and method of operating the portable lighting device are disclosed. One method of operating the portable lighting device is by rotating the portable lighting device along a principal axis of projection of the light source to enter into a new mode of operation. Normal, dim, motion sensitive, variable brightness, blink, right and left hand, lock out, SOS, night light, strobe, compass and signal modes are disclosed, and the modes may be adjusted. A rechargeable battery pack is disclosed that includes a housing, a rechargeable battery, and an accelerometer. A battery cassette is disclosed that provides a negative electrode at each end of the battery cassette, and a central connector that provides a positive electrode at both ends of the battery cassette.

Abstract: A method of linking one of a plurality of wireless switches to a transceiver and control for controlling an electric load comprises the steps of moving the transceiver and control into a linking mode, and actuating the at least one of the plurality of switches through an actuation mode that is distinct from a typical actuation of the switch to request a control operation, such as linking, by the at least one of the transceivers and controls. In addition, a control and a lighting system are claimed.

Abstract: A power switch includes an electronic overcurrent protection trigger, which receives the power supply thereof from the power supply network monitored by the power switch. In at least one embodiment, the display device of the power switch acquires the power supply thereof from the power supply network monitored by the power switch, and an electronic device powered with voltage from the power supply network monitored by the power switch controls the turning on and off of the background illumination of the electronic display device, which obtains the voltage supply thereof from the power supply network monitored by the power switch, with the aid of an electronically controllable switch as a function of the measured values detected in a measuring device of the electronic device. A method for controlling the turning on and off of the background illumination of a display device of a power switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: Cap adapters for a medicament vial configured to facilitate the transfer of liquid medicament from, the vial and into a syringe. In one embodiment the cap adapter comprises a wall portion with a first lumen passing through it. A vial-engaging portion secures the cap adapter to the vial. A spike extends from the wall portion and defines a second lumen passing through the wall portion. A cone-shaped shield extends from the first lumen. The shield is configured to guide a hypodermic needle toward the first lumen to thereby reduce a risk of needlestick to a user handling the vial. In certain embodiments, a light source cooperates with the cap adapter to illuminate at least a portion of the cap adapter to reduce a risk of needlestick to a user handling the vial in a darkened environment. In certain embodiments, a secondary sealing member abuts a first face of the wall portion and seals an end of the first lumen.

Abstract: An area lighting system is composed of a plurality of lighting elements that are responsive to the movement and progression of a user through the area. Each lighting element comprises at least one light, means for powering the lighting element, a processor, communication means and is associated with a motion sensor. Detection of a user is communicated to other lighting elements that provide an appropriate level of illumination depending on the distance from the user. The lighting elements are substantially self-configurable and may be set for either a radial proximity lighting protocol or a path network lighting protocol.

Abstract: A portable lighting device, such as a flashlight, with a mechanical power switch and multiple operating modes is provided. The mechanical power switch is disposed in series with the controller for the lighting device and acts as the user interface to the controller to change modes of operation. Because the mechanical power switch is in series with the controller, the portable lighting device does not consume battery power when the mechanical switch is open. A state machine coupled to the controller is polled by the controller each time it is powered up to determine the operational mode of the lighting device.

Abstract: A semiconductor light-emitting device of the present invention includes at least one conductor A, that is patterned electrode, 2a, a conductor B, that is patterned electrode, 2b, and a solid-state light-emitting element 3 on one side of an insulating heat dissipating substrate 1. The solid-state light-emitting element 3 is mounted on the conductor A 2a but is not mounted on the conductor B 2b. The solid-state light-emitting element 3 is mounted in such a manner that the whole lower surface that is a surface opposing to a main light extraction surface of the solid-state light-emitting element 3 adheres to the conductor A 2a.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for determining an actual temperature of a light emitting diode. The control system uses conductor that supply power to the light emitting diode to supply a pulse to the light emitting diode. The pulse is determined along with a reaction caused by the pulse and the information gained is used in determination of the light emitting diode die temperature which can then be used in controlling current to the light emitting diode to control the temperature of the light emitting diode.

Abstract: The lighting device (10; 42) includes means for switching a light source on and/or off and search means suitable for detecting and identifying neighboring objects (34, 36, 38, 40) present in the proximity of the device and provided with radio transmitter circuits, e.g. of the Bluetooth type, that are suitable for interfacing with the device. The device includes means for causing it to switch off, and possibly to switch on, said means co-operating with the search means (20) to detect the appearance or the disappearance of neighboring objects in the radio range of the lighting device, and to trigger switching off of the light source on detecting the disappearance of at least one neighboring object, conditionally as a function of predetermined criteria. Switching is controlled essentially without orders being transmitted from neighboring objects to cause the lamp to switch off or on.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a touch switch with touch contacts 304, 306, located on the grip of the lighting device is that the light 312 can be turned on when the contacts are bridged by the hand of a user. An electronic circuit 300 includes a latching arrangement 302, 316 to latch the light on. The light can be dimmed by use of a further touch contact 308.

Abstract: A lighting system including a powering rod and a first lighting unit is provided. The powering rod is used for providing power. The first lighting unit includes a housing, a light source, an inner ring body and an outer ring body. The light source is disposed inside the housing. The inner ring body, disposed in the housing, has a hollowed portion for receiving the powering rob and is electrically connected to the powering rod. The outer ring body, disposed on the inner ring body fixed to the housing. The outer ring body is capable of rotating with respect to the inner ring body for rotating the housing. When the outer ring body is rotated to a first position, the first lighting unit is in a first lighting state. When the outer ring body is rotated to a second position, the first lighting unit is in a second lighting state.

Abstract: An operating lamp has operator controls that include several operating parameter display fields for displaying adjustable parameters of operating states of the operating lamp, and a control element, such as a manipulable knob, for setting those parameters. The same control element also emits control signals for changing the operating state.

Abstract: Block-bracing apparatus including at least three plugs threadedly engageable through a block, and retaining rings engaging the block threaded oppositely to the threaded plugs and retainably engaging the plugs. A key tool is provided to tighten the plugs and retaining rings. A longitudinally oriented T-rail projects radially from the block. A slide body engages the T-rail and includes a locking mechanism, a lamp assembly, a logically switched power control, a power cable, and a control cable with interchangeable switches.

Abstract: An illuminated golf flagpole is disclosed. One embodiment comprises a frosted polycarbonate tube coated or continuous covering with electoluminescent film. Another embodiment provides a plurality of LEDs externally mounted to a flagpole tube and covered with a translucent shell. Yet another embodiment provides a range finder mounted to a flagpole tube for transmitting data to a golfer via a portable remote control device or GPS receiver regarding such golfer's distance from a flagpole pin. Luminescence levels and colors may be adjusted to meet golf association and course rules and provide data regarding distance from a flagpole pin. Still yet another embodiment provides an anemometer and a wind direction detector mounted to a flagpole tube to transmit information about wind direction and speed at the pin to the golfer at each hole using such remote control device or remote receiver.

Abstract: A portable electronic device with a touch illumination function and a touch illumination method thereof are provided. The portable electronic device with the touch illumination function includes an input module, a touch sensor, and an illumination module. The touch sensor is disposed around the input module, senses a touch motion of the input module, and generates a touch signal according to the touch motion. The illumination module is disposed around the input module, coupled with the touch sensor, and controls the illumination module to generate a light source to illuminate the input module according to the touch signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an emergency lighting system comprising one or more first lighting elements and a power supply/charging unit that is incorporated in a host lighting fixture having one or more second lighting elements such as an HID, incandescent or fluorescent lamp. Optionally, a heating element can be provided that allows operation of the system in temperatures too low for operation of conventional emergency lighting systems.

Abstract: My invention is an improvement upon the previously existing wheelchair warning lamp apparatus that fails to allow the wheelchair to fold and be used indoors when installed onto the wheelchair and require drilling to be installed. My apparatus, a clamp-on extendible and retractable cylinder shaped erected pole has a safety light and an audible alert equipment installed on top of the inner casing and a pole lock nut installed on the outer casing whereas the outer pole casing is attached to the battery housing support member with three C-Clamps vertically and horizontally attached on the battery housing allowing the pole and battery safety light assembly with audible alert apparatus to be clamped onto one side only of the wheelchair without drilling required and allows the chair to fold and be used indoors without removal of the installed pole and battery with safety light with audible alert apparatus from the wheelchair.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for systems and methods that employ a control component and/or power source integrated in an LED based light source to control and/or power the LED light source wirelessly. In embodiments, the LED based light source may take the form of a standard light bulb that plugs into a standard lighting socket or fixture.

Abstract: Methods and corresponding systems for controlling a light fixture include a memory for storing data and software. A multi-tap capacitor has a plurality of tap capacitors integrated into a capacitor housing. A plurality of switches are each coupled to one of the plurality of tap capacitors for selectively coupling the tap capacitors together to produce a variable multi-tap capacitance. A processor is coupled to the memory and the switches to facilitate: detecting a trigger for changing a lumen level output by the light fixture; determining a new lumen level in response to the trigger; determining a capacitance value that corresponds to the new lumen level; and configuring the plurality of switches to produce the multi-tap capacitance that corresponds to the new lumen level. The processor can record data in the memory that represents times of lumen changes and switch settings, which data correlates to power consumption.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely controlling an electrical load are provided. A switch is associated with controlling one or more electricity-consuming devices. After electrically isolating the switch from the electricity-consuming device, an adapter is communicatively coupled to and used to detect the state of the switch. The adapter generates and wirelessly transmits a signal indicative of the detected state of the switch to a controller that controls operation of the device based on at least the state of the switch as detected by the sensor and indicated by the wirelessly transmitted signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for guarding against unintended exposure to light from a light-emitting device used to direct light to a subject for detection by a light detector. A sensor signal indicative of light detected by the light detector is sampled. An inhibition signal for inhibiting emission of light from the light-emitting device is generated, based at least in part on whether emitted light is expected from the light-emitting device and the comparison of the sampled sensor signal value to a threshold value. The light-emitting device may be monitored for continuous wave operation. A mechanical interlock may be provided having a guard moveable between closed and open positions respectively to cover and expose a port of the light-emitting device.

Abstract: An electrical switch and a flashlight employing the switch may comprise a base having three electrical conductors thereon and an electrically conductive flexible dome adjacent the base. The flexible dome has plural longer legs extending from its dome and in electrical contact with a first conductor, has a shorter leg extending from its dome and overlying a second conductor, and has its dome overlying a third conductor. A spring may extend from the base of the switch. A pushbutton may be moved to apply sufficient force to cause the shorter leg to contact the second conductor and the dome to contact the third conductor. A spring may be between the pushbutton and the flexible dome to couple force to the flexible dome.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved digital luminance controlling system, which can control the luminous intensity of an illuminating apparatus by choosing the number of the ignited luminaries. It optimizes the number of the ignited luminaries according to the different contribution rate of each luminary to the general luminous intensity to reduce the power consumption. By properly adjusting the sampling frequency of the luminous intensity of the circumstance, this invention could decrease the operating frequency of the luminance controlling system, thereby to further reduce the power consumption. This invention also provides a analog type of the luminance controlling system, which consists of a optical sensing apparatus, a analog type of the luminance controlling apparatus and a set of optical source and can realize a real time luminance adjustment, to reduce the power consumption.

Abstract: An interface (12) for a lamp operating device (13) has two input-side terminals (1, 2) for the connection of bus lines or for connection with a button or switch, an evaluation logic (3) for the processing of signals present at the input-side terminals (1, 2) and for the generation of output-side signals for the control of the lamp operating device (3), and at least one electrical isolation element (4) to electrically decouple the input-side terminals (1, 2) from the lamp operating device (13). Thereby, the evaluation logic (3) is arranged on that side of the electrical isolation element (4) which is towards the input-side terminals (1, 2), and is supplied with voltage via the input-side terminals (1, 2) of the interface (12).

Abstract: The present invention disinfects countertop surfaces using high intensity ultraviolet energy causing photolysis. The light is directed to the working area of an office countertop or the countertop used in food preparation such as in a residential or commercial kitchen. A motion detector provides a mechanism for disabling the light should a pet or individual enter an area during the disinfection process. The device further includes a fluorescent lamp allowing dual functionality wherein the device can provide conventional countertop lighting or disinfection lighting.

Abstract: A flashlight is provided with an end cap which carries an axially-actuated switch for turning the flashlight on and off with a convenient one-handed operation. The switch is designed with a latching function and a mode selection function which can be cycled through high, low and strobed light outputs with a partial throw of the switch. Cut-out portions are provided in the end cap for guiding a user's finger toward the switch and away from the sidewalls of the end cap.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An inspection lamp includes a housing with an external opening providing access to a socket having an electrical contact, an interchangeable light source module including a tab adapted to be inserted into the opening and received into the socket, the tab including a mating electrical contact for making an electrical connection with the electrical contact of the socket, the light source module including at least one light emitting diode, and a switch for controlling the light emitted by the light source module.

Abstract: An electrical system, which includes a light switch housing and an AC-to-DC converter carried by the light switch housing. The electrical system includes an input power line which provides an AC signal to an input of the converter and an output power line coupled to an output of the converter. An electrical device operates in response to receiving an output signal from the output power line, wherein the output signal is a DC signal.

Abstract: A lantern (20) having a rotating collar that serves the function of a dimmer switch (40) for a lamp (32) for the lantern. A mood light (60) may be mounted on the lantern (20). In an embodiment, the mood light (60) is mounted at the top of a cap (28) for the lantern (20).

Abstract: A combination dock light and bollard serves the purposes of both, without having any sensitive structure projecting out from the bollard into the traffic lane at the loading dock. A lamp assembly within the bollard projects out a window cutout at an upper end of the tubular metal body of the bollard. The lamp assembly rests on a sub-plate welded into the bollard below the cutout. The lamp holder is mounted on compression springs held in place with machine screw, to permit adjustment of the lamp beam direction. A photo eye turns the lamp on when the loading dock door is opened, and off when the dock door is closed.

Abstract: An illumination device includes a first circuit board, a second circuit board and a lighting unit. The first circuit board has a controlling circuit, a switching circuit and a protection circuit. The controlling circuit is electrically connected to the switching circuit and the protection circuit, respectively. The second circuit board has a transforming circuit and is electrically connected with the first circuit board. The lighting unit and the transforming circuit are electrically connected.

Abstract: An illumination device includes independent light sources and pivotable legs. In an embodiment, each independent light source includes a head having an illumination element; a body; a power source holder configured to receive a power source for powering the illumination element; a switch configured to control the independent light source; and an electrical circuit configured to place the independent light source and at least one other independent light source in an electrically coupled state. The switch may be configured to control an illumination state of both the independent light source and the at least one other independent light source when in the electrically coupled state. The illumination provided by the illumination device may be adjusted to different angles with respect to a longitudinal axis of the illumination device by rotating each of the plurality of pivotable heads. The pivotable legs are movable between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A method for adjusting brightness of a light source is provided. A light source with X brightness degrees is provided. The light source is turned on and off at least one time. When the number n of times of turning on the light source is less than or equal to the total number X of brightness degrees, the brightness degree of the light source is determined to be the nth brightness degree. When the number n is greater than the total number X, the brightness degree of the light source is determined to be the mth brightness degree, wherein the number m is equal to a remainder obtained by dividing the number n by the number X, is determined; if the number m is equal to zero, the brightness degree of the light source is determined to be the last brightness degree.

Abstract: A programmable wallbox dimmer is disclosed. Upon entering a programming mode, the dimmer presents a main menu from which the user may select one or more features to program. The user may scroll through a list of programmable features by actuating the dimmer's raise/lower intensity actuator. The user may select a highlighted feature by actuating the dimmer's control switch. The dimmer may enter a value selection mode that is associated with the selected feature. In the value selection mode, the user may scroll through a list of features that define the selected feature by actuating the dimmer's raise/lower intensity actuator. The user may select a value for the selected feature. The selected value may be stored in the dimmer's memory.

Abstract: A centerpiece assembly comprising: (a) a base unit capable of supporting a plurality of illumination devices; and adapted to receive ornamentation; (b) at least one imitation candle; wherein the imitation candle includes a light source; a cavity; and a power supply; wherein the power supply is a replaceable battery; and wherein the power supply is adapted to be operationally coupled to an external electronic device via a DC socket; and (c) a support receptacle for each imitation candle; wherein the receptacle is attached to the base unit and is adapted to receive the artificial candle.

Abstract: A device comprising a solid state or mechanical switch coupled to a first connector and a second connector and at least one lighting device such as an LED light source wherein when power is applied to the first connector, the switch is operable to direct power to the lighting device and to a portion of the pins of the second connector. By constructing the connectors as similar, but with opposite genders, the connectors can be disposed on a circuit assembly to allow for daisy chaining a series of luminaire assemblies together. The connectors may be Ethernet connectors and the switch may be operable through control signals coupled to the Ethernet connector such that a smart power controller operating using power over Ethernet (POE) can operate to control the light sources.

Abstract: The present invention in several embodiments is a clip-on mirror accessory for laptop computers. The present invention in several embodiments is a rotatable mirror device that can be easily affixed to the screen of a laptop to easily view one's face and surroundings. This device can assist users in viewing the area behind their back while typing. This can be especially beneficial for users that may be working on confidential materials. The present invention can also assist users in checking their hair, makeup and teeth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for conveying information. One or more information signals representing scalar or numeric information that is not associated with color is/are received from a data base, a network, the World Wide Web, or a software program. The information signal(s) is/are converted into one or more illumination control signals representing at least color information, and a color of illumination generated by one or more LED-based light sources is controlled in response to the illumination control signal(s) so as to convey the scalar or numeric information via at least the color of the generated illumination.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution system for efficiently installing electrical lights, devices, and power outlets to selectively energize or de-energize an electrical load in a building or structure. The electrical power distribution system comprises a control module installed in a building comprising the controlled output that is selectively energized by controlling a latching relay connected to an AC supply source and a load to be energized. Some embodiments further comprise an electronic switch in parallel with a relay. In addition, other embodiments include an electronic switch in parallel with a relay controlled by the same control signal to energize a load, where the electronic switch is energized before the contacts of the relay close and the electronic switch is de-energized after the contacts of the relay open. In an exemplary embodiment the load may be controlled and its ON/OFF status may be known at a distance of at least one mile with a pair of wires, AWG #24 or smaller diameter.

Abstract: The invention introduces the concept of priorities into DALI technology. A switchgear (18) used to this end comprises two inputs (28, 22) to which a DALI bus (40, 38) can respectively be connected, and an output (24) to which another DALI bus (26) can be connected. A data processing unit (56) allocates priorities to the signals entering via the two inputs (28, 22) according to pre-determined criteria, and supplies the signals to the output according to their priority, through which they are then forwarded to electronic ballasts (14). The switchgear (18), especially the data processing unit (56), decides which instruction is carried out by means of the priority assignment in the event of collision conflicts between different instructions, for example central building control instructions and local control instructions.

Abstract: A multi-mode portable illumination device includes a switch structure featuring a substantially planar member and a mechanical switch which requires a relatively small amount of force and a short stroke distance to actuate. The mechanical switch is attached to a member which contains circuit(s) adding additional functionality to the multi-mode portable illumination device. The member has conductive springs attached to either end that are used to complete the electrical circuit with the battery and the lamp, while their compressive force is absorbed by a housing protecting the switch structure. A conductive strip is used to improve the conductivity of the circuit in a metal multi-mode portable illumination device which has been provided with an electrically resistive protective coating.