Abstract: A display device including two or more lamp groups, each having one or more lamps, includes a driving control signal generating unit and an inverter unit. The driving control signal generating unit generates driving control signals to control the driving of at least one of the two or more lamp groups. The inverter apparatus includes two or more inverter circuits configured to receive the driving control signals. In the display device, each of the two or more inverter circuits sets the operation frequency of a corresponding lamp group based on the driving control signals, and generates an operation voltage for the corresponding lamp group according to the set operation frequency.

Abstract: When a pulsating current is applied to an LED string included in an LED lighting device, and the number of LEDs caused to light up is changed, the LED lighting device is in efficient, since there are LEDs lighting up for a long period of time and LEDs lighting up only for a short period of time. The LED string includes LED string 407 that lights up for a long period of time and LED string 408 that lights up only for a short period of time within a period of the pulsating current. The element size of the LED 102 included in LED string 407 is different from the element size of LED 203 string 408. Thus, the amount of light emission per unit area LED string 407 may be equal to the amount of light emission per unit area LED string 408.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting lamp failure in a rapid thermal processing (RTP) tool are provided. Lamp failure detection systems are provided that can accommodate DC and/or AC voltages. The systems sample voltage signals along a circuit path formed by at least two serially connected lamps, calculate a voltage drop across the first lamp of the at least two serially connected lamps based on the sampled voltage signals, and determine whether a lamp failure has occurred based on a relationship between the voltage drop across the first lamp and a total voltage applied to the circuit path.

Abstract: A method for using an electronic ballast circuit configured to operate a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. Multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) are attached to the current output of the electronic ballast circuit, and current is driven from the current output to light said LEDs. Optionally, prior to driving current through the LEDs, the impedance of the current output is sensed; and the current is driven through the LEDs to light the LEDs upon detection of an impedance significantly lower than an impedance characteristic of the HID lamp. Ignition appropriate to ignite the high intensity discharge is not performed when LEDS are attached to the current output. Alternatively, a signal is provided to disconnect the LEDs during a high voltage output for ignition of the high intensity discharge (HID) lamp.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, an illumination system comprising a plurality of power strings features elements facilitating compensation for failure of one or more light-emitting elements connected along each power string.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method, computer-readable medium and apparatus for monitoring a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) light banks for each one of a plurality of LED beacon lights. In one embodiment, the method includes determining an amount of ambient light, selecting an operating mode for each one of the plurality of LED beacon lights based upon the amount of ambient light, determining a value of a threshold for the operating mode that is selected, receiving a light output value of each one of the plurality of LED beacon lights, comparing the light output value of each one of the plurality of LED beacon lights to the predetermined value of the dynamic threshold and generating an alarm when the light output value of any one of the plurality of LED beacon lights falls below the predetermined value of the dynamic threshold.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, patches with replacement light-emitting elements thereon are utilized to repair lighting-system fault locations.

Abstract: A regulation circuit is provided for making available a constant current supply on the basis of a transformer principle, in which there flows through the luminescent diodes a triangular a.c. current varying periodically around a d.c. current value. Circuitry is provided so that both the charging and the discharging current of an inductive reactance connected in series to the luminescent diodes, functioning as a storage choke for filtering of mains harmonics, flows as diode current through the luminescent diodes. An advantage of this method consists in a significant reduction of the overall power loss of the LED illumination module. According to one embodiment, the ceramic circuit board of the LED illumination module has a direct mains current supply, which, for protection from mechanical damage, is accommodated in a transparent housing having a highly transparent polymer mass serving as an optically active lens surface.

Abstract: A light-emitting-diode (LED) protection circuit, comprising: a light-emitting-diode module; two fuse elements, connected respectively to said LED module; and a discharge protection element, connected to said LED module and said two fuse elements. When current flowing through said fuse element exceeds a current protection value, said fuse element will turn into an open circuit state, to cut off an over current and prevent it from flowing to said LED module to avoid damages. In addition, when instantaneous high voltage occurs, such as incurred by a spike or a lightning, said discharge protection element can be used as an over current discharge route, to provide said LED module with a current bypass route.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and techniques for managing streetlights. The subject matter included in this document is embodied in a method that includes receiving, at a computing device, information representative of a location and status of a streetlight included in a network of streetlights. The method also includes presenting a representation of the streetlight in a graphical user-interface in accordance with the received location and status information, and receiving information representing a selection of the streetlight for inclusion in a group of streetlights from the network. The method further includes initiating delivery of one or more control signals to the group of streetlights.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, an illumination system comprising a plurality of power strings features elements facilitating compensation for failure of one or more light-emitting elements connected along each power string.

Abstract: A LED light for replacing a fluorescent light in a fluorescent fixture is disclosed. The LED light is compatible with the existing fluorescent light fixture and ballast. The LED light includes a failure indicator to show whether a failure of the LED light is due to a failure of the ballast or a problem within the light. The LED light includes a color change mechanism, which may be controlled by an electromagnetic field or an input current to the LED light, thus making it compatible with current dimmer systems.

Abstract: A method for using an electronic ballast circuit configured to operate a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. Multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) are attached to the current output of the electronic ballast circuit, and current is driven from the current output to light said LEDs. Optionally, prior to driving current through the LEDs, the impedance of the current output is sensed; and the current is driven through the LEDs to light the LEDs upon detection of an impedance significantly lower than an impedance characteristic of the HID lamp. Ignition appropriate to ignite the high intensity discharge is not performed when LEDS are attached to the current output. Alternatively, a signal is provided to disconnect the LEDs during a high voltage output for ignition of the high intensity discharge (HID) lamp.

Abstract: The invention regards a system and method for using a handheld programming device to configure a lighting control system wirelessly. In one embodiment, at least one device configured with a processing section is installed in the lighting control system. A communications receiver that is operable to receive a signal from the handheld programming device is also installed in the lighting control system, wherein the signal includes an instruction for configuring the lighting control system. Further, the signal is wirelessly sent from the handheld programming device to the communications receiver, and the instruction is transmitted from the communications receiver to a device in the system. The instruction functions to configure the lighting control system.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system are disclosed for providing AC line power to lighting devices such as light emitting diodes (“LEDs”). A representative apparatus comprises: a plurality of LEDs coupled in series to form a first plurality of segments of LEDs coupled in series; a plurality of switches coupled to the plurality of segments of LEDs to switch a selected segment into or out of a series LED current path in response to a control signal; a memory; and a controller which, in response to a first parameter and during a first part of an AC voltage interval, determines and stores in the memory a value of a second parameter and generates a first control signal to switch a corresponding segment of LEDs into the series LED current path, and during a second part of the AC voltage interval, when a current value of the second parameter is substantially equal to the stored value, generates a second control signal to switch a corresponding segment of LEDs out of the first series LED current path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting lamp failure is described for an array of lamps used in a rapid thermal processing system. The lamp failure detection system enables identification of a failed lamp among a plurality of lamps, and also provides identification of the failure type. The apparatus applies a lamp failure detection method to the voltage drop values measured across each lamp to determine if a lamp is in a failure state. In one embodiment, a field programmable gate array is used to apply a failure detection method to the lamp voltage values.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, an illumination system comprising a plurality of power strings features elements facilitating compensation for failure of one or more light-emitting elements connected along each power string.

Abstract: A light device includes a nightlight unit adapted to operate in an automatic mode, an on mode, or an off mode; an illumination unit comprising a sensor, the illumination unit being removably secured to the nightlight unit; and a charging unit for charging the illumination unit. The lighting unit is adapted to come on automatically by operating in the automatic mode, continuously emit light by operating in the on mode, or stop emitting light by operating in the off mode. The illumination unit is adapted to come on automatically to emit light either when the sensor senses an activating condition in the form of an absence of AC or after removing from the nightlight unit. The sensor is adapted to disable the illumination unit either when sensing a termination of the activating condition or after placing the illumination unit in the nightlight unit and electrically connecting thereto.

Abstract: A lighting system, a lighting unit and a method for controlling a plurality of light sources are described. A lighting system comprises an intelligent electrical current supply 12 to supply an electrical current with modulated command data. A plurality of lighting units 4, 6, 8 are connected in series to the current supply 12. Each lighting unit comprises a light source 22, a controllable bypassing switch 24 to selectively bypass the light source and a control unit 26. The control unit receives the modulated command data and controls the bypassing switch 24 accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting lamp failure is described for an array of lamps used in a rapid thermal processing system. The lamp failure detection system enables identification of a failed lamp among a plurality of lamps, and also provides identification of the failure type. The apparatus applies a lamp failure detection method to the voltage drop values measured across each lamp to determine if a lamp is in a failure state. In one embodiment, a field programmable gate array is used to apply a failure detection method to the lamp voltage values.

Abstract: An LED lighting arrangement comprising at least one LED, for producing light is disclosed. A power supply provides power for the at least one LED. At least one control circuit is coupled to the at least one LED in a way that directly or indirectly uses, to power the at least one control circuit, one or more forward voltage drops across the at least one LED. Beneficially, one or more additional control circuits can be added without redesign of the power supply for the at least one LED.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a light source and a liquid crystal display device using the same is disclosed. The apparatus for driving a light includes: a light source unit including a plurality of lamps to emit light; and a light source driving unit that selectively drives the plurality of lamps in response to a luminance control signal and a selection signal.

Abstract: A lamp operation device includes a mode setting part that sets an operation mode for lamps, and a lamp operation part that controls switching between the lamps in accordance with the set operation mode. The lamp operation part includes a process corresponding to a manual switching mode in which a lamp selected by a user is set as an illumination lamp, and a process corresponding to an automatic switching mode in which the plurality of lamps is automatically set in sequence as an illumination lamp. In the automatic switching mode, after one lamp has been set as the illumination lamp, cumulative illuminating time (amount of change) of the lamp is measured. Then, the illumination lamp is switched to the other lamp, depending on whether a measurement result has exceeded predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: For safety reasons, industrial lighting fixtures are required to have backup lighting systems so that if the primary lights should fail, there will still be enough light to ensure safe maneuvering. Typically these backup lighting systems have their own power or drive source. The present application contemplates a lighting ballast circuit that is able to power a primary high intensity discharge (HID) lamp and is also able to power an auxiliary lamp in the event of temporary or permanent failure of the HID lamp.

Abstract: A backlight apparatus includes a first backlight part and a second backlight part. The first backlight part includes a plurality of first lamps. The second backlight part includes a plurality of second lamps. At least one first lamp of the first lamps is disposed between two second lamps of the second lamps.

Abstract: A light source of side-edge type light-emitting diode (LED) backlight unit for using in a liquid crystal display (LCD) comprises a substantial LED bar, at least one primary LED set preset as the light source of the LCD, and at least one backup LED set. The primary LED set(s) and backup LED set(s) are composed of a plurality of LED and disposed at the LED bar, and a backup LED set will be enlightened and substituted for one primary LED set as the light source when the primary LED set is broken-down so that the light source for the LCD is maintained at constant levels.

Abstract: A light signaling device related to the operating state of a system has at least one light and circuits of detection of a failure of this or these lights, in which each light comprises m branches in parallel each composed of n light emitting diodes in series, and a branch selector; where m and n are integers such that m?2 and n?1. This invention also relates to a process for management of such device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for management of a light signaling device related to the operating state of a system comprising several lights each comprising several branches of several light elements, that includes a step for dynamic management of redundancy if a branch of a light should fail. This invention also relates to a device making use of this process.

Abstract: A vehicle light apparatus 1 includes a discharge lamp 7 as a dipped (low)-beam light source and a high-beam light source or a light source of an auxiliary light (incandescent lamp) 3 as a substitutional light source of the discharge lamp. If the apparatus detects an input voltage from a power supply becoming equal to or greater than a threshold value in a state that only the discharge lamp is lit, the incandescent lamp is automatically lit on. To use the high-beam light source in place of the discharge lamp, light extinction lighting is performed or the light application direction is directed downward from the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting circuit 1 has a DC power supply section 4 for receiving power supply from a DC power supply 2, a DC-AC conversion section 5 for converting an output voltage of the DC power supply section 4 into an AC voltage and then applying the AC voltage to a discharge lamp 8, and a starter circuit 6 for applying a high-voltage pulse to the discharge lamp 8 for starting the lamp. A control circuit 7 detects an anomaly occurring in the discharge lamp or the lighting circuit and stops supplying power to the discharge lamp 8 and also lights another light source as an alternative light source to the discharge lamp 8 or notifies a driver of occurrence of the anomaly. An internal state monitoring circuit 26 is provided for monitoring the operation state of the control circuit itself and when an anomaly about the control circuit 7 is detected, the alternative light source is lighted or the driver is notified of occurrence of the anomaly.

Abstract: A novel vehicle lighting control circuit for reducing the light intensity of a vehicle lighting element via pulse width modulation. A pulse width modulation adjuster is provided for producing a pulse width modulation control signal in order to operate the vehicle lighting element at a reduced light intensity. Such examples for use of the present invention include, but are not limited to, operation of: high beams at a low beam light intensity; daytime running lamps (DRLs); power balancing functions; and emergency lights.

Abstract: The invention is a source of illumination including a lighting tube requiring converted electrical energy in order to provide the illumination. First and second electrical connectors are provided for receiving low voltage DC energy. An energy convertor receives the low voltage DC energy from the first and second electrical connectors and converts it to the converted electrical energy. Electrical leads are coupled to the energy convertor and to the lighting tube for applying the converted electrical energy from the energy converter to the lighting tube. The first and second connectors are electrically coupled in parallel with each other for selectably applying the low voltage DC energy to the energy converter by way of either of the first and second converters. The lighting tube is a gas discharge tube and the first and second electrical connectors are disposed at opposite end regions of the lighting tube.

Abstract: A ballast for lighting an auxiliary source of illumination whenever a primary source of illumination fails to ignite. The auxiliary source of illumination is effectively turned OFF by placing a short circuit thereacross whenever the primary source of illumination is lit. The short circuit is removed whenever the primary source of illumination fails to reach a predetermined level of illumination thereby permitting current to flow through and light the auxiliary source of light. The ballast also includes a power factor correction device for increasing the ballast power factor when the primary source of light reaches a predetermined level of illumination.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an automatic headlamp switching system that enables an operator to use an existing vehicle headlamp switch to operate a secondary light source on an accessory unit attached to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a primary circuit having a primary light source, an energy source, and a parking/headlamp switch for connecting the energy source and the primary light source so that the primary light source is selectively energizable. A secondary circuit includes the secondary light source. A pair of relays are connectable in circuit with the primary and secondary light sources. When the accessory unit is electrically connected to the vehicle, the relays are operative to interrupt the primary circuit from the energy source to the primary light source and simultaneously complete the secondary circuit from the energy source to the secondary light source.

Abstract: A non-arcing electrical switch is disclosed wherein a solid-state switching element is operated in response to current flow within an external circuit. The switch is particularly suitable for use within an auxiliary lighting circuit of a gaseous discharge lamp. Because the switch operates in response to the current drawn by the gaseous discharge lamp rather than a specific sensed voltage, it may be used with virtually any type of clamp or lamp operating circuit.

Abstract: A lighting system having a primary light source and an emergency lamp. The emergency lamp is turned on and remains on upon failure or removal from the system of the primary light source. The system also includes a control device for sensing when the voltage across the primary light source rises above a predetermined level in determining when to turn on the emergency lamp.

Abstract: An improved lamp switching circuit for switching on a second lamp circuit upon every alternate application of power to a first lamp circuit. A magnetic latching relay alternately connects and disconnects the second lamp circuit in parallel with the first whenever power to the circuit is switched off. The relay is powered by the discharge of one of two capacitors, which respectively operate a set circuit and a reset circuit of the latching relay. Only one of the capacitors is charged at any time. While power is applied to the lamp circuits, one capacitor is charged while the other is kept discharged, in preparation for operation of the latching relay. When power is switched off, a control circuit senses this condition and triggers a thyristor to discharge the capacitor through the corresponding relay coil after a short predetermined time delay. A low voltage regulated power supply is derived from the a.c.

Abstract: Equipment for lighting a work area has a plurality of light sources, at least one of which is usually lighted; the others are spare light sources and are usually turned off. The equipment has means such as an optical fiber to conduct light from the light source to the work area. Converting means is provided with the equipment to distribute electric power selectively to the light sources. Detecting means is also installed in the equipment to detect cutting off of the light source which is in the lighted condition. The converting means changes the distribution of the output from the power supply to a light source other than the light source which was cut off.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a control system which permits operation of electrically powered apparatus in any one of several active modes from a controller mounted remotely from the apparatus. The system is particularly useful for controlling the operation of at least a pair of light sources. The system permits switching, from the controller, energizing power from an energized light source to a de-energized light source. Electrical communication between the controller of the system and the light head can be provided by only two electrical conductors.

Abstract: A preferred control circuit is adapted particularly for use in a system that controls the operation of at least a pair of light sources. The system permits switching, at a controller remote from the light head which contains the light sources, energizing power from an energized light source to a de-energized light source. The circuit monitors the integrity of the energized light source and switches energizing power from the energized light source to the de-energized light source when the energized light source fails. The circuit monitors the integrity of the de-energized light source and energizes a failed filament indicator when the de-energized light source fails.

Abstract: A second lamp is connected to power terminals upon each alternate switching off of a first lamp so that, upon each alternate switching on of the first lamp, the second lamp is illuminated. A magnetic latching relay switches the second lamp into and out of the circuit. The relay is powered by the discharge of one of two capacitors. One capacitor powers a set circuit of the latching relay, and another capacitor powers a reset circuit. Only one of the capacitors is charged at any one time. While power is applied to the power terminals to illuminate the first light, one capacitor is held discharged while the other capacitor is charged in preparation for powering the latching relay. The discharge of the charged capacitor through the latching relay is controlled electronically by a triac having a control terminal which is brought to control voltage by a fourth capacitor after a third capacitor has been discharged over a predetermined short time.

Abstract: An emergency lighting circuit includes a lamp which can be energized by a battery-inverter circuit upon power failure. The battery is connected to the inverter circuit and the lamp by operation of a relay which is connected to the rectifier supplying charging current to the battery. The rectifier is connected across the line in series with a ballast reactor. The circuit can be used as emergency lighting only or the lamp can be employed for normal lighting purposes and switched to the inverter power when line voltage is interrupted.

Abstract: A filament switching device is arranged to be mounted within the screw base of a conventional, dual-filament, incandescent light bulb. The device has a frame which branches around the evacuation tube of the bulb thereby allowing sufficient room for switching components within the device and yet avoiding interference with the evacuation tube of the bulb. Mounted within the frame of the switching device is a fixed contact and a cantilevered contact. The cantilevered contact can swing in a direction transverse to the evacuation tube to make electrical contact with the fixed contact. The cantilevered contact is held separated from the fixed contact by a fusible conductor. Upon failure of one of the filaments in the bulb, a surge of current flows through the fusible conductor, parting it and allowing the cantilevered contact to swing into electrical contact with the fixed contact. This swing of the cantilevered contact substitutes the failed filament with the other filament.

Abstract: A lighting system having a high pressure gas discharge light source and an incandescent light source within a common sealed and evacuated bulb. A ballast unit fitted externally to the neck of the bulb includes in series with the incandescent light source an interrupter element and control circuitry therefor, and a choke coil in series with the gas discharge light source.The control circuitry represents an equivalence logic with two variables, wherein the output terminal of an equivalence circuit is connected to the control input of the interrupter element while its input terminal is connected to a voltage divider system connected across the gas discharge light source. The output terminal is energized only if either both or neither of the input terminals of the equivalence circuit are energized. The interrupter element is closed when the output terminal of the equivalence circuit is energized.

Abstract: A multiple headlamp system for vehicles, comprising at least two individual lamps having their filaments connected in electrical series. This permits the use of shorter filaments and hence smaller diameter reflector lamps, without loss of optical control or reflector efficiency, for use in modern cars having low-profile front ends for providing improved aerodynamic streamlining. In a preferred embodiment, a vehicle is provided with two sets of headlamps, each set comprising a pair of individual headlamps each containing a filament at the focal point of the reflector for achieving maximum optical control, and means for connecting the filaments of each pair in electrical series across the vehicle's battery, one lamp of the pair being designed to provide a narrow-beam "punch" light for distant viewing, and the other lamp of the pair being designed to provide a wide-angle beam "spread" light for general viewing.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for converting fluorescent lighting fixtures, having a conventional series-type ballast with at least two lamps, to effect illumination of only one of the two lamps at a time, but automatically effecting illumination of the other lamp upon that one becoming disabled. The device includes an induction coil to increase the starting boost available to one of the two lamps and also has a varistor. The varistor may be connected across a secondary coil of the ballast which is then arranged to idle. With fixtures having two pairs of instant-start lamps, the varistor is instead connected to an electrode of one lamp of each pair. The device preferably has a series circuit comprising the varistor, the inductive coil, a capacitor and a resistor. Preferably four electrical connections, two across the varistor and two across the inductive coil, are provided to connect the device into the circuitry of the ballast and lamps.

Abstract: Unitary light source comprises compact HID lamp and starting and operating circuit therefor operable from household AC energizing potential. The HID lamp is ballasted by incandescent filament means which also provides the major portion of developed light during HID warm up and after power interruption. The ballast filament and input terminals of a full-wave rectifier connect in series across the light source input terminals and the HID lamp connects across the rectifier output. A low-impedance path means and high-voltage pulse generator, which includes a high-voltage electrode operatively associated with the HID lamp, connect across the rectifier input. Initially, the voltage developed across the rectifier input is relatively high and the pulse generator and low-impedance path means are responsive thereto to devleop high voltage pulses and also provide a low impedance path in series with the ballast filament to cause it to incandesce brightly.

Abstract: A combination lamp comprises a miniature arc tube, a standby filament and a thermal switch in a sealed vitreous envelope. The switch is connected in series with the filament, and the arc tube and the filament have separate inleads for external connections. The switch is closed at room temperature, allowing the filament to light up immediately at a cold start and providing an instant-on feature. During normal operation, heat and light radiated by the arc tube cause the switch to open and turn off the filament. The small size of the arc tube favors a heat balance which allows the thermal switch to cool and reclose quickly in the event of a current interruption, thereby assuring lighting after an acceptably brief delay in the event of a hot restart.

Abstract: A control circuit for a light projection system for energizing a spare lamp when the circuit detects failure of a main lamp. A pair of input lines apply an alternating-current voltage source to the circuit, to the main lamp and to a spare lamp which is substantially in parallel connection with the main lamp. A switch is in series connection with the main and spare lamp for selectively energizing one of the lamps. Current sensing means, generally a resistor, in series connection with the switch and the lamps, senses the current through the main lamp thereby dropping a small portion of the voltage source. A pair of opposite polarity voltage references are established by rectifying the voltage dropped across the current sensing resistor and by rectifying the voltage across the input lines of the voltage source.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle device having a main lamp socket and an auxiliary socket adapted to receive an auxiliary lamp operative only upon failure of a main lamp in a main lamp socket. The two sockets are arranged in aligned opposition in a common housing providing a heating chamber in spaced, parallel relation with respect to the screw base ferrules along one side thereof. A slightly curved, elongated bi-metallic switch element extends along and within the heating chamber, having one end affixed to the main lamp socket ferrule and the other end positioned for movement in and out of contact, selectively, with the auxiliary lamp socket in response to temperature conditions in the heating chamber effected by non-operation and operation, respectively of a main lamp in the main lamp socket.