Abstract: An LED fixture includes multiple LED drivers and multiple LED lamps so that the lifetime of the fixture is a multiple of the lifetime of a conventional fixture that uses only a single LED driver. A central controller activates and deactivates the LED drivers so that the different LED lamps are driven sequentially. An optional multi-lamp LED driver concurrently drives multiple LED lamps that have been previously driven by the LED drivers.

Abstract: A method and system for a display system is provided. The system includes a screen surface that includes a plurality of luminous units, a controller communicatively coupled to the screen surface wherein the controller is configured to address at least one of the plurality of luminous units, and a luminous unit sensor having a field of view including at least a portion of the screen surface wherein the luminous unit sensor configured to receive an image of the luminous units in the field of view.

Abstract: An LED fixture includes multiple LED drivers and a multi-chip LED package so that the lifetime of the fixture is a multiple of the lifetime of a conventional fixture that uses only a single LED driver. A central controller activates and deactivates the LED drivers so that different subsets of LEDs within the LED package are driven sequentially. An optional multi-chip LED driver concurrently drives multiple subsets of LEDs that were previously driven by the LED drivers.

Abstract: An LED fixture includes multiple LED drivers and a multi-chip LED package so that the lifetime of the fixture is a multiple of the lifetime of a conventional fixture that uses only a single LED driver. A distributed controller activates and deactivates the LED drivers so that different subsets of LEDs within the LED package are driven sequentially. An optional multi-chip LED driver concurrently drives multiple subsets of LEDs that were previously driven by the LED drivers.

Abstract: Incident response methods include receiving notification that an incident has occurred, determining a source of the notification, the source being near the incident, and establishing at least one guided path configured to direct a first person, a first animal, or a first movable device positioned near the source away from the incident and/or to direct a second person, a second animal, or a second movable device toward the incident. Electronic guides include an indicator, and processing circuitry configured to receive a request to configure the indicator from an inactive state to an active state in which the indicator encourages a first person positioned near a first side of the electronic guide to move toward the electronic guide and encourages a second person positioned near a second side of the electronic guide to move away from the electronic guide and configure the indicator according to the request.

Abstract: A patient and room status display device used to provide effective communication in healthcare environments. The display device uses a RGB (Red, Green and Blue) LED (Light Emitting Diode) to illuminate a dome light with any color, thus providing signals to healthcare workers representing different patient or room statuses. The display device can be operated through an external web-based interface, a nurse call master station or at least one user controlled actuator located on the display device. Each display device is mounted outside of every patient's room to provide multiple status signals for every patient in the hospital wing.

Abstract: An emergency exit indicator includes a light source, a visual indicator and a power line communication unit, wherein the visual indicator is disposed within the illumination scope of the light source, and the power line communication unit is electrically connected to the light source. The emergency exit indicator is capable of altering the displayed escape information. The present invention further provides an emergency exit indicating system using the above-mentioned emergency exit indicator and can more precisely display the escape information.

Abstract: A gratuity receptacle that contains a gratuity sensor to detect when gratuity has been inserted into the opening of the gratuity receptacle. When gratuity has been inserted into the gratuity receptacle, the gratuity sensor activates a notification means to alert patrons and employees that gratuity has been inserted into the gratuity receptacle. The notification may be any combination of a visual, motion, and/or a sound notification. The notification may be related to an advertising campaign.

Abstract: A network device and method for improving performance monitoring capabilities using wide view angle indicators are disclosed. The network device or system, in one embodiment, includes a first plate, a second plate, and a first light source. The first plate includes an edge lip or lip containing a graphic viewing surface. Various ultraviolet (“UV”) inked icons indicating functional performance are inscribed in or on the graphic viewing surface. The second plate is situated substantially perpendicular to the first plate, wherein an edge of the second plate is positioned adjacent to the graphic viewing surface. The first light source is configured to selectively project a UV light onto at least a portion of the graphic viewing surface to active at least one UV inked icon.

Abstract: A digital notification and response system for digitally notifying customers of an utility. The system includes a plurality of user contact devices, an application programming interface, and a dynamic information database. Real time digital user data comprising bank identified grouping information for forming user groups, user contact device information for each contact device, and utility provided user contact device priority information is received by the application programming interface and stored in the dynamic information database. The user contact device priority information is used to form a first and second group of user contact devices. Messages are transmitted through at least two industry standard gateways to the user contact devices, wherein the messages are simultaneously transmitted to the first group of user contact devices before the second group of user contact devices.

Abstract: A door bell button for activation of a door bell is provided which includes a mounting base for attachment to a surface adjacent to a door, a switch secured to the mounting base and having a lighted actuator plunger, and a translucent bell button shaft having a first end and a second end, the second end abutted against the lighted actuator plunger and slidably disposed and capable of limited movement along an axis perpendicular to the mounting base. Light from the lighted actuator plunger shines through the translucent bell button shaft to light the shaft.

Abstract: A traffic control system utilizes geometric or mathematical designs and/or secondary lights for traffic signals so as to allow red/green color blind individuals to determine whether the signal is for stop or go.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for managing utilization of rooms in a clinic, for example, include a visible display, for example, colored lights at an examining room, indicating one or more of several available room status values for the room. An input device including, e.g., push buttons, is coupled to the display and adapted for selecting the room status value. A timer coupled to the input device and display automatically changes the status value of a room when a predetermined time period has elapsed after the status value is first selected, except when a third room status value is selected. This feature notifies personnel if, for example, a patient has been left alone in a room too long. A central control provides a database to accumulate minute-by-minute utilization data of the clinic rooms and also programs to access and compute from the data the overall utilization by variable periods. This utilization data are useful for planning, reallocation and investment in new space.

Abstract: A variable lighting system (“VLS”) for optimizing object visibility at night by setting a base level of lighting, adding a variable light to that base level of lighting, and a synchronizing the timing and sequence of the base level of lighting and the variable lighting. The VLS varies the illumination by intensity, color, direction, or a combination thereof and optionally includes a detector for detecting motion, noise, and other occurrences. The VLS can be implemented as a fixed lighting source, a movable lighting source, or a vehicle mounted lighting source. The VLS improves visibility at night for viewers or motorists thereby reducing accidents and damage costs, saves energy, and improves the environment and enhances quality of life by reducing light pollution and light trespass.

Abstract: The invention relates to controlling a lighting system by proximity sensing of a spotlight control device, particularly to controlling a spotlight generated by a lighting system such as a large LED lighting array by means of a spotlight control device. The invention provides a device (10) for controlling a lighting system (12) by proximity sensing of a spotlight control device (14), wherein a predefined area (24) around the spotlight control device (14) is illuminated if a proximity sensor (16) signals presence of the spotlight control device (14) within the predefined area (24). The invention has the main advantage that it allows to control complex lighting systems containing dozens or even thousands of lighting devices such as large LED arrays with one device, the spotlight control device.

Abstract: A system that varies the brilliance of light bulbs in accordance with modulated audio signals. The audio signals are first compressed and then passed through a comparator. The comparator has two inputs, one of which is the aforesaid compressed audio signals. The other input is a control input which receives a second voltage in the form of a series of impulses. The compressed audio signals pass through the comparator if and when their voltage is higher than that of said second voltage.

Abstract: A fire evacuation guidance system includes a pair of dissimilarly colored laser beams generated by at least one laser emitting device. The dissimilarly colored laser beams are generated substantially parallel to hallways of a (5) structure and subsequently reflected, where required, to direct occupants to a shortest exit route in the event of a fire emergency. That is, a first laser beam of one color is generated substantially parallel to one side of a hallway while a second laser beam of a second color different from the first color is generated substantially parallel to the opposite side of the hallway. So long as an occupant (10) of the structure positions himself or herself between the two laser beams and keeps the laser beam of the first color on his or her right hand side, the occupant will be directed to the closest exit in the event of a fire emergency.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a silent signal to a waiter/waitress that one of service is required and service is not required. The apparatus comprises a base member having a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material. A signaling member is engageable with the base member and has a second predetermined shape and is formed of a second predetermined material. There is a connecting member for engaging such signaling member to the base member.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes: an indicator configured to indicate an operation status of a device; a switch configured to receive an input; a time determination module configured to determine whether an input time during which the input is continually received by the switch exceeds a predetermined first time; a lighting controller, when the time determination module determines that the input time passes the first time, configured to control the indicator so as to be turned on in a first lighting pattern; a detector configured to detect an end of the input received by the switch; and a processor, when the time determination module determines that the input time is greater than or equal to the first time and the detector detects the end of the input received by the switch, configured to perform predetermined first processing.

Abstract: A solid state emitter or emitter package has an associated information containing element including machine readable encoded information that may be indicative of or enable retrieval of information useful for operation and/or control of at least one emitter An information containing element may be dynamically updateable, and may receive signals from at least one sensor arranged to sense a condition or characteristic of an emitter device. Operation of at least one emitter may be adjusted responsive to sensed values and predeveloped operating settings correlated to such values to mitigate degradation of output characteristics. A lighting device such as a lamp or light fixture may include an information exchange element arranged to communicate with an information containing element of an emitter or emitter package. Operation of a lighting device may depend on authentication of an emitter by a lighting.

Abstract: A traffic signaling device system for motorcyclists comprising a safety brake and running light assembly (34) mounted to a motorcycle jacket (88). The safety brake light has an L.E.D. housing (22) supported by an outboard support member (20) and a leather piece (18). A plurality of snap buttons (16) can be used to secure safety brake light to jacket. The safety brake light has a six-conductor coil cable assembly (12) extending outside of jacket in front thereof is connected to a control box panel (44) so that the rider can view the operation of control box panel in a convenient seated position. At one end of control box is a six-conductor cable (50) which is electrically connected thereof to the existing wiring for a tail and brake light (78), a left turn signal light (80), and a right turn signal light (81) in such vehicles. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: A security lighting system and method are intended to dispel and/or affect unwanted humans or animals by providing lighting that varies with a suitable switching frequency, such as between 5 and 70 Hz. The lighting of a light source of the system may be varied by a control unit as to intensity, color, pattern etc., with a preferred switching frequency being between about 15 and 20 Hz for humans. A proximity detector may be provided to activate the system when an unwanted presence is detected. Such varying lighting causes feelings of physical and psychological discomfort, which have found to be effective in chasing away animals and dispelling or disorienting humans.

Abstract: A patient and room status display device used to provide effective communication in healthcare environments. The display device uses a RGB (Red, Green and Blue) LED (Light Emitting Diode) to illuminate a dome light with any color, thus providing signals to healthcare workers representing different patient or room statuses. The display device can be operated through an external web-based interface, a nurse call master station or at least one user controlled actuator located on the display device. Each display device is mounted outside of every patient's room to provide multiple status signals for every patient in the hospital wing.

Abstract: A table designed for use in a restaurant. The table enables a patron of such restaurant to communicate with at least one of a hostess, waiter, waitress, chef and manager at such restaurant. The said table includes at least one leg member. A table top, having a predetermined configuration, is secured to the at least one leg member. Such table top includes at least one screen formed in a top surface thereof to enable viewing pre-selected information. A terminal control panel engages with the table top for at least indicating at least one of the table is in use, the table is being cleaned and the table is ready for seating a patron. Finally, there is a computer device that includes a server connected to the table for communicating with at least one of a hostess, waiter, waitress, chef and manager at such restaurant.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling LED with power line carrier are disclosed. The system contains a host controller, an electric power conductor, and at least a luminous device, and the luminous device further containing an environmental data collection module. The method comprises the steps of providing a power line carrier module to both the host controller and the luminous devices; the luminous devices detecting a set of environmental data by the environmental data collection module; the luminous devices transmitting the set of environmental data to the host controller; the host controller recording and analyzing the set of environmental data; and the host controller sending a control signal to the luminous devices according to the analysis. Therein the control signal and the set of environmental data are transmitted by the power line carrier module through the electric power conductor.

Abstract: A method, evacuation system and hazard warning center for the evacuation of a building divided into sections by the hazard warning center, which is connected to at least one hazard warning unit detecting a hazard. The hazard warning center produces an evacuation plan for the sections of the building on the basis of the location of the hazard detected by the hazard warning unit, the data received in connection with the hazard and at least one stored condition, and at least one alarm signaling unit in a section is sent at least one request to emit either a warning signal or an evacuation signal on the basis of the evacuation plan.

Abstract: A wireless braking and turning indicator attached to a motorcycle helmet and a motorcycle mounted transmitter is herein disclosed. An illumination assembly is attached on the rear surface of the helmet by means of either double-sided adhesive or an elastic band. An integral wireless receiver powered by a rechargeable battery receives a signal from a transmitter mounted on the motorcycle and electrically connected to the brake and turn signal indication circuits. In such a manner, the helmet-mounted light assembly will illuminate whenever the motorcycle brakes are applied in much the same manner as a center-mounted high brake light on motor vehicles. Turning direction is also indicated in like manner. When used, the rider's head is at a sufficient elevation to be easily seen by following traffic.

Abstract: A luminaire includes at least one main illuminant and at least one auxiliary illuminant. The main illuminant is provided for a continuous operation. The auxiliary illuminant is controlled by a motion sensor, which activates it when movement is detected. Preferably, the motion sensor is embedded in the luminaire. Furthermore, it is preferred that the at least one auxiliary illuminant is designed as a LED-luminaire.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of illuminating indicator lights. For example, one embodiment includes an apparatus for indicating status of an electrical device. The apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to an electrical device, an electrical input disposed on the housing and configured to receive an electrical signal, a lighting element disposed in the housing and configured to output light in response to the electrical signal, and a first optical element disposed in the housing. The apparatus further includes a second optical element configured to be attached to a panel. The first optical element and the second optical element are positioned so that the first optical element is configured to transmit at least a portion of the output light to the second optical element and the second optical element is configured to output light received from the first optical element.

Abstract: A remote switch monitors, navigates, and provides transport control to an electronic device or system, including computers or other digital systems. It includes: a switch with a visual indicator, transitionable between first and second states, or multiple states; a symbol on the visual indicator to identify the navigation function; and a communication interface to the electronic system. The device utilizes the communication interface to send a first message related to the navigation function to the electronic system in response to the user operating the switch; the device utilizes the communication interface to receive a second message related to the navigation status from the electronic system; and the visual indicator transitions between the first state and the second state to indicate the navigation status. The device may be used with the feet, freeing the hands to play an instrument such as a guitar, and provides tactile and visual feedback.

Abstract: A portable electronic integrated fire fighting device used by firefighters and other emergency response workers to acquire and relay information, store sensory information, provide location data, and provide a point-to-point network with repeater capability. The portable electronic fire fighting device may include a housing, a radio frequency transmitter, a radio frequency receiver, a microprocessor, a communications interface, electronic memory, a power supply, and one or more sensors and may be configured in the form of a door chock, an axe handle, a fire fighter's hook handle, and a fire fighter's helmet. The portable electronic fire fighting device may also interface with a firefighter's heads-up display or other handheld device, or with other electronic fire fighting devices that are known in the art.

Abstract: A network device and method for improving performance monitoring capabilities using wide view angle indicators are disclosed. A network device, in one embodiment, includes a first plate, a second plate, and a light source. The first plate has multiple performance indicators situated at a side of the network device. The second plate has multiple performance indicators wherein the second plate is situated at a surface having a predefined angle with respect to the first plate. The light source, which includes at least one light emitting diode (“LED”) and optical element(s), is capable of generating two illuminating beams. The first illuminating beam illuminates a portion of device performance viewable from the first plate and the second illuminating beam illuminates a first portion of device performance viewable from the second plate.

Abstract: An illuminance sensor for detecting brightness of outside a vehicle having a windshield includes first and second light receiving elements and a light emitting element for emitting light to the windshield. The first light receiving element outputs a first signal corresponding to outside light. The light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected at an outside surface of the windshield. The second light receiving element outputs a second signal corresponding to the reflected light. The outside light passes a first region of the windshield through which the light emitted from the light emitting element passes or a second region of the windshield through which the reflected light passes. The first signal is corrected based on the second signal to detect the brightness.

Abstract: A wall mounted scoreboard is sized and configured to be used in a home or commercial establishment. The scoreboard includes a back cover, a cover panel and a display panel. The back cover has a front open face and the cover panel is applied over the front face of the back cover. The display panel is interposed between the back cover and the cover panel. The display panel has changeable indicators arranged in information blocks that are in registry with the windows in the cover panel. The cover panel includes graphics which display a designator for each information block, the designators corresponding to game data. The scoreboard includes a wireless receiver and a control. The wireless receiver receives status information broadcast wirelessly from a game in progress and the control causes the display panel to display the status information thereon within the information blocks.

Abstract: An alert device is disclosed. The alert device has at least one light, at least one speaker, and a communication system configured to receive an alert notification containing instructions for each of at least one pattern and duration of activation of the at least one light, at least one pattern and duration of activation of the at least one speaker, and an overall duration of the alert notification. The alert device further has a controller communicatively coupled with the at least one light, the at least one speaker, and the communication system. The controller is configured to monitor the communication system for the alert notification, decode the alert notification, activate the at least one light and the at least one speaker for their respective at least one patterns and durations of activation, and deactivate the at least one light and the at least one speaker after the overall duration elapses.

Abstract: A gauge gives a driver of a tow vehicle a visual cue that the trailer is at a proper depth within the water to recover a boat onto the trailer. The gauge has a tubular member that has a top with a red light bulb and a green light bulb thereon. A housing is attached to the tubular member and longitudinally adjusted along a length of the tubular member as needed. A switch, controlled by a float, is located within the housing, such that when there is no water in the housing, the float is at rest and causes the switch to connect the red light bulb to electricity. As water enters the housing, the float rises with the rising water level in the housing and causes the switch to disconnect the red light bulb from and connect the green light bulb to the electricity.

Abstract: An identification system combines RF identification tags with ambient condition detectors of a monitoring system. The tags could be carried by individuals in the region(s) being monitored to provide occupancy feedback to first responders in the event of an alarm condition.

Abstract: The disclosed system provides headgear, i.e., a Firefighter Helmet, with forward illumination that also acts as a personal rescue detection system for quickly finding a downed of lost firefighter. More specifically, the headgear includes a forward illuminating light that has unique characteristics that are easily detected in a smoke filled space by using a handheld photodetector probe that is tuned to the exact characteristics of the light source. The handheld probe has a somewhat narrow directional response to allow a directed search for a downed firefighter or other emergency personnel in a smoke filled noisy environment that hinders normal visual and audible search methods. The handheld photodetector probe produces a unique audio tone that is proportional in volume to the intensity of the exact-characteristics-light-source thus allowing a sweeping motion of the probe to immediately determine the relative direction to a firefighter who is down or requiring assistance.

Abstract: A fire exit alert system, preferably integrated into an exit device or automatic fire exit door closer, uses sound and light to signal the location of a fire exit in darkness and smoke-obscured rooms. The alert system includes a voice signal, such as “EXIT LOCATED HERE,” to signal that the location of the voice is also the location of the exit. A white noise signal generator is used to supplement the voice signal and produces a sound that is particularly localizable by the human ear. A strobe light and a laser are used to produce a visual guide to the location of the exit. The strobe light is flashed when the word “HERE” is used in the voice signal. The laser is used to produce a cone of light that points towards the fire exit alert system.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided for implementing a lighting device with selectable output level switching. In one example, a lighting device includes a light source, a controller adapted to provide one or more signals to control the operation of the light source, a power terminal adapted to receive a power source, and a tailcap assembly. The tailcap assembly includes a tailcap, a push button, and a washer disposed in the tailcap. The washer includes at least one arm adapted to be pushed against a surface to selectively connect the controller to the power terminal in response to a manipulation of the tailcap assembly.

Abstract: A server signaler includes a lamp and a housing containing a battery and a switch. The server signaler may be attached to an advertising support or placed directly on a table top or other surface. Actuation of the switch illuminates the lamp to alert the server that service is required. Another server signaler according to applicant's invention includes an elongated base and telescoping portions to extend the lamp upwardly above the elongated base. Another server signaler provides a card-receiving channel containing switch contacts which are closed by insertion of a card into the channel.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system comprises a control system, guide light devices, having multiple light members, guide light controllers, and signal devices. Each guide light controller is adapted to activate at least one guide light device operatively connected to the guide light controller to emit sequentially flashing light signals. Each signal device is adapted to selectively detect an emergency situation and transmit an emergency signal to the control system in response thereto, with each guide light controller being associated by the control system with one of the signal devices. The control system is adapted to transmit control signals in response to the emergency signals to selected ones of the guide light controllers, whereby the guide light controllers receiving emergency signals activate the guide light devices to emit sequentially flashing light signals in one of either two directions with the direction of flashing being controlled by the control signals.

Abstract: A remotely adjustable lighting device configured to an operational mode customized for the geographic location of the device. The lighting device is powered by a battery provided with solar charging. The lighting device, under control of an integral controller, is turned off and on for an illumination period as a function of both local sunrise and sunset times determined by a combination of time and date information and GPS positioning. The luminosity of the lighting device is autonomously controlled as a function of battery charge and the determined required illumination period. The solar charging system is oriented by the controller to optimize its energy collection by periodical adjustments.

Abstract: A data processing system for analyzing customer and employee interactions in a service establishment is disclosed. The data processing system comprises a plurality of remote customer, employee units and a central unit. The units each include a transceiver to send and receive signals. The signals are all received by the central unit and relayed to the appropriate unit. The central unit time stamps and records all signals in a database. The system further comprises an evaluation program which analyzes the signal data to provide employee performance ratings and staffing recommendations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an atmosphere device (1) with a user interface (3) for controlling the setting of a lighting unit (2a) and/or a fragrance unit (2b) of the atmosphere device (1), thus determining the atmosphere conditions in a room. The user interlace (3) is based on a system comprising a detecting device (4) and transponders (6). By bringing the transponders (6) within the range of detection by the detecting device (4), the transponders (6) will send a return signal, which signal controls the settings of the atmosphere device (1). Each transponder (6) is programmed to control a particular color or a specific light intensity and/or a particular odor spectrum and intensity.

Abstract: A data processing system for analyzing customer and employee interactions in a service establishment is disclosed. The data processing system comprises a plurality of remote customer, employee units and a central unit. The units each include a transceiver to send and receive signals. The signals are all received by the central unit and relayed to the appropriate unit. The central unit time stamps and records all signals in a database. The system further comprises an evaluation program which analyzes the signal data to provide employee performance ratings and staffing recommendations.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal which includes a plurality of lights, apparatus for controlling the activation of the lights, apparatus for storing a number of sequences of activation of the lights, and apparatus for assigning one of the stored sequences of the activation of the lights to a particular event in the mobile communication terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for variably programming a plurality of utilitarian devices such as, but not limited to, LED light assemblies, motions detectors, etc. which may be associated with each of a plurality of control points. The control points are electrically interconnected to one another and to a power source to define a network, wherein an identifying code is assigned to each of the control points. One or more control facilities in the form of touch pads are cooperatively structured with a master control for programmed operations of separate predetermined numbers or arrays of said plurality of control points and the one or more utilitarian devices associated with each control point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a signaling system for use in a system for monitoring and/or controlling a stack of power cells. The stack of power cells is series connected, i.e. the negative terminal of one power cell is connected to the positive electrode of the adjacent power cell. A monitoring device is associated with each power cell to monitor characteristics of the power cell (temperature, voltage). Every monitoring device is powered by the power cell it is associated. The monitoring device monitors the status of the cell (e.g. it measures the difference of potential between the positive terminal and the negative terminal of that cell but it may also measure the temperature of the power cell, the pH of the electrolyte if the power cell Ci is a battery, etc. and communicates information on the status of the cell to other monitoring devices. The monitoring devices are daisy chained.

Abstract: An in-vehicle system and method for warning a driver of upcoming curves in a road including. In general, a vehicle positioning module determines the vehicle's position in a global positioning system and a map matching module determines the vehicle's position on a map based on the position in the global positioning system. A look ahead module looks ahead on the map for a curve, determines a candidate list of probable driving paths through the curve, and from this candidate list determines the most likely path of the vehicle around the curve. A warning module then assesses the threat the upcoming curve poses to the vehicle.