Using Light Emitting Diodes Patents (Class 340/815.45)
  • Patent number: 8421647
    Abstract: A demand supply management system for an appliance receives information related to cost of energy use and communicates data to the associated appliance in response thereto. A single chip, light emitting diode (LED) device is preferably associated with a module or portion of the home appliance. The LED device conveys information relating to at least two of cost of energy use, signal strength, and module status. The LED device is preferably a single chip, single color solid-state LED device that is selectively actuated between “illuminated” and “non-illuminated” states, steady on, slow flash, fast flash, varying duration, intermittent “illuminated” and “non-illuminated”, etc. to convey information to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Henry Kobraei, John K. Besore, Michael F. Finch, Jeff Donald Drake
  • Patent number: 8416097
    Abstract: A charge indicator circuit for indicating an electronic device charged by an inputted charge electric potential includes an interface unit, a switch unit connected to the interface unit; a processor unit connected to the switch unit, and an indicator unit connected to the switch unit. The charge electric potential is inputted into the charge indicator circuit from the interface unit and powers the indicator unit to emit light when the processor unit is switched off, and the processor unit detects the charge status of the electronic device and controls the switch unit according to the detect results when the processor unit is switched on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jian Sun
  • Patent number: 8410949
    Abstract: An emergency exit indicating device includes an exit sign and a smoke dispelling system. The exit sign is configured for displaying where an emergency exit is located. The smoke dispelling system is configured for dispelling smoke from around the exit sign in the event of fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Yang Liao
  • Publication number: 20130069794
    Abstract: Multi-dimensional barcodes at a product include service identifiers for the product so that an end user with a portable information handling system captures an image of the multi-dimensional barcode and extracts the service identifiers to obtain service information from a service network location. For example, a service identifier embeds a URL that links to a video demonstrating how to assemble the product. As another example, a service identifier links to a service network location and includes a unique identifier so that an end user retrieves warranty or purchase information for the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin Terwilliger, Scott Lauffer
  • Patent number: 8398258
    Abstract: A light fixture built around a cylindrical, light-weight core. Mounted within the core are a battery, an LED driver, a DMX512 receiver, and an antenna. An LED ribbon is wound spirally around the core and is electrically connected to the LED driver. Circular bottom and top caps are mounted to the bottom and top of the core. A seamless, cylindrical lens coaxially aligned with the core is positioned between the caps. The top cap has several controls including a power switch, a battery charger port, and an LCD display that indicates various settings and conditions. Optionally, the top cap includes a mechanism for hanging the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Todd Gerrish, Bradford Lowery
  • Patent number: 8390993
    Abstract: A shelf of communication equipment provides frontal illumination of a face plate of the shelf. Specifically, a shelf in a rack in a communication network includes a face plate and a bezel. The face plate has a first exterior surface that carries a legend. The bezel forms a second exterior surface extending in a predetermined direction transverse to the first exterior surface. For example, if the first exterior surface is vertical, the second exterior surface is horizontal and overhangs the first exterior surface. During operation, electromagnetic radiation generated by a source enclosed by the bezel exits through the second exterior surface and directly illuminates at least the legend, and optionally also illuminates a electronic device adjacent to the legend, such as an LED or a jack, if such a device is present on the first exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Cyan, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin J. Wilson, Stephen J. West
  • Publication number: 20130049980
    Abstract: A light signaling device including a tubular body having an outer surface to which LEDs are mechanically connected. An inner surface of the body defines a channel inside the tubular body and has a heat dissipation unit through which the heat generated by the LEDs is dissipated. The light signaling device also comprises a lower air conveyor mechanically connected to the lower edge of the tubular body, partially closing the lower opening of the inner channel of the tubular body and is provided with separate conveyance channels, each of which extended between an inlet section thereof and an outlet section thereof according to a trajectory which has at least one component radial with respect to the main extension axis. Each of the conveyance channels is in communication with the light signaling device exterior via the inlet section and with the lower opening of the inner channel via the outlet section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Vincenzo DI GIOVINE
  • Patent number: 8376567
    Abstract: A system and method that helps evacuees exit a residential structure in the event of an emergency such as a fire, earthquake, security breach or the like, by providing emergency illumination around the periphery of an exit door and/or an alternative safe exit portal together with floor/ground level illumination along the path to the portal, and by providing an audible tone or voice recording to guide occupants to the exit portal. Various forms of linear illuminators parallel to and near the floor of an interior room or hallway provide the floor-level identification and illumination of the exit route to be used in the event of emergency, with some linear illuminators having directional aspects along hallways to lead evacuees toward an exit, and other illuminators outlining the perimeter of portals that are safe to exit through, the illuminators normally being hardly noticeable but having controllers and energizers to light up the planned exit route when emergency conditions are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: Sonja K. Zozula, Jerry T. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8376581
    Abstract: A large size display is transportable, being construed of multiple rigid segments containing light emitting diodes (LED's). The rigid segments are linked by hinges or cables so the display is flexible and can be rolled up for storage and transport. The display can be unrolled upward or downwards such as from a protective container, such as a canister or truss. The weight of the display on the linked hinges or the tensioned cables provides sufficient rigidity. Such cables, like a signal and power distribution bus, are connected to the rear of each rigid element. The display can be repaired by removing and replacing selected rigid segments from the front thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: PIX2O Corporation
    Inventors: Lynton W Auld, Leo Stearns, Darin Parnell Smedberg, Matthew Kengi Meeker
  • Patent number: 8373570
    Abstract: Load current from an electrical AC supply circuit is monitored so that both high frequency (10-100 kHz), and low frequency (60 Hz) signal current components are measured over certain time periods. A high frequency energy component is measured in an integral fashion, e.g., summing a plurality of samples taken. A certain amount of high frequency energy during a half-cycle is required to indicate an arc event. A certain number of these arc events per half-cycle must occur within a specific time period to indicate the presence of an arc. The root-mean-square (RMS) value of the low frequency energy component is used to determine the severity of the arc. The higher the amperage of the load current arc, the faster the arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) will respond by disconnecting the arcing load from the AC supply circuit, e.g., fewer number of arc events necessary for tripping of the AFCI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Carlos Eduardo Restrepo, Kallikuppa Muniyappa Sreenivasa, Kantesh Vittal Agnihotri, Manishkumar Natwarlal Shah, Srikanth Soma
  • Patent number: 8368521
    Abstract: Contact detection units are attached to an information transfer device in a predetermined arrangement pattern to detect contact with a human body. Presentation units are attached to the information transfer device in a predetermined arrangement pattern to present a tactile stimulus. A contact detection unit that has detected contact is specified. Based on the arrangement distribution of the specified contact detection unit and a type of information to be presented via a tactile stimulus, a presentation unit to be driven is specified. The specified presentation unit is driven and controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mahoro Anabuki, Atsushi Nogami, Tetsuri Sonoda
  • Patent number: 8368555
    Abstract: A utility network interface device is provided for operation with a utility network. The utility network interface device includes a control unit configured to detect a tampering with a software component of a utility meter with which the utility network interface device is associated. The utility network interface device also includes a notification unit configured to output, external to the utility meter, a visual indication constituting notification of the tampering detected by the control unit. The control unit is configured to automatically control the notification unit to output the external notification of the tampering in response to the detection of the tampering. Also provided are a utility network including the utility network interface device, a method of operating a utility network interface device, and a computer-readable recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon for operating a utility network interface device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Silver Spring Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Gilbert, Raj Vaswani, Jana van Greunen
  • Publication number: 20130024563
    Abstract: A communication equipment notifies a server equipment of a communication port to which a communication cable is connected. If another communication port as a connection partner of the notified communication port is not yet connected to the communication cable, the server equipment transmits a first notification instruction to another communication equipment having the said another communication port. The said another communication equipment indicates, in a viewable manner, a communication port corresponding to the first notification instruction as a communication port to which the communication cable is required to be connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Keisuke Torigoe, Youichi Hidaka
  • Patent number: 8358219
    Abstract: An indicator apparatus, having a pulse width modulation circuit (1), a demultiplexer (2) which has at least one signal input (21) and at least two signal outputs (22), wherein the signal input (21) is connected to the pulse width modulation circuit (1), and at least two light-emitting diodes (3) which are each connected to a signal output (22) of the demultiplexer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: e: cue control GmbH
    Inventor: Dominik Heggen
  • Patent number: 8351868
    Abstract: A portable communication device includes a status indictor in the form of a single multicolor generating LED. The single LED indicates radio channel and battery status. The LED is responsive to a menu button press to indicate a current channel by color. Channel change is indicated by changing to another color. The LED is also responsive to a power button on the portable communication device to generate predetermined colors associated with battery status. The use of a single LED eliminates the need for knobs or a display as part of the status indicator of the portable communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Motorola Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: LanTing L. Garra, Kenneth M. Reitz, Jr., Craig F Siddoway
  • Patent number: 8344871
    Abstract: A vehicular integrated light assembly comprises a first and second pluralities of LEDs arranged on a circuit board, and a controller electrically coupled to the first and second pluralities of LEDs. The light assembly further comprises a housing and at a lens hermetically sealing the circuit board and first and second pluralities of LEDs within the housing. The controller is operable to operate in a warning light mode in which the first plurality of LEDs emit a bright light in a first predetermined color and flash in a first predetermined sequence, and the second plurality of LEDs emit a bright light in a second predetermined color and flash in an alternating sequence from the first predetermined sequence. The controller is further operable to transition to a scene light mode in which the second plurality of LEDs emit a steady bright light in the second predetermined color to illuminate the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: John E. McLoughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Kiam Meng Toh
  • Patent number: 8337060
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing adequate lighting and sighting for a bicycle are disclosed. A lighting system that includes an illumination ring configured to be coupled to a wheel is also disclosed. The illumination ring is configured to simultaneously project light forward and to the side of a front wheel and to project light rearward of and to the side of a rear wheel. The illumination ring may be mounted to or integrated with the bicycle wheel. Methods of controlling light sources on the illumination ring are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: John Kent Frankovich
  • Publication number: 20120319861
    Abstract: A strobe device that operates in multiple modes is disclosed. The strobe device may include an LED-based strobe element and a controller. In response to receiving a command to generate an output, the controller determines in which of at least a first mode and second mode to operate, and sends one or more signals to the LED-based strobe element based on the determination. The first mode and the second mode may differ from one another in at least one aspect, such as duration, luminosity, current supplied to LED, or wavelength range. The controller may select both of the first mode and the second mode (such as alternating between the first mode and the second mode). Or, the controller may select one of the first mode and the second mode. For example, depending on the ambient light at or near the strobe device, the controller may select either the first mode or the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Savage, JR.
  • Patent number: 8325029
    Abstract: A multiple color multi-function light bar for a law enforcement vehicle, emergency vehicle, tow truck or the like. The light bar includes a plurality of light emitting diodes aligned in a single row. Each of the plurality of light emitting diodes are configured to emit two different colors of light through a single optical lens. Advantageously, the light bar is capable of producing a single color light pattern and a dual color light pattern based upon the particular emergency or traffic control situation encountered by an operator of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignees: Brookings Industries, Inc., Juluen Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Richard Brooking, Anthony Chun Hua Chan
  • Publication number: 20120299741
    Abstract: A mattress showroom display device for a mattress, headboard or pillow presents selectively changeable product information regarding the mattress. The display device comprises a separate panel of such size and shape as to cover at least a portion of a surface of the mattress, headboard, or pillow. The display device includes a media display in the form of an area of programmable light emitting units associated with the separate panel for presenting the selectively changeable visual product information regarding the mattress. The media display has the capability to electronically connect to a power source and the programmable product information control source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: WRIGHT OF THOMASVILLE, INC.
    Inventor: William D. Wright, JR.
  • Patent number: 8314716
    Abstract: An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel for a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) sensor used for building automation controls. The OLED display will transmit information to the building occupant relating to heating ventilation and air conditioning outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Cook, Pankaj Kalore, Wesley Disselkoen
  • Patent number: 8310351
    Abstract: An electronic device (100) is configured to be operable with the user input attachment (102) so as to provide a user with the option of using a touch sensitive display (101) alone, or in conjunction with the control device or keypad having physical keys to enhance the tactile user experience. The electronic device (100) includes a touch sensitive display (101) and the controller (104) it is operable with a touch sensitive display (101). When the user input attachment (102) is coupled to the touch sensitive display (101), and identification module (106) is configured to identify the user input attachment (102) by way of a temporal signature signal (110). Once identified, and adaptation module (107) is configured to reconfigure the electronic device (100) in response to the user input attachment (102) being attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: John Henry Krahenbuhl, Louis Jerome Lundell, Jiri Slaby
  • Patent number: 8310373
    Abstract: Provided is a system, a tool and a method for communicating with a faulted circuit indicator (FCI), the faulted circuit indicator including a detection circuit for monitoring an electrical conductor of a power system. The system includes a display and a first light emitting diode associated with the display. The first light emitting diode generates an optical FCI status signal in response to an occurrence of a fault in the electrical conductor. The system also includes a first microcontroller operatively coupled to the display and the detection circuit, and a handheld user command tool adapted to optically signal the display. The handheld user command tool may be also adapted to generate an optical serial communication. The optical serial communication may provide data and/or commands for operation of the faulted circuit indicator. The display may be integrated into the FCI. The FCI may be an overhead FCI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence V. Feight, Mark L Zeller
  • Patent number: 8305225
    Abstract: A lamp assembly to be incorporated into or positioned on a truck's existing support structure comprising: a heat sink; an electrically insulating dielectric coating disposed on the heat sink; a plurality of circuit traces disposed on the dielectric coating; a plurality of LEDs disposed on and electrically connected to one another by the dielectric coating; and a cover disposed substantially over and protecting the heat sink, the dielectric coating, the circuit traces, and the LEDs. The LEDs are spaced apart at intervals to provide general illumination. The cover can be clear or be solid and have a plurality of apertures, each corresponding to one LED, and can further include a lens over the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Truck-Lite Co., LLC
    Inventors: Craig Hefright, Timothy DiPenti, Todd Kolstee
  • Publication number: 20120268287
    Abstract: A circuit where a rotary push switch module with first and second switches are closed and first and second terminals of a NAND gate receive high level signals. An output terminal of the NAND gate outputs a low level signal. A light emitting diode (LED) is not lit. A voltage output terminal outputs a standby voltage. When the first switch is opened, and the second switch is closed, the first and the second input terminals of the NAND gate respectively receive a high level signal and a low level signal. The output terminal of the NAND gate outputs a high level signal. The LED is lit. The voltage output terminal does not output the standby voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY(ShenZhen) CO., LTD
    Inventors: XIANG CAO, HAI-QING ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20120259484
    Abstract: An electronic module assembly (EMA) for use in controlling one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor within the EMA is configured to determine when a personal restraint system associated with each seat in a vehicle should be deployed. In addition, the programmed processor is configured to perform a diagnostic self-test to determine if the EMA and the personal restraint systems are operational. In one embodiment, results of the diagnostic self-test routine are displayed on a display included on the electronic module assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the results of the diagnostic self-test routine are transmitted via a wireless transceiver to a remote device. The remote device can include a wireless interrogator or can be a remote computer system such as a cabin management computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: AmSafe, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Shields, Peter A. Settles, Willard F. Hagan, Joseph Smith
  • Patent number: 8282237
    Abstract: A signaling or emergency light-emitting device comprises a shell (1) that is made of a watertight transparent material and is provided with a crush resistant structure, containing a LED illumination circuit which is provided with a battery (16) rechargeable through a coil (19) that can be linked in its magnetic flux with an inductive power source, with a microprocessor (22) and a radiofrequency transceiver (23). The shell (1) comprises a base (5) and a cover (6) that are joined together by means of a series of fixing screws (10), a seal (2) that extends radially and enlarges the rest surface for the base (5) is interposed peripherally between the base (5) and the cover (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: SOBEI S.r.l.
    Inventor: Angelo Vittozzi
  • Patent number: 8279044
    Abstract: A data storage device includes a storage module for storing data, a control module coupled to the storage module for detecting signals and controlling their transmission, an interface coupled to the control module for connecting the data storage device to a periphery device, a radio frequency fingerprint scanning module coupled to the control module for detecting fingerprints and transmitting fingerprint signals to the control module, and a light emitting diode (LED) indicator coupled to the control module to indicate a fingerprint scanning region on the data storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Shining Union Limited
    Inventors: Kwok Fong Wong, Pui Yi Ching
  • Publication number: 20120242495
    Abstract: A visual indicator, such as a light emitting diode (LED), may display the quality of the radio frequency (RF) link. In one implementation, a device may include, a RF antenna; a control module to connect to a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network through the RF antenna; and a LED, disposed on an outer surface of the device, to emit light of a number of different colors, where the color to emit is selected based on a quality of the connection to the LTE network. The device may include an outdoor broadband unit connected to an external portion of a customer premise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio AGUIRRE, Raafat E. KAMEL, Kamlesh S. KAMDAR, Lalit R. KOTECHA
  • Publication number: 20120242497
    Abstract: A desktop computer includes a host portion, a network interface card and a first interface. The network interface card includes a first pin, a second pin, and a third pin. The first interface includes a fourth pin connected to both the second and third pins of the network interface card, and a fifth pin connected to the first pin. The screen includes a second interface connected to the first interface, a first LED, and a second LED. The second interface includes a sixth pin connected to the fourth pin, and a seventh pin connected to the fifth pin. The seventh pin is connected to a power supply through the first LED. The sixth pin is connected to the power supply through the second LED. When there is communication through a network connection, the first LED and the fourth LED to flash synchronously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: XIANG CAO, HAI-QING ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20120242496
    Abstract: A circuit is for checking the voltage of a battery. The circuit includes a regulator component, a pnp type transistor, an npn transistor, a diode, and an alarm. The circuit activates an alarm when the voltage of the battery is less than a preset value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YONG-ZHAO HUANG
  • Patent number: 8274397
    Abstract: Programmable light assemblies that may function in various operating modes, such as to function as marker lights and/or emergency lights, or have other functions, are disclosed. The protocol and architecture of the light assemblies enables the associated light fixtures to provide a constant current output despite the presence of substantially large voltage ranges, and even when submerged in water. Alternative embodiments of the programmable light assemblies of the invention provide many other features as described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sonoma Circuits, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Wilson, Raymond G Bryan, Richard L Hicksted
  • Publication number: 20120235827
    Abstract: The present application discloses methods and systems for augmenting a field of view of a user. In one embodiment, a device may include a detector, a processor, and an array of visual indicators. According to an embodiment of the method, the detector may image an environment. The processor may identify within the environment imaged by the detector an object of interest. The processor may also determine a relative spatial location of the identified object of interest. Further, the array of visual indicators may be used to indicate the determined relative spatial location of the identified object of interest. In particular, a set of one or more visual indicators may be selected that has a relative spatial location in the array of visual indicators that is indicative of the relative spatial location of the identified object of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Liang-Yu Chi, Robert Allen Ryskamp, Luis Ricardo Prada Gomez
  • Patent number: 8269646
    Abstract: Disclosed is a light display comprised of a light display unit containing 24 LEDs of various colors, a USB connector connecting the light display unit to a computer, and light display custom software that is loaded onto the computer. When the computer plays music audio such as a WAV file, MP3 file, or a CD disk, the light display custom software, installed on the computer, transforms the audio output into a four 8-bit byte record 40 times a second. The first byte is a header record, and the remaining 3 bytes contain 24 instruction bits. The instruction bits are calculated using a programmed spectrum analyzer that filter the sampled audio signal over a range of 20 Hz to 20K Hz. When the frequencies within a given band exceeds a threshold, the bit associated with that band is set to 1, otherwise the bit is set to 0. The light display unit contains a circuit board that turns the LED associated with the bit on if the bit is one, otherwise it is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Francis Exman
  • Publication number: 20120229292
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a beacon system may include a first light source having at least one visible light emitting diode; and a second light source configured to essentially emit infrared radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: OSRAM AG
    Inventors: Holger Laabs, Rainer Seidel
  • Patent number: 8264368
    Abstract: A warning unit for attachment to a handheld firearm comprises an attachment device for attachment to a firearm, a light source, and a digitally manipulable input device operable to enable selection of a mode of operation. The warning unit is capable of being operated in at least a narrow divergence mode, and a wide divergence mode wherein, in the narrow divergence mode, the warning unit is operable to emit a beam of light of a lower divergence than in the wide divergence mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Thales Holdings UK Plc
    Inventors: Adam Hughes, Des Walker, Ian Maguire, David May
  • Patent number: 8253593
    Abstract: A traffic light system includes a traffic light unit and at least one reminding unit. The traffic light unit includes a plurality of traffic lights, a detecting module connected to the traffic lights, and a wireless communication module connected to the detecting module. Each reminding unit includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a signaling module, such as a speaker module connected to the CPU. The detecting unit detects the working statuses of the traffic lights and generates corresponding detect signals transmitted to the wireless communication module, the wireless communication module sends the detect signals to the reminding unit in a predetermined reminding area, the CPU processes the detect signals to obtain the workings statuses of the traffic lights and controls the speaker module to play corresponding audio signals to remind the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Li-Jin Jia, Shu-Qing Wang, Dong-Xu Weng, Yuan Yao
  • Patent number: 8247998
    Abstract: A light-emitting device capable of being powered by an AC power supply or an unregulated DC power supply is disclosed. The light-emitting device, in an aspect, is coupled to a controller, a light-emitting diode (“LED”) array, and a power supply, wherein the power supply can be an AC power source or an unregulated DC power source. While the power supply provides electrical power, the controller generates various LED control signals in response to power fluctuation of the electrical power. The LED array allows at least a portion of LEDs to be activated in accordance with the logic states of the LED control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgelux, Inc.
    Inventors: David Hum, Steve Lester
  • Patent number: 8242927
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventor: Jack Leighton Ries, II
  • Patent number: 8237581
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventor: Jack Leighton Ries, II
  • Patent number: 8237582
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventor: Jack Leighton Ries, II
  • Patent number: 8237381
    Abstract: An electrical interface module (EIM) is provided between an LED illumination device and a light fixture. The EIM includes an arrangement of contacts that are adapted to be coupled to an LED illumination device and a second arrangement of contacts that are adapted to be coupled to the light fixture and may include a power converter. Additionally, an LED selection module may be included to selectively turn on or off LEDs. A communication port may be included to transmit information associated with the LED illumination device, such as identification, indication of lifetime, flux, etc. The lifetime of the LED illumination device may be measured and communicated, e.g., by an RF signal, IR signal, wired signal or by controlling the light output of the LED illumination device. An optic that is replaceably mounted to the LED illumination device may include, e.g., a flux sensor that is connected to the electrical interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Harbers, Gregory W. Eng, Christopher R. Reed, Peter K. Tseng, John S. Yriberri
  • Patent number: 8232891
    Abstract: An indicator light includes a first ring shaped light and a second ring shaped light. The first ring shaped light is divided into two first curved lights. One of the first curved lights is configured to indicate a system status of an electronic device. The other one of the first curved lights is configured to indicate a connection status of a network of the electronic device. The second ring shaped light is configured to indicate a working status of at least one data storage device of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Shu Wu, Chun-Chih Yu, Cheng-Shu Ho
  • Patent number: 8223015
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus system includes a plurality of racks mounting a plurality of electronic apparatus. The system identifies the physical location of the electronic apparatus having sent the abnormality notification by using light emitting devices displaying the statuses of the electronic apparatuses. The light emitting devices of the entire electronic apparatuses on a rack is displayed, and the rack location is identified from among a plurality of racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Yuuki
  • Publication number: 20120177377
    Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a cable clamp (100) comprises a first half member (110) and a second half member (115). Each of the half members comprises first and second mating surfaces (120, 125), and interior and exterior surfaces (130, 135). The half members are connected at the first mating surfaces thereof such that the half members form a passageway (140) for receiving a cable (145) therethrough. The clamp further comprises at least one actuator (150) disposed on one of the exterior surfaces, at least one indicator (155) disposed on one of the exterior surfaces, and a transceiver (160) configured to transmit data regarding the at least one actuator and to receive data regarding the indicator via a wireless link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Crestron Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: George Feldstein, Mark LaBosco, Esteban Dragonanovic, Philip Bellingham
  • Patent number: 8217801
    Abstract: An LED (Light Emitting Diode) module includes a base seat and a plurality of LEDs. The base seat includes a planar portion having a planar external surface and a straight portion connected interactively to the planar portion, and having a straight external surface. The plurality of LEDs includes a first LED mounted on the planar external surface of the planar portion to emit light rays in the facing in a vertical direction and a second LED mounted on the straight external surface of the straight portion to emit light rays in the horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Connectek Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Hsiang Chien, Jyun-Wei Huang
  • Publication number: 20120154167
    Abstract: A surge protection apparatus or method for opening a surge path upon failure of a surge protection element as a short. The surge protection device may include a switch controlled by a solenoid or other switch controlling component that changes a position of the switch if the surge protection element fails as a conductive element. A first position of the switch is configured to allow transmittal of a signal from a signal connection, through the surge protection element, and to a ground connection. A second position of the switch is configured to prevent transmittal of a signal from the signal connection, through the surge protection element, and to the ground connection. A delay may be added between the changing of the switch position after the surge protection element fails as a conductor. Visual or other notifiers may indicate when the switch is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Jones, Louis Ki Won Chang
  • Publication number: 20120154166
    Abstract: A method for easily identifying a flash memory card and the flash memory card are disclosed. The flash memory card includes a storage cell, a controlling unit and an indicator. As the flash memory card is connected to a computer, the computer produces a color signal to the flash memory card. The computer shows an icon of the flash memory card with a color corresponding to the signal. The controlling unit of the flash memory card receives the signal and drives the indicator to emit light with the same color as that of the icon of the flash memory card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD
    Inventors: XIANG YU, MENG LIU
  • Patent number: 8203439
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: West-Com Nurse Call Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charlie Lawrence Peters, Jr., Paul David Langstroth
  • Patent number: 8201974
    Abstract: The disclosed pan-tilt spotlight is a sealed, remote controlled unit which allows continuous 360° rotation (pan) of visible or infrared (IR) light sources as well as vertical (tilt) aiming of the light sources 65° above horizontal and 25° below horizontal. The light sources are solid state (LEDs) which are energy efficient and extremely durable in the field, requiring little maintenance. Light shields are employed to control stray light, thereby enhancing the stealth of the spotlight in covert operations. The rotating parts of the spotlight are supported at several locations spaced from the axis of rotation in a manner that re-directs forces that would otherwise be carried by the shaft. Temperature sensitive current regulators and robust thermal design protect the LEDs from heat damage. Sophisticated motor control allows fast and precise positioning of the light beam and worm final drive gears keep the light beam in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Whelen Engineering Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, David J. Sousa, James L. Stopa