Condition Responsive Patents (Class 362/276)
  • Patent number: 8810407
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a walker has a body. An illumination source is supported by the body. The illumination source is configured to focus illumination on a target area. The target area includes both a leg of a user and ground adjacent the leg during an entire gait cycle of the user using the walker for assistance during ambulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Guardian Angel Navigational Concepts IP LLC
    Inventors: Mark Nolan, Marcia Nolan
  • Patent number: 8803444
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and system of controlling illumination characteristics of a plurality of lighting segments. According to the invention, there is provided an illumination system, comprising: a plurality of lighting segments; a detecting subsystem configured to detect an illumination intensity and/or color of lights emitted from each lighting segment; a controller configured to receive the detecting subsystem's output signals representing illumination intensity and/or color of lights emitted from each lighting segment and to generate sets of driving signals to respectively adjust the driving currents of each lighting segment in response to the output signals, so as to adjust the illumination intensity and/or color of the lights emitted from each lighting segment in accordance with a predetermined illumination setting, wherein each set of driving signals has a unique period feature which is distinguished from that of other sets of driving signals corresponding to other lighting segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Ang Ding, Xiaoyan Zhu, Gongming Wei, Hugo Johan Cornelissen
  • Patent number: 8794765
    Abstract: A projection unit projects the optical image formed by the optical image formation unit toward a projection target. A temperature detection unit detects a temperature of each type of the semiconductor light emitting elements during light emission. A measurement unit measures an intensity of light from each type of the semiconductor light emitting elements during light emission. A light emission control unit (a) corrects a measurement result from the measurement unit using a detection result from the temperature detection unit and (b) controls the light emission intensity for each of the semiconductor light emitting elements based on the corrected measurement result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mamoru Shibasaki, Hiroki Masuda
  • Publication number: 20140204581
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting device (1). The lighting device comprises a light source(7) arranged at a base (2) of the lighting device, the light source having a main forward emission direction (12). The lighting device further comprises a radio frequency, RF, antenna (10) configured to receive signals for controlling the lighting device and a reflector (9) arranged to reflect light from the light source laterally and backwardly. The RF antenna is arranged at the reflector. The present invention is advantageous in that the RF reception of the lighting device is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Lambertus Adrianus Marinus De Jong, Marcus Joannes Van Den Bosch, Joris Hubertus Antonius Hagelaar, Vincent Stefan David Gielen
  • Patent number: 8779340
    Abstract: A lighting fixture system for fluorescent lamps includes one or more fluorescent lamps and one or more ballasts configured to provide controlled power to the one or more fluorescent lamps. The lighting fixture further includes a controller wired to the fluorescent lighting fixture. The controller includes one or more relays configured to turn power provided to the one or more ballasts on and off such that the one or more fluorescent lamps turn on and off with the switching of the one or more relays. The controller further includes a logic circuit configured to control the switching of the one or more relays, wherein the logic circuit is configured to log usage information for the fluorescent lighting fixture in memory. The controller yet further includes communications electronics configured to output the logged usage information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Orion Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Daniel J. Czaja, Jr., Michael J. Potts, Ryan M. Franzen, Eric A. Smasal
  • Patent number: 8777440
    Abstract: An illuminated, color-changing, interchangeable drinking vessel assembly that includes an upper fluid retaining vessel, a neck, a collar on a stem, and a base. Magnets are located in the neck of the upper fluid retaining vessel and light emitting diodes (SMD LED's) and a magnetically actuated switch are located in the collar of the stem. A controller and battery are located in the base of the stem and are also electrically connected to the light emitting diodes. When the upper fluid retaining vessel and neck are magnetically attached to the collar of the stem, the magnetically operated switch detects the magnetic field and closes the circuit, activating the SMD LED's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Benjamin Eves
  • Patent number: 8777453
    Abstract: Disclosed is a kit for converting an existing high discharge light unit to an LED based light unit, with the option of including a networked capability among a group of LED light units. The kit includes a drop-in component mounting plate on which are mounted an LED light source, sensors including a thermal sensor, a control unit, a DC power supply, a heat sink, and a dimmer unit. A wireless transceiver allows the LED light units to operate as a network, with two way flow of information from the LED light units to a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Donegan
  • Patent number: 8770770
    Abstract: The present invention includes an LED lighting assembly containing: a housing; one or more solid state lighting units contained within the housing and actuated by alternating current power; a night light contained within the housing and operably communicating with the solid state lighting units, the night light actuated by direct current power in the absence of light from the solid state lighting units; one or more light emitting diodes contained within the night light; and a battery source for powering the night light in the event of power interruption. In yet another aspect of the invention, a lighting unit contains: a housing or elongated tube; one or more light emitting diodes contained within the housing or elongated tube; and a battery source contained within the housing or elongated tube, the battery source configured to selectively power the light emitting diodes with direct current energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: Larry N. Shew, Jeremy M. Shew
  • Patent number: 8773276
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Savage, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8764270
    Abstract: A display device includes a display panel displaying an image, a light source generating light, a light guide plate guiding the light and supplying the light to the display panel, a receiving container receiving the light source and the light guide plate, the receiving container including a sidewall portion adjacent to the light guide plate and a bottom portion extending from the sidewall portion, a photosensor coupled to the receiving container, the photosensor sensing the light, and a light receiving hole formed in the receiving container, the light receiving hole comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being closer to the light guide plate and the second end being closer to the photosensor, wherein a height of the first end is smaller than a thickness of the light guide plate, and the second end overlaps the photosensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong-Lyoul Shin, Hyun-Seok Hong
  • Patent number: 8764242
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for systems and methods that provide for a power outage lighting management within an environment, comprising a power outage detection device adapted to detect a power outage condition and to wirelessly transmit power outage indication data to a plurality of lighting systems within the environment, where at least one of the plurality of lighting systems include an LED light source that is powered by an internal power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Wireless Environment, LLC
    Inventors: Michael V. Recker, David B. Levine
  • Patent number: 8757817
    Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventors: William Hewlett, Nigel Evans
  • Patent number: 8754595
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a plurality of LED lights having at least two different color LED lights. A controller is coupled to the LED lights for independently controlling the intensity of sets of different color LED lights. A program stored on a storage device is operable on the controller to control the intensity of each of the different sets of different color LED lights to produce light representative of color and intensity changes of outdoor daylight conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Deloren E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8733965
    Abstract: An LED illuminating street lamp with a power generation system includes a thermal power generation system with a heat-absorbing power generation vacuum tube, a road surface pressure device connected with a pressure power generation system, and a solar power generation system. The solar power generation system, the thermal power generation system, and the pressure power generation system are connected with a central controller. The central controller is connected with a DC/DC converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Sze Keun Chan
  • Patent number: 8733998
    Abstract: A display device is provided, which can precisely control a light source by measuring the quantity of light from the light source under uniform conditions. The display device includes a display panel displaying an image, a light source generating light, a light guide plate guiding and providing the light to the display panel, a receptacle accommodating the light source and the light guide plate, an optical sensor fixed to the receptacle to sense the light, a light receiving hole formed at an edge of the receptacle to provide a path through which the light reaches the optical sensor, and an optical adjustment member interposed between the light guide plate and the optical sensor to reduce luminance of the light incident to the optical sensor. The optical sensor is completely exposed to the optical adjustment member through the light receiving hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-Seok Hong, Yo-Han Lee, Su-Hag Ha
  • Publication number: 20140140064
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical device that includes a control circuit having a processing circuit, an electronic switch, light emitting elements and an ambient light sensor disposed on a substrate. The processing circuit provides an electronic barrier between the light emitting elements and the ambient light sensor such that the operation of the ambient light sensor is not contaminated by light emitted by the plurality of light emitting elements. A cover assembly includes a lens element and a switch actuator comprised of a diffusing material. The lens element and the switch actuator are disposed over the light emitting elements such that the light emitted by the light emitting elements is diffused by the lens element and the switch actuator to emit a substantially uniform illumination without any shadow or hot spot artifacts being visible on either the lens element or the switch actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Lorenzo Trolese, Richard M. Rohmer, Lam Chung Fai, Leung Kwok Chung, Joshua Haines
  • Patent number: 8721103
    Abstract: A welding shield includes a durable shell body having a front viewing window pivotally attached to a headband, a welding shield lens attached to the shell body covering the front viewing window of the shell body, a first light source disposed to the front area of the shell body, a second light source disposed to the front area of the headband, and at least one control device for controlling the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Levi Jacob Robinson
  • Patent number: 8714778
    Abstract: An embodiment of the disclosure includes a LED module. A substrate is provided. A light sensor is positioned in the substrate. A LED chip is attached to the substrate. The LED chip has a first side and a second side. The second side is covered by an opaque layer with an opening. The opening is substantially aligned with the light sensor. The light sensor receives a light output emitting from the LED chip through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: TSMC Solid State Lighting Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Sheng Tang, Yi-Tsuo Wu
  • Patent number: 8714785
    Abstract: Provided are a cap, a socket device, and a luminary which reduce the influence of noise. A lamp with the cap includes a lamp main body having engaging means mounted so as to be attachable to and detachable from a socket device; a light emitting-portion; a control device that controls the light-emitting portion; a cap member for a power source situated adjacent to one side with the engaging means interposed therebetween is disposed in a circular track of the lamp main body and connected to the control device; a cap member for signaling situated adjacent to the other side with the engaging means interposed therebetween is disposed in the circular track of the lamp main body and connected to the control device; and a thermal conductor that comes into contact with a thermal radiator when mounted on the socket device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Osada, Satoshi Watanabe, Keiichi Shimizu, Shigeru Osawa, Kenji Nezu
  • Publication number: 20140119020
    Abstract: Method and apparatus features are implemented in a visual display system to provide coordinated interaction between an independent light source and a proximate retroreflective display. The light rays output characteristics of the independent light source are adjusted (e.g., by a controller) based on predetermined and/or detected viewing parameters of the retroreflective display. The retroreflected rays are targeted back toward an eye of a user associated with the independent light source to provide improved brightness and contrast for screen viewing by the user. Some retroreflective display screen embodiments may also include a self-illuminating mode as well as other non-retroreflective illumination modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: William D. Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Lowell L. Wood, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140119021
    Abstract: Method and apparatus features are implemented in a visual display system to provide coordinated interaction between an independent light source and a proximate retroreflective display. The light rays output characteristics of the independent light source are adjusted (e.g., by a controller) based on predetermined and/or detected viewing parameters of the retroreflective display. The retroreflected rays are targeted back toward an eye of a user associated with the independent light source to provide improved brightness and contrast for screen viewing by the user. Some retroreflective display screen embodiments may also include a self-illuminating mode as well as other non-retroreflective illumination modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventors: William D. Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8702290
    Abstract: A light emitting module without connecting with an external power supply contains a light emitting panel including a display surface on which a first raised pattern set and a second raised pattern set are formed; a plurality of lighting elements disposed on a bottom plate and secured in the light emitting panel with the bottom plate, each lighting element at least having a first light facing to the first raised pattern set and emitting light and a second light facing to the second raised pattern set and emitting light; a magnetic reed switch mounted in the light emitting panel and electrically connecting with the each lighting element; at least one cell secured in the light emitting panel and electrically coupled with the plurality of lighting elements and the magnetic reed switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Yu Auto Parts Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-An Yang
  • Patent number: 8696173
    Abstract: A lamp is provided which is suitable for use in low-profile applications. The lamp includes a light source and a lens. The lens includes a first surface opposite a second surface, where the second surface includes an injection surface and the first surface includes a multi-faceted optical element converging towards the injection surface. The light source injects light into the lens via the injection surface and the light refracts through the first surface while total internally reflecting off the first surface and the second surface toward the periphery of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: GE Lighting Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Lucas Urtiga, Eden Dubuc, Sebastien Magnan
  • Patent number: 8698607
    Abstract: Proposedis a remote control device (100), arranged to control a lighting system(1). The lighting system comprises a plurality of light-modules (10) capable of emitting modulated light comprising light module identification codes (20). The remote controldevice (100) comprises a sensor (110) arranged to switch the light modules (10) from an operational mode (210) in which the light emitted by the light modules (10) is non-5 modulated to a control mode (230) in which the light emitted by the light modules (10) is modulated. Advantageously, the invention provides a lighting system with improved energy efficiency and EMC characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Bartel Marinus Van De Sluis, Lorenzo Feri
  • Patent number: 8699153
    Abstract: A device may include a magnifying lens having a focal length that defines a focal plane, a light source providing visible light directed toward the focal plane, and a controller. The controller may be programmed to receive a signal indicative of the distance from the device to an object, cause the light source to emit light at a first brightness if the distance is at least substantially equal to the focal length of the lens, and cause the light source to emit light at a second brightness, dimmer than the first brightness, if the distance is not at least substantially equal to the focal length of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Focus Brite, LLC
    Inventors: W. Scott Tobey, Jeffrey J. Blanco, Dwayne D. Forsyth, Steven Devick
  • Patent number: 8692669
    Abstract: The present invention is an illuminator for CCTV surveillance and security applications that maintains constant optical output from an array of LEDs by employing output compensation, feedback and enhancement. This constant optical output illuminator system enables reliable long-duration low-light imaging and data capture for surveillance and security applications, via an array of LEDs, LED power supply circuitry, and output feedback and compensation circuitry in which a photodetector circuit provides a voltage signal proportional to an amount of light falling on a photosensor and the voltage signal is fed to a drive control circuit for electrical current to the LEDs to achieve a desired optical output as measured by a photosensor voltage setpoint across the photodetector circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Security Systems BV
    Inventors: Tony Mayer, Mark Vernon, Jim Ren
  • Publication number: 20140056004
    Abstract: A light and light control system includes a light configured to generate light from a power source. The system further includes a light collector configured to receive ambient light from any one of a plurality of directions, the light collector including an outer face to receive the ambient light, the light collector including an inclined surface arranged in the light collector, at least one photo detector configured to detect the light received by the light collector, and the inclined surface redirecting the light received from the outer face towards the at least one photo detector. Finally, the system includes a circuit configured to receive a signal from the at least one photo detector and control the light in response to the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Nimrod MCDADE, Russell BRUNER, Handani KAM
  • Patent number: 8651723
    Abstract: The invention relates to GLS-look-alike LED light source (100) comprising two different types of LEDs (21, 22), preferably LEDs emitting with a near UV spectrum and a blue or white spectrum, respectively. The light source (100) further preferably comprises a transparent bulb (40) with a shape similar to an incandescent lamp that is coated by a luminescent layer (30) to achieve a white lamp spectrum. The luminescent layer may contain one or two luminescent compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Juestel, Jacqueline Merikhi, Henning Ohland, Joachim Opitz, Harald Josef Guenther Radermacher, Detlef Uwe Wiechert
  • Patent number: 8651702
    Abstract: Self-aligning light source and detector assembly having a sensor support mounted in a predetermined, fixed position, a light source holder mounted in a predetermined, fixed position relative to the sensor support, a sensor mounted in a fixed position on the sensor support, and a lamp assembly removably mounted to the light source holder in a predetermined position defined by mating surfaces which engage each other and seat the lamp assembly in the predetermined position whenever the lamp assembly is installed in the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Wynn
  • Patent number: 8646937
    Abstract: A switch panel illumination structure for mounting to an outer side of an indoor switch includes a panel provided with a receptacle, and an illumination mechanism detachably received in the receptacle. A conductive section is disposed in the receptacle and electrically connected to an AC/DC conversion module. The illumination mechanism has a first and a second light-emitting section electrically connected to an illumination control module thereof, and the illumination control module is electrically connected to the AC/DC conversion module via contacts and the conductive section. The illumination mechanism further has a switch section electrically connected to the first and second light-emitting sections and the illumination control module. The illumination mechanism can be securely located in the receptacle to serve as a night lamp or an emergency light or be easily removed from the receptacle for use as a flashlight without changing the appearance and the size of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Hsiu-Ling Yang
  • Patent number: 8643803
    Abstract: The liquid crystal display device is a liquid crystal display device having: a light guide plate for converting light from a light source into backlight for illumination; a first frame for containing the light guide plate; and a liquid crystal display panel provided over said light guide plate, wherein the liquid crystal display device further has a photosensor that is placed so as to face a sidewall of the light guide plate and detect an amount of the backlight, and the photosensor is placed so as to face the sidewall of the light guide plate through a hole or a notch created in a sidewall portion of the first frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Japan Display Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Miyazaki, Akio Miyauchi, Nobuyuki Koganezawa
  • Patent number: 8641220
    Abstract: A display apparatus for lighted footwear, having a spring switch, a battery-powered integrated circuit sealingly encapsulated, a plurality of illuminators, and a wiring harness connecting the illuminators to points of the integrated circuit, the integrated circuit being configured for activating the illuminators in a sequential pattern that can include repeated activation cycles when the spring switch is subjected to an effective acceleration. The display apparatus preferably includes the battery being sealingly encapsulated together with the spring switch and the integrated circuit; an ON/OFF switch can be included for selectively producing a deep sleep state of the integrated circuit that is unresponsive to the spring switch. Also disclosed is footwear incorporating the display apparatus, wherein the encapsulated enclosure is located within a sole heel portion of the shoe, and the illuminators are distributed on the footwear for external view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fujian Yibao Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiayang Lin
  • Patent number: 8636385
    Abstract: A relocatable add-on control sensor module is described which electrically connects and controls at least one recessed light fixture. The add-on control sensor module includes a sensor ethernet socket that may be electrically connected by an ethernet cable to a light fixture ethernet socket of the at least one recessed light fixture so that the add-on control sensor module may control the at least one recessed light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: William Fabbri, Roy B. Crane
  • Patent number: 8628216
    Abstract: A lighting and communication system for use in a standardized light fixture is provided. The lighting and communication system includes a light source and a communication apparatus. At least one electrical connector configured for physical and electrical connection to the standardized light fixture is included, and the at least one electrical connector is electrically connected to the light source and the communication apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: iLumisys, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ivey, David L. Simon
  • Patent number: 8624521
    Abstract: A ground-illuminating lamp for a vehicle rearview mirror comprises a remote controller (2), a control circuit (1) and an illuminating lamp (3), wherein the remote controller (2) sends out instructions for turning on or turning off the illuminating lamp (3) to the control circuit (1) according to user's requirements, the control circuit (1) receives the instructions and controls the illuminating lamp (3) to turn on or turn off the illumination, and the illuminating lamp (3) is mounted at the lower portion of the rearview mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventor: Jianzhong Wang
  • Patent number: 8610592
    Abstract: The invention relates to a proximity switch for the detection of objects, comprising a sleeve-type housing, comprising a transducer unit disposed at a measuring end of said sleeve-type housing, the transducer unit comprising a transducer receptacle and a transducer element disposed therein for detecting a physical measurand, comprising a connecting piece disposed at a connecting end of said sleeve-type housing, comprising an electronic assembly disposed on a printed circuit board accommodated in said sleeve-type housing and having a control and evaluation unit adapted to control said transducer element, to evaluate signals measured by said transducer element and to emit switching signals to an environment, wherein variously colored light-emitting diodes are disposed on said printed circuit board at the measuring end and at the connecting end for indicating operational and/or switching states, wherein said transducer receptacle exhibits a transparent region disposed around a housing axis and/or a transparent r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Pepperl + Fuchs GmbH
    Inventor: Dierk Schoen
  • Patent number: 8605154
    Abstract: A method, data processing system, and computer program product for managing a headlight on a vehicle are presented. An image of an area in front of the vehicle is received. A first set of features is identified in the received image. The first set of features in the received image is compared with a number of sets of features from a plurality of previous images. Each image in the plurality of previous images is associated with a headlight setting. A second set of features from a previous image in the plurality of previous images matching the first set of features in the received image is identified. A determination is made whether to change a setting for the headlight on the vehicle based on the headlight setting associated with the previous image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ankur Datta, Charles A. Otto, Sharathchandra U. Pankanti
  • Patent number: 8596816
    Abstract: A multi-die LED package comprises a diode that works as a light-emitting diode for emitting light and as a sensing diode for detecting at least one physical quantity. The multi-die LED package is able to provide desired luminance and color independent of aging, temperature or other effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation
    Inventor: Robin Atkins
  • Patent number: 8585231
    Abstract: A grave marker assembly including a support arm having proximal and distal ends, a flagpole mounting loop fixedly attached to or formed wholly with the support arm's proximal end, the flagpole mounting loop being adapted for, upon an engagement of a flagpole with the flagpole mounting loop, extending the support arm from the flagpole; a solar cell fixedly attached to the support arm; an electric light emitter fixedly attached to the support arm; a rechargeable electric storage battery fixedly attached to the support arm; and a network of electrical conductors operatively interconnecting the solar cell, the electric light emitter, and the rechargeable electric storage battery for, upon exposure of the solar cell to sunlight, charging the rechargeable electric storage battery, and upon a termination of the exposure to sunlight, actuating the electric light emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Jesse C. May
  • Publication number: 20130293722
    Abstract: Provided is a light-emitting device control system, comprising a beam steering mechanism that directs a beam of light at a first surface location, wherein an illumination region is formed at the first surface location in response to the directed beam of light, a sensor that recognizes a hand gesture at the illumination region; a processor that converts data related to the hand gesture into a command signal, and a controller that instructs the beam steering mechanism to move the illumination region to a second surface location in response to the command signal corresponding to the hand gesture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Chia Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8567959
    Abstract: An optical device is capable of controlling a projector, wherein the projector is capable of wirelessly receiving an image signal from a data source, combining an identification signal into the image signal to generate a projection signal, and projecting a projection image according to the projection signal. The optical device includes an optical sensor. The optical sensor is capable of sensing the identification signal of the projection image, outputting a detection signal corresponding to the identification signal and wirelessly transmitting the detection signal to the projector. A projection system including a projector and an optical sensor is provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Jung-Tsun Lien, Wei-Ting Yen, Chien-Yi Yang
  • Patent number: 8567993
    Abstract: An emergency illumination device includes a housing. The emergency illumination device is arranged to include a light source and a power supply. The emergency illumination device further includes a motion detector to generate a motion signal when motion is detected. The emergency illumination device is arranged to switch on the light source when a motion signal is generated by the motion detector. The housing includes a first outer surface arranged to support the emergency illumination device when positioned on a bearing surface. The motion detector generates a motion detection plane that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the first outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nodazzle Holding BV
    Inventor: Michael Robert ten Wolde
  • Patent number: 8569974
    Abstract: A solid state lighting apparatus includes a first plurality of light emitting devices configured to emit light when energized having a first chromaticity, a second plurality of light emitting devices configured to emit light when energized having a second chromaticity, different from the first chromaticity, and a controller configured to control a duty cycle of current supplied to the first plurality of light emitting devices. The controller is configured to control the duty cycle of the first plurality of light emitting devices in response to a change in a plurality of operating conditions of the solid state lighting apparatus in accordance with a model of the duty cycle that relates the duty cycle of the first plurality of light emitting devices to the plurality of operating conditions of the solid state lighting apparatus for a target light output characteristic of the solid state lighting apparatus. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Paul Chobot
  • Patent number: 8562158
    Abstract: A device having built-in digital data means is powered by an unlimited power source for a lamp-holder, LED bulb, light device connected to unlimited power source by prongs or a base that can be inserted into a socket that would otherwise receiving a bulb. The device may take the form of a webcam having auto tracking functions and retractable prongs that plug directly into a wall outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 8556468
    Abstract: A layered dimmer formed of different layers. The front layer may be a scattering layer, and the back layer may be a reflective layer. The light beam is scattered prior to reflecting, to avoid reflection back to form hotspots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventor: James Bornhorst
  • Patent number: 8550658
    Abstract: Described herein is a LED PAPI having an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), the array of LEDs comprising a first set of LEDs emitting a first color and a second set of LEDs emitting a second color. Light from the array of LEDs passes through a pair of apertures separated by a precision ground blade. The precision ground blade has a first edge that is closest to the array of LEDs and a second edge opposite the first edge. The first and second edges have different thicknesses. After passing through the apertures, the light passes through a first lens and a second lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: ADB Airfield Solutions
    Inventors: Richard Hansler, David L. Ruffini, Edward Carome, Vilnis Kubulins
  • Patent number: 8541950
    Abstract: An illumination system reduces a level of light output, and hence power consumption, at a time after turning ON a light source, and increases the level of light output at a time prior to turning OFF the light source. A control subsystem can determine when to increase the level of light based on a predicted time when the light source will be turned OFF. The control subsystem may determine an average or median length of time that the light source has been turned on for a number of recent daily cycles. A control subsystem may be an integral part of a luminaire or may be a retrofit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Express Imaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: William G. Reed
  • Patent number: 8540384
    Abstract: Methods are provided for adapting existing manufacturing processes for non-illuminated data-entry devices and mouses to the manufacture of illuminated data-entry devices. Luminescent sheets of one or more colors underlying optically transmissive device components provide illumination of the components visual to a user of the device. The optically transmissive components may be doped with phosphors or tinted to provide components that emit light of different colors. The intensity of illumination of the luminescent sheet may be controlled by the user and may vary in response to the background light of the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew J. Katrinecz, Jr., David Clark Byrd
  • Patent number: 8528701
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an elevator system in a building including a plurality of floor levels (1, 1?, 1?), at least one elevator door (3, 3?, 3?) and at least one building door (4, 4?, 4?, 5, 5?, 5?) and at least one elevator control (10) which controls at least one elevator drive (11) to move at least one elevator car (8), wherein an opening and/or closing of a building door (4, 4?, 4?, 5, 5?, 5?) causes at least one starting door signal (S1) to be generated and at least one elevator car (8) is ascertained for the starting door signal (S1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignees: Inventio AG, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies
    Inventor: Josef Schwarzentruber
  • Patent number: RE44999
    Abstract: An adaptor (10) including a sensor (18), a gimbal housing (12) having a male connector (14) at one end and an female connector (16) at another end, wherein the male connector (14) is configured to connect with an electrical socket and the female connector (16) is configured to connect with an electrical device, and a circuit for selectively controlling the electrical device in response to the sensor (18). The gimbal housing (12) is adapted to rotate around the male connector (14) about a first axis and support the sensor (18) for independent rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis so that the sensor (18) can be moved to a selectable sensing orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Beon Light Corporation Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Peter Grahame Murray, Jeffrey Laurance Jackel