Condition Responsive Patents (Class 362/276)
  • Patent number: 8358097
    Abstract: A system for controlling a motorized track light system constrained to travel along a track has a control unit coupled to a motor that causes the track light system to move along the track, a plurality of stop sensors strategically disposed along the track, a sensor activation device located on the track light system, the sensor activation device positioned to interface with the stop sensors, and a light sensor for detecting ambient light of a preset level. The system detects a preset level of ambient light, initiating power to the motor of the track light system, moving the lights along the track until the activation device interfaces with a first of the plurality of stop sensors, stopping movement of the track light system along the track for a preset period of time, and at the end of the preset time period, the electrical power is restored to the motor moving the track light assembly along the track to the next of the plurality of stop sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Brent A. Cartwright
  • Patent number: 8348464
    Abstract: A lighting device having a housing incorporating an electrical circuit, a light source and a source of power with a gravity controller. The gravity controller regulates the power applied to the light source in response to the relationship between the position angle and the tilt angle of the lighting device with respect to the vertical. The lighting device has a storage orientation wherein the light source is non-energized and a transporting or use orientation wherein the light source is energized. A plurality of lighting devices are mounted on a storage bracket in a non-energized orientation. A plurality of lighting devices are mounted on a carrier having a changeable orientation, wherein the lighting devices are energized during transporting and non-energized during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin F. McDermott
  • Patent number: 8348453
    Abstract: A light assembly comprising a globe, an electric grid powered lighting element disposed within the globe, a solar powered lighting element disposed within the globe, a solar panel coupled to the solar powered lighting element for collecting light and generating power for the solar powered lighting element, a rechargeable power source coupled to the solar panel and the solar powered lighting element for storing the power generated by the solar panel and powering the solar powered lighting element, a first sensor for detecting an ambient light level and activating the solar powered lighting element when the ambient light level is below a desired ambient light level, and, a second sensor for detecting output levels of the solar powered lighting element and activating the electric grid powered lighting element when the output level of the solar powered lighting element is below a desired output level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Holly S. Cumberland, Todd Cumberland
  • Publication number: 20130003384
    Abstract: A system for compensating abberative effects caused by a bulb of a plasma cell includes an illumination source configured to generate illumination; a plasma cell, the plasma cell including a bulb for containing a volume of gas; an ellipse configured to focus illumination from the illumination source into the volume of gas in order to generate a plasma within the volume of gas; and one or more adaptive optical elements configured to compensate for aberrations produced by one or more optical elements, the one or more adaptive optics elements positioned along an illumination pathway between the illumination source and the plasma cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: KLA-TENCOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ilya Bezel, Anatoly Shchemelinin, Yanming Zhao, Matthew Derstine
  • Patent number: 8346018
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus obtains registration information associated with an information processing apparatus at a transmission destination to which an image read by an image reader is to be transmitted. Based on the registration information, the image processing apparatus determines whether the information processing apparatus requires executing image rotation at the image processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Tomita
  • Patent number: 8346500
    Abstract: A self check-type flame detector includes a casing provided with a monitoring window formed therein. A wavelength generation unit is disposed inside the casing and generates a wavelength in a direction of the monitoring window. A wavelength detection element is disposed inside the casing and detects the wavelength. A comparison unit is provided with a wavelength DB for storing intensity of a reference wavelength and determines whether the monitoring window has been contaminated. A display unit is located outside the casing and displays a state of the monitoring window. A communication unit is disposed inside the casing and configured to receive operation information for the wavelength generation unit, to provide the operation information to the wavelength generation unit, and to transmit the intensity of the wavelength, or a normal signal or a contamination signal of the monitoring window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Chang Sung Ace Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeu Yong Lee, Seung Hun Choi
  • Patent number: 8333481
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a primary lighting source powered by from a facility A-C power source, and backup LED lighting source powered by batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Jia H. Deng
  • Patent number: 8317378
    Abstract: Bimodal illumination for vehicular storage compartment utilizes two or more light sources for illuminating the storage compartment, a removable divider to establish two or more sub-compartments when the divider is inserted into the storage compartment, and a switch for selectively turning on and off one or more of the light sources. The switch is opened and closed by the presence of the removable divider in the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Edward Dixon
  • Patent number: 8317373
    Abstract: A luminous device is provided. The luminous device can be controlled to emit light with different color and brightness. The luminous device is divided into a plurality of areas, a predetermined color and brightness values of the light emitted by the luminous device is stored in data storage of the luminous device. When the luminous device is touched, the luminous device determines the touch area first, and then accesses the corresponding color and luminance value of the determined area from the data storage, and controls the luminous device to emit light with the accessed color and brightness value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Feng Chen, Fang-Lun Wu
  • Patent number: 8313221
    Abstract: An illuminating system includes a system casing and a plurality of illuminating modules. The system casing has a first air-hole area and a plurality of second air-hole areas. One of the adjacent second air-hole areas keeping a first distance from each other keeps a second distance from the first air-hole area. The other one of the adjacent second air-hole areas keeps a third distance from the first air-hole area. The first distance is smaller than or equal to the second distance and smaller than or equal to the third distance. Each illuminating module disposed at the system casing includes a diversion casing having a third air-hole area and a fourth air-hole area. The third air-hole areas are located within the system casing and communicate with the first air-hole area. The adjacent second air-hole areas are respectively corresponding to and respectively communicate with the fourth air-hole areas of different illuminating modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Young Green Energy Co.
    Inventor: Nien-Hui Hsu
  • Patent number: 8308318
    Abstract: A method of generating light involves energizing one or more first light emitting elements thereby generating primary illumination of a first wavelength range over a target area, and energizing one or more second light emitting elements thereby generating secondary illumination of a second wavelength range toward the target area during a critical period. Both the primary illumination and the secondary illumination are combined within at least a portion of the target area thereby enhancing at least one visual property within the at least a portion of the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Lighting Science Group Corporation
    Inventor: Fredric S. Maxik
  • Patent number: 8297820
    Abstract: A signaling light source facilitates locating personnel under adverse conditions such as in a smoky environment and resists damage from exposure to a harsh user environment A lighting unit includes at least one, and preferably two, of the signaling light sources also includes at least one personnel identifying red-green-blue (“RGB”) light emitting diode (“LED”) Disclosed methods for operating the signaling light source include energizing operation of a LED light source by supplying a sequence of electrical current pulses which repeat at a rate which causes emitted light to pulse visually, supplying electrical current to a pair of LEDs alternatively connected either in series or in parallel depending upon battery operating condition, and monitoring smoke density in environment around the signaling light source and modulating the intensity of emitted light responsive to smoke density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Kevin Joseph Hathaway
  • Patent number: 8297776
    Abstract: A lighting device for helmet comprises a helmet including an arm to which are fixed a microphone and a lamp, called “lip light”, lighting with at least one lighting level. The device comprises a head tracking system comprising a computer for measuring and collecting data concerning the attitude of the helmet in motion and its position in space. Lamp activation means are automatically controlled by positions calculated by the computer so that the lip light lights, with one of its lighting levels, when it is oriented in a direction contained within a predefined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventor: Joël Baudou
  • Patent number: 8292462
    Abstract: A lamp seat structure capable of adjusting light source sensing direction includes a connecting seat and a lampshade, or includes a connecting seat and a light bulb. The connecting base includes a base, a metallic lid, a cylinder, and a circuit modular board which are connected with an outer metallic conducting rod and an inner metallic conducting rod so as to be screwed to a light holder. A blocking board is located between a limit light trough of the cylinder and a light sensor of the circuit modular board. The circuit modular board is disposed under a partition. The circuit modular board is provided with a plurality of light emitting diodes for illumination. Alternatively, the circuit modular board is disposed and located on the partition, and a lower end of the cylinder is formed with an inner metallic threaded section for connecting with the light bulb. The lamp of the present invention is capable of sensing light and dark to turn on/off the lamp automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventors: Tsun-Yu Huang, Cheng-Yi Huang
  • Patent number: 8294374
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a first and a second controllable light sources generating, respectively, a first and a second lights; a first detector configured to receive at least a portion of the first light and measure at least one attribute thereof in a first predetermined location proximate to the first controllable light source; a memory configured to store at least one of a specification of the second controllable light source and at least one operating parameter of the first controllable light source. The system also includes a processor configured to receive the at least one attribute of the first light, and to control the second controllable light source to generate the second light having an attribute that substantially matches the attribute of the first light in a predetermined second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Sel Brian Colak, Paulus Henricus Antonius Damink, Lorenzo Feri, Johan Paul Marie Gerard Linnartz
  • Patent number: 8287149
    Abstract: In a direct backlight, a substrate on which LEDs are provided includes a plurality of module substrates. Each module substrate can be reduced in warping or deformation after a blanking process. In addition, each module substrate can be formed thin since bending due to its own weight is small. Consequently, the substrate as a whole and the backlight can be formed thin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuya Hamada
  • Patent number: 8290710
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus associated with monitoring and controlling streetlights include monitoring light levels and voltage levels at corresponding streetlights and controlling the streetlights to set or maintain a particular light output at the respective streetlights or providing power consumption estimates for respective streetlights (streetlight specific metering) based on the voltage levels and light levels. A streetlight controller for a streetlight includes a microcontroller; a first sensor to sense a light level from a lamp within the streetlight; a second sensor operative to sense a voltage level on a power supply for the streetlight; and a switching network coupled with the microcontroller and operative to adjust the light level of the lamp. Methods includes monitoring a light level and voltage level and adjusting a light level, estimating power consumption, or facilitating maintenance in accordance with the light level and voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: LED Roadway Lighting Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald A. Cleland, Pratibha Sharma, Simon H. Lightbody, Velvet Warrior
  • Patent number: 8287162
    Abstract: A lamp includes a head, a support arm and a base. The head includes a light emitting member. The support arm is rotatably connecting to the head. The support arm includes a first pushing member and a second pushing member. The base includes a moveable contact and a stationary contact. The moveable includes a spring tab. When the support arm is rotated to a first position, the first pushing member abuts against the spring tab to be deformed, and the spring tab connects to the stationary contact. The light emitting member is in a power on state. When the support arm is rotated to a second position, the second pushing member abuts against the spring tab to be deformed, and the spring tab disengages from the stationary contact. The light emitting member is in a power off state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Hsiang Lu, Huai-Shan Gu, Ting Dong, Li-Tao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8282259
    Abstract: The light-guide plate has an extended portion. The extended portion has a recess formed in a thickness direction, and the optical sensor is arranged within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: NLT Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Itaya
  • Patent number: 8277076
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting device having a battery housing to hold a battery, a light housing having a light source and a lens assembly into which said light source will emit light when activated, said battery and said light source being in circuit with a switch to open and close said circuit, said light housing being moveable relative to said battery housing to motivate said switch to open and/or close said circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Dalton, John R. Brown, Timothy Rugendyke
  • Patent number: 8272755
    Abstract: An object is to provide a showcase in which appropriate illumination can be realized by an LED illumination apparatus having a high durability against turning ON/OFF and capable of securing a predetermined illumination intensity even under an environment at a low temperature. The showcase in which the inside of a display chamber configured to display commodities is illuminated by an LED illumination apparatus includes a person detecting sensor which detects the approaching of any person, and a control apparatus which adjusts the illumination intensity of the LED illumination apparatus, and the control apparatus gradually increases the illumination intensity of the LED illumination apparatus in a case where the person detecting sensor detects the approaching of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Oketani, Atsushi Todoroki, Yoichi Amari, Sakumi Shibusawa
  • Patent number: 8256935
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating electronically simulated flames is disclosed. The apparatus includes features to allow for remote control of multiple electronic flame apparatuses with hand held transmitters and/or computer control with the use of a transceiver. The apparatus can employ incandescent and LED type bulbs or lamps to create a variety of color and brightness conditions. An Internet-based portal is also disclosed to allow for remote access by authorized users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventors: Jay N. Cullimore, Susan Kovarik
  • Patent number: 8251544
    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, and the communication apparatus is at least one of an audio device or a camera. 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: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Ilumisys, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ivey, David L. Simon
  • Patent number: 8246205
    Abstract: An LED light emitting device includes an LED light emitting component comprising a visible LED die emitting visible light and an infrared LED die emitting infrared light, a power source driver for providing electric energy for the LED light emitting component, and a temperature sensor for sensing a surface temperature of an outer surface of the LED light emitting component. When a value of the surface temperature is smaller than zero degree Celsius, the temperature sensor outputs a control signal to the power source driver to control the power source driver to supply an electric current to the infrared LED die, whereby the infrared LED die radiates infrared light to melt ice on the outer surface of the LED light emitting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Foxsemicon Integrated Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chih-Ming Lai
  • Patent number: 8240891
    Abstract: A lamp arrangement with a lamp housing with at least one housing surface having at least one module connecting device, and at least one module set including at least two housing connecting modules. The housing connecting modules have a correspondingly configured connecting device for connection to the module connecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Rittal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sandor Albert, Horst Seibel
  • Patent number: 8232909
    Abstract: A motion detector system includes the ability to detect motion through the use of a Doppler radar sensor or a combination of PIR sensors and a Doppler radar sensor. The system includes an outdoor light fixture having one or more lamps and a housing coupled to the outdoor light fixture. The housing includes a Doppler radar sensor and a microprocessor for analyzing the signals received by the Doppler radar sensor. Alternatively, the housing includes a combination of PIR sensors and a Doppler radar sensor and a microprocessor for analyzing the signals received from these sensors. The lamps in the light fixture are activated when either the PIR sensor or the Doppler radar sensor generates a signal indicating motion within the monitored area. Alternatively, the lamps can be activated when either the PIR sensor or the Doppler radar sensor senses predetermined number of motion activities over a limited time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: Scott Kroeger, George Michael Drake, Ryan Crist, Tyler Fleig, Milton Dallas, Norm Siegel, Charlie Ketelhohn
  • Patent number: 8226260
    Abstract: A lighting fixture for deterring predation has a case containing a battery and one or more sources of illumination. A controller acts to cause intermittent flashing of the sources of illumination because the apparent motion deters predators. The case may have a bracket adapted for attachment to a post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Ian Lloyd Whalan
  • Patent number: 8210705
    Abstract: A wall mounted hand rail system for assisting a patient includes a support beam. A plurality of lighting elements is disposed adjacent a bottom portion of the support beam and is configured selectively to direct light in a downward direction. An electronic system is configured to sense when the support beam has been touched by the patient and is configured to cause the lighting elements to illuminate an area below the support beam when the support beam has been touched by the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: HOK Product Design, LLC
    Inventors: Renaldo C. Pesson, Nicholas J. Watkins
  • Patent number: 8210702
    Abstract: A cooler that utilizes multiple LEDs to illuminate an entire interior is disclosed herein. The LEDs are activated by a magnetic reed switch positioned between an inside liner and an outer liner of the cooler. A magnet is positioned in a lid. Removal of the magnetic field of the magnet when the lid is in an open state allows the magnetic reed switch to complete a circuit from a battery to the LEDs thereby allowing the LEDs to illuminate the entire interior chamber of the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Liddup Corporation
    Inventor: Jayson T. Sandberg
  • Patent number: 8214084
    Abstract: An LED-based light can be installed in a conventional light fixture. The LED-based light can include a sensor operable to output a first signal indicative of whether an area of one or more of the rooms is in an occupied state or a non-occupied state, and the LED-based light can also include an LED controller operable to control at least one LED in the light in response to the first signal. Additionally, the LED-based light can include a transmitter operable to output a second signal indicative of whether the area is in the occupied state or the non-occupied state to a building environment regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: ilumisys, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ivey, David L Simon
  • Patent number: 8210719
    Abstract: A solar LED indicator for use on road railings including a base, a lamp holder, a solar panel, an LED, a rechargeable battery, and a control panel. The base is S-shaped and on the top thereof disposed is the solar panel. The lamp holder comprises a chamber and is disposed at the concave side of the base. The LED is disposed at least at one side of the lamp holder. The rechargeable battery and the control panel are disposed in the chamber of the lamp holder, the rechargeable battery is connected with the solar panel, and the control panel controls the working conditions of the LED. The solar LED indicator can be seen from a long distance and exhibits a good guiding effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jianguo Chen
  • Patent number: 8206012
    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: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, LLC
    Inventor: James Bornhorst
  • Patent number: 8206003
    Abstract: An illuminated holder for storing one roll of toilet paper in a protected and conveniently accessible position atop a toilet tank, although positioning in other conveniently accessible locations in a bathroom is also contemplated. The holder has a grooved base, a cylindrical main body, an upwardly-tapering cap, and a light emitting diode (LED) that provides a source of illumination through a translucent light shield positioned between the main body and the cap. A photovoltaic cell and rechargeable battery preferably power the LED light, and a sensor automatically activates the LED light in dimly lit surroundings. One roll of toilet paper is placed on the base at a time, and then covered until needed by the assembled main body, shield, and cap. Optionally, the base may have high-friction feet configured for gripping the top of a toilet tank cover and maintaining the holder in its desired position of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Richard W. LaBarge
  • Patent number: 8201973
    Abstract: A flame detector is provided. A circuit board is disposed in a housing. A first light source emits first light. A light guide member comprised of translucent material guides the first light from the first light source to a light emission portion of the light guide member. A first light receiving element detects second light having a predetermined wavelength unique to the flames. A second light source emits third light to a translucent cover which is disposed between an opening of the housing and the first light receiving element. A second light receiving element detects the third light passed through the translucent cover to test the translucency. The first light source, the second light source and the second light receiving element are mounted on the circuit board. The light emission portion is formed into a substantially annular shape which encloses the first light receiving element at a front side of the housing to limit a field of view of the first light receiving element to a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Lixil Nittan Company, Limited
    Inventors: Akihisa Kudoh, Kazuyoshi Sakurai, Hiroshi Kaneko, Nobuyuki Akiyama, Masahiro Katagiri
  • Patent number: 8197093
    Abstract: A method of controlling a light level in a space of a building, the method comprising the steps of measuring the light level in the space; automatically adjusting the light level in the space towards a control setpoint; receiving an input to manually override the light level in the space to an override light level; adjusting the light level in the space to the override light level; temporarily adjusting the control setpoint from a default setpoint to a temporary setpoint in response to the manual override of the light level, the temporary setpoint representative of the override light level; subsequently adjusting the control setpoint from the temporary setpoint back to the default setpoint; and adjusting the default setpoint in response to repeated manual overrides of the light level that result in repeated adjustments of the control setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Dragan Veskovic
  • Patent number: 8192042
    Abstract: The invention discloses a light-emitting decorative accessory which includes a shaft, a first shoulder, a second shoulder, and a light-emitting module. The first shoulder and the second shoulder connect two opposite ends of the shaft respectively. The shaft has hollow space therein, and the outer diameter of the shaft is shorter than each outer diameter of the first shoulder and the second shoulder. The second shoulder has an upper surface with an aperture forming through the second shoulder and protruding to the hollow space inside the shaft. The light-emitting module includes a light-emitting unit, a circuit board, and a vibration switch for triggering the light-emitting unit. The light-emitting unit is electrically connected to the circuit board disposed on the upper surface of the second shoulder. The vibration switch is contained inside the hollow space inside the shaft and electrically connected to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Shen-Ko Tseng
  • Patent number: 8182104
    Abstract: A capacitive proximity and/or touch switch has an electrically conductive body bridging a spacing distance between an at least partially translucent, electrically insulating cover plate and a carrier plate. The electrically conductive body has a sensor surface at the end thereof facing the cover plate. The sensor surface is connected to an evaluation circuit via the electrically conductive body. A light source is associated with the sensor surface, the light of which implements an optical display in an operating region defined by the sensor surface at the front of the cover plate. The light source is disposed at an offset to the position of the operating region, and the electrically conductive body has a reflector region configured such that light emitted from the light source can be deflected in the direction of the operating region by the reflector region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Bernward Maria Reinker
  • Patent number: 8172423
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a light source unit having solid light-emitting elements and a sensor unit having a wave transmission portion for transmitting energy waves of specified frequency and a wave reception portion for receiving the energy waves reflected from an object. The sensor unit outputs a detection signal by detecting the object within a detection range based on the difference in frequency between the transmitted and received energy waves. The illumination apparatus further includes a control unit responsive to the detection signal from the sensor unit for performing a control operation to turn on the light source unit, and a power source unit for supplying electric power to the light source unit. The power source unit is arranged outside the detection range of the sensor unit. The sensor unit is provided on the opposite side to the direction of light irradiated from the light source unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamami Sobagaki, Shigeo Gotou, Tadashi Murakami
  • Patent number: 8162510
    Abstract: A LED chip package structure with multifunctional integrated chips includes a substrate unit, a light-emitting unit, a chip unit, and a package colloid unit. The light-emitting unit has a plurality of LED chips electrically arranged on the substrate unit. The chip unit is electrically arranged on the substrate unit, and the chip unit is arranged between the light-emitting unit and a power source. The package colloid unit covers the LED chips. The package colloid unit is a strip fluorescent colloid corresponding to the LED chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Harvatek Corporation
    Inventors: Bily Wang, Shih-Yu Wu, Wen-Kuei Wu
  • Patent number: 8152311
    Abstract: Disclosed are a display apparatus and a light control method thereof, in which the display apparatus including a display panel, a light source unit, an illumination unit to illuminate the display panel with light emitted from the light source unit, and a projection unit to project the light from the display panel in a predetermined direction includes: a light sensor which is provided between the light source unit and the illumination unit; and a light controller which corrects brightness of light sensed by the light sensor on the basis of reflective characteristics of the display panel. With this configuration, the quantity of light is prevented from decreasing so as to prevent the brightness of an image from decreasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bong-hwan Cho
  • Patent number: 8136964
    Abstract: A combination dock light and bollard serves the purposes of both, without having any sensitive structure projecting out from the bollard into the traffic lane at the loading dock. A lamp assembly within the bollard projects out a window cutout at an upper end of the tubular metal body of the bollard. The lamp assembly rests on a sub-plate welded into the bollard below the cutout. The lamp holder is mounted on compression springs held in place with machine screw, to permit adjustment of the lamp beam direction. A photo eye turns the lamp on when the loading dock door is opened, and off when the dock door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: James Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Dale R. Hudson, Jay Tillman
  • Patent number: 8132938
    Abstract: An illumination system (1) is based on a window (21) having controllable transmittance and a light guide system (31) arranged for transferring light from a light guide input (33) to a light guide output (34). The light guide output is located in a same space (50) as the window (21), but at a distance therefrom (21). The illumination system includes elements for balancing (40) the transmittance of the window and a throughput of the light guide system. Preferably, the window is an outer window, the light guide input (33) is arranged for gathering day light and the light guide output (34) is arranged to illuminate an area (52) within sight from the window (21). Preferably the transmittance of the window (21) and/or the light throughput of the light guide system (31) are controlled. A method for illuminating a space (50) having a window (21) with controllable transmittance is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: ChromoGenics AB
    Inventor: Claes Goran Granqvist
  • Patent number: 8130099
    Abstract: Sensor light having a light unit which can be activated in response to a sensor output signal from a motion sensor unit (16), and is provided on a support unit (10, 12) for installing the sensor light inside or outside, wherein that the motion sensor unit is modular, can be removed from the support unit when the latter is installed and has at least one actuating element (28) which can be manually operated and can be operated when the motion sensor unit has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Steinel GmbH
    Inventors: Heinrich Wolfgang Steinel, Martin Meggle, Christof Herbst, Thomas Möller
  • Patent number: 8126513
    Abstract: In a mobile phone applicable to an information processing apparatus, an illumination sensor detects a state of the mobile phone and generates a detection signal, a main controller determines whether or not the generated detection signal is larger than a predetermined reference value and allocates predetermined functions of operation to operation keys based on a result of determination with reference to a table in which the input units and the functions thereof are caused to previously correspond to each other and stored therein. With this arrangement, the number of operation keys or buttons is reduced without reducing the number of functions to be mounted, and the operability output stage line card group the mobile phone is improved even if the size thereof is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Toshiba Mobile Communications Limited
    Inventors: Yuki Yoshida, Akira Ishikura
  • Patent number: 8123379
    Abstract: The lighting device mainly contains an upper casing, an intermediate casing, a circuit board, and a lower casing. The intermediate casing has a cylindrical body with threads around a top end and a bottom end for joining with the upper and the lower casings, respectively. A spherical concave is provided in the center on the top side of the intermediate casing, surrounded by a number of LEDs. Inside the hollow lower casing, the circuit board is housed with appropriate wiring to the LEDs and a sensor assembly. The lower casing further has electrical contract means on a bottom side for introducing electricity. The spherical sensor assembly is rotatably placed in the spherical concave on the top side of the intermediate casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Kai-Po Chen
  • Patent number: 8113686
    Abstract: A guideway illumination system (100) comprises a first member (16) and a second member (18) each having at least one light source (20) and at least one of the first member (16) and the second member (18) receiving a power source (22). The first member (16) has a closed end (16a) and a connecting end (16b) and the second member has two connecting ends (18a 18b). At least one intermediate member (24) has at least one light source (20) and a male connecting end (24a) and a female connecting end (24b). At least one flexible joining member (26) is also provided, the flexible joining member being capable of bending at least 90° and being joinable to any of the first and second end members and the intermediate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Coushaine, Khor Yong Kong, Daniel Beasley
  • Patent number: 8113674
    Abstract: A storm light includes a housing having walls, a light positioned on the housing, and a battery electrically connected to the light. A control unit situated in the housing is electrically connected to the light and battery, the control unit having programming corresponding to ON, OFF, and AUTOMATIC modes. A mode selection switch is positioned on the housing and electrically connected to the control unit, the mode switch being movable between positions corresponding to respective modes. An electrical plug is mounted to the housing and electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit includes programming initiated when the mode switch is at the ON position that causes the light to be energized by AC power if the plug is connected to AC power and the AC power is available and that causes the light to be energized by the battery if AC power is unavailable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Dwain Keith Ridgel
  • Patent number: 8113676
    Abstract: A device for discreetly illuminating theater programs for reading in a darkened theater, including an elongated generally flat top surface portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a first width and defining a display surface, an elongated generally flat bottom surface portion spaced from the generally flat elongated top surface portion and extending generally parallel to the elongated generally flat top surface portion and having a second width less than the first width, a first side portion extending between the generally flat top and bottom surface portions and disposed substantially perpendicular to the generally flat top and bottom surface portions, a second side portion extending between the generally flat top and bottom surface portions, wherein the generally flat top and bottom surface portions and the first and second side portions define a housing, a generally cylindrical recess formed in the housing, a translucent elongated slit formed in the second side portion and directed away from the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Hallowell
  • Patent number: 8100550
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a plurality of light fixtures to create light and music, including a processor having a memory. Software is loaded in the memory and is executable by the processor to operate a plurality of light fixtures and at least one music speaker. At least one DMX controller is operable by the software to control the color of at least one of the plurality of light fixtures, the at least one light fixture controllable by the DMX controller including an LED light engine. The system and method generates light and sound displays by operating the lights in synchronization with music played through the music speaker. The color of at least one of the plurality of light fixtures is altered in synchronization with the music by the DMX controller. Also disclosed is a light fixture suitable for use in the light and music displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Next Step Products LLC
    Inventors: Robert Harris, Adrian Ehresman, Stephen Faber, Paul Koren, Roy Archer
  • Patent number: 8100552
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for a multiple light-source illuminating device, the design and construction of which is derived from the lighting requirements of a specific lighting application. The resulting illuminating device (16) provides illumination according to the principles of lighting practice for the optimal performance of visual tasks. Coupling with sensors (21) and logical control (20) allows illumination intensity and spectrum to be varied according to changing user needs. The illuminating device includes multiple discrete light emitting components of different spatial intensity distribution and color spectrum mounted in specific orientations such that the application oriented combined lighting effect is created. The control is provided via a differentiated power supply (19) capable of affecting the current, voltage and duty cycle determining the relative contribution of each light source effecting a different spatial intensity distribution and color spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Yechezkal Evan Spero