Special Application Patents (Class 315/76)
  • Patent number: 11940814
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a cooperative driving method based on driving negotiation and an apparatus for the same. The cooperative driving method is performed by a cooperative driving apparatus for cooperative driving based on driving negotiation, and includes determining whether cooperative driving is possible in consideration of a driving mission of a requesting vehicle that requests cooperative driving with neighboring vehicles, when it is determined that cooperative driving is possible, setting a responding vehicle from which cooperative driving is to be requested among the neighboring vehicles, performing driving negotiation between the requesting vehicle and the responding vehicle based on a driving negotiation protocol, and when the driving negotiation is completed, performing cooperative driving by providing driving guidance information for vehicle control to at least one of the requesting vehicle and the responding vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yoo-Seung Song, Joo-Young Kim, Kyoung-Wook Min, Yong-Woo Jo, Jeong-Dan Choi
  • Patent number: 11657992
    Abstract: A protective cover assembly for an electrical wall switch disposed on a wall in which the electrical wall switch has an actuator physically contactable and actuatable by a user for controlling electrical power to a load from an electrical power source. The protective cover assembly may include an enclosure and a connector for connecting the enclosure over the electrical wall switch to inhibit a user from physically contacting and actuating the actuator. A first magnetic material member is attached to or disposed in the actuator. A tool includes a second magnetic material member. When the tool is moved relative to the outer surface of the enclosure, a magnetic force acting through the enclosure is operable to move the actuator from a first position to a second position thereby moving the actuator for controlling electrical power to the electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Stallmer
  • Patent number: 11424288
    Abstract: A display device includes: a substrate including a pixel; a scan line for supplying a scan signal to the pixel; a data line for supplying a data signal to the pixel; a first power line for supplying a first driving power source to the pixel; a second power line for supplying a second driving power source to the pixel; and a third power line for supplying a ground voltage to the pixel. The pixel includes: first and second electrodes spaced apart from each other on the substrate; a plurality of light emitting elements, each of the light emitting elements having first and second end portions in a length direction thereof and being arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a first switch electrically connected between the third power line and the first electrode. The first switch is configured to be turned on by a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chong Chul Chai, Kyung Bae Kim, Mee Hye Jung, Jin Oh Kwag, Min Jae Jeong
  • Patent number: 11359783
    Abstract: An LED diffusing assembly having a housing, a plurality of LED lights, and an LED control circuit. Each of the plurality of LED lights has a fixed intensity. Once activated the LED control circuit activates and deactivates each LED light at different times and for different intervals to create a flickering effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: AERON LIFESTYLE TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick Guerin
  • Patent number: 11051644
    Abstract: An improved system, apparatus, and method for numbering and identifying houses, buildings, equipment, vehicles, paths and other locations, that provides a more effective, secure and reliable interface between a location/occupant and those outside seeking to locate them or to make a secure delivery, including, for example, emergency first responders, postal and package delivery service providers, visitors and individuals unfamiliar with an area are disclosed. Further, a system, apparatus, and method to generate, receive and communicate information, designed to operate and respond in everyday use as well as a critical emergency are disclosed. An integrated network of wired and wireless communication connecting a neighborhood, a city, a town, and/or an isolated rural home site or location are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Lawrence Silverman
  • Patent number: 11035535
    Abstract: An LED diffusing assembly having a housing, a plurality of LED lights, and an LED control circuit. Each of the plurality of LED lights has a fixed intensity. Once activated the LED control circuit activates and deactivates each LED light at different times and for different intervals to create a flickering effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Aeron Lifestyle Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Guerin
  • Patent number: 10886785
    Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator for uniformly illuminating an inner space thereof. The refrigerator includes a cabinet including a storage compartment having a predetermined size, a shelf installed in the storage compartment, the shelf including a light source unit for illuminating an inside of the storage compartment, a transmitter connected to an external power supply for wirelessly transmitting power, the transmitter having a primary resonance frequency within a predetermined range, and a receiver for wirelessly receiving the power from the transmitter so as to supply the power to the light source unit of the shelf, the transmitter transmitting the power to the receiver using a secondary resonance frequency generated when the receiver is located close to the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Seonghun Lee, Byungsang Jung, Hwanyong Kim, Seungje Park, Sangdoo Ha, Yongjun Son, Seonwook Park, Jaesung Yang, Wonbok Lee, Gyoocheol Choi, Joonggil Jeong
  • Patent number: 10794946
    Abstract: A vehicle LED lighting outage detection circuit is disclosed for detecting a fault in the LED light and automatically increasing the power drawn from the light power supply in response to the fault. A complementary detection circuit is also disclosed for detecting the increased power draw and signaling a fault to an operator. The increased power draw can be selected to be in the form of a pulse that settles to a lower power draw state after a time to avoid excessive and wasteful power draw. The system can be mounted in a vehicle and, more particularly, to a semi-tractor truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Grote Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Brooks, Eric Thorstensen, Christopher Busse
  • Patent number: 10561264
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a battery-powered lighted tree formed from an artificial tree trunk adapted to be mechanically supported and electrically connected to a support structure external to the tree, artificial tree branches extending from the trunk, a light source disposed to emit light from a branch and electrically connected to the trunk, and, a base, formed from a battery, and, a structure adapted to mechanically support the trunk and electrically connect the trunk to the battery. In an illustrative example, the light source may be an LED-illuminated optic fiber. In some embodiments, the battery may be charged from a solar cell. Some designs may provide customizable illumination patterns using a programmable controller adapted to control the light source. Various embodiments may advantageously operate from battery for a seasonal display, for example, using lights and battery selected to provide a sufficient period of illumination each display season day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: National Christmas Products LLC
    Inventor: Michael M. McRae
  • Patent number: 10539283
    Abstract: An electronic lighting device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The electronic lighting device may comprise a core, which may comprises an enclosure, a light-emitting element, a flame sheet and a swing mechanism. The flame sheet is movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, and may comprise an upper sheet which is of a flame-like shape. The upper sheet is configured to expose above the top of the enclosure. The light-emitting element may be installed on the enclosure. A light outgoing direction of the light-emitting element may be intersected with the surface of the upper sheet so that the light of the light-emitting element is projected on the surface of the upper sheet. The swing mechanism is disposed beneath the flame sheet and can apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing. By the present application, a visual experience of true fire can be achieved and an interestedness and appreciation can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
    Inventor: Xiaofeng Li
  • Patent number: 10522071
    Abstract: A messaging apparatus for wearable items. The messaging apparatus may comprise a light source, at least one sensor to detect an event, and a controller to control the flashing of the light source in response to the detection of the event. The controlling of the flashing of the light source may generate at least one visible element that is visible to a viewer. Further, the light source may not be adapted in the form of the at least one visible element, but rather, the controlled flashing of the light source may be in the form of the at least one visible element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Peter David Cauwood, Keir Samuel Jackson, Keith Paul Thompson, Constantin Zwick, Tomek Kamil Cegielny, Scott James Grubb, Peter Georg Laitenberger
  • Patent number: 10393332
    Abstract: An electronic lighting device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. A housing is formed for the light source support inside the housing. The light source support holds a light source that shines light onto a flame element. The flame element has an upper part shaped like a flame and a lower part extending in the opposite direction from the upper part allowing the flame element to move like a pendulum. The upper part can include a spherical ball that fits into a recess and the housing, and moves back and forth while being illuminated by the light source. In one embodiment, there is a circuit board in the housing, and the light source, as wealth an electromagnet to move the pendulum can both be mounted on the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: L & L Candle Company, LLC
    Inventor: Douglas Patton
  • Patent number: 10056045
    Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, each horizontal and vertical conductor of a TFT array may be in electrical contact with a first and second control system. Initially, the entire display is driven by the first control system. When/if a failure occurs in the first control system, it is powered down and the second control system maintains operation of the entire display. Each control system may contain a set of source/gate drivers, display interface board, and power supply. A reversionary button may allow the user to manually switch between control systems. Alternatively, failure may be detected by the display interface boards or a graphics processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: American Panel Corporation
    Inventors: William Dunn, David Williams, Hanwook Baek
  • Patent number: 9995780
    Abstract: A vehicle LED lighting outage detection circuit is disclosed for detecting a fault in the LED light and automatically increasing the power drawn from the light power supply in response to the fault. A complementary detection circuit is also disclosed for detecting the increased power draw and signaling a fault to an operator. The increased power draw can be selected to be in the form of a pulse that settles to a lower power draw state after a time to avoid excessive and wasteful power draw. The system can be mounted in a vehicle and, more particularly, to a semi-tractor truck, or installed as a retrofit system into an existing semi-trailer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Grote Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Brooks, Eric Thorstensen, Christopher Busse
  • Patent number: 9874338
    Abstract: A universal mounting system according to some embodiments of the disclosure is used to mount a lighting fixture to a pole, which may be an outdoor pole. The universal mounting system includes a bracket attached to the pole by a mounting fastener, and which is attached to the lighting fixture. The bracket has a portion which inserts into or around the pole and the mounting fastener extends through the pole and through the bracket. The universal mounting system can be used to mount a lighting fixture on any pole by reusing existing holes or drilling new holes through the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Energy Bank Incorporated
    Inventors: Neal R. Verfuerth, Brandon James King
  • Patent number: 9863819
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) based illumination module performs on-board diagnostics. For example, diagnostics may include estimating elapsed lifetime, degradation of phosphor, thermal failure, failure of LEDs, or LED current adjustment based on measured flux or temperature. The elapsed lifetime may be estimated by scaling accumulated elapsed time of operation by an acceleration factor derived from actual operating conditions, such as temperature, current and relative humidity. The degradation of phosphor may be estimated based on a measured response of the phosphor to pulsed light from the LEDs. A thermal failure may be diagnosed using a transient response of the module from a start up condition. The failure of LEDs may be diagnosed based on measured forward voltage. The current for LEDs may adjusted using measured flux values and current values and a desired ratio of flux values. Additionally, the LED current may be scaled based on a measured temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Xicato, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard Harbers
  • Patent number: 9758089
    Abstract: A trailer signal converter includes a plurality of inputs, including a first towing vehicle turn light signal, a second towing vehicle turn light signal, and a trailer brake signal. The trailer brake signal is a pulse-width modulated signal. The trailer signal converter selectively drives the turn and stop light signals on the trailer based on the input signals. In a three-wire system, the signal converter is configured to receive a brake signal input and a brake light input and selectively drive the trailer stop light signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: HORIZON GLOBAL AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: Douglas Motts, Larry Eccleston, Chandrakumar D. Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 9664349
    Abstract: A flameless candle includes: a candle body; a projection screen; a supporting portion; a moving portion; an LED; and a magnetic-field-inducing circuit. The projection screen extends upwardly from an upper surface of the candle body, has a flame shape, and has a fixed position with respect to the upper surface of the candle body. The moving portion is supported by the supporting portion and includes: a transparent lens oriented diagonally; an arm extending downwardly; and a magnet on the arm. The LED is oriented to project light upwardly and diagonally such that the projected light travels through the lens, through an aperture of the upper surface of the candle body, and onto an outer surface of the projection screen. The magnetic-field-inducing circuit includes a coil that successively attracts and repels the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: NII NORTHERN INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Lucian Hurduc, Carl Marinier, Pierre-Marc Tardy
  • Patent number: 9618174
    Abstract: The invention relates to an LED light-source module (M, M1-M4) for an LED motor vehicle headlight (SW), in particular for an LED motor vehicle headlight (SW) for producing a dynamic light distribution, wherein the LED light-source module (M) comprises two or more LED light sources (LEQ), wherein one LED light source (LEQ) in each case comprises at least one light-emitting diode (LED1, LED2), and wherein the light-emitting diodes (LED1, LED2) of each LED light source (LEQ) couple light into an associated primary optical element (P1-P4), wherein the incoupled light exits, at least partially, through a light exit surface (L1-L4) of the primary optical element (P1-P4), and wherein the light exit surfaces (L1-L4) of the primary optical elements (P1-P4) of an LED light-source module (M) are connected to one another by means of a light-permeable material such that light coupled into the primary optical elements (P1-P4) can enter the light-permeable material and can then exit this material through a light exit surfac
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ZKW GROUP GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes Jungwirth, Andreas Moser, Günther Krenn
  • Patent number: 9594108
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical system comprising a plurality of modules that can be powered independently withy current, characterized in that it further comprises: a module configured to apply to each of the modules a current which is modulated by a signal specific to the module, an acoustic sensor enabling the measurement of an acoustic signal that accompanies an electrical arc generated by a defective module, a treatment unit configured to identify a signature of one of the specific signals in the acoustic signal measured by the acoustic sensor in order to identify the defective module. The invention also relates to a method for locating faults in such an electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Vincent Heiries, Jean-Louis Lacoume, Pierre Perichon
  • Patent number: 9580009
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for motorbike collision avoidance. One or more sensors or devices can be used to monitor the operating conditions of a motorbike and, upon a determination that a collision or drop has occurred, or is likely to occur, an alert system can be activated. The alert system can comprise one or more auxiliary illumination devices and/or acoustic devices configured to draw the attention of other motorists. The alert system may aid the other motorists in noticing the motorbike and approximating the motorbike's position, size, distance, or speed. The alert system can also be activated by the motorbike rider to communicate to other motorists that the rider believes a collision is possible or that a situation requires caution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Karl Lenker
  • Patent number: 9548011
    Abstract: A multi-media warning sign attachable to a floor sign including a body having a pair of feet, each foot having a lower wall and a first magnet on the lower wall. Each first magnet has an inner wall within the foot and an outer wall coplanar with the lower wall and is engageable either directly to a ferromagnetic mounting surface or to a second magnet on an upper side of a spring-loaded clamp to secure the body to the front and rear panels of a foldable floor-standing sign in an upright position. The body can also be positioned atop a non-ferromagnetic surface. The battery-operated device also includes a lighting assembly with front and rear lights on the body, a sound system for audible warning messages, front and rear motion sensors to activate the lighting assembly and the sound system when nearby pedestrian motion is detected, and a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald Banks
  • Patent number: 9517702
    Abstract: A power supply system is basically provided for supplying electric power to an electric component of a bicycle. The power supply system includes a first battery, a second battery, an operating unit and a power supply controller. The power supply controller is configured to transition an operating state by electric power of the second battery and supply electric power from the first battery to the electric component when the operating unit is operated in a stopped state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Gao
  • Patent number: 9496753
    Abstract: A control arrangement and to a method for supplying electrical power in an elevator system are disclosed. The control arrangement includes a sensor detecting movement of an elevator car and also a control of the lighting of the elevator car. The control of the lighting of the elevator car is configured to control the emergency lighting of the elevator car on the basis of movement data of the elevator car expressed by the sensor detecting movement of the elevator car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Markku Haapaniemi
  • Patent number: 9443454
    Abstract: A horizontal cross-arm assembly is disclosed having a housing with an external surface, the housing defining a horizontal cross-arm operably configured to support a real-estate sign thereunder. A plurality of color-changing light-sources are disposed within an interior cavity defined by the external surface of the housing, the plurality of color-changing light-sources operable to emit a colored light through the external surface of the housing. At least one controller is communicatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of color-changing light-sources, the controller operably configured to change a color of at least one of the plurality of color-changing light-sources from a first color to a second color, different from the first color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: GLOW POST, LLC
    Inventor: Justin Michael Treece
  • Patent number: 9434390
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a control unit configured to execute free-run traveling in which an engine is stopped and a clutch that transmits power of the engine to a drive wheel is disengaged, at a time acceleration is not requested during traveling. The control unit is configured to prohibit upshifting of a continuously variable transmission at least during execution of the free-run traveling, drive the engine from the free-run traveling state in response to an acceleration request, and upshift the continuously variable transmission at a time of returning to a normal traveling state in which the clutch is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Yokokawa, Masami Kondo, Youhei Hareyama
  • Patent number: 9326345
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a lighting control method is conceived for controlling the illumination of a working area, wherein an RFID-enabled light sensor attached to said working area measures incident light on the working area, and wherein an RFID-enabled luminary periodically reads the measured incident light from the RFID-enabled light sensor and adapts its light level in dependence on the measured incident light, such that a predefined illumination level on the working area is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Ewout Brandsma
  • Patent number: 9140421
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a first heat sink having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a second heat sink having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The third surface of the second heat sink is bonded to the second surface of the first heat sink. The lighting device further includes a plurality of first light emitting diode (LED) modules mounted on the first surface of the first heat sink; and a plurality of second light emitting diode (LED) modules mounted on the fourth surface of the second heat sink. One or more the first LED modules generally radiates lights in a first direction. One or more the second LED modules generally radiates lights in a second direction. The first and second LED modules are covered by respective non-reflective caps. The first LED module and the second LED module are configured to be selectively turned on or off according to a predefined algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: TSMC Solid State Lighting Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Yu Yeh, Pei-Wen Ko
  • Patent number: 9113508
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for controlling of a lighting system with a plurality of light sources, particularly to the semi-automatic commissioning of light sources of the lighting system or controlling of the creation of lighting scenes with the lighting system. A spatial coding of light is used for controlling a lighting system, particularly for commissioning of light sources of the lighting system. Some exemplary systems for controlling a lighting system with a plurality of light sources, include a light system controller for controlling the light sources to create a spatial light pattern coding one or more attributes of the light sources, and a light pattern capturing device comprising a scanner for capturing the created spatial light pattern and a communication unit for communicating with the light system controller in order to enable the controlling of the one or more light sources based on the captured spatial light pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Matthias Wendt, Harald Josef Günther Radermacher, Paul Leyten
  • Patent number: 9074760
    Abstract: A laundry machine, in particular dryer, wash dryer or washing machine, includes: a body having a laundry loading opening; a drum, rotatably supported in the body; and a drum illumination device (10) for illuminating the interior of the drum. The drum illumination device (10) comprises a printed circuit board (PCB; 16) and at least one semiconductor or plasma light emitting element (19) arranged on the PCB (16), in particular at least one light emitting diode (LED).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V
    Inventors: Diego Dal Ben, Nicola Ius, Luciano Saraceni, Maurizio Saraceni
  • Publication number: 20150145408
    Abstract: Provided is an illuminated mirror device including: a mirror; a light-emitting part for illumination disposed near the mirror; and driving means for driving the light-emitting part, and detection means for detecting a direction of a face of a person in front of the mirror with respect to the mirror, wherein the driving means controls an emission luminance distribution on a light-emitting surface of the light-emitting part on the basis of the face direction detected by the detection means. Also provided is a method for controlling illumination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Pioneer Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Kuroda
  • Patent number: 9024546
    Abstract: An illuminated latch apparatus is provided. The illuminated latch apparatus can include a latch member 100 with at least one surface 110 having a channel 120 formed therein. A light guide 200 having a first end 210 and a second end 220 can be at least partially disposed within the channel 120. A light source 310 can be disposed proximate the first end 210 of the light guide 200.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Earl W. Moore
  • Patent number: 9016888
    Abstract: A to a non-combustible, tactical flash device includes a non-spherical hollow main housing having a plurality of flat surfaces, adapted to hold internal functional components. The internal functional components include: (i.) an externally exposed activation component located on the main housing; (ii.) a power connected to the activation component and to a control chip; (iii.) the control chip also being connected to at least one speaker and at least one light source, the control chip including capabilities for delay of processing of other commands upon initiation of the activation component, and for subsequent processing of other commands including sound delivery to at least one speaker and/or light activation to at least one light source. Optionally, a beacon transmitter may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Jersey Tactical Corp.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Glynn, Nicholas Klementowicz, III, John A. Dapkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8981647
    Abstract: To satisfy the need for refitting the lighting of a vehicle without the need to modify the controlling system of the vehicle, the present invention proposes a lighting system which comprises an electrical element (110), configured to consume the received power and incapable of emitting light; a light source (130); and a controller (120), configured to receive a first signal indicating the working status of the electrical element (110) and control the light source (130) generating a first light and a second light, respectively, based on the first signal. By utilizing the signal indicating the working status of the electrical element (110), which element is used to replace another automotive lamp, the controller can control the light source (130) to mimic said another automotive lamp while performing its original function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Chao Ding, Frank Huang, Francois Darsy, Timothy Zhang
  • Patent number: 8952614
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp includes: a light source; a lamp housing that accommodates the light source inside; and a power receiving section that is provided so as to be integral with the lamp housing and is configured to receive electric power wirelessly to supply the electric power to the light source. A power supply device that supplies electric power from a battery mounted on a vehicle to a lamp disposed in the vehicle includes a power transmission section that is provided in the vehicle and configured to transmit the electric power of the battery; and a power receiving section that is provided so as to be integral with the lamp and configured to receive the electric power from the power transmission section. The power transmission section and the power receiving section are disposed to be opposed to each other and electrically coupled by electromagnetic induction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naohisa Tatara, Naoki Tatara
  • Publication number: 20150035432
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of illumination relative to an appliance. A programmable controller activates one or more light sources automatically based on a trigger or sensed condition. The controller dynamically adjusts the one or more light sources in a closed loop fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: JAMES W. KENDALL, RANDELL L. JEFFERY, MICHAEL S. SEELEY
  • Publication number: 20150008822
    Abstract: A variably controlled lighting mechanism, sometimes referenced as a hog light, may be attached to the underside of a feeder and used in non-daylight hours to provide selective illumination through more than one color of LED light that may be inset within the hog light. A wireless remote may include a series of inputs that may control various aspects of the hog light, particularly to illuminate the different LED lights that are integrated within the hog light, as well as to control the motor and/or feeder. The hog light also may be manually operated to selectively illuminate the different LED lights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventor: Zach Gates
  • Publication number: 20140368112
    Abstract: An illuminated makeup mirror set includes: a mirror unit; a surface light source for illumination with adjustable color and adjustable brightness; a memory unit in which illumination conditions corresponding to a plurality of scenes are stored; a detection unit for detecting the color and brightness of ambient light at an installation position of the makeup mirror set; a selection unit for selecting one of the plurality of scenes according to an input operation; an acquisition unit for acquiring, from the memory unit, illumination conditions corresponding to the scene selected through the selection unit; and an adjustment unit for adjusting the color and brightness of the surface light source according to the color and brightness of the ambient light detected by the detection unit and the illumination conditions acquired by the acquisition unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicants: TOHOKU PIONEER CORPORATION, PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazufumi Adachi, Kazunaga Ida, Taku Ito, Harumi Nakamura, Meiji Kitamura, Takeshi Nakamura, Yosuke Sato, Takuo Shinohara
  • Publication number: 20140368111
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for detecting a failure in a signal light. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring operation of one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) of the signal light coupled to a constant current driver, detecting a short circuit in at least one of the one or more LEDs and signaling a failure in the signal light when the short circuit is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin A. Hebborn, Glenn J. Zingler
  • Patent number: 8912898
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a request to determine a status of a first of a plurality of advertising devices is received. The advertising devices are spatially separated. Operating conditions of the first advertising device are identified. The status of the first advertising device is determined based, at least in part, on the operating conditions. A presentation including information indicating the status of the first advertising device is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Lites Out, LLC
    Inventors: Brent D. Arnold, Brian K. Reinle, Scott H. Galaise
  • Publication number: 20140352211
    Abstract: A luminaire system, apparatus, and method of using thereof, is disclosed for optimizing plant growth in a controlled farming environment. Different types of plants have different light requirements, and different inputs to controlled farming environment have different costs. For example, there may be certain times of day where, if power is not used, a cost savings is realized. Thus, the present invention provides a luminaire system for these controlled farming environments that receives light requirement information for the different types of plants, and in turn, adjusts the luminaire light source (110) via a luminaire light interface (106) to based on the light requirement information. The light requirement information may include spectrum in formation for the type of spectrum required or needed by the plants, power cost or savings information, or light quantity information representing the maximum amount of light to be provided to the plants in the controlled environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew LIOTTA
  • Publication number: 20140354151
    Abstract: A method of providing active illumination during biometry that utilizes pulsed lighting synchronized to frame acquisition. Two distinct illumination modalities are provided: the first maximizes the quality of images captured by the imaging system, and the second minimizes the overall illumination perceived by the user in combination with the first. The two modalities are provided substantially simultaneously. The first modality always includes a set of pulses synchronized with frame acquisition. The second modality may be either a second set of pulses not synchronized with frame acquisition or constant background illumination. The two modalities may be generated by two separate sources of illumination or by the same single illumination source. Adding the second modality to the first reduces user discomfort and the chances of an epileptic response as compared to using the first modality alone. The two modalities may have different wavelengths, pulse durations, or intensities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: GLOBAL RAINMAKERS, INC.
    Inventor: Keith J. Hanna
  • Publication number: 20140300272
    Abstract: Disclosed are a control panel provided on an apparatus to control the apparatus, a control method thereof, and a clothes treating apparatus having the control panel. The control method includes the actions of receiving, at a clothes treating apparatus, a power supply command through a power input unit; and based on receiving power to the control panel, controlling a target light emission unit located on a panel body of the clothes treating apparatus. The controlling includes the actions of dividing a duty cycle of current supplied to each of a plurality of light emission units into a duty cycle of the target light emission unit and a duty cycle of a background light emission unit, the plurality of light emission units being located under the light discharge unit and being configured to emit light toward the light discharge unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Youngbae PARK, Noran JUNG, Jimaeng KIM, Yongwoon JANG
  • Publication number: 20140300273
    Abstract: A light-emitting container (2) such as a bottle includes a hollow vessel (4) and a light-emitting device (6). The vessel (4) has an open end (8) and a closed end (10). At least a portion of the vessel (4) is one of transparent and translucent. The light-emitting device (6) is disposed adjacent the closed end (10) of the vessel (4). The light-emitting device (6) includes a microcontroller (14) in electrical communication with at least one light source (16). The microcontroller (14) selectively causes one of an activation and a deactivation of the at least one light source (16). A light emitted from the at least one light source (16) is transmitted through the vessel (4) upon the activation of the at least one light source (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. LeBrun, Stephen G. Toner
  • Patent number: 8851719
    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: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Revolights, Inc.
    Inventor: John Kent Frankovich
  • Patent number: 8841846
    Abstract: In a light-installed area where a plurality of lights are installed, a light managing system senses a moving object that enters the light-installed area and predicts an predicted stop position of the moving object based on record information on a channel of movement corresponding to identification information on the moving object. The light managing system calculates a predicted channel of movement of the moving object based on the predicted stop position, and selects lights to be driven based on the calculated predicted channel of movement. The light managing system turns on the selected lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Seung-mok Yoo, Kwang Soo Kim, Tae-Wook Heo, Hyunhak Kim
  • Patent number: 8841845
    Abstract: The invention is an induction-based lighting system designed to provide power to model displays and other similar applications. The first part of the system is the wireless Power Mat that is placed under the model houses and used as the base for the village, and contains a primary winding that interacts with secondary windings placed inside display components to provide lighting effects, such as one finds in model Christmas villages. The electrical characteristics of the primary winding can be controlled by a microcontroller to make lights in the models blink or change as a user desires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventors: Ricardo Montemayor, Christopher Stimek, Eduardo Hinojosa
  • Patent number: 8786189
    Abstract: A monitoring system has integrated exit signs, which preferably have electroluminescent elements. The signs connect to internal wiring of a building, but local power sources can provide emergency power if building power is lost. Controllers on the signs communicate with a central workstation using building wiring and/or wireless communication. The controllers have one or more automated features for monitoring operation of the exit signs and the surrounding environment. These automated components, including an intensity sensor, an ambient light sensor, a temperature sensor, a smoke detector, a camera, a speaker, a microphone, a motion detector, an RFID detector, and the like. Because the signs are widely distributed throughout the building, operators can get detailed information of the building environment, security, fire, smoke, temperature, etc. The exit signs can store this information locally and can communicate useful information using a communication link to the central workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Jerrold W. Mayfield, George Kasee, Jason Foringer, Sameul Kim
  • Patent number: 8749141
    Abstract: An elevator control device capable of carrying out proper control considering the energy saving and service life of lamp for various types of the lighting fixtures provided in an elevator car. The control device which controls the lighting fixture includes a storage which stores the type of the lighting fixture, a setting mechanism which sets transfer time for automatically pausing the car based on the type of the lighting fixture stored in the storage, and a detector which detects that the car is in a predetermined standby state. The control device turns off the lighting in the car when the standby state of the car continues for the transfer time set by the setting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Masaaki Amano
  • Patent number: 8742663
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a lamp base element for holding a transformer is provided. The lamp base element may include a transformer chamber which holds the transformer, wherein the transformer is held completely in the transformer chamber, and wherein the contact pins of the transformer are passed through a contact-making face of the transformer chamber, which contact-making face is opposite an opening face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: OSRAM Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventor: Frank Sroka