Patents Assigned to kinetic
  • Publication number: 20070152797
    Abstract: Methods for allocating power amongst different source spectrums, or “channels,” of a multi-channel lighting unit, and apparatus that employ such methods. Power allocation methods exploit the total light-generating capability of a lighting unit while maintaining safe operating power conditions, so as to avoid damage to the lighting unit due to excessive thermal power generation. In one example, a power allocation method ensures that a lighting unit operates at or near its maximum power handling capability for a variety of possible high brightness lighting conditions by ascribing a maximum per channel operating power equal to the maximum power handling capability of the lighting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Chemel, Frederick Morgan
  • Publication number: 20070145915
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for lighting systems, including high output linear lighting systems for various environments. The linear lighting systems may include power systems for driving light sources in high-voltage environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Roberge, Colin Piepgras, Jeffrey Hyer, Kevin McCormick, Peter Swai, Frederick Morgan
  • Patent number: 7233115
    Abstract: Multiple lighting apparatus coupled together to form a lighting network, in which operating power is efficiently provided throughout the network based on a distributed DC voltage or a distributed AC voltage. Based on various power driver configurations, each lighting apparatus incorporates one or more power drivers for one or more LED-based loads. In one example, a controlled predetermined power is provided to a load without requiring any feedback information from the load (i.e., without monitoring a load voltage and/or load current). In another example, a “feed-forward” power driver for an LED-based light sources combines the functionality of a DC-DC converter and a light source controller, and is configured to control the intensity of light generated by the light source based on modulating the average power delivered to the light source in a given time period, without monitoring and/or regulating the voltage or current provided to the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 7233831
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a control system. The control system may be adapted to control one or more lighting systems (e.g. stand-alone or networked lighting systems). The control system may also have a user interface (e.g. dial or button) such that a user can make a program selection and/or alter a lighting control feature. The control system may also include an enablement system. In an embodiment, the enablement system may be arranged to provide a user and/or installer with the ability to enable a program, program setting or the like. For example, the control system may be programmed with three lighting control programs and the user may only want to select from two of the three programs once the control system is installed. The user may make a selection on the enablement system such that only the two desired programs are available from through the user interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael K. Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20070132841
    Abstract: A goggle based light-weight VOG system includes an integral calibration laser and at least one digital camera connected to and powered by a laptop computer through a firewire connection. The digital camera may digitally center the pupil in both the X and Y directions. A calibration mechanism may be incorporated onto the goggle base. An EOG system may also be incorporated directly into the goggle. The VOG system may track and record 3-D movement of the eye, track pupil dilation, head position and goggle slippage. An animated eye display provides data in a more meaningful fashion. The VOG system is a modular design whereby the same goggle frame or base is used to build a variety of digital camera VOG systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Applicant: NEURO KINETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Hamish MacDougall, Alexander Kiderman, John Schroeder, Thomas Joos, Floris Wuyts, Steven Moore
  • Publication number: 20070133200
    Abstract: An efficient system and method for zooming the light from a flashlight is disclosed. Multiple refractive lenses are translated in unison to allow zooming of the light while reducing the size and weight of the required lenses. In another aspect, a meniscus lens is used to reduce the amount of light lost from a light-emitting diode (LED). One method includes providing a light source in a housing and translating a lens arrangement substantially along a light path of a light beam generated by the light source. The lens arrangement includes at least two refractive lenses separated by a gap, a size of the gap being maintained during translation of the lens arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Applicant: Underwater Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Uke, Steven Wright
  • Patent number: 7231060
    Abstract: Separating a source in a stereo signal having a left channel and a right channel includes transforming the signal into a short-time transform domain; computing a short-time similarity measure between the left channel and the right channel; classifying portions of the signals having similar panning coefficients according to the short-time similarity measure; segregating a selected one of the classified portions of the signals corresponding to the source; and reconstructing the source from the selected portions of the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Brian Chemel, Michael K. Blackwell, John Warwick
  • Patent number: 7228190
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for executing a lighting program to control a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) in response to at least one characteristic of an audio input. In one embodiment, the audio input is digitally processed to determine the at least one characteristic. In other embodiments, control signals for the LEDs are generated in response to a timer and/or input from a user interface, as well as in response to the at least one characteristic of the audio input. In another embodiment, the control signals for the LEDs are generated by a same computer that processes the audio input to transmit signals to speakers to audibly play the audio input. In a further embodiment, a GUI is provided to assist in authoring the lighting program. In another embodiment, the audio signal is processed before being played back. In a further embodiment, the lighting program anticipates changes in the audio input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Scott Johnston
  • Publication number: 20070121068
    Abstract: A goggle based light-weight VOG system includes at least one digital camera connected to and powered by a laptop computer through a firewire connection together with an integral visual light stimulus source. The digital camera may digitally center the pupil in both the X and Y directions. A calibration mechanism may be incorporated onto the goggle base. An EOG system may also be incorporated directly into the goggle. The VOG system may track and record 3-D movement of the eye, track pupil dilation, head position and goggle slippage. An animated eye display provides data in a more meaningful fashion. The VOG system is a modular design whereby the same goggle frame or base is used to build a variety of digital camera VOG systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Applicant: NEURO KINETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Hamish MacDougall, Alexander Kiderman, John Schroeder, Thomas Joos, Floris Wuyts, Steven Moore
  • Publication number: 20070115658
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating and modulating white light illumination conditions. Examples of applications in which such methods and apparatus may be implemented include retail environments (e.g., food, clothing, jewelry, paint, furniture, fabrics, etc.) or service environments (e.g., cosmetics, hair and beauty salons and spas, photography, etc.) where visible aspects of the products/services being offered are significant in attracting sales of the products/services. Other applications include theatre and cinema, medical and dental implementations, as well as vehicle-based (automotive) implementations. In another example, a personal grooming apparatus includes one or more light sources disposed in proximity to a mirror and configured to generate variable color light, including essentially white light, whose color temperature may be controlled by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: George Mueller, Alfred Ducharme, Kevin Dowling, Ihor Lys, Frederick Morgan, Charles Cella
  • Publication number: 20070115665
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating and modulating white light illumination conditions. Examples of applications in which such methods and apparatus may be implemented include retail environments (e.g., food, clothing, jewelry, paint, furniture, fabrics, etc.) or service environments (e.g., cosmetics, hair and beauty salons and spas, photography, etc.) where visible aspects of the products/services being offered are significant in attracting sales of the products/services. Other applications include theatre and cinema, medical and dental implementations, as well as vehicle-based (automotive) implementations. In another example, a personal grooming apparatus includes one or more light sources disposed in proximity to a mirror and configured to generate variable color light, including essentially white light, whose color temperature may be controlled by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: George Mueller, Alfred Ducharme, Kevin Dowling, Ihor Lys, Frederick Morgan, Charles Cella
  • Patent number: 7221104
    Abstract: Linear lighting systems and methods. In one example, two or more lighting elements having an essentially linear or curvilinear shape are coupled together to form a lighting system. Each lighting element includes a group of LEDs arranged so as to illuminate the essentially linear or curvilinear shape of the lighting element. Each element may include LEDs to generate the same color light, and/or LEDs to generate light of different colors. Additionally, each element may include one or more controllers to control the LEDs so as to create a variety of temporal and/or color-oriented lighting effects. The controller(s) may employ one or more of a variety of control techniques to control the LEDs, such as those involving analog control signals or pulse-width modulated (PWM) control signals. The lighting elements of the system may each be configured as a “stand alone” unit working within the system, producing respective lighting effects that may or may not be coordinated with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor A. Lys, George G. Mueller, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7220015
    Abstract: Thermal indication methods and systems. In one example, electrical power is generated based on a temperature of a thermal surface, and at least one indication is provided, based on the generated electrical power, representative of the temperature of the thermal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin J. Dowling
  • Publication number: 20070105195
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for recombinant protein production and, more particularly, fusion polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding fusion polypeptides, expression vectors, kits, and related methods for recombinant protein production, are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Applicant: Molecular Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: A. Dunker, Vladimir Uversky, Marc Cortese, James Mueller
  • Publication number: 20070086754
    Abstract: The systems and methods descried herein relate in part to intuitive methods for creation and design of lighting sequences, e.g., for theatrical, entertainment or advertising purposes, using a software interface. Additionally, the lighting sequences can be coordinated with control of additional devices. Also described herein is a controller capable of executing programs for lighting sequences and modifying the output and/or execution of the program based on external signals. In this way, the final output can be made responsive to external stimuli, or even interactive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Ihor Lys, Frederick Morgan, Kevin Dowling, Michael Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20070086912
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus in which ultraviolet radiation is generated from at least one first LED, an object is irradiated with the ultraviolet radiation, and the ultraviolet radiation is controlled so as to generate at least one perceivable visual effect based on an interaction between the ultraviolet radiation and the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin Dowling, Frederick Morgan, George Mueller, Ihor Lys, Matthew Tullman
  • Patent number: 7204622
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for illuminating environments, including aircraft environments. The methods and systems include facilities for providing both white and non-white illumination, with color and color temperature control, in programmed response to inputs. Methods and systems are also provided for improving the addressing of light systems in a network lighting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7202613
    Abstract: Described herein are lighting units of a variety of types and configurations, including linear lighting units suitable for lighting large spaces, such as building exteriors and interiors. Also provided herein are methods and systems for powering lighting units, controlling lighting units, authoring displays for lighting units, and addressing control data for lighting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Kevin J. Dowling, Ihor A. Lys, Brian Roberge, Brian Chemel, Jeff Hyer, Michael K. Blackwell, John Warwick
  • Patent number: 7191512
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tray for holding components having first and second sides, wherein the first side has at least one first component receptacle for engaging said component; and the second side has at least one component engaging member, and further wherein the first component receptacle and the component engaging member are aligned such that when multiples of the tray are stacked upon each other the first component receptacle and the component engaging member will cooperate to restrain the motion of the component relative to the tray. In such an embodiment the component will have first and second engagement surfaces and the first component receptacle will engage the first component engagement surface and the component engaging member will engage the second component engagement surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Girard, Ryan A. Jurgenson, Susan June Livermore, legal representative, David R. Swift, Joseph P. Tracy, Roger R. Livermore, deceased
  • Patent number: 7186003
    Abstract: High-brightness LEDs, combined with a processor for control, can produce a variety of pleasing effects for display and illumination. A system disclosed herein uses high-brightness, processor-controlled LEDs in combination with diffuse materials to produce color-changing effects. The systems described herein may be usefully employed to bring autonomous color-changing ability and effects to a variety of consumer products and other household items. The system may also include sensors so that the illumination of the LEDs might change in response to environmental conditions or a user input. Additionally, the system may include an interface to a network, so that the illumination of the LEDs may be controlled via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George G. Mueller, Dawn Geary