Patents Examined by Pedro C Fernandez
  • Patent number: 9642225
    Abstract: A voice-controlled lighting control system includes a voice-processing device, a lighting control device and a lighting module. The lighting control device is connected to the voice-processing device and the lighting module. The voice-processing device is built in with multiple voice fingerprints and multiple error-tolerant voice fingerprints. During operation, users utter a voice command to the voice-processing device, the voice-processing device compares the received voice command with the voice fingerprints or the error-tolerant voice fingerprints, and sends a control signal to the lighting control device to instruct the lighting module to emit light when finding that the voice command falls within a biometric match threshold of one of the voice fingerprints or the error-tolerant fingerprints. Given the double voice recognition using the voice fingerprints and the error-tolerant voice fingerprints, the precision in recognizing the voice command is enhanced and voice control over lighting can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventors: Kai-Kong Ng, Ming-Yao Chiang, Richard Lence
  • Patent number: 9642226
    Abstract: A two-way load control system comprises a power device, such as a load control device for controlling an electrical load receiving power from an AC power source, and a controller adapted to be coupled in series between the source and the power device. The load control system may be installed without requiring any additional wires to be run, and is easily configured without the need for a computer or an advanced commissioning procedure. The power device receives both power and communication over two wires. The controller generates a phase-control voltage and transmits a forward digital message to the power device by encoding digital information in timing edges of the phase-control voltage. The power device transmits a reverse digital message to the controller via the power wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Taipale, Timothy P. Gredler, Akshay Bhat
  • Patent number: 9642204
    Abstract: Systems and methods for driving solid state light sources are provided. A first drive circuit is configured to generate a drive current to cause a first solid state light source load and a second solid state light source load to illuminate. A feedback and control circuit is configured to receive feedback from the first solid state light source load and to control the drive current through the first solid state light source load based on the feedback. A second drive circuit is configured to control the drive current through the second solid state light source load. A master controller is configured to provide a first input to the feedback and control circuit to control the drive current through the first solid state light source load and a second input to the second drive circuit to control the drive current through the second solid state light source load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Voravit Puvanakijjakorn, Masatoshi Honji, Anne Janet Milliez
  • Patent number: 9642220
    Abstract: A keyway illumination system is operable with different keys to enable illumination of a keyway when a matching key approaches to enhance visibility of the keyway. A smart key case detachably couples to the key to provide a gripping surface for applying torque to key, and electrical components to actuate illumination of the keyway. The key case includes a receiver, a power switch, a mode switch, and a PCB motion sensor mechanism that deactivates illumination of the key case when sensing proximity to keyway. A slave module attaches adjacently to the keyway and communicates with the key case. A light torch emits a beam of light onto the keyway. A photoresistor detects presence of light from the key case to determine activation or deactivation of light torch. Verification that the key is engaging a matching keyway is possible by matching LED colors of the key case and slave module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Nipong Vang
  • Patent number: 9635736
    Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a method and system for providing device accessory illumination (e.g., glowing, lighting-up, and/or other illumination) based on device-related information. In some implementations, illumination may be provided at a device case (of a device) that interfaces with a charging device based on a charge status of the device, communication information of the device, and/or application information of the device. As an example, an illumination status for the device case may be determined based on the charge status of the device, the communication information, and/or the application information. Illumination may then be provided at the device case based on the illumination status. The illumination status may, for instance, indicate an amount, a color, a pattern, a time feature, a location, and/or other characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Boogli, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Rice
  • Patent number: 9622300
    Abstract: An SSL assembly is described, which comprises an alternating current, referred to as AC, solid state lighting, referred to as SSL, unit. The AC SSL unit comprises at least two SSL devices which are arranged in an anti-parallel manner with respect to one another. Furthermore, the SSL assembly comprises a driver circuit which comprises a resonant circuit that is configured to adapt an input AC drive voltage at an input of the resonant circuit into an output AC drive voltage; wherein the output AC drive voltage is applied to the AC SSL unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Horst Knoedgen
  • Patent number: 9615424
    Abstract: A control unit of a light source device after activation time is configured to turn on switches respectively connected in series with light sources, in prescribed order. The light source device and a lighting device are configured to transmit characteristics of the light sources, based on a voltage change depending on a pattern of on and off of the switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Ido, Hiroshi Kido, Akinori Hiramatu, Junichi Hasegawa, Daisuke Ueda
  • Patent number: 9615429
    Abstract: Illuminating devices and systems are described herein. One illuminating device embodiment includes a computing component configured to determine a change in a state associated with a room in which the illuminating device is located based on a signal from a sensor, and an illuminating component configured to illuminate the illuminating device at a predefined setting associated with the determined state change and discontinue illuminating the illuminating device a predefined amount of time after the change in the state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Philipp Anton Roosli, Michael D. Sobanko, Brendan H. Donecker
  • Patent number: 9609700
    Abstract: Various embodiments may relate to a Light Engine Module including a plurality of series connected LEDs, a positive power supply line, a common ground line, a communication line, a current set resistor) coupled to the communication line, with its value of conductance being indicative for the current demand of the Light Engine Module, and a variable current generator connected to the communication line. The variable current generator is responsive to at least one measurement signal provided by at least one sensor. Various embodiments may further relate to a Power Supply Unit, and a lighting system including the Power Supply Unit with at least one Light Engine Module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: OSRAM GMBH
    Inventors: Francesco Angelin, Paolo De Anna, Bernd Rudolph
  • Patent number: 9608479
    Abstract: A device includes a connection receiving power from a power source under normal conditions and circuitry configured to determine, based on an input from the connection, when the power from the power source is absent; output, when the power source is absent, a test signal at the connection; and generate a detection signal based on current flow generated following the output of the test signal, wherein the detection signal indicates a position of a switch connecting the circuitry to the connection and the generated detection signal indicates the switch is closed when the current flow is above a threshold. The circuitry is configured such that when the power from the power source is absent, the switch is closed, and plural devices are connected on the supply side of the switch, the plurality of devices on the supply side appear as a substantially open circuit to the test signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: CAPSTONE LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: Neil Singer, John Anthony Granata, Kenneth Alan Pasch
  • Patent number: 9586522
    Abstract: An electronics device is configured for installation in the brake light circuitry of a vehicle braking system. The electronics device is particularly configured to provide a flashing or pulsing appearance for a brake light, such as an automobile CHMSL. The pulsing is accomplished in a precise manner and that provides additional operational safety features than standard automotive brake lights. The electronics device is configured to avoid over-triggering of the pulsating lights due to multiple application of the automobile's brakes in a short time frame. The electronics device is further configured to function correctly even if the automobile is equipped with sophisticated computer systems that analyze the brake light circuitry, and is configured to avoid detection as a problem by the vehicle's diagnostic systems. At the same time, the electronics device will still allow the vehicle's diagnostic scans to detect any actual problems with the brake light system without hindrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Kinetech LLC
    Inventors: Mark Olson, Todd Utley, David Seal
  • Patent number: 9591705
    Abstract: A method is set up to operate an arrangement that has N radiation-emitting semiconductor chips arranged in an electric series circuit. The arrangement includes multiple switching elements, wherein to each of the semiconductor chips one of the switching elements is connected electrically in parallel. The arrangement includes a controller for the mutually independent activation of the switching elements. The arrangement includes a constant current circuit for energizing the series circuit. When switching off, the respective semiconductor chip associated with a switching element is bridged electrically by the switching element. A protective module of the arrangement is set up to reduce or to prevent current peaks when one or more of the semiconductor chips is/are switched off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Häfner, Ulrich Frei, Stefan Grötsch, Rainer Huber
  • Patent number: 9591702
    Abstract: LED drivers and lighting systems having a dynamically reconfigurable switching network is disclosed. The lighting system comprises a switching network which provides interconnections between LEDs or LED lamps that can dynamically reconfigure between largely parallel circuits and largely serial circuits as the instantaneous voltage of a power supply varies. When the instantaneous voltage of the power source is low, the switching network interconnects the LED lamps in a largely parallel configuration. As the instantaneous voltage increases, the switching network reconfigures and interconnects the LED lamps with increasing serial configurations. As the instantaneous voltage begins to decrease, the switching network reconfigures and interconnects the LED lamps back to a largely parallel configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: AMERICAN BRIGHT LIGHTING, INC.
    Inventors: George Lee, Arthur Young, Stanley Chen
  • Patent number: 9591737
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to induction devices that can be used to sustain a plasma. In certain configurations, the induction device may comprise one or more radial fins electrically coupled to a base. The induction device may take numerous forms including, for example, coils and plate electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Tak Shun Cheung, Chui Ha Cindy Wong
  • Patent number: 9585210
    Abstract: LED systems and circuits for generating a driver output for powering one or more LED devices are provided. A dimmable driver circuit can include a controller configured to reduce output ripple current to reduce flicker over the dimming range of the LED system. The dimmable driver circuit can receive a dimming control signal (e.g. a 0V to 10V dimming control signal) over an isolated dimming interface to reduce leakage current at the dimming interface. In addition, a dual-switch flyback converter circuit can be employed to increase efficiency of the driver circuit as well as to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) with the LED devices, such as EMI resulting from differential mode noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael Bandel
  • Patent number: 9578703
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a solution that provides for continuous adjustment of a reference signal to a control chip to facilitate controlling the average output power. In some aspects, a system may facilitate continuous adjustment of power provided to a device by providing a reference signal with a slope to a control pin (e.g., current control pin) of a control chip (e.g., power regulator or LED driver). Providing a reference signal with a slope (e.g., a triangle or a sinusoidal wave) can increase the control range of the control chip and improve control chip performance. For example, systems and methods of the present disclosure may increase the dimming range of an LED from less than 0.1% to 100%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Integrated Illumination Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Valois
  • Patent number: 9578698
    Abstract: A light emitted diode circuit includes: a plurality of driving circuits, wherein the plurality of driving circuit are connected in series, and each driving circuit includes a plurality of diodes; and a plurality of loading circuits connected with the driving circuits, respectively; wherein the plurality of driving circuits are arranged for generating a plurality of driving voltages to drive the plurality of loading circuits, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: CHEN-FENG CHIEN, Jing-Ru Chen
    Inventors: Chen-Feng Chien, Jing-Ru Chen
  • Patent number: 9572205
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) lamp which can replace a typical fluorescent lamp is provided. The LED lamp comprises external connection pins connected to terminals of an electronic or magnetic fluorescent lamp ballast, capacitors connected to each of the external connection pins, diodes connected to each of the capacitors and a LED array connected between the diodes, wherein an first external connection pin, a first capacitor, a first diode, an LED array, a second diode, a second capacitor and a second external connection pin are connected in series. The LED lamp also further comprises a diode connected in anti-parallel with a series circuit of the second diode and the LED array, and another diode connected in anti-parallel with a series circuit of the first diode and the LED array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: KUMHO ELECTRIC INC.
    Inventor: Myung Koo Park
  • Patent number: 9563010
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical wave guide structure (1) comprising at least one optical wave guide (2, 2?; 11, 12) and at least two light input positions (A . . . E), each of which is associated with a light source (3, 3?; 4, 4?, 4?; 22a . . . e), the optical wave guide being designed to guide the input light and to emit light based on irregularities (6) embodied on the optical wave guide, and the light sources (3, 3?; 4, 4?, 4?; 22a . . . e) being associated with an actuating circuit (9), which is designed to control the brightness levels of the light sources according to predefinable dimming curves as a function of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ZKW GROUP GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Reinprecht, Thomas Graf, Anton Faffelberger
  • Patent number: 9565733
    Abstract: An adjustable LED lighting system may allow for a variable lumen output, an estimation of remaining life expectancy, and/or control of lighting intensity, color temperature, and/or wavelength distribution. An LED lighting system may be capable of mimicking externally monitored, remote controlled, pre-defined, user-selected, or other lighting conditions. An LED lighting system may allow for a variable lumen output by monitoring a temperature associated with one or more LEDs and increasing or decreasing current flow to maintain the monitored temperature below a maximum temperature. The remaining life may be estimated based on historical runtime and temperature data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Dynotron, Inc.
    Inventors: James Saffari, Angela Saffari