Patents Examined by Tuyet Thi Vo
  • Patent number: 8847520
    Abstract: An improved LED module that is thermally self-stabilizing, and that is able to be retrofitted into an existing flashlight is provided. In one embodiment, the LED module includes a light emitting diode, an amplifying circuit and a microchip. The amplifying circuit includes a temperature sensing device to sense heat from the light emitting diode. The output of the amplifying circuit is input to the microchip which output to a switching device that regulates energy that is delivered to the light emitting diode. The switching device may be part of a boosting circuit, a bucking circuit or an inverting circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Stacey H. West
  • Patent number: 8849428
    Abstract: A method for employing an electronic ballast. A distributor is provided with the electronic ballast. An operative parameter of the electronic ballast is configurable to operate a type of gas discharge lamp. The distributor is further provided with a configuration mechanism for configuring said electronic ballast. The electronic ballast is attached to the configuration mechanism, the configuration mechanism is attached to a client computer and the client computer is operatively attached to a configuration service, typically over a wide area network, e.g. Internet. The distributor, using the client computer, requests from the configuration server to configure the ballast. The configuration is performed using the configuration mechanism by transmitting instructions from the configuration server to the client computer in response to the request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Metrolight Ltd.
    Inventors: Jonathan Hollander, Ben Enosh
  • Patent number: 8845868
    Abstract: A seal and fixation assembly includes a cylindrical target having an inside surface with a shoulder that forms a stop within the target. A target retaining ring is disposed about the target. A seal plate is disposed within the target and engages the stop and the inside surface of the target. An end cap is disposed on the end of the target and includes a portion with a beveled surface within the target. A sealing element is disposed between the inside surface of the target, the seal plate, and the beveled surface of the end cap. A clamp is disposed over the end cap and the target retaining ring. Engagement of the end cap and the target retaining ring with the clamp causes the end cap to move within the target toward the stop to compress the sealing element between the target, the seal plate, and the beveled surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Angstrom Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Newcomb
  • Patent number: 8842008
    Abstract: A multi-modal load control system includes a sensor that operates as an occupancy sensor in a first mode of operation and operates as a vacancy sensor in a second mode of operation. The load control system comprises a load control circuit coupled in series between an AC power source and an electrical load for controlling the amount of power delivered to the load in response to sensor, which is operable to detect occupancy or vacancy conditions in a space in which the sensor is located. In the first mode, the load control circuit turns the load on when the sensor detects the occupancy condition and turns the load off when the sensor detects the vacancy condition. In the second mode, the load control circuit turns the load off when the sensor detects the vacancy condition and does not turn the load on when the sensor detects the occupancy condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Bull
  • 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: 8842009
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to control light output at one or more light fixtures based on input from one or more light detectors. Embodiments of the invention may also be used for auto commissioning, personal control and/or day lighting. Some embodiments of the invention can be used to ensure that light output at the light fixtures provides a combined uniform photometric distribution within an architectural space. Moreover, embodiments of the invention can respond to changes to ambient light, which illuminates the architectural space from a window, door, or television, etc., in a smooth and non-oscillating way. Embodiments of the invention can be implemented in lighting systems employing multiple light fixtures having one or more light source and multiple light detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: MoJo Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Morgan Jones
  • Patent number: 8830702
    Abstract: Described are improvements in power factor control and systems embodying said improved power factor control. Improvements lie in a method of zero voltage switching in which a capacitor is placed in parallel with a switching device, and the switching device is operated responsive to a change in the polarity of the current through the capacitor. Switching therefore occurs at zero or close to zero voltage across the switching device in both on and off modes resulting in very low switching losses and electromagnetic interference. Systems employing the method include a power factor controller, LED light source, boost converter and a power source comprising one or more photovoltaic cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Alistair Allan Macfarlane
  • Patent number: 8829822
    Abstract: A light source that generally includes multiple light emitting diode (LED) sources emitting light at different colors. A controller energizes the LED sources for establishing a changing pattern of the light colors to provide a decorative effect while simultaneously establishing white light illumination of a target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Laski, Makarand Chipalkatti, Maria Thompson
  • Patent number: 8829820
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for protecting display components from adverse operating conditions. A lighting panel system according to some embodiments includes a lighting panel including a plurality of strings of solid state lighting devices arranged across the panel and a protection system configured to determine an adverse operating condition and adjust a lighting panel luminance setting responsive to the adverse operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Roberts, Keith J. Vadas
  • Patent number: 8823290
    Abstract: Thermal management and control techniques for light emitting diode and other incandescent replacement light technologies using a current controller are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: TerraLUX, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Catalano, Daniel Harrison, John Hall
  • Patent number: 8823270
    Abstract: Disclosed are circuits that allow LED bulbs to be replaced regardless of color or construction of the LED element. When used for an LED light string, replacing an LED bulb does not affect the operation of the entire string. When used for other illumination purpose, for example, room light, the bulbs are interchangeable because they have the same operating voltage and current. A standardized input impedance is selected for all of the LED bulbs regardless of construction and color. A resistor circuit is used to create the standardized input impedance while optimizing the operating parameters of the LED element. The resistor circuit includes a bypass element so that if a LED element burns open, a series wired LED string will not go dark. This eliminates the necessity for parallel connected LED bulbs and allows enjoyment of other advantages and economies of series wired LED strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: 1 Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Jing Yu, Shengwang Du
  • Patent number: 8816851
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of distributed lighting control are disclosed. One embodiment includes a lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes a light, a sensor associated with the light for sensing a change of light intensity per unit of time greater than a sense threshold, and a controller. The controller is operative to determine if the light is within an area, activate the light at a preselected area light intensity if a light associated with the sensor is within the area and the sensed change of light intensity per unit of time is greater than the sense threshold, and if the light is not within the area, then the light only activates if motion is additionally detected, thereby increasing light intensity over a target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: enLighted. Inc.
    Inventors: Tanuj Mohan, Premal Ashar
  • Patent number: 8809878
    Abstract: An organic EL device as an illumination device includes a device substrate as a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface, and a conductor portion provided on the first surface of the device substrate and overlapping the periphery of a luminescent section or at least a part of a region where the luminescent section is provided, when seen in a plan view. The conductor portion includes a conductive material and detects the temperature of the luminescent section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Ota
  • Patent number: 8810146
    Abstract: A lighting device such as an electronic ballast or LED driver includes circuitry to detect power converter activity and act accordingly. A power factor correction (PFC) circuit includes an inductor, a power converter switch, and a PFC controller effective to provide driving signals the power converter switch to turn on and off. A power converter activity detection circuit includes a first capacitor coupled between the PFC controller and the power converter switch, a zener diode, and a second capacitor coupled between the first capacitor and ground. An output voltage for the power converter activity detection circuit as referenced from a node between the first capacitor and the second capacitor is representative of activity by the power converter switch, and is provided to a lighting device controller which may accordingly maintain operation of the lighting device where a mains power interruption is only temporary but would otherwise disable the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Mays, II, Philip Walker
  • Patent number: 8810123
    Abstract: An inorganic electroluminescence device has a structure including a phosphor layer sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode; and a semiconductor structure in which N-type semiconductors and a P-type semiconductor, made of inorganic semiconductor materials, are joined to form an NPN type structure. The phosphor is made of an inorganic substance. The first electrode is to be a cathode and is formed on an insulating glass substrate. The second electrode is to be an anode and is disposed opposite the first electrode. The semiconductor structure is disposed between the cathode that is the first electrode and the phosphor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Kohundo Printing Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuyoshi Ishimura
  • Patent number: 8803604
    Abstract: A control circuit is for generating upper and lower voltages that define a range of a data voltage for controlling a driving transistor of an electroluminescent component coupled to a supply line through the driving transistor. The control circuit may include a first input terminal configured to have a common voltage, and a pair of amplifiers coupled together at the first input terminal and configured to generate the upper voltage and the lower voltage to correspond to a difference between the common voltage and, respectively, first and second analog intermediate voltages representing respective threshold values of the upper voltage and of the lower voltage. The control circuit may include an auxiliary amplifier configured to adjust the upper voltage and the lower voltage based upon fluctuations of an input voltage, and generate the common voltage to correspond to the difference between the input voltage and a reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giovanni Conti, Domenico Cristaudo, Stefano Corradi
  • Patent number: 8796957
    Abstract: A multi-string LED driving method and system requires generating pulse-width-modulated (PWM'd) driving signals to respective LED strings to control their brightness levels, and staggering the timing of the driving signals such that the number of LED strings driven on simultaneously varies over time by no more than one LED string. The PWM'd driving signals are generated to, for example, achieve local dimming for a display device which employs a multi-string LED backlight system; the present method enables local dimming to be achieved while maintaining a relatively constant load on the drive circuit. The staggering of the timing of the PWM'd driving signals is preferably implemented by arranging the ON times of the driving signals such that they occur serially, such that the loading imposed by the LED strings is spread throughout each switching cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyunick Shin, Insoo Yoo
  • Patent number: 8786533
    Abstract: A pulse is input to first and second TFTs to turn ON the first and second TFTs so that the potential of a node a rises. When the potential of the node a reaches (VDD?VthN), the node ? enters a floating state. Accordingly, a third TFT then turns ON, and potential of an output node rises as a clock signal reaches the level H. On the other hand, potential of a gate electrode of the third TFT further rises due to an operation of capacitance as the potential of the output node rises, so that the potential of the output node would be higher than (VDD+VthN). Thus, the potential of the output node rises to VDD without voltage drop caused by a threshold of the third TFT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Munehiro Azami, Shou Nagao, Yoshifumi Tanada
  • Patent number: 8779660
    Abstract: An illumination device for enhancing plant growth includes a substrate unit, a light-emitting unit, a current-limiting unit, and a control unit. The substrate unit includes a substrate body. The light-emitting unit, the current-limiting unit, and the control unit are disposed on the substrate body. The light-emitting unit includes a first light-emitting module, a second light-emitting module, and a third light-emitting module. The current-limiting unit includes a first current-limiting chip electrically connected to the first light-emitting module, a second current-limiting chip electrically connected to the second light-emitting module, and a third current-limiting chip electrically connected to the third light-emitting module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Paragon Semiconductor Lighting Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chia-Tin Chung, Shih-Neng Tai
  • Patent number: 8773039
    Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a discharge Lamp, and a discharge lamp system are disclosed herein. The method includes the operations of: when the lamp current changes, determining a percentage of change of the lamp current according to a synchronous signal and obtaining a second lamp current after a discharge lamp current changes according to the percentage of change of the lamp current and a first lamp current; obtaining a modulating signal according to a current difference between the first lamp current and the second lamp current; and generating a pulse voltage signal according to the modulating signal. The pulse voltage signal transits from a first voltage to a second voltage during the time period when the lamp current is transited from a first lamp current to a second lamp current during a transition time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qi Zhang, Wei-Qiang Zhang, Jian-Ping Ying