Patents Examined by Tuyet Vo
  • Patent number: 9717131
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motion detector system (2), a lighting system (14) with such detector system and a method for detecting moving vehicles and/or pedestrians. The motion detector system comprises: —a first motion detector (6a, 6b) for detecting vehicles and/or pedestrians having a speed in a first speed range, the first detector being arranged to detect moving objects in a first detection zone (d1, d2) having a first size, the first size determining the first speed range; and —a second motion detector (8a, 8b) for detecting vehicles and/or pedestrians having a speed in a second speed range, the second detector being arranged to detect moving objects in a second detection zone (d3, d4) having a second size, the second size determining the second speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Tvilight B.V.
    Inventors: Henri Eskonen, Amit Gudadhe, Jayakrishnan Harikumaran, Chintan Shah
  • Patent number: 9713214
    Abstract: Techniques presented herein are directed to synchronizing the execution time of lighting operations within a networked lighting system. In one example, a network device that is connected to at least one networked light fixture accepts one or more timing reference messages representing a network time base. The network device generates one or more lighting control messages that identify at least one light control setting for the networked light fixture connected to the network device. Based on the one or more timing reference messages, the network device encodes a time for execution of the light control setting within the lighting control messages, thereby generating one or more time encoded lighting control messages. The network device sends the time encoded lighting control messages to the networked light fixture for execution of the light control settings at the time of execution specified in the time encoded lighting control message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Laherty, Donald Schriner, Charles Calvin Byers
  • Patent number: 9713233
    Abstract: A method for using an external lamp onboard a vehicle is provided. The method receives, at a transceiver positioned inside a sealed casing of the external lamp, a wireless communication signal and a wireless power signal; and operates the external lamp using the wireless communication signal and the wireless power signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gregory M. Castillo, Moshe Laifenfeld
  • Patent number: 9713210
    Abstract: A system, in some embodiments, comprises: multiple light emitting diode (LED) strings configurable in series or in parallel depending on a supply voltage provided in the system; and multiple current regulators, a different one of the multiple current regulators coupled to each of the multiple LED strings and configured to regulate current passing through a respective LED string, wherein at least one of the multiple current regulators is bypassed when the multiple LED strings are configured in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Niles, Andrew K. Stemple, Kevin Joseph O'Connor
  • Patent number: 9704692
    Abstract: Each of multiple plasma processing chambers has an RF power input line connected to receive RF power from a common RF power source. An RF control module is connected to distribute RF power from the common RF power source to the RF power input lines of the multiple chambers. A voltage sensor and a current sensor are connected to a corresponding RF power input line. Each voltage sensor measures an instantaneous electrical voltage present on its RF power input line. Each current sensor measures an instantaneous electrical current present on its RF power input line. An analog multiplier module is connected to receive as inputs the instantaneous electrical voltage from its corresponding voltage sensor and the instantaneous electrical current from its corresponding current sensor. Each analog multiplier module generates an output signal that indicates an instantaneous RF power present on the corresponding RF power input line of the corresponding chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Karl F. Leeser
  • Patent number: 9704691
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices intended for treatment of materials in gas discharge plasma of low temperature, namely the induction plasma generator, placed inside the process volume (working chamber). The technical problem to be solved by the proposed invention is to increase the efficiency of the device; to improve the reliability of the device, increase purity of plasma environment and increase density of plasma generated; increase the life of device; reduce the level of noise; reduce the size of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Inventors: Evgenij Vladimirovich Berlin, Vasily Juryevich Grigoryev
  • Patent number: 9699851
    Abstract: A dimming lighting circuit includes: a rectifier circuit; a phase detection circuit which outputs a dimming signal having a signal level corresponding to a conduction phase angle of an AC voltage; and a DC-DC converter which receives a DC voltage output from the rectifier circuit and supplies a light source with a DC current corresponding to the signal level of the dimming signal output from the phase detection circuit. If the conduction phase angle detected when the dimming lighting circuit receives the AC voltage at power-on is less than or equal to a predetermined angle, the phase detection circuit outputs, as the dimming signal, a substitute signal having a signal level corresponding to a conduction phase angle greater than the conduction phase angle of the AC voltage, for a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellecutal Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yagi, Kei Mitsuyasu, Shinichiro Goto, Tomohiro Sugiura, Katsuyoshi Nakada
  • Patent number: 9699841
    Abstract: A full color LED light for aircraft interiors is described, comprising a housing containing at least three differently colored groups of light emitting diodes, a controller for the groups of light emitting diodes and an alternating current power source. The controller distributes the alternating current to LED groups, providing a desired intensity of each differently colored group, producing a desired blended output color. At least one switching circuit receives input current from the power source, via the controller, and directs current to LED subgroups such that a near optimal voltage drop is maintained, given the varied voltage drops of the LED subgroups, regardless of the input voltage, in light of the voltage rating of the LEDs. Embodiments provide for measurement or estimation of current profiles, thermal profiles, and series resistance, allowing accurate measurement of lumen depreciation over time. Additional embodiments include a feedback circuit to temper input power fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: BAE Systems Controls Inc.
    Inventor: Felix O. Heimes
  • Patent number: 9691307
    Abstract: Apparatus networked system of intelligent devices including illuminated street signs. Street signs include: address, name, direction and message signs. Apparatus controller interfacing: sensors, street signs, operator, remote controllers. Interface includes: wireless network and INTERNET. Controller maintains status of a community, including: ambient environment, safety and status of routes within the community. Status provided by: sensors, authorized operator, remote controllers. Apparatus based on respective status executes control algorithm of street signs providing general illumination and visual information, improving safety within the community.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Zachary Leonid Braunstein
  • Patent number: 9684326
    Abstract: A simple, cost-effective and efficient short circuit protection with simple routing of the ground on the PCB is achieved in an asynchronous DC-DC boost converter wherein a voltage sensing controller selectively isolates an input power supply to a load in the event of a short circuit. The controller alleviates need for additional components by utilizing the circuit for under voltage lockout protection and the circuit for overvoltage protection to generate signals for detecting short circuit. A predetermined offset voltage is added to a sensed output voltage to generate a reference voltage that is compared to a sensed input voltage and an output signal having a high state is generated in the event that the reference voltage is less than the sensed input voltage for selectively disabling the source of input power when the output signal is in the high state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: ALPHA AND OMEGA SEMICONDUCTOR INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Gilbert S. Lee
  • Patent number: 9682649
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a winch configured to engage a retractable cord is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a light source configured to emit an excitation emission at a first wavelength. The excitation emission is configured to activate an illumination of at least a portion of the retractable cord. A first photoluminescent portion is disposed on the retractable cord and configured to emit a first output emission having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength in response to receiving the excitation emission. The first photoluminescent portion may serve as a marker or visible notification of a position or portion of the retractable cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman
  • Patent number: 9668309
    Abstract: An LED driver provides constant output power with wide range output current and voltage. A parallel resonant tank configuration is supplemented by resonant gain clamping circuit configured to partially cancel voltage across the resonant capacitor during half-bridge switching operation. Voltage between the resonant components is clamped to one-half a driver input voltage, ensuring inductive switching of the half-bridge. An output transformer has a primary winding coupled across the resonant capacitor, with a center tap defining first and second portions. An output voltage clamping circuit is coupled across the DC input power source and to the center tap, wherein maximum voltage across the primary is clamped based on a relationship between respective numbers of turns in the first and second portions, and maximum voltage across a secondary winding is clamped based on a relationship between the respective numbers of turns in the secondary winding and the first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Xiong, Danny Pugh, Candice Ungacta
  • Patent number: 9661701
    Abstract: A driving apparatus configured to drive a light emitting device includes a driving current source module operable to supply current to the light emitting device via a node during operation. A protection module coupled to the node and the driving current source module selectively injects current to the node during operation. The driving current source module is controlled based on a detection result of a voltage on the node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Shenzhen) R&D Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Tao Tao Huang, Yi Jun Duan
  • Patent number: 9661714
    Abstract: A dimmable lighting system may replace a bi-level lighting system without having to modify or supplement the existing wiring between a bi-level control unit and one or more light fixtures. The dimmable lighting system may include a dimming controller that may be configured to replace a bi-level control unit in situ (i.e., e.g., in a wall-mounted dual-gang switch box). The dimmable lighting system may also include a dimming driver that may be coupled to the dimming controller via the existing wiring of the bi-level lighting system. The dimming controller may output to the dimming driver a 0-10 volt DC dimming signal referenced to an AC utility voltage. In response, a dimmable lighting device coupled to the dimming driver may output light over a wide range of dimming light levels. Methods of replacing a bi-level lighting system with a dimmable lighting system are also provided, as are other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: ABL IP HOLDING, LLC
    Inventors: William J. Fassbender, Stephen H. Lydecker, Glen A. Kruse, Ryan A. Zaveruha, David M. Behnke
  • Patent number: 9661705
    Abstract: A power conversion apparatus including a power conversion circuit, a light-emitting unit and a control chip is provided. The control chip has a multi-function pin and a feedback pin, where the multi-function pin and the feedback pin respectively receive a dimming signal and a feedback signal reflecting an output current of the light-emitting unit, and the control chip determines whether to generate a PWM signal to a power switch of the power conversion circuit according to the dimming signal and the feedback signal based on a duty ratio of the dimming signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Power Forest Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Yang-Tai Tseng
  • Patent number: 9653266
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating plasma includes a plasma discharge tube and a conductive coil helically wound around an outer surface of the plasma discharge tube. A waveguide is coupled to a microwave cavity surrounding the plasma discharge tube to guide the microwave energy into the plasma discharge tube such that the plasma is generated in the plasma discharge tube. The waveguide is positioned such that an electric field of the microwave energy is oriented at a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the plasma discharge tube. A resulting induced electric current in the conductive coil affects power absorption in the plasma discharge tube, the predetermined angle being selectable such that power absorption in the plasma discharge tube is according to a predetermined profile with respect to the longitudinal axis of the plasma discharge tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Xing Chen, Chengxiang Ji, Erin Madden, Ilya Pokidov, Kevin W. Wenzel
  • Patent number: 9655197
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling lighting systems and predicting a life expectancy of a plurality of lighting devices are disclosed. The system may include at least one gateway that controls dimming levels of the lighting devices, and at least one of a plurality of luminaires and LEDs that communicates with the gateway via a dimming control interface. The system may further include a sensor subsystem that senses color channels and monitors at least one change in environment in real time, and at least one power meter that measures power in real time, each of which is connected to the gateway. At least one server may be connected to the gateway, and may calculate and predict lumen depreciation of the luminaires and LEDs, and reporting and changing display information associated with the luminaires and LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Gooee Limited
    Inventors: Simon Coombes, Jonathan Couch, Benjamin Hughes, Shmuel Silverman
  • Patent number: 9653018
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode driving device enabling an excellent heat-dissipation function and high-efficient driving is disclosed. The disclosed LED driving device comprises: a power source unit providing an alternate current voltage; a rectification unit communicatively coupled to the power source and rectifying the alternate current voltage; a driving signal generation unit configured to receive the rectified voltage from the rectification unit and generate a primary driving signal by using the rectified voltage; and an LED driving signal modulation unit communicatively coupled to the driving signal generator, the LED driving signal modulation unit configured to receive the primary driving signal and generating a secondary pulse driving signal by modulating the primary driving signal, and LED groups including LEDs and configured to receive the primary driving signal or the second pulse driving signal such that the LED groups operate responsive to the primary driving signal or the secondary pulse driving signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SEOUL VIOSYS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chang Yeon Kim, Tae Hyuk Im, Young Wug Kim
  • Patent number: 9655212
    Abstract: A lighting device includes: a communication unit that communicates with a wearable device with at least one camera and receives at least one image captured by the camera; a light emitting unit including one or more light emitting elements; and a controller that detects a readable medium containing a plurality of characters or visual content containing at least one color from the image and controls the light emitting unit based on the readable medium or the visual content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jaemyoung Lee, Inhwan Ra, Hyosuk Kim
  • Patent number: 9648680
    Abstract: Method and means for driving one or more LEDs. The method includes turning a power switch on to provide current through an inductor and the power switch, measuring voltseconds of the LEDs at a cycle time, comparing the measured voltseconds to a reference signal at an end of the cycle time, generating a signed discrete logical signal based on a difference between the measured voltseconds and the reference signal, and generating a control signal using the signed discrete logical signal to regulate a peak current through the power switch by keeping the cycle time voltseconds substantially constant. The reference signal may be proportional to a set average LED voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Chemtron Research LLC
    Inventors: Anatoly Shteynberg, Harry Rodriguez