Patents by Inventor Bernd Ackermann

Bernd Ackermann has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11959619
    Abstract: The invention provides a light generating system (1000) comprising a LED module (100), a module support (200), and a connector element (300), wherein: the module support (200) comprises a first module support opening (230) for hosting at least part of a first connector element part (310); the LED module (100) comprises a LED support (120) and a plurality of LEDs (10) functionally coupled to the LED support (120), wherein the LED support (120) comprises a LED support opening (130) for hosting at least part of the first connector element part (310); and wherein the plurality of LEDs (10) are configured to generate light source light (11); the connector element (300) comprises the first connector element part (310), and wherein the first connector element part (310) comprises a first spring part (315); at least part of the first connector element part (310) penetrates through the first module support opening 230); and the LED support opening (130), the first connector element part (310), and the module support (
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Bernd Ackermann, Robert Van Asselt, Daniël Anton Benoy, Huibert Wouters, Wilhelmus Johannes Hendricus Ansems
  • Patent number: 11881739
    Abstract: A control module (120,120a-b) for controlling a plurality of power switching elements (111a-d) arranged for controlling provision of power to one or more wireless network devices (125a-c); wherein the control module (120,120a-b) comprises a processor (122) arranged for: determining which one of the plurality of power switching elements (111a-d) the control module (120,120a-b) receives power through; determining a set of the plurality of wireless network devices (125a-c) which receives power via a first power switching element out of the plurality of power switching elements (111a-d); determining that the set includes all the wireless network devices which receive power via the first power switching element; determining operational state of each of the wireless network devices in the set; determining whether the control module (120,120a-b) receives power via the first power switching element; evaluating a first set of conditions; wherein the first set of conditions comprises that the control module (120,120a-b
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Bernd Ackermann, Matthias Wendt
  • Publication number: 20230228404
    Abstract: The invention provides a light generating system (1000) comprising a LED module (100), a module support (200), and a connector element (300), wherein: the module support (200) comprises a first module support opening (230) for hosting at least part of a first connector element part (310); the LED module (100) comprises a LED support (120) and a plurality of LEDs (10) functionally coupled to the LED support (120), wherein the LED support (120) comprises a LED support opening (130) for hosting at least part of the first connector element part (310); and wherein the plurality of LEDs (10) are configured to generate light source light (11); the connector element (300) comprises the first connector element part (310), and wherein the first connector element part (310) comprises a first spring part (315); at least part of the first connector element part (310) penetrates through the first module support opening 230); and the LED support opening (130), the first connector element part (310), and the module support (
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: BERND ACKERMANN, ROBERT VAN ASSELT, DANIËL ANTON BENOY, HUIBERT WOUTERS, WILHELMUS JOHANNES HENDRICUS ANSEMS
  • Publication number: 20230217565
    Abstract: The invention relates to an incorporation of a current limiting/regulating circuit on a luminaire board for ensuring that the luminaire board will automatically operate at its desired current after a replacement. Since the current control at the luminaire board causes an initial mismatch between the current supply of the driver and the demand of the luminaire board, the driver output voltage will drift towards the maximum output voltage of the driver. When the maximum output voltage is reached, the driver is configured to operate in constant-voltage (CV) mode, sense the output current and reduce its output current to the same value as consumed by current-controlled luminaire board. Alternatively, the driver may gradually reduce the setpoint of the output current until it just leaves the CV mode and stay at that setpoint. In this way, the driver will automatically operate at the correct current of a newly installed luminaire board without any action from the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Haimin TAO, Werner Friedrich HORIKX, Matthias WENDT, Martinus Petrus CREUSEN, Bernd ACKERMANN
  • Publication number: 20230209681
    Abstract: A circuit comprises a first printed circuit board (60) carrying a first set of components and a second printed circuit board (62) carrying a second set of components, with a clearance (64) between the first and second printed circuit boards. A transformer (66) has a primary side connected to the first set of components and a secondary side connected to the second set of components. One of the transformer windings, and its connection to a respective set of components, comprises a triple insulated wire. A glass, ceramic or mica spacer (70) mounted to the first and second printed circuit boards defines and sets the clearance (64) between the first and second printed circuit boards. The clearance requirement is met by providing separate printed circuit boards with spacing between them and the use of a triple insulated wire addresses or overcomes issues of creepage. Thus, high frequency and high voltage operation on the first printed circuit board is possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2021
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Bernd ACKERMANN, Eugen Jacob DE MOL, Ludoviscus Franciscus Johannes OOSTVOGELS
  • Publication number: 20230189421
    Abstract: The invention relates to an integration of a programmable memory device in a luminaire for storing service-related information such as drive parameters, repair history information and the like. The memory device can be read out by the same connectivity used for driving the luminaire, so that the driver can be informed about required operation conditions. The driver can thus learn about the service-related information before starting to drive the luminaire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Matthias WENDT, Martinus Petrus CREUSEN, Haimin TAO, Bernd ACKERMANN
  • Patent number: 11512825
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lighting device (100) comprising a lighting unit (102), at least one application unit (104), and a battery housing (106) comprising a first battery compartment (108) with a first electrical contact set (110) for accommodating and connecting a first battery and with a second battery compartment (112) with a second electrical contact set (114) for accommodating and connecting a second battery, wherein the first and second battery compartments are configured to force an exclusive spatial accommodation of only one of the first and second batteries in the battery housing at a given point in time. The lighting unit is electrically connected to the first electrical contact set for being powered by the first battery in a first operational mode and the application unit is electrically connected to the second electrical contact set for being powered by the second battery in a second operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Bernd Ackermann, Matthias Wendt, Goutam Maji, Priya Ranjan Mishra, Eduard Gerhard Zondag
  • Publication number: 20220376545
    Abstract: A control module (120,120a-b) for controlling a plurality of power switching elements (111a-d) arranged for controlling provision of power to one or more wireless network devices (125a-c); wherein the control module (120,120a-b) comprises a processor (122) arranged for: determining which one of the plurality of power switching elements (111a-d) the control module (120,120a-b) receives power through; determining a set of the plurality of wireless network devices (125a-c) which receives power via a first power switching element out of the plurality of power switching elements (111a-d); determining that the set includes all the wireless network devices which receive power via the first power switching element; determining operational state of each of the wireless network devices in the set; determining whether the control module (120,120a-b) receives power via the first power switching element; evaluating a first set of conditions; wherein the first set of conditions comprises that the control module (120,120a-b
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Bernd ACKERMANN, Matthias WENDT
  • Publication number: 20220299549
    Abstract: The invention is directed to electrical load grouping based on measurements of an electrical parameter at electrical load sensors (120A, 120B). An electrical load grouping device (110) is configured for receiving a changed value of the electrical parameter from one or more of the electrical load sensors (120A, 120B) in reaction to a changed power consumption of a respective electrical load (132A, . . . , 134C). The electrical load grouping device (110) is further configured for assigning the respective electrical load (132A, . . . , 134C) to a group (130A, 130B) of electrical loads associated to an electrical load sensor (120A, 120B) or groups of electrical loads associated to electrical load sensors based on which electrical load sensor (120A, 120B) or which electrical load sensors measured the changed value of the electrical parameter received in reaction to the changed power consumption of the respective electrical load (132A, . . . , 134C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: BERND ACKERMANN, MATTHIAS WENDT
  • Publication number: 20220104120
    Abstract: The invention relates to a signal-repeater device (308) being operable in a regular repeater-operation mode and in a low-power repeater-operation mode requiring less operational power than the regular repeater-operation mode, and that comprises a signal processing unit (316) which performs, in the regular repeater-operation mode, a signal receiving function and a signal repeating function, and an operation control unit (318) configured to determine status information indicative of associated external transceiver devices being respectively operated in a low-power transceiver-operation mode, operate the signal processing unit in the low-power repeater-operation mode by switching off the signal repeating function upon determining, based on the determined status information, that each of the associated external wireless transceiver devices is being operated in the low-power transceiver-operation, thus reducing the power consumption of the signal-repeater device, and switch to operation of the signal processing un
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Bernd ACKERMANN, Harald Josef Günther RADERMACHER, Matthias WENDT
  • Publication number: 20210280351
    Abstract: High voltage DC generators based on a resonant tank include power inductors. As the demands on power output increase, but the demands on size of such high voltage DC generators decrease, the effect of radiated magnetic emissions become more significant. The present invention concerns a design for an inductive device, and a method for the assembly of an inductive device, in which a winding facing surface of the inductive device is a continuous portion, so that no air gap is present facing the winding facing surface. This reduces leakage of magnetic flux from the inductive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Bernd ACKERMANN, Albert GARCIA I TORMO, Peter LUERKENS
  • Patent number: 11109470
    Abstract: A retrofit tubular lighting device (7), comprising first (p1, p2) and second connection pins (p3, p4), a first (12) and second filament emulation circuit (13) coupled to the first (p1, p2) and second connection pins (p3, p4) respectively, a lighting element (4), a driver (3) coupled to the first (12) and second filament emulation circuit (13), a battery (5) and the lighting element (4). The driver (3) provides a charge to the lighting element (4) and the battery (5). The battery (5) stores the charge provided by the driver (3) and provides charge to the lighting element (4). A communication device sends a first charging signal to another lighting device comprising a further battery and coupled to the electronic ballast, when the charge of the battery (5) is below a first threshold. The communication device receives a second charging signal from the other lighting device, wherein the second charging signal indicates that a further charge of the further battery is below a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Bernd Ackermann, Theodorus Johannes Petrus Van Den Biggelaar, Pieter Johannes Stobbelaar, Haimin Tao, Henricus Theodorus Van Der Zanden
  • Publication number: 20210219400
    Abstract: The invention provides a conversion circuit for converting first signals coming from a fluorescent ballast into second signals for feeding a light circuit via a rectifier circuit, the light circuit comprising at least one light emitting diode. The conversion circuit has an inductor in a parallel branch between the two-terminal input or the two-terminal output. This enables the ballast output power be reduced without significant increase in losses. The conversion circuit is for enabling retrofit of LEDs to fluorescent ballasts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Bernd ACKERMANN, Christian HATTRUP
  • Patent number: 11019698
    Abstract: A retrofit Light Emitting Diode, LED, lighting device for connection to an electronic ballast, wherein said retrofit LED lighting device comprising an LED array for emitting light, an alternating current, AC, LED driver arranged for receiving an AC supply voltage or an AC supply current, from said electronic ballast and for driving said LED array based on said received AC supply voltage or said AC supply current, at least one switch, wherein in a closed position of said at least one switch, said retrofit LED lighting device provides a closed loop current circuit for an electronic ballast connected to said retrofit LED lighting device and in an open position of said at least one switch, said retrofit LED lighting device provides an open loop current circuit for an electronic ballast connected to said retrofit LED lighting device thereby simulating an absence of said LED lighting device to said electronic ballast, an auxiliary power supply and a stand-alone external trigger circuit, connected to said auxiliary
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Signify Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Bernd Ackermann, Matthias Wendt, Priya Ranjan Mishra, Goutam Maji
  • Publication number: 20210116089
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting device (100) comprising a lighting unit (102), at least one application unit (104), and a battery housing (106) comprising a first battery compartment (108) with a first electrical contact set (110) for accommodating and connecting a first battery and with a second battery compartment (112) with a second electrical contact set (114) for accommodating and connecting a second battery, wherein the first and second battery compartments are configured to force an exclusive spatial accommodation of only one of the first and second batteries in the battery housing at a given point in time. The lighting unit is electrically connected to the first electrical contact set for being powered by the first battery in a first operational mode and the application unit is electrically connected to the second electrical contact set for being powered by the second battery in a second operational mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Bernd ACKERMANN, Matthias WENDT, Goutam MAJI, Priya Ranjan MISHRA, Eduard Gerhard ZONDAG
  • Publication number: 20210037627
    Abstract: A retrofit Light Emitting Diode, LED, lighting device for connection to an electronic ballast, wherein said retrofit LED lighting device comprising an LED array for emitting light, an alternating current, AC, LED driver arranged for receiving an AC supply voltage or an AC supply current, from said electronic ballast and for driving said LED array based on said received AC supply voltage or said AC supply current, at least one switch, wherein in a closed position of said at least one switch, said retrofit LED lighting device provides a closed loop current circuit for an electronic ballast connected to said retrofit LED lighting device and in an open position of said at least one switch, said retrofit LED lighting device provides an open loop current circuit for an electronic ballast connected to said retrofit LED lighting device thereby simulating an absence of said LED lighting device to said electronic ballast, an auxiliary power supply and a stand-alone external trigger circuit, connected to said auxiliary
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: BERND ACKERMANN, MATTHIAS WENDT, PRIYA RANJAN MISHRA, GOUTAM MAJI
  • Patent number: 10841988
    Abstract: A retrofit Light Emitting Diode, LED, tube for replacing a fluorescent tube, wherein said retrofit LED tube is arranged to be connected to a ballast, said retrofit LED tube comprising a ballast determining unit arranged for identifying a type of ballast connected to said retrofit LED tube by controlling an output voltage of said power rectifier to a first voltage and measuring a first current provided by said power rectifier, controlling said output voltage of said power rectifier to a second voltage and measuring a second current provided by said power rectifier, wherein said second voltage differs from said first voltage and determining said type of ballast based on said first and second output voltages and said measured first and second currents, wherein said ballast determining unit is further arranged to configure said configurable matching circuit based on said determined type of ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Anteneh Alemu Abbo, Haimin Tao, Bernd Ackermann, Kumar Arulandu, Wai Pang Chow, Pieter Johannes Stobbelaar, Ger Van Hees
  • Publication number: 20200214107
    Abstract: A retrofit tubular lighting device (7), comprising first (p1, p2) and second connection pins (p3, p4), a first (12) and second filament emulation circuit (13) coupled to the first (p1, p2) and second connection pins (p3, p4) respectively, a lighting element (4), a driver (3) coupled to the first (12) and second filament emulation circuit (13), a battery (5) and the lighting element (4). The driver (3) provides a charge to the lighting element (4) and the battery (5). The battery (5) stores the charge provided by the driver (3) and provides charge to the lighting element (4). A communication device sends a first charging signal to another lighting device comprising a further battery and coupled to the electronic ballast, when the charge of the battery (5) is below a first threshold. The communication device receives a second charging signal from the other lighting device, wherein the second charging signal indicates that a further charge of the further battery is below a second threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: BERND ACKERMANN, THEODORUS JOHANNES PETRUS VAN DEN BIGGELAAR, PIETER JOHANNES STOBBELAAR, HAIMIN TAO, HENRICUS THEODORUS VAN DER ZANDEN
  • Publication number: 20200205262
    Abstract: The invention provides a conversion circuit for a lamp. The conversion circuit converts first signals, from a ballast, into second signals, for a lighting arrangement. The conversion circuit comprises a transformer having characteristics which contribute to a desired conversion of the first signals to the second signals. The transformer, formed of a first winding and a second winding, further provides an isolated power supply for an auxiliary device connected to the second winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: BERND ACKERMANN, THEODORUS JOHANNES VAN DEN BIGGELAAR, PIETER JOHANNES STOBBELAAR, HAIMIN TAO, HENRICUS THEODORUS VAN DER ZANDEN
  • Patent number: 10638587
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for controlling a power converter (100), the device (1) comprising: a sensor module (10), which is configured to measure an inductor current (i_L) through an inductor of the power converter (100); a compensation module (20), which is configured to generate a compensation waveform (i_c); and an operating module (30), which is configured to provide a continuous conduction mode current signal (i_CCM) based on the compensation waveform (i_c) and of the inductor current (i_L) and which is configured to control the power converter (100) based on the provided continuous conduction mode current signal (i_CCM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Albert Garcia Tormo, Hendrik Huisman, Bernd Ackermann, Peter Luerkens