Abstract: Networked intelligent lighting devices and other elements connected to the network of a lighting system are readily adaptable to desirable networking arrangements as well as logical functional groups, for example by each storing communication provisioning data and/or configuration data for logically associating system elements into one or more groupings or sub-networks. The exemplary systems and system elements may also enable such enhanced network arrangement via autonomous discovery and device commissioning.

Abstract: A pipe elevator handle clamp for securing to pipe elevator handles to hold them in place comprises a top clamp section hingedly connected at one end to a bottom clamp section and releasably secured to each the bottom clamp section at the other end. The top clamp section and bottom clamp section define elongated structures that, when positioned together in the closed position, include two receiving holes for receiving and securing elevator handles. The hinge connection is defined by a hinge aperture that passes through both the top clamp section and bottom clamp section and has a hinge pin for providing the fixed axis of rotation therein. The device is secured around bull horns by hinging the top clamp section and bottom clamp section into the closed position and inserting a clamp fastener into a fastener channel that extends through the top clamp section into the bottom clamp section.

Abstract: A system of network-connected lighting devices also offers a distributed processing function that utilizes processor and/or memory resources if/when available in some or all of the lighting devices. In the examples, a resource manager receives a job for distributed processing using shared available resources. The resource manager identifies lighting devices having resources of the processors and/or the memories available for the distributed processing function. The resource manager distributes tasks and/or data of the received job through a communications network to identified lighting devices, for distributed processing. The resource manager also receives results of distributed processing for the received job, from the identified lighting devices through the communications network. The received results are processed to produce a composite result for a response to the received job.

Abstract: A system of network-connected lighting devices also offers a distributed processing function that utilizes processor and/or memory resources if/when available in some or all of the lighting devices. In the examples, a resource manager receives a job for distributed processing using shared available resources. The resource manager identifies lighting devices having resources of the processors and/or the memories available for the distributed processing function. The resource manager distributes tasks and/or data of the received job through a communications network to identified lighting devices, for distributed processing. The resource manager also receives results of distributed processing for the received job, from the identified lighting devices through the communications network. The received results are processed to produce a composite result for a response to the received job.

Abstract: Networked intelligent lighting devices and other elements connected to the network of a lighting system are readily adaptable to desirable networking arrangements as well as logical functional groups, for example by each storing communication provisioning data and/or configuration data for logically associating system elements into one or more groupings or sub-networks. The exemplary systems and system elements may also enable such enhanced network arrangement via autonomous discovery and device commissioning.

Abstract: Networked intelligent lighting devices and other elements connected to the network of a lighting system are readily adaptable to desirable networking arrangements as well as logical functional groups, for example by each storing communication provisioning data and/or configuration data for logically associating system elements into one or more groupings or sub-networks. The exemplary systems and system elements may also enable such enhanced network arrangement via autonomous discovery and device commissioning.

Abstract: Networked intelligent lighting devices and other elements connected to the network of a lighting system are readily adaptable to desirable networking arrangements as well as logical functional groups, for example by each storing communication provisioning data and/or configuration data for logically associating system elements into one or more groupings or sub-networks. The exemplary systems and system elements may also enable such enhanced network arrangement via autonomous discovery and device commissioning.

Abstract: A method for sending and receiving data via a relatively short range, low power wireless data communication link between lighting devices and other non-lighting-system devices. The method includes routing the data over a data network at a premises for which the lighting devices provide illumination. The data may be routed over the data network to a wide area network outside the premises for non-lighting related communications.

Abstract: A lighting system utilizes intelligent system elements, such as lighting devices, user interfaces for lighting control or the like and possibly sensors. The system also has a data communication network. Some number of the intelligent lighting system elements, including at least two of the lighting devices, also support wireless communication with other non-lighting-system devices at the premises. Each such element has a communication interface system configured to provide a relatively short range, low power wireless data communication link for use by other non-lighting-system devices at the premises in proximity to the respective intelligent system element. Also, in such an element, the processor is configured to control communications via the communication interface system so as to provide access to the data network and through the data network to the wide area network outside the premises for non-lighting related communications of the other non-lighting-system devices.

Abstract: A lighting system utilizes intelligent system elements, such as lighting devices, user interfaces for lighting control or the like and possibly sensors. The system also has a data communication network. Some number of the intelligent lighting system elements, including at least two of the lighting devices, also support communication with non-lighting-system devices at the premises. Each such element has a communication interface system configured to provide a data communication link for use by non-lighting-system devices at the premises in proximity to the respective intelligent system element. Also, in such an element, the processor is configured to control communications via the communication interface system so as to provide access to the data network and through the data network to the wide area network outside the premises for non-lighting related communications of the non-lighting-system devices.

Abstract: Networked intelligent lighting devices and other elements connected to the network of a lighting system are readily adaptable to desirable networking arrangements as well as logical functional groups, for example by each storing communication provisioning data and/or configuration data for logically associating system elements into one or more groupings or sub-networks. The exemplary systems and system elements may also enable such enhanced network arrangement via autonomous discovery and device commissioning.

Abstract: An example of a building automation system utilizes intelligent system elements, some of which are lighting devices having light sources, and some of which are utility building control and automation elements. Some utility building control and automation elements include a controllable mechanism for use in control of some aspect of the building other than lighting. Another intelligent system element may include either a user interface component and be configured as a building controller, or include a detector and be configured as a sensor. Each intelligent system element includes a network communication interface, processor, memory and programming to configure the intelligent system element as a lighting device, utility building control and automation element, controller or sensor. At least one of the intelligent lighting devices is configured as a building control and automation system server. Several examples, however, implement the overall control using distributed processing.

Abstract: An example of a lighting system includes intelligent lighting devices, each of which includes a light source, a communication interface and a processor coupled to control the light source. In such a system, at least one of the lighting devices includes a user input sensor to detect user activity related to user inputs without requiring physical contact of the user; and at least one of the lighting devices includes an output component to provide information output to the user. One or more of the processors in the intelligent lighting devices are further configured to process user inputs detected by the user input sensor, control lighting and control output to a user via the output component so as to implement an interactive user interface for the system, for example, to facilitate user control of lighting operations of the system and/or to act as a user interface portal for other services.

Abstract: An exemplary lighting system utilizes intelligent system elements, such as lighting devices, user interfaces for lighting control or the like and possibly sensors, and utilizes network communication amongst such intelligent system elements. Some processing functions performed within the system are implemented on a distributed processing basis, by two or more of the intelligent elements of the lighting system. Distributed processing, for example, may enable use of available processor and/or memory resources of a number of intelligent system elements to process a particular job. Another distributed processing approach might entail programming to configure two or more of the intelligent system elements to implement multiple instances of a server functionality with respect to client functionalities implemented on intelligent system elements.

Abstract: Networked intelligent lighting devices and other elements connected to the network of a lighting system are readily adaptable to desirable networking arrangements as well as logical functional groups, for example by each storing communication provisioning data and/or configuration data for logically associating system elements into one or more groupings or sub-networks. The exemplary systems and system elements may also enable such enhanced network arrangement via autonomous discovery and device commissioning.

Abstract: A system provides white light having a selectable spectral characteristic (e.g. a selectable color temperature and intensity) using a combination of sources (e.g. LEDs) emitting light of four, five, or six different characteristics, for example, one or more white LEDs, and one or more LEDs of each of three primary colors plus cyan and royal blue. A microcontroller can maintain a desired spectral characteristic, e.g. for white light at a selected point on or within a desired range of the black body curve. Further, the microcontroller provides tunability of the spectral characteristic and intensity of the white luminaire. One channel driver drives the one or more first color LEDs (white in our example) as well as the one or more second color LEDs which are connected in series to the first channel driver. The other light sources are each driven by separate drivers on separate channels.

Abstract: An ice scraper is designed in such a way as to minimize stress on joints and allows ergonomic use of muscles and joints during ice removal from vehicle windows by handicapped and elderly consumers and prevents carpel tunnel syndrome and other repetitive use injuries in healthy users. A stock and shoulder brace allow for more force delivery to the surface where the removal is occurring, while relieving forces usually generated from wrists and elbows to accomplish the task. In addition the scraper is mounted on a telescoping grooved shaft designed to work under icing conditions. The shaft is coated with a polymer to resist friction under icing conditions which might interfere with the shaft adjustment.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a hinge bracket; a spring assembly configured to operatively interact with the hinge bracket; and a separation assembly being configured to permit relative movement between the hinge bracket and the spring assembly without permitting the spring assembly and the hinge bracket from inadvertently striking against each other, whereby occurrence of unwanted noise associated with the spring assembly and the hinge bracket striking each other is reduced.

Abstract: A lighting system having at least three light sources receives an input relating to color coordinates of a target point representing a desired color characteristic for a combined output from the light sources. The system defines first-pass endpoints corresponding to color characteristics of the light sources when operated at respective maximum intensities. The system determines first-pass amounts of respective maximum intensity contributions from the light sources to achieve light of the target point. When dimming the light to an intensity proportion, the system determines first-pass driver settings from the first-pass amounts and the intensity proportion. The system defines second-pass endpoints corresponding to color characteristics of the light sources when operated at the determined first-pass driver settings.

Abstract: A system of network-connected lighting devices also offers a distributed processing function that utilizes processor and/or memory resources if/when available in some or all of the lighting devices. In the examples, a resource manager receives a job for distributed processing using shared available resources. The resource manager identifies lighting devices having resources of the processors and/or the memories available for the distributed processing function. The resource manager distributes tasks and/or data of the received job through a communications network to identified lighting devices, for distributed processing. The resource manager also receives results of distributed processing for the received job, from the identified lighting devices through the communications network. The received results are processed to produce a composite result for a response to the received job.