Abstract: A backlight module of a directly lighting backlight device comprises a casing; at least one S shape lamp tube; a reflecting sheet positioned below the lamp tube; a guide plate; the reflecting sheet reflecting light from the lamp tube with a predetermined angle to a guide plate above the lamp tube; the guide plate having the effect of diffusing the light to various angles by the pattern on the guide plate or the diffusion agents; whole reflection being not formed so that light emits out from a front surface of the guide plate so that the guide plate reflects light uniformly; a diffuser receiving the uniform distributed light; the diffuser being above the guide plate; and at least one light enhancing sheet; light diffused by the diffuser will further radiate to the at least one light enhancing sheets.

Abstract: Blister lights are used for signaling and/or marking purposes. The blister lights include a housing which is embedded in a traffic area, e.g. a street, an airport runway for taking off and for landing, or the like. It further includes a housing cover by which the housing embedded in the traffic area can be closed on its upper side, the cover being detachably connected to the housing and including at least one light outlet. It additionally includes an illuminating element which is arranged in the housing and by which the light can radiate through the light outlet of the housing cover. In order to enable the illuminating element to have higher current densities and thus to enable the blister lights to have a higher light output capacity, a thermoconducting bridge is formed between illuminating element and the housing cover.

Abstract: An illumination system is based on multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs), arranged in a row, to side-illuminate respective reflectors. The illumination system is particularly useful as a vehicle headlamp. In some embodiments, the reflectors may be curved, for example paraboloidal, to collect the light, but truncated in the direction along the row: this allows for closer packing of the LEDs. In other embodiments, the different reflectors point in different directions so as to spread the combined light beams across the driver's field of view. In other embodiments, the reflectors for the different LEDs may be formed on a single molded body.

Abstract: To improve semiconductor-based systems for generating white light, a phosphor is integrated into a reflective material of an external structure. A disclosed exemplary system, for luminance or illumination applications, utilizes an energy source package, for emitting radiant energy of a first wavelength. The package typically contains an LED or other semiconductor device. A reflector outside the package has a reflective surface arranged to receive radiant energy from the energy source. At least some of the received radiant energy of the first wavelength excites one or more phosphors doped within the reflector to emit visible light, including visible light energy of at least one second wavelength different from the first wavelength. At least some of visible light emitted by the phosphor is reflected by the reflective surface of the reflector and directed to facilitate the particular humanly perceptible luminance or illumination application.

Abstract: A white light generating unit includes an LED structure and a lens structure. The LED structure generates a light. The lens structure has a convex lens or a concave lens. The lens structure has a fluorescent member that receives the light from the LED structure to emit a white light.

Abstract: A surface emitting light source and projection display device using the same are disclosed, by which a highly integrated and/or high-output surface emitting light source are provided in a manner that improves the structure of semiconductor light emitting units. The present invention includes a plurality of semiconductor light emitting units arranged on a single plane, the semiconductor light emitting units emitting lights of at least two different colors, wherein the emitted lights are made to proceed externally within a predetermined angle.

Abstract: An illuminating device includes a control device with manual or programmable color schemes providing selected color combinations of lights. A timing device or the like may be utilized to activate the selected color combination or combinations at selected dates and times. The illuminating device may include incandescent or LED light sources of various colors, or colored lenses or the like. The illuminating device may include a programmable processor and a communication device capable of transmitting and receiving a wired or wireless signal.

Abstract: A lamp standard for mounting in an air handling system composed of a stand having a plurality of channels wherein the channels span along the longitudinal axis of the stand and a plurality of lamp modules positioned over the channels. The lamp modules include a housing, a lamp bulb extending from the housing, and the wiring associated with the lamp modules are positioned within the channels. In use, the lamp standard can be installed within a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system to minimize airborne and/or surface microorganism contaminants. The ultraviolet dosage delivered to the HVAC system can be controlled by varying the number of lamp standards, number of lamp modules coupled to the lamp standards, and spacing between the individual lamp standards.

Abstract: The described invention provides improvements in illumination sources for applications such as machine vision, photometry, medical imaging and microscopy. Described is the use of LED based light sources performing a dual role as narrow band light sensors. The described invention also provides a method of producing low power, “white light” illumination sources comprised of light emitting diodes and also laser diodes. The “white light” sources have improvements in illumination sources for applications such as machine vision, photometry, medical imaging and microscopy.

Abstract: An LED lamp and a method of making an LED lamp in which the lamp includes a heat conductive post with a base and a top, an insulative body within the post that includes plural wireways and plural electrical leads that each extend through a different one of the wireways and whose ends emerge from the top and the base of the post, a head with plural LED assemblies on the top of the post, and a circuit board for the LED assemblies at the base of the post, the leads being connected to respective LED assemblies and to the circuit board. During manufacture, the leads are mounted in the wireways of the insulative body and the assembled body is inserted into the post.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting unit having a concave reflector with an axis of symmetry and a light emission window bounded by a circumferential edge transverse to the axis, an elongate light source extending substantially along the axis of symmetry, which light source is accommodated in a holder opposite the light emission window, and an axially positioned cap, which cap partly surrounds the light source and forms an optical means to intercept unreflected light rays. According to the invention, the light source is surrounded by a sleeve with an end at the side of the light emission window, over which end the cap is positioned by way of a fixing element.

Abstract: A backlight assembly includes at least one U-shaped lamp, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member. The U-shaped lamp includes a U-shaped lamp tube, a first external electrode covering a first end portion of the U-shaped lamp tube, and a second external electrode covering a second end portion of the U-shaped lamp tube. The U-shaped lamp tube generates light when a first driving voltage is applied to the first external electrode and a second driving voltage is applied to the second external electrode. The first connecting member is electrically connected to the first external electrode for applying the first driving voltage to the first external electrode. The second connecting member is electrically connected to the second external electrode for applying the second driving voltage to the second external electrode. Therefore, interference between a wire for applying power to the U-shaped lamp and the U-shaped lamp is reduced.

Abstract: An underwater pool light comprises: a housing; a lens sealingly fixed to the housing; a light source located within the housing; and mounting means for mounting the housing to a niche within or on a wall of a pool. The housing includes an integral connector for external connection to an electrical supply cable, and the pool light includes electrical connection means within the housing connecting the light source to the integral connector.

Abstract: A LED driving semiconductor circuit of the present invention includes a first input terminal connected to a light-emitting diode, a switching device block having a first FET and a first switching device, a reference voltage terminal which is connected to the first FET and outputs the reference voltage, a start/stop circuit which outputs a start signal when the reference voltage is equal to or larger than a predetermined value and outputs a stop signal when the reference voltage is less than the predetermined value, a current detection circuit which detects the current flowing through the first switching device, and a control circuit which controls ON/OFF of the first switching device intermittently at the predetermined frequency based on the output signal of the start/stop circuit and the output signal of the current detection circuit so that the constant current flows through the light-emitting diode.

Abstract: A motion-activated valve stem light comprising a housing adapted to fit securely on a valve stem of a vehicle wheel, and a light circuit contained within the housing, the light circuit including an LED, a battery power source, a control circuit connected to the power source and the LED, and a self-contained motion switch connected to an input of the control circuit, wherein the motion switch includes a sealed case, e.g., a button cell case, having first and second conductive terminal portions, an electrical insulator between the terminal portions, and a BB or other conductive member freely movable within the case and adapted to electrically interconnect the conductive terminal portions at a plurality of spaced points within the case.

Abstract: A body panel smoothness inspection light support system is provided having a movable joint and a rotatable sliding contact electrical power connection, minimizing the tendency for a power cord to wear or fray.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a gooseneck support arm covered with a resilient, elastomer colored decorative jelly sleeve. The decorative jelly sleeve is made from a resilient elastomeric material and circumferentially surrounds the gooseneck. The jelly sleeve imparts a compressive force on the gooseneck creating, in combination with a coefficient of static friction, a frictional force that is greater than an axially deforming force exerted on the sleeve by a radial bending motion of the gooseneck. The jelly sleeve is capable of returning to an original shape and size after removal of the axially deforming force. The lighting apparatus can include multiple gooseneck arms each covered by a jelly sleeve, and be configured as a desk lamp, a floor lamp, a wall lamp, or a clampable lamp.

Abstract: A portable reading light has a telescoping arm that is slidable within a housing, the arm having a light source at the end thereof which has one or more light emitting diodes which provide bright light, low power consumption and durability. The light emitting diodes preferably are located in an articulatable light support and disposed adjacent to a focusing lens to better direct and shape the light onto a surface. The arm is mounted to a base assembly slidable within the housing and being telescopically expandable for stabilizing the arm when set for use.

Abstract: A luminaire assembly including a hinge member connected to a structure, a support member, a light source, and an outer shell. The support member is secured to the hinge member to be pivotable between a lighting position, in which electrical components are concealed, and a maintenance position, in which the electrical components are exposed. The light source is supported on a front side of the support member and is operational in the lighting position. The outer shell is secured to the hinge member such as to be pivotable between a closed position, in which the outer shell conceals the light source while being able to allow light from the light source to pass therethrough, and an opened position, in which the outer shell allows access to the light source. A hinge member and method for accessing the electrical components are also presented.

Abstract: A lighting system for a bicycle. A lamp and a beam are mounted to the bicycle. A generator is mounted to the beam such that the beam holds the generator in position to be frictionally driven by contact with a bicycle wheel. The generator provides a three-phase output voltage. A sensor monitors the generator and provides an output signal proportional to the speed of the bicycle. A first sensing circuit receives the output signal from the sensor and provides a first control signal when the output signal exceeds a first predetermined value. The first control signal is operative to change the output voltage from the three-phase output voltage to a single-phase output voltage to prevent damage to the system.

Abstract: An instrument panel of a motorcycle is provided that includes a vehicle-use meter located on an upper portion of a fuel tank and covered by a meter cover. A manipulation switch, with communicates with the vehicle-use meter, is attached with a side surface of the meter cover.

Abstract: A headlight, in particular of the elliptical type for a motor vehicle, comprises a casing fixed on the vehicle; a protective cover glass closing off the casing; and an optical module which comprises a reflector, a lens and an intermediate fixed to the reflector and supporting the lens, the lens and intermediate constituting a rigid module. The invention provides a headlight of this type which also includes means for absorbing at least some of the energy produced during impact with a pedestrian, by displacing at least part of the optical module. The invention also provides a method of absorbing at least some of the energy arising from impact between a pedestrian and a vehicle headlight.

Abstract: System for mounting a headlight on a motor vehicle comprising a rigid housing closed by a protective glass, the said system comprising: a first connecting element fixed to the headlight, a second connecting element fixed to the motor vehicle, the first and second connecting elements and being assembled so as to slide one in the other. The first and second connecting elements and are curved and mounted at least partially about a centre of rotation of the headlights providing a rotary movement of the headlight.

Abstract: In order to improve road safety, modern vehicles are provided with sensor systems, which assist the driver of the vehicle either directly or indirectly with respect to the environment surrounding said vehicle, especially with regard to early recognition of dangerous situations, in addition to the usual illumination device. Said systems more particularly include radar systems for detecting distance and the relative speed of objects or night vision improvement systems which are based on illumination of the field of the road environment with infrared light. According to the invention, the illumination means of the illumination device are formed by an arrangement of a plurality of semiconductor light sources (2) grouped together to form a field. Sensor elements (3) are arranged at individual positions of said field instead of said semiconductor sources (2). A multifunctional headlight can thus be advantageously created. Said headlight can be embodied as a robust, compact, low-space unit.

Abstract: An isotropic illuminator is described, including a relay lens configured to focus a source image propagated from a source and a lightpipe having an entrance aperture and an exit aperture. The source image is aligned by a folding element to fill the entrance aperture and the lightpipe propagating the source image provides substantially uniform illumination from the exit aperture to a field stop. Focusing a source image propagated from a source, aligning the source image to fill an entrance aperture, and propagating the source image to provide substantially uniform illumination from an exit aperture to a field stop is also described. A specimen review system including a specimen stage configured to receive specimens for viewing, a source of illumination providing illumination to the specimen stage, and a review scope configured to review specimens on the specimen stage is also described.

Abstract: A fluid column projection apparatus and method provide a unique optical effect by providing a plurality of scoops that direct fluid into a hollow chamber. The fluid preferably contains one or more types of light-scattering material. The fluid exits the hollow chamber in a manner that projects the fluid to a considerable distance past the hollow chamber. The hollow chamber may be lit, or an external light source may illuminate the fluid, thereby providing a unique and pleasing optical effect in the form of a column of light.

Abstract: A backlight module has two lighting sides installed inside a casing. Two sides of the casing have a main display screen and a sub-display screen. The backlight module comprises at least one light source; a light guide plate for guiding light from the light source to the main display screen and the sub-display screen. A lower diffusion sheet, a first light enhancing sheet and preferably, an upper diffusion sheet are installed between the main display screen and the light guide plate. A reflective sheet, a second light enhancing sheet and preferably, an upper diffusion sheet are installed between the sub-display screen and the light guide plate. Part of light from the sub-display screen is reflected to the main display screen.

Abstract: A diffuser in a direct back light module comprised of multiple, minute, 3D conductors in staggered arrangement in the plate of the diffuser to permit the light passing through it to have multiple reflections in multiple directions and in turn the consistent diffusion for light source.

Abstract: A backlight module is provided, comprising a light emitting diode (LED), a light guide plate and a fluorescence material. The fluorescence material is disposed in a transmission path of a first light or within the light guide plate. Then the fluorescence material is excited by the first light to generate one or more second lights. The first light and the second light are mixed or the second lights with different wavelengths are mixed to form a white light to generate a plane light source with a desired color temperature.

Abstract: A backlight module and a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus using the same are disclosed. The backlight module includes a bottom plate and multiple lamps disposed separately over the bottom plate. The bottom plate has multiple lower-reflectivity areas underneath the lamps and multiple higher-reflectivity areas between neighboring lower-reflectivity areas. The LCD apparatus includes such a backlight module and a LCD panel disposed over the lamps.

Abstract: A transflective brightening plate and a double-face lighting backlight module to which the transflective brightening plate is applied. The transflective brightening plate includes multiple brightening structures on one face of a substrate. The brightening structures are light-guiding structures as micro-prisms. A transflective coating is disposed on the other face of the substrate. The light is partially reflected by the transflective coating and partially penetrates through the transflective coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a backlight assembly improving light efficiency and a display device provided with the same. The backlight assembly according to the present invention includes a light source for emitting light, a light guiding plate for guiding the light emitted from the light source, and a prism sheet disposed on the light guiding plate, wherein the prism sheet collects light emitted from the light source. A plurality of prisms are discontinuously formed on the prism sheet in one direction, and an upper surface portion of the cross section of the respective prisms, which is taken along a width direction of the respective prisms, forms an arc.

Abstract: Luminance irregularities caused by the weight of the optical members in a backlight apparatus are reduced. A lighting apparatus comprises optical members 1 and 2, a casing in which the optical members 1 and 2 and a lamp 4 are disposed, a first member 1a formed in optical members 1 and 2, and a second member 3a formed in the casing for attaching the optical members 1 and 2 to the casing by cooperating with the first member 1a. The first and second members 1a and 3a are provided in positions such that no upward stress is applied to the optical members due to their own weights at the bottom in a vertical direction in the plane of the display screen, both in a basic position and a first stop position of the lighting apparatus, the latter position being reached by rotation of the apparatus from the basic position in the plane of the display screen.

Abstract: A backlight unit having light sources to illuminate light to a display panel includes a support plate to support the light sources, a printed circuit board provided on a first region of the support plate, and a heat discharging member provided on a second region of the support plate to discharge heat generated from the light sources. The backlight unit has a slim external appearance and an excellent heat discharging efficiency.

Abstract: Flat panel display. A flat panel display comprises a first case, a second case connected to the first case, a light guide unit disposed between the first and second cases, a flat display panel and a light assembly. The light guide unit includes a light incident surface. The flat display panel includes a display surface between the first case and the light guide unit. A recess, formed by the light incident surface and the first and second cases, includes an opening toward a direction substantially parallel to the display surface. The light assembly is fixed in the recess, comprising a third case and a light source disposed in the third case.

Abstract: The multiple functions night light with light means including at least one night light, receptacle(s), swivel or rotating prong as basic unit which may further incorporate with more functions as desired to prevent from electric wall outlet receptacle been occupied by a single function's night light. The said night light having the light source may selected from any combination of gas filled light, neon, black tube, fluorescent tube, LED, OLED, EL, OEL for the preferred light intensity with circuit means to make predetermined light performance, duration, timing for illumination. The swiveling or rotating prong offers a universal of installation to wall outlets. The additional functions may selected from fragrance, blue tooth device, bug's repel device, sensor device, infra red device, remote device, power failure light, emergency light, or other electric device(s).

Abstract: The present invention is a device for inflating and displaying a decorative air permeable body such as a snowman or ghost. In one embodiment, the device comprises an external air blower unit in fluid communication with the decorative body. The air blower unit comprises a first housing having an air inlet port and a second housing engaged with the first housing to form an internal air cavity and an exhaust port. The device further comprises a motor unit engaged with the second housing. The motor unit comprising a motor extending outward of the second housing and a shaft portion extending into the internal cavity portion. The motor unit further comprising a cage portion disposed in the cavity portion and engaged with the shaft portion. The device further comprises a cover engaged with the second housing to substantially enclose the motor. The device further comprises first and second leg portion engaged with the first housing and cover, respectively to support the air blower unit on the ground.

Abstract: An energy transfer element with substantially reduced electrical displacement current flow between an input circuit coupled to the energy transfer element input winding and an output circuit coupled to the energy transfer element output winding. In one aspect, an energy transfer element includes an input winding, an output winding, an electrically conductive shield coupled to the input winding and a first cancellation winding coupled to the input winding. The electrically conductive shield is physically positioned between input and output windings. The output winding is physically positioned between the electrically conductive shield and the first cancellation winding. The first cancellation winding is wound to substantially reduce a capacitive displacement current between the input circuit and the output circuit.

Abstract: A control circuit for use in a power converter having a synchronous rectifier for producing substantially direct current including a sensor for sensing a characteristic of the power converter, detection circuitry capable of using the characteristic to develop a control signal for controlling the power converter, and synchronous rectifier control circuitry connected to the detection circuitry wherein the control circuitry is adapted to modify a duty cycle of the power converter as a function of the control signal thereby to turn off a freewheel switch of the synchronous rectifier before turning off a forward switch of the synchronous rectifier during a reverse current period.

Abstract: A method for determining the switching frequency of a DC-to-DC power supply for a portable radio transceiver (300) includes determining a first group of switching frequencies (301) and then determining the switching harmonics based on that group of switching frequencies (305). These switching harmonics are then compared to a group of desired radio channels (311) where it is then determined if the switching frequencies interfere with the group of desired radio channels (313). Based on these results, a second group of switching frequencies is selected if the first set of switching frequencies provides an undesired level of interference (317, 319, 321).

Abstract: An inverter and inverter driving method for enabling slow start of a load by slowly increasing the lamp current within a range less than a predetermined maximum level thereby preventing the inverter from operating in a wrong way is disclosed. The inverter according to the present invention includes a transformer for converting a DC input voltage into an AC output voltage, an inverter control unit for controlling a level of the AC output voltage from the transformer in response to a feedback current from a load driven by the AC output voltage, and a kick-off control unit for adjusting the feedback current during a kick-off period for starting the load.

Abstract: A power converter system is provided for supplying power to an electrical load. The power converter system includes a power converter circuit adapted to perform an AC to DC power conversion and an active clamp circuit coupled to the power converter circuit for regulating DC bus voltage overshoots. The power converter circuit is configured from a plurality of semiconductor switches having reverse voltage withstand capability.

Abstract: An ac-ac power converter system is provided for supplying power to an electrical load. The ac-ac power converter system provides an output voltage having variable amplitude and/or frequency. The ac-ac power converter system includes a boost inductor for applying a discontinuous current to an ac-ac power converter. The ac-ac power converter includes a rectifier circuit comprising of a first set of gate controllable active switches for converting an input ac power to a dc power and an inverter circuit comprising of a second set of gate controllable active switches for converting the dc power to an output ac power. In addition, the ac-ac power converter system includes a switch for switching between a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation.

Abstract: To make it possible to reserve recording of a program without imposing a large load on a user. A server 2-1 transmits program attribute information to a video recording and reproducing apparatus 11 via a network 1. The program attribute information is constituted by program attribute names and program attribute retrieval conditions. The video recording and reproducing apparatus 11 causes a display apparatus 12 to display a list of the program attribute names. The user selects a program attribute name, to which a program that the user wishes to reserve for recording seems to be most closely related, out of this list. The video recording and reproducing apparatus 11 compares retrieval conditions corresponding to the selected program attribute name and EPG information and, when the retrieval conditions are satisfied, records a program represented by the EPG in a recording reservation list. It is possible to apply the invention to a hard disk video recorder.

Abstract: An electrostatic capacitance detection device for detecting electrostatic capacitance that changes in accordance with a distance from a target object to read surface contours of the target object, including electrostatic capacitance detection elements arranged in M rows and N columns, a power supply line supplying power to the electrostatic capacitance detection elements, an output line outputting a signal from the electrostatic capacitance detection elements, M row lines selecting the electrostatic capacitance detection elements disposed on a specific row, and N column lines selecting the electrostatic capacitance detection elements disposed on a specific column.

Abstract: A storage cell having a storage circuit and a readout circuit may be used in power-saving environments, where the storage circuit may be maintained in an ultra-drowsy mode during power-saving periods while the readout circuit may be powered down during power-saving periods. A pull-down transistor may be incorporated into the readout circuit to reduce current leakage during power-saving periods.

Abstract: A method of operating a programmable resistance memory array. The method comprises writing to all of the programmable resistance elements within the same row of the memory array at substantially the same time. The programmable resistance elements preferably include phase-change materials such as chalcogenides.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory device capable of improving a read characteristic is disclosed. A non-volatile memory device includes memory blocks, each memory block having a plurality of word lines. A common source line is arranged to be shared by the memory blocks. A first transistor is connected to the common source line, and a voltage higher than a power supply voltage is applied to a gate of the first transistor during a read operation. A second transistor connects the first transistor to a reference voltage during the read operation.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device disclosed herein includes: a first select gate line, a gate electrode of a first select transistor connected to the first select gate line; a second select gate line, a gate electrode of a second select transistor connected to the second select gate line; and word lines between the first select gate line and the second select gate line, gate electrodes of memory cells being respectively connected to the word lines, wherein when data in a memory cell connected to a first adjacent word line which is adjacent to the first select gate line is read, a voltage of the second select gate line is increased after a voltage of the first select gate line is increased, and when data in a memory cell connected to a second adjacent word line adjacent to the second select gate line is read, the voltage of the first select gate line is increased after the voltage of the second gate line is increased.

Abstract: Electronic memory devices fabricated using nanolithography techniques enables rapid and reliable storage of data on a substrate. One such device includes a memory access head, which includes a conductive member and an insulative member. The conductive member includes a proximal conductive tip, a distal conductive tip, and a body portion. The body portion is embedded in the insulative member. The device further includes a substrate adjacent to the distal conductive tip, an electrolyte disposed between the distal conductive tip and the substrate; and a microchip in communication with the proximal conductive tip.