Abstract: The invention relates to a light fixture assembly having a ballast substantially maintaining a consistent current and further includes an indicator for indicating a problem with the light fixture assembly. A switch remote from the ballast may be provided where a circuit in cooperation with the switch impedes the flow of electricity through the ballast when the switch is in an off position. The light fixture assembly may be assembled and disassembled, namely the lamp head, post, base, ballast, and electrical cord, without use of a tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-functional energy-saving fluorescent lamp in which an illumination sensor for distinguishing day and night, a timer for time control, and an infrared sensor for sensing a human are integrally provided to one lamp as a light source. The sensors measure illumination according to quantity of light or sense existence of a human. If the illumination around the lamp is lower than a certain level, e.g. at night, or a human exists, the sensors send a data signal for driving a lighting control circuit so that the lamp is automatically turned on/off. This lamp has simple structure and ensures low energy consumption. In addition, by addition of a reflection shade, heat emitted from the lamp is blocked and the illumination efficiency is improved. This lamp may be conveniently installed to any place using a socket-type light bulb without any separate sensor, thereby greatly improving convenience of a user.

Abstract: A system and method for color changing lighting comprising a pre-programmed controller along with driver circuit, a single or combination of LEDs and an OFF/ON switch which is used for making selection of mode of operation as well as switching the system ON/OFF. Brightness is changed using pulse width modulation. The LED's are selectively activated by programmed variable pulse to generate desired color mixing effect. The resulting illumination may be controlled by a computer/micro-controller program to provide pre-designed complex patterns of light in virtually any environment.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system comprising light units and sensors, such as heat detectors, smoke detectors and motion detectors, operable to activate the light units. In the preferred embodiment, the light units are operable to adopt a selected one of at least two illuminated stated depending on the state of the sensors. Each illuminated state may involve the display of a symbol, text message or illumination pattern such as an arrow or a warning indicator, and/or may involve the emission of a respective illumination colour. The emergency lighting system may be associated with a set of stairs in order to illuminate the stairs when activated.

Abstract: The bicycle lighting system includes a primary lighting circuit and at least one electrically operated component connected in parallel to a rectifying circuit that receives electricity from a hub dynamo. The electrically operated component can be a supplemental lighting circuit, an electric transmission component and/or a tail lamp. The lighting system includes a rectifying circuit configured and arranged to rectify electricity generated by a hub dynamo. The primary lighting circuit has at least one first light emitting diode that is configured and arranged to always receive electricity outputted from the rectifying circuit.

Abstract: An ink tank receives data signals from a printer and an LED provided on the ink tank is driven on the basis of the received data signals. The LED is driven in an inactive time period that is different from the time period in which the date signals are input to the ink tank.

Abstract: The present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, is directed to portable electronic devices which operate on exhaustible power sources, for example, batteries. The electronic devices of the present invention comprise at least one signal switch and a microchip in communication with the switch wherein the switch is only capable of transmitting a signal to the microchip that the switch has been activated or deactivated. The microchip is in communication with the exhaustible power source of the electronic device and controls (i) the power on/off function of the device, (ii) at least one other function of the device in response to activation and deactivation signals from the switch, and (iii) an automatic shut off function in response to the receipt of an activation signal from the switch.

Abstract: A light-adjusting and current-limiting control circuit for a lamp includes a sampling circuit formed of a manganese-copper line or a current transformer, a power circuit provided with resistors, capacitors, diodes, a Varistor and a zener diode, a signal adjusting circuit composed of diodes, resistors, a varistor, triacs and capacitors, and a control output circuit having a thyristor, diodes, a relay and an LED. The control output circuit can be replaced with a light-adjusting input circuit, a chip processor control circuit, a zero-crossing detection circuit and a two-way silicon controlled rectifier control output circuit 5. Thus, the invention has a low cost, a small size and an excellent precision, compared to conventional ones.

Abstract: The inventive signal incorporates an intelligent diagnosis module inside a light emitting diode (LED) signal, such as an LED traffic signal. The inventive signal can self-extinguish or send a signal through its communication port at the end of its useful life when the LEDs are no longer providing the required light output. Additionally, the inventive signal sends a signal to increase the current as the LEDs degrade to ensure the light output is above a threshold minimum.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, a power indicator circuit for a computer comprises a light-emitting diode (LED) indicating power management states of a computer; a first resister connected between one pole of the LED and a power source; a second resistor connected between the other pole of the LED and a power source, a first branch circuit connected between the one pole and ground; and a second branch circuit connected between the other pole and ground. Wherein the first resistor and the second resistor control a current through the LED. Because the LED emits lights of different colors or turns off according to the different power management states, it is easy for users to see what the power management state of the computer is.

Abstract: In an inverter circuit for a backlight assembly, a first sinusoidal voltage and a second sinusoidal voltage having an opposite polarity to that of the first sinusoidal voltage are applied across terminals of 2n CCFLs. Each of respective primary coils of n first balance transformers are connected in series with corresponding first terminals of a first set of n CCFLs from the 2n CCFLs. Each of respective primary coils of n second balance transformers are connected in series with corresponding first terminals of a second set of n CCFLs from the 2n CCFLs. The secondary coils of the first balance transformers and the secondary coils of the second balance transformers are connected in series with each other to form a loop. Accordingly, the backlight assembly makes it easy to troubleshoot a failure in the CCFLs.

Abstract: A lighting device controller which controls a lighting device and provides a signal to an air conditioner controller indicating an operation state of the lighting device, and an air conditioner controller which receives a signal from a lighting device controller indicating an operation state of a lighting device, and controls an air conditioning unit corresponding to the lighting device in response to the signal are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting lamp failure is described for an array of lamps used in a rapid thermal processing system. The lamp failure detection system enables identification of a failed lamp among a plurality of lamps, and also provides identification of the failure type. The apparatus applies a lamp failure detection method to the voltage drop values measured across each lamp to determine if a lamp is in a failure state. In one embodiment, a field programmable gate array is used to apply a failure detection method to the lamp voltage values.

Abstract: A detector circuit monitors the phase relationship between the lamp voltage and the excitation voltage, and if one or more conditions are met, triggers the open lamp protection process in a discharge lamp system. The detection circuit can be incorporated into a lamp voltage feedback circuit and implemented on the integrated circuit level with less cost and circuit complexity.

Abstract: A wireless handheld communications device with a liquid crystal display, especially, a field sequential liquid crystal display, includes a visual notification for a powered up, inactive state. The visual notification is preferably through a light emitting diode that may be part of the backlighting system for the LCD or may be independent from the backlighting system. The waveforms, periodicity, colour selection, and colour sequencing may be customizable by one or both of the manufacturer and user.

Abstract: A greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness is achieved by optically assessing the condition of a gas discharge lamp. Herein, a system and method of optically assessing lamp condition includes measuring the intensity of emitted light within two portions of the emitted spectrum. One portion of the lamp's spectrum is selected such that the intensity of emitted light from that portion remains relatively constant as the lamp ages. The second portion of the lamp's spectrum is selected such that the intensity of the emitted light varies measurably as the lamp ages. A ratio is computed between the two intensities. Comparing this ratio to a reference ratio provides information of the relative present condition (i.e., age) of the lamp being tested. Associating the lamp with location data is a further aspect. Important advantages are the ability to predict relative lamp age, and thus avoid both premature lamp replacement and pre-failure lamp cycling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a DC-DC converter having over-current/over-voltage protection function and an LED driving circuit using the same. The DC-DC converter adjusts a width of a switching pulse outputted from a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controller to control on/off durations of a switch, thereby providing a controlled level of voltage to a load. The DC-DC converter includes a microcontroller for detecting a voltage, and if the detected voltage is greater than a reference voltage, generating an alarm signal. The DC-DC converter further includes a digital-analogue converter for outputting a voltage of 0V and an analogue dimmer for generating a control signal that changes an ‘on’ duration of the switching pulse outputted from the PWM controller to 0 and providing the control signal to the PWM controller.

Abstract: An energy-saving assembly of an elongate low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp (1) and at least one elongate extension (2). The low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp includes a light-transmitting discharge vessel (10) enclosing, in a gastight manner, a discharge space (15) provided with a filling of mercury and a rare gas mixture. The rare gas mixture includes at least 50% by volume of krypton. The discharge vessel is provided with a luminescent layer (13). Electrodes (4a; 4b) are arranged in the discharge space for maintaining a discharge in the discharge space. The extensions are provided for connection to the low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp. The extension includes an inductance (3). The length of the low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp together with the length of the extension is adapted to fit a pre-determined mounting distance of tow-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamps.

Abstract: A serial lamp set having security warning functions comprising at least one serial lamp set unit composed of a plurality of light emitting elements, insulated electric wires, and power source connector; at least one IC set being connected in the serial lamp set for receiving the signal of electric power, generating pre-determined functions, having set limitation values of electric properties of the serial lamp set, emitting signals, such as a warning signal, and having set security warning functions. After the power connector is connected to the power source, a preset security warning signal shall be released at the time when the load of the serial lamp set is over the preset limitation value of an electric property.

Abstract: An electronic circuit including a microchip for use as an intelligent user interface also comprises touch sensor technology that differentiates between proximity and physical contact events to activate and control various loads including light bulbs, products with radio frequency circuitry or electric motors. An input to the microchip is connected to a switch or sensing structure that does not form a serial link between the power source and the load. The electronic circuit controls various functions in response to user actions including automatic delayed shut-off functions, find-in-the-dark indicator and a power source level/product state indications. The microchip allows the user to select specific functions based on the time duration of activation signals, the time duration between activation signals and the number of activation signals at the input.

Abstract: Projection device failure may be diagnosed by sensing improper operation of projection lamp ignitor circuitry. An ignitor failure indicator may be activated based on a sensed failure in the operation of the lamp ignitor circuitry to prevent incorrect projection lamp failure notification.

Abstract: A system for controlling luminance of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp includes an MCU (3), an LED circuit (4), an LED lamp (5), and a display (6). The MCU controls the LED circuit to adjust a luminance value of the LED lamp. The MCU includes: a CPU (31) for monitoring a status of the associated display, generating a corresponding PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) pulse when the system operates in different working phases, and transmitting the corresponding PWM pulse to the LED circuit via a PWM pin (32); a timer (33) for recording a duration of a user operating a control button (61); and a memory (34) for storing control programs. The LED circuit sets a luminance value of the LED lamp according to the PWM pulses. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a germicidal treatment system having a status indicator. The germicidal treatment system comprises at least one mounting assembly attachable to an outside of a wall of an air handling apparatus. Each of the mounting assemblies includes a germicidal lamp and a ballast. The germicidal lamp is coupled to the ballast. The germicidal treatment system includes a power cord to receive electrical power and to provide electrical power to the ballast. A status indicator to indicate the functioning status of the germicidal treatment system.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems and methods may be employed for receiving a power consumption signal. An on-state of a light-emitting diode may be defined. A duty cycle of the light-emitting diode may be determined based at least in part on the power consumption signal. The duty cycle may reduce a power consumed by the light-emitting diode. The determination of the duty cycle may, for example, include varying at least one of an on time or an off time, for the on-state, of the light-emitting diode.

Abstract: A driver circuit for a DC light source supplies a voltage generated by a DC-to-DC converter for a plurality of lamp strings connected in parallel and a plurality of driving currents generated by a current mirror for the lamp strings, such that the lamp strings may have well controlled or uniform brightness.

Abstract: A switching circuit includes a microchip which, in response to a signal from a signal switch, controls the operation of a power switch which, when closed, connects a load to a battery. The microchip can monitor the status of the battery and control the power switch to ensure optimum operation of the load and optimum usage of the energy in the battery. The microchip can control the connection of the load to the battery in different ways according to the manner of operation of the signal switch.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control system comprises lamp monitoring and control units, each coupled to a respective lamp to monitor and control, and each transmitting monitoring data having at least an ID field and a status field; and at least one base station, coupled to a group of the lamp monitoring and control units, for receiving the monitoring data, wherein each of the base stations includes an ID and status processing unit for processing the ID field of the monitoring data.

Abstract: A unit and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control unit comprises a processing and sensing unit for sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp, and for processing the lamp parameter to monitor and control the associated lamp by outputting monitoring data and control information, and a transmit unit for transmitting the monitoring data, representing the at least one lamp parameter, from the processing and sensing unit. The method for monitoring and controlling a lamp comprises the steps of: sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp; processing the at least one lamp parameter to produce monitoring data and control information; transmitting the monitoring data; and applying the control information.

Abstract: A computer power supply with a display function has a rectifying circuit, an EMI filter, a power factor corrector, a switching circuit, a transformer and a secondary coil voltage regulator located between an AC voltage input and a DC voltage output. A linear rectifying circuit as a major technique connects to the output of the power factor corrector to detect power dissipation and represent the result in a display, thus user can take necessary measures when a computer draws excessive power.

Abstract: An electronic ballast for at least one gas discharge lamp (LA), preferably for a fluorescent tube, having a rectifier circuit (2) connectable to a supply voltage source, a smoothing circuit (3) connected to the output of the rectifier circuit (2) for generating an intermediate circuit voltage (UZ), and an inverter (4), fed with the intermediate circuit voltage (UZ), to the output of which a terminal for the load circuit (5) containing the lamp (LA) is connected, and an overvoltage monitoring device which monitors the supply voltage (U0) delivered to the electronic ballast, whereby in the event that the supply voltage exceeds a predetermined nominal value (Ui,max), an optically or acoustically perceptible warning signal is issued.

Abstract: A warning device including a status and function indicator circuit for indicating the status and function of the warning device. In a visual warning device such as a strobe light, the status and function indicator circuit includes a status output device such as an LED. The LED and associated circuitry are configured to indicate both proper operation of the visual warning device and, in the event of a device failure, will indicate whether the fault lies with circuitry for the visual warning device or simply with a warning output device.

Abstract: A circuit to monitor electrical continuity through a light bulb when the light bulb is switched off, and to monitor proper functioning of the light bulb when the bulb is switched on. The circuit comprises a LED, a relay and a latching circuit portion, the latching circuit portion configured to remain latched thereby applying power to the bulb and the relay only when the bulb is switched on and lit, and the relay having a pair of normally closed contacts connected to provide an alternative path of minimal resistance to ground for low voltage applied to an incoming side of the LED, and the relay also having a pair of normally open contacts which when closed allow voltage to be applied to the outgoing side of the LED, thereby resulting in the LED lighting when and only when, the light bulb is broken. Most preferably the latching portion of the circuit comprises a silicone controlled rectifier having a trigger circuit portion configured to pulse the gate when a switched light power control line is energized.

Abstract: A light signaling device related to the operating state of a system has at least one light and circuits of detection of a failure of this or these lights, in which each light comprises m branches in parallel each composed of n light emitting diodes in series, and a branch selector; where m and n are integers such that m?2 and n?1. This invention also relates to a process for management of such device.

Abstract: A lamp system includes a light source and an elapsed time indicator system which is coupled to the light source. The elapsed time indicator system accumulates a count of elapsed time of operation of the lamp system. The count provides an indication of a life span of the lamp system.

Abstract: A unit and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control unit comprises a processing and sensing unit for sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp, and for processing the lamp parameter to monitor and control the associated lamp by outputting monitoring data and control information, and a transmit unit for transmitting the monitoring data, representing the at least one lamp parameter, from the processing and sensing unit. The method for monitoring and controlling a lamp comprises the steps of: sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp; processing the at least one lamp parameter to produce monitoring data and control information; transmitting the monitoring data; and applying the control information.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for management of a light signaling device related to the operating state of a system comprising several lights each comprising several branches of several light elements, that includes a step for dynamic management of redundancy if a branch of a light should fail. This invention also relates to a device making use of this process.

Abstract: The invention is a microwave powered lamp (10). The lamp includes a light reflective cavity (28); an electrodeless bulb (16) contained in the light reflective cavity (26) from which light is emitted when the electrodeless bulb is excited by microwaves; a magnetron (12) for providing the microwaves for exciting the electrodeless bulb; a waveguide (14) which couples the microwaves emitted by the magnetron to the light reflective cavity for exciting the electrodeless bulb; a housing (22) which contains the lamp; a detector (102, 202) disposed within the housing, which detects the microwaves which are not coupled to the bulb during operation of the magnetron and outputs a signal indicative of a level of received microwaves; and a magnetron control (300), coupled to the detector, which causes the magnetron to be turned off when a level of the signal indicates the level of received microwaves exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A lighting system, preferably for use in operating theatres, in which at least one light source is mounted to be movable an adjustable in a single ceiling and/or wall element in the form of a prefabricated module element (4). The light sources in each module element may be controlled singly or in clusters by means of a control device designed to direct the source or sources to focus at a point defined by an optical, ultrasound or magnetic, radio frequency pointer that is seen by an appropriate sensor/camera system or receiver in the room, and which, via control means, moves the light source to the desired position. The light source consists of light-emitting diodes, halogen bulbs or the end of one or several fiber-optical cables, fixed ion a holder shaped as one half of a cup or a sphere, the holder being arranges to be movable about two perpendicular axes in the xy-plane (the ceiling plane) of the ceiling module (4).

Abstract: Gradually lighting/dimming wireless transmission indicator lamp used in a wireless data transmission apparatus. The wireless transmission indicator lamp includes at least one light emitting diode, a wireless transceiver circuit for receiving or transmitting radio signal and converting the received radio signal into digital pulse signal and a controlling circuit having an input terminal and at least one output terminal. The input terminal is connected with the wireless transceiver circuit. The output terminal is connected with the light emitting diode. The controlling circuit is controllable by the digital pulse signal to generate a slowly varying current for the light emitting diode, whereby the light emitting diode can gradually light and dim as human breath to indicate the connection state and transmission state of the wireless data transmission apparatus.

Abstract: A ballast for a low pressure gas discharge lamp, preferably of the heated-filament type, includes an on-off indicator for a lamp. The ballast includes a load circuit with a lamp, and a driver for supplying AC load current to the lamp. Such driver includes circuitry for shutting off the load current in the presence of a lamp fault condition. The ballast also includes a pair of nodes having voltage across them when the lamp operates normally, and having substantially no voltage across them when the lamp is off. An on-off lamp indicator circuit includes a light-emitting device and is coupled to the pair of nodes for causing the light-emitting device to emit light when the driver supplies load current to the lamp and for causing the light-emitting device to cease to emit light when the driver no longer supplies load current to the lamp.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cycling power to a HID ballast and amp in order to reduce the possibility of arc tube rupture or non-passive end of life light source failure with a warning indicator indicating impending momentary power outage. The apparatus comprises a lamp, a ballast, and a microcontroller operable to generate a warning indicator after expiration of a pre-selected period of time. The warning indicator indicates termination of power to the lamp for a predetermined period of time, by alternatively dimming and increasing the light output of the lamp. After expiration of the pre-determined period of time, the microcontroller restores the power to the ballast. The above described process is repeated periodically in order to reduce the risk of arc tube rupture.

Abstract: A plasma process chamber is monitored for excess current while fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes grounding the plasma process chamber in which fabricating a semiconductor device is conducted using a plasma; detecting a current flowing in a ground line from the plasma process chamber to the ground; interpreting whether the detected current is more than a reference value during fabricating the semiconductor device; and deciding that the plasma process chamber is in an abnormal state when the detected current is more than the reference value. It is thereby possible to produce more stable plasma and the operation of the plasma process chamber is stabilized. Further, the expected life span of the plasma process chamber and other devices is enlarged, and the risk of injuring the operator is prevented.

Abstract: LED lamp circuitry that emulates an incandescent lamp's behavior upon remote verification of the LED lamp. The LED lamp circuitry presents an input power switch circuit, a fuse blow-out circuit and a cold filament detection circuit permitting the use of LED lamps in applications, such as railway signal light applications, where there is a need for remote monitoring of the lamps, while keeping the advantageous features of lower power consumption and longer life.

Abstract: A lighting control module for controlling power to a lamp is presented. The lighting control module comprises a receiver for receiving electronic communications from a central controller, a current sensor, a current controller for controlling current in a power circuit passing through the module, the current controller operating to open and close the power circuit, a control unit connected to the current controller and the receiver, the control unit operating to cause the current controller to open and close the power circuit in response to the communications, and an indicator connected to the control unit. The control unit causes the indicator to illuminate when the current sensor indicates that current fails to flow in the power circuit when the current controller is operated to close the power circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus in an electronic control system allows two or three wire operation. A power supply can supply power to the enclosed circuitry in both two and three wire installations. Two separate zero cross detectors are used such that timing information can be collected in both two and three wire installations. Both zero cross detectors are monitored and are used to automatically configure the electronic control. Over voltage circuitry senses an over voltage condition across a MOSFET which is in the off state and turns the MOSFET on so that it desirably will not reach the avalanche region. Over current circuitry senses when the current through the MOSFETs has exceeded a predetermined current threshold and then turns the MOSFETs off so they do not exceed the MOSFETs' safe operating area (SOA) curve. Latching circuitry is employed to keep the protection circuitry in effect even after a fault condition has cleared.

Abstract: A warning device including a status and function indicator circuit for indicating the status and function of the warning device. In a visual warning device such as a strobe light, the status and function indicator circuit includes a status output device such as an LED. The LED and associated circuitry are configured to indicate both proper operation of the visual warning device and, in the event of a device failure, will indicate whether the fault lies with circuitry for the visual warning device or simply with a warning output device.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, an automated diagnostic tester system is configured for use with a lighting fixture connected to a power source and including at least one of a ballast connected to the power source, a capacitor connected to the ballast, an ignitor, and a high intensity discharge lamp connected to the ballast. The tester system includes an electrical connector system capable of being interconnected as part of the lighting fixture, providing circuit access at least to the power source and to the high intensity discharge lamp. This enables interruption of at least one of (i) the connection of the ballast to the power source and (ii) the connection of the high intensity discharge lamp to the ballast.

Abstract: A control circuit assembly installed in a fountain display apparatus for controlling the reproduction of music and the formation of artificial springs and a lighting effect subject to the reproduction of music.

Abstract: A light emitting element driver composed of two transistors, one ground resistor, one inductance and a single capacitor is arranged to drive an LED with a supplied voltage as low as about 0.92 V. The transistors include an NPN transistor and a PNP transistor, the base of the PNP transistor being connected to the ground resistor and the base of the NPN transistor being connected to the collector of the PNP transistor, with the capacitor being connected between the base of the PNP transistor and the node connecting the collector of the NPN transistor to the inductance and to the LED.

Abstract: A light control device and method are provided for receiving an audible signal from an audio speaker and outputting a light control signal, whereby the light control signal controls the illumination of a light source placed near the audio speaker.