Abstract: An ignitor monitoring device is provided which is enclosed within a housing to allow for portability while testing high intensity discharge (HID) luminaires. The device is placed in the lamp socket with the lamp removed, and measures the open circuit voltage across the ignitor, as well as the ignitor's ignition pulse. If the ignitor monitoring device detects adequate voltage to enable ignition of the lamp, the LED illuminates; otherwise, the LED fails to illuminate, and the operator can begin troubleshooting by replacing the ignitor and re-testing the luminaire, or testing the source, among other troubleshooting methods known in the art. A first housing employs a plunging mechanism that allows the operator to insert the monitoring device into the lamp socket with ample pressure to ensure electrical conduction between the device and the luminaire.

Abstract: A string of miniature holiday lamps connected in a series circuit with each lamp having an indicating device connected in parallel to its respective lamp. The indicating device is operated in response to the non functioning of the lamp with which it is connected in parallel. When the lamp fails, the full line voltage of the series circuit passes through the indicating device causing it to activate, signaling the non functioning lamp. The signaling device can be a resistor associated with a thermochromic paint that changes color when activated by the heat from the resistor, a sound alarm, an odor activated device or an electroluminescent light. In another embodiment the signaling device can be used to indicate a circuit having a resistive load is energized.

Abstract: An emergency lighting arrangement and an emergency lighting apparatus, the arrangement being configured to be coupled to a supply network and the arrangement comprising an electronic ballast for igniting and burning a fluorescent lamp, the emergency lighting apparatus comprising a battery (Batt), recharge device (3) for recharging the battery from the supply network, a supply device (4) for supplying the battery voltage further, and a control unit (B), which is configured to control the devices of the emergency lighting apparatus. The electronic ballast of the emergency lighting system is a controllably dimmable ballast, and the emergency lighting apparatus further comprises means (C) for controlling the dimming of the electronic ballast.

Abstract: In order to make continuous lamp operation in a failsafe lamp, particularly a lamp for medical applications, having a discharge lamp possible even When changing over between a power supply system (low voltage supply system of, for example, 24 V) and an additional safety power supply (ZSV), a buffer store is discharged in the event of a fault in the power supply for a supply unit for the lamp by changing over to a standby power source, or, once the fault has been elitinated, from the standby power source back to the normal power supply, the buffer store outputting electrical energy to operate the discharge lamp. The electrical energy supplied to the supply unit (EVG) first passes through a full-wave rectifier and is then supplied to a voltage converter containig the buffer store. The discharge lamp is subsequently supplied with the electrical energy via a power-regulated inverter. Thus, it is ensured that, even for changeover procedures with different current types—e.g.

Abstract: A solid state light apparatus ideally suited for use in traffic control signals having a Self Diagnostic/Predictive Failure Analysis (SD/PFA) function facilitating a real time status of the signal as well as prediction of failure years in advance of the actual failure. Unlike incandescent signals, all LED based signals degrade over time until they are no longer in DOT light output specifications. Current state of the art solid state signals must be periodically monitored to see if the light output is in specification. This is done by having DOT or contracted personnel ascend in a bucket truck and place a light meter on the signal typically on an annual basis. A signal system with SD/PFA coupled with a modem or RF link provides real time data, without the use of a bucket truck on the status of the signal. The system also provides data which allows the determination via an algorithm of when the signal will go below light output specifications in the future.

Abstract: A projection display apparatus is provided which forms an optical image corresponding to image information by optically processing a light beam emitted from a light source lamp and projects this optical image with a projection lens unit on a projection screen under magnification. The projection display apparatus may include a lighting count detector that detects a lighting count of the light source lamp, and a replacement warning unit that outputs a warning signal, which urges a user to replace the light source lamp, in case where the lighting count detected by the lighting count detector reaches a predetermined value, making it possible to more accurately determine the lifetime of the light source lamp by detecting the lighting count which affects the lifetime of the light source lamp.

Abstract: An ignitor and ignitor monitoring device is provided which is externally and detachably mounted to a high intensity discharge (HID) luminaire. The ignitor monitoring device provides a visual indication of whether or not the ignitor of the lamp in the HID luminaire is functioning. If the lamp is not operating and the indicator is activated, sufficient open circuit voltage is present to operate the ignitor, the ballast in the luminaire is most likely functioning properly, and power is present to operate the luminaire. A service person can assume that the lamp is defective and can replace the lamp as a first attempt to correct the problem with the luminaire. If the lamp is off and the indicator is also not operating, the luminaire is not operating for any of a number of reasons such as a defective ignitor, a defective ballast capacitor, a defective lamp or loss of supply voltage from the power source. A service person can replace the ignitor in a first attempt to repair the luminaire.

Abstract: A plurality of lamps are connected in series. A plurality of burnout detector mechanisms are provided where one of the burnout detector mechanisms from the plurality is connected across a corresponding lamp of the plurality of serially connected lamps. When a lamp in the series enters a failure state, the burnout detector mechanism is activated providing an indication as to the burned out lamp. Depending upon the values provided in the burnout detector mechanism and the type of lamps, the remaining lamps will either enter an OFF state, or a low-light glow state.

Abstract: An integral emergency lighting system which utilizes the same branch circuit wiring as main alternating current (AC) power to selectively supply emergency power to light fixtures during an emergency condition such as during an interruption or unavailability of main power from the AC source. The system includes line detection circuitry at the lighting fixtures to enable switching from main AC operation to emergency DC power and also the energizing of the associated egress lighting regardless of the on/off switch settings connected to the branch circuitry. Upon the restoration of main power, the DC battery source automatically switches off and a built-in time delay circuit allows line detection circuitry to stabilize into AC input condition before AC power re-energizes the branch circuit (i.e., switches into the main power mode).

Abstract: An ignitor and ignitor monitoring device is provided which is externally and detachably mounted to a high intensity discharge (HID) luminaire. The ignitor monitoring device provides a visual indication of whether or not the ignitor of the lamp in the HID luminaire is functioning. If the lamp is not operating and the indicator is activated, sufficient open circuit voltage is present to operate the ignitor, the ballast in the luminaire is most likely functioning properly, and power is present to operate the luminaire. A service person can assume that the lamp is defective and can replace the lamp as a first attempt to correct the problem with the luminaire. If the lamp is off and the indicator is also not operating, the luminaire is not operating for any of a number of reasons such as a defective ignitor, a defective ballast capacitor, a defective lamp or loss of supply voltage from the power source. A service person can replace the ignitor in a first attempt to repair the luminaire.

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 lighting apparatus for an endoscope, includes: a light source for emitting light which is transmitted to a distal end of the endoscope via a light guide of the endoscope; a consumption recording device for recording the consumed light-emission time of the light source; and an indicating device for indicating information on the remaining life of the light source in accordance with data recorded in the consumption recording device; wherein the light source, the consumption recording device and the indicating device are provided in one unit.

Abstract: A power supply circuit detects ground fault paths, and miswiring of the load, using a test mode in which electrical power is applied to only one power output terminal of the power supply relative to the ground terminal, while substantially no electrical power is applied to the second power output terminal relative to the ground terminal. If application of power during the test mode causes substantial current flow through ground, then there is a ground fault path, or an incorrect connection between the midpoint of the load and ground. The power supply further includes unique features for signaling the presence and kind of fault it has detected; the power supply is capable of distinguishing between ground faults in at least two different locations, and when a fault is detected, the power supply signals the presence of the fault and its location, e.g., by timed blinking of the connected discharge light. These features are enhanced by a diagnostic analyzer for connection to the power supply.

Abstract: A touch operated control system is provided that advantageously provides enhanced functionality, including a programmable timer that sets a light coupled to the dimmer to OFF after a predetermined period of time. The control system generally includes a conductive housing provided with a power receptacle, a power switch, a fuse, and a printed circuit board mounted within the housing. The printed circuit board includes switching circuitry by means of a programmed integrated circuit operationally connected to the housing, and a timer is operationally connected to the switching circuitry. By touching the housing, the switching circuitry is activated to automatically connect or remove power to or from the power receptacle. The sequence and duration of the touch activation function varies the system response to provide enhanced control, functionality and flexibility.

Abstract: A light source apparatus is used in a video endoscope system having a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor and a monitor. The light source apparatus provides illumination to a scene to be imaged by the CCD image sensor and displayed on the monitor. The light source apparatus includes a discharge lamp serving as a light source. The lamp is subject to progressive degradation during use so that its output light intensity achievable with a given level of input current gradually decreases through its lifetime. The current supplied to the lamp is controlled using a feedback control technique so as to maintain the output light intensity of the lamp at a substantially fixed, desired intensity level. In order to allow the operator to timely replace the discharge lamp with a new one, the input current to the discharge lamp is detected and compared to a threshold level. The threshold level may be selected to a level corresponding to the rated power of the lamp designated by the manufacturer.

Abstract: A driver for an EL lamp includes a voltage detector coupled to the lamp for monitoring the voltage across the lamp and providing an indication of when the lamp is substantially discharged.

Abstract: A flood light lamp removal alarm for security lights mounted on or near a home, wherein the lights are designed to turn on automatically if a motion detector is triggered and the ambient light level is low, detects if any of the flood light lamps are unscrewed or loosened, either prior to a burglary or during the attempt to disable the flood light assembly. A central contact of a lamp socket is modified so that it maintains contact with the lamp therein for a longer distance as the lamp is unscrewed out, so that the alarm is triggered before the light from the lamp is disabled. Alternatively, current detectors verify when a lamp is loosened from a socket by detecting changes in current draw across the socket.

Abstract: Circuitry for an LED indicator which can enable and disable the LED indicator at appropriate times. An LED indicator, for example an array of LEDs, is driven by a driving circuit including a control circuit. An input is configured to sense an input line voltage in the LED driving circuit. A further circuit is connected to the input and outputs a first signal or a second signal based on whether the sensed input line voltage is above or below a threshold value. Further, a signal line connects an output of the further circuit to the control circuit of the driving circuit. The control circuit disables driving of the LED indicator based on the further circuit providing an indication whether the sensed input line voltage is above or below the threshold value. The LED indicator may find particular application in an LED traffic signal. With such circuitry in the present invention, a signal which is not intended to illuminate will not in fact illuminate.

Abstract: An emergency lighting test system and method automatically schedules self tests and uses novel test methods to thoroughly test an emergency lighting system. An emergency lighting system comprises a fluorescent lamp, an inverter circuit and a backup power source (e.g. a battery). A microcontroller controls testing of the system and tracks time of day and date for scheduling tests of the lighting system. After a test is performed, the test reports are stored in memory. Two novel tests are used to evaluate the lighting system. A first test determines backup power source condition. The test samples the high frequency signal generated by the inverter circuit to determine an average peak voltage. The average peak voltage is indicative of backup power source voltage. If the average peak voltage falls below a predetermined lower limit, it indicates a backup power source failure. The lamp is turned off and a failure is flagged. A second test determines lamp and inverter condition.

Abstract: A lamp control circuit for use in a flashlight having a power supply and a light bulb. The lamp control circuit includes oscillator means selectively applying power to the light bulb for turning the bulb on and off at one of a plurality of a selectable frequencies, voltage indicator means coupled to the power supply for indicating to a user when the voltage level of the power supply falls below a pre-determined level and dimmer means coupled between the light bulb and the power supply for reducing the amount of electrical current supplied to the light bulb. The control circuit is mounted on a circuit board which is configured to indicate to the circuit the number and voltage of the batteries which are used to power the flashlight. An alternative embodiment may also include a light emitting diode for use when the battery voltage is insufficient to meet the threshold voltage of the bulb.

Abstract: A circuit for interfacing between a conventional traffic signal's control monitor and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) replacing an incandescent lamp of the traffic signal is disclosed. The interface circuit includes a current source for driving the LEDs with a regulated power factor corrected current. Compatibility with traditional conflict monitors is achieved through a circuit that short circuits incoming current to indicate full turn off of the signal and opens up to indicate full turn on of the signal, and through an "OFC" circuit which presents an open circuit to the conflict monitor upon failure of the traffic signal LEDs. Quick turn-off of the traffic signal LEDs is accomplished with a switching circuit that reduces current flowing through the LEDs below the range for visible turn-off.

Abstract: A signaling lamp flasher generates audible sound while controlling intermittent contact between a vehicle power source and a signaling lamp. A flash control device generates the intermittent contact, and is preferably an input relay disposed between the power source and the signaling lamp. An IC-based audible flash circuit generates a control pulse in response to the voltage pulse from the power source, generates a buzzer pulse in response to the control pulse, and generates audible sound in response to the buzzer pulse. The signaling lamp flasher also provides current overload protection at the signaling lamp through a pop-out resettable fuse. The location and ability of the fuse to be reset provides improved dependability and serviceability.

Abstract: An ignitor and ignitor monitoring device is provided which is externally and detachably mounted to a high intensity discharge (HID) luminaire. The ignitor monitoring device provides a visual indication of whether or not the ignitor of the lamp in the HID luminaire is functioning. If the lamp is not on and the indicator is activated, sufficient open circuit voltage is present to operate the ignitor, the ballast in the luminaire is most likely functioning properly, and power is present to operate the luminaire. A service person can assume that the lamp is defective and can replace the lamp as a first attempt to correct the problem with the luminaire. If the lamp is off and the indicator is also not operating, the luminaire is not operating for any of a number of reasons such as a defective ignitor, a defective ballast capacitor, a defective lamp or loss of supply voltage from the power source. A service person can replace the ignitor in a first attempt to repair the luminaire.

Abstract: A flood light lamp removal alarm for security lights mounted on or near a home, wherein the lights are designed to turn on automatically if a motion detector is triggered and the ambient light level is low, detects by a current if any of the flood light lamps are unscrewed or loosened, either prior to a burglary or during the attempt to disable the flood light assembly. A central contact of a lamp socket is modified so that it maintains contact with the lamp therein for a longer distance as the lamp is unscrewed out, so that the alarm is triggered before the light from the lamp is disabled. Alternatively, current detectors verify when a lamp is loosened from a socket by detecting changes in current draw across the socket.

Abstract: A power supply circuit detects ground fault paths, and miswiring of the load, using a test mode in which electrical power is applied to only one power output terminal of the power supply relative to the ground terminal, while substantially no electrical power is applied to the second power output terminal relative to the ground terminal. If application of power during the test mode causes substantial current flow through ground, then there is a ground fault path, or an incorrect connection between the midpoint of the load and ground. The power supply further includes unique features for signaling the presence and kind of fault it has detected; the power supply is capable of distinguishing between ground faults in at least two different locations, and when a fault is detected, the power supply signals the presence of the fault and its location, e.g., by timed blinking of the connected discharge light. These features are enhanced by a diagnostic analyzer for connection to the power supply.

Abstract: A portable light control keyboard for electrically energizing illuminating devices using piano keys, wherein each piano key, when depressed, activates switches so as to provide power to a receptacle into which an illuminating device such as a light or bank of lights is connected. The portable light control keyboard provides a visual rhythmic accompaniment to musical performances and productions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flashing light assembly for a microphone, which consists of a collar located on the grid ring frame of the shell of the microphone. More than two light emitting diodes and an electric circuit are also included. There are several socket-rings attached to the circumference of the collar for holding the variably colored light emitting diodes respectively therein. The light emitting diodes are connected to the electric circuit, which is connected to a switch for switching over the light emitting diodes to either light or flash in accordance with the sound picked by the microphone.

Abstract: A display apparatus for illuminating a switch is provided which includes a switch having an on and off position to control power from a power supply to a device. A light source is located near the switch to illuminate the switch. A diode is electrically connected between the on position of the switch and the light source. A first resistor is electrically connected between the off position of the switch and the light source. The first resistor is electrically in parallel with the switch and the diode. When the switch is in the off position, power is provided to the light source via the first resistor whereby the light source illuminates at a first brightness. When the switch is in the on position, power is provided to the light source via the diode whereby the light source illuminates at a second brightness which is greater than the first brightness.

Abstract: A power semiconductor device (2) has a first main electrode (S) for coupling to a first supply line (3), a second main electrode (D) coupled to a first terminal (4) for connection via a load (L) to a second voltage supply line (5) and an insulated gate electrode (G) coupled to a control terminal (GT) for supplying a gate control signal to enable conduction of the power semiconductor device (2). An open-circuit detection arrangement is integrated with the power semiconductor device (2) for providing an indication that a load (L) coupled to the power semiconductor device (2) is open-circuited. The detection arrangement has a reference current (Ir) providing arrangement (7, R3, R4, R7, Q1, Q2) and a current deriving arrangement (Q3, Q4) for deriving a current (Id) dependent on the voltage at the second main electrode (D).

Abstract: When a discharge lamp repeatedly flickers out after illuminating for a long period of time because the same discharge lamp is nearing the end of its usage lifetime, a stored voltage of a capacitor rises gradually every time the discharge lamp flickers out. When the stored voltage of the same capacitor becomes no less than a predetermined voltage, a comparator generates a high level voltage which actuates a transistor. The transistor then terminates the operations of a PWM circuit to deactuate the discharge lamp.

Abstract: A flood light lamp removal alarm for security lights mounted on or near a home, wherein the lights are designed to turn on automatically if a motion detector is triggered and the ambient light level is low, detects if any of the flood light lamps are unscrewed or loosened, either prior to a burglary or during the attempt to disable the flood light assembly. A central contact of a lamp socket is modified so that it maintains contact with the lamp therein for a longer distance as the lamp is unscrewed out, so that the alarm is triggered before the light from the lamp is disabled. Alternatively, current detectors verify when a lamp is loosened from a socket by detecting changes in current draw across the socket.

Abstract: A switch for use in an AC circuit wired in a three-way switch mode for supplying power to a load, has a first terminal for connection to an external line, second and third terminals for connection respectively to corresponding terminals of a second like switch, and a switch contact for selectively connecting the first terminal to either one of the second and third terminals. A transformer has its primary winding connected between the first terminal and the external line, and its secondary winding deriving an output voltage therefrom. The output voltage is rectified and supplied to a light-emitting diode. The ratio of turns of the windings of the transformer is such that the rectified voltage energizes the light-emitting diode when power is supplied to the load over its normal operating range. The light-emitting diode will thus provide an indication of when power is supplied to the load.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for lamps with melody output includes a switch having a common end connected to an AC voltage source and three contact ends, two rectifiers each respectively connected to a contact end of the switch via a connector, a melody circuit for outputting an audio signal via a speaker, two timers each respectively connected between one of the rectifiers and the melody circuit for controlling the duration of the output audio signal, a lamp driving circuit connected to the melody circuit for receiving a lamp driving signal from the melody circuit, a lamp set connected to all of the contact ends of the switch, and a voltage regulation circuit connected to the AC voltage source via the connector for supplying a power signal to all of the electronic circuits.

Abstract: A lighting system composed of: an AC ballast for delivering AC power from an AC power source to a lamp; an emergency power supply for delivering AC power to the lamp when the AC power source fails; and a switch for disconnecting the AC ballast from the AC power source when the AC power source fails.

Abstract: A lamp-diagnosing system comprising electronic current-indicating apparatus and a dashboard display scheme, for vehicles: The system provides a dashboard display which shows the actions of external signaling lamps and hence their status (monitoring mode). Another embodiment provides indication only when a lamp fails (alarm mode). The invention offers improved operator awareness of vehicular signaling, serviceability, improved safety, low cost, and ease of incorporation into existing circuitry.

Abstract: A neon lamp assembly includes a neon lamp, a frequency/voltage conversion circuit board for powering the neon lamp, a housing for receiving the neon lamp and the circuit board, a cable for supplying a DC power for the circuit board, a plurality of pins provided between the cable and the circuit board for penetrating the sheaths of the cable and receiving power from the cable.

Abstract: A lamp system including an alternating current power source for supplying a signal voltage, an input transformer having primary and secondary windings connected to the power source for increasing signal voltage, a signal rectifier connected to the secondary winding for creating a direct current signal from the increased signal voltage, a signal oscillator connected to the signal rectifier for creating a high-frequency signal from the direct current signal, one or more ballasts connected to the signal oscillator to create high-voltage high-frequency signals from the direct current signal, one or more lamps driven by the high-voltage high-frequency signal from the ballasts, a sense winding on an output side of each of the ballasts for inducing alternating current signals, an apparatus for receiving and processing the alternating current signals, and an apparatus for displaying the processed alternating current signals.

Abstract: An emergency lighting controller includes a first circuit responsive to an alarm signal or warning signal. The first circuit accepts positive or negative polarity input signals and detects the presence or absence of a signal in order to produce an output signal clearing a monostable timer circuit. The monostable timer circuit produces a predetermined duration signal upon receiving an alarm signal. In accordance with the predetermined duration signal produced by the monostable timer circuit, an astable timer or oscillator circuit activates and deactivates an output control circuit in accordance with the frequency and duty cycle settings of the astable timer circuit. The output control circuit switches power on and off to a relay or a lighting circuit to provide a visual indicator of an emergency state that may require evacuation of the premises.

Abstract: A lighting fixture is powered from an ordinary power line and has an inverter-type ballast for powering a fluorescent lamp. This ballast comprises an inverter means whose frequency of oscillation can be influenced by receipt of a control signal at a pair of control terminals. An optical sensor is located within the fixture in such manner as to intercept part of the light emitted by the fluorescent lamp. This sensor provides a control signal proportional to the amount of light emitted by the lamp, and this control signal is applied to the ballast control terminals in such manner as to regulate the inverter frequency as a function of the light level, thereby correspondingly to regulate the magnitude of the current fed to the fluorescent lamp. By providing a threshold means in combination with high gain in the control loop, the fixture light level may be accurately maintained at any desired value substantially regardless of any changes in magnitude of power line voltage and/or in lamp efficacy.

Abstract: An LED lamp device is made up of an LED emitter, a pair of DC voltage input terminals, a circuit connecting between the LED emitter and the pair of DC voltage input terminals, and at least one constant-voltage diode and at least one constant-current diode which are interposed in the circuit. The LED lamp device further has an adapter for mounting on one end thereof the LED emitter, and a base fixed to the other end of the adapter. The lighting parts such as the constant-voltage diode or the like are contained inside the adapter and the base.

Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting device comprises a failure diagnostic circuit for diagnosing failure of a discharge lamp and a lighting circuit. The failure diagnostic circuit diagnoses failure of the discharge lamp and an external wiring from the lighting circuit to the discharge lamp, and diagnoses the lighting circuit if failure of the discharge lamp and the external wiring fails to be found.

Abstract: A flash triggering system inductively coupled to a flash tube assembly's flash tube of a through-the-lens (TTL) strobe unit. The flash trigger monitors the electromagnetic field directly surrounding the strobe to which it is affixed using an electromagnetic inductive sensor. The photographic flash trigger is positioned by the mounting mechanism adjacent the flash tube so that the flash monitor detector is responsive to the excitation of a flash tube. The detector provides a detection signal indicative of whether or not the flash tube properly fired. A delay circuit delays any response for a predetermined time to allow for the main TTL flash cycle. Then, the activation circuit enables a separate transmitter to trigger the slave strobes while the camera shutter is still open.

Abstract: A flash monitor alarm system is provided for detection of emergency vehicle flashers or for detection of flashes in photography. For emergency flasher detection the unit is positioned in a vehicle within a direct line of sight of potential emergency flashers. When emergency flashers are detected, an alarm is activated to warn the vehicle's occupants. For a photographic monitor alarm system, a detector is inductively coupled to a flash tube assembly's flash tube or tube power cable for activating a pulsating flash monitor indicator perceptible to the photographer when the flash tube has properly fired. The flash monitor alarm system includes flash monitor electronics and a power source, both of which are built into a compact housing.

Abstract: This is an emergency lighting system that provides an emergency driving voltage to drive at least one lamp when the AC power input to the lamp is detected as absent. A rechargeable battery pack and recharging circuit are contained in a first modular housing, and driving circuitry is contained in a second modular housing. An easily accessible, manually-operable service switch disables the provision of battery power to the driving circuitry (when the switch is in the open state), thereby allowing substantial reduction in installation time and cost. A test switch is included to emulate power failures. A transmitter and receiver mechanism allow a user to remotely disable the provision of battery power to the driving circuitry, thereby offering battery power conservation, if the emeregency lamplight is not needed. Likewise, a photo-sensing mechanism disables the provision of battery power to the driving circuitry, if there is sufficient ambient light.

Abstract: A lighting control device for controlling the state and intensity of a lamp includes a user-actuatable intensity selector for selecting a desired lamp intensity level between minimum and maximum intensity levels. The device further includes a programmable microprocessor for storing a preset lamp intensity level, and a linear array of indicator lights (e.g. LED's) for indicating the available range of lamp intensities. According to a preferred embodiment, the microprocessor operates to illuminate all lights in the array when the lamp is OFF, with one indicator light being more brightly illuminated to indicate the preset intensity level. When the lamp is ON, only that indicator light representing the present lamp intensity level is illuminated.

Abstract: A dual mode high intensity aircraft approach lighting system includes a plurality of lights interconnected by means of power wiring. An improved subsystem for detecting lamp failures is disclosed which permits a positive identification of individual failed lamps at a remote location, such as the control tower of an airport, for instance. The subsystem hardware consists of an operational monitor processor, three lamp controllers, one for each of three lighting loops, one remote lamp transceiver module per lamp, and existing ac loop wiring. The operational monitor processor board initiates a reset of the lamp controller and remotely installed transceiver units by sending a SAMPLE ALL signal to each lamp controller. A comprehensive test of all lamps in each of the three lighting loops is performed. The first lamp controller board sequentially polls each lamp for operational status in the first loop.

Abstract: A gas discharge lamp ballast with an indicator of operability of the ballast is disclosed. The ballast circuit comprises circuitry for providing a d.c. bus voltage on a bus conductor with respect to a ground, and a resonant load circuit. The resonant load circuit includes lamp terminals for connecting to a removable gas discharge lamp, a resonant inductor, and a resonant capacitor. The resonant inductor and resonant capacitor are selected to set a magnitude, and resonant frequency, of a bidirectional current in the lamp. Further included is a converter circuitry, including first and second serially connected switches coupled between the bus conductor and the ground, and providing to the resonant load circuit, at a node coupled between the first and second switches, a voltage that alternates between first and second voltage levels.

Abstract: An elevator hall enunciator lantern includes an array (FIG. 2, FIGS. 4-8) of dual light, light emitting diodes 12-16, 56, 57 to be energized by a signal 35, 35a indicating the arrival of an up traveling elevator or the signal 36, 36a indicating the arrival of a down traveling elevator to provide a green indication or a red indication, respectively. The array may be configured so that the indication appears as an arrow 21, 22 pointing in the direction of the arriving elevator car. The indication may be scrolled (FIGS. 4-8) in the same direction as the direction of travel of the elevator car so as to provide an additional indication of the direction of travel of the arriving elevator car.

Abstract: A water-activated survival lamp unit for mounting to a flotation device in proximity to the water line. The survival lamp unit comprises a hermetically sealed light transmissive housing in which are mounted a light source and a battery in an electrical circuit together. A water-responsive actuator is provided, including a pair of electric terminals extending outside the housing in a spaced apart relationship. The actuator is responsive to a momentary electrical path established between the terminals through a coherent body of water to close the electrical circuit between the battery and the light source for a predetermined time period largely exceeding the duration of the electrical path, thus causing timed actuation of the light source. Periodic water splashing of the electric terminals allows to reestablish at intervals the electric path, each time resetting the actuator which closes the electrical circuit for an additional time period.

Abstract: A lighting failure detector for a luminaire which ascertains that a lamp is lit at night and indicates the result of detection includes a phase difference detector circuit for ascertaining the lighting of the lamp through voltage and current applied to the lamp, a timer operating in response to an output signal from the phase difference detector circuit, and an indicator operated in response to a time-up signal from the timer.