Selective Indication Of The Load Device Patents (Class 315/131)
  • Patent number: 11950341
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a proximity-detecting device configured to determine a signal-strength value (S) indicative of a received signal power amount of an identification signal of an originating lighting node that comprises lighting-node identification information and that is received via a signal input unit (102). It also comprises a proximity-detection unit (106) configured, upon determining that the received signal-strength value exceeds a predetermined proximity threshold value (Sth), to generate and provide a proximity-information signal (P) indicative of the proximity-detecting device being within a proximity area. It also comprises a threshold-determination unit (108) configured, upon determining fulfilment of a pre-stored threshold-updating criterion (C) comprising one or more updating-conditions associated with the lighting-node identification information, to update the proximity threshold value for the given originating lighting node, for redefining the adaptation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Hugo Jose Krajnc, Dzmitry Aliakseyeu, Berent Willem Meerbeek
  • Patent number: 11827209
    Abstract: A motor control device includes an acquisition unit and a torque control unit that controls, by selectively using one of a first map and a second map, a motor torque defined in correspondence with a requested torque and an engine rotation speed in each of the first map and the second map. The torque control unit controls the motor torque using the first map when the battery temperature is less than a switch temperature lower than a limit start temperature at which the motor torque is limited, and controls the motor torque using the second map when the battery temperature is greater than or equal to the switch temperature and less than the limit start temperature. The second map includes a larger assist region than the first map. The assist region of the second map defines a smaller maximum torque than the assist region of the first map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: HINO MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroki Sakashita
  • Patent number: 11825573
    Abstract: In an auto vibrancy mode, a vibrancy value for a lighting load may be automatically determined based on a selected color setting for the lighting load. The automatically determined vibrancy value may also be configured to emit light from the lighting load at or above a target CRI value for the selected color setting. The selected color setting may be a CCT value on the black-body curve or an x-y chromaticity value. If the selected color setting is CCT value on the black-body curve, the automatically determined vibrancy value may be a pre-defined vibrancy value that is configured to emit light from the lighting load at or above the target CRI value for the selected CCT value. If the selected color setting is an x-y chromaticity value, the automatically determined vibrancy value may be based on the distance between the selected x-y chromaticity value and the black-body curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Prashant Chaturvedi, Bryan R. Barnes, Christopher M. Green
  • Patent number: 11801744
    Abstract: A hybrid mower includes a chassis coupled to a body. The chassis has a plurality of wheels coupled to a steering assembly for navigating directional control. The mower also includes an internal combustion engine disposed on the chassis. The internal combustion engine is coupled to a drive assembly providing rotational operation to at least one of the plurality of wheels. The mower further includes a mower deck housing at least one rotatable blade for cutting undesired undergrowth during operation and an electric blade control system. The electric blade control system has an electronic control unit for enabling the at least one rotatable blade during operation and at least one direct current motor positioned about the mower deck and in communication with the electronic control unit. The at least one direct current motor has a motor shaft coupled to the at least one rotatable blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony Aboumrad
  • Patent number: 11794572
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an electric drive axle of a vehicle are provided. An electric drive axle system includes, in one example, an electric motor-generator rotationally coupled to a gear train. The gear train includes an output shaft rotationally coupled to a gear assembly axially offset from an input shaft rotationally coupled to the electric motor-generator, where the gear assembly is rotationally coupled to a differential and the differential is rotationally coupled to an axle, a first clutch assembly is configured to rotationally couple and decouple a first gear set from the output shaft, and a second clutch assembly is configured to rotationally couple and decouple a second gear set from the output shaft, the second gear set having a different gear ratio than the first gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: DANA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Eric M. Engerman
  • Patent number: 11722985
    Abstract: A system may include one or more processors and a host unit installed in a support structure of a building, the host unit including a communication module configured to send or receive communication data with at least one or more additional host units installed in the building, where the one or more processors are configured to measure an attribute of the sent or received communication data and detect a presence of an object based on a threshold change in the measured attribute of the sent or received communication data between the host unit and the one or more additional host units. The attribute can be an angle-of-signal (AoS) arrival of the communication between the host unit and each of the one or more additional host units, where the threshold change in the measured attribute is a threshold change in the measured AoS arrival.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Travis J. McQueen, Clark Della Silva, Scott G. Johnston, Wade R. Barnett, Christopher Merrill, Jay C. Couch
  • Patent number: 11689390
    Abstract: A gateway device and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within an in-wall housing, which also interconnectedly includes a processor, memory, various physical ports and wireless transceivers. To improve convenience, the gateway device may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the gateway device may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Enseo, LLC
    Inventors: William C. Fang, Vanessa Ogle
  • Patent number: 11606222
    Abstract: Lighting control systems may be commissioned for programming and/or control with the aid of an autonomous mobile device. Design software may be used to create a floor plan of how the lighting control system may be designed. The design software may generate floor plan identifiers for each lighting fixture, or group of lighting fixtures. During commissioning of the lighting control system, the autonomous mobile device may be used to help identify the lighting devices that have been installed in the physical space. The autonomous mobile device may receive a communication from each lighting control device that indicates a unique identifier of the lighting control device. The unique identifier may be communicated by visible light communication (VLC) or RF communication. The unique identifier may be associated with the floor plan identifier for communication of digital messages to lighting fixtures installed in the locations indicated in the floor plan identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Jessen, Duheng Liang
  • Patent number: 11553578
    Abstract: A lighting device comprising a controller arranged to convey a cryptographic message to a load indicative of an instruction for said load to consume an amount of power during a selected time-interval; determine the power consumed during said selected time-interval and determine a condition indicative of an unauthorized load when said determined power is different from one which is expected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Koen Johanna Guillaume Holtman
  • Patent number: 11375591
    Abstract: In an auto vibrancy mode, a vibrancy value for a lighting load may be automatically determined based on a selected color setting for the lighting load. The automatically determined vibrancy value may also be configured to emit light from the lighting load at or above a target CRI value for the selected color setting. The selected color setting may be a CCT value on the black-body curve or an x-y chromaticity value. If the selected color setting is CCT value on the black-body curve, the automatically determined vibrancy value may be a pre-defined vibrancy value that is configured to emit light from the lighting load at or above the target CRI value for the selected CCT value. If the selected color setting is an x-y chromaticity value, the automatically determined vibrancy value may be based on the distance between the selected x-y chromaticity value and the black-body curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Prashant Chaturvedi, Bryan R. Barnes, Christopher M. Green
  • Patent number: 11203284
    Abstract: A road working machine includes an operator's station that is adapted to be occupied by an operator of the road working machine. The road working machine also includes a controller and a safety light circuit that is operatively attached to the controller. The safety light circuit includes a plurality of downwardly directed safety lights that are located so as to provide lighted egress from the operator's station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Roadtec, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Neisen, Perry Basler
  • Patent number: 10979837
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a microphone calibration system (100) for multiple microphones (110), said microphones being arranged in an area in which moving objects pass the microphones. The system computes a first and second sound profile from first and second sound measurements, said first and second sound profiles being indicative of a calibration of the first and second microphones, and determines a need to calibrate the first or second microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Martijn Marius Hultermans, Edith Danielle Den Hartog, Bram Francois Joosen, Alexandre Georgievich Sinitsyn
  • Patent number: 10948135
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus is provided having one or more light emitting diodes arranged in a row. The light emitting diodes may be supported by an elongated body. The elongated body may comprise an optical element formed from an at least partially optically transmissive material. The lighting apparatus has two ends and may have electrical connectors at tho ondo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: NEXT Lighting Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas Katona, Steven Paolini, Robert Leonard, Randall Sosnick, Zach Berkowitz
  • Patent number: 10887955
    Abstract: An intelligent light bulb is provided as well as a method, devices and computer program product of configuring such an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises a memory module having stored therein firmware including instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the memory module including a passive memory on which at least a portion of the firmware is stored. The passive memory component of the memory module is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: GECKO ALLIANCE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme
  • Patent number: 10716189
    Abstract: Luminaire controllers and methods for controlling luminaires are disclosed. A luminaire controller comprises a sensor input, a communication interface, a mode selector, a local control component, and a distributed control component. The sensor input receives sensor signals from occupancy sensing devices of a luminaire, the communication interface communicates with a lighting network, the mode selector selects an operating mode for the luminaire based on sensor signals and occupancy information, the local control component controls an illumination source of the luminaire according to a selected operating mode, and the distributed control component selectively broadcasts occupancy messages by initiating a distributed control procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Jurgen Mario Vangeel, Pieter De Vreeze
  • Patent number: 10548204
    Abstract: An advanced lighting control system including systems for commissioning a network of lighting fixtures preferably includes a plurality of lighting fixtures, each having a sensor and control module. The sensor and control module includes occupancy and light sensing elements, and a first transceiver. The lighting fixtures can send wireless signals to a second transceiver located in a room controller and/or a network coordinator. The room controller being configured to interpret the occupancy and light sensing information and make decisions thereon, while the network coordinator can rank the lighting fixtures according to a determined signal strength. The network coordinator can command each of the lighting fixtures to illuminate, and based on an observation of the lighting fixture, a determination is made about whether the lighting fixture is located in a particular room. The network coordinator can also include a third transceiver for receiving wireless commands from a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Leinen, Robert L. Hick
  • Patent number: 10477639
    Abstract: The invention relates to a room lamp (1) which is designed to light a space under different angles and in a controlled manner, and which comprises—a plurality of different light emitting elements (122); and—a first illumination body (100) with a plurality of light directing devices at each of which a light emitting element (122) is arranged, each light emitting element emitting light in a light-guiding direction. At least one light directing device (102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114) has a collimation portion (124), in which the light rays of the light emitting element (122) that is arranged in the light directing device are parallelized, and a plurality of prism portions, each of which deflects a part of the parallelized light rays (126, 128, 130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Luke Roberts GmbH
    Inventors: Lukas Pilat, Robert Kopka, Martin Dijango
  • Patent number: 10368425
    Abstract: An operation terminal in a lighting system includes: a storage which stores identification information of each of the plurality of lighting controllers; a communication circuit which performs wireless communication with the plurality of lighting controllers; and a terminal controller which transmits schedule information for each of the plurality of lighting devices to the plurality of lighting controllers via the communication circuit. The terminal controller obtains the identification information of a current lighting controller currently connected to the operation terminal from the current lighting controller via the communication circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuka Hatano
  • Patent number: 10353368
    Abstract: An improved occupancy detection and load management system wherein a plurality of scout sensors and their surrogates may be networked to a master controller to control the load of a designated control zone. When occupancy is detected by an actual sensor or a sensor surrogate, scout sensors report only that event and each event, regardless of source, has the potential to initiate or sustain the occupied state of the master controller. As a zone becomes unoccupied, event reports stop being sent allowing the master controller to time out and exit its occupied state. Loss or addition of scout sensors does not affect operation as the master does not track individual sensors which additionally allows event reports to be created and sent by plurality of sources including momentary contact buttons, user controls, personal computers, and other building automation systems like fire alarms, security, and access control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: STARFIELD LIGHTING AUTOMATION LLC
    Inventor: Wayne Logan Morrow
  • Patent number: 10244606
    Abstract: A light control system having a central control engine, at least one light sensor, and at least one light source. The central control engine is configured to receive illumination data from the light sensor. The light data represents an actual light profile. The central control engine is configured to retrieve a target light profile for a user and adjust an illumination of the light control system based on the target light profile for the individual user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: BrainLit AB
    Inventor: Tord Wingren
  • Patent number: 10123387
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a lighting string device, lighting string location identifying system, and lighting string location identifying method thereof. The aforementioned lighting string device includes a lighting string controller and a plurality of lighting units. Each one of the plurality of lighting units includes a lighting portion and a controlling chip. The driving end of the controlling chip is connected to the lighting portion, and the controlling end and power end of the controlling chip is connected to the lighting string controller through the power line. When the controlling chip acquired controlling command information transmitted by the lighting string controller through the power line, the controlling chip compares the controlling command information and the address code, and determines whether to drive the lighting portion or not according to the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: POWER MOS ELECTRONICS LIMITED
    Inventor: Cheng-Chang Lai
  • Patent number: 10085330
    Abstract: An intelligent light bulb is provided as well as a method, devices and computer program product of configuring such an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises a memory module having stored therein firmware including instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the memory module including a passive memory on which at least a portion of the firmware is stored. The passive memory component of the memory module is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: GECKO ALLIANCE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme
  • Patent number: 10034357
    Abstract: An external wireless module for controlling a lighting fixture in a lighting system is provided. In one example implementation, an external wireless module for mounting to a lighting fixture includes a module housing. The module includes one or more electrical components located within the module housing. The one or more electrical components is configured to provide wireless control capability for the lighting fixture over a wireless network. The module housing is configured to be mounted to an exterior of a lighting fixture housing associated with the light fixture. The one or more electrical components are configured to be interfaced with one or more internal components of the lighting fixture located in an interior of the lighting fixture housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Adam J. Clark, Perry Romano
  • Patent number: 10023106
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, an arrangement for controlling a lighting device of a working vehicle where the lighting device is directed toward an adjustable operating element of the working vehicle. A control device is connected to the lighting device. The control device is operated to switch the lighting device on according to a detected adjustment of the operating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Valentin Gresch
  • Patent number: 9980346
    Abstract: A lighting setting apparatus which is used to set lighting modes in a plurality of luminaires installed in a space includes: a storage which stores a lighting setting image indicating the entirety of an illumination area of the luminaires in the predetermined space and luminaire position information indicating the positions of the luminaires in the space; an input receiver which receives a user input regarding use of the lighting setting image; and a lighting setter which obtains the target pixel values of target pixels that are of the lighting setting image for which the input regarding the use has been received and that are located correspondingly to the positions of the luminaires indicated by the luminaire position information, determines, based on the obtained target pixel values, a lighting setting value for at least one of dimming or toning of the luminaires, and outputs the lighting setting value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuto Hidaka, Hiroshi Sugawara
  • Patent number: 9913352
    Abstract: A light socket adaptation system and method. A light socket adapter module comprises a female end designed to accept a light bulb, a male end designed to be placed in an existing light socket, WIFI transmit/receive circuitry, Bluetooth LE transmit/receive circuitry, a processor that processes instructions received via one or more of the WIFI transmit/receive circuitry and the Bluetooth LE transmit/receive circuitry, wherein the instructions are received from one or more of a remote server system and a mobile computing device, wherein the processor executes Bluetooth LE instructions to cause the light socket adapter module to detect Bluetooth LE enabled devices within a detection proximity of the light socket adapter module, and power supply control circuitry controllable by the processor, wherein the power supply control circuitry controls power supplied to a light bulb positioned in the female end of the light socket adapter module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventors: Atif Mohammad Noori, Gordon Wai Yee Kwan, Kevin Rohling, Kevin David Wolfe, Levi Wilburn Wolfe, Steve Arnold
  • Patent number: 9881469
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a predetermined space, comprising the following steps: a) preparing at least one first volumetric sensor for detecting a first movement signal representative of movement in an authorized zone of said space; b) preparing at least one second volumetric sensor for detecting a second movement signal representative of movement in an unauthorized zone of said space; c) processing said first signal and second signal for identifying a movement in said space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventors: Filippo Guerzoni, Cesare Micheli
  • Patent number: 9848481
    Abstract: A radio-controlled lighting system includes: lighting devices each having a radio communication circuit; and a radio device which controls the lighting devices via radio communications. The radio device includes: an obtainer which obtains, for each of the lighting devices, variation information indicating variation in a received signal strength at either one of the radio device and a corresponding one of the lighting devices; a judging component which judges whether or not the variation indicated in the variation information satisfies a predetermined condition; a determiner which determines one or more of the lighting devices to be one or more of registration candidates when the judging component judges that the variation satisfies the predetermined condition; and a register which registers, as a target lighting device to be controlled, one of the lighting devices which is selected from the registration candidates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tamotsu Ando
  • Patent number: 9839102
    Abstract: Disclosed are a lighting control method and a lighting control system. The lighting control apparatus makes communication with lighting devices, registers at least one of the lighting devices according to received signal strengths of the lighting devices, and controls the registered lighting device. The lighting control apparatus easily registers and controls the lighting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ja Hong Ku, Won Taek Lim
  • Patent number: 9713235
    Abstract: An intelligent light bulb is provided as well as a method, devices and computer program product of configuring such an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises a memory module having stored therein firmware including instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the memory module including a passive memory on which at least a portion of the firmware is stored. The passive memory component of the memory module is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: GECKO ALLIANCE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme
  • Patent number: 9642225
    Abstract: A voice-controlled lighting control system includes a voice-processing device, a lighting control device and a lighting module. The lighting control device is connected to the voice-processing device and the lighting module. The voice-processing device is built in with multiple voice fingerprints and multiple error-tolerant voice fingerprints. During operation, users utter a voice command to the voice-processing device, the voice-processing device compares the received voice command with the voice fingerprints or the error-tolerant voice fingerprints, and sends a control signal to the lighting control device to instruct the lighting module to emit light when finding that the voice command falls within a biometric match threshold of one of the voice fingerprints or the error-tolerant fingerprints. Given the double voice recognition using the voice fingerprints and the error-tolerant voice fingerprints, the precision in recognizing the voice command is enhanced and voice control over lighting can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventors: Kai-Kong Ng, Ming-Yao Chiang, Richard Lence
  • Patent number: 9526153
    Abstract: A light socket adaptation system and method. A light socket adapter module comprises a female end designed to accept a light bulb, a male end designed to be placed in an existing light socket, Wi-Fi transmit/receive circuitry, Bluetooth LE transmit/receive circuitry, a processor that processes instructions received via one or more of the Wi-Fi transmit/receive circuitry and the Bluetooth LE transmit/receive circuitry, wherein the instructions are received from one or more of a remote server system and a mobile computing device, wherein the processor executes Bluetooth LE instructions to cause the light socket adapter module to detect Bluetooth LE enabled devices within a detection proximity of the light socket adapter module, and power supply control circuitry controllable by the processor, wherein the power supply control circuitry controls power supplied to a light bulb positioned in the female end of the light socket adapter module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Inventors: Atif Mohammad Noori, Gordon Wai Yee Kwan, Kevin Rohling, Kevin David Wolfe, Levi Wilburn Wolfe, Steve Arnold
  • Patent number: 9445482
    Abstract: An intelligent light bulb is provided as well as a method, devices and computer program product of configuring such an intelligent light bulb. The intelligent light bulb comprises an LED lighting element and a programmable controller. The programmable controller comprises firmware storing instructions for controlling operations of the LED lighting element, where the firmware includes a passive memory component having a near field communication memory (NFC memory). The firmware is responsive to a signal carrying firmware update information received over a wireless communication link from a device external to the intelligent light bulb for causing a firmware update process to be performed to modify the instructions of the firmware based on the update information carried by the signal. The programmable controller also includes a processing unit in communication with the firmware for operating the LED lighting element at least in part in accordance with the instructions of the firmware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: GECKO ALLIANCE GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit Laflamme
  • Patent number: 9313864
    Abstract: Illumination control system 1 includes illumination apparatuses 10 and control apparatus 20 for controlling them. Each illumination apparatus 10 includes: communication unit 101 that performs wireless communication with control apparatus 20; and controller 102 that receives from control apparatus 20 instruction on operation and causes illumination apparatus 10 to perform the instructed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsumi Setomoto, Tamotsu Ando
  • Patent number: 9236761
    Abstract: A device for contactless current generation, in particular bicycle dynamo, on a rotatable counter element, in particular wheel rim, with at least one movably mounted rotor element (2) having at least one magnet (3), and at least one coil (7), in the at least one winding of which a current can be induced by the magnet (3), which moves together with the rotor element (2), said current being usable to operate a consumer, wherein the rotor element (2) is movable by magnetic interaction with the counter element (1), characterized in that the rotor element (2) and the counter element (1) have different axial profiles, and, in an operative position, the rotor element (2) is designed to generate at least one magnetic field (6a, 6b) on the basis of an eddy current in the conductive counter element (1), which forms an uninterrupted circular path, in such a manner that, by means of continuous relative movement between the counter element (2) and rotor element (1), eddy current fields which are continuously opposed to on
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Inventor: Dirk Strothmann
  • Patent number: 9006981
    Abstract: End-of-life indicators for lamps, and methods for indicating the end-of-life for lamps, are provided. A solid state light source end-of-life indicator is located on the exterior of a housing of a lamp, and includes at least one light emitting diode. The solid state light source end-of-life indicator emits light at the end of the life of the lamp. The solid state light source end-of-life indicator may emit light upon receiving an end-of-life signal from an end-of-life detection circuit, which detects when the lamp is at an end of its life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Heinz W. Ito, Dan Bodocan, Shaun P. Montana
  • Publication number: 20150084515
    Abstract: Enhancements to ornamental or holiday lighting are disclosed including remote control ornamental illumination with color pallet control whereby a user can vary the color/intensity/appearance of an individual bulb or entire light string by selecting the electronic address of the bulb and selecting its attribute. Further disclosures include: motion responsive lights which respond to sensed movement, gesture controlled lights, adjustable white color/white led sets, connectable multi-function lights, controller to sequence lights to music or other input source, rotating projection led light/tree top/table top unit, and remote controlled sequencing icicle lights and ornament lighting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Steven J. Altamura, Christine Werner
  • Publication number: 20150084513
    Abstract: Techniques and user interfaces (UIs) are disclosed for controlling a solid-state luminaire having an electronically adjustable light beam distribution. The disclosed UI may be configured, in accordance with some embodiments, to provide a user with the ability to control, by wireless and/or wired connection, the light distribution of an associated solid-state luminaire in a given space. The UI may be hosted by any computing device, portable or otherwise, and may be used to control any given light distribution capability provided by a paired luminaire. In accordance with some embodiments, the user may provide such control without need to know details about the luminaire, such as the quantity of solid-state lamps, or their individual addresses, or the address of the fixture itself. In some cases, the disclosed techniques may involve acquiring spatial information of the space that hosts the luminaire and/or providing user-selected distribution of light within that space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Mervyn Anthony, Michael Quilici, Seung Cheol Ryu, Jeff Holt
  • Publication number: 20150084514
    Abstract: Techniques and user interfaces (UIs) are disclosed for controlling a solid-state luminaire having an electronically adjustable light beam distribution. The disclosed UI may be configured, in accordance with some embodiments, to provide a user with the ability to control, by wireless and/or wired connection, the light distribution of an associated solid-state luminaire in a given space. The UI may be hosted by any computing device, portable or otherwise, and may be used to control any given light distribution capability provided by a paired luminaire. In accordance with some embodiments, the user may provide such control without need to know details about the luminaire, such as the quantity of solid-state lamps, or their individual addresses, or the address of the fixture itself. In some cases, the disclosed techniques may involve acquiring spatial information of the space that hosts the luminaire and/or providing user-selected distribution of light within that space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: OSRAM SYLVANIA INC.
    Inventors: Mervyn Anthony, Michael Quilici, Seung Cheol Ryu, Jeff Holt
  • Publication number: 20150069916
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for controlling spot lights, such as theater or display lights, which incorporates a handheld remote control that uses intuitive motions for selecting, positioning, dimming and other lighting setup functions. The present disclosure describes a spotlight control device, a lighting system including the spotlight control device, and a method for spotlight control. The spotlight control device incorporates a first light source that emits a first control beam that activates a desired spotlight. The activated spotlight can provide feedback to indicate that it has been activated. A second light source from the control device emits a second control beam that is used to direct the activated spotlight to an illumination region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Patrick R. Fleming, Thomas R.J. Corrigan, Jun Xiao
  • Patent number: 8963430
    Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for determining which of a multiplicity of LED strings in an illumination system has a fault. A group of circuits determines the maximum, minimum, midpoint between maximum and minimum, and average voltage of the group of LED string voltages in use, and examines the statistical properties of the LED string voltages. Comparators are used to find the strings which have the highest and lowest operating voltages, and to compare the midpoint and average voltages to determine whether the highest or lowest voltage string is responsible for causing a fault in the illumination system operation. Memory means are used to keep the said determined string turned off to prevent faulty operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Inc.
    Inventor: James T Walker
  • Patent number: 8963433
    Abstract: A first lighting assembly receives a lighting profile that instructs the first lighting assembly to operate according to the lighting profile over a first period of time. The received lighting profile is implemented, including causing a light of the first lighting assembly to illuminate at a first intensity. An input acquired in proximity to the first lighting assembly and indicating activity in a region proximate the first lighting assembly is received. The received lighting profile is then deviated from, in response to the received input, by increasing the intensity of the light to illuminate at a second intensity for a predetermined period of time. A message is transmitted for receipt by the control center, the message including an indication of the increased light intensity and an identifier associated with the first lighting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: IPiXC LLC
    Inventors: John A. Jarrell, Robert C. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 8946996
    Abstract: An LED-based light tube for use in a conventional fluorescent fixture includes a housing including a light transmitting portion, at least one electrical connector attached to the housing and configured for engagement with the conventional fluorescent fixture, at least one LED arranged to produce light in a direction toward the light transmitting portion, a sensor operable to detect a brightness level and output a signal corresponding to the detected brightness level, and a controller in electrical communication with the at least one electrical connector, operable to: compare the signal to a predetermined value corresponding to a desired brightness level and control an amount of power provided to the at least one LED in response to the signal to adjust the light produced by the at least one LED to achieve the desired brightness level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: iLumisys, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ivey, David L Simon
  • Patent number: 8946997
    Abstract: Disclosed is an end-of-life detector for gas discharge lamp and the ballast incorporating the same. The end-of-life detector includes a lamp state signal detecting circuit for detecting the lamp state signal of at least one first gas discharge lamp and generating a positive voltage signal and a negative voltage signal accordingly; a comparing circuit for comparing the positive voltage signal with a positive selecting voltage and comparing the negative voltage signal with a negative selecting voltage, and in response thereto generating a positive control signal and a negative control signal; and a positive/negative duty time interval detecting circuit for generating a lamp life state signal which is generated by a difference between a positive duty time interval and a negative duty time interval. The lamp life state signal is varied along with the difference between the positive duty time interval and the negative duty time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Delta Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuanyuan Zhong, Weiqiang Zhang, Jianping Ying
  • Publication number: 20150015145
    Abstract: A handheld device having a communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of lighting fixtures and control circuitry is described. In one embodiment, the circuitry is configured to effect selection of a first lighting fixture in a first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface; identify the first group of lighting fixtures based on information from the first lighting fixture; determine new settings for the first group of lighting fixtures; and send the new settings to each of the first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface, wherein the first group of lighting fixtures includes a defined plurality of lighting fixtures that are associated to operate in a coordinated manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Brian Carrigan, John J. Trainor, Joseph P. Chobot, Matthew Deese, Keith Bryan
  • Publication number: 20150008827
    Abstract: A handheld device having a light source, a communication interface, and control circuitry that is capable of interacting with a lighting fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Brian Carrigan, John J. Trainor, Joseph P. Chobot, Matthew Deese, Keith Bryan
  • Publication number: 20150008828
    Abstract: A handheld device for merging groups of lighting fixtures is disclosed. The handheld device includes a communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of lighting fixtures and control circuitry. In one embodiment, the control circuitry is configured to effect selection of a first lighting fixture or a first switch module that is grouped with a first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface; identify the first group of lighting fixtures; effect selection of a device-to-be-added that is not initially associated with the first group of lighting fixtures via the communication interface; determine a new group by adding the device-to-be-added to the first group of lighting fixtures; create group assignment information for the new group; and send the group assignment information to each of the first group of lighting fixtures and the device-to-be-added of the new group via the communication interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Brian Carrigan, John J. Trainor, Joseph P. Chobot, Matthew Deese, Keith Bryan
  • Patent number: 8909382
    Abstract: An occupancy detection system includes a motion detector, one or more sound detectors and a lighting controller configured to turn on and off one or more lighting devices in a defined area based on detected occupancy states. Lighting control circuitry determines occupancy states based on motion detector output signals and sound detector output signals, and further controls associated lighting devices to be turned ON or OFF in accordance with determined occupancy states and an automatically adaptable timeout period. The timeout period is automatically adjusted in accordance with newly recorded time stamps for lighting status changes, based on a second order occupancy distribution analysis such as a Gaussian probability distribution function, with an occupancy curve adjusted for each newly recorded set of time stamps and the timeout period being adjusted according to the mean and variance of the occupancy curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kaveh Malakuti
  • Patent number: 8901823
    Abstract: A system of LED-based lights comprises first and second LED-based light having respective first and second electrical connectors configured for engagement with first and second conventional fluorescent fixtures, first and second LEDs configured to produce light in an area when the first and second electrical connectors are engaged with the first and second fixtures and first and second controllers electrically coupled to the first and second LEDs; and one or more sensors operable to detect a brightness level in the area and output respectively one or more signals indicative of the brightness level, wherein: the first and second controllers are configured to control an amount of power provided to the respective first and second LEDs at least partially based on a signal to adjust the light produced in the area towards a desired brightness level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: iLumisys, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Scapa, David L. Simon, John Ivey
  • Patent number: 8898026
    Abstract: A light performance monitoring device and optionally integrated controller includes a monitor module that directly monitors energy usage of at least one energy load to generate at least one measurement of energy usage; a storage module stores a series of baseline values of energy usage of the energy load, a comparator module compares energy measurements made at predetermined intervals with the baseline values, and a notification module notifies a designated recipient that there is a deviation from the baseline values consistent with a burned out or non-operational light fixture, including but not limited to light bulbs or ballast devices. A control module optionally integrated with the light performance monitoring device can be operatively coupled to the monitor module to control energy usage by the at least one energy load via a data link in a predetermined manner that is based on the at least one measurement of energy usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Admmicro Properties, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Donald W. Howell, Mark W. Vinson, Frank O. Blevins, Armand J. Tamagni, Jr., Michael L. Campbell