Electrically Operated Switch Controlling The Signal Circuit Patents (Class 315/136)
  • Patent number: 6570340
    Abstract: A device and method for connecting multiple electrochemical cells to a powered device in a manner to allow disconnected cells to autoregenerate while the device is powered. Devices according to the present invention have two or more cells and methods of selecting and connecting one or more of the cells to a powered device. In one embodiment, multiple push button selector switches on a flashlight each connect a cell in series to a flashlight bulb. Each cell may be thereby independently connected or disconnected from the flashlight bulb. In a preferred embodiment, a voltage control sensor-switch connected in parallel to the powered device and a power cutoff relay is provided to ensure that a user selected cell combination does not deliver a combined voltage greater than a limit for incurring damage to the powered device. Unique methods of operating such devices are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Davis
  • Patent number: 6570505
    Abstract: In a light-emitting-diode lamp, there is provided an input impedance-changing circuit for establishing a low input impedance circuit when the light-emitting-diode lamp is missingline turned off. This input impedance-changing circuiting comprises Shunt circuit section, and a detector circuit section. The shunt circuit section includes a low impedance element and a controllable switching device connected in series. The detector circuit section detects turning off of the light-emitting-diode lamp and, in response to such detection, close the switching device to thereby cause electric current to flow through the shunt circuit section in order to simulate lower input impedance of the light-emitting-diode lamp. When the light-emitting-diode lamp replaces a conventional traffic signal incandescent lamp, the input impedance-changing circuitry prevents the conflict monitor of the already installed traffic-light lamp system to detect a high lamp impedance and accordingly a faulty lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Gelcore LLC
    Inventor: Martin Malenfant
  • Patent number: 6445132
    Abstract: A multi-mode light-emitting device having a light source which changes illumination from steady state to flashing dependent on the polarity of the power source connected to its inputs. A multi-mode switch mechanism which changes from manually activated to water dependent on the polarity of the power source attached to the inputs and a rotating switch mechanism are also part of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy D. F. Ford
  • Patent number: 6368270
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Takami
  • Patent number: 6356027
    Abstract: A 0-10V dimming interface protection circuit generating an indication that line voltage is applied across first and second leads of the dimming interface controlling light output by a lamp, includes a first device for limiting current serially connected between a line voltage source and the first lead of the dimming interface, a second device connected across the first and second leads for detecting application of line voltage to the dimming interface and for generating a control signal, and a third device for switching, operated in response to the control signal, for causing an increase in resistance of the first device to thereby limit current to the dimmer interface and limit light output by the lamp. According to one aspect of the invention, the protection circuit also includes a fourth device for preventing spurious operation of the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Philips Electronics North America Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Y. Zhang, Adan Hernandez, Sreeraman Venkitasubrahmanian
  • Patent number: 6323598
    Abstract: Illumination sources, each including at least one light emitting diode, are connected either in series or in parallel by a switching circuit, depending upon an applied input voltage. The switching circuit switches the illumination sources from series- to parallel-connection, or vice versa, when the applied input voltage crosses a threshold value in traversing the operating range of applied input voltages. Because the light emitting diodes within the illumination sources are switched from series to parallel connection at a defined kickover point, the voltage-luminance characteristic changes on opposite sides of the kickover point. The resulting overall voltage-luminance characteristic has greater variability in luminance across the entire operating range of applied input voltages, and luminance-variance is not limited to only a portion of the operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Aerospace Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Don W. Guthrie, Craig Jay Coley
  • Patent number: 6292339
    Abstract: Output protection for arc discharge lamp ballasts is provided by applying sampled ballast current to a burden capacitor selected to present a low impedance across the winding to a substantially symmetrical waveform of the sample current. Asymmetry between the positive and negative half-cycles of the sample waveform, such as partial rectification caused by abnormal lamp operation, results in charge buildup across the capacitor. Sufficient charge buildup actuates a ballast disabling switch such as a silicon controlled rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Douglas William Brooks
  • Patent number: 6040660
    Abstract: A device for controlling the intensity of the light emitted by a lighting element of a lighting apparatus, in particular a flashlight, is embodied as a module which can be arranged in series with the lighting element for the supply of the latter with current. A circuit device for controlling the light-intensity of the lighting element, and a central control device for detecting a detection signal of the detection device as well as for triggering the circuit device are provided. It is made possible with the present invention to dim the intensity of the light emitted by it by variation, in particular in several stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventors: Rudolf Schmidt, Augustin Thalhofer
  • Patent number: 5986407
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an ac-powered lamp unit includes a charging circuit for generating a constant current output from an ac power source, a storage battery charged by the constant current output and supplying a dc voltage output, a first high-voltage oscillator circuit for converting the dc voltage output of the storage battery into a first high-voltage oscillating signal, a second high-voltage oscillator circuit for generating a dc voltage signal from the ac power source and for converting the dc voltage signal into a second high-voltage oscillating signal, a switch circuit connected to the first and second high-voltage oscillator circuits, and a switch control circuit for controlling the switch circuit to provide the second high-voltage oscillating signal from the second high-voltage oscillator circuit to an ac-powered lamp unit when the ac power source is available, and to provide the first high-voltage oscillating signal from the first high-voltage oscillator circuit to the ac-powered lamp unit in cas
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Tasua Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsia-Chin Chang
  • Patent number: 5917287
    Abstract: The circuit for operating a high-pressure gas discharge lamp (HID) has a ice (ZZU) for ignition-time bridging by switching in a second lamp (GL), the ignition-time bridging device (ZZU) being driven by a signal (S) indicating the operating state of the high-pressure discharge lamp (HID), and the drive signal (S) being an output signal of a power controller (R) of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fuer elektrische Gluehlampen mbH
    Inventors: Markus Haederle, Josef Osterried
  • Patent number: 5657117
    Abstract: A device for examining optical waveguides comprises a prism to be positioned on the waveguide to be investigated, an entering point at which incoming light enters the device, and control devices for altering the angle of light directed to the prism from the entering point of incoming light, wherein the control devices include a mirror whereby the projection of the reflecting surface of the mirror in the plane of altering the angle is in the form of an ellipse, a rotatable mirror is placed at the focal point of the ellipse and the corner of the prism is situated at the second focal point of the same ellipse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Jyrki Kimmel
  • Patent number: 5644194
    Abstract: A circuit for turning off an indicator light operates in two phases that provide a first rapid discharge phase and a second slow discharge phase. This sequence dims the light in a visual approximation of the exponential dimming that occurs with lights that operate with power supplies that have capacitors that give a slow turn off. The preferred light is an electroluminescent element that will be called a glow-effect capacitor which stores sufficient charge for slow turn off. When a switch associated with the light is opened, an FET turns on to discharge the capacitor rapidly to a selected voltage. This FET is then turned off and other components discharge the capacitor slowly. The switching signal for this FET is formed as a logic function of the switch position (open or closed) and the occurrence of the selected voltage level on the glow-effect capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: TriTech Microelectronics International, Pte, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kok Chin Chang
  • Patent number: 5625260
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for communicating from the secondary side of an isolation transformer (6) to receiver means, the primary of said transformer being connected via a power cable to a circuit fed with a periodic voltage from a constant-current generator, said receiver means being connected to said circuit. More particularly, switch means (30) are arranged for generating communicating signals by momentarily affecting the impedance on the secondary side so as to generate one or more voltage pulses on the primary side (8) of the transformer for propagation along the cable to said receiver means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Airport Technology in Scandinavia AB
    Inventor: Lars Millgard
  • Patent number: 5585698
    Abstract: Current supply means for a laser flash lamp contain a fast switch and control means which modulate the amplitude of each individual pulse with a presettable modulating frequency and depth of modulation. This permits higher peak envelope powers to be obtained at an unchanged mean power of the individual pulses so that the necessary threshold values can be better exceeded during materials processing. The amplitude modulation of the individual pulses also prevents undesirable shielding plasma from forming above the processing place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Carl Baasel Lasertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Lutz Langhans, Wolfgang Seifert, Olaf Mann
  • Patent number: 5578998
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying electric lamps likely to fail due to a violated internal atmosphere monitor voltage through a resistor in order to ascertain a increasing internal resistance of the lamp. The apparatus of the present invention preferably includes a power supply and a resistor in series with the electric lamp. The apparatus further includes a data acquisition system for comparing a voltage drop across the resistor at a predetermined time with a predetermined minimum value. The method of the present invention utilizes the circuit of the apparatus and includes the steps of establishing a predetermined minimum value of voltage drop across the resistor for acceptable lamps, placing a test lamp in series with the battery and resistor, and supplying voltage to the test lamp for a test interval of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Chivas Products Limited
    Inventor: Matthew H. Kasprowicz
  • Patent number: 5537006
    Abstract: A power supply for an incandescent lamp by which sufficient power is supplied to the lamp to enable the lamp to reach its desired color temperature without exceeding the break over voltage of its filament even though the peaks of the alternating current voltage applied to the power supply exceed the break-over voltage of the filament of the lamp. This is achieved in a preferred embodiment by full-wave rectification of the alternating current voltage applied to the power supply to produced an unfiltered voltage comprising a series of half-cycle sine waves of a particular polarity. This voltage is applied to the lamp. However, when the voltage of each half cycle is above the breakover voltage of the lamp, the lamp is switched out of the circuit, so that only those portions at the beginning and end of each half cycle which are below a particular voltage are actually applied to the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Prolux Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen S. Wilson, Mark E. Whitebook, Jay E. Philippbar
  • Patent number: 5497051
    Abstract: Current supply means for a laser flash lamp contain a fast switch and control means which modulate the amplitude of each individual pulse with a presettable modulating frequency and depth of modulation. This permits higher peak envelope powers to be obtained at an unchanged mean power of the individual pulses so that the necessary threshold values can be better exceeded during materials processing. The amplitude modulation of the individual pulses also prevents undesirable shielding plasma from forming above the processing place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Carl Baasel Lasertechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Lutz Langhans, Wolfgang Seifert, Olaf Mann
  • Patent number: 5442258
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Hakuyo Denkyu Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Shibata
  • Patent number: 5422543
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Stanley Weinberg
  • Patent number: 5311100
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Errington John Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: John E. Brain
  • Patent number: 5300863
    Abstract: A non-arcing electrical switch is disclosed wherein a solid-state switching element is operated in response to current flow within an external circuit. The switch is particularly suitable for use within an auxiliary lighting circuit of a gaseous discharge lamp. Because the switch operates in response to the current drawn by the gaseous discharge lamp rather than a specific sensed voltage, it may be used with virtually any type of clamp or lamp operating circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Appleton Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Mayer
  • Patent number: 5291100
    Abstract: A low DC input, low wattage, high efficacy metal halide arc discharge lamp apparatus is provided which has a simplified control system including a regulated power supply, a forty kilohertz oscillator and driver for powering the bulb a main power transformer connected to the metal halide bulb; a starting and filtering inductive/capacitive network connected to the secondary of said main power transformer for start up and running the arc discharge bulb, and a power output sensing and emergency shutdown control circuit for safety shutdown of the system should a failure occur in the lamp or associated circuitry that could cause undesired sparking. An automatic mechanism for compensating for aging of the discharge bulb is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Wood
  • Patent number: 5223678
    Abstract: A replacement elevator call button unit which may be electrically connected to an elevator controller having first and second power supply lines and having an elevator call registering terminal. The replacement unit includes an electronic switch (preferably a silicon controlled rectifier) which is electrically connectible between the power supply lines. A normally open push button is electrically coupled to the switch in order to switch the first switch from an inoperative state in which current flow between the power lines is prevented, to an operative state in which such current flow is permitted. A voltage divider is provided for electrical connection across the elevator call registering terminal, in series with the switch means. Cross firing between two or more corresponding replacement units is accomplished by a second electronic switch (preferably a photo diode) optically coupled to the first switch, without requiring any additional wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: S.B.M. Electronic Specialties Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert A. McCurrach
  • Patent number: 5179325
    Abstract: An illuminating circuit for the key slot in a locking device is made up of a high intensity light source which is mounted on the face plate of the lock in close proximity to the key slot, a piezoelectric crystal is mounted within or adjacent to the lock to respond to vibrations created, for example, by tapping on the face plate to generate an electrical signal, and a control circuit including a timer and battery respond to the electrical signal generated by the crystal to energize a light source for a predetermined time interval after receiving the electrical signal from the crystal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Inventor: William G. Aragon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5115165
    Abstract: This safety lighting arrangement is especially suited for use with variously rated HID light sources having current ratings ranging from relatively low to relatively high values. The safety light arrangement includes a current transformer having a magnetizable core, a primary winding inductively coupled to the core for connection in series with the primary circuit in which the HID light source is connected, and a secondary winding inductively coupled to the core. The core is saturable by the primary winding current present when the current through the HID light source is as low as the current rating of one of the relatively low rated HID sources. The safety light arrangement also includes a monitoring relay connected across the secondary winding and maintained in an activated condition when the primary winding is traversed by current producing saturation of the core. This monitoring relay is set to drop out when current through the primary winding and the HID source is interrupted by a power interruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David W. Knoble
  • Patent number: 5109244
    Abstract: In a camera system including an electronic flash apparatus, a main capacitor of the flash apparatus is charged for a predetermined time interval, in response to a preparatory operation such as a first stroke of a release button. During this time interval, operation of an automatic distance measuring device, an automatic exposure controlling device and an object luminance discriminating circuit is prevented. A warning device warns a photographer that the main capacitor is insufficiently charged. Several voltage detectors detect different voltage levels of the main capacitor and produce detection signals for inhibiting the operation of the warning device and/or preventing further charging of the main capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Otani, Toru Kosaka, Hiroshi Meguro
  • Patent number: 5099177
    Abstract: A plurality of current transformers connected in series provide secondary winding sides respectively connected to lamps. A constant-current source is provided to supply constant current to these lamps. Each lamp is connected to the corresponding terminal unit including a short-circuit switch for short-circuiting the secondary winding side of the transformer when the lamp is disconnected. A master station issues a request for detecting a disconnected lamp or checking whether or not failure occurs in the terminal unit to each terminal unit in the form of an instant power interruption. Each terminal unit has a proper identification time assigned thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shozo Taniguchi, Tomonori Okabe, Ryoji Doya, Kazutoyo Narita, Kiyoshi Noda, Katsuyuki Ueda
  • Patent number: 5061879
    Abstract: The present invention provides a Control Module 15 for controlling a dual filament bulb, in particular aircraft reading lamps, so as to detect the failure of one filament and energize the other filament. The Control Module 15 also has provisions for detection of bulbs that have only one or no operable filament(s) by activating an indicator (Light Emitting Diode) or connection to a test switch that will command the Module to activate bulbs that have two operable filaments only. The Control Module 15 consists of a solid state circuit made up of triacs, resistors, capacitor, diodes and fuse all packaged in a small printed circuit board. Interface between the Module and dual filament bulb, indicator or test switch is easily accomplished by a small connector on the Control Module 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventors: Joseph P. Munoz, William R. Dickson, Michael S. Cafasso
  • Patent number: 5025195
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement includes a lamp filament (1) as a load and a resistor (2) in series with the filament. For detecting the current through the load, the source of a MOSFET (6) is connected with the end of the resistor remote from the filament, the drain of the MOSFET being connected with the other end of the resistor via the primary winding of a step-up transformer (7) and a further resistor (8), a diode (9) being connected between the source and the drain of the MOSFET. If the MOSFET is turned on by an appropriate voltage at an input (11) connected to its gate, the voltage across the secondary winding of the transformer is substantially proportional to the value of the current through the filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Westinghouse Brake and Signal Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Malcolm R. Reeves
  • Patent number: 5017837
    Abstract: An indicator lamp indicates the status of an electrically-powered load control system by providing dim light when the load power is off and a brighter light when the load power is on. In another embodiment, the lamp not only provides two levels of light to indicate whether or not power is on, but also provides a repetitive flash when power to the system is being controlled by remote control. The indicator lamp can also indicate a break in the load circuit. Depending on the embodiment, the break can cause the lamp to be either off or flashing, regardless of the position of the load power switch. Alternatively, a break in the load circuit can cause the lamp to provide substantially no light if the load power switch is in the "off" position, with full light in the "on" position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: R. Scott Hanna, Woodie Flowers, David G. Luchaco, Stephen J. Yuhasz, Joel S. Spira, Philip R. Hall
  • Patent number: 4980672
    Abstract: An overhead socket smoke detector with a theft alarm includes a case with a bulb base at one end and a lamp socket at an opposite end and connected to the bulb base by a socket switch which is closed by a lamp received in the socket to electrically activate the socket. The case has a cylindrical diameter to fit within a can light fixture. Smoke alarm circuitry is mounted within the case and includes a smoke sensor circuit, a trigger circuit, and a sounder circuit. A unit removal or theft switch connected to the trigger circuit includes a switch operator extending through the bulb base to engage a socket into which the case is threaded. A rechargeable battery and a battery charger are connected between the bulb base and the alarm circuitry and provide power to operate the alarm circuitry. When the unit is removed from its fixture, the unit removal switch disengages the fixture socket and triggers the sounder circuit into activation to deter removal of the unit from the socket in which it is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Generation 2, Inc.
    Inventor: D. Patrick Murphy
  • Patent number: 4810936
    Abstract: A discharge lamp monitoring and deactivating circuit includes a normally closed switch in series with the discharge lamp and its ballast and a detector circuit connected across the lamp to monitor lamp operating voltage. The detector circuit includes a capacitor which is charged and discharged through separate paths so that a lamp electrical waveform change waveform can be detected, resulting in a net charge. The charge is used to open the switch after a time delay which is only manually resetable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Joe A. Nuckolls, Isaac L. Flory
  • Patent number: 4672367
    Abstract: An optical indication circuit in which a light-emitting diode is included in the feed current path of an IC which is energized via a dissipation resistor and a rectifier diode directly from the alternating voltage supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Ate K. Damstra
  • Patent number: 4522479
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power supply control device which automatically cuts off power to a flash apparatus by turning off a power switch a predetermined time after the switch is turned on to prevent waste of electrical energy arising from careless failure to turn off the power switch. The power supply control device is provided with a timer circuit which sets the predetermined period of time and is arbitrarily resetable with a manually operable power switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Yamada, Ryoichi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 4467246
    Abstract: A light quantity controller and an input device are disclosed. The light quantity controller comprises a light source, a photo-sensor to detect a light quantity of the light source, a signal source for generating a reference signal, a comparator for comparing the detected light amount with the reference signal, and control circuit to control a duty ratio of the energization to the light source in accordance with the compare result to maintain the light quantity of the light source at a constant level. The light quantity controller further comprises a comparator to compare the energization signal to the light source with a reference signal to detect the degradation of the light source. The input device has a key matrix including a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports of a control unit interconnected through switches. A signal source independent from the output ports of the key matrix is connected to at least one of the input ports through switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1984
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kano Tanaka, Hiroaki Takeda
  • Patent number: 4395658
    Abstract: In the disclosed device, a sensor produces a corroborating signal when a computer flash unit emits a flash proper for an exposure. A timer energizes an indicator for a predetermined time in response to the corroborating signal. When the sensor produces a subsequent corroborating signal in response to another flash, while the indicator is energized, a reset device resets the timer. According to one embodiment of the invention, an overriding arrangement connected to the timer nullifies the operation of the timer a predetermined time after a flash emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1983
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tadashi Okino
  • Patent number: 4376910
    Abstract: A periodic current generator is connected with a long power supply line through a first transformer. The lamp of the traffic light is connected to the long line through a second transformer. First and second safety capacitors with four terminals each are respectively arranged in series on the long line with the first and second transformers. A DC current is generated by a detector when the lamp is operating. The detector is connected to one of the capacitors and the DC current passes through the long line to the second capacitor across which the coil of a relay is connected. The relay is actuated by the DC current and sends information concerning the status of the lamp to a central control station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1983
    Assignee: Jeumont-Schneider
    Inventor: Jacques F. Peslier
  • Patent number: 4315196
    Abstract: A fault detection apparatus for use with a double-filament lamp utilizes the temperature-related changes in resistance of the non-energized filament to indicate a break in the energized filament. The circuit of the apparatus includes, for each filament, a first voltage dividing network in parallel with the filament and which includes the other filament as a voltage dividing resistance and a second voltage dividing network including the filament which establishes a reference voltage. A comparator is activated to energize a warning lamp when the sensed voltage at a specific voltage dividing point in the network is changed due to the temperature-related changes in the resistance value of the non-energized filament when the energized filament is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1982
    Assignee: Niles Parts Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Fujio Kitayama
  • Patent number: 4307301
    Abstract: An electric circuit arrangement to replace the combined pushing and locking electric switch of the type used in DC fed automobile blinker systems, characterized by a signal detection unit controlled by a push switch and comprising a timer member, an integrating member and a bi-stable storage member whose output controls a blinker relay or subsequent electric component. Actuation of the push switch generates a pulse which directly controls a flip-flop and a timer member as a function of the length of time of actuation of the push switch, the length of such time in relation to the setting of the timer acting to set or re-set the flip-flop. Two push switches are provided which control the timer and two bi-stable flip-flops whose outputs are cross-coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: Firma Leopold Kostal
    Inventor: Volker Speidel
  • Patent number: 4301392
    Abstract: In an automatic flash duration controllable electronic flash system of the type in which in response to the quantity of light reflected back from a subject illuminated by the flash light emitted from a flash lamp and intercepted by a photosensor circuit or the like, the flash lamp is turned off, a signaling device capable of signaling not only whether or not the voltage stored across a main discharge capacitor has reached to a predetermined level for flash exposure but also whether or not an automatic flash duration control after triggering the flash lamp has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1981
    Assignee: West Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Hirata
  • Patent number: 4296356
    Abstract: In a circuit for an ionization vacuum gauge having a thermionic filament, a control circuit receptive of a control current for controlling the filament and a switch for applying the control current to the control circuit, a circuit is provided for indicating a filament interruption independent of the state of the switch. The circuit includes at least one resistor by-passing the switch to provide a continuous sensing current to the filament and a detector for detecting the interruption in the sensing current and for indicating such an interruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Assignee: Leybold-Heraeus GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Beinitz, Joachim Schubert
  • Patent number: 4274724
    Abstract: An indicator circuit for an auto-strobo unit comprises a switching element which rapidly discharges a capacitor which, when adequately charged, feeds a display element indicating proper operation of the auto-strobo unit. The switching element is turned on in synchronized relationship with the initiation of a flashlight illumination from a flash discharge tube to discharge any remaining charge on the capacitor, thus providing a reliable indication of each flashlight illumination of the flash discharge tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Nakajima
  • Patent number: 4258290
    Abstract: An operation indicator for auto-strobo unit which includes a single light emitting element capable of indicating the completion of a charging operation or a flashlight illumination of the auto-strobo unit, comprises a bypass circuit which any current flow associated with the indication of the completion of a charging operation is bypassed whenever a current flow associated with the indication of the completion of a flashlight illumination is produced, thus allowing the indication of the completion of a flashlight illumination to predominate over the indication of the completion of a charging operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Nakajima
  • Patent number: 4258297
    Abstract: A voltage indicator for a stroboscope, having a high voltage generator (10), discharge capacitor (12), flash tube (20) and trigger circuit (22), which further comprises a light-emission diode (LED) (16) connected in series to a current path for charging the discharge capacitor (12) with electric energy; switch means (14) for selectively operating the LED (16) and a comparator (18) for selectively actuating the switch means (14). The LED (16) is not lighted when electric energy is not sufficiently stored in the discharge capacitor (12) to cause the flash tube (20) to give off flashes. When the comparator (18) detects a sufficient charge of electric energy in the discharge capacitor (12) for the light emission of the flash tube (20), then the LED (16) can be lighted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1981
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Nakajima
  • Patent number: 4236100
    Abstract: Circuits are disclosed for use in a gaseous-discharge lamp lighting system which provide starting pulses to the lamp and/or a source of auxiliary light. One circuit provides starting pulses and/or auxiliary light until the gaseous-discharge lamp approaches its normal operating condition, while other circuits terminate these functions once the gaseous-discharge lamp ignites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1980
    Assignee: Esquire, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric L. H. Nuver
  • Patent number: 4222047
    Abstract: A lamp failure detection arrangement includes a device for interrupting electrical energy to a lamp, and a testing device for generating a low level test signal and for supplying it during the testing interval to the lamp for test purposes without causing the lamp to provide illumination. A device responds to the test signal indicating a failure condition of the lamp for generating a failure condition signal, which can be used both to energize a standby lamp and to generate an attention-attracting signal for alerting an attendant to replace the faulty lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1980
    Inventor: George E. Finnegan
  • Patent number: 4213075
    Abstract: A safety circuit is provided for parallel connected electrical loads. The headlight circuit of an automobile or other vehicle is an important application for the circuit. In the circuit a reversely polled control rectifier is in a parallel conductor subcircuit to the bright lamp filament of the headlight. The gate of the control rectifier is connected to a conductor of the dim lamp filament of the headlight. The control rectifier presents an open circuit when both of the lamps are operable but is adapted to connect the bright lamp filament through a resistor and a diode when the dim lamp filament of the headlight fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Inventor: William A. Ericson
  • Patent number: 4189662
    Abstract: An improved safety device comprises a plurality of checking lights connected with the lamps of the automobile in series, a plurality of indicating lights adapted to an amplifier circuit and a magnetic induction coil, in which, the brightening or extinguishing of the checking lights may be shown to correspond to the extinguishing or brightening of the lamps of the automobile, so that the drivers can easily judge which one of the lamps is damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1980
    Inventor: Fu-Erh Horng
  • Patent number: 4181416
    Abstract: A photographic data recording device for a camera for photographically recording some data on film together with a photographic image. The device includes a capacitor, a charging circuit for the capacitor which responds to the release of the shutter for commencing charging and an electronic flash device operating in response to the capacitor discharge to illuminate the data. A control device automatically causes the capacitor to discharge electricity to allow the electronic flash device to emit a flash when the charge of the capacitor reaches a preset level of potential and which prevents the capacitor from discharging when the charge is below the preset level of potential. A display lamp may be utilized to indicate when the charged voltage of the capacitor reaches a preset level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Syohei Ohtaki, Keiko Kondo, Zenzo Nakamura, Youichi Okuno
  • Patent number: 4144477
    Abstract: A supply and switching system for incandescent indicator lights is disclosed. A solid-state AC switch is used in conjunction with a current-limiting-transformer supply. The use of the current-limiting transformer protects the solid-state switch from the large current transients that are sometimes caused by failures in incandescent bulbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1979
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Favre E. Eaton