Radiant Energy Control Of An Electric Discharge Device In The Supply Circuit Of The Load Device Patents (Class 315/156)
  • Patent number: 11940111
    Abstract: A lamp for a vehicle includes a board device including a first mounting part and a second mounting part bent and extending from the first mounting part, a light source device mounted on the first mounting part and including a plurality of light sources, and a light source controller mounted on the second mounting part, and electrically connected to the plurality of light sources to control a current flowing through the plurality of light source. The board device further includes a bending device formed at a portion at which the first mounting part and the second mounting part meet each other, and formed to be bent, such that a specific angle is formed between the first bending part and the second bending part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Han Seong Yu
  • Patent number: 11873051
    Abstract: Various systems and methods associated with protecting a rider of an electric bicycle from hazards while riding their bicycle are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods enhance the safety of the rider in response to current detected conditions surrounding the rider, such as conditions associated with the route or path traveled by the rider, other vehicles within the route or path traveled by the rider, potential hazards within the route or path traveled by the rider, environmental conditions through which the rider is traveling, and so on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Rad Power Bikes Inc.
    Inventors: Redwood Stephens, Kyle Lobisser, Derek Gutheil, Jake Silsby, Andrew Ressa, Neal Wilding, Zachary Williams
  • Patent number: 11846262
    Abstract: An ignition coil control system includes: a first ignition coil; a second ignition coil; a spark plug generating spark discharge by a discharge current generated in the first ignition coil and the second ignition coil; and an ignition controller that controls spark discharge of the electrode by adjusting an amount and duration of the discharge current of the first ignition coil and the second ignition coil based on a step pulse signal including different voltages transmitted from an engine control unit (ECU).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiseon Sim, Dongwon Jung, Won Gyu Kim, Jin Oh Song, Soo Hyung Woo
  • Patent number: 11844166
    Abstract: A lighting relay panel may include lower-cost features or components related to improved safety and reliability. In some cases, the relay panel includes a power supply capable of protecting the panel from high-voltage and high-current transients. A microcontroller may determine a power interruption based on a zero-cross signal received from the power supply, and may also configure latching relays during the interruption. In some implementations, the relay panel includes a relay sense circuit that is capable of receiving actuation signals from multiple relays connected to different phases of a power signal, and the microcontroller may synchronize or repeat the actuations based on a signal from the relay sense circuit. The microcontroller may generate relay addresses based on the relay positions within the relay panel. In some cases, the relay panel may include isolation circuits that are capable of providing an isolated control signal having an improved voltage range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: ABL IP HOLDING LLC
    Inventors: Dalibor Zulim, Richard Lee Westrick, Jr., Ryan Zaveruha, Frank Pelliccio
  • Patent number: 11701998
    Abstract: A lighting device is provided for controlling the photometric distribution of light emitted by two or more LEDs. The lighting device may be integrated with a control system of the vehicle and may be controlled by a remote controller. The lighting device may be capable of being operated in one or more modes of operation based on operating conditions, user input, or both. Operating conditions may include vehicle conditions, environmental conditions, and user conditions. The controller may operate a software application to enable the user to modify, control, or otherwise regulate any mode of operation or other feature of the lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: JST Performance, LLC
    Inventors: Edgar A. Madril, Pete D. Sibitzky, Bradley J. LaMarche, Eric G. Lokken, Adam P. Boucher
  • Patent number: 11449114
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for voice activated devices with integrated heatsinks and speakers. In one embodiment, an example voice activated device may include a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion, a speaker housing coupled to the lower portion, where the speaker housing and the lower portion together form a sealed chamber, a heatsink coupled to the lower portion and disposed in the sealed chamber, and a first speaker coupled to the speaker housing and partially disposed within the sealed chamber, where the first speaker is oriented to output audio towards the upper portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Allen David Minnehan, Miguel A. Morales, Nathan M. Li, Albert John Yu Sam Chua, Matthew F. Ardema
  • Patent number: 11148741
    Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and apparatus for unlocking a bicycle light. The bicycle light includes a power socket configured to receive a charging device. The bicycle light includes a light having multiple states. The multiple states include a locked state, an unlocked state, a powered on state, and a powered off state. The light is configured to illuminate when the in the powered on state. The bicycle light includes a controller. The controller is coupled to the power socket and the light. The controller is configured to determine that the light is in the locked state. The controller is configured to detect electrical power from the power socket. The controller is configured to switch the light from the locked state to the unlocked state when the electrical power is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Noriaki Hamasaki
  • Patent number: 11002798
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for sensing an event occurring from a target device in a smart plug installed on a supply route of power applied to the target device. To this end, a power measurement unit which comprises the smart plug measures power supplied to the target device, and an event determination unit predicts an event occurring from the target device on the basis of a power signal characteristic of the supplied power measured by the power measurement unit. The power signal characteristic indicates a variation characteristic of the supplied power caused by the occurrence of the event on the basis of supplied power before the event occurs from the target device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Mok Seo
  • Patent number: 10806008
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides a system and a method for automatically controlling appliances via a mechanical or digital controller. In one aspect of the invention, the system includes a first circuitry communicatively coupled with one or more sensors and configured to generate a pulse-width modulation signal based in part on a reading from the sensor. The system also includes a dimming module configured to control a lighting device or other external device as a function of the signal. The dimming module can include a micro controller unit that receives the signal as well as a synchronized signal from a circuit that receives sampling information from a driving circuit, and generates a second pulse-width modulation signal that is sent to the driving circuit to control the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Innovative Building Energy Control
    Inventor: Gangyi Zhou
  • Patent number: 10730574
    Abstract: A motorcycle (1) including:—a motorcycle body (2,3,4) extending along a longitudinal axis (L-L) and having a front part (2), a tail part (4) and a central part (3) included between the front part (2) and the tail part (4);—at least two wheels (5,6) constrained to the motorcycle body (2,3,4), including a front wheel (5) and a rear wheel (6);—a traction engine (7) constrained to the motorcycle body (2, 3, 4) and operatively connected to at least one of the wheels (5, 6);—at least one headlight (12) fixed to the front part (2) and at least one rear light (14) fixed to the tail part (4);—at least one kickstand (100) adapted to be moved in order to selectively assume a resting operating position and a working operating position, wherein, in the working operating position, the kickstand has at least one end portion leaning against a ground portion being placed laterally and/or under the motorcycle body;—one first auxiliary lighting device (50) adapted to light the kickstand (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: PIAGGIO & C. S.P.A.
    Inventors: Mario Donato Santucci, Stefano Bartolozzi
  • Patent number: 10736190
    Abstract: A control assembly for an indicator light, (wherein the indicator light structured to emit light in more than two output modes) includes a locator assembly structured to determine the astronomic data for the indicator light, a selector assembly structured to select an output mode of the indicator light, and an output assembly structured to control the output modes of the indicator light. The locator assembly is in electronic communication with the selector assembly. The locator assembly communicates astronomic data for the indicator light to the selector assembly. The selector assembly selects an output mode of the indicator light based on the astronomic data for the indicator light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventor: Charles N. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 10352541
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention comprise a lighting assembly comprising including a substrate including a first side, a second side and an opening. The lighting assembly includes several electronic components disposed on the first side of the substrate. The lighting assembly includes a light emitting element attached to the substrate on the first side and positioned within the opening of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Robert LaDuca, Howard Herrera
  • Patent number: 9991884
    Abstract: A circuit includes an electronic component package that comprises at least a first lead, a III-N device in the electronic component package, a gate driver, and a ferrite bead. The III-N device comprises a drain, gate, and source, where the source is coupled to the first lead. The gate driver comprises a first terminal and a second terminal, where the first terminal is coupled to the first lead. The ferrite bead is coupled between the gate of the III-N transistor and the second terminal of the gate driver. When switching, the deleterious effects of the parasitic inductance of the circuit gate loop are mitigated by the ferrite bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Transphorm Inc.
    Inventors: Zhan Wang, Yifeng Wu, James Honea
  • Patent number: 9820365
    Abstract: The invention provides a lighting system (100) comprising a first lighting element (10) and a control unit (50), wherein: a) the first lighting element (10) is configured to provide first lighting element light (11) with controllable lighting intensity, wherein the first lighting intensity can be selected from a plurality of values in the range of 0-I, with I being a predetermined first lighting element maximum intensity; b) the control unit (50) is configured to maintain a first lighting element intensity, during a first predetermined period at an intensity value larger than zero when a general lighting intensity is below a predetermined first threshold level; c) the control unit (50) is further configured to maintain the first lighting element intensity during a second predetermined period at an intensity value a*y*I when the general lighting intensity level is y*I, y being the factor the general lighting intensity is below I, with 0<y<1, the parameter a being a predetermined lighting setting with 0&l
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Lucas Josef Maria Schlangen, Gabrielle Johanna Bernarda Maria Meekes, Johannes Petrus Wilhelmus Baaijens
  • Patent number: 9820357
    Abstract: System and method are provided where an occupancy sensor with a time delay function designed to dim the lights, for example as a warning, after a first period of time has expired without detecting room occupancy. The lights remain dimmed for a second period of time, and then are turned off after a third period of time has expired without detecting room occupancy. If occupancy is detected during the first period of time, the lights will remain on. If occupancy is detected during the second or third period of time, the lights will be turned on to, for example, previous brightness. A night light can be added to, and/or incorporated in, an occupancy sensor which includes the dimmer feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher C. Primous, Thomas J. Batko
  • Patent number: 9801263
    Abstract: A lighting system having an operating device and a plurality of lamps. The operating device serves to control the lamps. Each of the lamps has an identification transmitting unit, which serves to control the particular lamp at least temporarily in such a way that the particular lamp outputs an identification light signal to be uniquely identified. An identification receiving unit, which receives the identification light signals of the lamps, is integrated in the operating device. The lighting system is designed in such a way that only lamps whose identification light signal is presently received by the identification receiving unit of the operating device at the time of the output of a control signal for controlling the lamps or within a defined time period therebefore can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: ZUMTOBEL LIGHTING GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Siegel, Walter Werner
  • Patent number: 9660640
    Abstract: A circuit includes an electronic component package that comprises at least a first lead, a III-N device in the electronic component package, a gate driver, and a ferrite bead. The III-N device comprises a drain, gate, and source, where the source is coupled to the first lead. The gate driver comprises a first terminal and a second terminal, where the first terminal is coupled to the first lead. The ferrite bead is coupled between the gate of the III-N transistor and the second terminal of the gate driver. When switching, the deleterious effects of the parasitic inductance of the circuit gate loop are mitigated by the ferrite bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Transphorm Inc.
    Inventors: Zhan Wang, Yifeng Wu, James Honea
  • Patent number: 9543940
    Abstract: A circuit includes an electronic component package that comprises at least a first lead, a III-N device in the electronic component package, a gate driver, and a ferrite bead. The III-N device comprises a drain, gate, and source, where the source is coupled to the first lead. The gate driver comprises a first terminal and a second terminal, where the first terminal is coupled to the first lead. The ferrite bead is coupled between the gate of the III-N transistor and the second terminal of the gate driver. When switching, the deleterious effects of the parasitic inductance of the circuit gate loop are mitigated by the ferrite bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Transphorm Inc.
    Inventors: Zhan Wang, Yifeng Wu, James Honea
  • Patent number: 9358922
    Abstract: An illumination system for an interior of a motor vehicle includes a sensor, with which an environmental lighting situation is able to be detected, as well as an illumination device for illuminating the motor vehicle interior. The illumination system has a controller that is subordinate to the sensor and is superordinate the illumination device. The controller adjusts an interior lighting situation depending on the environmental lighting situation that is influenced by actual objects located in the environment of the motor vehicle, by lights of the illumination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Klaus Rogge
  • Patent number: 9357620
    Abstract: System and method are provided where an occupancy sensor with a time delay function designed to dim the lights, for example as a warning, after a first period of time has expired without detecting room occupancy. The lights remain dimmed for a second period of time, and then are turned off after a third period of time has expired without detecting room occupancy. If occupancy is detected during the first period of time, the lights will remain on. If occupancy is detected during the second or third period of time, the lights will be turned on to, for example, previous brightness. A night light can be added to, and/or incorporated in, an occupancy sensor which includes the dimmer feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher C. Primous, Thomas J. Batko
  • Patent number: 9332608
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes at least one light emitting device, such as one or more LEDs, detection circuitry coupled to a power input of the lighting apparatus and arranged to detect a characteristic of a modulation of the power input, supervisory circuitry, such as a processor, coupled to the detection circuitry, and a network interface, coupled to the supervisory circuitry, to communicate over a network. The supervisory circuitry is adapted to receive a message that includes brightness information over the network, receive information regarding the characteristic of the modulation of the power input from the detection circuitry, and control a brightness of the at least one light emitting device based on the brightness information and the information regarding the characteristic modulation of the power input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Greenwave Systems, PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Karl S. Jonsson
  • Patent number: 9232612
    Abstract: A control unit for controlling luminance in a space, the control unit being configured to estimate a trajectory of a target relative to the space, and control the luminance in the space based on the estimated trajectory and on a function rate corresponding to an adaptability of the target eye to changes in luminance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Giovanna Wagenaar Cacciola
  • Patent number: 9018841
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes at least one circuit configured to provide an output signal in response to at least one external input signal. The device further comprises a light emission and detection assembly that includes: a lamp sub-assembly coupled to the at least one circuit, the lamp subassembly including at least one light emitting element configured to emit light in response to the output signal; and an ambient light sensor sub-assembly coupled to the at least one circuit and including an ambient light sensor and a sensor housing assembly, the ambient light sensor being configured to generate the at least one external input signal in response to sensing an ambient light level in the space, the sensor housing assembly being configured to substantially isolate the ambient light sensor from the light emitted by the lamp sub-assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Richards, Gary O. Wilson, David A. Finlay, Sr., Gerald R. Savicki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8915843
    Abstract: A light source apparatus for an endoscope, which has a lamp, a power source, a light adjustment control module that controls power to be supplied to the lamp within a range not more than an upper limit power based on a brightness instruction signal, and a continuous lighting sensing module that measures a continuous lighting time period from time when the lamp shifts from being extinguished to being lighted, compares the continuous lighting time period with a predetermined upper limit time period, and initializes the continuous lighting time period while the lamp is extinguished, wherein the upper limit power is set to a first upper limit power when the continuous lighting time period has not reached the upper limit time period, and changed to a second upper limit power lower than the first upper limit power in a stepwise manner when the upper limit time period has not been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Atsushi Shimada, Tomoya Takahashi, Takahiro Masaki, Mutsumi Oshima, Yasukazu Kogen
  • Patent number: 8884532
    Abstract: An improved lighting control for a luminaire operates an LED luminaire so that its relay opens and closes at or very near the zero current cross-over point so as to reduce the in-rush current to the luminaire, and, if the relay contacts do become stuck, the photo control senses the sticking and electronically vibrates the relay to free its contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ripley Lighting Controls, LLC
    Inventors: Richard S. Jones, Dale Thomas, Hal Adair, N. Rodger Williamson, III
  • Patent number: 8872431
    Abstract: A portable electronic device capable of assuming an open configuration and a closed configuration comprises a primary light sensor and a secondary light sensor. When the portable electronic device is in the open configuration, a light sensor signal is selected from the primary light sensor, and when the portable electronic device is in the closed configuration, a light sensor signal is selected from the secondary light sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Eric Gary Malo, Bergen Albert Fletcher, Ken Wu
  • Patent number: 8643287
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lighting device with switchable day/night illumination mode, comprising: a main controlling unit, a driving unit, a lighting unit, a light filtering unit, an illumination mode switching unit, and a power management unit, wherein the lighting unit is coupled to the driving unit and has a plurality of light-emitting devices. Moreover, the main controlling unit is used for controlling the driving unit, so as to drive the lighting unit output a visible light. In addition, the illumination mode switching unit is used for controlling the light filtering unit to show and cover the light-emitting surface of the lighting unit, so as to filter the visible light and make the visible light become a visible light with a specific wavelength; wherein the visible light with specific wavelength causes the smallest excitation to human sympathetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventor: Jwo-Huei Jou
  • Patent number: 8629617
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a lighting assembly module disposed in the housing assembly and coupled to a set of line terminals. A control circuit is configured to provide a modulated lighting control signal to the lighting assembly module when AC power is being provided. The modulated lighting control signal is configured to adjust an intensity of the light emitted by a light emitting device such that the intensity is a function of the ambient light level. The control circuit is further configured to provide a second lighting control signal configured to turn the lighting assembly ON at a predetermined intensity for a predetermined period of time when AC power is not being provided by the source of AC power, the second lighting control signal being provided by a rechargeable electrical storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Pass & Seymour, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Richards, Gary O. Wilson, David A. Finlay, Sr., Gerald R. Savicki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8558467
    Abstract: An adjustable lighting system for fluorescent lamp includes a lighting unit, a sensing apparatus and a control apparatus. The lighting unit can emit a light. The sensing apparatus can sense if a target exists and generate a sensing signal accordingly. The sensing apparatus further generates and outputs a modulating signal based on the sensing signal. The control apparatus can receive the modulating signal from the sensing apparatus, adjust a supporting current of a power source and supply the pulse width and phase level of the current to the lighting unit, to control the intensity of the light emitted by the lighting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Lin-Song Weng
  • Patent number: 8436549
    Abstract: A drive circuit for a color temperature tunable LED light source. An apparatus includes a current driver configured to output a first drive current to drive a first group of LED chips of the light source to emit first color temperature light and to output a second drive current to drive a second group of LED chips of the light source to emit second color temperature light. The apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the current driver and configured to control the first and second drive currents so that the first color temperature light and the second color temperature light combine to produce a resulting light having a selected color temperature and a selected intensity value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgelux, Inc.
    Inventor: Ghulam Hasnain
  • Patent number: 8427069
    Abstract: A current-regulated power supply provides soft-start protection to prevent the generation of large in-rush currents. The current-regulated power supply includes a current regulation module that operates in either a soft-start mode of operation or a normal mode of operation and a mode selection module that makes mode of operation determinations. In particular, mode-selection module monitors the load current supplied to the attached load and maintains the current-regulation module in the soft-start mode of operation until the monitored load current exceeds a threshold value, at which time the mode-selection module causes the current regulation module to operate in the normal mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Polar Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Josh Wibben
  • Patent number: 8400065
    Abstract: A portable electronic device capable of assuming an open configuration and a closed configuration comprises a primary light sensor and a secondary light sensor. When the portable electronic device is in the open configuration, a light sensor signal is selected from the primary light sensor, and when the portable electronic device is in the closed configuration, a light sensor signal is selected from the secondary light sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Eric Gary Malo, Bergen Albert Fletcher, Ken Wu
  • Patent number: 8395595
    Abstract: A display device with a touch sensor according to the present invention includes an active matrix substrate and a transparent counter electrode. On a first surface of the active matrix substrate, multiple pixel electrodes are arranged in matrix. The transparent counter electrode is opposed to the first surface of the active matrix substrate. The display device further includes a first circuit, a second circuit and a switching circuit. The first circuit supplies a voltage or a current to the transparent counter electrode for display purposes. The second circuit detects currents flowing from a number of points on the transparent counter electrode. And the switching circuit selectively connects electrically one of the first and second circuits to the transparent counter electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Saburo Miyamoto, Toshihisa Nakano
  • Patent number: 8319441
    Abstract: A road lamp dimming control device comprises a signal processor, a power supplier, a driver and a light emitting module. The single processor is used for receiving an inputted electric current and a control signal. The control signal is decoded into a dimming control signal that then is transmitted to the power supplier. The power supplier converts the inputted electric current into constant current based upon the dimming control signal. The driver receives the constant current to drive the light emitting module to allow the light emitting module having different brightness based upon the control signal, thereby performing multi-stage variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Trend Lighting Corp.
    Inventor: Ren-Cheng Chao
  • Patent number: 8294373
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a power supply unit, a switch unit, a bulb, a wireless unit, and a control unit. The power supply unit is for supplying power. The switch unit is for opening or closing a circuit between the power source unit and the bulb. The wireless unit is for receiving wireless signals from an external control device, and generating a first control signal when receiving the wireless signals. The control unit is for generating a close signal according to the first control signal. The switch unit closes the circuit between the power source unit and the bulb according to the close signal to enable the bulb to keep emitting light; and opens the circuit between the power source unit and the bulb if no receiving the close signal, thereby keeping the bulb extinguishing. A related control device for controlling the apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Chang Ko, Suo-Bing Su, Po-Wei Kuo, Chih-Yuan Yang, Wen-Chun Chen, Li-Cheng Chiang
  • Patent number: 8264156
    Abstract: A system for luminance characterization of a luminaire includes a ballast coil and a multi-tap capacitor connected in series with the ballast coil. The multi-tap capacitor has a plurality of tap capacitors integrated into a capacitor housing. A plurality of switches are each coupled to one of the plurality of tap capacitors for selectively coupling the tap capacitors together to produce a multi-tap capacitance corresponding to a configuration of the plurality of switches. A lamp is connected in series with the multi-tap capacitor and the ballast coil. A photometer is located to measure light intensity of the lamp and to produce a lumen output measurement. A memory is used to store a database having a plurality of lumen output measurements, each corresponding to a multi-tap capacitance corresponding to all configurations of the plurality of switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: LED Roadway Lighting Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald A. Cleland, Laurence E. Kubek, Carol A. Wong, Gerald E. Kurz
  • Patent number: 8237375
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an illuminating system and a method thereof, comprising a light emitting module, a light sensor and a control module, wherein the control module connects to the light emitting module and the light sensor. The light emitting module emitting light with a first frequency, the light sensor detecting an intensity of incident light, and the control module controls the light emitting module to emit light with a second frequency according to the intensity of incident light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Capella Microsystems (Taiwan) Ltd.
    Inventors: Cheng-Chieh Huang, Jinn-Ann Kuo
  • Patent number: 8232731
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a control system and a shed wherein the lighting is adjusted depending on the presence of an animal in a specific section of a shed. The shed is divided into a number of sections, for example a separation section. When no cows have access to the separation section and the section is therefore empty, the control system ensures that the lighting in the respective section is switched off. As the control system according to the invention controls both access to the section and lighting thereof, it is possible to dispense with movement sensors for controlling lighting in the respective sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Lely Patent N.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Van Leeuwen
  • Patent number: 8227731
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling an automatic calibration sequence for a light control system having a daylight harvesting scheme is disclosed herein. An ambient light sensor connects to a detection circuit for detecting the amount of ambient light within a given zone. A microprocessor connects between the detection circuit and a dimming circuit for providing control to initiate dimming and to start the auto-calibration sequence. Responsive to the amount of ambient light detected, the dimming circuit controls the power supplied to a plurality of electrical loads. A storage unit connects to the microprocessor for storing minimum light levels assessed during the auto-calibration sequence wherein the ambient light levels are monitored for a predetermined amount of time to determine the lowest level of ambient light generated for the purpose of setting and storing a target voltage level associated with such.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Hick, Richard A. Leinen
  • Patent number: 8203260
    Abstract: A color temperature tunable white light source comprises: first and second LED arrangements operable to emit light of first and second wavelength range respectively that are configured such that their combined light output, which comprises light generated by the source, appears white in color. One or both LED arrangements comprises a phosphor provided remote to an associated LED operable to generate excitation radiation and to irradiate the phosphor such that it emits light of a different wavelength range, wherein the light emitted by the LED arrangement comprises the combined light from the LED and phosphor. The color temperature of output white light is tunable by controlling the relative light outputs of the LED arrangements by for example controlling the relative magnitude of the drive currents of the LEDs or a duty cycle of a pulse width modulated drive current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Intematix Corporation
    Inventors: Yi-Qun Li, Yi Dong, Xiaofeng Xu
  • Patent number: 8106602
    Abstract: A backlight assembly includes a light-emitting apparatus, a multi-channel current controller and a heat distributor. The light-emitting apparatus includes a plurality of light-emitting diode (“LED”) strings. The multi-channel current controller includes a plurality of current control circuits, each of which includes an input channel electrically connected an LED string of the plurality of LED strings and which controls a magnitude of a driving current flowing through the LED string. The heat distributor is electrically connected to the input channel and the LED string, and is disposed adjacent to the input channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byoung-Dae Ye, Gi-Cherl Kim, Eui-Jeong Kang
  • Patent number: 8081216
    Abstract: A lighting control system for controlling the lighting of a predetermined area is provided. According to one embodiment, the lighting control system comprises one or more light sources positioned in the predetermined area, the light source configured to include adjustable light intensity; a camera positioned and configured to capture an image of the predetermined area; and a controller in operable communication with the one or more light sources and the camera, the controller configured to control the one or more light sources and adjust the light intensity of the light source. The controller is configured to operate in a closed control loop to automatically adjust the lighting conditions of a predetermined area or environment. A false alarm checking process checks for temporary or localized events to prevent unnecessary lighting adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hong Kong Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi Hang Cheung, Shan Mei Wan, Kai Chiu Wu, Ming Lu
  • Patent number: 8013533
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining drive values for driving a lighting device at a desired brightness and color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Alexander Christiaan De Rijck, Roel Van Woudenberg, Henricus Marie Peeters, Peter Hubertus Franciscus Deurenberg
  • Patent number: 7915829
    Abstract: An emergency lighting system includes a plurality of emergency lights and a plurality of emergency power systems. Each of the plurality of emergency power systems is electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of emergency lights through a respective one of a plurality of power switches. The emergency lighting system also includes a plurality of processors. Each of the plurality of processors is electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of emergency power systems and executes software that monitors a status of a respective one of the emergency power systems and controls a state of the plurality of power switches. The emergency lighting system also includes a plurality of radio transceivers. Each of the plurality of radio transceivers is electrically connected to a respective one of the plurality of processors and communicates with other radio transceivers in the plurality of radio transceivers that are in radio wave proximity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Signal Fire
    Inventors: Scott Keller, Alfred Hamilton
  • Patent number: 7902491
    Abstract: A device for controlling the luminosity of an illuminating device, in particular for LC-display units in household appliances, includes a sensor which is used to detect the presence of a user, and a luminosity sensor. An exchange between two different luminosity values of the illuminating device according to the presence of a user and according to the surrounding luminosity takes place in a continuous manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Lorenz Tilmann, Gerhard Mager, Bernhard Siegmar
  • Publication number: 20100320918
    Abstract: A combination dock light, safety light, and bollard serves the purposes of all three, without having any sensitive structure projecting out from the bollard into the traffic lane at the loading dock. A trailer lamp assembly within the bollard projects out a window cutout at an upper end of the tubular metal body of the bollard. A red/green safety light is visible through an elongated cutout on the proximal side of the bollard. A photo eye turns the lamp on when the loading dock door is opened, and off when the dock door is closed, and also switches the safety light to green or to red depending on whether the dock door is opened or closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Dale R. Hudson, Jay Tillman
  • Patent number: 7834555
    Abstract: A system for luminance characterization of a luminaire includes a ballast coil and a multi-tap capacitor connected in series with the ballast coil. The multi-tap capacitor has a plurality of tap capacitors integrated into a capacitor housing. A plurality of switches are each coupled to one of the plurality of tap capacitors for selectively coupling the tap capacitors together to produce a multi-tap capacitance corresponding to a configuration of the plurality of switches. A lamp is connected in series with the multi-tap capacitor and the ballast coil. A photometer is located to measure light intensity of the lamp and to produce a lumen output measurement. A memory is used to store a database having a plurality of lumen output measurements, each corresponding to a multi-tap capacitance corresponding to all configurations of the plurality of switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Streetlight Intelligence, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Cleland, Laurence E. Kubek, Carol A. Wong, Gerald E. Kurz
  • Patent number: 7809963
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling power consuming devices within a user space. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of power control devices where each power control device of the plurality of power control devices controls a power consuming device within the user space, a base station controlling a power level of the power controlling devices in accordance with a set of parameter provided by a user of the user space, a solar detector detecting a solar input proximate the user space and the base station adjusting a power level of the power control devices in accordance with the detected solar input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: William E. Dorn
  • Patent number: 7772787
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light source, method, computer-readable storage medium and computer program product for optimising one or more illumination characteristic thereof. In particular, the present invention provides a light source comprising four or more light-emitting elements, or groups or arrays thereof, each one of which having a respective predefined emission spectrum which, when combined in accordance with a given intensity ratio, provide illumination at a particular color temperature. This light source may comprise an internal and/or external selection module for selecting one or more illumination characteristics to be optimised, and internal and/or external computing module for optimising drive parameters of the light source to provide the optimised illumination characteristic selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Ian Ashdown, Marc Salsbury
  • Patent number: 7755294
    Abstract: A method of manually overriding automatic activation of an automatic headlight control system for a motor vehicle, headlamps operable in a high beam state and a low beam state, a high/low beam switch movable from a neutral position to a latched position and from a neutral position to a non-latched position for controlling the state of the headlamps and a headlamp on/off switch comprising a multi-position switch with at least a selectively automatic headlamp position is disclosed. The system includes forward-facing sensor for collecting light emanating from for instance a second vehicle, and a controller for controlling, when the headlamp switch is detected as being in the automatic headlamp position, the headlamp states as a function of the sensed intensity of the beam of light emanating from said second vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventors: Richard Dennis Shelton, Peter Howard Betts, David Philip Smith