Electric Switch Controlled By The Radiant Energy Responsive Device Patents (Class 315/159)
  • 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: 7808185
    Abstract: A method in a portable electronic device (100) having a user interface illumination (110) is disclosed. The method comprises sensing (202) an ambient light level in a neighborhood of the portable electronic device with a sensor (104) of the portable electronic device. Based on the ambient light level sensed, then controlling (204) a visual characteristic of the user interface illumination, wherein the user interface illumination is operated at a brightness between a maximum brightness and a minimum brightness for at least one ambient light level detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Ng, Daniel B. Cox, Joseph L. Allore
  • Publication number: 20100231384
    Abstract: A remote control includes sensing circuitry operable to detect a user touching the remote control. The remote control further includes a light source operable to backlight user input circuitry of the remote control. Control logic of the remote control activates the light source responsive to the sensing circuitry detecting the user touching the remote control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventor: William R. Reams
  • Publication number: 20100194293
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system (12) for controlling the light output of a light emitting unit (10), which light emitting unit comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED) (14) and is adapted to emit light of at least one color, the control system comprising: a sensor unit (18) adapted to detect the light output of the light emitting unit and provide a corresponding feedback signal; and a control unit (22) adapted to control the light output of the light emitting unit based on a comparison between the feedback signal and a corresponding reference signal representing a desired light output, in order to provide an improved light output, wherein the control unit is further adapted to: determine a random switching period; determine on-time(s) for the LED(s) within the random switching period for providing the improved light output; and control energizing of the LED(s) according to the determined period and on-time(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Hubertus Franciscus Deurenberg, Erik Nieuwlands
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7755021
    Abstract: Photo control devices include a housing having a light transmissive portion. A photosensor is positioned in the housing to receive light passing through the light transmissive portion of the housing. A relay electrically coupled to the photosensor is responsive to a level of light detected by the photosensor. The photosensor includes a light sensitive silicon photo cell and an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit is coupled to the silicon photo cell and the relay and includes a field effect transistor (FET) including a zener diode therein between a source and a drain of the FET. The silicon photo cell may be a photodiode and/or a phototransistor. The relay may be a thermal switch including a heater resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Charles Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20100171430
    Abstract: The lighting device (10; 42) includes means for switching a light source on and/or off and search means suitable for detecting and identifying neighboring objects (34, 36, 38, 40) present in the proximity of the device and provided with radio transmitter circuits, e.g. of the Bluetooth type, that are suitable for interfacing with the device. The device includes means for causing it to switch off, and possibly to switch on, said means co-operating with the search means (20) to detect the appearance or the disappearance of neighboring objects in the radio range of the lighting device, and to trigger switching off of the light source on detecting the disappearance of at least one neighboring object, conditionally as a function of predetermined criteria. Switching is controlled essentially without orders being transmitted from neighboring objects to cause the lamp to switch off or on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: PARROT
    Inventor: Henri Seydoux
  • Patent number: 7741786
    Abstract: An outdoor lighting control method and apparatus for use with an outdoor lighting fixture that automatically detects the changing length of the day and provides for automatically turning off the light after a shorter period of illumination during shorter summer nights and after a longer period of illumination during longer winter nights. The control method measures the elapsed time interval over which night sets in, for example, by sensing light levels characteristic of the onset of dusk and the onset of night and measuring the elapsed time between the two sensed light levels, and then automatically turns on the lighting fixture for nighttime operation for a duration that depends on the measured elapsed night-onset time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Illumination Dynamics LLC
    Inventor: Wade Lee
  • Patent number: 7741785
    Abstract: A method for driving an electronically controlled lighting means operating device, by evaluating an output signal of a motion sensor which is connected to a supply voltage and outputs the supply voltage as an output signal as a function of the detection of a motion, and setting the electronically controlled lighting means operating device to one of a plurality of predetermined dimming levels as a function of an output signal of the motion sensor. At least one of the predetermined dimming levels is programmed or the output signal of the motion sensor is detected at a control input of a digital interface of the operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: TridonicAtco GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Reinhold Juen, Joachim Maier
  • Publication number: 20100127628
    Abstract: A display device includes: a display panel; an optical detector which includes an optical sensor formed by a thin film transistor for detecting external light and a capacitor connected between a pair of electrodes of the optical sensor; a switch which turns on or off a charging operation of the capacitor; an optical sensor controller which controls the switch to be turned on or off and measures illumination of the external light on the basis of a time period during which the switch is turned off and a voltage of the capacitor becomes a value not more than a threshold value; and a controller which controls brightness of the display panel on the basis of an output of the optical sensor controller, wherein after the optical sensor controller detects a fact that the voltage of the capacitor becomes the value not more than the threshold value, the optical sensor controller turns on the switch after a predetermined time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: EPSON IMAGING DEVICES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Kunimori, Yukiya Hirabayashi
  • Publication number: 20100090605
    Abstract: A hybrid lighting device is described. The hybrid lighting device comprises a solar panel arranged to generate electric power; a wind turbine arranged to generate electric power; an energy storage device electrically connected with the power controller and arranged to store electric power; a power controller electrically connected with the energy storage device and the solar panel and the wind turbine and arranged to transfer electric power; and an induction-based light source electrically connected with the power controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Olen NEVINS
  • Patent number: 7696698
    Abstract: A signal is described herein that provides light output for automotive, rail, ship traffic and/or illumination control that includes a light emitting diode (LED) array, wherein the LED array includes three groups of disparate colored LEDs. A power supply unit provides independent power to each of the three LED groups. Each LED group power supply unit includes an input controlled switch connected to a power line to provide power to the LED array. An input under voltage/over voltage circuit monitors the voltage level of the power line and for enabling and/or disables the input controlled switch according to the voltage level of the power line. A flyback transformer converts the power received from the power line from an alternating or a continuous current signal to a direct current signal output to the LED array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Lumination LLC
    Inventor: Mohamed Ghanem
  • Patent number: 7696895
    Abstract: An pathway indicating luminaire for use in an auxiliary lighting system contains at least one source of primary light and at least one light emitting diode. A switching system provides energy from a storage cell to the light emitting diode upon certain conditions, generally by time or by lack of ambient light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald Paul Harwood
  • Publication number: 20100060174
    Abstract: A method of, and a device for controlling a shed lighting, and a shed provided therewith. To support daylight, lamps are switched on, but only in the case when the measured intensity is too low and, moreover, the time in which the daylight intensity could become sufficient is too short to achieve a desired period of time with a minimum light intensity. This saves energy and service life of lamps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventor: Paul Hulsen
  • Patent number: 7675248
    Abstract: A solid state microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP) for dual mode illumination and dimming into modern aerospace searchlights. The system is a universal dimming platform with “smart functions” that include and are not limited to multiple light intensity linearization curves, analog and/or digital input dimming interface, built-in tests and health monitoring, synchronized dual mode light output with canopy position, light driver redundancy, lamp life reporting, and controlled switching with improved EMI. With real-time monitoring of the system parameters it monitors the lights proper operation and failures which can be a concern for flight-critical lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Saed M. Mubaslat, Craig E. Giffen, Richard P. Policy, Joseph L. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7649321
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the irradiation direction of a lamp for a vehicle is provided with an actuator 3R for controlling the irradiation direction of a headlamp 2R and a controller (ECU) 1 for controlling the actuator 3R in accordance with a pitch angle of a vehicle. The controller 1 includes a monitor unit for monitoring the state of a control signal line CL for sending a control signal for controlling the actuator 3R and determines an abnormality of the controller, the actuator or the control signal line based on the state of the control signal line. The controller is not required to be connected to the actuator via a wire harness dedicated for the monitoring which is provided independently, so that the number of the wire harnesses can be prevented from increasing. Further, since the actuator is not required to be provided with a dedicated monitor circuit, the configuration of the actuator is prevented from being complicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Nakazawa, Tomoyuki Sakai, Yohnosuke Hara
  • Publication number: 20100007280
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic candle and an electronic night lamp. The electronic candle includes a light-emitting diode (LED), a capacitor and a control circuit. The capacitor has a first terminal coupled to a first terminal of the LED, and a second terminal coupled to a common voltage. The control circuit has a first control terminal coupled to the first terminal of the LED, and a second control terminal coupled to a second terminal of the LED. In a detecting period, the control circuit provides a preset voltage across the first and second terminals of the LED so that the LED is reversely biased for a preset time. Then, the first control terminal of the control circuit is set to high impedance. Next, the control circuit detects a variation of a voltage of the first terminal of the capacitor with respect to time to determine whether to light up the LED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Tung-Tsai LIAO, Li Sheng Lo
  • Patent number: 7641678
    Abstract: A tanning apparatus for radiation treatment for personal care includes at least one gas discharge UV lamp, at least one ballast connected in series with said at least one gas discharge lamp, and at least one incandescent lamp separate from the gas discharge lamp or lamps. The weight of the inductive ballast is reduced in that the incandescent lamp(s) is included in the ballast or ballasts(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Alfons Catharina Mewissen-Scholberg, Anne Meijer
  • Publication number: 20090322234
    Abstract: An LED driver includes at least two interlocked closed feedback loops. One feedback loop controls the duty cycle of the on/off times of a switch connected in series to the LED string, and the other feedback loop controls the duty cycle of the on/off times of a power switch in the switching power converter that provides a DC voltage applied to the LED string. The LED driver of the present invention achieves fast control of the LED brightness and current sharing among multiple LED strings simultaneously in a power-efficient and cost-efficient manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: IWATT INC.
    Inventors: Yuhui Chen, Junjie Zheng, John William Kesterson
  • Patent number: 7633232
    Abstract: A portable electronic light providing a light resembling a candle that can be turned off by blowing on the light or by generating other predetermined sounds. The electronic light comprises a sound sensor, one or more light emitting diodes, or LEDs, a light cover, a housing, and a circuit board. The circuit board includes an amplifier/demodulator circuit, a counter/oscillator circuit, a driver circuit, and a switching circuit. The sensor detects a low frequency created by blowing on the candle type light or other signal, in order to control the power circuit and turn off the light. The counter/oscillator circuit and the switching circuit cause the LEDs to turn on and off, simulating the flickering of a candle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: SAP Products Limited
    Inventor: Sau Man Wong
  • Patent number: 7626509
    Abstract: An easily deployable miniature, LED light unit specifically for home security yard signs that is rechargeable by means of a solar cell array having a light sensor which automatically activates the light at dusk and deactivates it at dawn. The solar light unit is contained in a unique compact molded housing that positions the components and also includes an integral clamp-mount specifically for slide-on mounting to the stakes of typical home security signs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Lance Dean
  • Publication number: 20090267525
    Abstract: An LED street lamp assembly includes a central member having a first LED module fixed to a top surface thereof, a plurality of lamps attached to circumference of the central member and each having a second LED module therein, a plurality of sensors each mounted in one of the lamps and a controlling and driving circuit board received in the central member for receiving signal sent out by the sensors. If there is a goer approaches the LED street lamp assembly, the sensors are activated to send out signal to the controlling and driving circuit board to turn on the second LED modules of the lamps one by one as the goer comes closer and closer. If the goer passes by and is going away from the LED street lamp assembly, the sensors stop sending out signal to the control and driving circuit board to switch off the second LED module of the lamps one by one as the goer goes away farther and farther.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicants: FU ZHUN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHEN ZHEN) CO., LTD., FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shi-Song ZHENG, Li HE
  • Patent number: 7605548
    Abstract: An electricity controller is provided which comprises a first power control means for controlling output power from power generator 4 to a first level during a first period of start-up time for feeding, a second power control means for controlling output power from power generator 4 to a second level lower than first level during a second period after the first period, and a third power control means for controlling output power from power generator 4 to a third level greater than the second level and lower than the first level during a third period after the second period. A discharge tube 2 is heated during the first period for supplying a large amount of electric power to discharge tube 2 to elevate the tube temperature and thereby uniformly disperse mercury vapor in discharge tube 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Sanken Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toyomi Yamashita, Yoshikazu Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20090251058
    Abstract: A two way lighting control system with dual illumination sources, including a lighting unit, a photocell, a motion sensor, and at least one light source base. The lighting unit includes two light source loads. The high wattage light source load is the first light source, and the low wattage source load is the second light source. The illumination of the first light source load is greater than the illumination of the second light source load. The first light source load is electrically connected with the motion sensor via the base, and then is further electrically connected with the photocell to form the first circuit loop. The second light source load is electrically connected with the photocell via the base to form the second circuit loop. Thereby, the present invention can satisfy consumers' requirements of providing both high illumination light and low illumination light with energy saving benefit as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Chia-Teh Chen
  • Publication number: 20090213572
    Abstract: A display apparatus that can be worn by a user, attached to a surface, and/or comprise a stand-alone display containing a light source that emits light and is positioned so as to illuminate a design on the surface of the display apparatus, and/or that incorporates a lighted surface or video-capable technology and that may be connected to a microprocessor and/or light, sound or motion sensor functionalities connected to a microprocessor that can interpret external stimulus and modify the display according to various criteria to attract viewers. The display apparatus also is connected to or in the case of a wearable display contains a power supply that provides power to the light source or lighted display technology and microprocessor and/or sensor functionalities. In some embodiments, the invention may also include a promotional display member that displays advertising or sponsoring information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Envisage
    Inventors: Todd R. Benson, Ronald Gregory, Joseph Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20090206760
    Abstract: Photo control devices include a housing having a light transmissive portion. A photosensor is positioned in the housing to receive light passing through the light transmissive portion of the housing. A relay electrically coupled to the photosensor is responsive to a level of light detected by the photosensor. The photosensor includes a light sensitive silicon photo cell and an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit is coupled to the silicon photo cell and the relay and includes a field effect transistor (FET) including a zener diode therein between a source and a drain of the FET. The silicon photo cell may be a photodiode and/or a phototransitor. The relay may be a thermal switch including a heater resistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Charles Flaherty
  • Publication number: 20090195167
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting device having a battery housing to hold a battery, a light housing having a light source and a lens assembly into which said light source will emit light when activated, said battery and said light source being in circuit with a switch to open and close said circuit, said light housing being moveable relative to said battery housing to motivate said switch to open and/or close said circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: David R. Dalton, John R. Brown, Timothy J. Rugendyke
  • Patent number: 7545101
    Abstract: A multi-zone daylight harvesting method and apparatus having a closed loop system utilizing a single light sensor is disclosed herein. This light control system includes an ambient light sensor connected to a detection circuit for detecting the amount of ambient light within a given zone and converting the light signal to an digital one. A control device couples to receive a predetermined rate of change for each respective zone from a storage unit along with the converted digital signal. The control device connects each zone of a plurality of electrical loads to control the power supplied to the electrical load at the predetermined corresponding rate of change and responsive to the amount of ambient light detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Hick, Richard A. Leinen
  • Publication number: 20090108762
    Abstract: A lighting system is provided. Users can independently switch an ultrasonic detecting device in the lighting system between a disable mode and an enable mode. The lighting system, comprises: a light source for emitting a light; a detecting device for executing a detecting action to an object within a detectable zone of the detecting device; a control circuit, connected between the light source and the detecting device, for controlling the light source to emit the light according to the detecting action; and a trigger device, connected to the control circuit, for stopping the detecting device executing the detecting action in response to a trigger action when the detecting device is operating in an enable mode; or starting the detecting device to execute the detecting action in response to the trigger action when the detecting device is operating in a disable mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: LITE-ON IT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tzu-Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 7522211
    Abstract: A studio light having first and second light output regimes, and adjustable color temperature. The color temperatures of the first and second light output regimes may be different. The light module includes one or more emitters of light of at least two different colors. An external signal causes the light module to switch from a first light output regime to a second, higher intensity light output regime, and back to the first light output regime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kian Shin Lee, Janet Bee Yin Chua, Yue Hoong Lau, Teoh Teh Seah, Joon Chok Lee
  • Patent number: 7517132
    Abstract: A multifunctional-type backlight unit, including a light guiding plate having a first incident/exit surface and a second incident/exit surface which are capable of receiving and emitting light, a light emitting device disposed to face the first incident/exit surface and configured to supply light to the first incident/exit surface, and a light receiving device disposed to face the first incident/exit surface and configured to receive light emitted from the first incident/exit surface, the light guiding plate being configured so that the light emitted from the light emitting device enters the light guiding plate, passes through the light guiding plate, and is emitted from the second incident/exit surface, and the light guiding plate being configured so that the light which enters the second incident/exit surface, passes through the light guiding plate emits from the first incident/exit surface is received by the light receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Citizen Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Fukasawa, Mitsunori Ishizaka
  • Publication number: 20090085486
    Abstract: An apparatus for managing the power of an illumination device supplied by a power source includes a switch, a switch controller, an imaging unit, and a pattern recognition unit. The switch is configured for electrically connecting or disconnecting the illumination device and the power source. The switch controller is configured for controlling the switch, thereby switching off the illumination device. The imaging unit is configured for capturing an image of an illuminated area illuminated by the illumination device. The pattern recognition unit is configured for detecting whether any person is contained in the captured image, and if not, instructing the switch controller to switch off the illumination device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicants: PREMIER IMAGE TECHNOLOGY(CHINA) LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CING-SHIN LIN
  • Publication number: 20090026967
    Abstract: A multi-stage optically-triggered power system. At least one triggering stage is responsive to at least one optical trigger to directly create photogeneration of carriers in the at least one triggering stage and thus generate at least one output signal. At least one main power device stage coupled to the at least one triggering stage is responsive to the at least one generated output signal to activate the at least one main power device stage. The at least one triggering stage and the at least one main power device stage may be monolithically integrated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Sudip K. Mazumder, Tirthajyoti Sarkar
  • Patent number: 7446480
    Abstract: An apparatus and its corresponding method for switching a light source are provided. The apparatus includes a light sensor, a decision device and a light source. The light sensor senses the ambient luminance and outputs a sensing signal to indicate whether the luminance is greater than a predetermined quantity. The decision device is connected to the light sensor. It receives a switching signal and outputs a lighting signal according to the sensing signal and the switching signal. The light source is coupled to the decision device and is activated whenever the lighting signal demands light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Mitac International Corp.
    Inventor: Te-Li Lien
  • Publication number: 20080258633
    Abstract: A building optimization system for optimizing an environment of a building is disclosed. The building optimization system includes a number of building optimization switches for controlling the environment of a corresponding space in a building according to a plurality of operation modes. The environment at least includes first and second lighting banks. Each building optimization switch includes first and second lighting controls for manually operating corresponding first and second lighting banks, and a wireless transceiver for receiving input signals from and transmitting environment data to a master controller via a wireless communication network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Keith Voysey
  • Patent number: 7429828
    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: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Streetlight Intelligence, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Cleland, Laurence E. Kubek, Carol A. Wong, Gerald E. Kurz
  • Patent number: 7417378
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a lamp with a security function and a lighting control method are disclosed. The apparatus includes a security switch for selecting a security mode, a light emitting diode for displaying security status, a lamp, an illuminance sensor set to a predetermined illuminance value for detecting illuminance of the lamp so that varying time is confirmed according to the predetermined illuminance value, a timer and a microcontroller for receiving an illuminance detection signal if the security mode is activated and controlling the lamp. The microcontroller confirms the varying time twice daily according to the predetermined illuminance value, sets intermediate time between the corresponding twice daily time on a virtual timepiece and turns the lamp on at a specific dusk time period, a specific midnight time period and a specific dawn time period according to the virtual timepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Jihn-Kuk Kim
  • Patent number: 7405524
    Abstract: A lighting control system is disclosed. The lighting control system is electrically coupled to a load circuit for controlling indoor and/or outdoor lighting. The lighting control system includes a control module with a night light for providing low-level night light illumination and one or more sensors for operatively controlling the indoor and/or outdoor lighting and the night light in response to measured light levels and/or detected motion. The system is preferably configured to provide low-level night light from the night light when measured light levels and detected motion are below threshold values and to automatically turn on the indoor and/or outdoor lighting and simultaneously turn off the night light when measured light levels and detected motion are above the threshold values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: The Watt Stopper Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Null, Melissa Lynn Smith, Thomas Joseph T J Beyer
  • Publication number: 20080164824
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a plurality of fluorescent bulbs wherein a light intensity of each of the plurality of fluorescent bulbs is related to the operating temperature of the fluorescent bulbs, a sensor for sensing a physical parameter related to the light intensity, and a circuit adapted for monitoring the sensor and controlling the operating temperature of the fluorescent bulbs to maintain the operating temperature of the fluorescent bulbs within a range having a lower temperature and an upper temperature. A method of maintaining light intensity of fluorescent bulbs in an environmental chamber includes monitoring a physical parameter associated with the light intensity of the fluorescent bulbs in an environmental chamber and adjusting temperature of the fluorescent bulbs in the environmental chamber to maintain an optimum light intensity of the fluorescent bulbs in the environmental chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: HENRY JAVIER IMBERTI, DANIEL GENE KIEKHAEFER, KURT LEE WILHELM
  • Patent number: 7397202
    Abstract: A brightness control circuit is used to control brightness of a light emitting module. A light sensor module generates a first current through itself according to a light intensity. A charging module is coupled between the light sensor module and the ground, and generates a charging voltage at a voltage node according to the first current. A voltage control circuit comprises a reference voltage source, a comparator and a diode. The reference voltage source provides a reference voltage. The comparator has a non-inverse input terminal coupled to the reference voltage source, an inverse input terminal coupled to the voltage node, and an output terminal. The comparator outputs a comparative signal according to the reference voltage and the charging voltage. The diode is coupled between the inverse input terminal and the output terminal. The switch is coupled to the voltage control circuit and provides a second current through the light emitting module according to the comparative signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Yung-Chun Sung
  • Patent number: 7377658
    Abstract: An information handling system projector tracks lamp usage to generate a lamp order form for order of a replacement lamp when lamp usage is a predetermined usage. The lamp order form is automatically generated and displayed to include lamp usage and projector identification information so that a user need not manually input that information into an order form. A network module of the projector supports queries for lamp usage from a lamp management module running on an information handling system. A projector processor interfaced with the network module reads the lamp usage and projector identification information from firmware of the projector and provides the lamp usage and projector identification information to the lamp management module for automatic generation of the lamp order form display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Subramanian Jayaram, Jeffrey S. Layton
  • Patent number: 7375951
    Abstract: A load control device is operable to receive a first control signal having a first magnitude and to generate a second control signal having a second magnitude. The load control device is adapted to be installed in an electrical wallbox having a barrier. The load control device comprises a split enclosure having first and second enclosure portions and a gap between the two portions. A first connector is provided in an opening of the first portion for receipt of the first control signal and a second connector is provided in an opening of the second portion for providing the second control signal. The gap of the split enclosure receives the barrier when the load control device is installed in the electrical wallbox, such that the first control signal is electrically isolated from the second control signal. Accordingly, the load control device meets the requirements of the National Electrical Code when installed in the electrical wallbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Hash
  • Patent number: 7355349
    Abstract: The present invention transforms existing electrical wall outlets into an emergency lighting system for homes, hospitals, hotels, nursing homes and businesses. The lighting device, designed as a replacement electrical wall outlet or receptacle, simply plugs into an existing dual outlet after removal of its faceplate. The lighting device continues to function as an electrical outlet, however, also comprises a local power source such as a constant charge lithium ion battery; a motion sensor for initiating a low level of lighting for darkened room or corridor transit; a power sensor for activating a high level of light when electrical service is disrupted, thereby broadcasting a wash of light over an otherwise darkened room or corridor; and a photoelectric cell which detects daylight or otherwise provided lighting of the room or corridor and thereby prevent unnecessary power usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Cyberlux Corporation
    Inventor: Donald F. Evans
  • Patent number: 7339471
    Abstract: A time-controlled security lighting system records the length of nighttime and is capable of automatically adjusting for seasonal nighttime hours. The time duration between the initial nighttime darkness and the light of dawn, as sensed from the prior day by a photocell, is measured and recorded in memory. As the surrounding area becomes dark, the lighting system is activated to provide the illumination for the area. The duration of illumination is determined based on a predetermined fraction of the recorded length of nighttime from the previous night. The control system can adjust the duration of illumination according the recorded nighttime durations from the previous night. The control system can also adjust the level of illumination based on the signals from a motion detector, where the lights are set at a higher brightness for a predetermined amount of time upon detection of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Cordelia Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Chan, Timothy Edward Monroe, James T. Serra
  • Publication number: 20080048568
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a natural light-generating device, wherein a light-sensing unit is used to detect the surrounding lighting signals, and a modulated control unit transforms the lighting signals into control signals, and an ultra-low frequency sinusoidal-wave generator performs the permutation and combination of the control signals to sequentially generate driving signals of different timings, frequencies and amplitudes; the driving signals control light-generating elements to simulate the delicate and leisurely variation of the diversified natural daylight; thereby, the windows of the soul can enjoy the gentle and mellow lighting similar to natural daylight; thus, the eyes is massaged, the body and mind relaxed, the health improved, and ocular diseases prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Chin-Wen Chou, Ying-Nan Cheng, Kuang-Ming Wu
  • Patent number: 7327090
    Abstract: An electronic module includes an EL section; a first substrate on which the EL section is formed; a second substrate attached to the first substrate; an integrated circuit chip mounted on the second substrate; a plurality of first power supply interconnects formed on the first substrate, extending through a pair of regions located on both sides of the EL section; and a plurality of second power supply interconnects formed on the second substrate, extending through a pair of regions located on both sides of the integrated circuit chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takaaki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7324076
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a user-selected color point is received. RGB tristimulus values are then derived for the color point. It is also determined whether the user-selected color point is outside a color selection range of the LED light source and, if so, an error flag is set. Pulse width modulated signals for a plurality of LED drivers for the LED light source are also generated. In another embodiment, tristimulus values representing a color of light produced by an LED light source are received. The received tristimulus values are then compared to tristimulus values corresponding to a user-identified color point. In response to the comparison, pulse width modulated signals are generated for a plurality of LED drivers for the LED light source. After a predetermined number of repetitions of these actions, an error flag is set if the user-selected color point has not been achieved by the LED light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Joon Chok Lee, Len Li Kevin Lim, Rizal Bin Jaffar
  • Patent number: 7290903
    Abstract: A projection display includes a housing, a display panel, a power plug for electrically connecting to an external power source and receiving power provided by the external power source, a light source electrically connected to the power plug for emitting light onto the display panel when receiving power from the power plug, a heat-ventilating device for ventilating heat generated by the light source to a region outside of the housing, a power storage device for storing power, and a power detector electrically connected to the heat-ventilating device, the power storage device, and the power plug for selectively electrically connecting the heat-ventilating device either to the power plug or to the power storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Chih Tai, Shih-Tsung Yang, Chia-Lin Liu, Chi-Neng Mo
  • Patent number: 7268682
    Abstract: A system for improving the safety of a room occupied by a patient includes a sensor for monitoring when the patient is out of bed. The sensor sends a signal that gives an alert to a care giver that the patient is out of bed. Lights in the room are slowly illuminated to provide light for the patient. A second sensor may sense when the patient has returned to bed and correspondingly dim the lights. The history of the patient being in and out of bed, and of the care giver responding to alerts may be recorded in a log. A programmable micro controller is used to control the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventors: George Bialecki, Jr., Sudip K. Mazumder
  • Patent number: 7242313
    Abstract: An auxiliary lighting system contains at least one photoelectric cell to convert ambient light into energy and at least one light emitting diode. The photoelectric cell converts ambient light into energy which is stored in a storage cell. A switching system provides energy from the storage cell to the light emitting diode upon certain conditions, generally by time or by lack of ambient light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald P. Harwood