Abstract: A non-light emitting protecting device is adapted to be used with a string of lamp sockets that connect electrically a plurality of lamps in series. The protecting device includes a shell, and a conductor circuit encapsulated by the shell. The shell has a size and shape corresponding to the lamps so as to be adapted to be mounted in any one of the lamp sockets. The conductor circuit has two terminals, and a rated circuit connected between the terminals. Each of the terminals has a free end that extends outwardly of the shell and that is adapted to be connected in series with the lamps when the shell is mounted in one of the lamp sockets. The rated circuit is capable of breaking electrical connection between the terminals when current flowing therethrough exceeds a predetermined rated current.

Abstract: A light socket is disclosed that has a built-in integrated circuit for rectifying the alternating current received from an electrical outlet and limiting the direct current produced. The light socket is specifically suited for low-current, low-voltage applications such as supplying DC to a string of ornamental lights. The integrated circuit has a diode with a modified cathode that acts as a fuse as it is rectifying the alternating current. The cathode is formed of a plurality of electrically parallel conductors. Excessive current blows out at least some of these conductors in the same way a conventional fuse blows. Various embodiments add other current-limiting elements, elements for producing full wave or near will wave rectification, and for opening the circuit when they detect extraneous currents.

Abstract: A sealed type motor arrangement, comprising: a micro-motor with a reduction unit and a sealed housing made of plastic, said sealed housing having a bottom housing and a cover housing, said sealed housing defines a sealed space for accommodating said micro-motor and a non-sealed space, in the periphery of said sealed space of said bottom housing, said non-sealed space having a small groove with a resilient sealing plastic washer arranged therein, said bottom housing having an opening for a cylindrical shaft of said micro-motor to extend out of said sealed housing, a plurality of small apertures are arranged symmetrically between said bottom housing and said cover housing for tightening a plurality of screws to make said bottom housing and said covered housing sealed, a wire with a power supply input plug goes through an opening on a side wall of said bottom housing and a hole on a wall between said sealed space and said non-sealed space to connect a pair of leads of said motor in said sealed space, the hole on

Abstract: A three-wire Christmas flashing control lamp includes a filament, a bimetal plate, and three conductive poles installed in the lamp. Three conductive wires are extended from the bottom end of the lamp. The lamp is mounted on a lamp base and then received by a lamp holder. The three-wire Christmas flashing control lamp is used to control the switching operation of a Christmas light string to further control the flickering effect of the light string.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling a decorative light string by using a number of three-wire flashing control lamps is disclosed. In the circuit, a common contact of latter switching type three-wire flashing control lamp is connected to a normal open contact of former three-wire flashing control lamp. A normal closed contact of each three-wire flashing control lamps is connected with a light string including a plurality of regular lamps electrically connected in series. A two-wire flashing control lamp is further connected between the normal open contact of one of the switching type three-wire flashing control lamp and the light string connected thereto.

Abstract: A control panel for Christmas lights including a housing having a pole extending downwardly therefrom. A lower end of the pole is sharpened for being inserted within a ground surface. A control panel is disposed within the open front face of the housing. The control panel has a power cord extending outwardly of the housing for coupling with an electrical outlet. A pair of light panels are disposed within the opposed open side faces of the housing. The light panels are in operative communication with the control panel. Each of the light panels have a plurality of electrical outlets therein for receiving plugs from Christmas lights therein.

Abstract: A string set of series-connected incandescent bulbs adapted to being connected to a source of alternating-current operating potential and in which all of the bulb filaments in the set are individually provided with a non-avalanche shunt circuit which substantially maintains the rated voltage of the bulb across each of the bulb sockets whether or not an operative bulb occupies its respective socket and whereby the illumination of each remaining operative bulb continues to be substantially unchanged and substantially the same rated current continues to flow through said string set despite the absence of a plurality of bulbs from their respective sockets.

Abstract: An LED light string employs a plurality of LEDs wired in a series-parallel block. Further, each series-parallel block may be coupled in parallel, the parallel connection coupled across a supply voltage through an electrical interface. LEDs of the light string may comprise either a single color LED or an LED including multiple sub-dies, each sub-die of a different color. LED series-parallel blocks of the light string may be operated in continuous, periodic or pseudo-random state. The LED light string may provide polarized connectors to couple LED light strings end-to-end and in parallel with the supply voltage. The electrical interface may have one or more parallel outputs and a switch so as to operate multiple LED light strings in continuous, periodic or pseudo-random states. The LED light string may be adapted so as to employ LEDs of different drive voltages in each series section of the series-parallel block.

Abstract: A wax candle simulation device with random flicker electric circuitry, comprising at least two miniature light bulbs mechanically vertically closely arranged with the filaments therein arranged at an angle. The bulbs are contained within a flame shaped translucent housing and are connected to an electrical circuitry comprising two transistors, with one driving the other (inverter) with an external control and a switch between them set by resistor values. Additional resistors slow down light bulb shut down and the filaments are constantly pre-heated with a slow cool down, whereby the transition between the lighting of the light bulbs is very gradual. A single counter IC, creates the external driver circuitry with a portion of the IC providing a low stability oscillator and another portion operating as a counter with outputs connected to resistors. The other ends of the resistors are parallel and connected to the inverter.

Abstract: A decoration lamp string device has a lamp type control device, a plug, and a lamp string. The lamp type control device has a bulb type main body, a lamp holder receiving the bulb type main body, and a socket receiving the lamp holder. An electric circuit is disposed in the bulb type main body. A plurality of lead-in wires are extended from an interior of the bulb type main body. A first electric wire is connected to the plug and the socket. A second electric wire is connected to the plug and the lamp string. The lamp string has a plurality of decoration lamps, a third electric wire, and a fourth electric wire. A first copper post is connected to the first lead-in wire. A second copper post is connected to the second lead-in wire. A third copper post is connected to the third lead-in wire.

Abstract: An assembly structure for a Christmas light string controller includes a top cover, a bottom cover and a controlling switch. The bottom cover defines therein an interior space for receiving a first and second circuit boards. The top face of the first circuit board is substantially flush with the top edge of the bottom cover. The second circuit board is perpendicularly received in the interior space of the bottom cover and the top end of the second circuit board is connected with the first circuit board. The controlling switch is positioned above a contact area of the first circuit board. By means of operating the controlling switch, an actuating signal is sent to the conductive wires for controlling the flickering of the Christmas light string.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for simulating moving lights using nonmoving lights. A row or column of lights, such as LCDs or LEDs, are each controlled by a processor so as to switch each light at a relatively rapid rate, sufficiently rapid so that the light appears on but at only partial brightness. The apparent intensity for each light is controlled by the processor by controlling the duty cycle of each light. This allows the processor to present an illusion of fade-in at a leading edge of a picture element, and to present an illusion of fade-out at a trailing edge of the picture element.

Abstract: A light socket is disclosed that has a built-in integrated circuit for rectifying the alternating current received from an electrical outlet and limiting the direct current produced. The light socket is specifically suited for low-current, low-voltage applications such as supplying DC to a string of ornamental lights. The integrated circuit has a diode with a modified cathode that acts as a fuse as it is rectifying the alternating current. The cathode is formed of a plurality of electrically parallel conductors. Excessive current blows out at least some of these conductors in the same way a conventional fuse blows. Various embodiments add other current-limiting elements, elements for producing full wave or near full wave rectification, and for opening the circuit when they detect extraneous currents.

Abstract: A structure is provided which is used for a rectangularly arrayed miniature light bulb series. The structure includes a first controller (3) which regulates and controls the current in a first light bulb string (1). A second controller (4) regulates and controls the current in a second light bulb string (2). The first and second light bulb strings (1) and (2) are joined in series by a first connecting conductive wire (5) and the second controller is in electrical communication with the first light bulb string (1) through a second connecting conductive wire (6). In this manner, light bulbs in light strings (1) and (2) may be coordinated with each other.

Abstract: A Christmas lamp socket includes an inner socket for a lamp to fit therein and an outer shell to hold the inner socket. The inner socket has two supporting base parts defining an intermediate room. The outer shell has an intermediate wall inside and two holding cavities defined by the intermediate wall and an outer wall to retain a respective one of the supporting base parts such that the intermediate wall is received within the intermediate room and forms a pressure upon the supporting base parts for firmly holding leads of a wire between the supporting base parts and the outer shell.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved flashing light string which includes a connecting electrical wire provided with a plurality of bulb holders to connect with housings with bulbs therein and a bulb-shaped shell is provided with an inner small controller which has a pair of conducting wires to be a controlling apparatus, which can be connected with a housing to be received in any bulb holder of the light string to control the light string having different flashing effects.

Abstract: A compact, rugged, long-lasting, battery-powered light fixture suitable for use as an emergency signal, marker, or flashlight has a lighting element made from a phosphorous-based luminescent film section curled into a cylindrical shape and packaged within a transparent tubular enclosure. The AC power supply and batteries are held in the center of the enclosure inside the lighting element.

Abstract: A flicker light string suitable for unlimited series-connection, each light string including a driver and a plurality of series-connected lamps. The driver has an input end connected to an independent external power supply and a trigger circuit. The trigger circuit has an output end connected to the series-connected lamps and a trigger end reserved for connection to an external cord for acquiring an oscillatory signal to control the continuity and interruption of the trigger circuit, so that the light string can flicker with the oscillatory signal. Multiple units of the flicker light string can be serially connected to form an unlimited extending flicker light string, and all the connected light strings can flicker synchronously without the risk of being overloaded or overheated.

Abstract: A Christmas tree ornamental lighting system is provided having a light strand combining primary lights and secondary lights, which illuminate in unison. A first illuminating component, represents a prearranged decorative pattern object and is coupled to a primary light and is illuminated, when the primary light is in a not illuminated state, and does not illuminate, when the primary light illuminates. A temperature switching function of the primary light is used to switch between the illuminate and non-illuminate states. A second illumination component, which also represents a prearranged pattern, is coupled to a secondary light and illuminates in synchronism with a respective secondary light. The lighting system achieves an enriched visual effect by taking advantage of the illuminate and non-illuminate states of the primary and secondary lights and first and second illuminating components, and various transitions between them.

Abstract: A flashing light string assembly including a bus line connected to a power circuit through a flash controller and having one grounding wire and a plurality of hot wires and a plurality of sockets connected to its grounding and hot wires, and a plurality of light strings having each a plurality of sub-light strings connected in parallel to a respective plug adapted for connecting to one socket of the bus line.

Abstract: A number of voltage and ground buses--normally four or more each of which respectively connects to groups of lights within a large number of lights that are typically both multicolored and regularly geometrically arrayed in two and three dimensions--are separately simultaneously selectively energized in order to produce dynamic decorative patterns of display, particularly for use as Christmas lights. Buses are preferably selectively enabled and energized in at least four major and ten or more minor combinations in order to, along with differences in sequencing and phasing and timing, produce great numbers of different display patterns, typically at least ten such patterns that are recognizable to an observer. The progressive displays of a great number of individual light arrays may be coordinated in both (i) synchronization, and (ii) repetition rate, by the simple expedients of (i) applying a.c.

Abstract: A Christmas tree light system including an electrical receptacle connected to power supply, and electrical wire having an electrical plug at one end connected to the electrical receptacle, and a plurality of lamp sockets respectively connected to the electrical wire to hold a respective bulb, wherein each lamp socket has an insulative plate supported on a spring member and forced upwards by it to disconnect a metal connecting plate from the center metal contact plate, which is adapted for contacting the tip contact of the bulb; the electrical plug has a cartridge fuse for overload protection, and protective means for shielding the conducting blades of the cartridge fuse; the electrical receptacle has movable stop means forced by spring means to block the way between the blade insertion slots and the electrical terminals.

Abstract: A rotative and lightable ornament apparatus has a miniature electrical input line (1) in electrical communication with a circuit that is branched to lines leading to at least one miniature electrical motor (3) and to at least one miniature electrical outlet (2) for optional lighting and electrical rotation. The input line can be a Christmas tree light plug (6) and the miniature outlet for optional lighting and electrical actuation can be a miniature light socket (8) for a miniature light (9), flasher (52), or other miniature lamps. Circuitry for branching from the input line can include a plurality of electrically connected zener diodes (28) to offset pulsating electrical effects of a flasher on the miniature motor.

Abstract: A new method of control of high voltage gaseous conductor lamps is herein provided allowing the selective control of the operation of such lamps in a single, or multiple lamp series-connected, current regulated supply circuit, through selective shorting of said lamps with semiconductor devices. The method provided herein also allows selective operation of an infinite number of lamps on a single supply circuit.

Abstract: A decorative light string having a bulb shunt system is described. The light string includes a plurality of light bulbs positioned within their respective sockets along a power line and in a series circuit. The shunt system includes at least two shunt members associated with each bulb/socket combination wherein a first shunt is positioned within the bulb envelope while a second shunt is positioned outside of the envelope, either in association with the lamp holder or within the socket. The combined initial resistance of the two shunts is preferably greater than the resistance of the bulb filament and the system is configured to shunt the electric current passing through the bulbs in the event of filament breakage and, in one embodiment, in the event the bulb member is removed from its associated socket.

Abstract: An electro-luminescent seasonal light apparatus includes a pig-tail plug mated with one pig-tail socket which extends from a regular seasonal Christmas/Halloween light string and provides a first AC power having a first voltage and a first frequency, an extension wire electrically connected to the pig-tail plug, a circuit box electrically connected to the extension wire for converting the first AC power to a second AC power which has a second voltage and a second frequency, an electro-luminescent component electrically connected to the circuit box for receiving the second AC power and flashing thereby, and a pattern shaper attached to the electro-luminescent component.

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

Abstract: A flashing lamp set includes a plurality of gas-filled filament bulbs (101) having respective rise-time constants which are different from each other, thereby providing different thermo-optical effects. When power is supplied, the lamps are illuminated in sequence for security purposes or for a decorative effect.

Abstract: A staged selection type Christmas light controller circuit is provided. The light controller includes a rectifier, a current-limiter, a voltage regulator, a separator, a power stage generator, a selector switch, an oscillator, an integrated circuit controller, a driver, and a plurality of Christmas lights. The rectifier, the current-limiter, and the voltage regulator are connected in series with a power plug for providing DC voltage to the power input pin of the integrated circuit controller. A separator circuit is connected with the output end of the rectifier or the current-limiter and is coupled to the selection trigger pin of the integrated circuit controller through the power stage generator and the selector switch. An oscillator is coupled to the integrated circuit controller and the Christmas light sets are coupled to the controller through a driver.

Abstract: A sequentially shifting control circuit for extendible light strings which includes a main controller in one end, a backward signal-generating circuit in the other end and a plurality of bidirectional shifting control units therebetween. Each bidirectional shifting control unit has a plurality of lights connected thereto, thereby constituting and enabling an extendible light string to be sequentially flashed in a forward direction or a backward direction or in both directions simultaneously. Only three conductive lines are required: one for positive power, one for ground, and one for transmitting different control signals which are represented and distinguished by different voltage ranges, voltage levels, and waveform periods, and are mixed together according to a same signal (synchronous signal) to transmit.

Abstract: A mobile decorative part of a Christmas tree ornament is orbited around a stationary decorative part by an electrical motor locked onto the stationary decorative part.

Abstract: An electronic flasher producing various waveforms with user-controllable time durations, connected to a decorative string of dual-polarity dual-color light emitting diodes, in order to generate a controllable sequence of colors with interspersed OFF periods.

Abstract: A continuous tracing light controller for controlling the flashing of a plurality of bulbs comprising:a bridge rectifier for the conversion of AC to DC;an inverter phase circuit for the reverting of the above obtained DC; anda programmable central control integrated circuit having a plurality of outputs for the individual controlling of bulbs in series, a three step switch and 3 variable resistors being connected to said integrated circuit. The controller controls the lighting pattern in a fully lighted, forward tracing or backward reversing pattern. The way of controlling of the controller is by means of Pulse Width Modulation in which a pulse wave synchronized with a current is input and by use of a counting pulse to control the time sequence of the input pulse. By controlling the response time delay of the individual wave such that the individual light bulb responds at different time so as to produce visual effects for which the bulbs are lighted in a continuous tracing manner.

Abstract: A control device for varying the current flow through a load includes a power supply, a function generator connected to the power source and producing at least one output signal of triangular waveform, and power switching units for modulating the current flow through the load in dependence on the triangular output signal of the function generator so as to attain a smooth fading-in and fading-out effect.

Abstract: A dimmer device adapted to enable conveniently accessed control over the intensity of illumination of Christmas tree lights, in which a housing for the dimmeter device is enclosed in a housing on ornamental cover piece, and which is provided with a hook to allow the device to hang on a branch in an exposed position.

Abstract: A Christmas light string set enables high volage, high wattage light bulbs to be inserted in a push-in manner into holders which are, in turn, assembled in a push-in manner into a socket.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the an electric motor of very small size which is adapted to plug into a lamp socket of a string-set of series connected decorative incandescent lamps so as to utilize the output of the motor to rotate ornaments and like devices. A particular electrical motor of unique design and geared output is shown.

Abstract: A Christmas tree ornament formed of a rectangularly shaped battery box and an ornamentally shaped ornament. The battery box and ornament are interconnected by a flexible cable of two electrical conductors. Visual ornamentation disguises the battery box as a Christmas wrapped give box. The ornament includes a D.C. motor for driving at least one moveable part for performing a decorative visual effect.

Abstract: A digital control circuit for controlling the illumination of a plurality of lamp bulbs to create a decorative light display. The circuit includes a rectifier for converting alternating current to direct current as power for the digital elements of the control circuit and for the lamp bulbs of the display. The display is formed by a plurality of strings of series connected lamp bulbs each of which strings is supplied d.c. power through individual SCRs. The control circuit includes two oscillators, two decoders and a carry-out control which generate two different sequences of output signals at two different frequencies. The two sequences of output signals from the control circuit are each applied through isolating diodes and individual trigger circuits to the gate electrodes of the SCRs, causing the SCRs to conduct and illuminate each of the strings of lamps in sequences corresponding to the sequences of control circuit output signals.

Abstract: An electromechanical switching device connects and disconnects a second lamp means from a first circuit powering a first lamp means upon alternate powerings of the first circuit. A mechanical device switches the switching means and an electrical circuit across the first circuit has a relay to control the mechanical device.

Abstract: A Christmas tree light assembly having a collar to couple strings of series and parallel connected lights together with junctures to connect the light strings together in parallel comprising three-wire lamp receptacles spaced from the collar means so that only preinsulated wires pass through the collar supporting the light strings.

Abstract: The electric lamp for series arrangement comprises at least one current-supply wire of nickel wire, copper wire or copper cladded wire. A shortcircuit switch is provided, which consists of a vitreous mass, in which copper powder is dispersed and which is fused with the current-supply wires, and of an oxide skin, which is present on the said current-supply wire at the sealing-in area in the mass. The vitreous mass is electrically conducting. An electrical connection between the current-supply wires is not obtained, however, until the filament burns through and the oxide skin breaks down due to the overvoltage then occurring.

Abstract: A flasher bulb and method of making same by mass production techniques are disclosed. The flasher bulb has first and second nickel wires connected by a tungsten wire to form a loop and a bimetallic strip one end of which is connected to one of the nickel wires, the strip being bent towards the other nickel wire. When the strip is heated by passage of current through the tungsten wire, it makes contact with the other nickel wire to take the tungsten wire out of circuit but retain current flow through the nickel wires. Accordingly in a string of flasher bulbs, extinction of one bulb will not necessary cut off current to the others. The conductive wires and bimetallic strip are assembled in position in a mold and held in place by an insulating disk.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved decorative light set with clusters of light bulbs, an electric circuit and a d.c. power source for actuating the bulbs of clusters of the light bulbs and the electric circuit, wherein the circuit has two oscillators for producing pulses, a comparator for comparing the pulses of the two oscillators, a decoder actuated by the comparator. Random output signals are output by the decoding means for lighting the bulbs randomly as if the light set is sparkling and twinkling without using a long extending wire from a power source.

Abstract: A decorative device is disclosed which includes a motor, music module or other electrical loads and electrical circuitry and a connector for connection to a selected socket of a string of conventional sockets for connection to an A.C. line. The connector includes an elongated flexible cable and is constructed to permit ready installation and positioning. Lamps may be provided in the device. The electrical circuit includes a bridge rectifier and Zener diodes connected to insure continuous energization of lamps of the string while protecting against excessive voltages and minimizing safety hazards.

Abstract: A light string system is provided having a plurality of mono-color or bi-color light-emitting diodes electrically connected thereto. Each light-emitting diode has a generally elongated, hollow envelope mounted thereover, and the envelope is substantially filled with light-conducting optical spheres or even fragments. The envelope may be additionally filled with light-conducting epoxy, light-conducting liquid or light-conducting gas and sealed for improved light transmission and dispersion characteristics. The light-emitting diodes may include an improved base with light-emitting diode leads disposed approximately perpendicular to the axis of the envelope for bulb stability and for enabling the bulb to stand upright on the branches. Both the envelope and the optical spheres include light-conducting glass or plastic material. The spheres may be either hollow or spherical and may be of a uniform or a mixed size.

Abstract: A decorative lighting string set assembly comprising a plug, an overcurrent protective device and a plurality of bulbs in series or parallel connection, one terminal of the overcurrent protective device is connected to the plug with larger conductors and the other is connected to bulbs with smaller conductors for input of power. The overcurrent protective device may be a stationary or a replaceable structure.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an assembled fuse lampholder of light set which consists of a fuse seat, a cylindrical sleeve and a plastic lampholder (soft head) and is characterized by achieving the protection of bulb and circuit thereof through the protective device of over current formed by the fuse seat and by putting it into practice in a very easy, convenient and safe manner.

Abstract: A fuse protects a decorative string set of series-connected miniature incandescent lamps from current overload. The fuse comprises a fuse body insertable into a compartment of a fuse socket wherein electrical contacts are located. A fuse wire which is supported on the body includes a central wire portion mounted in a bore of the body, a pair of intermediate wire portions extending through passageways formed in the body, and a pair of exposed end wire portions bent rearwardly to engage the outer surface of the body. A keying stud and recess are respectively formed on the socket and body to reliably establish an electro-mechanical connection between the exposed end wire portions and the contacts upon insertion of the body into the socket. A fuse plug is inserted into the bore to thereby enclose the central wire portion.

Abstract: A decorative device is disclosed which includes 9 .Iadd.an electromechanical device, .Iaddend.music module or .[.other electrical loads.]. .Iadd.combinations of such devices .Iaddend. and electrical circuitry and a connector for connection to a selected socket of a string of conventional sockets for connection to an A.C. line. The connector includes an elongated flexible cable and is constructed to permit ready installation and positioning. Lamps may be provided in the device. The electrical circuit .Iadd.optionally .Iaddend.includes a bridge rectifier and Zener diodes connected to insure continuous energization of lamps of the string while protecting against excessive voltages and minimizing safety hazards.