Abstract: Various embodiments include a dimmer for controlling the power consumption of a connectable load. The dimmer includes: two parallel-connected, electrically isolated dimmer channels with control devices; a main control device for the channels; a communication link from the main control device to the channel control devices; and a communication link transmitting information from a first dimmer channel to a second dimmer channel. At least one of the two dimmer channels comprises a measurement device generating information about behavior of the electricity at a location in the measurement dimmer channel. The communication link transmits that information. Starting from the measurement dimmer channel, a channel communication link leads in each case from one dimmer channel to the next dimmer channel. The dimmer determines whether respective times of respective zero crossings of a sinusoidal AC voltage applied to the respective dimmer channel are substantially synchronous.

Abstract: A monitor, including a first wiring terminal group, a second wiring terminal group, and a grounding terminal, where the first wiring terminal group includes a first wiring terminal and a second wiring terminal, the first wiring terminal is configured to couple to a conducting wire of a cable, and the second wiring terminal is configured to couple to one end of a primary coil of an isolation transformer, the second wiring terminal group includes a third wiring terminal and a fourth wiring terminal, the third wiring terminal is configured to couple to the conducting wire of the cable, and the fourth wiring terminal is configured to couple to the other end of the primary coil of the isolation transformer, and the grounding terminal is configured to couple to a grounding medium of the cable.

Abstract: A system for regulating the output of a high-voltage, high-power DC supply, the system includes a high-voltage DC power supply, a storage capacitor, and at least one non-dissipative regulator having an output voltage range less than an output voltage range of the high-voltage DC power supply. The regulator includes an internal storage capacitance and a control circuit configured to maintain a desired high-voltage output on a load.

Abstract: A power supply to an LED-based street or area light is operated to provide a dimming control signal, which is in turn processed by a circuit to produce 0-10 V DC, pulse width modulated (PWM) signals, or any other suitable signal that can variably control LEDs within the light. The on/off power interruptions could be provided, for example, from a photoelectric control, a timer circuit, or a pre-programmed or manually controlled timer/contactor. The signal to the on/off device could also or instead be initiated by an RF or power line carrier signal to cause the power interruptions.

Abstract: A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch) is operable to control the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load (such as, a high-efficiency lighting load) and has substantially no minimum load requirement. The load control device includes a bidirectional semiconductor switch (such as thyristor), which may be operable to remain conductive independent of the magnitude of a load current conducted through the thyristor and to conduct the load current to and from the load during a single half-cycle. The dimmer switch comprises a power supply that conducts a charging current through the load in order to generate a supply voltage. The dimmer switch comprises a control circuit that controls a gate coupling circuit for rendering the thyristor conductive each half-cycle. The control circuit may provide a constant gate drive to the thyristor after the thyristor is rendered conductive each half-cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluorescent light fixture assembly including a ballast and a novel lighting element that includes an array of LEDs and at least one converter module that enables the existing ballast providing an AC power input to supply DC power to the LED array. The lighting element includes a body that contains the LED array and the converter modules and shares the configuration of the lighting element that is to be retrofitted. The lighting element receives power from the pre-existing ballast, wherein the converter module provides a constant current source to power the LED array. Thus, the lighting element, including the converter module, replaces the conventional fluorescent light tube in a cost-effective retrofit manner with the existing ballast.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) driving system drives a plurality of LED strings. A plurality of current sources are respectively connected to the plurality of LED strings. A multi-phase control signal generator generates a plurality of multi-phase control signals that respectively maintain turn on or turn off states of the current sources so as to selectively conduct the corresponding LED strings.

Abstract: An LED lighting system is provided for connection to a variable power source providing input power, the LED lighting system having at least one power analyzing and processing circuitry connecting to the variable power source, and being configured to identify one or more characteristics of the input power, where the characteristics are selected from amplitude, frequency and pulse width of the input power, compare one or more of the characteristics of the input power to preset control criteria either in hardware or software or both to yield a comparison result, and then control the current control circuitry according to the comparison result.

Abstract: A detector circuit for actuating at least one fluorescent lamp may be configured such that the actuation of at least one fluorescent lamp occurs as a function of a first signal at a first input and as a function of a second signal at a second input if the first signal and the second signal are each greater than a first prescribed voltage and less than a second prescribed voltage during a start-up phase.

Abstract: A power converter that receives a plurality of direct current (DC) powers, which are received in different modes and have a common ground and substantially the same potential, and operates a plurality of loads, wherein the power converter operates the respective loads according to input states of the plurality of DC powers and supplies the plurality of loads with power via at least a common switch element or a common coil.

Abstract: A current regulating circuit is for connection in series between a light emitting diode (LED) and a power source, and includes: a first resistive unit having a first resistance that is proportional to an operation temperature of the LED when the operation temperature is above a predetermined threshold temperature; and a second resistive unit connected in series with said first resistive unit, and having a second resistance that is inversely proportional to the operation temperature of the LED when the operation temperature is above the predetermined threshold temperature. When the operation temperature of the LED is above the predetermined threshold temperature, an effective resistance of said current regulating circuit attributed to said first and second resistive units is proportional to the operation temperature of the LED, and absolute value of a rate of change of the first resistance is larger than that of the second resistance.

Abstract: A system and method modify phase delays of a periodic, phase modulated mains voltage to generate at least two independent items of information during each cycle of the periodic input signal. The independent items of information can be generated by, for example, independently modifying leading edge and trailing edge phase delays of each half cycle phase modulated mains voltage. Modifying phase delays for the leading and trailing edges of each half cycle of the phase modulated mains voltage can generate up to four independent items of data. The items of data can be converted into independent control signals to, for example, control drive currents to respective output devices such as light sources to provide multiple items of information per cycle.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of a lighting unit comprising a plurality of lighting elements and a dimmable power supply unit with an output for adjusting the brightness of at least some of the lighting elements. The method provides that for at least one dimmer setting at least one real electrical parameter is measured, as a function of the absorption of the lighting elements and that the measured electrical parameter is compared with at least one previously-stored theoretical value.

Abstract: An emission driver may include a first signal processor adapted to receive a clock signal, an input signal and an inverse input signal, and generate a first output signal, a second signal processor adapted to receive the first output signal, an inverse clock signal and negative feedback signals, and generate a second output signal, a third signal processor adapted to receive the second output signal and the input signal, and generate a third output signal that is an inverse of the second output signal based on the input signal, a fourth signal processor adapted to receive the second output signal, and generate a fourth output signal based on the second output signal, the fourth output signal being an inverse signal of the third output signal, and a fifth signal processor adapted to receive the fourth output signal and output a fifth output signal based on a stored predetermined voltage.

Abstract: A method for driving a light emitting diode (LED), which is operated at a prescribed constant driving voltage and a prescribed constant driving current such that the prescribed power consumption of the LED in a prescribed unit of time is the prescribed constant driving voltage times the prescribed constant driving current, comprises the step of supplying the LED with a driving pulse signal at a cycle equal to the prescribed unit of time, the driving pulse signal having a peak value equal to n times of current value of the prescribed constant driving current and a high voltage level duration of T/n?, wherein T is the prescribed unit of time, n and n? both are positive integer excluding 0 and 1, and n/n??1, thereby the intensity of the light emitted from the LED can be increased by n times while the power consumption is kept unchanged.

Abstract: A flash light emitting device that irradiates flash light to a work piece, comprises a first flash light discharge lamp and a second flash light discharge lamp. In the flash light emitting device, a time width of a second flash light discharge lamp current is shorter than a time width of a first flash light discharge lamp current, and the second flash light discharge lamp current is inputted into the second flash light discharge lamp after the first flash light discharge lamp current is inputted into the first flash light discharge lamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp driving apparatus of a liquid crystal display capable of simplifying a structure of the liquid crystal display and in addition preventing a leakage current of the lamp driving apparatus. The lamp driving apparatus of the liquid crystal display comprises: a plurality of lamps; and an inverter block having a plurality of inverters that supply a drive current to the lamps wherein adjacent lamps have a different phase from one another.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a TFT display with low loss construction of power supply to be used in a monitor. The invention includes two independent transformer rectifier circuits, thus when the monitor is in its power-saving mode, it requires only one transformer rectifier circuit to provide the required voltage in the power-saving mode. When the user wishes to restore the monitor to its normal mode, the two transformer rectifier circuits will be turned on simultaneously to reduce the power consumed in the power-saving mode. Thus, the purpose of saving power can be attained.

Abstract: A dimmer circuit arrangement is disclosed including a second control circuit (40) for controlling the operation of a triac (50) for delivering current to a load (60), and a first control circuit (10) for controlling the operation of an IGBT power semiconductor switch (20) for controlling the rate of rise of load voltage. The first control circuit also controls the operation of the second control circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp driving apparatus of a liquid crystal display capable of simplifying a structure of the liquid crystal display and in addition preventing a leakage current of the lamp driving apparatus. The lamp driving apparatus of the liquid crystal display comprises a plurality of lamps, and an inverter block having a plurality of inverters that supply a drive current to the lamps wherein adjacent lamps have a different phase from one another.

Abstract: A lamp driving system that includes a first impedance and a second impedance coupled to the secondary side of a transformer, where the second impedance has a phase shifted value compared to the first impedance. Two lamp loads are connected in series together, and in parallel to the first and second impedances and to the transformer. The phase shift between the impedances ensures that the transformer need not supply double the striking voltage to strike the series-connected lamps. A difference in the resistance between the first and second impedances ensures that the lamps ignite in a specified sequence.

Abstract: A dimmer panel for controlling the intensity of a plurality of electric light sources includes a plurality of dimming circuits. Each dimming circuit has a control circuit, a heat producing controllably conductive power switch such as a triac, and a heat producing coil such as a choke. The power switches and coils are arranged on a corrugated heat sink to minimize component temperatures in the dimming control circuit and of the power switches. The heat producing coils are remotely located from the control circuit and the power switches, so that the heat generated by the coils does not increase the temperature of the components in the control circuit or of the power switches.

Abstract: A kickstart system and method for operating gas discharge lamps is disclosed wherein the amplitude and frequency of the starting voltage are raised for a predetermined period of time to ionize the gas within the lamp and thereafter reduced to steady state operating levels.

Abstract: A plug-in dimmer module for providing controlled power to one or more lighting fixtures or groups of fixtures. The dimmer module includes a housing with one or more circuit breakers located at one end, a power device with one or more dimmer circuits located at an opposite end, and one or more toroidal chokes located in a middle section. The power device includes built-in contacts for output power to the lighting fixture(s) and for control and sensor signals, and the dimmer module is adapted to plug directly into a slot in a rack, to engage the contacts. The components of the dimmer module are laid out efficiently within the housing, with minimal wastage of space and without the need for extraneous electrical conductors.

Abstract: A dimming control circuit for a plurality of lighting fixtures includes a separate semiconductor power switch, e.g., a silicon-controlled rectifier or SCR, for providing controlled amounts of pulsed, unidirectional electrical current to each lighting fixture. In one embodiment, a pair of SCRs, arranged in parallel, opposed relationship, are controllably pulsed to produce an alternating sequence of positive and negative electrical current pulses, of independently-controlled duration, and oppositely-conducting diodes then connect these SCRs to two separate lighting fixture. One such lighting fixture thus receives the positive current pulses, and the other such lighting fixture thus receives the negative current pulses. In an alternative embodiment, each lighting fixture receives pulsed, unidirectional current directly from a separate, independently-controlled SCR.

Abstract: A compensation circuit includes a circuit for monitoring the current delivered to a load and for producing a switching signal whenever a current spike is detected. A control signal representative of the desired voltage across the load is produced. A power supply supplies voltage to the load in response to the control signal. The circuit for generating the control signal is responsive to the switching signal for adjusting the control signal such that when a current spike is detected the voltage delivered to the load is substantially instantaneously reduced.

Abstract: A dimming system for fluorescent tubes wherein counter electromotive forces generated during switch off of the tubes are used to maintain filaments of the fluorescent tubes heated during switch off periods of the tube, the dimming system having source terminals for connection to a source of power, the power having zero phases, load terminals for connection to the fluorescent tubes, a switch connected to the source terminals and to the load terminals for controlling the supply of power to the load terminals, a zero phase firing circuit connected to the switch for energizing the switch to supply power to the load terminals at the zero phases, a phase turn off circuit connected to the switch for deenergizing the switch to switch off power to the load terminals at phases of the power other than the zero phases, and a switch off filament heating control circuit connected to the switch for converting counter electromotive forces generated at switch off of the tube into power for supply to the filaments during switc

Abstract: The invention is directed to a circuit and a method for efficiently controlling the output illumination level of a gas discharge lighting arrangement having four or more gas discharge lamps with multiple ballasts. Load side control of each ballast is provided by a timed interval controlled impedance, serially coupled between the particular ballast and its associated lamps. A circulating inductor, coupled in parallel with each controlled impedance, provides a current path between the power source and the lamps at least during that portion of the AC waveform when the controlled impedances are non-conducting. The invention is equally operable at both 120 volt and 277 volt AC levels without major component changes.

Abstract: An apparatus especially adapted for use in AC power systems of the type having a device for reducing power consumption by reducing load voltage, the apparatus having a sensor for detecting an increase in load current and for controlling a responsive increase in load voltage to compensate for the added load causing the increase in current. The apparatus can be used in three-phase AC systems for controlling each phase independently and can be made sufficiently sensitive to operate in a 28,000 Watt fluorescent light load while responding to as little as 400 Watt load additions to assure quick and efficient ignition of newly turned-on lights. A digital memory device, in the form of a state machine in the preferred embodiment, is used to control operation and timing for one to three phases while permitting low line voltage override and periodic timing override operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an array of simulated candles, utilizing light bulbs, which allows the user to turn on any selected light bulb merely by pointing a wand close to the light bulb to be turned on. Once turned on the light bulbs are caused to flicker in a manner which simulates very realistically the flickering of candle flames, including the increase and decrease of the illumination of all of the light bulbs (or selected groups of light bulbs if desired) which are observable in an array of candles during random breezes encountered by the candles in a room.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a circuit and a method for efficiently controlling the output illumination level of a gas discharge lighting arrangement having four or more gas discharge lamps with multiple ballasts. Load side control of each ballast is provided by a timed interval controlled impedance, serially coupled between the particular ballast and its associated lamps. A circulating inductor, coupled in parallel with each controlled impedance, provides a current path between the power source and the lamps at least during that portion of the AC waveform when the controlled impedances are non-conducting. The invention is equally operable at both 120 volt and 277 volt AC levels without major component changes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a circuit for shifting a control signal from governance by one variable function to governance by another. It is more particularly concerned with a phase-controlled ballast wherein such a circuit shifts the control from a function of lamp current to a function of line voltage for better overall performance and economy.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for digital brightness control of lamps or groups of lamps in control channels particularly for use in planetarium illumination comprising in each control channel a programmable counter, a bistable flip-flop, and a power control stage. Each control channel is connected to a mains synchronizing stage and to a pulse generator. The control channel produces a mains synchronous pulse sequence frequency the pulse width repitition ratio of which depends on the selected division ratio of the programmable counter. The inventional solution offers a simple digital and controllable circuit arrangement for control of thyristors or triacs or transistors which, in turn, control the brightness of lamps or lamp groups.

Abstract: An electronic ballast circuit for powering a plurality of fluorescent lamps or the like from an unsmoothed DC voltage source includes a sine wave converter operatively connected to receive said DC voltage, for generating a high frequency alternating voltage of sufficient amplitude to power said lamps. The converter comprises a tank circuit and two push-pull transistors connected thereto and a current source capacitively coupled to said tank circuit for providing base drive alternately to each transistor. A lamp filament heater current cancellation circuit reduces power drain once the lamps have turned on.

Abstract: A main control device comprises a plurality of lighting-control signal generators for generating lighting-control signals whose contents can be analogously varied, and a keyboard for specifying the contents of mode signals corresponding to those of the lighting-control signals. The lighting-control signals are supplied to the terminal control devices through a signal line. Mode signals and address signals are supplied to the terminal control devices through the signal lines. A terminal control device selected by the address signal selects a lighting-control signal corresponding to a mode signal. The selected lighting-control signal controls the lighting of a lighting load by phase control.

Abstract: A network for the development of a square wave in a first time period as set by the timing occurrence of a first voltage to a predetermined threshold level and another network for the development of a square wave in a second time period as set by the timing occurrence of a second voltage to a predetermined threshold level. One square wave is chopped at a high frequency rate and the second square wave is chopped at the same high frequency rate, but by a chopping signal which is polarity inverted in phase from the first chopping signal. One of the chopped signals is polarity inverted before being combined with the other chopped signal to form a composite voltage. Separate lamp control networks can select between the two chopped signals to control dimming networks. The two chopped signals can overlap in time occurrence without interfering with the operation of each other.

Abstract: An improved solid state electronic dimmer circuit for controlling the intensity of large electric lamps, such as theater and television lamps, in response to a low power DC control signal. The transfer characteristic of the circuit is determined by the properties of a generated precision waveform having a predetermined shape and amplitude and a fixed phase relationship to the power line voltage which, in conjunction with the DC control signal, determines the effective voltage at the output of a dimmer unit. The same precision waveform may be used to control a plurality of dimmer channels, thereby making possible precise matching of performance of all commonly controlled channels, and effecting significant savings in the cost of manufacture.

Abstract: A timer-stepper, which is particularly applicable to light chasers for producing a special "ripple" lighting effect and increasing bulb and logic circuit component lives, having photoncoupler phase-shifting networks in the gate circuits of switching triacs for "softness" during switching and for isolating the logic of said timer-stepper from A.C. line or switching transients.