Current And/or Voltage Regulation Patents (Class 315/291)
  • Patent number: 9538618
    Abstract: A two-way load control system comprises a power device, such as a load control device for controlling an electrical load receiving power from an AC power source, and a controller adapted to be coupled in series between the source and the power device. The load control system may be installed without requiring any additional wires to be run, and is easily configured without the need for a computer or an advanced commissioning procedure. The power device receives both power and communication over two wires. The controller generates a phase-control voltage and transmits a forward digital message to the power device by encoding digital information in timing edges of the phase-control voltage. The power device transmits a reverse digital message to the controller via the power wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: Mark S. Taipale, Timothy P. Gredler, Akshay Bhat
  • Patent number: 9538627
    Abstract: A light source drive device includes a supply unit that supplies a high-frequency first drive signal and a second drive signal whose frequency is lower than a frequency of the first drive signal to a discharge lamp which has a pair of electrodes, and a control unit that controls the supply unit so that the first drive signal and the second drive signal of fixed durations are alternately supplied and that controls the supply unit so that the first drive signal is supplied in a case where a voltage between the pair of electrodes is below a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9532415
    Abstract: A system and method includes a controller that is configured to coordinate (i) a low impedance path for a dimmer current, (ii) attaching a dimmer to a power converter system at the leading edge of a phase-cut, rectified input voltage, (iii), control of switch mode power conversion, and (iv) an inactive state to, for example, reduce the dimmer current while allowing a dimmer to function normally from cycle to cycle of an alternating current (AC) supply voltage. In at least one embodiment, the dimmer functions normally when the dimmer conducts at a correct phase angle indicated by a dimmer input setting and avoids prematurely resetting while conducting. In at least one embodiment, by coordinating functions (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) the controller controls a power converter system that is compatible with a triac-based dimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Philips Lighting Hiolding B.V.
    Inventors: Eric J. King, John L. Melanson
  • Patent number: 9532429
    Abstract: Operating device for a luminous element (42), wherein the operating device (50) has a primary side (61) and a secondary side (62) and comprises a radio interference suppression element (59), the radio interference suppression element (59) being arranged between the primary side and the secondary side (62), and a filter (73) for suppressing interference, coupled to the radio interference suppression element (59).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Tridonic GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Oliver Wynnyczenko
  • Patent number: 9532411
    Abstract: More efficient full spectrum lighting technology provides new lighting possibilities. A system that implements full spectrum lighting technology includes a lighting fixture that includes one or more light sources, in which the lighting fixture spectrally varies a light output of the one or more light sources in response to an electronic output signal. The system further includes a light sensor that monitors an output light spectrum provided by the one or more light sources. The system also includes an application controller that determines whether the output light spectrum from the one or more light sources follows a program. The application controller generates an electronic output signal to spectrally vary the light output of the one or more light sources in order to follow the program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: iUNU, LLC
    Inventors: Travis Anthony Conrad, Adam Phillip Takla Greenberg, Kyle Terrence James Rooney
  • Patent number: 9530379
    Abstract: A display device including an e-paper device and a power converter is provided. The e-paper device displays information. The power converter generates a plurality of output voltages respectively at a plurality of output terminals and provides the plurality of output voltages to the e-paper device. The power converter includes a transformer and a plurality of diodes. The transformer has a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings. The diodes are electrically connected between the secondary windings and the output terminals for generating the output voltages, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ming-Chih Chiu, Wen-Bin Liu, Ron Hsu
  • Patent number: 9526149
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an object—sensing lighting network and an intelligent control system therefore. The control system dynamically determines the at least one lighting fixture's relationship to a plurality of other lighting fixtures. The light output level of a light source of the at least one lighting fixture is based at least partially on the at least one lighting fixture's relationship to the other lighting fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Erik Nieuwlands
  • Patent number: 9524691
    Abstract: Output stage circuit is added to the gate driving circuit of the LCD. The output stage circuit moderates the falling slope of the gate driving signal so as to reduce the feed-through phenomenon. The output stage circuit includes a discharge unit, coupled to a gate line of the gate driving circuit for discharging the gate line to a first supply voltage; a first charge unit, coupled to the gate line of the gate driving circuit for charging the gate line with a second supply voltage; a second charge unit, coupled to the gate line of the gate driving circuit for charging the gate line with the second supply voltage; and a control circuit for controlling the first and the second charge units, and the discharge unit according to a timing controller of the LCD; wherein the control circuit sequentially turns on the first and the second charge units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: NOVATEK Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Po-Ching Li, Chao-Chih Hsiao
  • Patent number: 9520742
    Abstract: System and method for monitoring electrical devices such as luminaires, including ballast and/or battery powered lighting components, for variety of fault conditions from central location utilize monitoring unit that interfaces with host lighting fixture or luminaire to allow status of host to be remotely monitored. Monitoring unit can interface with host in fully galvanically isolated manner using current transformers allowing host lighting fixture to be monitored in the least intrusive manner. Monitoring unit can be seamlessly fitted to new luminaires or existing luminaires. Current transformer interface has minimal effect on host ballast functionality and operation. Monitoring system may include a plurality of monitoring units multi-dropped on a single field bus network or in a power line communication. Power for monitoring unit can be derived from field bus network or power line. Operating parameters and addressing information of monitoring unit may be configured via interface using laptop or PC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Philip Gregory Brown, Alec M. Mercer, Jeff T. Reid
  • Patent number: 9521725
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for lighting systems, including high output lighting systems for various environments. The lighting systems include a lighting controller for driving lighting modules and transmitting a data signal to the lighting modules. The data signal varies between logical states. The lighting controller provides a low loss rectified power signal. The lighting controller further provides data within the power signal by forming a positive polarity rectified power waveform corresponding to data in a first state and a negative polarity rectified waveform signal corresponding to data in a second state using substantially loss-less circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: HUNTER INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Peter John Woytowitz
  • Patent number: 9520799
    Abstract: An energy efficient apparatus includes a switching device, a frequency dependent reactive device, and a control element is provided. The switching device is coupled to a source of electrical power and includes a pair of transistors and is adapted to receive a control signal and to produce an alternating current power signal. The frequency of the alternating current power signal is responsive to the control signal. The frequency dependent reactive device is electrically coupled to the pair of transistors for receiving the alternating current power signal and producing an output power signal. The frequency dependent reactive device is chosen to achieve a desired voltage of the output power signal relative to the frequency of the alternating current power signal. The control element senses an actual voltage of the direct current power signal and modifies the control signal delivered to achieve the desired voltage of the direct current power signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: ADVANCED CHARGING TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: W. J. “Jim” Weaver, Jr., Michael H. Freeman, Mitchael C. Freeman, Robert Dieter, Brian Santee
  • Patent number: 9521721
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an illumination device including a number of LEDs and a processor for receiving an input signal and generating an activation signal for at least one of the LEDs based on the input signal. The illumination device further comprises an LED driver for obtaining the voltage across and current through the LED. The processor may generate the activation signal based on the voltage, the current and a current-voltage model related to the LED. The current-voltage model defines a relationship between the current, the voltage and the colorimetric properties of light emitted by the LED. The present invention relates also to a method of controlling and a method of calibrating such an illumination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: MARTIN PROFESSIONAL A/S
    Inventor: Szymon Beczkowski
  • Patent number: 9521715
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a circuit that includes a detector and a controller. The detector is configured to detect a firing start by a triode for alternating current (TRIAC) in a power supply. The controller is configured to control a switch in connection with a magnetic component in response to the firing start to shape a profile of a current pulled from the power supply to satisfy a latch current requirement and a hold current requirement of the TRIAC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: Sehat Sutardja, Pantas Sutardja, Wanfeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 9520711
    Abstract: A driver circuit provides power from a power source to a load. The driver circuit includes a surge protector, an input stage (e.g., full wave rectifier), a controller and an output stage (e.g., a half bridge inverter). The input stage receives power from the power source and provides a direct current (DC) power rail. The controller operates the output stage to provide power from the DC power rail to the load. The controller includes an overvoltage sensing module that shuts down the output stage when the DC power rail exceeds a predetermined voltage. Ceasing operation of the output stage protects the output stage from damage while the DC power rail is above the predetermined voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Wei Xiong
  • Patent number: 9514690
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel that is divided into a first display surface and a second display surface including data lines and gate lines, a first data driving circuit configured to drive data lines of the first display surface, a second data driving circuit configured to drive data lines of the second display surface, a gate driving circuit configured to sequentially supply a gate pulse for scanning the first display surface to gate lines of the first display surface and sequentially supply a gate pulse for scanning the second display surface to gate lines of the second display surface, a timing controller configured to divide a unit frame period into a first sub-frame period and a second sub-frame period, a backlight unit configured to provide light to the liquid crystal display panel wherein the backlight unit includes a plurality of light sources, and a light source driving circuit configured to turn off all the plurality of light sources during the first sub-frame per
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sunyoung Kim, Kiduk Kim, Sunhwa Lee, Byounggwan Lee
  • Patent number: 9516716
    Abstract: The purposes of the devices described herein are to provide an LED lighting device capable of efficiently and economically emitting light having a selectable color temperature or a warm-on-dim feature when driven with AC power and to provide LED lighting devices which have an improved power factor and a reduced total harmonic distortion when powered with AC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: LYNK LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Miskin, Robert L. Kottritsch
  • Patent number: 9516707
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an LED lighting apparatus. The LED lighting apparatus includes a converter for transforming rectified voltage in accordance with a switching operation according to a driving pulse and outputting the transformed voltage, a current regulator for generating the driving pulse having a pulse width varied in response to a control signal and the amount of current of the converter and switching the operation of the converter using the generated driving pulse, and a peripheral circuit module for providing the control signal for controlling the dimming of an LED lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SILICON WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yong Geun Kim, Sang Young Lee, Gyeong Sik Mun, Ki Chul An
  • Patent number: 9510416
    Abstract: An illumination device and method is provided herein for controlling an LED illumination device, so that a desired luminous flux and a desired chromaticity of the device can be maintained over time as the LEDs age. According to one embodiment, the method determines an expected wavelength value and an expected intensity value for each emission LED included within the illumination device at the drive current currently applied to the emission LED and the present emitter forward voltage. In addition, the method determines a photodetector responsivity for each emission LED at the expected wavelength value and the present photodetector forward voltage. The photodetector responsivity calculated for each emission LED is used as a reference for adjusting the lumen output of the emission LED to account for LED aging affects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ketra, Inc.
    Inventors: Alcides Jose Dias, Jason E. Lewis
  • Patent number: 9509965
    Abstract: A discharge lamp driving device includes: a discharge lamp driving unit which supplies drive power to a discharge lamp; and a control unit which controls the discharge lamp driving unit. The control unit is configured to execute a first driving in which first drive power is supplied to the discharge lamp and a second driving in which second drive power that is equal to or higher than the first drive power and equal to or lower than rated power of the discharge lamp is supplied to the discharge lamp. The control unit executes the second driving in a launching period of the discharge lamp, and adjusts a heat load applied to the discharge lamp in the second driving executed in the launching period, according to a degree of deterioration of the discharge lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoichi Nakagomi, Junichi Suzuki, Tetsuo Terashima
  • Patent number: 9509211
    Abstract: A bridgeless power factor improvement converter is configured with input terminals to which an AC voltage is input, output terminals from which a DC voltage is output, diodes, first and second switches, first and second coils, a pair of series diodes, and a control circuit. When one input terminal has a positive potential relative to the other input terminal, the control circuit performs a switching operation for only the first switch. When the one input terminal has a negative potential relative to the other input terminal, the control circuit performs the switching operation for only the second switch. A capacitor, which is provided independently from the pair of series diodes, is connected to at least one of the pair of series diodes in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Masahito Shoyama, Kewei Shi
  • Patent number: 9510418
    Abstract: A dimmer circuit (100) and a dimming method for an event based integrated driver system for a light emitting diode lighting application is disclosed. Dimmer circuit (100) includes a front end module for receiving an external dimming input in an analog domain, a digital domain or software domain and for operating a dimming output; an event generator for generating a plurality of events in a prioritized manner to trigger a respective response through front end module; and a firmware module configured for storing instructions for processing the plurality of events in the prioritized manner and for processing each response to implement a functionality in dimming output, where front end module, event generator and firmware module communicate with each other to generate dimming output of the one or more LEDs, and the dimming output has at least one of a linear profile, a non linear profile, a custom profile or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: XSI Semiconductors Private Ltd.
    Inventors: Hrishikesh Bhagwat, Krishnadas Bhagwat, Rajesh Swaminathan, Somnath Samantha, Abhisek Khare
  • Patent number: 9510400
    Abstract: An LED-based replacement light includes a plurality of LEDs, an LED controller for operating the LEDs, a user input interface in communication with the LED controller, a housing for the LEDs, the LED controller and the user input interface, and a connector disposed at an end of the housing and shaped for connection with a light socket. The LED controller establishes different operating states for the LEDs that include only a limited number of discrete ON states. The user input interface is configured to receive user input, and in response to the user input, activate the LED controller to operate the LEDs according to one of the different operating states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: iLumisys, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Scapa, David L. Simon, John Ivey, James M. Amrine, Jr., Brian Nickol
  • Patent number: 9510426
    Abstract: An ambient light sensor measures an ambient light level at one point in an illuminated environment, such as a warehouse, office, shop, cold-storage facility, or industrial facility, and provides an indication of the measured ambient light level to a processor. The processor maps the measured ambient light level to an estimated ambient light level at a different point in the illuminated environment from the measured ambient light level (e.g., a “task height” about three feet from a warehouse floor). The processor may determine the difference between the estimated ambient light level and a desired light level at the task height, and may change the artificial illumination provided by a light fixture to make the actual ambient light level at task height match the desired light level at the task height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Digital Lumens, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Chemel, John F. Egan, Scott D. Johnston, Steve T. Kondo, Jesse F. Kuhn, Matthew W. Massicotte, Frederick M. Morgan, Colin N. Piepgras, Henry B. Sick, Christopher L. Elledge
  • Patent number: 9510413
    Abstract: A solid state lighting apparatus can include a substrate having first and second opposing surfaces, where at least one of the opposing surfaces is configured to mount devices thereon. A string of chip-on-board light emitting diode (LED) sets, can be on the first surface of the substrate and coupled in series with one another. An ac voltage source input, from outside the solid state lighting apparatus, can be coupled to the first or second surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Praneet Jayant Athalye, Liqin Ni, Antony P. van de Ven, Robert D. Underwood
  • Patent number: 9504103
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for driving a multi-color solid state light source luminaire so as to maintain a color point as temperature varies within a given range. An array of solid state light sources includes two or more strings and is driven by a single constant current source. The array is topologically arranged to allow for control of the division of current between the strings of solid state light sources. In one such current-sharing scenario, the duty cycle of a switching control signal corresponds directly to the proportion of current that flows in one of two distinct strings of solid state light sources. Thermal feedback is used to control the duty cycle. In this way, the amount of current that flows in both strings may be adjusted as temperature changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventor: Kerry J. Denvir
  • Patent number: 9504115
    Abstract: Light source circuitry comprises a first group of one or more light emitting diodes operable to emit light of a first color, a second group of one or more light emitting diodes operable to emit light of a second color, and a third group of one or more light emitting diodes operable to emit light of a third color, wherein the first, second and third groups of light emitting diodes are arranged such that, when a fixed current arrives at the light source circuitry, the fixed current is shared between the first, second and third groups, and wherein the circuitry is configured such that a proportion of the fixed current that flows through each of the first and second groups is controllable in dependence on a received control signal and such that the remainder of the fixed current flows through the third group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Josephus Adrianus Maria Van Erp
  • Patent number: 9500321
    Abstract: An LED lighting assembly includes a plurality of light emitting didoes (LED) mounted on two or more printed circuit boards, a battery electrically connected to the LEDs, means for electrically connecting the LEDs to an external power source, and a switching system for selectively connecting the LEDs to the external power source of the battery in response to remotely generated. The printed circuit boards are secured to the mounting component of a conventional lighting fixture such that the LEDs are positioned to provide a light pattern similar to the conventional lighting fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Brian K. Morgan
  • Patent number: 9497823
    Abstract: A lighting device formed of a FIPEL panel driven by electrical connection. For example, a frequency generator can create a frequency that creates a light output having any frequency in the spectrum. The light emitting panel can be flexible, and can be coded along a curved surface, such as the inner surface of a light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Vizio, Inc
    Inventor: Matthew McRae
  • Patent number: 9497809
    Abstract: A light emitting diode system includes a first light emitting diode apparatus and a second light emitting diode apparatus. The first light emitting diode apparatus includes an alternating-current-to-direct-current and light-controlling unit, a plurality of first light emitting diode modules and a first connector. The second light emitting diode apparatus includes a second connector, a signal-converting unit and a plurality of second light emitting diode modules. The first light emitting diode apparatus outputs a drive direct current power and a light-controlling signal to the signal-converting unit through the first connector and the second connector. Therefore, the signal-converting unit is configured to control colors and intensities of the second light emitting diode modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: SEMISILICON TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventor: Wen-Chi Peng
  • Patent number: 9497828
    Abstract: A low-voltage power supply apparatus (900A) providing power to an neutral-less two-wire electronically controlled switch, including a first power supply (901) having a first DC bus (910+, 910?) electronically coupled to a rectifier bridge (906) and a first flyback converter (991). The rectifier bridge receives an AC signal from an AC source and provides a first DC voltage at the first DC bus, the first flyback converter receives the DC voltage and outputs a first low-voltage signal (Vout). A second power supply (905) having a second DC bus (909+, 909?) is electronically coupled to a controllable rectifier bridge (966) and a second flyback converter (971). The controllable rectifier bridge receives the AC signal from the AC source and provides a second DC voltage at the second DC bus. The second flyback converter receives the second DC voltage and outputs a second low-voltage signal (Vout).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Deepak Shivaram Shet
  • Patent number: 9497808
    Abstract: An LED drive circuit that is connectable to a phase control type of light adjuster and receives a voltage based on an a.c. voltage to drive an LED load, the LED drive circuit has a structure which includes: an adjustment signal generation portion that generates an adjustment signal in accordance with a characteristic of a phase control type of light adjuster which is connected to the LED drive circuit; and an adjustment portion that receives the adjustment signal to adjust a characteristic for driving the LED load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Murata, Atsushi Kanamori, Hirohisa Warita, Hideo Matsuda, Takayuki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9491827
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for lighting control. Presence of a lighting control element (110, 310, 312A-C, 510, 512, 610, 710, 915, 917) is identified over one or more LEDs (323, 327, 930) and at least one lighting control property of the lighting control element is identified. At least one property of light output of controlled light sources associated with the lighting control element is adjusted based on the lighting control property of the lighting control element. The lighting control element may be a user interface element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Dzmitry Viktorovich Aliakseyeu, Philip Steven Newton, Bartel Marinus Van De Sluis, Ramon Antoine Wiro Clout, Tatiana Aleksandrovna Lashina
  • Patent number: 9490711
    Abstract: A gate drive power supply (GDPS) system includes a voltage boost stage configured to boost an input voltage into a boost voltage and an inverter stage configured to invert the boost voltage into an AC voltage. The GDPS system further includes gate drive voltage supply circuits transformer coupled to the inverter stage to receive an AC output based on the AC voltage and configured to convert the AC output into DC supply voltages for gate drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Krzysztof Klesyk, Zhonghui Bing
  • Patent number: 9491816
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an LED tube for directly replacing an instant-start fluorescent tube, comprising a LED string module and a rectifying circuit used for current conversion, wherein the two input ends of the LED string module are connected with the two output ends of the rectifying circuit; the LED tube further comprises a high voltage absorption circuit, wherein the high voltage absorption circuit is used for preventing the impact on the LEDs caused by high voltage when the tube is started, and tube input ends are connected with the two input ends of the rectifying circuit through the high voltage absorption circuit. The high voltage absorption circuit is used for absorbing high voltage output when the instant-start ballast is started, so as to effectively prevent the impact on the LEDs caused by the high voltage when the tube is started. The tube can be used to directly replace an instant-start fluorescent tube without any change of the original fluorescent tube circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Inventors: Chongbin Luo, Guangliang Chen
  • Patent number: 9485829
    Abstract: Disclosed are an alternating current rectifying circuit and an alternating current rectifying method for driving an LED module. By using the present invention, stability of an output voltage can be improved, and luminous efficiency of the LED module can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SICHUAN SUNFOR LIGHT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dongming Li, Zhengyong Feng, Wentao Long, Mian Yang
  • Patent number: 9480112
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a circuit that includes a detector and a controller. The detector is configured to detect a firing start by a triode for alternating current (TRIAC) in a power supply. The controller is configured to control a switch in connection with a magnetic component in response to the firing start to shape a profile of a current pulled from the power supply to satisfy a latch current requirement and a hold current requirement of the TRIAC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: Sehat Sutardja, Pantas Sutardja, Wanfeng Zhang
  • Patent number: 9480122
    Abstract: An optical sensor circuit comprises an optical sensor (DET) designed to provide a sensor signal indicative of light incident on the optical sensor (DET). A clock terminal (CLK) is used to receive a clocked control signal comprising high and low states. A controller unit (CU) is connected to the optical sensor (DET) and to the clock terminal (CLK). The controller unit (CU) is designed to process the sensor signal as a color signal (CTS) in a first mode if the clocked control signal is in high state, and process the sensor signal as an ambient light signal (ALS) in a second mode if the clocked control signal is in low state, and further designed to generate a driving signal (PWM) to drive a light emitting device (LED) to be connected at a control terminal (OUT). The driving signal (PWM) depends on the color and ambient light signal (CTS, ALS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: AMS AG
    Inventors: Curd Trattler, Peter Trattler
  • Patent number: 9480124
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a single-string light bar over power protection device and a light source driver circuit for a display. The over power protection device comprises: a voltage detection unit, with an input terminal being connected to a resistor in the circuit of a single-string light bar at both ends, for obtaining the voltage across the resistor; an integral unit, with an input terminal being connected to the output terminal of the voltage detection unit, for performing an integral transform on the voltage obtained; a comparison unit, which is connected to the output terminal of the integral unit, for comparing the voltage after the integral transform with a reference voltage determined by the system parameters, so as to output an effective over voltage signal when the voltage after the integral transform is higher than the reference voltage; and a latch unit connected to the comparison unit to lock the output standby signal according to the effective over voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xianming Zhang
  • Patent number: 9480115
    Abstract: Dynamic light emitting device (LED) lighting adjustment systems and related methods are disclosed. In one aspect, a method can receive, at an LED lighting fixture, a lighting adjustment signal corresponding to a target lighting level and determine a delta value that represents a difference between a current lighting level of the LED lighting fixture and the target lighting level and a step time value associated with the determined delta value. The method can further include adjusting the current lighting level of the LED lighting fixture to a new current lighting level for the duration of the step time value and repeating the determining and adjusting steps until the new current lighting level equals the target lighting level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Everett Bradford
  • Patent number: 9475425
    Abstract: A device and a method for controlling the electrical power supply of a plurality of light sources, preferably of light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. The plurality of light sources is divided into at least two groups of light sources. The invention is noteworthy in that it allows the use of a multiphase step-up voltage converter for all the groups of light sources, whereas the measurements of the input currents for each of the phases of the converter give a reliable indication of the level of power required by one of the groups being powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Sebastian Krick, Patrick Wacheux, Huy-Cuong Nguyen, Marc Duarte, Dominique Bodzianny, Olivier-Sebastien Lesaffre
  • Patent number: 9474115
    Abstract: A dimming circuit is disclosed herein. The dimming circuit includes a control voltage receiving module and a driving module. The control voltage receiving module is configured to output a reference voltage according to a control voltage. The driving module is electrically connected to the control voltage receiving module, in which the driving module includes a driving transistor, a first transistor and a feedback circuit. The driving transistor is configured to provide a driving current to drive a lighting module. The first transistor is configured to control the driving transistor with feedback according to the reference voltage. The feedback circuit is electrically connected between the driving transistor and the first transistor and configured to determine the operating state of the first transistor according to the driving current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: LEXTAR ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chun-Jong Chang, Po-Shen Chen, Jhao-Cyuan Huang, Chien-Nan Yeh
  • Patent number: 9471138
    Abstract: A switched mode power supply for converting an input voltage and comprising: a series arrangement of an inductor, a power switch and a control switch for controlling the power switch; a controller configured to control the control switch and having a supply terminal and a ground terminal; a capacitor coupled between the controller ground terminal and supply terminal and for providing power to the controller; a first current path arranged to provide charge to the capacitor only when the control switch is open and the power switch is closed; a connectable second current path arranged to draw current from the control terminal of the power switch thereby opening the power switch, and a connection switch configured to connect the second current path in response to a voltage across the capacitor exceeding a threshold voltage. A controller, lighting circuit and corresponding method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Joan Wichard Strijker
  • Patent number: 9474112
    Abstract: A dimmable LED reading light unit includes a dimming module and an LED module, connected in series. The dimming module has an input being connectable to a power supply supplying direct voltage and includes a potentiometer allowing section of a dimming rate and a current controller providing an operating current for the LED module. The LED module includes at least one LED and a current consumer connected in parallel and the current controller is configured to supply direct current to the LED module that substantially corresponds to the sum of the driving current necessary for driving the at least one LED to emit light with an intensity of illumination corresponding to the dimming rate of the potentiometer, and the current consumption of the current consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: GOODRICH LIGHTING SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventors: Robert Trinschek, Tomasz Kordecki, Frank Klein, Ralf Rehbein
  • Patent number: 9470962
    Abstract: A discharge lamp driving device includes: a direct-current power supply section (a power supply section) that controls a current of power to be supplied to a discharge lamp from input power, and outputs the current; a voltage detecting section that detects a lamp voltage (a drive voltage) of the discharge lamp; and a control section that controls a modulation factor of a lamp current (a drive current) on which amplitude modulation has been performed, the lamp current (the drive current) which is supplied to the discharge lamp from the direct-current power supply section (the power supply section), in accordance with the detected lamp voltage (drive voltage) of the discharge lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Keishi Kimura
  • Patent number: 9474116
    Abstract: An illumination device, system, and method are disclosed. The illumination system includes a first set of light sources and a second set of light sources, driven by a first driver and second driver, respectively. The system further includes a dimming control system that implemented dimming control logic. The dimming control logic coordinates the operation of the first and second drivers such that the first and second sets of light sources are activated and deactivated so as to achieve substantially constant color temperature during dimming operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Keat Chuan Ng, Choon Guan Ko, Kheng Leng Tan
  • Patent number: 9464886
    Abstract: A lighting system for a trailer is provided herein. The lighting system may include a hitch angle detection component disposed on the trailer. A light source is disposed on the vehicle. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on the hitch angle detection component and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source. The hitch angle detection component may further include a predetermined image pattern of a certain size and shape provided on the top surface thereof for capture by an imaging device and recognition by an image processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Erick Michael Lavoie, James J. Surman
  • Patent number: 9468069
    Abstract: A first sequence of pulses having a high frequency can be modulated using a second sequence of pulses having a lower frequency. The pulse width of the second sequence of pulses can be perturbed from a nominal pulse width on a per-pulse basis, within a perturbation range corresponding to the pulse period of the first sequence of pulses. In one application, the resulting output can be used to drive LEDs. In some instances, two or more channels of LEDs of different colors can be supported, with the pulse width of the first pulse sequence being selected per-channel based on a desired light color and the nominal pulse width of the second pulse sequence being selected for all channels based on a desired brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: LedEngin, Inc.
    Inventor: Kachun Lee
  • Patent number: 9462661
    Abstract: A method for providing light to a room that has a wall includes arranging in the room a light source having a light intensity control device, providing a model for light intensity simulating light conditions in a first period of a day, and operating the light intensity control device in accordance with the model so that light is provided to the room. Further, a system for providing illumination in a room that has a wall includes a light source having one or more individual light sources. The light source of the system also has a light controlling device for controlling intensity and/or direction of light and/or color of light emitted. The system further includes a controller device that controls the light controlling device in accordance with a simulation program simulating changes in daylight over a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Andre Melon Barroso, Robin Martijn Soudant
  • Patent number: 9460907
    Abstract: An induction RF fluorescent lamp comprising a dimming device load control facility enabling the induction RF fluorescent lamp to provide for electrical loads required for the proper operation of an external control dimming device, the dimming device load control facility controlling a switched electrical load switched in and out of connectivity within the electronic ballast to provide a load for the external dimming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Lucidity Lights, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Goscha, Victor D. Roberts, Thomas Farkas
  • Patent number: 9455243
    Abstract: A silicon interposer includes a silicon substrate having a front side and a rear side opposite to the front side; a first integrated circuit chip disposed in the front side of the silicon substrate; a second integrated circuit chip disposed in the front side of the silicon substrate and being in close proximity to the first integrated circuit chip; a dummy kerf region between the first integrated circuit chip and the second integrated circuit chip; and at least a circuit device disposed in the front side of the silicon substrate within the kerf region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: INOTERA MEMORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Shih-Fan Kuan, Neng-Tai Shih