Plural Regulators Patents (Class 315/299)
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Patent number: 7825610Abstract: Power management in a light emitting diode (LED) system having a plurality of LED strings is disclosed. A voltage source provides an output voltage to drive the LED strings. An LED driver monitors the tail voltages of the active LED strings to identify the minimum, or lowest, tail voltage and adjusts the output voltage of the voltage source based on the lowest tail voltage. The LED driver can adjust the output voltage so as to maintain the lowest tail voltage at or near a predetermined threshold voltage so as to ensure that the output voltage is sufficient to properly drive each active LED string with a regulated current in view of pulse width modulation (PWM) performance requirements without excessive power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Bin Zhao, Jack W. Cornish, Brian B. Horng, Victor K. Lee, Andrew M. Kameya
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Patent number: 7804482Abstract: A backlight module includes fluorescent lamps, an inverter for supplying power for the lamps, dimming circuits each connecting the lamp in series, a signal processor for converting a video signal into a dimming signal, and a control unit. The lamps are disposed as an array having more than two columns and two rows on a substrate. The control unit electrically connects the signal processor and the dimming circuit and changes the luminance of the lamps by adjusting the dimming circuit according to the dimming signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Au Optronics CorporationInventors: Ming-Chun Hsu, Fu-Tung Chen, Chien-Hung Chen, Hong-Jye Hong, Chih-Kang Wu
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Patent number: 7800316Abstract: A driver for driving a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is formed of a plurality of LED controllers connected in series between a power supply and a reference voltage. Each controller drives one or more LEDs directly connected to it. Each controller has a voltage input terminal coupled to an output terminal of an adjacent upstream controller, and an output terminal coupled to the voltage input terminal of an adjacent downstream controller. Each controller has a normally-on bypass switch coupled between its voltage input terminal and the voltage input terminal of the adjacent upstream controller. The bypass switch completely bypasses the adjacent upstream controller when the adjacent downstream controller detects that its input voltage is below a threshold insufficient to drive the LED in the adjacent upstream controller. The bypass switch is turned off if the voltage is above the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2008Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Micrel, Inc.Inventor: Eberhard Haug
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Patent number: 7780920Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring and controlling a sterilization system. Briefly described, the system can be implemented as follows. A current transformer is operatively associated with a source of power for a radiation source. A power meter is operatively associated with the source of power. The power meter is also operatively associated with the current transformer. The power meter is designed to monitor the source of power to confirm the radiation source provides a desired dosage.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Baxter International, Inc.Inventors: Bob Brafford, Alex Kapustyan
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Patent number: 7781984Abstract: System and method for processing analog voltage for cold-cathode fluorescent lamp. The system includes a voltage-to-current converter configured to receive an input analog voltage signal and generate a first current signal, and a current processing component configured to receive the first current signal and a predetermined current and generate a second current signal. Additionally, the system includes a current-to-voltage converter configured to receive the second current signal and generate an output analog voltage signal, and a dimming controller configured to receive the output analog voltage signal and generate a control signal for driving at least a cold-cathode fluorescent lamp. The voltage-to-current converter, the current processing component, and the current-to-voltage converter are configured to be biased between a first power supply voltage level and a second power supply voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: On-Bright Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jianfeng Huang, Liqiang Zhu, Zhen Zhu, Lieyi Fang
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Patent number: 7764025Abstract: A power supply apparatus has a series regulator for generating a predetermined power supply voltage from a DC voltage output from the rectifying circuit, and a capacitor bank of rectifying capacitors for stabilizing the power supply voltage. The power supply apparatus also has a charging bypass circuit connected between input and output terminals of the series regulator. The charging bypass circuit is turned on or off by an externally supplied drive signal, When a drop of the power supply voltage is detected, the charging bypass circuit is turned on.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: NEC Microwave Tube, Ltd.Inventor: Junichi Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20100109565Abstract: Systems for reducing the power consumption of fluorescent lights are provided. The systems can be used in new construction as well as retrofitted into existing buildings employing overdriven fluorescent lights without significantly affecting the operation of utility power lines. In preferred embodiments, the systems provide substantially constant light output during start-up and low voltage conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: PYRAMID TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventor: George Bucci
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Patent number: 7710049Abstract: Techniques pertaining to driving LEDs on multiple branches of a circuit are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an LED drive circuit includes a boost circuit configured for receiving an input voltage and providing an output voltage according to a control signal, a selector configured for alternatively selecting one of the feedback signals as an output feedback signal and switching on a corresponding branch circuit, and a pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller configured for generating a pulse-width modulation signal as the control signal for the boost circuit according to the output feedback signal of the selector, essentially to match respective currents in the multiple branches.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Vimicro CorporationInventors: Zhao Wang, Hang Yin, Wenbo Tian
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Patent number: 7679295Abstract: A driver for a white LED string or a display is provided. The driver includes a boost converter that is arranged to provide an output voltage from a source voltage. Also, the driver includes a sense resistor that is coupled between the output voltage and a feedback voltage. The sense resistor is coupled in series with the white LED string or the display. Further, the boost converter uses the sense voltage across the sense resistor to regulate the output voltage. In one embodiment, the boost converter includes a level shifter that converts the sense voltage into a comparison signal that is referenced to ground. In another embodiment, the converter employs a reference voltage that is referenced to the output voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: National Semiconductor CorporationInventor: Michael J. Collins
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Patent number: 7573206Abstract: A system includes a load, one or more switches, and a controller. The switches are to switch power received from a power source to power the load. The controller is to control switching of the switches to deliver the power to the load to reduce perceptible flickering of one or more lights coupled to the power source.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Peter C. Nicholson, David E. Smith, Kenneth B. Wade
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Patent number: 7528556Abstract: A light regulation device includes at least one light sensor which provides at its output a real brightness value, at least one regulator to which a set brightness value can be supplied, besides the real value, and a number n of output connections, n being greater than or equal to two. Each output connection is coupled to the output of a regulator in order to modify the light flux which can be supplied to at least one of the lighting elements. The regulator is designed to determine a difference between set and real values, to verify whether this difference lies within or outside a predeterminable tolerance range, and, in the event that the difference lies outside the tolerance range, to modify accordingly the light flux from the lighting elements which can be connected to the n output connections. At least one limit of the tolerance range depends on the actual light flux value.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fur Elektrisch Gluhlampen mbHInventors: Wolfgang Langgaβner, Axel Pilz
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Publication number: 20090096388Abstract: An electronic device is provided comprising a driver for light emitting semiconductor devices. The driver includes a first MOS transistor (MN1) coupled with a channel to the light emitting semiconductor device at an output node. The first MOS transistor (MN1) is configured to determine a current through the light emitting semiconductor device (LED). A control loop is provided so as to control the first MOS transistor to maintain the magnitude of the current through the light emitting semiconductor device at a target value when a voltage drop across the first MOS transistor (MN1) changes. A second MOS transistor is coupled to the output node and biased so as to supply an auxiliary current to the output node, when the voltage drop across the first MOS transistor drops below a minimum voltage level and a feedback loop is provided to reduce the current through the light emitting semiconductor device by an amount proportional to the auxiliary current.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventor: Franz Prexl
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Publication number: 20080303453Abstract: An illumination control apparatus using a pulsating wave is disclosed, in which a pulsating power is supplied to an electric power supplied to a fluorescent light stabilizer which needs an AC voltage. The level of the same is varied and supplied to an illumination control, such as fluorescent light and common light, is possible based on an input power control of a stabilizer without changing an installation of a conventional fluorescent light and common light device and of the power construction. In addition, the electric power can be concurrently supplied to a plurality of stabilizers based on a capacity of apparatus without changing the construction of a conventional system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2006Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: Si Jong Kim, Sung Hyun Baik, Jae Won Hwang
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Patent number: 7443111Abstract: A liquid crystal display backlight inverter including a first error amplifying unit receiving and comparing a first detection voltage corresponding to a current flowing through a lamp with a first preset reference voltage and outputting a first error voltage corresponding to an error therebetween; a second error amplifying unit receiving and comparing a second detection voltage corresponding to a voltage applied to the lamp with a second preset reference voltage and outputting a second error voltage corresponding to an error therebetween; a feedback selector selecting one of the outputs of the first and second error amplifying unit according to an error between the second detection voltage and a third preset reference voltage; and a lamp control pulse generator generating a pulse signal having a duty controlled according to one of the first error voltage and second error voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yu Jin Jang, Byoung Own Min, Sang Cheol Shin, Jung Chul Gong
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Patent number: 7436123Abstract: An inverter controller dives an inverter to operate at a switching frequency selectively from one of a preheating frequency (f1), a starting frequency (f2), and a lighting frequency (f3) which are different from each other, thereby giving a preheating mode, a starting mode, and a lighting mode. A reset means is provided to make the starting mode upon lowering of a voltage supplied to the inverter below a first threshold, while an inverter stop means is provided to stop the inverter upon detection of abnormality of a discharge lamp. A timer generates a signal determining the start of the preheating, starting, and/or lighting modes, and generates a reset signal disable signal for disabling the reset means, an inverter stop disable signal for disabling the inverter stop means. The inverter controller includes a frequency sweep means for varying the switching frequency gradually from the starting frequency to the lighting frequency.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.Inventors: Katsunobu Hamamoto, Kazuhiro Nishimoto, Masahiro Yamanaka, Toshiya Kanja
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Publication number: 20080211428Abstract: An intrinsically safe energy limited circuit for space-restricted applications includes a fuse and resistor in series with a protected circuit or component wherein the fuse dissipates most of the power when the protected circuit or component is short circuited.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventors: Bijan Bayat, James Newton, Robert Lee Ellis
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Patent number: 7402962Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods of driving an electroluminescent lamp. In one embodiment, the electroluminescent lamp is driven to a first threshold during a first time period and then driven to successive voltages between the threshold and a maximum voltage during successive time. This method of driving the lamp waveshapes the lamp voltage signal. In one example, the thresholds are set to minimize audible noise from the electroluminescent lamp due to the piezoelectric effect.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: PacificTech Microelectronics, Inc.Inventor: Vincent Lok-Cheung Fong
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Patent number: 7391169Abstract: System and method for processing analog voltage for cold-cathode fluorescent lamp. The system includes a voltage-to-current converter configured to receive an input analog voltage signal and generate a first current signal, and a current processing component configured to receive the first current signal and a predetermined current and generate a second current signal. Additionally, the system includes a current-to-voltage converter configured to receive the second current signal and generate an output analog voltage signal, and a dimming controller configured to receive the output analog voltage signal and generate a control signal for driving at least a cold-cathode fluorescent lamp. The voltage-to-current converter, the current processing component, and the current-to-voltage converter are configured to be biased between a first power supply voltage level and a second power supply voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2006Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: On-Bright Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jianfeng Huang, Liqiang Zhu, Zhen Zhu, Lieyi Fang
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Patent number: 7385356Abstract: A startup circuit (30) for a power supply (44), has an input (31) for connecting to a source of high voltage thereto, and an output rail (33) for feeding rectified voltage to the power supply. A first energy storage device (35) is coupled to the output rail for storing energy when voltage is first applied to the input, and a second energy storage device (37) is coupled to an output of the power supply for storing energy when a voltage appearing at the output of the power supply reaches substantially steady state. A switching circuit (36, 50) is coupled to the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device and is responsive to the first energy storage device having sufficient energy for transferring the energy to the second energy storage device and disconnecting the first energy storage device from the output rail.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Lightech Electronics Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Joshua Patchornik
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Publication number: 20080100233Abstract: Apparatus comprising a charge pump (20) with multiple independently regulated outputs (V1, V2) for providing different voltage levels at each of said outputs. The charge pump (20) comprises a low voltage input (12), on/off regulation (30), and at least two charge stages (11, 21) which arc arranged in a cascaded manner. Each charge stage (11, 21) comprises a stage capacitor (16, 26), a switch (S1, S3), and a buffer (15, 25) for pumping a bottom plate of the stage capacitor (16, 26).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2004Publication date: May 1, 2008Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Andy C. Negoi
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Patent number: 7358685Abstract: The invention relates to a DC-DC converter having over-current/over-voltage protection function and an LED driving circuit using the same. The DC-DC converter adjusts a width of a switching pulse outputted from a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controller to control on/off durations of a switch, thereby providing a controlled level of voltage to a load. The DC-DC converter includes a microcontroller for detecting a voltage, and if the detected voltage is greater than a reference voltage, generating an alarm signal. The DC-DC converter further includes a digital-analogue converter for outputting a voltage of 0V and an analogue dimmer for generating a control signal that changes an ‘on’ duration of the switching pulse outputted from the PWM controller to 0 and providing the control signal to the PWM controller.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang Yun Lee
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Patent number: 7336039Abstract: A driving device for driving discharge lamps (14) includes a first pulse circuit (11), a second pulse circuit (13), and a primary driving circuit (12). The first pulse circuit includes an input end, a first output end (1), and a second output end (2). The second pulse circuit includes an input end, a third output end (3), and a fourth output end (4). The primary driving circuit is connected between the first pulse circuit and the second pulse circuit for generating drive signals. The second output end of the first pulse circuit is connected to the third output end of the second pulse circuit, and the fourth output end of the second pulse circuit is connected to ground.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chia-Kun Chen, Chia-Peng Wang
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Patent number: 7332878Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for electrical simulation of a flame that provides for the projection of light that is a mixture of at least two colors. At least one of the two colors of light is projected over time according to a complex light intensity pattern. The complex light intensity pattern is constructed via an aggregation (superimposition) of a plurality of independent intensity transition signals. Each intensity transition signal represents a separate and varying intensity pattern. The complex light intensity pattern creates a perceptually real and pleasing visual effect upon the human eye, much like that created by the flickering of a real combustion flame and employs other than random or pseudo random intensity patterns.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: David Eric Smith
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Patent number: 7327051Abstract: The supply of a predetermined current to LEDs is controlled by using series regulators. In accordance with the controlled states of the series regulators, a switching regulator adjusts an output voltage relative to the LEDs to the maximum voltage. When a ground fault occurs at the anode of one of the LEDs, and when a short circuit occurs at the output terminal of the switching regulator and the output voltage drops abnormally, the operation of the switching regulator is halted. When the gate voltage of an NMOS transistor is raised due to the disconnection of one of the LEDs, or when the drain voltage of the transistor is raised due to a short circuit at one of the LEDs, a Zener diode becomes conductive and an NPN transistor and a PNP transistor are rendered on. Then, a current flows through a diode, and as the gate voltage has been lowered, the operation of the NMOS transistor is halted, so that the remaining, normal LEDs are protected when an abnormality occurs.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masayasu Ito, Hitoshi Takeda
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Patent number: 7323832Abstract: A control circuit for an inverter for driving a fluorescent lamp includes a first triangular wave signal generator for use in analog dimming control, and a second triangular wave signal generator for use in burst dimming. The first triangular wave signal generator oscillates at a frequency higher than that of the second triangular wave signal generator. A semiconductor substrate on which the control circuit is integrated is partitioned into at least two areas by a fixed potential wiring. A circuit block including the first triangular wave signal generator is placed in one of the areas, and a circuit block including the second triangular wave signal generator and the comparator for burst dimming is placed in the other area.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2007Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenichi Fukumoto
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Patent number: 7315132Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seok Woo Lee, Seung Man Gu
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Patent number: 7309962Abstract: A protection control circuit for discharge lamps aims to control protection signals input to a load at a rear end of a high voltage output zone that are generated during abnormal conditions. The high voltage output zone has a control unit and a driving unit, and a switch device interposed between them to receive a first voltage distribution signal output from the control unit and output a plurality of second voltage distribution signals corresponding to the number of the driving devices. Each of the driving devices is connected to a high voltage output zone line of the discharge lamp that feeds back a protection signal to the switch device. The switch device determines a first electricity condition or a second electricity condition of each high voltage output zone line of the discharge lamps that is connected to the individual driving device.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Zippy Technology Corp.Inventors: Chin-Wen Chou, Ying-Nan Cheng, Chin-Biau Chung
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Patent number: 7301290Abstract: A brightness control device for a light bulb module utilizes a microcontroller equipped with a first control circuit, a second control circuit, a third control circuit, and a fourth control circuit to maintain an even luminance of each light bulb in the light bulb module of a lighting fixture to avoid the situation that one of the light bulbs is darker than others or even fails to illuminate. Therefore, the lighting artistry of the whole lighting fixture can be maintained, and the total consumed power of all the light bulbs in the light bulb module is capable of meeting the requirement of the maximum rated power consumption of the illumination equipment under the local ordinance.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Inventor: Ming-Chi Tseng
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Patent number: 7291986Abstract: A step voltage controlling device and method for High Intensity Discharge (HID) light dimming applications includes an autotransformer, voltage sensing block, current sensing block, pulse forming block, microprocessor control unit (MCU) block and plural three switch blocks which allows an instantaneous variation of the voltage applied to the load which is controlled to be synchronized with the load current zero crossing point.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Power Control Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Adrian F. Ionescu
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Patent number: 7285924Abstract: An LCD backlight driving circuit is provided for providing protection to LCD backlight lamps. In a preferred embodiment, the driving circuit for LCD backlight lamps comprises: a PWM controller sending control signals; two transistors receiving the control signals and sending two low-voltage pulse signals; an inverter converting the two low-voltage pulse signals to a high-voltage AC (Alternating Current) power; two lamps; two overvoltage protection circuits connected to the two lamps respectively; a voltage feedback module connected to the two lamps, a current feedback module connected to one of the two lamps; and a double-bridge circuit connected between the two lamps, and connected to the current feedback module for controlling the PWM controller to turn-on or turn-off. The driving circuit is capable of providing defective connection protection and open-circuit protection to LCD backlight lamps, and proportionately adjusting current flowing through the lamps.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yong-Xing You, Hua Xiao, Jian-Hui Lu
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Patent number: 7270790Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring and/or controlling a sterilization system. Briefly described, in architecture, the system can be implemented as follows. A current transformer is operatively associated with a source of power for a radiation source. A power meter is operatively associated with the source of power. The power meter is also operatively associated with the current transformer. The power meter is designed to monitor the source of power to confirm the radiation source provides a desired dosage.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventors: Bob Brafford, Alex Kapustyan
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Patent number: 7180250Abstract: A two-wire triac-based low voltage AC dimmer adapted for configuration in series with a typically incandescent lighting load. An external step-down transformer provides a source of low AC voltage, and a separate, electrically isoated loop circuit utilizing a step-up transformer converts a portion of the low AC voltage into a corresponding high AC voltage used to trigger the gate of a triac. An on/off arrangement that serves to lock the triac in its blocking may optionally be provided. A shunting resistor connected across the triac serves to dissipate static charge buildup that may otherwise falsely trigger the triac to its on state. A phi filter provides a smoother and more regulated triggering pulse to the triac, thereby minimizing or eliminating flickering and undesirable extinguishing of the incandescent lighting load at low brightness settings.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Inventor: Henry Michael Gannon
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Patent number: 7109665Abstract: A three-way dimming CFL ballast operates at a single high bus voltage while varying switching frequency to control lamp current. The ballast accepts three different light level input switch command positions and an off position to provide three different light output levels. A closed loop current feedback control maintains a precise switching frequency for the ballast to produce accurate light output levels based on the light output switch selection. A reference value is provided to the feedback loop based on the selected light output level to drive the switching frequency at the appropriate value. The ballast circuit provides a sufficient CFL control for three-way dimming as adapted to be used with a standard Edison screw base.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: International Rectifier CorporationInventor: Peter Green
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Patent number: 7023148Abstract: An electronic high frequency supply, such as lamp ballast, includes a double rectifier, two storage Capacitors in series, and an isolating inductor between rectifier and an AC input. Each storage capacitor is charged to a voltage greater than peak of the AC input. An inverter is connected to the storage capacitors, and has a high frequency inductive load circuit connected between inverter output and a junction between the isolating inductor and double rectifier. A capacitor, connected from the junction to the junction of two storage capacitors, forms a high frequency resonance circuit with the inductive load circuit. Current is drawn from the input AC only as a series of pulses at the inverter frequency. The isolating inductor filters out the high frequency part of the current pulse and makes the input current near sine wave.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventors: James Chien Fan Chao, Kanghong Zhang, Yih-Fang Chiou
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Patent number: 6979957Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: LG.Philips LCD Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seok Woo Lee, Seung Man Gu
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Patent number: 6963175Abstract: A light emitting diode illumination control system is disclosed for driving a current circuit for energizing one or more LED light sources. The system comprises a control system including a microprocessor arranged to control a pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) voltage controlled current circuit, and may employ a monitor for monitoring at least one ambient condition and a microprocessor operable to control the current circuit in response to the monitored condition.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2002Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Radiant Research LimitedInventors: Geoffrey Howard Gillett Archenhold, Keith Anderson
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Patent number: 6936978Abstract: Methods and apparatus for remotely controlled illumination of liquids in a variety of environments. In one example, remotely controlled multi-color LED-based light sources are employed to achieve a wide range of enhanced lighting effects in liquids. In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more remotely controlled multicolor light sources that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices, or coupled together to form a remotely controlled networked lighting system to provide a variety of programmable and/or coordinated color illumination effects in the pool or spa environment.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Color Kinetics IncorporatedInventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, George G. Mueller, Kevin J. Dowling, Timothy Holmes, John Warwick
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Patent number: 6873120Abstract: A power controller for the regulation of power consumption by gas pressurized vapor lamps includes a series of stages that steps down power being applied to the lamp without a significant loss of luminescence. Once the gas vapor has been heated to achieve luminescence, the power can be decreased based on several criteria including time, luminescence, and gas temperature. By removing the excess power being applied to the lamp, the same luminescence can be maintained using significantly less energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Bitar Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Salim J. El Bitar
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Patent number: 6864643Abstract: A backlight inverter for an LCD panel of an asynchronous pulse width modulation (PWM) driving type which is capable of driving a plurality of cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) in pairs and controlling a plurality of PWM drive signals for respective operations of the lamps to make the phases thereof different. The backlight inverter comprises a main driving integrated circuit (IC), at least one sub-driving IC, and a plurality of lamp operating circuits for operating the pairs of lamps in response to the first and second PWM drive signals and the third and fourth PWM drive signals, respectively. The lamps have different PWM on/off periods so that overshoot of a power supply circuit can be reduced so as to keep the entire system power stable.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byoung Own Min, Hyoung Jun Jeon, Hyun Jin Kim
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Patent number: 6858986Abstract: A vehicle marker light assembly including a plurality of preferably serially-connected, programmable light unit modules, each module having a microcontroller and a plurality of LEDs, which have a dual function as a marker light and, alternatively, as an emergency or warning light. In a preferred embodiment, microcontrollers of adjacent modules are programmed to communicate instructions to the light unit modules, causing the LEDs to flash in one or more predetermined patterns or sequences. In this embodiment, the light unit modules are configured in longitudinal strips or other desired forms, and are designed to operate on low amounts of current. In another preferred embodiment, a controller providing command instructions to the light unit modules causes flashing of the marker lights in the predetermined patterns or sequences.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: MITE (Milks Industries Towing Equipment, Inc.)Inventor: Christopher Monk
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Patent number: 6856099Abstract: A lamp actuating device includes a number of lamps each having an output terminal, an inverter circuit coupled to the lamps to convert electric power and to energize the lamps, a low frequency control unit coupled to the inverter circuit, to set an average current value at the output terminals of the lamps and to control the inverter circuit, a number of current detecting units coupled between the lamps and the low frequency control unit to obtain and send the average current value at the output terminals of the lamps to the low frequency control unit. A number of regulating devices are coupled between the lamps and the low frequency control unit respectively, to control electric power through the lamps, and to maintain each of the lamps at the average current value.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Taipei Multipower Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mender Chen, Woody Chan, Kevin Wang
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Patent number: 6856103Abstract: The invented voltage regulator is a solid state low voltage regulator for quartz halogen or low voltage incandescent lamps and quartz halogen or low voltage incandescent lamp or LED array circuits wherein the volt regulator reduces a conventional mains power line source of, for example, a 115 volt AC to 480 V AC power source, to within a range of from 11.0 volts to 12.5 volts, preferably 11.6 volts, wherein the lamps, and LED arrays have consistent color, consistent light output, the lamp filaments and LED arrays are exposed to soft start operating currents and lamp and array life can be increased. The voltage regulator utilizes an AC rectifier circuit to provide a pulsing DC voltage, a DC voltage sensing circuit, a soft start oscillator circuit, an internal DC voltage oscillator reference circuit and an AC power line control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Varon Lighting, Inc.Inventors: James E. Hudson, Thomas J. Mayer
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Patent number: 6653789Abstract: This invention relates to circuits for operation over a range of voltages, more particularly for a vehicle lamp circuit that provides lighting over a range of voltages. The invention provides a circuit that allows the operation of an LED array lamp over a range of voltage. This is achieved by making use of three-terminal adjustable regulators. One of the three-terminal regulators is configured as a voltage regulator. It regulates the voltage by a connection to a voltage divider. A second three-terminal regulator is connected to the voltage regulator. The second regulator is configured to be a current regulator with the current set by one resistor. This circuit can be further modified with additional adjustable three-terminal regulators to increase in functionality.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: Truck-Lite Co., Inc.Inventors: Philip C. Roller, Timothy A. DiPenti, Paul J. Kahanic, Jr.
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Patent number: 6624600Abstract: A lamp power measurement circuit measures average power delivered to a gas discharge lamp. The circuit includes a voltage sensor having a first measurement output representative of AC voltage across the lamp and a current sensor having a second measurement output representative of AC current through the lamp. A first absolute value circuit is coupled in series with the first measurement output and has a first absolute value output. A second absolute value circuit is coupled in series with the second measurement output and has a second absolute value output. A pulse width modulator modulates one of the first and second absolute value outputs with the other of the first and second absolute value outputs and has a pulse width modulated output. A low-pass filter is coupled in series with the pulse width modulated output and has a DC voltage output representative of average power dissipated through the lamp.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Nicollet Technologies CorporationInventor: Christopher P. Henze
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Publication number: 20030057887Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a system for generating control signals. The system may allow a user to generate an image, representation of an image, algorithm or other effect information. The effect information may then be converted to lighting control signals to be saved or communicated to a networked lighting system. An embodiment of the invention may enable the authoring, generation and communication of control signals such that an effect is generated in a space or area. An embodiment of the invention may provide systems and methods for the control of a plurality of lighting devices in an environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Brian Chemel, Michael K. Blackwell, John Warwick, Alfred D. Ducharme
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Patent number: 6534933Abstract: A high power factor electronic ballast for a gas discharge lamp is disclosed which can provide bus voltage control in response to varying load conditions without the need for direct sensing of the load conditions. The electronic ballast includes an input stage; an output stage; a slow loop controller configured to regulate the bus voltage to a constant value during steady state operation; a hysteresis band over voltage protection (OVP) controller for maintaining the bus voltage in a predetermined hysteresis voltage band during open circuit and pre-ignition conditions; and an on-time limiting controller for guaranteeing a minimum on-time for the input stage. The electronic ballast further includes at least one DC bus capacitor for storing energy created from energy imbalances between the input and output stage.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Eric B. Shen
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Publication number: 20020153851Abstract: Methods and apparatus for remotely controlled illumination of liquids in a variety of environments. In one example, remotely controlled multi-color LED-based light sources are employed to achieve a wide range of enhanced lighting effects in liquids. In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more remotely controlled multicolor light sources that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices, or coupled together to form a remotely controlled networked lighting system to provide a variety of programmable and/or coordinated color illumination effects in the pool or spa environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, George G. Mueller, Kevin J. Dowling, Timothy Holmes
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Publication number: 20010004193Abstract: A pulse-controlled analog flip-flop including a charge element; a charge storage element connected to the charge element; an element for detecting the voltage across the storage element; and an element for discharging the storage element when the detection element has detected that the voltage across the storage element has reached a predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2000Publication date: June 21, 2001Inventor: Olivier Ladiray
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Patent number: 5192897Abstract: A high frequency electronic ballast which comprises a variable frequency oscillator (1) having its frequency controlled by inputs (10 to 15). The oscillator (1) providing complementary outputs (16, 17) which controls an inverter (4) via a driver circuit (3). The inverter output is a source for a transformer or choke (5) which directly drives a gas discharge lamp (6). In this way the frequency of operation and hence the illumination of the lamp (6) can be changed by changing the driver (3) frequency by direct control (10 to 15) of the oscillator (1) and the lamp voltage is maintained substantially constant while reducing its current flow.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1992Date of Patent: March 9, 1993Assignee: Minitronics Pty. Ltd.Inventors: Eshan Vossough, Mohammed A. Helal
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Patent number: 5095251Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a neon lamp includes a direct current power supply with a relatively low voltage output. The direct current power supply actuates a pulse oscillator to produce a narrow pulse voltage train output. The narrow pulse voltage train output is amplified and is supplemented by the signal output of a glow control cirucit to drive the neon lamp into operation. The signal output of the glow control cirucit can be a pulsating voltage signal or a constant voltage signal to correspondingly cause the neon lamp to blink or glow constantly.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1990Date of Patent: March 10, 1992Inventor: Kun-Cheng Cheng