Plural Load Device Systems Patents (Class 315/312)
  • Patent number: 8876335
    Abstract: A modular lighting system for lighting a work area is disclosed. The system includes a power supply with power outlets for powering LED fixtures. The power supply preferably operates at or below a fixed power output level, such as to illuminate the work area using less than 0.2 Watts per square foot of energy. The lighting system also includes an occupancy sensor and/or a light level sensor for controlling lighting levels in the work area in response to detection of a person, ambient light levels and/or a combination thereof. The lighting system can also include computer unit with a micro-processor and a memory unit for running software or firmware the executes lighting programs, stores light usage histories and/or provides system reports to a remote computer by a wireless means and/or over a computer network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: Finelite Inc, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Walter Blue Clark, Douglas Joseph Scott Bourne, Erik R. Page, Michael Siminovitch, Kevin Gauna, Konstantinos Papamichael
  • Patent number: 8878447
    Abstract: A load control device, such as an electronic ballast, for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load, such as one or more fluorescent lamps, comprises a power converter having an inductor and a power switching device coupled to the inductor, a load control circuit adapted to be coupled to the electrical load, and a control circuit operable to calculate an average input power of the load control device. The control circuit may be operable to calculate a cumulative output power of the power converter while the ballast is preheating filaments of the lamps, and to subsequently determine a fault condition in the lamps in response to the calculated cumulative output power of the power converter. Further, the control circuit may be operable to transmit a digital message including the calculated average input power of the load control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Venkatesh Chitta, Jonathan Robert Quayle, Alexander J. Rovnan, Mark S. Taipale, Dragan Veskovic
  • Patent number: 8878457
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control unit (108) for a lighting system (100) comprising at least two individually controllable light sources (102, 104), wherein the control unit (108) is connectable to the at least two individually controllable light sources (102, 104) and configured to control the at least two individually controllable light sources (102, 104), wherein the control unit (108) is further configured to control a first lighting system configuration comprising the at least two individually controllable light sources (102, 104) so as to cause it to emit a first illumination pattern (120) provided jointly by the at least two light sources (102, 104) of the first lighting system configuration, detect and store an initial set of illumination parameters being indicative of the first illumination pattern (120), determine a subsequent set of illumination parameters being indicative of a second illumination pattern (122) provided by a second lighting system configuration comprising individually cont
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Tim Corneel Wilhelmus Schenk, Marcel Beij, George Frederic Frederic Yianni, Gerardus Henricus Adrianus Johannes Broeksteeg, Lucius Theodorus Vinkenvleugel, Lorenzo Feri
  • Patent number: 8878437
    Abstract: A method of sensing magnitude of lumen depreciation not only of a lamp of a lighting fixture, but other factors, by sensing a relative light level external of the lighting fixture to derive not only lamp lumen depreciation but total lumen depreciation from the fixture. An apparatus of monitoring light level of one or more lighting fixtures comprises a sensor positioned external of the lighting fixture(s), a comparator adapted to compare a measured actual lumen output signal from the sensor to a pre-set reference or threshold lumen output value. An error signal is generated by the comparator if the comparison indicates actual lumen output to have dropped below the reference or threshold lumen output. An alarm or communication can be actuated by the error signal to instruct corrective action to ensure relatively constant light levels to be maintained for the lighting system over time, thus providing ongoing assurance to the end user of proper system operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle, Philip D. Hol, Jeffrey A. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8872439
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing a substantially constant and equal current to a plurality of current driven loads. In one embodiment, a system is provided that comprises a plurality of current regulated outputs and a plurality of current driven loads. The plurality of current regulated outputs and the plurality of current driven loads are arranged in a single current loop configuration with a respective current regulated output providing an output voltage to a respective current driven load of the plurality of current driven loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Isaac Cohen
  • Patent number: 8872445
    Abstract: The invention is directed to the provision of an LED driving circuit that switches the connection of LED blocks in accordance with the supply voltage and the Vf's specific to individual LEDs contained in each LED block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunji Egawa, Isao Ochi
  • Publication number: 20140312771
    Abstract: A rectangular LED lighting apparatus connected directly to an AC power supply is provided. The rectangular LED lighting apparatus includes: a printed circuit board in which circuit patterns are formed for electrical connection of LEDs; a rectification unit configured to rectify an AC voltage and output a DC rectified voltage; an LED unit driven by the rectified voltage, the LED unit including first to n-th light emitting blocks (where n is a positive integer equal to or greater than 2) arranged linearly on the printed circuit board; and an LED driving control unit configured to sequentially drive first to m-th light emitting groups (where m is a positive integer equal to or greater than 2), each of which includes n LEDs, according to a voltage level of the rectified voltage output from the rectification unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Deok Ju LEE, Dae Won Kim, Seong Bok Yoon, II Park
  • Patent number: 8866415
    Abstract: Driver arrangements (1) comprise division circuits (100) with division inputs (101-102) for receiving input signals and division outputs (111-118) for supplying output signals to light sources (301-308). The division circuits (100) convert respective first and second input signals of a plurality of input signals into respective first and second parts of a further plurality of output signals. The driver arrangements (1) further comprise driver circuits (200) for driving the light sources (301-308) via the division circuits (100). The driver circuits (200) have driver outputs (201-202) for supplying the input signals to the division inputs (101-102). Such driver arrangements (1) no longer require a switch per light source (301-308). The plurality is preferably equal to or larger than two and smaller than the further plurality, and at least some of the first and the second parts are mutually different in size, amplitude or absolute value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Matthias Wendt, Harald Josef Gunther Radermacher
  • Patent number: 8866411
    Abstract: A discharge lamp system includes a discharge lamp, a power source, a converter, a lamp state signal detection module and a controller. The power source provides a DC power. The converter converts the DC power into a current required by the discharge lamp. The lamp state signal detection module receives a lamp state signal and outputs a lamp state detection signal. The controller processes the lamp state detection signal and a given synchronization signal to generate an average lamp current signal and a pulse current signal, and then processes the average lamp current signal and the pulse current signal to generate a control signal. The controller performs current control of the discharge lamp through the converter according to the control signal. Furthermore, a method for controlling a discharge lamp is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qi Zhang, Wei-Qiang Zhang, Jian-Ping Ying
  • Patent number: 8866416
    Abstract: A first device is provided, wherein the first device is an illumination source comprising OLEDs and inorganic LEDs. The first device includes a first light source that has one or more first light emitting devices. Each of the first light emitting devices includes an inorganic light emitting diode (LED) that emits light that has a peak wavelength in the visible spectrum between 400 and 500 nm. The device also includes a second light source that has one or more second light emitting devices. Each of the second light emitting devices comprises an organic light emitting diode (OLED) that emits light that has peak wavelength in the visible spectrum between 500 and 800 nm. The device also includes a driving component. The first light source and the second light source are disposed such that their emissions combine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Display Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Burrows, Michael Hack, Julia J. Brown
  • Patent number: 8866417
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclose a light-emitting device including a first power source connection terminal and a second power source connection terminal, the first and second power source connection terminals configured to be connected to an external power source, and a plurality of light emitting cell arrays, each of the plurality of light emitting cell arrays being connected in parallel to one another between the first and the second power source connection terminals, each of the plurality of light emitting cell arrays comprising serially connected light emitting cells. Each of the light emitting cells includes a first conductivity-type semiconductor layer, a second conductivity-type semiconductor layer, an active layer disposed between the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer and the second conductivity-type semiconductor layer, and an electrode pad disposed on the second conductivity-type semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Seoul Viosys Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung Hoon Lee, James S. Speck, Hong San Kim, Jae Jo Kim, Sung Han Kim, Jae Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 8866407
    Abstract: A lighting device whose power conversion efficiency is improved by suppression of fluctuation in luminance of a light-emitting element and deterioration of the light-emitting element due to a change in temperature and a change over time and whose power consumption is reduced is provided. The disclosed invention is a lighting device that has a function of correcting a change in temperature and a change over time and includes at least one switching regulator in a driver portion. Constant current drive is performed on light-emitting elements and monitor light-emitting elements are used, so that highly-efficient output voltage which is corrected to have an optimal level is applied to the light-emitting elements and stable drive is performed for a long time. Power conversion efficiency is improved by a switching regulator, so that the total power consumption of the lighting device is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kei Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8866406
    Abstract: A lens is provided which is elongated along an axis so to accommodate a linear array of LEDs, the elongation of the lens resulting in a corresponding elongation of the beam output pattern; in practice, the axis of elongation may be oriented so to suit a target area or some portion thereof. A methodology is provided for use with said lens so to evaluate various factors such as droop, heat management, and light output for a given combination of light sources and luminaire design. Alternative designs of lens, as well as alternative optical devices, are also presented for use with said methodology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, Lawrence H. Boxler
  • Publication number: 20140306622
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed by which the movement of virtual continuous light sources illuminating various objects or persons in a scene, can be simulated over arbitrary paths throughout the captured scene. The simulated movement of each virtual continuous light source through a captured scene can be created using a stationary array of discrete light sources, and for which no physical movement of the array or the discrete light sources is required. The actuation of each of the discrete light sources can be performed sequentially according to a pre-specified sequence by a controller. Control signals for actuating the discrete light sources are synchronized with frames captured by a camera, such that the camera never sees the transitions from illuminating one discrete light source of the array to illuminating another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Satellite Lab, LLC
    Inventors: Carlo Van de Roer, Stuart Rutherford
  • Patent number: 8860328
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a light string is provided. A controller is coupled to the light string and is used to bias one or more of the multicolor LEDs within each bulb on the light string. Using a prearranged determination of 1) the multicolor LEDs within each bulb, 2) the placement of the bulbs within the light string, and 3) the proper biasing of the plurality of leads within the light string, the controller can be used to change the entire light string from one complex holiday color scheme to another using a simple switching mechanism to select from one a of a plurality of desired color schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Michael M. McRae
  • Patent number: 8860324
    Abstract: A system and method for commissioning a lighting system is provided in which signals from light sensors are filtered in order to determine whether light is received from light fixtures in the lighting system or from external light sources. Alternatively or in addition, signals from light sensors may be filtered to determine the amount of light from external light sources. By filtering the signals from the light sensors, an identification of which light fixtures are colocated with which light sensors may be made even in the presence of light received from external light sources or light from multiple light fixtures in the lighting system. Physical locations of light fixtures and/or sensors may be determined based on detecting the amount of light received from external light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Redwood Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Barrilleaux, Mark Covaro
  • Patent number: 8858031
    Abstract: A lighting system adapted for being retrofit into a conventional lighting fixture, or adapted to replace the conventional fixture. The lighting system includes a lighting device having a substrate and a plurality of light-emitting elements disposed on the substrate. The lighting system further includes a power supply for delivering D/C current to the lighting device. The lighting device may be installed into a conventional lighting socket in the conventional lighting fixture or mounted independently utilizing some parts of the conventional fixture. The power supply is installed into the conventional lighting fixture or other suitable fixture external to the lighting device. In exemplary embodiments, the lighting system includes a plurality of lighting devices rotatably mounted in the conventional lighting fixture. Each lighting device is powered by an independent power supply and may be independently rotated and powered to customize light coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Independence LED Lighting, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Attila Szoradi, Sean Russell Darras, Gerald Edward Frazee, Paul Prior
  • Patent number: 8860330
    Abstract: A programmable current source programmable current source circuit has DAC current source providing an incrementally programmable current levels. A programmable reference current source adjusts a compliance factor of the DAC current source. An input adjustment code indicating an output current amplitude is adjusted by a adjustment code modification circuit when the output current is less than the activation compliance level and generates a signal to set the reference current to a lower level to adjust the compliance factor of the DAC current source to a lower level to decrease power dissipation in the programmable current source at lower current levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbH
    Inventor: Rupert Howes
  • Patent number: 8860331
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved light-emitting device for an AC power operation. An AC light-emitting device according to the present invention employs a variety of means by which light emission time is prolonged during a ½ cycle in response to a phase change of an AC power source and a flicker effect can be reduced. For example, the means may be switching blocks respectively connected to nodes between the light emitting cells, switching blocks connected to a plurality of arrays, or a delay phosphor. Further, there is provided an AC light-emitting device, wherein a plurality of arrays having the different numbers of light emitting cells are employed to increase light emission time and to reduce a flicker effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Seoul Viosys Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung Hoon Lee, James S. Speck, Hong San Kim, Jae Jo Kim, Sung Han Kim, Jae Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 8853965
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting light fixture failure and for enhancing energy efficient operation of multiple light fixtures. The system includes multiple light control modules and a gateway. The light control modules alert the gateway of a bulb or ballast failure based on light fixture power consumption. The light control module can indicate a sudden failure, a slow failure, a striating failure, a stuck relay failure and a start-up failure. The light control modules can include a photo-sensor and an occupancy sensor for measuring brightness and occupancy, respectively, in the vicinity of one or more light fixtures. The gateway can distribute operating instructions to the light control modules based on changes in the ambient temperature and based on the power consumption of nearby light fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Twisthink, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brent Bouws, Warren E. Guthrie, Pat Burel, Kurt Dykema
  • Patent number: 8853966
    Abstract: A lighting device includes lighting control units respectively provided for controlling lighting of solid state light emitting element groups irradiating light of different chromaticities and a color ratio setting unit for setting a target output ratio of the solid state light emitting element groups. In an xy chromaticity diagram of an XYZ color system, a straight line connecting chromaticity coordinates of lights irradiated by a first and a second solid state light emitting element group intersects a black body locus. Further, the lighting control units include a first and a second lighting control unit for controlling lighting of the first and the second solid state light emitting element group, and the first and the second control unit perform a feedback control such that an output ratio of the second to the first solid state light emitting element group becomes equal to the target output ratio thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Naruo, Shigeru Ido, Sana Esaki, Akinori Hiramatu
  • Patent number: 8853964
    Abstract: A system including a first transistor, a second transistor, and a comparator. The first transistor is configured to supply a first current to a first load connected to a first terminal of the first transistor. The second transistor is configured to supply a second current to a second load connected to a first terminal of the second transistor, wherein the first current and the second current have a predetermined ratio. The comparator is configured to compare a voltage at the first terminal of the first transistor or a voltage at the first terminal of the second transistor to a reference voltage, and to adjust, based on the comparison, biasing of the first transistor and the second transistor to maintain the predetermined ratio between the first current and the second current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: Sehat Sutardja, Ravishanker Krishnamoorthy
  • Patent number: 8853971
    Abstract: Systems, interfaces, and methods for controlling a luminaire. The luminaire includes a plurality of light sources or emitters corresponding to different characteristics of light. Color controls corresponding to pre-defined characteristics are set or modified by one or more dials, faders, or similar interface devices. Each of the color controls correspondingly controls the output of one or more of the light sources. A separation between the preset characteristic for each color control and the actual characteristic of each light source is calculated. An output value for each light source that is required to generate the selected characteristic is then calculated and stored in memory. When one or more color controls are selected, the output values of each light source required to reproduce the desired characteristic is determined, and the light sources in the luminaire are driven at the corresponding output values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Bennette
  • Patent number: 8853969
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a light emitting element drive device for driving a plurality of LED strings. The device comprises a power supply circuit, a plurality of current sources, a plurality of error amplifiers, a plurality of first diodes and a control circuit. The power supply circuit provides a driving voltage to each of the LED strings. The inverted input terminal of each error amplifier is coupled to a second terminal of the corresponding LED string. Each error amplifier output the voltage difference between the second terminal of the corresponding LED string and a first reference voltage. The anode of each first diode is coupled to the output terminal of the corresponding error amplifier, and the cathodes of the diodes are coupled to each other. The control circuit adjusts the driving voltage of the power supply circuit according to the cathode voltage of the conducted first diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Anpec Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Yuan Chen, Liang-Hsiang Chiu
  • Patent number: 8847491
    Abstract: An electric light bulb type light source apparatus includes a light source unit, a power source substrate, a drive substrate, a base, and a casing. On the power source substrate, a power source circuit is mounted, and the power source substrate has one of a through hole and a cutout. On the drive substrate, a drive circuit of at least the light source unit is mounted, and the drive substrate includes a part disposed in the one of the through hole and the cutout of the power source substrate. The base is used to supply power to the power source substrate. The casing is configured to contain the light source unit, the power source substrate, and the drive substrate, and the casing has a translucent cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Yotsumoto, Kouji Miyata
  • Patent number: 8847497
    Abstract: Driver circuits (1) for driving load circuits (2) comprising first and second light circuits (21-22, 71-72) are in first/second modes for input voltages having first/second voltage amplitudes, the second voltage amplitudes being larger than the first voltage amplitudes. The first light circuits (21, 71) are on in the first and second modes. The second light circuits (22, 72) are off in the first modes and are on in the second modes. A control circuit (21, 71) in dependence of the modes to extend control. These currents may get smaller current amplitudes in higher modes. Light outputs of the first light circuit (21, 71) may get smaller in higher modes. A total light output of all light circuits (21-22, 71-72) may remain substantially constant during all modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Carsten Deppe
  • Patent number: 8847508
    Abstract: A multi-function lighting system is provided. A design of multiplex configuration of a multi-diode lighting module and a design of optical time domain modulation of an electric controlling system are applied to a lighting system which senses environmental conditions to automatically or artificially change a color, a light intensity and a color-temperature of a light to influence people's feelings and moods. At the same time, the environmental sensing device further feedbacks an information of humidity or temperature so that parameter of optimum light environment can be set accordingly. The multi-diode lighting module is applied to the design of the lighting system, such that the lighting system can be manufactured in a customization way to meet varied requirements in the landscaping and optical designs, not only reducing the cost and increasing mass production rate but also providing multi-functions including landscaping lighting, ergonomic lighting, plant lighting and air purifying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Sheng-Ho Huang, Hung-Lieh Hu, Chen-Kun Chen, Yu-Chen Yu
  • Patent number: 8847506
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-output current-balancing circuit, which in one embodiment can include: (i) a transformer having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings, where the primary winding receives an AC input current; (ii) a plurality of first and second rectifier circuits and a plurality of first current balancing components, where each of the first and second rectifier circuits and the first current balancing components is coupled to a corresponding secondary winding, where each the first current balancing component is configured for current balancing between each of the first and second rectifier circuits of the corresponding secondary winding; and (iii) at least one second current balancing component, where each second current balancing component is coupled to a pair of the second rectifier circuits that correspond to different secondary windings, where the second current balancing components are configured for current balancing between different the secondary windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Silergy Semiconductor Technology (Hangzhou) Ltd
    Inventors: Chen Zhao, Feng Yu
  • Patent number: 8847513
    Abstract: A lighting device, comprising first and second light emitters that emit light having first and second color points, respectively, and first and second sensors that detect brightness of light within 0.01 delta u?, v? of the first and second color points, respectively. A method comprising supplying energy to first and second light, emitters that emit light having first and second color points, respectively, and detecting brightness of light within 0.01 delta u?, v? of the first and second color points, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony Paul Van De Ven, Gerald H. Negley
  • Patent number: 8841851
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) driving apparatus is disclosed. The LED driving apparatus includes a rectifier for rectifying an alternating current (AC) voltage to supply a ripple voltage, a light emitting unit partitioned into two or more groups, each of the groups including a plurality of LEDs, and a driving controller for selectively driving one or more of the groups of the light emitting unit depending on a level of the ripple voltage, the driving controller driving at least one of the groups of the light emitting unit using current discharged from a capacitor connected with the at least one group when the ripple voltage is lower than an operating voltage of the light emitting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Janghwan Cho, Jeongin Cheon, Dohyung Lee
  • Patent number: 8841857
    Abstract: A driving circuit includes a plurality of light-emitting units, a plurality of switches, and a bias current module, wherein the light-emitting units are coupled with each other in series and are driven with an input voltage varying according to a frequency. Each switch has a reference voltage and a critical activation voltage and includes a light-emitting end and a bias end opposite to the light-emitting end, wherein the light-emitting end is coupled with the light-emitting units, and the bias ends of the switches are coupled with each other. The bias current module is coupled with the bias ends of the switches and has an operating bias voltage varying according to the frequency, wherein each switch is driven to be activated or to be deactivated according to a relation of the critical activation voltage and a difference between the reference voltage and the operating bias voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Raydium Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Chih-Wei Chu, Yung-Hsiang Yang, Shu-Kuang Chou
  • Patent number: 8841865
    Abstract: A lighting control system as disclosed herein may include a plurality of lighting apparatuses provided in a building, a display for displaying an image representing the plurality of lighting apparatuses, an input interface for selecting at least one region on the image that corresponds to one or more of the plurality of lighting apparatuses, a memory for storing the defined region of the image, and a controller configured to control the lighting apparatuses. One or more control groups may be configured based on the selected region and the image may be updated to display the control groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Changho Kim, Taegi Kim, Geunchang Do
  • Patent number: 8841855
    Abstract: An AC-driven LED assembly with discretely packaged LEDs being connected in an AC circuit and being sized preferably substantially 2.5 mm or less in length and width, and more preferably 2.0 mm or less; and being mounted to a substrate at a distance from the other of preferably approximately 3 mm or less, and more preferably 2.0 mm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Lynk Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Miskin
  • Publication number: 20140277777
    Abstract: A local feature controller for pool and spa equipment is provided. The local feature controller can be pre-programmed to selectively control operation of devices near the local feature controller, such as a valve actuator, water fountain, pool light, landscaping light, etc. The local feature controller can operate autonomously, or under the control of the central controller. The local feature controller could include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and associated user input keys for allowing a user to interact with and control the controller. The local feature controller could be buried underground, and it could be powered by one or more local power sources such as a rechargeable battery, line-level (AC) power, a solar panel, or a liquid turbine installed inline with a return line from the pool's filtration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Potucek
  • Patent number: 8836245
    Abstract: A solid state lamp, such as one that can replace an incandescent light bulb, has a base portion having an electrical connector for connection to a source of power, such as an Edison-type connector for connection to the mains voltage. An AC/DC converter in the base converts the mains voltage to a suitable light emitting diode (LED) drive voltage. A plurality of receptacles on the base connects to electrodes of plug-in modules. Each plug-in module supports a plurality of low power LEDs connected in series. The strings of LEDs on different modules are connected in parallel when connected to the receptacles. The modules and base are configured to allow a user to operate the lamp with different combinations of modules to generate a desired light output from the lamp. For example, the user can recreate the lumens equivalent of a 20 W, 40 W, or 60 W bulb by using one, two, or three modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Quarkstar LLC
    Inventors: Wilson Dau, Louis Lerman, Allan Brent York, Robert V. Steele, Jacqueline Teng, George Lerman
  • Patent number: 8829820
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for protecting display components from adverse operating conditions. A lighting panel system according to some embodiments includes a lighting panel including a plurality of strings of solid state lighting devices arranged across the panel and a protection system configured to determine an adverse operating condition and adjust a lighting panel luminance setting responsive to the adverse operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Roberts, Keith J. Vadas
  • Patent number: 8829814
    Abstract: A backlight module detecting abnormal lamp tubes and an LCD employing such a backlight module are proposed. The LCD includes a voltage calculator for detecting voltage applied on ends of a lamp tube to monitor the lamp tube. Once the lamp tube becomes abnormal, the voltage varies accordingly. The voltage calculator calculates a voltage signal from a plurality of lamp tubes and produces a voltage value. A protection circuit regards the voltage value as a feedback signal to decide if there are any abnormalities. Once any of the lamp tubes is abnormal, the protection circuit transmits the voltage signal to a pulse-width modulated integrated circuit (PWM IC) to activate a protective function. The protection circuit of the present invention obtains the protection signal by sampling the voltage signal of the ends of the lamp tube and then gets the control signal by means of the calculation of the voltage calculator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chengming He, Chingyuan Yang
  • Patent number: 8829821
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to lighting fixtures for use in a lighting network where the lighting fixtures and other elements are able to communicate with each other via wired or wireless communication techniques. When the lighting network is being formed or modified, the lighting fixtures may be able to communicate with each other and automatically determine a single lighting fixture to act as a coordinator during a commissioning process. The lighting fixtures can exchange their communication addresses, such as MAC addresses, wherein the lighting fixture with the lowest (or highest) normal communication address becomes the coordinator. The coordinator may also be configured to assign short addresses to use for communications once the lighting network is formed instead of the longer MAC, or like, addresses. The short addresses can reduce routing overhead, and thus make the routing of messages including control information, sensor data, and the like, more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Chobot, John J. Trainor
  • Patent number: 8829809
    Abstract: An example control arrangement includes a power supply, a first load operative to receive power when coupled to the power supply, and a second load operative to receive power when coupled to the power supply. A receiver is programmable to couple the first load, the second load, or both to the power supply in response to a wireless signal. A switch includes a wireless transmitter portion powered by a self-energizing portion. A wireless transmitter portion communicates the wireless signal to the receiver in response to an actuation of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: EnOcean GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Barnett, John Gerard Finch, Jeffrey Iott, Jian Xu
  • Patent number: 8827537
    Abstract: The described embodiments provide systems and methods for delivering power and data to lighting system. Specifically, the embodiments provide systems and methods for delivering power and data to the type of lighting system which is often used in entertainment programs and specifically live shows. Embodiments disclose various systems incorporating truss technology in conjunction with lighting, dimming, power and data distribution systems encompassing a complete and integrated mobile and rapid deployment lighting and lighting support system. Further embodiments describe truss systems used for managing cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Tourtek, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ethan R. Bolvi
  • Patent number: 8829810
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a circuit for controlling at least one LED and to a light- and/or signal element including said circuit, wherein the circuit facilitates an optimum utilization of any input voltage provided by an energy source and provides constant light intensity of the LEDs independent from an input voltage. For this purpose, the circuit contains a step-up converter arranged in the circuit in a way such that the step-up converter outputs a voltage adapted to a forward voltage of the at least one LED at a constant current independent from an input voltage provided by the energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Stahl
  • Patent number: 8829796
    Abstract: In a lighting control system according to an embodiment, a storing unit stores a correspondence relation in which at least one of a plurality of type 2 groups is associated with each of type 1 groups. Methods of distribution of K luminaires are different in the type 1 groups and the type 2 groups. The control unit controls a lighting state of the type 1 groups indicated by an input control signal and subjects a lighting state of the type 2 groups associated with the type 1 groups to be controlled in the correspondence relation to associated control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Yasushi Morimoto
  • Patent number: 8829822
    Abstract: A light source that generally includes multiple light emitting diode (LED) sources emitting light at different colors. A controller energizes the LED sources for establishing a changing pattern of the light colors to provide a decorative effect while simultaneously establishing white light illumination of a target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Laski, Makarand Chipalkatti, Maria Thompson
  • Patent number: 8829794
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp include san LED package as a light source. The LED package includes a first series element section having a plurality of LED elements connected in series with each other, a second series element section having at least one LED element, the number of which is smaller than the number of LED elements of the firs series element section, a first anode electrode provided on an anode side of the first series element section, a first cathode electrode provided on a cathode side of the first series element section, a second anode electrode provided on an anode side of the second series element section, and a second cathode electrode provided on a cathode side of the second series element section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hironori Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20140246993
    Abstract: Various systems and methods facilitate internal communication within a lighting module as well as intercommunication among lighting modules over an external network. The network may be a conventional network managed by a central network controller or may be an ad hoc or “mesh” network—i.e., a scalable network architecture in which any lighting module is a node that can communicate with any other module or network-connected device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony W. Catalano, John A. Koski, Brett James Pardikes, Brian Eldin Brandt
  • Patent number: 8823271
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a string of Light Emitting Diode (LED) sets coupled in series, each set including at least one LED, a light spreading circuit configured to incrementally turn on respective ones of the LED sets responsive to a power signal, and an energy storage module that is configured to store energy during a first interval of a period of the power signal and to apply the stored energy to the string during a second interval of the period of the power signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony P. van de Ven, Liqin Ni
  • Patent number: 8823290
    Abstract: Thermal management and control techniques for light emitting diode and other incandescent replacement light technologies using a current controller are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: TerraLUX, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Catalano, Daniel Harrison, John Hall
  • Patent number: 8823270
    Abstract: Disclosed are circuits that allow LED bulbs to be replaced regardless of color or construction of the LED element. When used for an LED light string, replacing an LED bulb does not affect the operation of the entire string. When used for other illumination purpose, for example, room light, the bulbs are interchangeable because they have the same operating voltage and current. A standardized input impedance is selected for all of the LED bulbs regardless of construction and color. A resistor circuit is used to create the standardized input impedance while optimizing the operating parameters of the LED element. The resistor circuit includes a bypass element so that if a LED element burns open, a series wired LED string will not go dark. This eliminates the necessity for parallel connected LED bulbs and allows enjoyment of other advantages and economies of series wired LED strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: 1 Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Jing Yu, Shengwang Du
  • Publication number: 20140239852
    Abstract: A lighting control system and a method for controlling the same are provided. The lighting control system includes at least one lighting device transmitting a wireless communication signal having unique identification information and controlled by a received wireless communication signal, and a user terminal receiving the wireless communication signal transmitted from the at least one lighting device, sorting and registering the at least one lighting device according to a strength of the wireless communication signal transmitted from the at least one lighting device, and pairing the user terminal with the registered lighting device to control the lighting device. Accordingly, a plurality of lighting devices located in a remote area can be conveniently registered and controlled from a certain location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Sumsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki Young KIM, Tae Eung KIM, Sang Gon LEE, Yong Min JUNG
  • Patent number: 8818202
    Abstract: A wavelength sensing lighting system may include a light source, a sensor and a controller. One or more light sources and sensors may be included in an array. The light source may emit an illuminating light and the sensor may sense an environmental light. The illuminating light may include data light. The lighting system may include a plurality of nodes connected in a network. The nodes may communicate by emitting and receiving the data light, which may be analyzed by the controller. The light source and the sensor may be provided by a light emitting semiconductor device that is capable of emitting illuminating light and receiving environmental light. A conversion material may convert the wavelength of a source light into a converted light. The conversion material may increase the wavelength range of light emittable and detectable by the lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Environmental Light Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Fredric S. Maxik, David E. Bartine, Pedro Medelius, Eric Bretschneider