Electric Switch In The Supply Circuit Patents (Class 315/313)
  • Patent number: 11974373
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments for implementing active illumination control via activity classification. An embodiment includes a processor configured to perform operations comprising receiving first sensor data generated by at least one of the plurality of sensors. Based at least in part on the first sensor data, the processor may select a first lighting profile, and instruct the light-emitting element to emit light in accordance with the first lighting profile. The processor may be further configured to receive second sensor data generated by the at least one of the plurality of sensors and to update an activity classification stored in a memory, in response to the second sensor data being different from the first sensor data. The processor may transition from the first lighting profile to a second lighting profile, in response to the updating, and may instruct the light-emitting element to emit light in accordance with the second lighting profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: OBER ALP S.P.A.
    Inventors: Raphael De Oliveira Fanti, Hannes Egarter
  • Patent number: 11588660
    Abstract: A load control system may include control devices for controlling electrical loads. The control devices may include load control devices, such as a lighting device for controlling an amount of power provided to a lighting load, and input devices, such as a remote control device configured to transmit digital messages comprising lighting control instructions for controlling the lighting load via the lighting device. The remote control device may communicate with the lighting device via an intermediary device, such as a hub device. The remote control device may detect a user interface event, such as a button press or a rotation of the remote control device. The remote control device or the hub device may determine whether to transmit digital messages to as unicast messages or multicast messages based on the type of user interface event detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin F. Bard, Thomas Lee Olson, David T. Saveri, III, Jaykrishna A. Shukla
  • Patent number: 11422449
    Abstract: A projector generates white light from a laser light source and uses the white light for image display. The white light generator has a rectangular light generating lens that generates excitation light of a rectangular shape from the blue light of a blue laser and a phosphor wheel, coated with a phosphor that is irradiated with the excitation light, to emit yellow light. In the phosphor wheel, a length in the vertical direction of a rectangular shape of an irradiation region is represented by v, and a length in the horizontal direction is represented by h, wherein h<v; and a center of the rectangular shape is within any one of a region having an angle of 45° or more and 135° or less and a region having an angle of 225° or more and 315° or less in the phosphor coat region of the phosphor wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Maxell, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakamori, Kazuo Shikita, Akihiro Shiraishi, Chiaki Kinno, Takuya Shimizu, Minjoo Park
  • Patent number: 11096263
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a plurality of wireless lighting devices. In an example embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes the steps of: acquiring coordinate information having the plurality of wireless lighting devices mapped to coordinate values of a coordinate system; generating lighting control information indicating a response of at least one of the plurality of wireless lighting devices to produce a lighting shape of the coordinate system; and transmitting the lighting control information, wherein the lighting control information includes response information and function information, the response information indicates a lighting response of the wireless lighting device, and the function information indicates a response or non-response of the at least one wireless lighting device based on the coordinate values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Beatro Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang Min Jo
  • Patent number: 10952307
    Abstract: A modular coordinated lighting system comprising one or more wireless lighting devices that can communicate over a network and coordinate their operation to provide illumination to an area is provided. Wireless control present in one wireless lighting device can be used to propagate the wireless control of that wireless lighting device to an entire of group of lights in a lighting system. In this manner, a user can easily install wireless lighting devices that work in coordination to illuminate an area as if they are one lighting device. A networked wireless lighting device may also be configured through the user input method to operate different groups of wireless lighting modules such that lighting groups may be created. Multiple lighting groups allow a user to configure lighting provided by the modular coordinated lighting system based on their preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael V. Recker, David B. Levine
  • Patent number: 10952305
    Abstract: A configurable lighting system including a lighting unit having an illumination module and a programmable control module; a light switch configured for electrical communication with the lighting unit via an electrical circuit and being operable in a first and a second operational position such that the illumination module, in response to operation of the light switch in the first and the second operational positions, is able to output a first set of illumination modes; and, a programming unit configured for wireless communication with the programmable control module of the lighting unit via a wireless communication link wherein the programming unit includes a programming interface via which the programmable control module of the lighting unit is able to be programmed such that, in response to different patterns of movement of the light switch between the first and second operational positions, the illumination module is controlled by the programmable control module to output a second set of illumination modes
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Gal
  • Patent number: 10524325
    Abstract: To provide an illumination device that has light emitting diodes as light sources and is capable of switching emission colors and of performing dimming in each of the emission colors, an illumination device includes plural light emitting units in which at least one light emitting diode is disposed, the other light emitting units than the light emitting unit whose forward voltage is a maximum are provided with a switching element that is connected in series with the light emitting diode, and the other light emitting units than the light emitting unit whose forward voltage is a minimum are provided with an element that is connected in series with the light emitting diode and has a resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Ono
  • Patent number: 10512128
    Abstract: A master lighting fixture and a satellite lighting fixture can each include an LED board including multiple LEDs that can emit visible light. A power supply and a LED regulator can be connected to the LED board in the master lighting fixture to provide power to operate the LED board. The LED board in the master lighting fixture can be connected to the LED board in the satellite lighting fixture to form a circuit to allow the power provided by the LED driver to be transmitted to the LED board in the satellite lighting fixture. A defect in the LED board in the master lighting fixture or the satellite lighting fixture can open the circuit, which can prevent power from being transmitted through the LED boards to enhance the performance of LEDs in the LED boards or reduce a risk of damage that can be caused by the LED boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: Yan Rodriguez, Thomas Edward Harris, Antonio Marques
  • Patent number: 10278251
    Abstract: The present technology is a light device system and method for controlling a dimming function of a light emitting diode (LED) device. The system includes at least one LED light source, a switch connected with the LED light source, and a microcontroller in communication with the switch. The microcontroller receives a dimming signal from a dimming control and a production curve from an interface, and applying an output signal to the switch. The output signal is at least partially based on the production curve that is at least partially based on an input received by the interface. The interface is associated with software that allows a user to create a custom production curve, which can then be programmed into the microcontroller. The production curve replicates dimming characteristics of incandescent lighting by associating with a coordinated-color-temperature. The LED light source can be multiple LED light sources of different color temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignees: Optic Arts, Inc., Endicott Research Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Fledderman, Mason Barker
  • Patent number: 9909754
    Abstract: A lighting device for a barbecue grill including a base unit and a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed within a front side of the base unit. An activation control and a charging port are disposed on the base unit. A rechargeable battery and a power inverter are disposed within the base unit. At least one solar panel is removably attachable to the charging port, and a thermal charging apparatus is attached to the base unit. At least one grill clip attached to a rear side of the base unit. The at least one grill clip is removably engageable with a hood of a grill. Each of the plurality of light emitting diodes is downwardly disposed onto a grilling surface of the grill when the at least one grill clip is engaged with the hood of the grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Joel Reiter
  • Patent number: 9854672
    Abstract: A printed circuit board includes a substrate and a plurality of pad forming regions disposed thereon. The plurality of pad forming regions are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. A plurality of connection pads are disposed on a portion of the plurality of pad forming regions. The plurality of connection pads are configured to transmit or receive a signal to an external device or from the external device. The printed circuit board includes a path configured for the transportation of moisture therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-Hoon Ku, Yong-Woo Koo, Ki-Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 9688034
    Abstract: A light assembly including two light sources through a single inner lens made of two separate materials includes a first light source that is operable to emit light for a position light function of the vehicle, and a second light source that is operable to emit light for a Daytime Running Light function of the vehicle. The light assembly further includes an inner lens having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is formed from a mixture of polymethyl methacrylate and polyetheresteramide, and is operable to receive light from the first light source adjacent a light receiving edge of the first portion and reflect the light to provide the position light function. The second portion of the inner lens is formed from polymethyl methacrylate without polyetheresteramide, and is operable to receive light from the second light source and direct the light to provide the DRL function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jay H. Ovenshire, Daniel E. Schmeckpeper, Catherine A. Ostrander
  • Patent number: 9497829
    Abstract: Methods for an outdoor lighting network (100) are disclosed. The methods can adaptively control lighting requirements based upon traffic in the outdoor lighting network (100). The adaptive control provides illumination over a certain response range based upon detection of an object (20) and in addition possibly a velocity of the object (20) by a lighting unit (LUs 1-8) equipped with a sensor (12) For the outdoor lighting network (100), the disclosed methods include deciding when a control message should be transmitted to other lighting units (LUs 1-8), selecting one or more control messaging protocols with modes adapted to achieve a response range depending on the velocity of the object (20) and controlling behavior of a light level output of the lighting unit (LU 1-8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Phillips N.V.
    Inventors: Ashish Vijay Pandharipande, Haixu Wang, Hongming Yang
  • Patent number: 9099879
    Abstract: To improve energy efficiencies, supply circuits (1) for supplying switch circuits (2) have first supply modes for receiving first amounts of input power from sources (7) and providing first amounts of output power to output circuits (5) comprising control parts (3) of the switch circuits (2) and have second supply modes for receiving second amounts of input power and providing second amounts of output power. The first amounts of output power are larger than the second amounts of output power. The second amounts of input power are larger than zero and smaller than amounts of switch power necessary for operating the switch circuits (2). The switch circuits (2) may comprise relays for switching loads (8). The first amounts of input power may arrive via main contacts of the relays. Switches (47) may switch output signal levels. The relays may be bistable relays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Carsten Deppe, Matthias Wendt
  • Patent number: 8988013
    Abstract: A light string power module is provided for providing power to light strings while replicating a lighting pattern from a first light string in providing said power. The illumination pattern of the first light string, which is not powered by the light string power module, is detected by examining the voltage polarities presented on the leads of a first connector to which the first light string is attached. These detected polarities are replicated by a switching module at matching leads on a second connector to which a second light string is attached. A power processing module accepts input power and provides output DC power to the switching module such that the second light string is powered by said output DC power in concert with the replicated voltage polarities so as to replicate the light pattern presented by the first light string on the second light string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: National Christmas Products
    Inventor: Michael M. McRae
  • Patent number: 8960942
    Abstract: A novel flashlight assembly that includes an interface integrated into the housing thereof to facilitate mounting of the flashlight to the dovetail rail on a modern combat weapon. The outer body of the flashlight includes a head mounted to a flashlight body at one end and a tapered tail extending outwardly at the other end of the body. Further, the flashlight includes a clamping interface that is a seamless and integrated feature of the outer housing of the flashlight itself for interfacing the flashlight with a firearm. The operational modes of the flashlight are controlled by a single push button and a selector switch. To facilitate a highly compact design the flashlight employs two circuitry arrangements positioned remote from one another and in communication with one another via a single conductive trace to operate at a first signal frequency or a second signal frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Emissive Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Galli, Christopher J. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20150003047
    Abstract: A display apparatus for lighted footwear, having a spring switch, a battery-powered integrated circuit sealingly encapsulated, a plurality of illuminators, and a wiring harness connecting the illuminators to points of the integrated circuit, the integrated circuit being configured for activating the illuminators in a sequential pattern that can include repeated activation cycles when the spring switch is subjected to an effective acceleration. The display apparatus preferably includes the battery being sealingly encapsulated together with the spring switch and the integrated circuit; an ON/OFF switch can be included for selectively producing a deep sleep state of the integrated circuit that is unresponsive to the spring switch. Also disclosed is footwear incorporating the display apparatus, wherein the encapsulated enclosure is located within a sole heel portion of the shoe, and the illuminators are distributed on the footwear for external view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: Fujian Yibao Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiayang Lin
  • Patent number: 8884555
    Abstract: A light-emitting element array has a plurality of three-terminal light-emitting elements such as light-emitting thyristors with anode, cathode, and gate terminals. The anode terminal of each light-emitting element is connected to a driving circuit. The cathode terminal is grounded. The gate terminals of at least some of the three-terminal light-emitting elements are driven from a common buffer, and within this group of three-terminal light-emitting elements, the anode terminals are driven individually. This enables the array of three-terminal light-emitting elements to be driven in essentially the same way as an array of two-terminal light-emitting elements, but without the need for large power transistors between the cathode terminals and ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Nagumo
  • Patent number: 8860333
    Abstract: A method for using a directional switch on a portable light where the switch input is interpreted according to the switch position relative to gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Janlincia LLC
    Inventor: Richard Jeff Garcia
  • Publication number: 20140285116
    Abstract: In one example implementation in accordance with the present disclosure, a process is provided. The process includes entering a first mode of operation where a plurality of light sources are permitted to illuminate. The process further includes entering a second mode of operation where the plurality of light sources associated with the first switch are not permitted to illuminate, and where the entering of the second mode of operation is in response to not detecting a presence for a time period. The process still further includes entering a third mode of operation in response to receiving a command, where only a subset of the plurality of light sources are permitted to illuminate and the remainder of the plurality of light sources are not permitted to illuminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kay Seah Ng, Kay Hoe Ng, Chee How Lee
  • Publication number: 20140265936
    Abstract: A blood tracking light includes a blue LED, a red LED, and a toggle switch that turns off the red LED when actuated, leaving the blue LED on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FISKARS BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Matthew Unger, Brian H Nelson
  • Publication number: 20140265905
    Abstract: A switchable light bulb assembly with integral power source is disclosed. The assembly has a light bulb, a power supply and a plug cap assembly. The plug cap assembly is configured to provide electrical communication between first and second electrical leads of a conventional light fixture. The light bulb is configured to be threadably insertable into a conventional, AC light fixture and provide electrical communication creating a circuit that can be opened or closed by operating the switch of the conventional light fixture. The power supply provides energy to the bulb when the circuit is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Ray
  • Publication number: 20140217927
    Abstract: A hybrid light bulb is configured to automatically select a low heat emitting (low power) mode such as a CFL bulb portion when ambient temperature is above a predetermined threshold, and to select a high heat emitting (conventional incandescent or halogen bulb) portion when ambient temperature is below the predetermined threshold
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph Patrick Quinn
  • Patent number: 8791829
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for visual indication of an electrical quantity, being one or several of power, current and/or voltage through a conductor. The arrangement comprises a substantially wire shaped illuminator and a controller which controls at least one illumination characteristic of said illuminator with respect to said electrical feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: The Interactive Institute II AB
    Inventors: Anton Gustafsson, Magnus Gyllenswärd, Christina Öhman, Sara Ilstedt-Hjelm
  • Patent number: 8766556
    Abstract: A remotely controllable track lighting system includes a track with lamps supported on the track that are individually controlled by a wireless remote. Each lamp may be set to different intensity levels (e.g., high, mid, low, off) or to the same intensity level. All lamps may be set, upon initially turning on the lamps or at another time, to previously set intensity levels. The track system may also be powered via a wall switch where initially turning on the lamps via the wall switch causes all of the lamps to return to their previously set intensity levels or the user can move the wall switch off then on within a short period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) to cause all of the lamps to be set high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Evolution Lighting, LLC
    Inventor: A. Corydon Meyer
  • Publication number: 20140145647
    Abstract: A method for producing light emission, including the following steps: providing a layered semiconductor structure that includes a collector region, a first base region, a first emitter region, a coupling region, a second base region, and a second emitter region; providing a quantum size region within the second base region; and applying electrical signals with respect to the second emitter region, the first base region and the collector region, to produce light emission from the second base region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Quantum Electro Opto Systems Sdn. Bhd.
    Inventor: Gabriel Walter
  • Patent number: 8736186
    Abstract: A solid state lighting switch can include a first input control that can be configured to adjust a dimming indication or color indication for a solid state lighting fixture that is configured for coupling to the solid state lighting switch. A selective linking mechanism can be configured to activate a linked mode of operation of the switch to link the dimming indication to the color indication or to activate an unlinked mode of operation of the switch to unlink the dimming indication from the color indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Paul Chobot
  • Patent number: 8716946
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved light-emitting device for an AC power operation. A conventional light emitting device employs an AC light-emitting diode having arrays of light emitting cells connected in reverse parallel. The arrays in the prior art alternately repeat on/off in response to a phase change of an AC power source, resulting in short light emission time during a ½ cycle and the occurrence of a flicker effect. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Seoul Opto Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung Hoon Lee, James S. Speck, Hong San Kim, Jae Jo Kim, Sung Han Kim, Jae Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20140117881
    Abstract: A shoe body light-emitting device with a plurality of light-emitting forms which may include a waterproof enclosure having a cavity in which a lighting control circuit can be placed; a control circuit including a microprocessor-encapsulated circuit board and a motion actuated switch, wherein the light-emitting bodies light in a predetermined way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: TERRY ELECTRONCS (S.Z) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: John Gou
  • Publication number: 20140111117
    Abstract: A format for controlling information between multiple masters and clients uses each of a plurality of ports over a specified line, where the specified line can be ethernet, and where the ports can be opened and closed, and where the ports are calculated based on the number assigned to the console, a console multiplier, and at least one increment that represents the kind of information where there are multiple kinds of information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: PRODUCTION RESOURCE GROUP L.L.C
    Inventor: Michael Wyatt
  • Publication number: 20140097768
    Abstract: A touch and proximity sensing device includes a circuit board and a sensed signal processing unit including only one sensed signal conversion engine. The circuit board includes a capacitor sensing electrode and a grounding conductor foil disposed on opposite surfaces of the circuit board, and has a proximity sensing electrode formed thereon. The grounding conductor foil is spaced apart from the proximity sensing electrode in a planar direction parallel to the surfaces of the circuit board. The sensed signal conversion engine is spaced apart from the capacitor sensing electrode and the proximity sensing electrode in the planar direction and detects electric sensed signals from the capacitor sensing electrode and the proximity sensing electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: ENE TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Chao-Ming Lee, King-Lien Lee
  • Publication number: 20140077726
    Abstract: A light string power module is provided for providing power to light strings while replicating a lighting pattern from a first light string in providing said power. The illumination pattern of the first light string, which is not powered by the light string power module, is detected by examining the voltage polarities presented on the leads of a first connector to which the first light string is attached. These detected polarities are replicated by a switching module at matching leads on a second connector to which a second light string is attached. A power processing module accepts input power and provides output DC power to the switching module such that the second light string is powered by said output DC power in concert with the replicated voltage polarities so as to replicate the light pattern presented by the first light string on the second light string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Michael M. McRae
  • Patent number: 8669722
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) lamp includes a number of different color LEDs that can be turned on and off in different combinations using an external switch operable by a user. A user or a controller can adjust the color temperature of light output by the lamp. The color temperature change may be a user preference and can compensate for decreased phosphor efficiency over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: TSMC Solid State Lighting Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Yu Yeh, Chih-Hsuan Sun
  • Patent number: 8669713
    Abstract: A method for setting and adjusting light emitted from an adjustable lighting device is disclosed. The adjustable lighting device includes a timing unit and a non-volatile memory (NVM) module for storing a record data which includes a memory flag changeable between a set state and a reset state, and a plurality of light setting values. In the method, the adjustable lighting device is configured to allow a user to select an illumination state of the light, and to change the memory flag in the record data to the set state and to store the record data with a corresponding one of the light setting values when a elapsed time counted by the timing unit is longer than a predetermined threshold time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignees: Lite-On Electronics (Guangzhou) Limited, Lite-On Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Chih-Yen Wu
  • Patent number: 8653741
    Abstract: A capacitive touch sensor and LED driver device achieves a reduction in pin count by multiplexing LED drive functionality and capacitive sense functionality on each input/output pin. A control circuit switches between LED drive mode and capacitive sense mode at a frequency of approximately 200 Hz, although other switching frequencies can be used. A bias driver functions as a current sink for LEDs in LED drive mode and can also be used to drive a bias voltage to the LEDs during capacitive sense mode to improve noise immunity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Semtech Corporation
    Inventor: Pascal Monney
  • Patent number: 8653736
    Abstract: Multiple output channel light source power supply circuits, and methods for protecting the output channels, are provided. A front end circuit receivess an input voltage and provides a regulated front end DC voltage. A plurality of voltage converter circuits are each configured to receive the regulated front end DC voltage and provide a separate associated DC output for an associated one of the multiple output channels. A protection switch is coupled therebetween, and includes a conducting state, to couple the front end DC voltage to the plurality of voltage converter circuits, and a non-conducting state, to decouple the front end DC voltage. A current sense circuit is coupled to the voltage converter circuits, and provides a current sense output representative of current through at least one voltage converter circuit. A controller circuit places the protection switch in the non-conducting state in response to the current sense output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.
    Inventors: Keng Chen, Christian Breuer, Peng Xiao
  • Patent number: 8643311
    Abstract: A fluorescent or light emitting diode-based system for generating light flux. The system comprises a lamp comprising at least one light source for illuminating an area. At least one of the at least one light source is selected from the group comprising at least one of a fluorescent light source or an LED light source. The lamp also comprises a light source controller electrically coupled with the light source and arranged to control the spectral output of the light source. The lamp also comprises a power supply and a switch electrically coupled between the lamp and the power supply and arranged to control the supply of power from the power supply to the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Olen Nevins
  • Patent number: 8643469
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, the access control system comprises a door with an integrated mechatronic closing mechanism which is equipped with a receiver device. The receiver device is designed to receive and evaluate capacitive-resistive signals that are emitted by a transmitter and are transmitted via a user's body. The closing mechanism opens or does open the door in accordance with a result of said evaluation. In said one embodiment of the invention, the closing mechanism is battery-operated and has no permanent electric connection to an object that is not located on or in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kaba AG
    Inventor: Andreas Häberli
  • Publication number: 20140023399
    Abstract: A light-emitting device includes: plural light-emitting chips each having plural light-emitting elements, and each being designated, as a control target for lighting up or not lighting up, by two to Q designation signals (Q is an integer of two or more); and a selection signal generating part that selectively transmits P selection signals (P is an integer of three or more where P>Q) as the designation signals to designate each of the plural light-emitting elements as the control target, the designation signals for each of the plural light-emitting chips including a combination of two to Q selection signals taken from the P selection signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seiji OHNO
  • Patent number: 8633661
    Abstract: A time-delayed power switching device for providing power pass-through and timed off conductive pathways to one or more light outputs comprises a power source input, one or more first conductive pathways, one or more second conductive pathways, at least one timing circuit, and at least one relay. The time-delayed power switching device controls power from a power source electrically coupled though the power source input to the timed off conductive pathways by operation of the at least one timing circuit controlling the at least one relay. The relay has a first position adapted to energize the second conductive pathways when receiving a first signal from the timing circuit, and a second position adapted to de-energize the second conductive pathways when receiving a second signal from the timing circuit. Additionally, methods of using one or more time-delayed power switching devices to retrofit lighting areas are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Gary Skwarlo
  • Patent number: 8598809
    Abstract: Solid state lighting (SSL) luminaries are disclosed wherein the emission intensity of discrete light sources within the SSL luminaire can be varied to produce luminaire light having different characteristics. The present invention can utilize the unique circuit topology of SSL luminaires to vary the emission intensity of different types of LEDs in the luminaire. In some embodiments, the different types of LEDs are connected in respective serial strings, and the intensity of emission of the LEDs in each of the strings can be varied by changing the electrical signal driving the strings. In some of these embodiments, white light is emitted from the SSL luminaire by combining emission from BSY and red LEDs. For these embodiments the color changing solutions according to the present invention can include, as an example, changing color while dimming the luminaire, changing color between daytime and nighttime modes, and changing between most efficient and points in between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Cree, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Negley, Antony Paul Van De Ven
  • Publication number: 20130300318
    Abstract: Disclosed are a communication module and a lighting apparatus having the same. The communication module includes a housing provided therein with a space, and a module substrate provided in the space of the housing and provided therein with a wireless communication chip, a reset device to reset the wireless communication chip, and a display part to display the state of the wireless communication chip through the opening. The communication module is detachably coupled with an object to transmit a control signal, which is received through a wireless network, to the object. The communication module is stored when the lighting part of the lighting apparatus is replaced with new one, so that the cost is reduced. The light is discharged through the opening to display the erroneous operation of the inner part, such that the communication module is forcibly reset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dae Hun KIM, Yull Oh KIM
  • Patent number: 8569968
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the brightness of a light source is performed according to the status of input voltage which is determined by detecting how and how many times a toggle switch switches state. When a user switches the state of the toggle switch for the first time in order to turn on/off the light, the brightness of the light source gradually increases/decreases within a dimmer period, during which the user may select an appropriate brightness of the light source by giving a swift double-toggle on the toggle switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Princeton Technology Corporation
    Inventors: En-Hsun Hsiao, Chin-Yen Huang
  • Publication number: 20130278178
    Abstract: An indication circuit includes a network port, a detecting microchip, a first NOT AND (NAND) gate, a second NAND gate, a NOT gate, a first AND gate, and a second AND gate. The network port receives a network connector of a network cable therein, and includes a first light-emitting diode (LED) L1 and a second LED L2. The detecting microchip is electronically connected to the network port to detect a LAN speed, and accordingly output a group of logic control signal. The first NAND gate, the NOT gate, and the first AND gate are electronically connected between the first NAND gate and an anode of the first LED and a cathode of the second LED. The second NAND gate and the second AND gate are electronically connected between the first NAND gate and a cathode of the first LED and an anode of the second LED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: INGRASYS TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: CHUAN-TSAI HOU
  • Patent number: 8564215
    Abstract: A light emitting module device includes: a power line through which power is supplied to light emitting modules; and a signal generation circuit which generates a control signal. The power line is shared by a plurality of the light emitting modules, and has switches and switches which turn on or off current conduction to the light emitting modules, through open/close operations. The signal generation circuit individually controls the switches and the switches. The open/close operations include a light-emission period in which the light emitting module emits light; and an extinction period in which the light emitting module is extinguished, and if there is a control signal to be transmitted to the light emitting module, the control signal is superimposed onto supply power. Since a control signal is superimposed onto supply power to each light emitting module, the light emitting modules can be individually controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masanao Okawa, Hirofumi Konishi, Shohei Yamamoto, Kentaro Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8545045
    Abstract: Modular LED lighting systems can provide under-cabinet lighting. According to some embodiments, an LED lighting system may be provided with at least one LED light strip, a switch unit, and a removable electrical connector electrically connecting the at least one LED light strip to the switch unit in an end-to-end configuration. According to other embodiments, a modular under-cabinet LED lighting system may be provided having a plurality of LED light strip units having a female power receptacle at each end thereof, and at least one removable electrical connector received within respective female power receptacles at respective ends of an adjacent pair of the LED light strip units to electrically connect the pair of LED light strip units in series one to another in an end-to-end configuration. Because of the modular nature of the various components, a lighting system tailored to a specific under-cabinet lighting need can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Rev-A-Shelf Company, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Tress
  • Patent number: 8541960
    Abstract: A local minimum of a current monitoring signal is identified by a starter unit that turns off a fluorescent lamp without using a wall switch. Closing a main switch in the starter unit stops an illuminating current from flowing through a gas in the lamp. The local minimum of the current monitoring signal is reached when an increasing valid sample is identified following four valid samples. A sample is valid if it does not differ from the preceding valid sample by more than a threshold difference based on known properties of the signal. By skipping invalid samples, the local minimum is accurately determined to have been reached despite transient noise spikes in the signal that would trip any voltage threshold used to locate the local minimum. When the main switch is opened at a predetermined time after the local minimum, the illuminating current does not again flow through the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Zilog, Inc.
    Inventors: Kamlapati Khalsa, Roger Ball
  • Publication number: 20130234625
    Abstract: A lighting control system uses both motion and sound inputs to control indoor lighting. In the event that a person's motion initially causes the lighting to be energized, the lighting will not be deenergized even if the person's activity is low motion because certain sounds such as doors closing, typing on a keyboard, etc. prevent the lights off timeout from triggering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Kazumoto Kondo, Sho Murakoshi, Peter Shintani
  • Patent number: 8508464
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a backlight control circuit capable of distinguishing an under current condition, comprising: at least one light emission device path having a voltage node; at least one current source for controlling the current amount on the light emission device path; and at least one under current detection circuit for generating a first control signal according to the voltage at the voltage node, wherein when the first control signal changes its state, the under current detection circuit generates a second control signal to change the voltage on the voltage node if the light emission device path is normally connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Richtek Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Chiawei Liao, Xiaoyong Zhang, Jing-Meng Liu
  • Patent number: 8502470
    Abstract: A direct current power system according to one non-limiting embodiment includes a direct current power source operable to distribute a direct current voltage throughout at least one structure, and at least one controller operable to selectively couple a direct current load to the direct current voltage in response to a wireless signal from an energy-harvesting switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Enocean GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Barnett, Jeffrey Iott, Jian Xu