Pre-selectable Switching Systems Patents (Class 315/314)
  • Patent number: 11453106
    Abstract: A rotary power tool includes a housing having a motor housing portion and a handle extending from the housing. An electric motor is disposed within the motor housing portion. The rotary power tool further includes a trigger switch configured to activate and deactivate the motor, a plurality of lighting elements configured to be activated in response to actuation of the trigger switch, and a brightness control unit positioned on the housing. The brightness control unit is configured to adjust the lighting elements between a plurality of different brightness states other than an “ON” state or an “OFF” state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mark W. Kelly
  • Patent number: 10757792
    Abstract: A system includes a power source and a plurality of modules, where each module has a control for controlling a function of the module and a user input actuatable by a user. The plurality of modules are electrically connected in series with a power conductor electrically connected between each adjacent module, where the power source provides power to each module over the power conductor. In response to actuation by the user of the user input on a select module of the plurality of modules, the control of the select module generates a control signal that is transmitted to each other module over the power conductor, such that the control of each other module controls the associated function in the same manner as the select module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Light Corp Inc.
    Inventor: Ted Dekker
  • Patent number: 10251247
    Abstract: Techniques are described for providing a smart-mesh socket. The smart-mesh socket may be sized and shaped to be engaged with any convention light socket to provide power to one or more circuits housed within the smart-mesh socket. These circuits may include, for example, a main circuit that includes at least a dual processor for controlling the operation and communications of at least two communication circuits. The dual processors may execute instructions for an operating system, thus allowing the smart-mesh socket to provide enhanced capabilities for networked devices. The first communication circuit may include a transceiver that allows the first communication circuit to send and receive communications with other devices over a wireless network. The second communication circuit may include a passive receiver that allows the second communication circuit to track and monitor devices as those device move through a smart-mesh network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Sirqul, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Frederick, John Schleppy, Russell Brian Dodds, Thang Le, Justin Jaewook Yu, Luis Cifuentes
  • Patent number: 8994517
    Abstract: A remote controller is arranged for selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources. The remote controller has an omnidirectional transmitter and is arranged to instruct, by means of the omnidirectional transmitter, the light sources to transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source. Further, the remote controller has a directional signal receiver, and is arranged to receive the directional signals from the light sources, and signal comparison circuitry connected with the directional signal receiver. The remote controller is arranged to select one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the remote controller comprises a transmission indicator, which is arranged to generate an indication signal, indicative of a successful omnidirectional transmission, and it is arranged to initiate the selection of one of the light sources by means of the indication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni, James Joseph Anthony McCormack
  • Patent number: 8981912
    Abstract: A method of selecting a light source among a plurality of light sources by means of a remote controller includes the remote controller: instructing, by omnidirectional transmission, the light sources to each transmit a directional signal comprising a code, which is unique for each light source; —receiving the directional signals from the light sources; and selecting one of the light sources on basis of the received directional signals. Furthermore, the method includes: generating, remotely of the light sources, codes to be transmitted by the light sources; and—the remote controller instructing each one of the light sources which one of the remotely determined codes to transmit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Koninklijkle Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johan Cornelis Talstra, Hendricus Theodorus Gerardus Maria Penning De Vries, George Frederic Yianni
  • Patent number: 8981680
    Abstract: An electric power tool of the present invention includes: a lighting unit; a motor that drives a tool element; a setting switch that is turned ON/OFF to change an operation mode setting and a lighting mode setting; a setting switching unit that changes the operation mode setting and the lighting mode setting corresponding to a manner of operation provided to the setting switch; a motor control unit that controls the motor according to a control method for one of the operation modes currently set by the setting switching unit; and a lighting control unit that controls the lighting unit corresponding to one of the lighting modes currently set by the setting switching unit. When the setting switch is turned on, the setting switching unit changes one of the operation mode setting and the lighting mode setting corresponding to a duration time of an ON state of the setting switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Hidekazu Suda, Takuya Kusakawa, Jun Ota
  • Patent number: 8957595
    Abstract: An AC line voltage may be encoded with control information, such as dimming information derived from an output signal of a conventional dimmer, so as to provide an encoded AC power signal. One or more lighting units, including LED-based lighting units, may be both provided with operating power and controlled (e.g., dimmed) based on the encoded power signal. In one implementation, information may be encoded on the AC line voltage by inverting some half cycles of the AC line voltage to generate an encoded AC power signal, with the ratio of positive half-cycles to negative half-cycles representing the encoded information. In other aspects, the encoded information may relate to one or more parameters of the light generated by the LED-based lighting unit(s) (e.g., intensity, color, color temperature, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Koniniklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Scott D. Johnston, Michael Keenan Blackwell
  • Patent number: 8723450
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the spectral content of the output of a light fixture. The method of one embodiment includes driving the output of a light fixture to a target color and controlling the spectral content of the output of the light fixture. For example, a desired color is inputted using a color control methodology. A set of light source output intensity values that produce the desired color are identified, and then the light sources are driven to the identified output intensity values. A user is able to control the spectral content of the output of the light fixture by modifying the output intensity value of one or more of the light sources. After modifying the output intensity values, the color control and matching technique is used to identify a new set of output intensity values that maintain the previous target color but incorporate the changes in spectral content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics Theatre Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Bryan Hatley, Timothy George Robbins, Mike Wood, Dennis W. Varian
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8344648
    Abstract: An electric appliance having a main electric load, an auxiliary electric load, and a voltage supply for operating both electric loads. An auxiliary voltage is generated by the voltage supply and supplied to the auxiliary electric load at a constant level so that the power of the auxiliary electric load remains substantially the same irrespective of voltage fluctuations in the voltage supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Marquardt GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Straub
  • Patent number: 8300853
    Abstract: An audio mixing console includes a brightness adjusting mode selection button and an adjustment subject specification button. A user operates the brightness adjusting mode selection button to set up a brightness adjusting mode, and operates the adjustment subject specification button to specify any color LED of RGB or all colors as an adjustment subject. When an LED button is operated, brightness of an LED of a color of an adjustment subject in a multicolor LED unit incorporated in the LED button is increased one step by one step. In another example, in response to an operation of a button, brightness of an LED of a color of the adjustment subject in the multicolor LED unit incorporated in a plurality of LED buttons other than this button is increased one step by one step. This work is carried out for every LED and LED button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru Aiso
  • Publication number: 20120217902
    Abstract: A full-voltage AC LED module includes a circuit substrate having a first bridge rectifier circuit comprising a set of first load nodes and a set of first power nodes and a second bridge rectifier circuit comprising a set of second load nodes and a set of second power nodes, and a LED module packaged in the circuit substrate and having a first light-emitting device formed of a series of light-emitting diodes and electrically connected to the set of first load nodes and a second light-emitting device formed of a series of light-emitting diodes and electrically connected to the set of second load nodes. By means of connecting the set of first power nodes and the set of second power nodes in series or in parallel, the required input voltage for starting up the LED module is relatively changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: HONGYA LED LIGHTING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ting-Fang Yang
  • Patent number: 8174213
    Abstract: The configurations of a light emitting device are provided in the present invention. The proposed device includes a light source, an enclosure, and an integrated control circuitry coupled to the light source, enclosed in the enclosure and receiving a universal input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventors: Richard Landry Gray, Po-Ming Tsai
  • Publication number: 20120091919
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a substrate having openings therein, and a plurality of light emitting diodes positioned within at least some of the openings in the substrate. A power supply is electrically coupled to the plurality of light emitting diodes positioned within the openings. An opaque layer of material substantially covers the substrate and the plurality of openings placed on a first side of the substrate, and the light emitting diodes in the openings. The opaque layer allows light from the plurality of light emitting diodes to pass through the layer when powered. When not powered, the opaque layer substantially hides the plurality of light emitting diodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Douglas Tveit
  • Patent number: 8143808
    Abstract: A circuit is provided for actuating a lighting device in a motor vehicle. The circuit includes first and second light sources, that may include one or more light-emitting diodes. The light sources are connected in parallel, and each have a respective heat sink. Measuring means is configured to determine the functionality of the first and second light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Thomas Reinle
  • Patent number: 8106608
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a power source, a switch, a time detecting circuit, a controlling circuit, a driving circuit and an LED lamp electrically connected together. The time detecting circuit could detect switching times and periods of the switch at an “on” and “off” positions, thereby producing corresponding signals to the driving circuit to lighten the LED lamp with different brightness levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Long Ku
  • Patent number: 8044596
    Abstract: Electron-emissive drive units of electron-emissive elements capable of being arranged with a smaller pitch. FET and emitter array units exist in matrix element areas partitioned by a control wiring and data wiring. An exemplary unit is composed of four emitter arrays. The control wiring and data wiring are driven by first and second drive circuits, respectively. Corresponding arrays between units are connected by selection wiring and driven by a third drive circuit. The third drive circuit drives each unit of data wiring every time the drive circuit sequentially drives the four units of control wiring, and the emitter array drive circuit drives each emitter array selection wiring every time the drive circuit sequentially drives the three units of data wiring. Electrons can be emitted in units of arrays smaller than the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignees: Futaba Corporation, NHK Science & Technical Research Laboratories
    Inventors: Masateru Taniguchi, Takahiro Niiyama, Shigeo Itoh, Kazuhito Nakamura, Kenta Miya, Masakazu Namba, Yuki Honda, Toshihisa Watabe, Norifumi Egami
  • Publication number: 20110115390
    Abstract: An exemplary light emitting diode (LED) lamp includes a lamp body, an LED module and a switching member. The LED module is mounted on the lamp body and includes a plurality of first LED components emitting a first light with a first color temperature and a plurality of second LED components emitting a second light with a second color temperature. The switching member is mounted around the lamp body and can be operated to cause the LED lamp to work in different modes. In the different modes, different numbers of the first and second LED components are driven to emit light with different color temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicants: FU ZHUN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHEN ZHEN) CO., LTD., FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIN-LONG KU, JU LI
  • Publication number: 20100301778
    Abstract: This invention relates to a changeable facial expression configuration, including a facial expression layer and an eyeball changeable device. The eyeball changeable device includes a light transmission eyeball body, and a light transmission eyeball pattern layer located in the light transmission eyeball body that is able to embody at least two different expressions with different colors, and a luminous body located with a certain distance in the rear area of the pattern layer that is able to respectively emit the light colors in accordance with the light colors of the eyeball pattern layer. The luminous body connects with the control circuit, and emits light alternately by the control of control circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Sun Solutions Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang Ho Chang
  • Publication number: 20100213879
    Abstract: The current invention teach LED night light for different power source including battery, outlet plug-in or interchangeable power source incorporated more than 1 reflective means can with desired relative position, distance, orientation to create plurality of LED or LEDs image in x-y-z axis to show on the surface. The said at least one of the reflective means can be see though to let plurality LED or LEDs image to be seen from this see though reflective means. Also teach the power saving and cost saving LED light device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Publication number: 20100171445
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a power source, a switch, a time detecting circuit, a controlling circuit, a driving circuit and an LED lamp electrically connected together. The time detecting circuit could detect switching times and periods of the switch at an “on” and “off” positions, thereby producing corresponding signals to the driving circuit to lighten the LED lamp with different brightness levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIN-LONG KU
  • Publication number: 20100134022
    Abstract: An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of other light sources such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit. The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative clothing, or may be part of a hazard or warning system. One or more solid state light sources may also be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Robert A. Gutstein, Monita Liu
  • Publication number: 20100090621
    Abstract: A method of using lights and a light system for teaching dance, particularly to students with hearing impairments. The method of dance instruction includes a light bar having a plurality of first lights and second lights. The first and second lights are visually distinguishable. The first lights are turned on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern, and the second lights of the light bar are turned on and off to display a pre-selected and count time signature pattern. A light system for dance instruction includes a light bar having a first lights and second lights, which are visually distinguishable, and a control unit for: a) turning the first lights of the light bar on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern; and b) turning the second lights of the light bar on and off to display a pre-selected and count time signature pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey Baker
  • Patent number: 7675251
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for compensating for lamp lumen depreciation. The method includes operating the lamp under rated wattage for a period towards the first part of operating life of the lamp. Operating wattage is increased at one or more later times. Energy savings are realized. The increases also restore at least some light lost by lamp lumen depreciation. The apparatus uses a timer to track operating time of the lamp. A few wattage changes made at spaced apart times can be made in a number of ways, including changing capacitance to the lamp, or using different taps on the lamp ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron K. Gordin, Timothy J. Boyle
  • Publication number: 20090309519
    Abstract: A power tool of the present teachings comprises a prime mover that drives a tool, a main switch that causes the prime mover to operate when the main switch is turned on and causes the prime mover to stop operating when the main switch is turned off, an illuminator that lights a working area of the tool, and a lighting mode selector switch for switching the lighting mode of the illuminator between a plurality of lighting modes which include a first lighting mode and a second lighting mode. When the first lighting mode is selected, the illuminator will be turned on for a first predetermined period from the point at which the main switch is turned off. When the second lighting mode is selected, the illuminator will not be turned on during the first predetermined period from the point at which the main switch is turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jiro Suzuki, Hirokatsu Yamamoto, Takuya Kusakawa
  • Publication number: 20090251078
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-functional traffic signal stick, which has a red signal LED part for providing a signal stick function and a white signal LED part for providing a flash light function, and which a police officer carries on the road. The multi-functional traffic signal stick can be carried conveniently as a flash light by telescoping each joint of a length-adjustable flashing tube manufactured in an antenna type into a larger tube, and used as a signal stick, which is well seen from a far distance, by stretching each joint of the length-adjustable flashing tube like an antenna. In addition, the present invention can serve to inform danger or accidents when being mounted uprightly on the road or a proper place such that three supporting rods mounted on a grip part at regular intervals are unfolded to support the signal stick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2005
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Young-Jik Oh, Jae-Kyu Kwon
  • Publication number: 20090230894
    Abstract: A lighting system (100) includes a lighting module (110) configured to accept a light source, and a controller (120) configured to be linkable to the lighting module (110). A link between the controller (120) and lighting module (110) is establishable by exchanging between the controller (120) and lighting module (110) at least one of a module link identity of the lighting module and a controller link identity of the controller. The link may be establishable based on a gesture including pointing the controller (120) to the lighting module (110), touching the controller (120) to the lighting module (110), and/or selecting the lighting module (110) from a display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Linda De Goederen, Dennis Van De Meulenhof, Jelle Polstra, Ian Mc Clelland, Walter Willaert, Paul Thursfield
  • Publication number: 20090212722
    Abstract: The adaptive RV chassis tail lamp and tow lamp configuration allows switching between American and European style tail and tow lamp configurations through use of a preprogrammed chassis control module, which is simply accessed via an user interface. Further, the configuration of the tail lamps of a vehicle being towed by the RV can be configured separately from the configuration of the RV chassis tail lamps, in like manner. Still further, diagnostics may be run to determine functionality of all tail and tow lamps powered by the vehicle power distribution source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Kelvin Fraser Milne, Peet Pelser
  • Publication number: 20090197710
    Abstract: The invention relates to a marking system comprising lighting devices, for example LEDs (11), that are used on a sport area (1) to indicate demarcations (100) of different games. By activating the associated lighting devices (11), the demarcations (100) of a particular game can selectively be made visible. The marking system may further comprise detection devices that can detect the occurrence of certain game events. Thus photodetectors (12) may for example detect if a ball (2) crosses a demarcation (100). A controller (13) may then activate the lighting devices (11) or separate signaling devices (14, 15) to indicate the detected event. The controller (13) may further communicate wirelessly with persons on the sport area, particularly with the referee to assist his/her decisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis Reinder Ronda
  • Publication number: 20090184663
    Abstract: A circuit is provided for actuating a lighting device in a motor vehicle. The circuit includes first and second light sources, that may include one or more light-emitting diodes. The light sources are connected in parallel, and each have a respective heat sink. Measuring means is configured to determine the functionality of the first and second light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Johnson Control Technology Company
    Inventor: Thomas Reinle
  • Patent number: 7560880
    Abstract: A control device for work lamp includes a microprocessor, which is able to receive signals sent from a power supply unit and a switch. The microprocessor is able to determine the number of times that the switch is pressed and then send out a command to the activation unit, which will in turn activate the light unit. All or a part (a quarter, half or three quarters) of the lights of the light unit may be turned on in their full brightness, half of their full brightness or a portion of the full brightness or in flashing light. Hence, the control device of the present invention allows a user to select from several brightness levels according to the actual needs so as to save electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Li-Chun Lai
  • Patent number: 7417556
    Abstract: An improved technique of utilizing a centralized control protocol for lighting devices such as DALI. A technique is disclosed for utilizing such protocols in a wireless environment. The first step involves associating particular slave devices with a specified master control device, and a second step involves associating specific functions within the master device with specific slave devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Wang Ling
  • Patent number: 7202613
    Abstract: Described herein are lighting units of a variety of types and configurations, including linear lighting units suitable for lighting large spaces, such as building exteriors and interiors. Also provided herein are methods and systems for powering lighting units, controlling lighting units, authoring displays for lighting units, and addressing control data for lighting units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Kevin J. Dowling, Ihor A. Lys, Brian Roberge, Brian Chemel, Jeff Hyer, Michael K. Blackwell, John Warwick
  • Patent number: 6867558
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for a networked lighting system that may be controlled either remotely or locally by a power line communication (PLC) link. The components of the system, addressable lamp ballasts and addressable wall switches, replace their conventional counterparts. The resulting networked lighting system implemented with these components is controlled remotely from a centralized building control center. A particular room may be controlled by the building control center or locally by a wall switch. The invention requires no rewiring of the building's wiring plant, because the addressable components are direct electrical replacements, and installation of the system, therefore, takes a minimum amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Gaus, Jr., Kenneth Welles, Janos Sarkozi
  • Publication number: 20040227472
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for a networked lighting system that may be controlled either remotely or locally by a power line communication (PLC) link. The components of the system, addressable lamp ballasts and addressable wall switches, replace their conventional counterparts. The resulting networked lighting system implemented with these components is controlled remotely from a centralized building control center. A particular room may be controlled by the building control center or locally by a wall switch. The invention requires no rewiring of the building's wiring plant, because the addressable components are direct electrical replacements, and installation of the system, therefore, takes a minimum amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Richard C. Gaus, Kenneth Welles, Janos Sarkozi
  • Patent number: 6784628
    Abstract: A control system for selectively illuminating fluorescent light units in a fluorescent fixture having a plurality of fluorescent light units. A control system employs a first relay which when energized connects one of the light units to energizing power and a second relay which when energized connects a second and third light unit to energizing power. The control switch has one position in which the first relay is energized to turn on the first light unit and a second position in which the second relay is energized to turn on the second and third light units. The control switch also has a third position in which both relays are energized thereby turning on all three light units. Current steering through diodes in the switch and at the relays permits a single wire to be employed connecting the switch at a convenient manually accessible area to the relays at the fluorescent light fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Victor Horowitz
  • Patent number: 6545586
    Abstract: A theatre system operating in compliance with the DMX512 protocol is also able to support remote channel assignment of the various theatre devices included therein as well as other auxiliary operating modes by establishing a device hierarchy based on unique ID numbers assigned to the theatre devices when DMX communication is inactive. The theatre devices communicate with each other bi-directionally to establish a device hierarchy. Each theatre device has a pre-assigned unique device identification number, and a hierarchy is established based on these unique ID numbers. One way to establish a hierarchy is to create a list of the unique device identification numbers of the bi-directional theatre devices in the system, and then determine the position of each theatre device on the list. The list may be assembled by one of the bi-directional theatre devices and broadcast to all when completed, or each bi-directional theatre device may itself assemble a complete list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6380696
    Abstract: A lighting control device for controlling the light intensity level of at least one lamp. The device is capable of storing preset light intensity levels in a memory. The method for storing the preset light intensity levels is simple and straight forward. The user adjusts the desired light intensity level using an intensity selector and then presses and holds a preset actuator for a nontransitory period of time to store the light intensity level into memory. A master control is capable of outputting control signals to adjacent lighting control devices located in the same wallbox through infrared signals or to lighting control devices located in a spaced wallbox through a flexible cable. The end of the flexible cable does not require connection to the wires of the lighting control devices in the spaced wallbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Tarvinder S. Sembhi, Elliot G. Jacoby, Jr., Christopher J. Salvestrini
  • Patent number: 6369524
    Abstract: An addressable lighting device and control system uses a DMX-512 protocol controller or other serial network protocol controller to selectively generate an electronic address for the addressable lighting device on which the device will respond to all future signals from the controller corresponding to that electronic address. The addressable device has a program mode for setting the address and a working mode for receiving control signals on the set address. The addressable device may have the address set and changed remotely using the DMX-512 protocol controller and a remote control to switch modes, thereby avoiding the problems associated with using DIP switches to set device electronic addresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: MAF Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Alberto Sid
  • Patent number: 6069457
    Abstract: A dimmer for dimming gas discharge and incandescent lamps can be installed in place of a standard wall-mounted light switch and connected to existing wiring. The dimmer has a switch coupling one or more full wave bridge rectifiers to a main AC source and to existing power wires running through the wall to the fixture. The bridge rectifiers are controlled by the dimming switch such that either the normal AC source waveform is transmitted over the power wires, or a full wave positively or negatively rectified AC waveform is transmitted, or else no voltage is transmitted. At the fixture, the transmitted power waveform is applied to the lamp power terminal of the lamp or ballast as well as to a decoder. A dimming interface receives the decoder output and appropriately adjusts lamp brightness by changing the operating conditions of the lamp in accordance with this output. The dimmer may also be used to control general household devices containing a front-end full wave bridge rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Lumion University
    Inventor: Alexei Bogdan
  • Patent number: 6020659
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic switch system for controlling AC power to a load. The switch has ON, OFF and RAMP down modes that can be selected by means of momentary touch switches. When put into the RAMP down mode, the power to the load decreases slowly at a gradual continuous uninterrupted predetermined rate. This switch system has particular utility in brightness control of lamps. It has been found that the use of a lamp controlled by an electronic switch of the present invention often will induce sleep for people that have difficulty going to sleep, particularly young children and older persons. Thus the electronic switch system and devices embodying this system are particularly useful in a method to induce sleep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Primed Products Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Crowther, Earl T. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5962984
    Abstract: To provide a high intensity lighting circuit of improved efficiency and reduced electromagnetic interference generation, a DC xenon lamp is driven by a three phase AC source through a three phase, full wave bridge rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Morris W. Mashburn, III
    Inventors: Morris W. Mashburn, III, William Peil
  • Patent number: 5866994
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus for illuminating paintings at least a part of which is painted by a particular paint that emits or reflects light upon reception of ultraviolet ray, has a first illumination lamp constituted of an ultraviolet lamp and a second illumination lamp constituted of incandescent lamps. The ultraviolet lamp and incandescent lamps are controlled by a control circuit to be repetitively turned on and off as time elapses in accordance with a control sequence selected by an observer. While the incandescent lamps are turned on, the ultraviolet lamp is turned off to make the painting viewed as, e.g., a daytime landscape without showing, e.g., a nighttime landscape, and while the incandescent lamps are turned on, the ultraviolet lamp is turned on to make the same painting viewed as the nighttime landscape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Timely Elegance Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuo Nakano
  • Patent number: 5642018
    Abstract: An energy efficient driver circuit for driving a display panel having panel electrodes and panel capacitance includes an inductor means coupled to the panel electrodes; a driving voltage source; a voltage supply for providing a supply voltage of a magnitude which is greater than the driving voltage; a first switch device for selectively coupling the driving voltage to the inductor in response to a rising input signal transition, the input signal transition commencing a first state wherein a first current flow occurs through the inductor to charge the panel capacitance, the inductor causing the panel electrodes to rise to a voltage in excess of the driving voltage, at which point the first current flow reaches zero; and a second switch device for selectively coupling the voltage supply to the inductor and panel electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Plasmaco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Marcotte
  • Patent number: 5629587
    Abstract: A programmable lighting control system for advertising, decorative, artistic, and Christmas lighting applications, consists of a standalone controller, an optional power booster device, and a personal computer compatible software program. The controller receives power via a standard AC outlet receptacle and includes: a plurality of AC output receptacles for connection to either series or parallel connected Christmas tree type lights or the like; a micro-controller to provide timing and control signals that are applied to solid state switching devices to drive the outlet receptacles; a non volatile memory to store custom user defined lighting sequences; a rotary, switch to enable the selection of either pre-programmed sequences or user defined sequences; and a serial communication port. The personal computer compatible software program enables the user to create custom lighting sequences, which can be downloaded to the light controller non volatile memory via the serial port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Devtek Development Corporation
    Inventors: Roger M. Gray, Barry C. Kockler
  • Patent number: 5569983
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus for producing a wide variety of spectral outputs comprising at two dissimilar light sources, a source of alternating current, a means for specifying the desired spectral output, electronic means for varying the alternating current delivered to the first light source to produce a first spectral output, and electronic means for varying the alternating current delivered to the second light source to produce a second spectral output, which when combined with the first spectral output produces an overall light output meeting desired characteristics of illuminance and/or color temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Tailored Lighting Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. McGuire, Richard E. Hagerman
  • Patent number: 5500575
    Abstract: A switchmode AC power controller for controlling the current through a load such as a large lamp array connected to an alternating current source. The controller contains an AC solid state switch, a synchro-flywheel, an output inductor and capacitor. The load current is controlled by triggering signals generated by a synchronized modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Lighting Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Ionescu
  • Patent number: 5493182
    Abstract: To provide for dimmer operation of a fluorescent lamp (L) with a minimum of circuit components, the d.c. output level at an output terminal (C1) of an energy supply source, such as a switched mode power supply (10, 10'), is controlled in accordance with the setting of a dimmer control (D). The voltage level at the output capacitor (C1) of the switched mode d.c. power supply furnishes supply voltage for an inverter (T1, T2) coupled to the discharge lamp. During lamp operation, a control unit (R) controls the level of the d.c. voltage supply for the inverter in accordance with the dimmer setting. This permits change of the brightness of the fluorescent lamp (L) in a range of from 5% to 100% of nominal value. Preferably, control of the supply voltage for the inverter is activated only upon occurrence of the ignition or arc-over phase, for example under control of a timing circuit (ZS), controlling a relay in the preheating circuit of the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft F. Elektrische Gluehlampen MBH
    Inventors: Wolfram Sowa, Christoph Kreutner
  • Patent number: 5493183
    Abstract: An EL lamp characterized by non-linear brightness decay is driven to constant brightness for the life of the lamp by an inverter controlled by a microprocessor. The microprocessor controls the inverter in accordance with a table containing data which is the inverse function of the non-linear brightness decay. The microprocessor tracks the total on-time of the EL lamp and selects the appropriate data from the table for driving the lamp. Control can be analog or digital. If control is analog, the selected data is coupled to a D/A converter which is coupled to the inverter. If control is digital, the selected data is coupled to a counter driving a pulse width modulator which is coupled to the inverter. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an EL lamp is dimmed a precise amount based upon the data in the table and the EL lamp can be dimmed in unison with other lamp types, each lamp type having a table containing data for dimming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Durel Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Kimball
  • Patent number: 5463286
    Abstract: A wall mountable, fully modular lighting control system, is disclosed wherein several possible lighting scenes are user defined and stored in the lighting control system for recall by the user upon depression of a selected one of a plurality of scene select buttons. The lighting control system comprises at least one master control module, and, if desired, one or more slave control modules. Remote control units may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics, Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. D'Aleo, Jonathan H. Ference, Simo P. Hakkarainen, Joel S. Spira, Darryl W. Tucker