Abstract: An electronic device (100) is disclosed including an electroluminescent (EL) backlight panel (140) and an EL driver circuit (210). The EL driver circuit (210) provides power to the EL backlight (140), as well as panel aging compensation and user adjustment capabilities. The EL driver circuit (210) is low-cost, small-size, and designed in such a way to be easily integrated into a custom integrated circuit. A method is provided for controlling and converting power to the EL backlight panel (140).

Abstract: A multi-color display unit includes at least a first and second plurality of dot-type light sources, such as LED or small lamps, which are arranged in different geometrical patterns and may be powered in any desired order or combination thereof. Each plurality of dot-type light sources may be of different colors or may include color filters in combination with one-color dot-type light sources to form a multi-color display unit. The geometrical arrangement between those dot-type light sources may include bar-type, and/or circumferences, parallel or intersecting, and a combination with other geometrical patterns.

Abstract: A lighting control system is adapted to dim a plurality of groups of light sources in a room to any one of a number of different preset levels to achieve a like number of different lighting scenes. Each group of light sources defines a lighting zone of the same type of light source, for example, incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, neon lights, etc. The system includes a plurality of dimmers for adjusting the respective light levels of the different lighting zones, and a display panel for displaying the instantaneous light level of each zone. According to the invention, a suitably programmed microprocessor or the like operates to normalize the system's dimming performance for a plurality of different types of light sources so that a given change in dimmer setting produces the same change in perceived light level from each of the different types of light sources.

Abstract: A control console for controlling stage lighting includes a panel on which there are mounted a multiplicity of control elements in the form of switches, slider potentiometers and others which can be used by an operator to input control data to the console and directly control remote lamp units connected to the console. The console includes a main cpu which forms part of an electronic control system which includes function allocation means enabling the operator to determine which one of the control elements exercises control over a particular independently controllable function of one or more of the lamps. The console also includes a data distribution unit which includes a plurality of separate serial communication controllers for communicating with respective ones of the lamps. An SCSI bus is used for transferring data between the main cpu and the distribution unit, which includes its own processor unit for distributing the data to the serial communication controllers.

Abstract: A self-dimming electronic ballast for a gas discharge lamp includes a converter having an unregulated boost circuit coupled to a variable frequency inverter having a series resonant, parallel loaded output. The inverter includes a variable frequency driver circuit having a timing circuit for determining the frequency of the driver. A transistor in the timing circuit operates as an inverting amplifer and is controlled by a signal proportional to the voltage of the AC line. The frequency of the inverter increases with decreasing voltage on the AC line. The ballast can be on the same circuit as incandescent lamps and powered by a triac or variac dimmer for dimming both the incandescent and gas discharge lamps.

Abstract: A lighting control system with self calibration for employing the entire physical travelling range of a dimmer switch. A lookup table and linear interpolation are used in conjunction with the voltage output of the dimmer switch in order to identify the appropriate duty cycle of a Pulse Width Modulated signal which drives the lamps in the system. Two of the values in the lookup table are default minimum and maximum values of voltage which can be expected from a worst case switch device. The system dynamically determines and stores any new maximum or minimum voltage which is received from the dimmer switch. These dynamically determined minimum and maximum values are used to replace the default values in the lookup table thus calibrating the lookup table. The calibrated lookup will take into account the operating parameters of the actual switch in the vehicle and will therefore always produce a corresponding change in illumination intensity over the entire physical range of the dimmer switch.

Abstract: A control system for a plurality of appliances in distributed arrangement, in particular lighting fittings, having a command generator (1), a receiver (10) associated with each appliance (40), a control line (2) which connects the command generator (1) to each receiver (10), and a first memory (20, 23) in each receiver (10) in which an operational address (A2) for the associated appliance (40) can be stored. A control part (30, 50) is provided in each receiver (10) by means of which the appliance (40) associated therewith (30, 50) can be controlled by the command generator (1) if it (30, 50) has first been activated by selection of the operational address (A2) of the appliance (40) associated therewith. The control system for appliances that are to be in distributed arrangement is intended to make a particularly simple initiation of operations possible.

Abstract: An electronic switching circuit with driver which may be used to turn on an incandescent light after a predetermined delay and which circuit output may be utilized to trigger either itself or a like circuit connected in series. The electronic circuitry may optionally be contained within an electrical socket which provides both trigger input and output leads whereby the electrical sockets may then be connected in series to produce a cascade lighting system.

Abstract: A programmable lighting control system for decorative, artistic, and Christmas lighting applications, includes a plurality of outlet receptacles for connection thereto of series or parallel connected Christmas tree lighting strings or the like, a plurality of associated output select switches to individually select a lighting condition signal for each respective outlet receptacle, timing and control circuitry to generate a plurality of lighting condition signals that are applied to solid-state switching devices to drive the outlet receptacles, an output timing phase synchronization feature initiated at user discretion to synchronize the timing phase of each of the plurality of lighting condition signals, and a memory function to retain the last programmed lighting display conditions of user-selected, entirely unique lighting patterns when using a plurality of lighting strings.

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.

Abstract: A recessed lighting fixture system comprising a power service module which includes sockets for receiving fluorescent light lamps, a ballast for driving each of the light lamps, and a field adjustable connector which is electrically connected to the sockets and the ballasts. The power service module mounts in a mounting frame assembly which is mounted in the ceiling. A primary terminal block is provided in the mounting assembly and is connected to the main power supply. When mounted in the mounting assembly, the field adjustable connector connects to the primary terminal block, thus connecting the light lamps and ballasts to the main power supply. The field adjustable connector is four-pole pre-wired for providing single phase or dual phase power supply to the ballasts of the respective fluorescent light lamps.

Abstract: An electronic dispatch board for use with a voice message recording-playback machine. The dispatch board lights certain lamps responsive to signals sent from the message recording-playback machine when a message has been placed in a certain voice mailbox. The dispatch board is comprised of a serial-to-parallel converter, a board address comparator, an address signal verifier, a lamp driver, and a plurality of lamps. The address signal verifier determines if a valid address signal has been received from the message recording machine. A number of dispatch boards may be simultaneously connected to the same message recording machine. The board address comparator in each dispatch board determines if the address signal from the message recording machine is meant for that particular dispatch board. If a valid address signal has been received, a certain lamp is set to an on, off or blink state.

Abstract: A multi-room controller for controlling a plurality of individual light controls, each associated with a room of a partitionable space. The individual light controls each control the light individually in the control's room. An assignment panel associated with the multi-room controller is operable to link several individual light controls in a group under the control of a selected individual control within the group. This linking occurs when several rooms have been combined into a larger room and it is desirable to have uniform control of the lighting within the larger room. The multi-room controller is in communication with each individual light control and responsive to the assignment panel for transferring control of the group to the selected individual light control. In one operation mode, the lighting is controlled by a preselected individual control. In another mode, the lighting is controlled by any of the linked controls in the group. All linked controls mimic the last activated control.

Abstract: A panel controlling multiple lighting intensities of a multiplicity of lights in conjunction with a remote lighting dimmer module which utilizes operators mechanically movable to operate potentiometers. Each potentiometer is capable of setting an intensity level of a particular light of the multiplicity of lights. A display is also employed which indicates a lighting level of each of the multiplicity of lights associated with each operator and corresponding potentiometer. The operators and display are supported by a chassis which is mountable in an electrical wall box. Information may be stored which defines a lighting scene in terms of an intensity level of each light of the multiplicity of lights which is set by the operators in the chassis. The intensity level information may be retrieved and transported to a dimmer module which sets the intensity level in each light. One scene may be set into the multiplicity of lights while another scene may be previewed on the display on the chassis.

Abstract: A lamp switching circuit and method for selectively energizing one or more lamps of a bank of lamps and thereafter energizing other of the lamps when power is interrupted and next applied. The lamp switching circuit and method is also effective in selectively and sequentially operating one or more ballasts in a group of ballasts which, in turn, operate one or more lamps in a circuit arrangement. The lamps with which the present invention is used are typically phosphor excitable lamps, such as flourescent lamps. In this way, power consumption is reduced, even through lumen output is correspondingly reduced. However, by selectively and sequentially energizing only certain of the lamps in a circuit arrangement, the overall life of the lamps is materially increased. Moreover, the lamps will operate with the same degree of efficiency as they would operate if all lamps connected to a ballast were operating.

Abstract: A system for directing a plurality of lighting instruments in accordance with an operator designed sequence. The system includes a control module and a plurality of satellite modules where each satellite module is, in turn, connected in a controlling relationship to a further plurality of drive motors which are mechanically connected to the light assemblies for directing the beams to move in accordance with a stored program of presets contained in the memory of a microprocessor in the control module.

Abstract: The arrangement of the invention enables control of a light emitting element comprising at least one discharge tube. Firing of the tube is effected by a generator which provides voltage pulses at predetermined periodic intervals (T.sub.r). The luminous intensity of the tube is controlled by a D.C. source which enables application of a discharge maintenance current to the tube, the duration of application (T.sub.c) of which depends on an instruction signal. A circuit is provided to assure synchronism between the application of the voltage pulse and the maintenance current. The arrangement may be applied in matrix displays.

Abstract: In a lighting console which provides outputs to dimmers which include master controls for at least two scenes and channel controls for each of a plurality of channels with the channel controls including at least a first and second scene preset potentiometer, the channel controls and master controls cooperating to allow presetting, and which also includes a buss, with one of the preset potentiometers for each of a plurality of the channels connected to the buss and an output from the master controls being used through suitable amplifiers to drive the buss, a plurality of nondestructive current limiting fault isolating devices are provided for each scene, each connected between the master and at least one of the preset potentiometers for that scene. As a result, the effects of a fault causing abnormal currents to flow which develops after the fault isolating means will not disrupt the operation of channel potentiometers connected to other fault isolating means.

Abstract: A preset lighting device in which the number of common input and output terminals is reduced and which does not respond to a duplicate switch activation state so that a previously-determined lighting state as maintained until a valid activation state is present. A lighting element is provided for each of plural input switches which are in turn coupled to corresponding input/output terminals. A latch circuit is provided for each lighting element to maintain the lighted state until reset occurs. First and second gate circuits detect a duplicate switching state and control the activation of the lighting elements accordingly.

Abstract: A three phase voltage controller for controlling the voltage applied to a three phase load. The controller includes three autotransformers which have a plurality of output taps for stepping down the output voltage. Contacts to the taps are selected for a high output voltage and a low output voltage with the contacts selected either manually or automatically. In the automatic mode, time delay is provided in switching from a high output voltage to a low output voltage, and a re-cycle timer is provided to re-cycle from a low voltage to the high voltage temporarily. Single phase control contactors are provided to remove voltage from one or more output lines for load shedding. Circuit breakers are provided for removing the controller and for directly applying the input line voltage to the output line.

Abstract: The present invention is a power control unit and method of controlling power particularly for lighting loads such as incandescent lamps and fluorescent lamps. The power control unit is located between the power source and the load, typically between a circuit breaker and the lamps in a single circuit.The power control unit functions to reduce the voltage delivered to the load and thereby to reduce the power consumed by the load. Reductions in power up to 10% or more are possible without any significant loss in lighting usefulness. Savings of up to 40% or more are possible when significant reductions in lighting output are acceptable.

Abstract: The theatre lighting control system comprises a patchboard having a plurality of receptacles mounted thereon and a switchboard associated with the patchboard and having a plurality of switches mounted thereon. The receptacles and switches on the respective boards are mounted in a generally rectangular matrix such that a row of switches on the switchboard is aligned with and electrically coupled to a row of receptacles on the patchboard. Also, a control switch is provided for each group of aligned rows of switches and receptacles and is adapted to be connected to a dimmer switch. The receptacles are adapted to receive male plugs from theatre lamp circuits. Pilot lamps are associated with the receptacles and/or switches to indicate which receptacles are energized.

Abstract: A control circuit including at least one switch and a plurality of rectifiers for selectively applying a-c utility power to either or both of two remote electrically-powered apparatus at respective first and second states of rectification by means of a conventional two-wire interconnection cable. Where one of the apparatus is of a type, such as a motor, adapted to be powered by a full-wave a-c, the control circuit includes a relay and relay switch responsive to switch-selectable half-wave a-c for connecting the motor to receive full-wave power. In one disclosed embodiment, the two apparatus comprise a composite smoke detector and lamp fixture, and the control circuit provides continuous power at a first state of rectification to the smoke detector portion of the fixture and switch-selectable power at a second state of rectification to the fixture lamp.

Abstract: A sequential control circuit capable of sequencing through a number of stable states in a predetermined order, starting from a predetermined stable state and sequencing in either of two opposite directions. A contact maker having two transient positions is connected to a timing circuit and to a logic circuit. In response to assumption by the contact maker of one of its transient positions, the timing circuit provides a timer signal delayed with respect to the interval of that transient position. The logic circuit sequences through a number of output conditions corresponding with the stable states in a direction determined by the particular transient position. The logic circuit includes circuitry for placing the circuit in a predetermined one of the output conditions upon initial start up.

Abstract: An improved full-spectrum luminaire utilizing a plurality of gas discharge lamps at least one of which produces radiant energy primarily in the near-ultraviolet range and another produces radiant energy primarily in the visible range. The spectral energy distribution characteristics of the lamps are chosen so that their combined radiation simulates natural daylight in both the ultraviolet and visible light ranges. The ultraviolet radiation may be switched off manually or automatically.

Abstract: A synthesizer using the additive method of color synthesis and having a plurality of different color filters to provide corresponding primary color radiations which are combined to produce a tone having a specified color content. The filters are illuminated by either one or a plurality of gas discharge lamps equal in number to the number of color filters, the frequency and duration of the flashes from the lamp incident on each filter being determined by a control circuit to produce a predetermined luminous intensity for each primary color. The circuit may be programmed by specifying numerical values for the required luminous intensity of each primary color and the circuit adapted to control the frequency and duration of the flashes in accordance with the specified numerical values.

Abstract: A sequential light flashing circuit usable as a decorative display for Christmas decorations or the like includes a switching circuit for energizing lights in a predetermined sequence to provide a variety of distinct light patterns. A thyristor brightness control circuit is employed in conjunction with the sequential switching circuit to vary the brightness of each light during its operating interval. The operation of the sequential switching circuit may be stopped at any desired point to permit any light pattern in the sequence to be continuously displayed.