Keyboard Or Pattern Controlled Switch Patents (Class 315/316)
  • Patent number: 8441214
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a plurality of LED lights having at least two different color LED lights. A controller is coupled to the LED lights for independently controlling the intensity of sets of different color LED lights. A program stored on a storage device is operable on the controller to control the intensity of each of the different sets of different color LED lights to produce light representative of color and intensity changes of outdoor daylight conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Deloren E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8436542
    Abstract: System and method are provided where a plurality of luminaires, control switches, occupancy detectors, and photocells are connected to a central control module including a user interface which is used for setting up, testing, commissioning and maintaining the system; a memory card interface and associated memory card which can be used to load and save configuration data, update firmware, and log system operation. Lighting system can be set up and tested and then the configuration saved in a portable memory, such as on a memory card which can be transferred to another system where it is read to facilitate faster and easier configuring of the other system to parallel, or to be exactly like, the original system. Data stored on a portable memory can be automatically recognized to perform appropriate actions such as, for example: update configuration, or update firmware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Stuart Middleton-White, Gregory Smith, Robert Martin, Thomas J. Hartnagel, Theodore E. Weber, Mike Crane, Terry Arbouw, Dawn R. Kack, David J. Rector
  • Publication number: 20130063050
    Abstract: An electronic device capable of displaying a light pattern in a section of a surface by turning on a light source includes: the light source; a first light-transmissive colored layer provided on the surface and having reflectance and transmittance that peak in a wavelength range of light of a first color; and a second light-transmissive colored layer provided on a path of light that is emitted from the light source and reaches the first light-transmissive colored layer, the second light-transmissive colored layer having transmittance that peaks in a wavelength range of light of a second color different from the first color. The second light-transmissive colored layer has light transmission characteristics adjusted such that light of a desired color exits the section of the surface where the light emitted from the light source reaches when the light source is turned on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroya MORIKAWA, Eiji SAITOU, Kazuhiko SHIBATA
  • Patent number: 8373366
    Abstract: A user interface (240) includes buttons (410) associated with lighting scenes stored in a memory (230). Selection of one of the buttons (410) selects an associated lighting scene as a focus group including focus light sources, where the remaining light sources are included in a surrounding group. A contrast switch (430, 435) of the user interface (240) may be configured to change a ratio of the focus group to the surrounding group, and a brightness switch (440, 445) may be configured to change the intensity by multiplying by a factor focus intensity levels of the focus light sources and/or surrounding intensity levels of the remaining light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Petrus Wilhelmus Baaijens, Bram Francois Joosen
  • Patent number: 8299719
    Abstract: The present invention is an individually selective intelligent serial lighting system, wherein lighting elements are arranged in a specific configuration so that unknown location and identity of each randomly distributed registered integrated circuit switch device, which drives lighting elements, is automatically detected, recorded and addressed. A controller, individually controls every single LED, or other lighting element distributed along the length of lighting string with fixed set of wires. Each lighting element is mounted on or connected to and driven from a Switch PCB, consisting an integrated circuit switch, each programmed or lasered with a unique serial number, with at least two ports and a communication protocol. Software routines are intelligent in a sense that find position of each individual lighting element when any existing or new lighting element or cable assembly is attached to or detached from the system whether in operation and alive or upon power up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Masoud Moshirnoroozi
  • Patent number: 8299721
    Abstract: A lighting control system comprising a plurality of intelligent switches designed to replace a conventional light switch, each of the intelligent switches including a receiver configured to receive communication signals that include rules based instructions for controlling one or more lighting circuits; a circuit interrupter configured to control the amount of current flowing to a lighting circuit; a memory configured to store the rules based instructions; and a processor coupled with the receiver, memory, and circuit interrupter, the processor configured to control the operation of the circuit interrupter based on the rules based instructions stored in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Telsa Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Derek Matthew Smith
  • Patent number: 8258721
    Abstract: A remotely controllable track lighting system includes a track mountable to a support structure, such as a wall or ceiling, with lamps that are supported on the track that are individually controlled by a wireless remote. Each lamp on the track may be set to respectively different intensity levels (e.g., high, mid, low, off) or the user can uniformly control the lamps to be set to the same intensity level. Advantageously, all of the lamps may be set, upon initially turning on the lamps or at another time as desired, to their respective 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 advantageously causes all of the lamps to return to their respective 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. Other features and variations also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Evolution Lighting, LLC
    Inventor: A. Corydon Meyer
  • Patent number: 8134461
    Abstract: The invention relates to controlling a lighting system by proximity sensing of a spotlight control device, particularly to controlling a spotlight generated by a lighting system such as a large LED lighting array by means of a spotlight control device. The invention provides a device (10) for controlling a lighting system (12) by proximity sensing of a spotlight control device (14), wherein a predefined area (24) around the spotlight control device (14) is illuminated if a proximity sensor (16) signals presence of the spotlight control device (14) within the predefined area (24). The invention has the main advantage that it allows to control complex lighting systems containing dozens or even thousands of lighting devices such as large LED arrays with one device, the spotlight control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Koninkiljke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Markus Gerardus Leonardus Maria Van Doorn
  • Patent number: 8115422
    Abstract: Provided is an LED drive circuit capable of using a switching regulator IC having low breakdown voltage even when a power supply voltage is high. The LED drive circuit includes a voltage clamp circuit for clamping the power supply voltage to an operating voltage of the switching regulator IC, converts an output voltage of a current detecting circuit for detecting a current flowing through an LED into the operating voltage of the switching regulator IC, and outputs the operating voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Osamu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8015088
    Abstract: A method of rewarding loyalty of a user may include providing a personal terminal to the user, detecting whether the personal terminal is within proximity of an interaction terminal, and based at least in part on the proximity of the personal terminal to the interaction terminal, providing a benefit to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Anthony James Phillips, Leonard Frank Antao, Gerard E. Insolia, Haven Brock Kolls
  • Patent number: 8013535
    Abstract: Lighting apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed. One lighting apparatus includes a light source, a power source in electrical communication with the light source, and a power button arranged to control electrical flow from the power source to the light source. The lighting apparatus also includes a programmable circuit in electrical communication with the power button, where the programmable circuit is programmed to set predetermined flash patterns for illuminating the light source in response to detecting a predetermined sequence of actuations of the power button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Jacek J. Jozwik
  • Patent number: 7965050
    Abstract: In an arrangement of lighting devices (10), a remote control device (30) and a central control device (20), a particular lighting device to be controlled by means of the remote control device may be selected by a user transmitting a selecting command (42, 43). When the central control device receives the selecting command (44), it carries out a selection sequence (45) during which it controls the lighting devices in one or the other sequence so as to have their output change temporarily (45, 46, 47). If the remote control device, which is directed to the particular lighting device (41), senses such an output change (50), it transmits data representing such an event (51) to the central control device. When the central control device receives such event data (52), it determines the particular lighting device as that to which the remote control device is directed (53) for subsequent control (54) of this particular lighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Erik Nieuwlands
  • Patent number: 7777704
    Abstract: The present invention relates to displays that use LED strings for backlighting. A lead string is provided with continuous drive voltage and the non-lead strings are provided with pulsed drive pulses. The string having the highest forward voltage is selected as the lead string. Feedback information indicative of the currents flowing through the non-lead strings is used to determine the duty cycles of the voltage pulses provided to drive the non-lead strings. The non-lead strings are controlled using pulsed drive voltages to minimize power dissipation in the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: mSilica, Incorporated
    Inventors: Dilip S, Gurjit Thandi, Hendrik Santo, Kien Vi
  • Patent number: 7687753
    Abstract: The present invention provides an illumination system enabling dynamic color control of the illumination produced by the system. The illumination system comprises light-emitting elements for producing illumination, and at least one detecting device which collects information relating to the illumination, which is inherently non-linear. The illumination system also integrates a computing system which receives, the information from the at least one detecting device and linearises this information using a multivariate function having a solution defining a hyperplane representing constant chromaticity for a given luminous intensity, and then determines a number of control parameters based on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Ian Ashdown
  • Patent number: 7663325
    Abstract: A programmable wallbox dimmer is disclosed. Upon entering a programming mode, the dimmer presents a main menu from which the user may select one or more features to program. The user may scroll through a list of programmable features by actuating the dimmer's raise/lower intensity actuator. The user may select a highlighted feature by actuating the dimmer's control switch. The dimmer may enter a value selection mode that is associated with the selected feature. In the value selection mode, the user may scroll through a list of features that define the selected feature by actuating the dimmer's raise/lower intensity actuator. The user may select a value for the selected feature. The selected value may be stored in the dimmer's memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Bridget McDonough, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Edward J. Blair
  • Patent number: 7659674
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus involving at least two LEDs configured to generate at least two different spectra of radiation that are combined to produce white light. At least one parameter of the at least two different spectra of radiation generated by the at least two LEDs is controlled, based at least in part on at least one lighting control signal received by the apparatus over at least one wireless communication link, so as to control at least a color temperature of the white light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred D. Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, Dawn Geary, Timothy Holmes
  • Publication number: 20100001665
    Abstract: A lighting control console for controlling a lighting system, wherein digital adjusting commands are generated in the lighting control console, which can be transferred to the lighting devices of the lighting system via data connections, and wherein the lighting control console comprises at least one digital processor and at least one digital memory for generating, managing and storing the adjusting commands, and wherein the lighting control console comprises a remote control, and wherein operator inputs can be input at the remote control and can thereafter be transferred to the lighting control console via a data interface, and wherein at least one motion sensor, by means of which motions of the remote control can be detected, is installed in the remote control, wherein the sensor signals of the motion sensor can be evaluated in an evaluation module and can be transformed into operator inputs for the lighting control console.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Brockmann
  • Patent number: 7462997
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems including one or more first LEDs, each first LED configured to generate first radiation having a first spectrum, and one or more second LEDs, each second LED configured to generate second radiation having a second spectrum different than the first spectrum. A diffuser is employed to blend the first radiation and the second radiation, when generated, so as to provide a uniform color of light having a visible spectrum based on a combination of the first spectrum and the second spectrum. One or more controllers are configured to control the first LED(s) and the second LED(s) such that visible light provided by the diffuser is perceived as one or more colors. In different aspects, the apparatus/systems may be configured to generate white light and/or multicolor light, may be formed to resemble conventional light bulbs, and may be arranged as a linear chain of nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 7441160
    Abstract: A file system for a stage lighting system that maintains the different files associated with the stage lighting system. Each of the files that can represent an effect are maintained within the system within a configuration file. The configuration file can be updated on each start of the system so that the system can maintain information indicative of current configuration files. A test mode can also be entered in which a pre-formed show can be tested against the current state of the configuration files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Mark A. Hunt
  • Patent number: 7436132
    Abstract: A system for controlling a load circuit is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of multi-way sensor switches for mounting in an electrical boxes and coupling to the load circuit. Preferably, each of the multi-way sensor switches includes a tactile switch for manually opening and closing the load circuit load circuit, a built-in sensor for automatically opening and closing the load circuit in response to a level of detected motion and a micro-processor for generating status signals. The status signals are transmitted between each of the multi-way sensor switches over a traveler wire that is electrically coupled to each of the multi-way sensor switches. The micro-processor then uses the status signals to synchronize the operation of each of the multi-way sensor switches to allowing the multi-way sensor switches to operate in a true three-way fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: The Watt Stopper Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Null
  • Patent number: 7427840
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling illumination. In one example, one or more multi-color light sources are controlled based on one or more interruptions of power supplied to the light source(s). In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more multi-color light sources that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices that may be controlled based on one or more interruptions in power. In another example, the selection of a particular illumination program for such light sources (e.g., by one or more interruptions in power) is indicated to a user via the radiation generated by the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, George G. Mueller, Kevin J. Dowling, Timothy Holmes, John Warwick
  • Publication number: 20080191637
    Abstract: A simple method and apparatus are described for controlling two or more electrical devices. An encoder receives an alternating current (AC) voltage waveform and converts the AC voltage waveform to a modified voltage waveform selected according to a control input. A decoder located near the electrical devices receives the modified voltage waveform and either energies or deenergizes each of the electrical devices, depending upon the modified voltage waveform. Energized electrical devices receive energy from the modified voltage waveform. The modified voltage waveform both selects electrical devices to be energized and provides power to the energized electrical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Peter R. Pettler
  • Patent number: 7401934
    Abstract: A file system for a stage lighting system that maintains the different files associated with the stage lighting system. Each of the files that can represent an effect are maintained within the system within a configuration file. The configuration file can be updated on each start of the system so that the system can maintain information indicative of current configuration files. A test mode can also be entered in which a pre-formed show can be tested against the current state of the configuration files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Mark A. Hunt
  • Patent number: 7374288
    Abstract: An improved image projection lighting device is disclosed. Commands received by a communications port of the base housing may be acted upon to change zoom and focus values of a zoom and focus lens. A cooling system may be provided which compares an input air temperature of the image projection lighting device to an exiting air temperature to determine if a filter needs service. A video projector may project a first image comprised of first, second, and third separate images and the first separate image can be faded up to project light that is void of an image by a first command received at the communications port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 7355523
    Abstract: An addressable lighting device and control system uses a user-actuable infrared or radio frequency operated remote control(s) to selectively or collectively generate an electronic address for the addressable lighting device on which the device will respond to all future signals from the remote control corresponding to that electronic address. The addressable lighting device has a programming mode for setting the address and a working mode for receiving control signals on the set address and correspondingly setting the desired intensity level of light. The addressable device may have the address set and changed locally (manually) or remotely using the remote control to switch modes, thereby avoiding the problems, expenses and mistakes associated with using dual in-line package (DIP) switches, binary, hex rotary switches, or thumbwheel switches normally used to set each one of the system's unit's unique address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Alberto Sid
  • Patent number: 7325930
    Abstract: An improved image projection lighting device is disclosed. Commands received by a communications port of the base housing may be acted upon to change zoom and focus values of a zoom and focus lens. A cooling system may be provided which compares an input air temperature of the image projection lighting device to an exiting air temperature to determine if a filter needs service. A video projector may project a first image comprised of first, second, and third separate images and the first separate image can be faded up to project light that is void of an image by a first command received at the communications port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 7312585
    Abstract: An electronic ballast system controls one or more ballasts of HID or fluorescent lamps, which are controlled in an “on/off” manner by a ultra low power controller that is isolated for a primary power circuit or derives its very low switch power from the ballast itself. The on/off control provides a near lossless control system. This system may be applied to electronic ballast for operates at fractional power levels corresponding to different lighting intensities and with conventional occupancy sensors. The system may also be applied to other electronically compatible end-use devices and applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: William George Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7290895
    Abstract: A file system for a stage lighting system that maintains the different files associated with the stage lighting system. Each of the files that can represent an effect are maintained within the system within a configuration file. The configuration file can be updated on each start of the system so that the system can maintain information indicative of current configuration files. A test mode can also be entered in which a pre-formed show can be tested against the current state of the configuration files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Production Resource Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Mark A. Hunt
  • Patent number: 7274160
    Abstract: Illumination methods and apparatus, in which a first number of first light sources are adapted to generate first radiation having a first spectrum, and a second number of second light sources are adapted to generate second radiation having a second spectrum different than the first spectrum. In one example, the first number of the first light sources and the second number of the second light sources are different. In another example, a first intensity of the first radiation and a second intensity of the second radiation are independently controlled so as to controllably vary at least an overall perceivable color of generated visible radiation. In yet another example, a first control signal controls all of the first light sources substantially identically, and a second control signal controls all of the second light sources substantially identically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 7271543
    Abstract: A bi-level illumination system for power conservation correlated to the needs of a building stairwell, which even during work hours is only nominal functioning as it does as a back-up to elevator-provided access to work areas, and requiring high level illumination during off-hours which also occurs infrequently, by its focused stairwell end use permitting use of occupancy and time clock sensing means control of the high and low levels of illumination without the undue complexity of bi-level illumination systems used in work areas with constantly changing illumination needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Jeffrey Jay Goldstein
  • Patent number: 7230392
    Abstract: Analog control of a plurality of light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), to generate multiple colors of light. An electronic circuit controls three or more analog outputs in response to a single analog input, each of the analog outputs controlling a different one of the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Whitegate Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Brett G. Clark, David W. Sellers
  • Patent number: 7221109
    Abstract: Embodiments of a stage lighting console are disclosed which may be used to control the light level of a plurality of stage lighting interments. The stage lighting console includes a plurality of sliders, each of which may control a separate lighting instrument and several settings of multiple sliders may be recorded for later playback. The sliders move from a +100% position to a ?100% position such that they may be used to add to or subtract from the illumination of lighting instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Toms
  • Patent number: 7211968
    Abstract: Implementations of lighting control systems and methods are described and claimed herein. An exemplary remote control system comprises a wireless interface configured to receive instructions from a wireless station in a building automation network. A ballast table identifying ballast control points is stored in computer-readable memory. A processor operatively associated with the wireless interface and the ballast table uses the ballast table to generate electronic control signals identifying ballast control points corresponding to the instructions received at the wireless interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Colorado vNet, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh P. Adamson, Scott Hesse
  • Patent number: 7199529
    Abstract: A pathway lighting system has self-contained, battery up scaled lighting modules (20), each module including at least one secondary coil. A plurality of primary coils are housed within a carrier assembly (1) together with voltage circuitry (14). Primary and secondary coils, positioned in the carrier assembly and in the lighting modules and the respectively allow electricity to flow between these members. The secondary coil output voltage is able to be rectified with the use of a rectification circuit, housed in the lighting module. Upon a mains failure, a battery charger/changeover circuit would switch the power requirements of the light sources inside the pathway lighting module over to internal back up batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: GDRC Limited
    Inventor: David Richard Vernon-Dier
  • Patent number: 7186003
    Abstract: High-brightness LEDs, combined with a processor for control, can produce a variety of pleasing effects for display and illumination. A system disclosed herein uses high-brightness, processor-controlled LEDs in combination with diffuse materials to produce color-changing effects. The systems described herein may be usefully employed to bring autonomous color-changing ability and effects to a variety of consumer products and other household items. The system may also include sensors so that the illumination of the LEDs might change in response to environmental conditions or a user input. Additionally, the system may include an interface to a network, so that the illumination of the LEDs may be controlled via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin J. Dowling, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Michael K. Blackwell, Alfred Ducharme, Ralph Osterhout, Colin Piepgras, George G. Mueller, Dawn Geary
  • Patent number: 7170238
    Abstract: Control systems and methods. An embodiment of control system may comprise a processor for receiving control signals from at least one input device when linked thereto. Computer-readable program code is provided for generating output signals at the processor based on the control signals. An interface is operatively associated with the processor, the interface configures at least one regulator based on the output signals generated at the processor by delivering pulse width modulated signals to the at least one regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Colorado vNet, LLC
    Inventors: Hugh P. Adamson, Scott Hesse
  • Patent number: 7168430
    Abstract: Machine for making tobacco-processing industry products includes a plurality of lamps arranged on components of the machine. Each lamp includes at least one visible light-emitting power semiconductor light source. An electronic mode control unit is electrically connected to and controlling the lamps. The electronic mode control unit is structured and arranged to control the lamps so as to provide uniform continuous light for illuminating at least one of the components and the tobacco-processing industry products, and is structured and arranged to control the lamps so as to provide periodically interrupted light for illuminating at least one of the components and the tobacco-processing industry products. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hauni Maschinenbau AG
    Inventor: Frank Grothaus
  • Patent number: 7161311
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems including one or more first LEDs, each first LED configured to generate first radiation having a first spectrum, and one or more second LEDs, each second LED configured to generate second radiation having a second spectrum different than the first spectrum. A diffuser is employed to blend the first radiation and the second radiation, when generated, so as to provide a uniform color of light having a visible spectrum based on a combination of the first spectrum and the second spectrum. One or more controllers are configured to control the first LED(s) and the second LED(s) such that visible light provided by the diffuser is perceived as one or more colors. In different aspects, the apparatus/systems may be configured to generate white light and/or multicolor light, may be formed to resemble conventional light bulbs, and may be arranged as a linear chain of nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Color Kinetics Incorporated
    Inventors: George G. Mueller, Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 7140752
    Abstract: The present invention provides an illumination system enabling dynamic color control of the illumination produced by the system. The illumination system comprises light-emitting elements for producing illumination, and at least one detecting device which collects information relating to the illumination, which is inherently non-linear. The illumination system also integrates a computing system which receives the information from the at least one detecting device and linearises this information using a multivariate function having a solution defining a hyperplane representing constant chromaticity for a given luminous intensity, and then determines a number of control parameters based on the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: TIR Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian Ashdown
  • Patent number: 7126291
    Abstract: An independent radio frequency programming device automates a setup process for a lighting system with lighting control devices and master controls. The programming device intercepts communications between the lighting control devices and the master control during an initial setup phase. A start function permits the programming device to provide automated setup information to the master controls. Once the automated setup process completes, the lighting system is fully programmed with behavior functions for all lighting control devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Glen Andrew Kruse, Jason Douglass Craze, Robert Francis Walko, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7073910
    Abstract: An improved image projection lighting device is disclosed. Commands received by a communications port of the base housing may be acted upon to change zoom and focus values of a zoom and focus lens. A cooling system may be provided which compares an input air temperature of the image projection lighting device to an exiting air temperature to determine if a filter needs service. A video projector may project a first image comprised of first, second, and third separate images and the first separate image can be faded up to project light that is void of an image by a first command received at the communications port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6995525
    Abstract: A light display power box receives a string of clear and a string of colored lights thereby displaying clear and colored lights simultaneously to form selected light display patterns. The light display power box includes a plurality of outlets for receiving at least one string of clear lights and at least one string of colored lights. Additionally, the light display power box includes electronic circuitry including a microprocessor programmed to receive, process, and use received command signals to program selected light patterns. In one embodiment, a remote control transmitter transmits wireless command signals associated with selected light patterns to a sensor unit housed within or in proximity to the light display power box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Peter W. Barthelmess
  • Patent number: 6982529
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided including an image projection lighting device. The image projection lighting device may be comprised of a base housing, a yoke, and a lamp housing. The lamp housing may be comprised of a lamp and a first light valve. The image projection lighting device may be further comprised of a communications port, a processing system, and a memory. A cutoff value representing an amount of accumulated operating time at which the lamp may begin to operate improperly may be stored in the memory. An accumulated value representing an actual accumulated amount of operating time of the lamp may also be stored in the memory. The processing system may prevent the lamp from operating when the accumulated value is within a limit of the cutoff value, unless the processing system grants a request for a variance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: 6969954
    Abstract: A system and method for automatic configuration of devices that comprises a receiver for receiving information from a device that uniquely identifies the device, a controller capable of assigning an address to the device, and a communication link for transmitting said information from the receiver to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Color Kinetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ihor A. Lys
  • Patent number: 6967448
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling illumination. In one example, one or more multi-color light sources are controlled based on one or more interruptions of power supplied to the light source(s). In another example, a pool or spa is illuminated by one or more multi-color light sources that may be employed as individually and independently controllable devices that may be controlled based on one or more interruptions in power. In another example, the selection of a particular illumination program for such light sources (e.g., by one or more interruptions in power) is indicated to a user via the radiation generated by the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Color Kinetics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, George G. Mueller, Kevin J. Dowling, Timothy Holmes, John Warwick
  • Patent number: 6956338
    Abstract: Analog control of a plurality of light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), to generate multiple colors of light. An electronic circuit controls three or more analog outputs in response to a single analog input, each of the analog outputs controlling a different one of the light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: MasonWare Partners, LLC
    Inventors: Brett G. Clark, David W. Sellers
  • Patent number: 6930456
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a central controller and multiparameter lights, including IPLDs. A display of the multiparameter lights at the central controller includes the IPLDs and their image parameters, which are used to evoke a display of graphics tools at the central controller for originating images. Images originating at the central controller are transmitted to the IPLDs either by or under control of the central controller. The graphics tools may also be able to manipulate images. The central controller is provided with one or more image editors, which include the graphics tools. The outputs of the image editors, which are referred to as “image banks,” are routed to multiple multiparameter lights (including IPLDs) in accordance with assignments made by the operator of the central controller. The central controller also uses a collage display screen of a collage generator to allow the operator to select an image to collage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: RE43234
    Abstract: A central controller and a number of image projection lighting devices (“IPLD”), a type of multiparameter light, are interconnected by an enhanced performance communications path that is capable of simultaneously carrying different digital signals on various bidirectional channels, such as various content signals, including continuous video and/or audio, in digital form on respective content transfer channels, a command signal on a control channel, and a control or content signal in digital form on an auxiliary channel. In accordance with commands transmitted from the central controller over the control channel, content signals may be sent from any of the IPLDs to any other of the IPLDs, or from the central controller to any of the IPLDs, or from any of the IPLDs to the central controller. The IPLDs have respective unique device addresses, and the control channel, the auxiliary channel, and the content transfer channels also have respective unique channel addresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: RE43476
    Abstract: A lighting system includes a central controller and multiparameter lights, including IPLDs. A display of the multiparameter lights at the central controller includes the IPLDs and their image parameters, which are used to evoke a display of graphics tools at the central controller for originating images. Images originating at the central controller are transmitted to the IPLDs either by or under control of the central controller. The graphics tools may also be able to manipulate images. The central controller is provided with one or more image editors, which include the graphics tools. The outputs of the image editors, which are referred to as “image banks,” are routed to multiple multiparameter lights (including IPLDs) in accordance with assignments made by the operator of the central controller. The central controller also uses a collage display screen of a collage generator to allow the operator to select an image to collage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau
  • Patent number: RE44114
    Abstract: A central controller and a number of image projection lighting devices (“IPLD”), a type of multiparameter light, are interconnected by an enhanced performance communications path that is capable of simultaneously carrying different digital signals on various bidirectional channels, such as various content signals, including continuous video and/or audio, in digital form on respective content transfer channels, a command signal on a control channel, and a control or content signal in digital form on an auxiliary channel. In accordance with commands transmitted from the central controller over the control channel, content signals may be sent from any of the IPLDs to any other of the IPLDs, or from the central controller to any of the IPLDs, or from any of the IPLDs to the central controller. The IPLDs have respective unique device addresses, and the control channel, the auxiliary channel, and the content transfer channels also have respective unique channel addresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Richard S. Belliveau