Keyboard Or Pattern Controlled Switch Patents (Class 315/316)
  • Patent number: 6160359
    Abstract: A local computer generates requests for a remote computer to control a remotely-located lighting load. The local computer generates and displays a control panel, which prompts a user to enter an intensity for the remotely located lighting load. When an intensity is entered into the computer, the computer generates a lighting control request and sends the lighting control request to the remote computer. The remote computer controls power to the remotely-located lighting load according to the lighting control request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Marc Werner Fleischmann
  • Patent number: 6118230
    Abstract: A lighting control system includes a server that is instructed by a lighting daemon to receive lighting control requests on a computer network and respond to the lighting control requests. Each lighting control request identifies a lighting load (directly or indirectly) and a lighting load state (e.g., full intensity) for the identified lighting load. When the server receives a lighting control request over the network, it is instructed to generate proprietary commands for an interface module, which controls the identified lighting load according to the lighting load state. Thus, the server allows lighting loads to be controlled by any Network Appliances connected to a computer network. Network Appliances can include web browsers, Virtual Light Switches and smart sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Marc Werner Fleischmann
  • Patent number: 6118231
    Abstract: In order to control the luminosity in a room (1) lighted with several light sources (2a . . . , 3a . . . ) or several groups of light sources, a system is used with which the ratio between the light intensities of the individual light sources or groups of light sources can be adjusted or modified, and with which the total luminosity in the room (1) can be adjusted or modified while the ratio between the light intensities of the individual light sources or groups of light sources is kept constant. In particular for this purpose, a control device (7) is integrated in the system and connected to all operating devices (4a . . . , 5a . . . ) of the various light sources (2a . . . , 3a . . . ) to control the power consumption of the individual light sources (2a . . . , 3a . . . ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Zumtobel Staff GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Geiginger, Armin Heim, Gerhard Jahn
  • Patent number: 6046550
    Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for use in a light dimming circuit of the tape which selectively controls the current flow through a lighting load to adjust its luminous output. The dimming circuit has a controllably conductive device, such as a triac, connectable in series between an A.C. power source and a lighting load, and a control circuit which responds to a dimming level control signal to selectively apply a selected portion of an A.C. voltage waveform produced by the A.C. power source to the lighting load to adjust the RMS voltage across the load. The selected portion is determined by a firing angle at which the control circuit causes the controllably conductive device to conduct power during each half cycle of the A.C. waveform. The diagnostic appararus has a senior to sense the operating status of a component of the dimming circuit and/or the presence of the dimming level control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan H. Ference, Donald F. Hausman, John F. Loar, Robert S. Spehalski, Walter S. Zaharchuk
  • Patent number: 6031343
    Abstract: The lighting system of the present invention includes at least one light string having a plurality of independently controllable light modules, each emitting light in response to an activation signal uniquely associated with the light module. The lighting system preferably includes a controller coupled to the light strings for generating and transmitting activation signals to the light modules to independently control the lights of the light modules. Each of the light modules may include a multi-color lighting device for emitting light of different colors such that the controller may select colors of the light emitted from each one of the light modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corporation
    Inventors: Troy A. Recknagel, William O. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6020825
    Abstract: A theatrical lighting control network which incorporates a local area network for communication among a number of node controllers and control consoles or devices employed in establising lighting or other effects levels in a theater, film production stage or other performance environment. Use of the network eliminates the requirements for the majority of hardwiring for interconnection of consoles and other controller or monitoring devices to effects controller racks and provides great flexibility in location and relocation of various components of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: NSI Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard M. Chansky, John W. Fuller, Ronald A. Land, Robert Whitten
  • Patent number: 6008594
    Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting controller that detects the voltage applied to a discharge lamp used by a vehicle, for example, and stops power supply to the discharge lamp if the voltage goes out of an estimated rated voltage range in a design stage. Circuit components are protected from possible impairment due to excessive current that may flow depending on the state of the discharge lamp under the constant power control of the discharge lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahide Kita, Kenji Nakamura, Masahiro Yabuta
  • Patent number: 5969485
    Abstract: Lamps forming a lighting show are grouped into maps. Each map includes an association between the lamps and specific sets. Lamps are in particular sets in particular maps and can be in different sets in other maps. Each set can be associated with a parameter for that set. One such parameter is the color for the set of lamps. Both maps and parameters can be changed by a single key press. This allows single key press parameter cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Light & Sound Design, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mark A. Hunt
  • Patent number: 5962982
    Abstract: A photocell device for use with an exterior landscape lighting assembly. The lighting assembly includes a transformer having an input line connected to an electrical power source. The transformer converts a primary electrical voltage to a secondary electrical voltage which is in turn outputted through an output line connecting to a plurality of individual lighting units. The photocell device includes a turf stake capable of engaging into a ground location. An enclosure is mounted atop the turf stake and includes a power supply circuit, a photo sensor and control circuitry communicating with the photo sensor. The power supply circuit converts the secondary transformer output to an unregulated and filtered direct current suitable for powering the control circuitry. The control circuitry interfaces with the photo sensor and, in response thereto, selectively activates and deactivates the plurality of lighting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Michael L. Mancuso
  • Patent number: 5955844
    Abstract: An uninterruptible power source for emergency lighting in an AC powered electrical system utilizes X-10 protocol transmitters and receivers for transmitting and receiving data signals over existing wiring to emergency wall switches interposed in the wiring for maintaining emergency lighting in the on condition when AC commercial power is interrupted and a battery powered backup unit converting DC to AC is activated upon the interruption of the commercial AC source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Robert Redgate
  • Patent number: 5949200
    Abstract: A wall mountable control panel for controlling power levels delivered to electrical loads, such as lighting loads defining zones, has a zone select switch for scrolling through multiple zones, so as to permit a single control unit (having a power level adjustment switch and a power level display for one zone) in the control panel to be used to separately adjust the power level for, and separately display the power level of, more than one zone. The control panel is capable of controlling M times N zones, where N is the number of control units in the control panel, and where M represents the number of selections that can be made by the zone select switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan H. Ference, Frederick J. Lind, III, Robert Paul Stocker
  • Patent number: 5945789
    Abstract: A two-wire display lighting control structure mainly including a main driver outputting pilot control signals and a plurality of sub-drivers each containing a signal discriminator and a load making circuit and each having a flood light or a light string serially connected thereto. A two-wire conductor is sufficient for use between the main driver and the sub-drivers to serially connect them. The pilot control signals output by the main driver replace first half-cycles of sine waves of an alternating current for supplying power needed by the sub-drivers and individually controlling series-parallel connected flood lights or light strings, so that the flood light or light string connected to a selected sub-driver lightens when it is supplied with power from another half-cycles of the sine waves of the alternating current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Tsung-Ming Chou
  • Patent number: 5914573
    Abstract: An electrical go-go light belt includes a sawtooth or step-wave generator. The sawtooth or step-wave is transmitted to a lamp section via a drive line, the voltage of the rising sawtooth or step-wave being supplied to a voltage divider to trigger silicon controlled rectifiers and turn on any bulbs that are connected in series with the rectifiers one by one. The rearmost bulb in a preceding lamp section is turned on to trigger the sawtooth or step-wave generator of the relay circuit of the next lamp section so as to turn on the bulbs of that section, the last bulb of which triggers the sawtooth or step-wave relay of a further section, and so forth. A control system regulates the frequency of the sawtooth or step-waves emitted by the sawtooth or step wave generator of the current lamp section, and the relay circuits, in order to control the rate at which bulbs are turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Yuan Lin
  • 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: 5811942
    Abstract: A device for optimized management of fluorescent lamps with a control module having microprocessors with a control program in permanent memory (EPROM, PROM or equivalent); an internal control program, stored in the memory; and an electronic power module for direct power supply of lamps to change the voltage at the output within a range between a maximum power supply voltage and a lower appropriate voltage, at the command of the control module. The memory has at least some of the following accessories: A/D converters; an internal "real time" clock; an RS232 or RS422 asynchronous or synchronous serial interface; EAROM, EEPROM memory; a keyboard with LCD or LED display; control pushbuttons and indicator lights; and analog sensors for ac voltage, ambient light, external light, ambient temperature, power module temperature, and alternating current, the number and type of sensors being dependent on the selected configuration which in turn depends on user requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Bob Hammer Systems Solutions S.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Pedretti
  • Patent number: 5811940
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the independent control of individual or a group of fluorescent lamps of a lighting system operated by the a.c. supply system with the main functions of rapid start, brightness control (dimming), extinction and storage of an operating state for switching on the system after it has been switched off. A feature of the invention resides in the possibility of converting existing conventional lighting systems without additional installation costs merely by exchanging the respective conventional starter for a control circuit according to the invention and by exchanging the conventional light switch for transducers according to the invention. To achieve this, a control element instead of the known starter is connected into the heating circuit for a lamp formed from a series circuit of a fluorescent tube with a ballast device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Physiomed-Medizintechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Nutzel
  • Patent number: 5769527
    Abstract: A stage lighting system is comprised of a plurality of lamp units which may have diverse communication protocols, functions and data parameters. The stage lighting system is controlled by a modular control system comprised of a modular controller mainframe interconnected with a plurality of control devices which may have diverse communications protocols and data formats. The modular controller mainframe consists of a plurality of input and output modules, mass storage devices and a main processor kernel, all interconnected by a number of data buses. The input modules serve as an interface between the modular controller mainframe and the diverse protocols of the various control devices. Similarly, the output modules serve as an interface between the modular controller mainframe and the diverse protocols of the various types of lamp units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Brooks W. Taylor, Thomas E. Walsh, Mikell D. Nelson, Charles H. Reese
  • Patent number: 5742130
    Abstract: The invention relates to an intelligent lamp or an intelligent contact terminal for a lamp, which can be used in a lighting system comprising a plurality of individually controlled lamps (1; 5) linked in a common power-supply circuit (8, 9) and an operation control device for transmitting a desired operation control signal to electronic control elements (11, 12, 13), associated with the lamp or the contact terminal and reacting or failing to react selectively to various control signals. Together with the lamp or its contact terminal, said electronic control elements (11, 12, 13) provide a single replaceable component which, on the basis of a message included in the operation control signal, identifies itself to serve as an appropriate lamp. In addition, the electronic control elements (2; 6) monitor the condition of itself and that of the lamp and, if necessary, produce a fault indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Heikki Korkala
  • Patent number: 5684368
    Abstract: A smart driver in combination with an LED including a column driver coupled to one terminal of the light emitting device and a row driver coupled to another terminal of the light emitting device to form an addressed circuit. A controllable power supply having terminals coupled to the column and row drivers and a control terminal connected to control power applied between the terminals in response to a control signal supplied thereto. A control circuit coupling the addressed circuit to the control terminal and supplying a unique control signal thereto, whereby a unique amount of power is applied to the addressed circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola
    Inventors: Chengping Wei, Franky So, Michael P. Norman
  • Patent number: 5677603
    Abstract: The lighting system for an aircraft cabin includes multiple illuminating units for distribution about a cabin. Each illuminating unit includes at least one variable light source providing light of a known characteristic and that is energizeable independently of other illuminating units. A controller controls energization of the illuminating units by way of dimming and switching units associated respectively with the illuminating units. The controller is operable to create different predetermined combinations of energizations of the illuminating units so that a desired lighting scene is created within the cabin by the energized illuminating units. The controller is arranged to effect a gradual transition to the energizations of the illuminating units when changing from one predetermined combination to another. As a result, there is a corresponding gradual change between scenes created in the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: British Airways PLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Laycock Speirs, Anthony Roy Fozard
  • Patent number: 5675221
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for transmitting a dimming control signal in an up/down encoding manner. A dimming control value and a number of a desired electronic ballast group are set by the user and then encoded into binary data in the up/down manner. The encoded binary data is set as transmission data. A receiving stage receives the transmission data and performs a dimming control operation on the basis of dimming up/down information and electronic ballast group number up/down information of the received data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: LG Industrial Systems Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hong K. Yoo, Ki J. Im, Sang K. Lee, Eun T. Jung, Kyung H. Lee, Chang H. Kim, Bog Y. Kang, Byung R. Yang
  • Patent number: 5668537
    Abstract: A theatrical lighting control network which incorporates a local area network for communication among a number of node controllers and control consoles or devices employed in establising lighting or other effects levels in a theater, film production stage or other performance environment. Use of the network eliminates the requirements for the majority of hardwiring for interconnection of consoles and other contoller or monitoring devices to effects controller racks and provides great flexibility in location and relocation of various components of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventors: Leonard M. Chansky, John W. Fuller, Ronald A. Land, Robert Whitten
  • Patent number: 5621282
    Abstract: A lighting control system consisting of microcontroller enabled modular lighting circuits linked by asynchronous serial communication originating in a microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Walter Haskell
  • Patent number: 5604407
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling vehicle interior lighting as a function of certain lighting-relevant states, in which the respective turning-on or turning-off process takes place with dimming. The dimming parameters, such as turning-on or turning-off dimming time or desired final brightness, are selected in advance as a function of the vehicle state that activated the control process, which permits a highly variable and situation-specific lighting control. The lighting control unit, depending on signals from a sensor group and according to a program stored in a program memory, controls a lighting device through a controllable switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Andres, Armin Staehle, Reinhold Mickeler, Volker Petri, Helmut Grickscheit, Benno Forstner, Dieter Freerichs
  • Patent number: 5592051
    Abstract: The invention relates to an intelligent lamp or an intelligent contact terminal for a lamp, which can be used in a lighting system comprising a plurality of individually controlled lamps linked in a common power-supply circuit and an operation control device for transmitting a desired operation control signal to electronic control elements, associated with the lamp or the contact terminal and reacting or failing to react selectively to various control signals. Together with the lamp or its contact terminal, said electronic control elements provide a single replaceable component which, on the basis of a message included in the operation control signal, identifies itself to serve as an appropriate lamp. In addition, the electronic control elements monitor the condition of itself and that of the lamp and, if necessary, produce a fault indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Heikki Korkala
  • Patent number: 5530322
    Abstract: A lighting control system operates to control multiple zones of lighting through multiple dimming circuits so as to achieve any one of several desired lighting scenes. The system includes a plurality of wallbox control units which collectively operate to multiplex digital lighting control information on a communications link. Each wallbox control unit includes a plurality of zone-intensity actuators which are manipulatable to alter the information transmitted by their respective wallbox control so as to vary the lighting intensity of an associated lighting zone. A central lighting control panel includes a microprocessor adapted to receive and processes the multiplexed information transmitted on the link, and re-transmit digital lighting control information, on a second multiplex link, to the dimming circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan H. Ference, Donald F. Hausman, John F. Loar, Robert S. Spehalski, Walter S. Zaharchuk
  • Patent number: 5479159
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus is included in each street light of a plurality of street lights. Each monitoring apparatus monitors the operation of the associated street lamp and stores data representing the operation thereof. Data is sent from each monitoring apparatus to a monitoring station, via the power supply cables connected to the street lamps, under control of the monitoring station. The monitoring station stores the data until it is requested to transfer the data to an interrogating station. The data is then analysed to identify faulty street lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Mutual Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: William Kelly, Leslie Kendall
  • Patent number: 5420482
    Abstract: A controlled lighting system comprises a control system which transmits DATA and CLOCK information to a plurality of light modules. The light modules each include at least two light elements and a control unit which is responsive to the DATA and CLOCK information received from the control system to vary individually the amount of light emitted by each of the light elements in each light module. Contemplated uses of the controlled lighting system include decorative lighting, illuminated display signs, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventor: Louis A. Phares
  • Patent number: 5414328
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Light & Sound Design, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark A. Hunt, Keith J. Owen
  • Patent number: 5381078
    Abstract: A wall-mounted electronic potentiometer system is provided for controlling fluorescent lamps by way of ceiling mounted controllers. This enables control of the control information by way of a 2-wire communication bus to selected ceiling mounted controller using a serial data format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: North American Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan Szuba
  • Patent number: 5352957
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Zumtobel Aktiengessellschaft
    Inventor: Walter Werner
  • Patent number: 5334912
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a lighting system including a sense transformer with two primaries and a secondary for receiving alternating current (AC) from a power source, a low ohmage resistor placed across the sense transformer secondary winding for preventing saturation of the core of the sense transformer, an analog comparator for detecting when ground-fault signals in the sense transformer secondary winding exceed a threshold voltage and digital counters for testing whether or not a ground-fault condition persists longer than three consecutive half-cycles of the received alternating current from the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: USI Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Counts
  • Patent number: 5329431
    Abstract: A stage lighting system is comprised of a plurality of lamp units which may have diverse communication protocols, functions and data parameters. The stage lighting system is controlled by a modular control system comprised of a modular controller mainframe interconnected with a plurality of control devices which may have diverse communications protocols and data formats. The modular controller mainframe consists of a plurality of input and output modules, mass storage devices and a main processor kernel, all interconnected by a number of data buses. The input modules serve as an interface between the modular controller mainframe and the diverse protocols of the various control devices. Similarly, the output modules serve as an interface between the modular controller mainframe and the diverse protocols of the various types of lamp units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Brooks W. Taylor, Thomas E. Walsh
  • Patent number: 5300864
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Almic Industries
    Inventor: Franklin J. Allen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5209560
    Abstract: A stage lighting system has a plurality of automated lamp units which can vary the parameters of a light beam for pan, tilt, brightness, intensity and size. A remote console controller system is connected to each of the lamp units via an intelligent data link system. Each of the lamp units includes a microprocessor and a memory. Control programs for driving each of the lamp parameters are stored in the memory and are executed by the lamp microprocessor. The console controller system includes a plurality of controllers, each of which can alternatively or additionally control the operations of the lighting system. The intelligent data link system includes a plurality of signal repeaters, each of which includes a microprocessor and an associated memory for controlling the communication of data and for cooperating in error detection and correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Brooks W. Taylor, Thomas E. Walsh
  • Patent number: 5068577
    Abstract: Novel systems, circuits, and methods for initiating ionization, maintaining constant illumination current, and extinguishing illumination in a gas discharge tube and in gas discharge tube arrays. Input controls for current regulating circuits for gas discharge tubes comprise directly connected semiconductor logic circuits. In the currently preferred embodiment, each gas discharge tube is maintained in consistently bright illumination by a constant current or extinguished by inhibition of the constant current, as controlled by a surprisingly simple circuit comprising a single PNP transistor and three resistors. A parallel coupled input which provides an impedance connection for a gas discharge tube ionizing high voltage pulse comprises a single resistor and a serially interposed isolating diode which protects the transistor from the high voltage ionizing pulse and imposes the ionizing pulse primarily upon the gas discharge tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Integrated Systems Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Brent W. Brown
  • Patent number: 5059871
    Abstract: A lighting control system includes a plurality of lighting control modules where each module includes function switches for generating command signals to control light intensity levels to run a plurality of lighting channels connected thereto. A programmable central processing unit transmits the command signals and also generates an ID code indicating a unique identity for each. The light control modules are interconnected on a local area network for carrying the ID codes and the command signals. Each of the lighting control modules is programmable for selecting predetermined ID codes whereby command signals generated by selected control modules may be executed by other control modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Lightolier Incorporated
    Inventors: Gordon W. Pearlman, Steven B. Carlson
  • Patent number: 5010459
    Abstract: A stage lighting system has a plurality of automated lamp units which can vary the parameters of a light beam for pan, tilt, brightness, intensity and size. A control console is connected to each of the lamp units via a bidirectional data link. A communication system provides for the exchange of information between the lamps and the console control system, permitting the console controller to selectively and coordinately test and control the individual lamps. To this end, each of the lamp units includes a microprocessor and a memory where lighting cues may be stored for recall and execution. Control programs for driving each of the lamp parameters are also stored in the memory as are various routines for initializing, testing and diagnosing the lamps. The console includes a microprocessor as well as memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Brooks W. Taylor, Thomas E. Walsh
  • Patent number: 4980806
    Abstract: A stage lighting system has a plurality of automated lamp units which can vary the parameters of a light beam for pan, tilt, brightness, intensity and size. A control console is connected to each of the lamp units via a data link. Each of the lamp units includes a microprocessor and a memory. Control programs for driving each of the lamp parameters are stored in the memory and are executed by the lamp microprocessor. The console includes a microprocessor as well as memory. Commands are input through the console to change the effect produced by the lighting system. Each of these changes is directed to all of the lamp units. Each lamp unit responds individually and independently to change the light parameters based upon its own operating programs and the data condition of the lamp at the time that the change was made. Each of the lamps further stores a unique lamp cue which corresponds to a system cue that is stored in the memory of the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Vari-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Brooks W. Taylor, Thomas E. Walsh
  • Patent number: 4902939
    Abstract: A discharge tube opening circuit for varying tube intensity at regular intervals without flicker between an illuminated and an unilluminated state. Combinations of tubes controlled by respective circuits give rise to novel display arrangements through choice of tube colors and particular sequences of variation of luminous intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Mosaic Rentals Pty., Ltd.
    Inventor: Leslie C. Harvey
  • Patent number: 4894645
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic sign with a number of light bulbs provided in rows and columns (so called matrix), whereby said bulbs (L) are turned on row by row or column by column (so called multiplex operation). For increasing the life of the bulbs (L), said bulbs (L) are operated by alternating current at high frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Prisma Skyltreklam AB
    Inventor: Lars B. G. Odlen
  • Patent number: 4792731
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Lightolier Incorporated
    Inventors: Gordon W. Pearlman, Steven B. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4772825
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Prescolite Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Tabor, Richard Counts
  • Patent number: 4733138
    Abstract: A programmable lighting circuit controller for controlling a plurality of household lighting circuits includes a microprocessor and an electronically erasable programmable read only memory for programming the household lighting circuits for a variety of loads. The lighting circuits may be configured as a combination of incandescent and fluorescent loads by designating one output of the controller as a heater circuit for any of the fluorescent loads. The microprocessor is controlled by a set of nonlatching pushbuttons on a front panel which raise and lower lighting levels, set lighting levels in memory and recall preset levels from memory. Combination of two pushbuttons simultaneously pushed may initiate special programming features such as heater designation of one channel for fluorescent lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Lightolier Incorporated
    Inventors: Gordon W. Pearlman, Steven B. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4716344
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Micro Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel E. Newell, Mary C. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 4602191
    Abstract: A jacket with programmable lights in which apertures are provided in the garment through which tri-color light emitting diodes LED's protrude. The LED's are connected to a flexible printed circuit board which adheres to the inner surface of the garment by means of hook and loop pile type fastener material. The lights are fully programmable as to both their color and their activation. LED's may be provided in a fixed format or in a matrix form which permits alpha-numeric displays or graphic displays. The invention may be used for advertising purposes or entertainment purposes with either a stationary or moving display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Inventor: Xavier Davila
  • Patent number: 4550276
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Inventors: Michael Callahan, Robert M. Goddard
  • Patent number: 4511824
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electronic dimmer with specific computer control especially for theatrical productions with an emphasis upon improved electronic processing especially a parallel access memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Inventor: Robert M. Goddard
  • Patent number: 4398131
    Abstract: In a lighting installation comprising light sources each connected to an A.C. supply system, a control device including: power variation circuits connected to the different sources and each comprising means for varying the electrical power supplied to the respective source, in response to magnitude variations of an electrical quantity, and control circuits associated to the different sources and each comprising a clock circuit, an illuminating programme circuit in which is recorded a programme representing desired timed variations of the illuminating power for a given period, a selection circuit receiving clock pulses from the clock circuit and connected to the programme circuit for selecting an illuminating power dependent on the elapsed time from the beginning of said period, and an output circuit for converting said selected power to a particular magnitude of said electrical quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Assignee: Elam Limited
    Inventors: Pierre Tarroux, Jacques Le Pochard
  • Patent number: 4388567
    Abstract: A main control device comprises a plurality of lighting-control signal generators for generating lighting-control signals whose contents can be analogously varied, and a keyboard for specifying the contents of mode signals corresponding to those of the lighting-control signals. The lighting-control signals are supplied to the terminal control devices through a signal line. Mode signals and address signals are supplied to the terminal control devices through the signal lines. A terminal control device selected by the address signal selects a lighting-control signal corresponding to a mode signal. The selected lighting-control signal controls the lighting of a lighting load by phase control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: Toshiba Electric Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Kyoji Yamazaki, Fumio Kamiya