Abstract: Methods and apparatus for illumination of liquids in a variety of environments. In one example, multi-color LED-based light sources are employed to achieve a wide range of enhanced lighting effects in liquids. 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, or coupled together to form a networked lighting system to provide a variety of programmable and/or coordinated color illumination effects in the pool or spa environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system device, which sets-up IDs for plural devices, On-Line, especially for illuminating equipments connected with standard DMX signals, mainly by logging related data with non-volatile memory elements (NOV-RAM, EEPROM, and FLASH etc.), and separately depositing, On-Line, the operation data needed by the entire system, into designated individual devices with specifically arranged communication protocols and procedures, and enabling said device operating in standard DMX signal system.

Abstract: Monitoring and management system for the lamps of a lighting network comprising a device (1i), associated with each lamp (2i) of the network, provided with means (8, 19) for measuring the characteristic operating parameters of the lamp, at least one microprocessor (6, 20) for processing said measured parameters, and a transmitter/receiver for transmitting said data which are received by a central unit (100); said transmitter/receiver is of radio wave type and is arranged to receive the parameters measured by the successive devices (1i+1,n) and to transmit them, together with the parameters measured for the lamp (2i) with which it is associated, to at least the transmitter/receiver of that device (1i−1) associated with the preceding lamp (2i−1).

Abstract: A typical light fixture is an integral unit that has a lamp assembly and a communications node to control the lamp assembly. Lighting systems contain many such light fixtures. One type of lighting system has at least two communications systems that interconnect the light fixtures. A digital controller is connected to one of the communications systems, at least one of the light fixtures of that communications system is a designated gateway for sending control signals to the other communications system. Another type of lighting system has two digital controllers connected to respective communications systems. Each of the communications systems interconnects many light fixtures, at least one of which has two communications nodes respectively connected to the communications systems. A third type of lighting system mixes combines the first and second types.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for computer-based control of light sources and other devices in a networked lighting system. Conventional light sources may be controlled in combination with LED-based (e.g., variable color) light sources to provide enhanced lighting effects for a variety of space-illumination applications (e.g., residential, office/workplace, retail, commercial, industrial, and outdoor environments). Individual light sources or groups of light sources may be controlled independently of one another based on data transported throughout the network. In one example, one or more other controllable devices (e.g., various actuators, such as relays, switches, motors, etc.) and/or sensors (e.g., heat, light, sound/pressure, or motion sensors) also may be coupled to the network to facilitate automated lighting applications based on a variety of feedback stimuli.

Abstract: A typical light fixture is an integral unit that has a lamp assembly and a communications node to control the lamp assembly. Lighting systems contain many such light fixtures. One type of lighting system has at least two communications systems that interconnect the light fixtures. A digital controller is connected to one of the communications systems, at least one of the light fixtures of that communications system is a designated gateway for sending control signals to the other communications system. Another type of lighting system has two digital controllers connected to respective communications systems. Each of the communications systems interconnects many light fixtures, at least one of which has two communications nodes respectively connected to the communications systems. A third type of lighting system mixes combines the first and second types.

Abstract: A theatre system operating in compliance with the DMX512 protocol is also able to support remote channel assignment of the various theatre devices included therein as well as other auxiliary operating modes by establishing a device hierarchy based on unique ID numbers assigned to the theatre devices when DMX communication is inactive. The theatre devices communicate with each other bi-directionally to establish a device hierarchy. Each theatre device has a pre-assigned unique device identification number, and a hierarchy is established based on these unique ID numbers. One way to establish a hierarchy is to create a list of the unique device identification numbers of the bi-directional theatre devices in the system, and then determine the position of each theatre device on the list. The list may be assembled by one of the bi-directional theatre devices and broadcast to all when completed, or each bi-directional theatre device may itself assemble a complete list.

Abstract: A lighting control system including: a first control unit for operating a first light fixture, the first control unit arranged to receive a signal from an input device, the first control unit arranged to control the input device; and a second control unit for operating a second light fixture, the second control unit in operable communication with the first control unit.

Abstract: A lighting control module for controlling power to a lamp, said module comprising a means for receiving electronic communications from a central controller, a current sensor, a current controller for controlling current in a power circuit passing through said module, the current controller operating to open and close said power circuit, a control unit connected to the current controller and the means for receiving electronic communications, the control unit operating to cause the current controller to open and close the power circuit in response to the communications, and an indicator connected to the control unit. The control unit causes the indicator to illuminate when the current sensor indicates that current fails to flow in the power circuit when the current controller is operated to close the power circuit.

Abstract: Improvements to lighting systems, especially for entertainment and architectural applications are disclosed, including apparatus that permit a user to readily field-configure power distribution to branch circuits to be dimmed or un-dimmed, single- or multi-phase, as required; communication of data over existing power wiring by variations in output of dimmers; and improved methods for generating, managing, and distributing data specifying the physical and electrical configurations of a lighting system.

Abstract: A typical light fixture is an integral unit that has a lamp assembly and a communications node to control the lamp assembly. Lighting systems contain many such light fixtures. One type of lighting system has at least two communications systems that interconnect the light fixtures. A digital controller is connected to one of the communications systems, at least one of the light fixtures of that communications system is a designated gateway for sending control signals to the other communications system. Another type of lighting system has two digital controllers connected to respective communications systems. Each of the communications systems interconnects many light fixtures, at least one of which has two communications nodes respectively connected to the communications systems. A third type of lighting system mixes combines the first and second types.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a plurality of control modules distributed on the AC power line for remote control of lights within a residential/office building structure. Each control module is hard-wired to an electrical load and is provided with a dimmer and up to four control switches and LEDs for status indication. Each control module has a data decoder, a switch and LED interface, a dimmer driver and processor with memory for independently processing and communicating data signals to the other control modules on the AC power line without the need for a central processor to coordinate the lighting control operation. Every control module is programmable through a programmable module and a PC. The system data downloaded to each control module includes a unique address, a system configuration file and a response file for evaluating system transmission commands. Each control switch may be programmed to control the hard-wired load or any other load in the system.

Abstract: The patterned light beam from a multiparameter light is moved by a position sequence macro that automatically references the present position of projection of light from the multiparameter light. The present position of projection may be, for instance, the last position of the multiparameter light prior to the position sequence macro as indicated by a position parameter for the multiparameter light, and the position sequence macro controls movement of the patterned light beam through several different positions of pan and/or tilt that are, for example, centered on a position specified in the position parameter. The position parameter may be specified remotely by a lighting control system or at the multiparameter light itself. Other parameters such as, for example, color, iris and shutter may be varied as well.

Abstract: A typical light fixture is an integral unit that has a lamp assembly and a communications node to control the lamp assembly. Lighting systems contain many such light fixtures. One type of lighting system has at least two communications systems that interconnect the light fixtures. A digital controller is connected to one of the communications systems, at least one of the light fixtures of that communications system is a designated gateway for sending control signals to the other communications system. Another type of lighting system has two digital controllers connected to respective communications systems. Each of the communications systems interconnects many light fixtures, at least one of which has two communications nodes respectively connected to the communications systems. A third type of lighting system mixes combines the first and second types.

Abstract: A dimming control system includes a non-volatile memory mounted to a backplane in a rack having a control module slot for receiving a control module, and a plurality of dimmer module slots for receiving dimmer modules. The non-volatile memory stores operational information for the rack, and the control module can be removed from the rack without affecting the information stored in the nonvolatile memory. The non-volatile memory is adapted to store looks which can be invoked by the rack without external control. The rack includes a pull-out tray for receiving the control module, and the pull-out tray includes a back wall which functions as the backplane. The non-volatile memory can be programmed through the control module by a computer or a hand-held controller coupled to the control module. The hand-held controller includes a display and can provide local control of the rack.

Abstract: Provided herein may be methods and systems for delivering data, which may include a track having a plurality of conducting wires, a housing for the track, a driver, for delivering data to the track, the driver capable of controlling a transition signal between a state representing a logical one and a state representing a logical zero, and a plurality of devices disposed on the housing and connected to the track, the devices being compatible with the RS-485 standard, wherein the devices include an LED system designed to be controlled by a processor.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a plurality of electrical devices (6) the system including a central controller (2) for controlling functions of the devices, a network (4) coupled between the central controller (2) and the devices, the network including a plurality of device drivers (10) for providing drive signals to the electrical devices, the number of drivers being less than the number of devices characterized in that the network includes intelligent devices (8) which enable communication through the network from the central controller (2) to the devices (6).

Abstract: Improvements to lighting systems, especially for entertainment and architectural applications are disclosed, including apparatus that permit a user to readily field-configure power distribution to branch circuits to be dimmed or un-dimmed, single- or multi-phase, as required; communication of data over existing power wiring by variations in output of dimmers; and improved methods for generating, managing, and distributing data specifying the physical and electrical configurations of a lighting system.

Abstract: A lighting control and dimming system utilizes a single traveler conductor for transmitting analog data signals corresponding to a particular light intensity level of multiple dimmers in a dimmer group. A predetermined binary data word is retrieved from the read-only memory of a remote controller and is transmitted serially in an analog pulse train over the traveler conductor to each dimmer unit. Each dimmer unit includes a microcontroller and read-only memory in which a group of binary numbers are stored. The analog data signal received by each dimmer is converted to binary and is compared bit-by-bit with each binary number stored in the dimmer memory. A serial bit comparator produces an enable signal in response to a bit-by-bit identity match between the converted analog data signal and the preset binary number stored in the dimmer ROM. Dimmers enabled by the transmitted analog data signal produce a predetermined scene at a particular brightness level corresponding with one of the stored binary numbers.

Abstract: The present invention allows for calibration of a scanning probe microscope under computer control. The present invention comprehends either the removal of nonlinear artifacts in the microscope output data after measurement has been taken (a off-line process), or the correction of nonlinear movements in the microscope scanner such that the scanner moves in a linear fashion during measurement (a realtime process). The realtime process may be operated in both an open-loop and a closed-loop process. The processes of the present invention uses an average cross-section of the scan in order to simplify the calculation and to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Interpolation methods and centroid calculations are used to locate features on the scanned sample to subpixel precision.

Abstract: A lighting system made up of a plurality of light fixtures which each produce a light beam, in which each of a plurality of varying devices, each having an input and an output, and each capable of varying at least one parameter of the light beam from at least one of the light fixtures, is responsive to a first value received at the input, where the first value corresponds to the desired adjustment of a parameter of the light beam. Each of the varying devices is also capable of generating a second value which represents status information, and transmitting the second value via the output. A controller produces the first value and sends it to an output which is coupled to the input of the varying device. A monitoring device has an input and is separate from the controller, and its input is coupled to the output of the varying device.

Abstract: A lighting control and dimming system 10 utilizes a single traveler conductor for transmitting analog data signals corresponding to a particular light intensity level of dimmers DIM 1, DIM 2, DIM 3, DIM 4, . . . , DIM N in a dimmer group. A predetermined binary data word is retrieved from the read-only memory of a controller that may be remote from the dimmers, and is transmitted serially in an analog pulse train over the traveler conductor to each dimmer unit. Remote signaling and selection of a specific scene are performed independently of the phase of the applied AC line voltage by sampling the logic values of logic high to logic low and logic low to logic high transitions of a zero cross signal. Dimmers enabled by the transmitted analog data signal produce a predetermined scene at a particular brightness level corresponding with one of the stored binary numbers.

Abstract: A lighting control and dimming system utilizes a single traveler conductor for transmitting analog data signals corresponding to a particular light intensity level of dimmers in a dimmer group. A predetermined binary data word is retrieved from the read-only memory of a remote controller and is transmitted serially in an analog pulse train over the traveler conductor to each dimmer unit. Each dimmer unit includes a microcontroller and read-only memory in which a group of binary numbers are stored. The analog data signal received by each dimmer is converted to binary and is compared bit-by-bit with each binary number stored in the dimmer memory. A serial bit comparator produces an enable signal in response to a bit-by-bit identity match between the converted analog data signal and the preset binary number stored in the dimmer ROM. Dimmers enabled by the transmitted analog data signal produce a predetermined scene at a particular brightness level corresponding with one of the stored binary numbers.

Abstract: A low-pressure mercury discharge lamp with a lamp vessel having a first lamp vessel portion (La1) with a first electrode (E11) and a first luminescent layer which radiates white light of a first color temperature during lamp operation and a second lamp vessel portion (La2) with a second electrode (E12) and with a second luminescent layer which radiates white light of a second colour temperature different from the first during lamp operation. The first lamp vessel portion and the second lamp vessel portion are interconnected by a connection which allows a filling of mercury and a rare gas in both portions to pass and together enclose a discharge space. The discharge space contains only one further electrode (E13) for both the first and second lamp vessel portions.

Abstract: Lamp dimmers are disclosed in which, in the course of varying average power supplied to the lamp load, the semiconductor power control devices transition between one and the other of substantially conductive and non-conductive power conditions, the duration of the transition by the power control devices themselves is increased beyond the minimum possible duration to reduce generated EMI. The dimmers disclosed provide for varying the direction, duration, shape, and phase angle of transitions.

Abstract: A lighting control and dimming system utilizes a single traveler conductor for transmitting analog data signals corresponding to a particular light intensity level of a dimmer group. A predetermined binary data word is retrieved from the read-only memory of a remote controller, and is transmitted serially in an analog pulse train over the traveler conductor to each dimmer unit. Each dimmer unit includes a microcontroller and read-only memory in which a group of binary numbers are stored. The analog data signal received by each dimmer is converted to binary and is compared bit-by-bit with each binary number stored in the dimmer memory. A serial bit comparator produces an enable signal in response to a bit-by-bit identity match between the converted analogy data signal and the preset binary number stored in the dimmer ROM. All the dimmers are enabled by the transmitted analog data signal, thus producing a predetermined scene at a particular brightness level corresponding with one of the stored binary numbers.

Abstract: The present invention allows for calibration of a scanning probe microscope under computer control. The present invention comprehends either the removal of nonlinear artifacts in the microscope output data after measurement has been taken (a off-line process), or the correction of nonlinear movements in the microscope scanner such that the scanner moves in a linear fashion during measurement (a realtime process). The realtime process may be operated in both an open-loop and a closed-loop process. The processes of the present invention uses an average cross-section of the scan in order to simplify the calculation and to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Interpolation methods and centroid calculations are used to locate features on the scanned sample to subpixel precision.

Abstract: A modular fail-safe uninterruptible lighting system in which lights are identified singly and/or in clusters to form separately controllable entities. Each entity is provided with a modular receiver that is individually controllable to any of six selected states; and one or more modular switched logic controllers is provided to produce signals individually representing the six states. These signals are conducted from the switched logic controllers to the receivers at relatively low control voltages so as to cause the entities to function according to selected states when an outage occurs on the normal lighting system power source.

Abstract: A lighting control system consisting of microcontroller enabled modular lighting circuits linked by asynchronous serial communication originating in a microprocessor.

Abstract: A variable color luminaire is arranged for controlling a plurality of light sources of different emission colors to be at predetermined dimming levels by means of dimmers, performing a comparison operation to obtain a quantity-of-light ratio and a reference quantity-of-light ratio from detection signals with respect to light outputs of the light sources detected by detectors, and subjecting the light sources to a quantity-of-light correction by means of a corrector according to results of the comparison operation so as to attain a blended color light as set, whereby the resultant blended color light can be prevented from deviating from the set blended color light even when dimming quantity of the respective light sources is close to upper and lower dimming limits.

Abstract: A portable multi-color signal light having at least two color LED, such as red or blue or green or yellow, with or without covering color films, and at least one incandescent lamp, with or without covering color films. Independent switches allow for the selective operation of the LED and the incandescent lamp. The power source may be disposed within the signal light or relocated to a cell box to be worn on the belt of the user to provide weight decrease for long-term usage. The signal light may be used as a signal light for traffic control and illumination.

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 fluorescent lighting system capable of providing three levels of illumination includes a first circuit in which a line voltage supply is connected to an electronic ballast which drives four fluorescent lamps. Each fluorescent lamp serves as the center lamp in one of four three-lamp parabolic fixtures. A second circuit is comprised of a second line voltage source connected in parallel with two similar electronic ballasts which drive the side fluorescent lamps in the three-lamp parabolic fixtures. When the first circuit is powered, the center lamps in all parabolic fixtures are illuminated to provide a first level of illumination. When the second circuit is powered, the side lamps in all parabolic fixtures are illuminated to provide a second level of illumination. A third level of illumination is provided when both the first and second circuits are powered and all three lamps in all four parabolic fixtures are illuminated.

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.

Abstract: A fluorescent lamp operating system for a skin treatment apparatus comprises: (i) a plurality of pairs of fluorescent lamps for providing luminous radiation, each pair of lamps being adapted to be powered from 30 kHz/120 Volt by way of a high-Q series-resonant L-C ballasting circuit; (ii) a relatively low-power frequency converter connected with the power line and operable to provide power for heating the cathodes in these fluorescent lamps, thereby conditioning the lamps for easy starting; (iii) a relatively high-power frequency converter also connected with a power line and operable to provide the 30 kHz/120 Volt required for operating the plurality of pairs of fluorescent lamps by way of the high-Q series-resonant L-C ballasting circuit; and (iv) delay means operable to prevent the 30 kHz/120 Volt provided by the high-power frequency converter from being applied to the fluorescent lamps until after power has been applied to heat the lamp cathodes for at least one second.

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 discharge lamp has an outer discharge tube and an inner discharge tube. The outer tube includes an envelope of glass enclosing an inert gas, a first electrode mounted within the envelope, a second electrode formed of a transparent film deposited on the exterior surface of the envelope, and a fluorescent material coated on the interior surface of the envelope for producing a light in a desired color when a voltage is applied across the two electrodes. The inner tube is inserted in the outer tube and includes an envelope of glass enclosing an inert gas, a third electrode mounted within the envelope, the third electrode utilizing the second electrode of the outer tube as an opposite electrode for producing luminous discharge, and a fluorescent material coated on the interior surface of the envelope for producing a light in a color different from the one produced by the fluorescent material on the outer tube.

Abstract: A microprocessor based controller for electric liturgical lights similar to an array of votive candles including controllable duration of "burn" as well as selective actuation by the user in a variety of modes. The duration of burn for all lights is controlled by a singular timer which is located within the stand supporting the array. Data indicative of the operational state of a light array may also be transferred to a remote light array for continuation of operation at the remote site.

Abstract: A tricolor fluorescent lamp operating on a DC power source is disclosed herein. The lamp comprises an outer envelop defining therein a sealed space in which an ionizable medium is filled at low pressure. Disposed within said outer envelop are three tubular envelops of a generally inverted U-shaped configuration which define correspondingly three separate discharge paths and which are coated with respective fluorescent substances emitting different colors. Three sequentially energized anodes are located within the sealed ends of the respective envelops and a common cathode is disposed in adjacently facing relation with the open ends of the envelops, such that the three envelops can be sequentially energized to emit the specific colors which are additively mixed in various proportions to produce a desired color as emitting from the whole lamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an array of simulated candles, utilizing light bulbs, which allows the user to turn on any selected light bulb merely by pointing a wand close to the light bulb to be turned on. Once turned on the light bulbs are caused to flicker in a manner which simulates very realistically the flickering of candle flames, including the increase and decrease of the illumination of all of the light bulbs (or selected groups of light bulbs if desired) which are observable in an array of candles during random breezes encountered by the candles in a room.

Abstract: An electric light controller means particularly adapted for use with an array of lamps to produce a distinctive "fluttering" effect, which is the combined visual sense of movement wrought by a sequential chaser together with the substantially random flickering effect associated with a natural flame. The controller is particularly useful in decorative display arrangements, including advertising displays, theatre marquees, and the like for the purpose of attracting attention and notice.

Abstract: A traffic light control circuit of the type utilizing solid state thyristor switches with their control terminals driven by a diode bridge trigger network that includes switches for selectively interrupting one or both legs of the trigger network for energizing the traffic lights with either full wave power for normal daytime operation or half-wave power for night time operation at reduced brightness, thereby providing power savings for night time operation.

Abstract: A display system utilizing incandescent lamps arranged at the intersection points of a matrix array of row and column conductors includes a plurality of load resistors connecting the row conductors to a first voltage source and a plurality of load resistors connecting the column conductors to a second voltage source. To energize a selected lamp, the row conductor connected to that lamp is connected to the second voltage source and the column connected to that lamp is connected to the first voltage source.

Abstract: A wall switch incorporating therewith a selector switch which enables the connection of the wall switch in any one of several circuits whereby the switch may be made to control any one of several outlets in a room. The selection of the desired circuit or outlet is conveniently made by means of the selector switch which is accessible through a hole provided in the cover plate of the wall switch.

Abstract: A lamp socket for use with a three-way bulb and a nightlight has five positions including off, nightlight, nightlight and low, nightlight and medium, and high. The socket includes a screw base for receiving the three-way bulb, a nightlight terminal coupled to the nightlight located outside of and remote from the socket, and a pair of power terminals coupled via wires and a plug to a wall outlet or other source of power. The different combinations and levels of illumination are provided by a rotatable element within the socket coupled to be rotated by a turnkey and having opposite conductive shells forming a predetermined array of conductive and non-conductive segments at pairs of inclined teeth at the outer edge of the element. One of the power terminals is electrically coupled to one of the conductive shells by a flexible contact.

Abstract: A controlled dimmer lighting system suitable for television studios, remote television pickups and stage lighting employs small, solid state dimmer circuits of the SCR-type on a dimmer per lamp basis. Each dimmer and its associated series-connected lamp is directly connected to a respective power outlet, and a preselected group of the dimmers is controlled in unison by a common time-variable pulse generator for firing the SCRs. The common pulse generator is mounted in a lighting control console, and pulse signals for controlling the dimmers are coupled by miniature coaxial signal cables to the dimmers of the preselected group. The system eliminates the power patch panels and dimmer room required in current studio lighting systems and achieves a simplification in grid outlet wiring, resulting in a significant reduction in size and cost as compared to available studio lighting systems.

Abstract: In a theater lighting system that regulates the luminescence of incandescent lamps, a main power unit is constructed of unitized components which include a chassis, main power apparatus drawers, electronic control circuit boards, a power bus unit and equipment rack. The drawers and boards are removably located in separate sections of the equipment cabinet remote from each other. The operator's console contains a plurality of sources of control signals which are supplied to the equipment cabinet to control the output power of main power apparatus. Main power apparatus of different power ratings are interchangably usable in each such system.