Abstract: A Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) receives power from a high voltage power circuit when in a standby mode. The DALI remains in a standby mode until signal activity on a DALI bus is detected, or the DALI may periodically switch from the standby mode to an active mode so as to sample any activity on the DALI bus. If no activity is detected then the DALI returns to the standby mode. If DALI bus activity is detected then the DALI remains in the active mode. The DALI receives power from a power controller when in the active mode. The DALI remains in the active mode so long as the power controller is supplying power to an electrical device.

Abstract: A control device and signaling are provided to operate selected numbers of the ballasts in a multi-ballast, multi-lamp luminaire. The luminaire has a control input for receiving a control signal from a wall switch, for example. The number of ballasts operated by the luminaire increases or decreases sequentially in response to one of consecutive pulses, signal level transitions or interrupts in the control signal. The control device can be programmable or hard-wired to the relays (e.g., a counter and decoder) to allow for a more economical implementation. Different subsets of the ballasts can be selected via the programmable integrated circuit to distribute the burn times of the lamps.

Abstract: A railway searchlight signal uses a printed circuit board populated by three arrays (green, red and yellow) of LEDs. The LEDs are lit by a standard color light power supply unit (PSU). As only one array of LEDs is lit at a time, an interface between the PSU and the LEDs is provided to select which LED array to couple with the PSU. External repeater contacts provide information on which aspect is displayed. This searchlight system design is failsafe in that no single failure of a component will produce a less restrictive aspect.

Abstract: A lighting system, which may be used, for example, as an airport lighting system, as a street lighting system, as an obstruction warning light, as an illuminated sign, as a warning light, or as a signal light or the like. The lighting system includes a device for monitoring and controlling its light sources or groups of light sources. The light sources have at least one respective lighting unit, with which a transceiver device is associated. The transceiver device includes a microcontroller and is, via a power supply line and a router, connected to a central station. The central station includes a transceiver part and a control computer and supplies the transceiver device with control commands. To ensure that larger lighting systems can be safely operated with a comparatively low expenditure, the microcontrollers of each lighting unit are components of a decentralized control device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for operating one of a plurality of lamps employed within a luminaire via a single ballast, thereby extending the operational life of the luminaire. The operating lamp disables the lamps downstream from itself by preventing current from conducting through lamps other than the operating lamp. The lamps upstream from the operating lamp typically lack a sufficient voltage for ignition and operation. However, if any of the upstream lamps begin to operate, the lamps operating downstream cease to operate. In the event that two lamps begin to operate in an asymmetric manner, a capacitor is preferably provided to maintain a reverse voltage with respect to the output of the ballast, thus ensuring reduced voltage across the rectified lamps until one lamp extinguishes and the second lamp begins to operate.

Abstract: High voltage and low voltage switch mode circuits and methods serve to recover the charge stored on electro-luminescent lamp panels that would otherwise be dissipated during the discharge cycle of a drive circuit. The high voltage circuits and methods operate to transfer the charge to the high voltage rail, while the low voltage circuits and methods operate to transfer the charge to the source of low drive voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus which provides a substantially planar display device. Such apparatus including a predetermined plurality of sets of lights. Each of such predetermined plurality of sets of lights including an even number of lights connected to one circuit to be simultaneously energized thereby. The lights in such set being disposed in a substantially symmetrical array having at least four mirror axes and an energization device connected to such predetermined plurality of such sets of lights for energizing BP predetermined plurality of such sets of lights in an apparently random manner.

Abstract: A networkable power controller includes a mode selector for selectively conducting of a plurality of input signals to an output of the networkable power controller, where the input signals and the output signals satisfy the same signaling protocol. The networkable power controller may be networked with other networkable power controllers, lighting ballasts and other building automation control devices, and user-controlled voltage selectors to provide a lighting control network. A power controller may include a mode selector that may be used in combination with other control devices or components, including a rotary dimmer control, a digital slide dimmer control, a demand load shedder component, a photometer component, and a communications interface. The communications interface allows digital control of the networkable power controller.

Abstract: A signal generating circuit coupled to an AC supply, the circuit comprising at least one first switch device coupled to the AC supply, at least one triggerable switch device coupled to the first switch device, operation of the first switch device causing said triggerable switch device to trigger in response to the AC supply at a predetermined voltage, thereby providing at least a portion of a waveform of the AC supply as a control signal and wherein the control signal terminates within a predetermined period of time after operation of the first switch device terminates. A circuit for detecting and responding to the signals generated by the signal generator is also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to make continuous lamp operation in a failsafe lamp, particularly a lamp for medical applications, having a discharge lamp possible even when changing over between a power supply system (low voltage supply system of, for example, 24 V) and an additional safety power supply (ZSV), a buffer store is discharged in the event of a fault in the power supply for a supply unit for the lamp by changing over to a standby power source, or, once the fault has been eliminated, from the standby power source back to the normal power supply, the buffer store outputting electrical energy to operate the discharge lamp. The electrical energy supplied to the supply unit (EVG) first passes trough a full-wave rectifier and is then supplied to a voltage converter containing the buffer store. The discharge lamp is subsequently supplied with the electrical energy via a power-regulated inverter. Thus, it is ensured that, even for changeover procedures with different current types—e.g.

Abstract: A signal generating circuit coupled to an AC supply, the circuit comprising at least one first switch device coupled to the AC supply, at least one triggerable switch device coupled to the first switch device, operation of the first switch device causing said triggerable switch device to trigger in response to the AC supply at a predetermined voltage, thereby providing at least a portion of a waveform of the AC supply as a control signal and wherein the control signal terminates within a predetermined period of time after operation of the first switch device terminates. A circuit for detecting and responding to the signals generated by the signal generator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A remotely controllable and programmable power control unit for controlling and programming the state and power level, including special functions, of one or more electrical devices. The electrical device can be an electric lamp. The system includes a user-actuatable remote transmitter unit and a user-actuatable power control unit adapted to receive control signals from the remote transmitter unit. Both the remote transmitter unit and the power control unit include a power selection actuator for selecting a desired power level between a minimum power level and a maximum power level, and control switches for generating control signals representative of programmed power levels of one or more power scenes and special functions. In response to an input from a user, either directly or remotely, the one or more devices of the one or more power scenes can be controlled between an on or off state, to a desired programmed preset, or to a maximum power level.

Abstract: A remotely controllable and programmable power control unit for controlling and programming the state and power level, including special functions, of one or more electrical devices. The electrical device can be an electric lamp. The system includes a user-actuatable remote transmitter unit and a user-actuatable power control unit adapted to receive control signals from the remote transmitter unit. Both the remote transmitter unit and the power control unit include a power selection actuator for selecting a desired power level between a minimum power level and a maximum power level, and control switches for generating control signals representative of programmed power levels of one or more power scenes and special functions. In response to an input from a user, either directly or remotely, the one or more devices of the one or more power scenes can be controlled between an on or off state, to a desired programmed preset, or to a maximum power level.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of inhibiting and overriding the normal operating mode of one or more input devices connected to a communications network. The present invention functions within an electrical network made up of a plurality of input devices wherein a group of input devices is capable of commanding an electrical control device to apply and remove electrical power from an electrical load connected thereto. The input devices or nodes communicate with the electrical control device over a communications network. When one of the input devices is turned off, the normal operating mode of all the other input sensors is inhibited. The electrical control device remains inhibited until all the input devices are no longer in the off position. Thus, electrical power to the load controlled by the electrical control device remains disconnected until all input devices are in the on position. Local and remote signaling, control and indication diagnostic and monitoring functions are also provided.

Abstract: A backlight device for a color liquid crystal display includes a high-voltage generating means including a d.c. power source, an inverter and a switch interposed between the d.c. power source and the inverter to control the output supplied from the high-voltage generating means. Connected to the high-voltage generating means are three cold cathode-ray tubes in parallel for generating three colors, red, green and blue, and connected in series to respective cold cathode-ray tubes are switching means which may be bi-directional thyristors which are readily available, inexpensive, resistant to high voltages and permit a current to flow in both directions.

Abstract: A circuit for use with optical inspection lamps, e.g., tungsten-halogen or Marco lamps, in semiconductor fabrication machines performing ADI and AEI operations, that will lower the operating voltage of the lamps when the machine is not being used by an operator, while providing full light intensity during optical inspections. The circuit is coupled into the Marco lamp power supply and contains two micro-switches, each containing two sets of switch contacts normally configured with one set closed and one set open to render one micro-switch closed providing the operating voltage to the lamp and the other open rendering the circuit inactive in this condition. The micro-switches have operating levers that cooperate with indexes which follow the position of cassette elevators that deliver the semiconductor wafers for processing and each of which has an "up" and a "down" position.

Abstract: A time delay power controller has a power input for receiving alternating electrical power from an external source; a timer activation device connected in parallel to a one or more timers, each timer having an associated delay time and an output for delivering power after the delay time has elapsed and a plurality of contactors, with a first contactor coupled to the timer activation device and the remaining contactors coupled to the output of a respective timer. Each contactor is coupled to one or more associated circuits. The first contactor allows delivery of alternating electrical power to its associated circuits when the timer activation device is enabled and the remaining contactors allow delivery of alternating electrical power to their associated circuits when the respective timer's delay time has elapsed. The controller may be enclosed in a housing. The controller may be configured to sequentially power lighting circuits.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for dimming a discharge lamp is provided which comprises an electromagnetic regulator. The electromagnetic regulator has a primary winding connected to an AC power supply, a secondary winding connected to the lamp, and a tertiary winding. A capacitor is selectively connected to a tap on the tertiary winding via a switching device for dimming purposes.

Abstract: A universal electronic switching device which may be mounted inside various types of lighting fixtures to switch A.C. power to one or more loads, either individually or in groups, within the fixture in a predetermined pattern in response to an interruption of the A.C. line voltage through a serially connected, remotely located, wall switch. Each switching device is capable of switching any A.C. voltage from 120 vac to 350 vac to appropriate lighting loads or equipment such as fluorescent lamp ballasts, incandescent lamps, motorized lighting switches or relays.

Abstract: A new method of control of high voltage gaseous conductor lamps is herein provided allowing the selective control of the operation of such lamps in a single, or multiple lamp series-connected, current regulated supply circuit, through selective shorting of said lamps with semiconductor devices. The method provided herein also allows selective operation of an infinite number of lamps on a single supply circuit.

Abstract: An electronic display for amusement or ornamentation includes a CMOS counter chip connected to a low voltage DC source, with each counter output connected directly to one of a plurality of LEDs. An antenna wire, which can be a short length of wire or a wire hook is connected directly to the trigger input of the chip, and the ambient field-induced AC voltage on the antenna is sufficient to actuate the counter chip and cause the LEDs to flicker sequentially as the counter outputs are incremented. The LEDs may be embodied in a wide variety of decorative arrays to represent objects, images, and icons. The visual effect is not monotonous, due to the natural variations of the ambient field about the ornament. The invention also comprises a Christmas tree light assembly, including a plurality of ornaments, each constructed as described and including a hook-shaped antenna wire for hanging on a Christmas tree. Each ornament may be powered by an individual battery included therein.

Abstract: A lighting system for use in a cabin of a vehicle is disclosed, in which when a room lamp for a seat occupied by a passenger is in gradual light reduction due to the passenger getting-in, gradual light reduction of the room lamp is continued even if another door is opened.

Abstract: A non-arcing electrical switch is disclosed wherein a solid-state switching element is operated in response to current flow within an external circuit. The switch is particularly suitable for use within an auxiliary lighting circuit of a gaseous discharge lamp. Because the switch operates in response to the current drawn by the gaseous discharge lamp rather than a specific sensed voltage, it may be used with virtually any type of clamp or lamp operating circuit.

Abstract: A synchronously-controlled light string includes a plurality of light string units, each of which has a plug in one end and a socket in the other end, thereby allowing the light string units to be coupled together. Each light string unit has a control circuit and a plurality of lights. When the control circuit receives an AC power source signal, the signal is rectified, and frequency divided to obtain a train of clock pulses which are sent to a shifting circuit and a pattern selection circuit to control a driving circuit to drive the lights with a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: A system for controlling a set of electrical devices, e.g. in a motor vehicle, having a decoding module for a group of such devices, the decoding module receiving an electrical signal containing instructions to switch on and to switch off the electrical devices in the group and delivering control signals on the basis of those instructions, and a set of switches controlled by the control signals and each connected between a common electrical power line and a respective electrical device in the group. The controlled switches are mounted in the immediate vicinity of the corresponding electrical devices of the group, and the decoding module is housed in a housing which is separate from the controlled switches.

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

Abstract: A device which enables a plurality of discharge lamps that are connected to a common ballast to be turned on and off separately via external switches. The operation circuit of the ballast is connected to the external switches through decouplers. The operation circuit may be supplied with voltage via any of the decouplers. A detector detects which of the switches has been closed and closes a logic member in the lamp circuit of the discharge lamp concerned. Consequently, the only lamp circuits that are closed are those in which the detectors have responded.

Abstract: A means and method for dimming ballasted lamps ensures that sufficient starting voltage is always available to the ballasted lamps, yet allows switching between maximum light output, and one or more dimmed light output levels. Each lamp is connected to a ballast and has a capacitor component in parallel between the ballast and the lamp. A selection or switching device allows control of the desired light output level. For dimmed light output levels, the selection device causes a reduction in capacitance of the capacitance component to reduce the power to each of the lamps. An optional timing device ensures that full capacitance will always be available during starting. Once the selected timing period of the timing device is expired, the selected light level is achieved by automatically changing the capacitance available to each lamp to alter the output of that lamp. The selection or switching device can control a single lamp, or an array of lamps, or multiple arrays of lamps at spaced apart locations.

Abstract: An inverter-type fluorescent lamp ballast is powered from the power line by way of a common and either of two (or more) different power leads. When powering the ballast by way of the common and the first one of these two power leads, the power provided to the fluorescent lamp load is relatively high; when powering the ballast by way of the common and the second one of these two power leads, the power provided to the fluorescent lamp load is relatively low. The ballast itself is a self-oscillating half-bridge inverter loaded by way of a series-tuned high-Q LC circuit connected across its output. A pair of fluorescent lamps is series-connected across the tank-capacitor of the LC circuit. The inverter has two bipolar transistors, each driven by an associated saturable current transformer that provides for a transistor ON-time dependent upon the magnitude of an associated bias voltage.

Abstract: A digital control circuit for controlling the illumination of a plurality of lamp bulbs to create a decorative light display. The circuit includes a rectifier for converting alternating current to direct current as power for the digital elements of the control circuit and for the lamp bulbs of the display. The display is formed by a plurality of strings of series connected lamp bulbs each of which strings is supplied d.c. power through individual SCRs. The control circuit includes two oscillators, two decoders and a carry-out control which generate two different sequences of output signals at two different frequencies. The two sequences of output signals from the control circuit are each applied through isolating diodes and individual trigger circuits to the gate electrodes of the SCRs, causing the SCRs to conduct and illuminate each of the strings of lamps in sequences corresponding to the sequences of control circuit output signals.

Abstract: A double dimming three-way light control system is disclosed wherein light intensity may be controlled from two different locations. Dimming switches have dimming circuitry with on/off capability as well as normally open contacts for operating a latching relay. The latching relay has two momentary contact coils associated with normally open and normally closed contacts which direct current from the two switches to the light fixtures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting control system which switches a light fixture on or off, depending upon the amount of ambient light. The control system particularly allows natural light from the sun to be used to the greatest extent possible to supplement electric lighting and vice versa. The system incorporates a photocell light sensor, control circuit, power source, and switching unit. The photocell light sensor is mounted in optical communication with a source of ambient light. In response to the detection by the sensor of a predetermined light level, the control circuit activates the switching unit which is interposed in a circuit furnishing electrical power to a light fixture. The power source supplies power to the control circuit at a voltage of no greater than 20 volts at a current of no greater than 8 amps.

Abstract: An illumination mode selecting device for an illumination lamp having more than one individual illumination element is arranged so as to enable an operator to remotely control the number of illumination elements to be lit without special wiring between the remote control and the illumination lamp. A mode selector consists of a switch in parallel with an impedance. The mode selector is placed in series with an A.C. line connected between an A.C. power source and the illumination lamp. The speed of operation of the switch of the mode selector determines the mode of operation of the illumination lamp, that is the number of separate illumination elements which are to be lit.

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: Apparatus for interrupting power to a plurality of parallel loads such as lighting circuits and selectively reapplying power to the loads includes a first switch serially interconnecting the loads to a power line. Second switch circuits are serially connected with each load whereby interruption of power to a load for a predetermined period of time opens the switch circuits. The switch circuits include bidirectional conduction devices such as triacs which require a gating signal before becoming conductive. A resistor-capacitor circuit provides a gating signal to the triac to maintain conduction thereof for the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Apparatus for interrupting power to a plurality of parallel loads such as lighting circuits and selectively reapplying power to the loads includes a first switch serially interconnecting the loads to a power line. Second switch circuits are serially connected with each load whereby interruption of power to a load for a predetermined period of time opens the switch circuits. The switch circuits include bidirectional conduction devices such as triacs which require a gating signal before becoming conductive. A resistor-capacitor circuit provides a gating signal to the triac to maintain conduction thereof for the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Lighting apparatus for independently controlling the lighting level in several areas or zones. For example, each zone has two fluorescent lamp units, one connected between the power lines through the contacts of a first low voltage AC latching relay, and the other which produces about half the light of the first connected between the power lines through the contacts of a second relay. Each relay has three terminals. When a low voltage AC signal is applied between a first terminal and a common terminal, the relay is latched closed; and when a low voltage AC signal is applied between a second terminal and a common terminal the relay is latched open. The common terminals of the two relays of each zone are connected together to provide enable connections identifying each zone.

Abstract: A disco light assembly is provided which includes a multiplicity of individual electric lamps formed in a circle, or in any other appropriate configuration, and which are illuminated in any desired sequence in response to a disco beat. The individual lamps are preferably of the high intensity type, and each generates a shaft of light, preferably white, when illuminated. A common regulated power supply is provided which supplies a continuous filament current to all the lamps which is of sufficient amplitude to maintain the filaments in a warm state but insufficient to illuminate the lamps. Each lamp has its own control module connected to the common power supply, and when a module is triggered, it causes a high current pulse to be introduced to the corresponding lamp for a few milliseconds, followed by a power current of sufficient intensity to illuminate the lamp. The power current continues for so long as the lamp is to be illuminated.

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

Abstract: A combination floodlight, spotlight and flasher circuit is disclosed herein. The circuit is provided with a manual switch means, which will turn a spotlight to on, off, and flash, and turn the floodlight on, off, and to a battery saver position. The floodlight is operated through a unique inverter circuit and flasher circuit combination. Multiple combinations of switching modes make it possible to selectively accomplish various combinations of lights simultaneously.

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

Abstract: A lighting system provided with a plurality of filaments, the wattage ratings of which differ in a predetermined relationship. The filaments are selectively energized so that the light intensity of the lamp may be varied in steps, without a change in color temperature which otherwise results when the intensity is varied in response to a varying voltage applied to a single filament.

Abstract: A split cross fader for the control of theatre lighting in which functions previously found only in separate master control units and cross fader units are combined into a single device which permits operation as a scene master, as a cross fader and also permits pile-on operation with smooth fading between each scene condition commanded.

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.

Abstract: A disco light assembly is provided which includes a multiplicity of individual electric lamps formed in a circle, or in any other appropriate configuration, and which are illuminated in any desired sequence in response to a disco beat. The individual lamps are preferably of the high intensity type, and each generates a shaft of light, preferably white, when illuminated. A common regulated power supply is provided which supplies a continuous filament current to all the lamps which is of sufficient amplitude to maintain the filaments in a warm state but insufficient to illuminate the lamps. Each lamp has its own control module connected to the common power supply, and when a module is triggered, it causes a high current pulse to be introduced to the corresponding lamp for a few milliseconds, followed by a power current of sufficient intensity to illuminate the lamp. The power current continues for so long as the lamp is to be illuminated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting control system which switches a light fixture on or off, depending upon the amount of ambient light. The control system particularly allows natural light from the sun to be used to the greatest extent possible to supplement electric lighting and vice versa. The system incorporates a photocell light sensor, control circuit, power source, and switching unit. The photocell light sensor is mounted in optical communication with a source of ambient light. In response to the detection by the sensor of a predetermined light level, the control circuit activates the switching unit which is interposed in a circuit furnishing electrical power to a light fixture. The power source supplies power to the control circuit at a voltage of no greater than 20 volts at a current of no greater than 8 amps.