Sequential Starting Patents (Class 315/323)
  • Patent number: 11226091
    Abstract: A waterproof lamp includes a lamp base defining a first chamber and comprising a mounting member received in the first chamber, and a cap threadedly connected to the lamp base. The lamp base defines a first mounting opening and a second mounting opening that both communicate with the first chamber. The mounting member defines a second chamber and includes a first mounting post received in the second chamber. The first mounting post defines at least two mounting holes. The mounting member defines a third mounting opening and a fourth mounting opening that communicate with the second chamber and communicate with the at least two mounting holes through the second chamber, and includes a protection plate covering the third mounting opening and the fourth mounting opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Inventor: Xiaojun Xu
  • Patent number: 11224108
    Abstract: A method for controlling a synchronous, distributed emission of light. A luminous bracelet which is distributed to the audience of a concert is known from the prior art. The problem to be solved is increased integration of the visitors into an audio-visual performance without having to distribute a large number of special devices. The problem is solved by emitting synchronous, distributed light from a plurality of portable personal devices, especially smart devices, wherein setting up of each portable personal device is initiated by the respective portable personal device contacting a control system, particularly a radio network, and the synchronous, distributed emission of light by the plurality of portable personal devices is caused by transferring at least one first piece of information regarding timing and/or at least one second piece of information for color control of the emission of light is effected by the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Inventor: Frank-Ulrich Simmerlein
  • Patent number: 10834799
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a vehicle lamp control apparatus. The vehicle lamp control apparatus includes a timing generator configured to detect a setting voltage, which is varied, and measure a time in which the setting voltage reaches levels of a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage to generate a first delay time and a second delay time, and a lamp control circuit configured to control sequential turn-on of light-emitting diode (LED) channels using the first delay time and the second delay time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Silicon Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hai Feng Jin, Ju Hyun Lee, Dong Hyeon Kim, Sung Gon Kim, Ho Jeong Jin, Chang Sik Shin, Ju Pyo Hong
  • Patent number: 10816835
    Abstract: A display driving chip and a liquid crystal display device are provided. The display driving chip including chip body and an enable signal generation module. The chip body is configured to provide a power supplying voltage to a power supplying end of a first comparator and to output a driving signal when an enable signal is at a high electrical level and an input voltage is greater than a predetermined under-voltage lock out (UVLO) voltage, and configured to stop from providing the power supplying voltage to the power supplying end of the first comparator and from outputting the driving signal when the enable signal is at a low electrical level or when the enable signal is at the high electrical level and the input voltage is less than or equal to the predetermined UVLO voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Xianming Zhang
  • Patent number: 10613355
    Abstract: Eyewear including an optical functional member, control electronics, and a sealed electrical connective element connecting the electronics to the optical functional member. The connective element can directly connect the electronics to the optical functional member, or can connect through an intermediate contact, e.g., a plug-and-receptacle. The connective element can be routed from the electronics, around a rimlock of the eyewear to the optical functional member. The connective element can be a conductive compressible member, such as conductive rubber. In some embodiments, the connective element can be a multiconductor cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: e-Vision, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, William Kokonaski, Claudio Dalla Longa, Mark Graham, Joshua Haddock, Charles Willey, Tiziano Tabacchi, Martin Bock, Massimo Pinazza, Scott N. Richman, Volkan Ozguz
  • Patent number: 10602669
    Abstract: Produced PAR neither replicates the spectral bandwidth of sunlight at the surface of the earth, nor the absorption spectrum of green plants, nor the absorption spectrum of photosynthetic processes, but—based on discovery that PAR at only a number of unique wavelengths is optimally energy-efficient to promote normal or better plant growth—instead desirably concentrates PAR emissions in a limited number, preferably about nine (9), narrow bands. Narrowband, even extremely narrowband, radiation is preferred at 430 and 662 nanometers wavelength; 453 and 642 nanometers wavelength and still other wavelengths. Preferably more than 50% of the total PAR flux is within a total bandwidth of less than 160 nanometers wavelength in the range between 360 and 760 nanometers wavelength, and more preferably 90% of the PAR flux is within a total bandwidth of less than 80 nanometers wavelength within this range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew McCord, Paul Bhola
  • Patent number: 10216264
    Abstract: A signal acquiring device, including: a sensor, a signal converter and a signal transmitter, wherein the sensor is connected with the signal converter that is connected with the signal transmitter, and the sensor, the signal converter and the signal transmitter are all disposed on the body of a virtual reality apparatus; the sensor is used to detect action signals of the part of the wearer on which the virtual reality apparatus is worn, the signal converter is used to convert the action signals into electrical signals, and the signal transmitter is used to send the electrical signals to the virtual reality apparatus. The device has a high accuracy and improves experience of the wearer. A virtual reality apparatus and a control method thereof are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Defeng Mao
  • Patent number: 10139652
    Abstract: Eyeluminators will provide the illumination needed when working in dim or dark places. They are basically state-of-the-art flashlights for your eyes! When the LED lights in the frames of these glasses are switched on, the user will have bright light wherever they look, and without the inconvenience of having to hold a flashlight and eliminating shadows caused by any other light source. Tiny LED light bulbs are embedded across the top of the frames of these glasses, with the power switches located on the earpieces. They have cushioned nose pads and frames to provide greater comfort when wearing them for extended periods of time. When the lights are switched on, bright light will illuminate whatever is in front of the person's face, so they have a very clear view ahead and shadows will not be a hindrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Inventor: Randy Lee Windham
  • Patent number: 9763309
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light-emitting module. The light-emitting module comprises a motion actuated switch, a counter, a controller, and a plural of light-emitting devices. The motion actuated switch is for generating an actuating signal in response to a motion of an object. The counter is for recording how many times the actuating signal is generated for generating a counting signal, and determining whether the times are larger than a pre-determined threshold. The controller drives a plurality of light-emitting devices for lighting according to the actuating signal, and changes a lighting pattern according to the counting signal. Compared to the prior art, the present creation provides more kinds of lighting/shining patterns for providing eye-catching and sufficient illumination in night activities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Shen-Ko Tseng
  • Patent number: 9445472
    Abstract: Multiple LEDs connected in series are driven by DC voltage that is provided by a diode rectifier, the diode rectifier being connected to a three-phase power source and converting the three-phase currents from the three-phase power source into the DC voltage that is used to drive the light emitting diodes. In order to reduce ripple in the DC voltage, the series-connected light emitting diodes can be divided into a first set and a second set, and a first constant current source is provided that drives the first set, and a second constant current source is provided that drives the second set. The first and second constant current sources are both connected across the outputs of the rectifier circuit, and operate to drive the respective sets of light emitting diodes in alternation. The capability for dimming can be provided, as well as back-up single phase operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Huizhou Light Engine Limited
    Inventors: Chung Ping Kevin Lo, Wa Hing Leung, Kam Wah Siu
  • Patent number: 9433067
    Abstract: A multi-lamp fluorescent light fixture includes a plurality of replaceable fluorescent lamp starter units. Each starter unit has a built-in microcontroller, an RF (Radio-Frequency) receiver, and communicates wirelessly with a master unit. The plurality of starter units can be wirelessly controlled to dim the multi-lamp fixture. Each starter unit receives a DIM command. Each starter unit identified as a dimmer starter unit responds to the DIM command by turning off coupled fluorescent lamps. Starter units not identified as dimmer starter units respond by leaving coupled lamps turned on, or alternatively, turning off and quickly restarting coupled lamps. Systems of existing light fixtures are retrofitted with such wireless starter units, and thereby made controllable by a master unit so that the master unit can dim the lights if room occupancy is not detected or if sufficient ambient light is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: IXYS Intl Limited
    Inventors: Kamlapati Khalsa, Yefim Gluzman, Quyen Tran, David D. Eaton
  • Patent number: 9420651
    Abstract: A light-emitting diode (LED) module and a method for operating the same are disclosed. The LED module is supplied through an external voltage source. The LED module includes a bridge rectifying unit, a LED unit, and an integrated circuit (IC) unit. The bridge rectifying unit rectifies the external voltage source into an inner DC voltage source. The LED unit is electrically connected to the bridge rectifying unit and driven through the DC voltage source. The IC unit is electrically connected to the bridge rectifying unit and the LED unit and is supplied through the DC voltage source, thus providing a piecewise constant-current control or a piecewise variant-current control to the LED unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: INTERLIGHT OPTOTECH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yu-Chou Hu, Hsi-Yan Chou
  • Patent number: 9366882
    Abstract: Eyeglasses including a front frame to which two side arms are connected, and having electric and/or electronic elements connected to each other by an electric circuit, wherein the electric circuit is composed at least partially of at least one flexible printed circuit, which is housed into a seat formed at least partially inside the front frame and at least partially inside at least one arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Michele Iurilli
  • Patent number: 9345080
    Abstract: A LED light source comprises a first rectifier (DB1) having input terminals coupled to an AC voltage source and output terminals connected by a first series arrangement comprising N LED loads and further comprises circuitry (I1, I2, I3, CC) for making the LED loads one by one carry a current when the momentary value of the AC voltage increases and one by one stop carrying a current when the momentary value of the AC voltage decreases. The LED light source also comprises a second rectifier (DB2) having input terminals coupled to the AC voltage source via a reactive element and output terminals connected by a second series arrangement comprising M LED loads and further comprises circuitry (I4) for making the LED loads one by one carry a current when the momentary value of the AC voltage present at the input terminals of the second rectifier increases and one by one stop carrying a current when the momentary value of the AC voltage decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Henricus Marius Joseph Maria Kahlman, Ralph Kurt, Haimin Tao
  • Patent number: 9288874
    Abstract: A multi-lamp fluorescent light fixture includes a plurality of replaceable fluorescent lamp starter units. Each starter unit has a built-in microcontroller, an RF (Radio-Frequency) receiver, and communicates wirelessly with a master unit. Each starter unit can be wirelessly controlled to turn off coupled fluorescent lamps. Each starter unit receives a turn off command, monitors the AC voltage supplied to coupled lamps, and initiates turn off when the AC voltage reaches a threshold voltage stored in a memory of the microcontroller. In one novel aspect, each threshold voltage is selected such that turn off of lamps coupled to each starter is initiated within one millisecond. Systems of existing light fixtures are retrofitted with such wireless starter units, and thereby made controllable by a master unit so that the master unit can turn off the lights if room occupancy is not detected or if sufficient ambient light is available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: IXYS Intl Limited
    Inventors: Kamlapati Khalsa, Yefim Gluzman, Quyen Tran
  • Patent number: 9236738
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control system for use with one or more building power circuits, the control system including a control device delimited by a control device housing, the control device being configured to receive power from the building power circuits and provide power to at least one power output, and a receiver configured to receive radio frequency signals, the receiver being disposed remote of the control device housing and configured for removable wired connection with the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SYLVAN R. SHEMITZ DESIGNS, LLC
    Inventors: David R. Pfund, Paul R. Ford
  • Patent number: 9144123
    Abstract: A driver circuit for driving light emitting diodes (LEDs). The driver circuit includes: a string of LEDs divided into n groups, the n groups of LEDs being electrically connected to each other in series, a downstream end of group m?1 being electrically connected to the upstream end of group m, where m is a positive number equal to or less than n. The driver circuit also includes a power source coupled to an upstream end of group 1 and operative to provide an input voltage and a plurality of current regulating circuits, each of the current regulating circuits being coupled to the downstream end of a corresponding group at one end and coupled to a ground at the other end and including a sensor amplifier and a cascode having first and second transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Jae Hong Jeong
  • Patent number: 9085732
    Abstract: Chlorosilicate-based phosphors configured to emit yellow-green light in a wavelength ranging from about 500 nm to about 560 nm in response to an excitation source emitting at about 400 nm to about 480 nm, wherein the light emitted by the phosphor has a decay time ranging from about 1 millisecond (1 ms) to about 10 milliseconds (10 ms). The phosphor comprises a compound of the family Ca8-x-yAxEuyMg1-m-nBmMnn(Si1-sCsO4)4R2, where A is at least one divalent cation including Ca, Sr, Ba; B is Zn or Cd, or a divalent metal ion other than an alkaline earth; C is a cation, including at least one of Ge, Al, B, Gd, Ga, and N, and R is an anion, including F, Cl, Br, I, all respectively either individually, or in combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Intematix Corporation
    Inventors: Qinghua Zeng, Gang Wang, Yi-Qun Li
  • Patent number: 9084327
    Abstract: A driver circuit for driving an LED array is disclosed. The LED array includes a first, a second, a third, a fourth LED device and a diode device. The second LED device is connected to the first LED device. The fourth LED device is connected to the third LED device. The diode device is connected between the second LED device and the third LED device. The driver circuit includes a first constant current regulator for coupling between the first and the second LED device; a second constant current regulator for coupling between the second and the third LED device; a third constant current regulator for coupling between the third and the fourth LED device; a fourth constant current regulator for coupling between the fourth LED device and a fixed-voltage terminal; and a control circuit coupled with the first, the second, the third, and the fourth constant current regulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Richtek Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Kuo-Chin Chiu, Chih-Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 9055645
    Abstract: A light emitting unit includes a plurality of light emitting devices. A control apparatus includes a rectifier for converting an alternating current (AC) signal into a ripple signal by rectifying the AC signal. A ripple signal adjuster reduces a level difference between maximum and minimum levels of the ripple signal, and outputs the resultant ripple signal as a drive signal. A turning-on controller controls turning-on of the light emitting devices in accordance with a level variation of the drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki Soo Kwon, Min Hak Kim, Il Yeong Kang, Keun Tak Joo
  • Patent number: 8866417
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclose a light-emitting device including a first power source connection terminal and a second power source connection terminal, the first and second power source connection terminals configured to be connected to an external power source, and a plurality of light emitting cell arrays, each of the plurality of light emitting cell arrays being connected in parallel to one another between the first and the second power source connection terminals, each of the plurality of light emitting cell arrays comprising serially connected light emitting cells. Each of the light emitting cells includes a first conductivity-type semiconductor layer, a second conductivity-type semiconductor layer, an active layer disposed between the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer and the second conductivity-type semiconductor layer, and an electrode pad disposed on the second conductivity-type semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Seoul Viosys Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung Hoon Lee, James S. Speck, Hong San Kim, Jae Jo Kim, Sung Han Kim, Jae Ho Lee
  • Publication number: 20140285118
    Abstract: A light emitting apparatus capable of suppressing noise includes: a plurality of light emitting chips and a drive circuit. Each light emitting chip includes a plurality of light emitting units and a scanning circuit. The scanning circuit is electrically connected to the light emitting units, so as to receive a frequency signal combination, and sequentially scans the light emitting units so as to selectively enable the scanned light emitting units to emit light. The drive circuit is electrically connected to the light emitting chips, to provide a frequency signal combination for each light emitting chip. The frequency signal combinations are grouped into a plurality of groups. At least two of the groups have a delay therebetween, so that the light emitting units corresponding to a same serial number emit light successively according to the delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Nisho Image Tech Inc.
    Inventor: Harunobu Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8796957
    Abstract: A multi-string LED driving method and system requires generating pulse-width-modulated (PWM'd) driving signals to respective LED strings to control their brightness levels, and staggering the timing of the driving signals such that the number of LED strings driven on simultaneously varies over time by no more than one LED string. The PWM'd driving signals are generated to, for example, achieve local dimming for a display device which employs a multi-string LED backlight system; the present method enables local dimming to be achieved while maintaining a relatively constant load on the drive circuit. The staggering of the timing of the PWM'd driving signals is preferably implemented by arranging the ON times of the driving signals such that they occur serially, such that the loading imposed by the LED strings is spread throughout each switching cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyunick Shin, Insoo Yoo
  • Patent number: 8717162
    Abstract: A method for controlling guiding, signal or alert lights, particularly signal lights for an emergency escape route in a fire situation, in which method there are controlled sequentially arranged light sources, such as LED light sources. In the method, in the first step the sequentially arranged light sources (40), which are most advantageously arranged as a light source string (4) or at least as part thereof, are activated, on the basis of a signal received from a fire detector (3), to be switched to a first mode, in which first mode the sequentially arranged light sources are used for indicating the direction of an escape route, and/or to a second mode, where the light sources (40) are switched to emit continuous light. The invention also relates to a system and a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Marimils OY
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Publication number: 20140023399
    Abstract: A light-emitting device includes: plural light-emitting chips each having plural light-emitting elements, and each being designated, as a control target for lighting up or not lighting up, by two to Q designation signals (Q is an integer of two or more); and a selection signal generating part that selectively transmits P selection signals (P is an integer of three or more where P>Q) as the designation signals to designate each of the plural light-emitting elements as the control target, the designation signals for each of the plural light-emitting chips including a combination of two to Q selection signals taken from the P selection signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seiji OHNO
  • Patent number: 8610374
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lamp unit (100) in which a plurality of light sources (120a-e) are controlled by means of a control unit (110) which is adapted to control a sequence of drive settings (Sa-e) for the plurality of light sources based on a switching signal (Sin) supplied to the lamp unit. The control unit is arranged such that depending on the elapsed time between deactivation of and subsequent reactivation of the switching signal, the control unit sets the current drive settings in a predetermined manner. Within a first predetermined time interval a subsequent drive setting of the light sources is employed, after a second predetermined time interval a previous drive setting of the light sources is employed, and within an intermediate time interval, arranged between the end of the first predetermined time interval and the end of the second predetermined time interval a predetermined drive setting is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Theodorus Johannes Petrus Van Den Biggelaar
  • Patent number: 8579465
    Abstract: A plant growing system of the present invention includes: a first light source for irradiating red light to a plant; a second light source for irradiating far-red light to the plant; a control part that controls irradiation operations of the first light source and the second light source; and a time setting part that sets a time zone in which the control part operates the irradiation of the first light source and the second light source. The time setting part is designed such that the first light source starts red light irradiation before sunset; and the second light source starts far-red light irradiation after the red light irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Yamada, Masaki Ishiwata
  • Patent number: 8552666
    Abstract: The invention relates to the controlling of a lighting system with a plurality of light sources, particularly to the semi-automatic commissioning of light sources of the lighting system or controlling of the creation of lighting scenes with the lighting system. A basic idea of the invention is to use a spatial coding of light for controlling a lighting system, particularly for commissioning of light sources of the lighting system instead of or in addition to the temporal light coding as applied in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Matthias Wendt, Harald J. G. Radermacher, Paul Leyten
  • Publication number: 20130187553
    Abstract: A system and method for optically setting a pace for an athlete is presented. The method sequentially places a first group of lights and a second group along a path travelled by the athlete. The first group of lights are sequentially lit one after another one at a time with a first predetermined delay between the lighting of each of the lights. After all the first group of lights have been lit, the second group of lights are similarly sequentially lit in sequence with a second predetermined delay between each of the lights. The first and second predetermined delays can be the same if the athlete desires to run several consistent laps of the same speed. However, the athlete may desire to run one part of the laps fast and the another part slower by setting one predetermined delay longer than the other predetermined delay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Joel R. Cessna
  • Patent number: 8253338
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing guidance and entertainment to people within a structure, through sequentially activated illuminating devices. In some embodiments, the illuminating devices receive instructions to illuminate the perimeter of a structure in a sequence that indicates the exit of the structure. In other embodiments, the illuminating devices receive instructions to illuminate a surface of a structure, such as a wall of a corridor, to track the movement of at least one object or person walking or otherwise moving in the structure. The instructions to the illuminating devices are sent from sensing and detecting devices or alternatively, from a command and control center, in response to changes detected in the environment of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventors: Richard d. Ashoff, James R. Zarian
  • Publication number: 20120133304
    Abstract: A discharge lamp device comprising a high pressure discharge lamp having a discharge space and a pair of main electrodes in an interior of said discharge space, a starting assistance light source adapted to radiate UV radiation towards said discharge space, and a power supply device to light the high pressure discharge lamp and the starting assistance light source, wherein said starting assistance light source contains at least a rare gas for starting and carbon monoxide (CO) as a light emitting substance, and said power supply device is adapted to generate a high starting voltage at a time lighting of said high pressure discharge lamp is started and afterwards switch to a voltage for steady-state lighting, such that said starting assistance light source radiates by means of said high starting voltage but does not radiate by means of said voltage for steady-state lighting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: USHIO DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Naoki KITATOCHI, Toshiya UKAI, Toshiyuki OKAMOTO, Takashi YAMASHITA
  • Patent number: 8188687
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved light-emitting device for an AC power operation. A conventional light emitting device employs an AC light-emitting diode having arrays of light emitting cells connected in reverse parallel. The arrays in the prior art alternately repeat on/off in response to a phase change of an AC power source, resulting in short light emission time during a ½ cycle and the occurrence of a flicker effect. An AC light-emitting device according to the present invention employs a variety of means by which light emission time is prolonged during a ½ cycle in response to a phase change of an AC power source and a flicker effect can be reduced. For example, the means may be switching blocks respectively connected to nodes between the light emitting cells, switching blocks connected to a plurality of arrays, or a delay phosphor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Seoul Opto Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung Hoon Lee, James S. Speck, Hong San Kim, Jae Jo Kim, Sung Han Kim, Jae Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 8143791
    Abstract: A control system for a light-emitting device may include test circuitry, photodetectors, and process circuitry. The test circuitry is configured to sequentially drive individual groups of light-emitting elements in a light-emitting device during a test sequence. Each group of light-emitting elements includes one or more light-emitting elements. The photodetectors are configured to detect an intensity of light present at a plurality of locations of the light-emitting device during the test sequence and generate a detection signal corresponding to the detected intensity of light. The process circuitry is configured to process the detection signals and transmit an adjustment signal based on the processing. The light-emitting elements may then be driven such that at least one characteristic of light emitted by all of the plurality of light-emitting elements is substantially the same at each of the plurality of locations of the light-mixing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: Patrick Yasuo Maeda
  • Patent number: 8120600
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light emission control system including a plurality of light emitting modules each including a plurality of light emitting elements and each being a unit to be controlled, light emitting module controllers each provided for each of the light emitting modules and controlling a corresponding light emitting module, and central controller controlling the light emitting modules. The plurality of light emitting module controllers are divided into a plurality of groups, a plurality of light emitting module controllers belonging to each of the groups are connected in a cascade manner within the group, the plurality of groups are connected in parallel with the central controller, and control information transmitted from the central controller to each of the plurality of groups is sequentially transferred from a light emitting module controller to a following light emitting module controller in each of the groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Minoru Mizuta
  • Patent number: 8093819
    Abstract: A light string includes a load comprising a trigger LED assembly and a lighting assembly connected in series with the trigger LED assembly, the lighting assembly comprising a plurality of series connected lamps comprising an LED; and a rectifier for converting a source of AC into DC which is supplied to the load. The trigger LED assembly is adapted to flash and cause the lamps to flash. In one embodiment the trigger LED assembly includes a trigger LED and a capacitor connected in parallel with the trigger LED. The trigger LED includes a first LED and a second LED. The cathode of the first LED is connected to the cathode of the second LED, the anode of the first LED is connected to the positive terminal of the capacitor, and the anode of the second LED is connected to the negative terminal of the capacitor respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Jiangmen Polestar Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luan Tsai
  • Patent number: 8093832
    Abstract: In a backlight unit and an LCD apparatus having the backlight unit, in which the backlight unit includes a plurality of lamps and an inverter, the inverter provides the lamps with current. The inverter reduces current provided to the lamps to turn off the lamps. Therefore, currents are gradually decreased to reduce noise generated by the transformer when the lamps are turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyeon-Yong Jang
  • Publication number: 20110089869
    Abstract: A method for controlling guiding, signal or alert lights, particularly signal lights for an emergency escape route in a fire situation, in which method there are controlled sequentially arranged light sources, such as LED light sources. In the method, in the first step the sequentially arranged light sources (40), which are most advantageously arranged as a light source string (4) or at least as part thereof, are activated, on the basis of a signal received from a fire detector (3), to be switched to a first mode, in which first mode the sequentially arranged light sources are used for indicating the direction of an escape route, and/or to a second mode, where the light sources (40) are switched to emit continuous light. The invention also relates to a system and a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Publication number: 20110028800
    Abstract: A reaction-testing system is provided to simulate motion to an individual. Generally, the reaction-testing system includes a motion-simulating device, a reflective device, a control unit, and an input device that is activated by an individual In exemplary embodiments, the motion-simulating device includes a beam that accommodates a first and second plurality of light sources capable of, at least, alternating between an active and idle condition. These light sources are arranged amongst occlusion features in a mounting pattern such that light emitted from the first plurality is directly viewable by an individual and light emitted from the second plurality is indirectly viewed by the individual through the reflecting surface. The control unit is configured to sequentially activate the light sources sequentially to generate pulses of light on that, when perceived by the individual, appear as a light moving along a vector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan W. Reichow, Herb Yoo, Ryan C. Coulter, Christian Freissler, Dave R. Knaub, Meral Middleton, David Thorpe, Tom Lakovic, Andrew Allen, Josh Hoyt
  • Patent number: 7659671
    Abstract: A light fixture includes multiple sets of light-producing devices, such as bulbs. A first set of bulbs is illuminated. When one or more bulbs in the first set of bulbs fails, the failure is detected, and a second set of bulbs is illuminated: If a number of good bulbs remaining falls below a predetermined threshold, the light fixture provides a notification that a bulb change is required. The notification may include visual, audio, or electronic notification. By providing multiple sets of bulbs and a controller to detect a bulb failure and automatically switch to a different set of bulbs, the light fixture and method of the preferred embodiments provide high-reliability lighting that automatically compensates when a bulb burns out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Derek P. Martin
  • Patent number: 7626345
    Abstract: A manufacturing process for storing measured light output internal to an individual LED assembly, and an LED assembly realized by the process. The process utilizes a manufacturing test system to hold an LED light assembly a controlled distance and angle from the spectral output measurement tool. Spectral coordinates, forward voltage, and environmental measurements for the as manufactured assembly are measured for each base color LED. The measurements are recorded to a storage device internal to the LED assembly. Those stored measurements can then be utilized in usage of the LED assembly to provide accurate and precise control of the light output by the LED assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Dialight Corporation
    Inventor: Garrett Young
  • Patent number: 7579790
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for apparatus and methods for increasing the reliability of the flash discharge response in pulsed gas discharge lamps. One embodiment includes a system comprising two gas discharge lamps having cathodes and anodes connected in parallel to a common power source. The lamps are alternatingly triggered such that the discharge from a first lamp reduces residual partial ionization of the gas in a second lamp and vice-versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Xenon Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick James Tipton
  • Patent number: 7514884
    Abstract: A lighting system controller comprising a switch connected to a lighting fixture configured to be controlled by time domain switching, and a processor capable of actuating said switch so as to achieve time domain switching of the lighting fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Potucek, Kevin Murphy
  • Patent number: 7458490
    Abstract: An article carrier assembly for attachment to a vehicle roof panel comprises two siderails and at least one cross-rail releasably stowed on one of the siderails. Attachment of the cross-rail to the siderails is carried out with the use of latching mechanisms. The mechanism is composed of a stanchion mounted on the cross-rail, with a lever pivotally placed therein, and of a lock plate assembly slidably attached to the siderail. For deployment of the assembly, the stanchion is put on the lock plate assembly which becomes engaged therewith upon turning the lever. The structure of the mechanism contributes to preventing the roof panel from being damaged upon the deployment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Sportrack LLC
    Inventors: John E. Klinkman, Terry L. Obermesik, Kevin D. Wilson, Robert G. Cronce
  • Patent number: 7420332
    Abstract: A first LED array including a first capacitor, LED blocks, and a second capacitor that are connected in series with each other, a second LED array having a similar configuration to the first LED array, and a third LED array having a similar configuration to the first LED array are connected in parallel with each other and are connected to an AC power supply AC. Each of the LED blocks includes a first series circuit and a second series circuit that are connected in parallel with each other. The first series circuit includes two LEDs that are connected in series with each other in the same direction. The second series circuit includes two LEDs that are connected in series with each other in an identical direction opposite to the direction of the LEDs in the first series circuit. A connection point between the two LEDs in the second series circuit in one of the adjacent LED blocks is coupled to a connection point between the two LEDs in the first series circuit in the other one of the adjacent LED blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Kato
  • Patent number: 7321207
    Abstract: An inverter apparatus for driving a plurality of lamp units including a plurality of lamps is provided. The inverter apparatus includes a plurality of inverters. Each inverter includes a delay block delaying an input ON/OFF signal to generate an output ON/OFF signal and an inverting block controlling the lighting of the corresponding lamp unit based on the output ON/OFF signal. The plurality of inverters includes a first inverter receiving the input ON/OFF signal from an external device and a second inverter receiving the input ON/OFF signal from one of the plurality of inverters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Hwan Moon
  • Patent number: 7207688
    Abstract: An interactive shoe light device includes at least one power source, at least one motion switch to generate an activation signal in response to an electrical engagement within the motion switch, the activation signal indicating at least duration of electrical engagement within the motion switch, an integrated circuit functioning as a controller, the integrated circuit electrically connected to the motion switch to receive the activation signal, and lighting elements electrically connected to the integrated circuit. The lighting elements are selectively actuated by the integrated circuit to illuminate the lighting elements in one or more predetermined illumination patterns depending on the duration of electrical engagement indicated by the activation signal. For a short duration, all lighting elements flash in a flashing pattern for a pre-determined period. For a long duration, only one lighting element lights up and continues for a few seconds after the switch is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Wong Wai Yuen, Wong Kui Hang
  • Patent number: 7157866
    Abstract: A driving device for driving multiple (R-, G-, and B-) groups of LEDs operative at different voltages, utilizing a battery supplying a power supply voltage of a step-up voltage. Under normal operating conditions, R-LEDs are driven by the battery voltage, but G- and B-LEDs are driven by the step-up voltage. The battery voltage is monitored to ensure that all the LEDs are driven by the step-up voltage when the battery voltage has lowered below a predetermined level, thereby reducing the power loss by the LEDs while emitting light and extending the permissible range of the battery voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiro Komiya, Atsushi Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 7081722
    Abstract: A method and a circuit for driving light emitting diodes (LEDs) in multiphase are provided. A string of LEDs divided into groups connected to each other in series is provided. Each group is coupled to ground through separate conductive paths. A phase switch is provided in each conductive path. Increasing the input voltage turn on the string of LEDs, group by group in the sequence downstream the string. To reduce power dissipation, the phase switch of an upstream group is turned off when next downstream group is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventors: Kimlong Huynh, Vinhphu Quoc Tran
  • Patent number: 7067986
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating lighting elements in one or more predetermined patterns. A preferred frequency controlled lighting system implementing this method includes a motion switch, a controller, and lighting elements. The motion switch creates an activation signal in response to movement of the motions switch, the activation signal indicating at least one of duration of electrical engagement or frequency of electrical engagement within the motion switch. The controller detects the activation signal generation and uses a signal analysis system to analyze the activation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Cheerine Development (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventors: Wai Kai Wong, Lai Cheong Mak
  • Patent number: 7012379
    Abstract: A cuttable illumination device has a first lamp, a second lamp, a current source element, and a voltage breakdown element connected such that the first lamp may be removed from the device without affecting the function and performance of the remaining portion of the illumination device. Additional lamps may be added to the device in conjunction with additional voltage breakdown elements to form a string of lamps where any number of lamps may be removed without affecting the function and performance of the remaining portion of the device. The device may have a waveguide member and a housing, creating a cuttable illumination device for simulating neon lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: iLight Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe A. Chambers, John R. Dominick, Eric Olav Eriksson