Abstract: A system and method provide fail-safe operation of a lighting system. A lighting level detector is used to obtain a baseline lighting level for a low-intensity light. If the detector measures less than the baseline level when an occupancy sensor determines the space is unoccupied, a high-intensity light is energized and an indication is provided to a user that the low-intensity light has failed. A method provides daylighting operation of a lighting system. An occupancy sensor can have Wi-Fi functionality to enable remote configuration of the sensor. A line voltage occupancy sensor can include an interface with low voltage devices. An occupancy sensor can include an integral interface to enable an external control system to override the sensor's normal logic under emergency conditions. An occupancy sensor can include an active temperature compensation feature. An occupancy sensor can also incorporate an automatically adjustable coverage area.

Abstract: A light source apparatus for an endoscope, which has a lamp, a power source, a light adjustment control module that controls power to be supplied to the lamp within a range not more than an upper limit power based on a brightness instruction signal, and a continuous lighting sensing module that measures a continuous lighting time period from time when the lamp shifts from being extinguished to being lighted, compares the continuous lighting time period with a predetermined upper limit time period, and initializes the continuous lighting time period while the lamp is extinguished, wherein the upper limit power is set to a first upper limit power when the continuous lighting time period has not reached the upper limit time period, and changed to a second upper limit power lower than the first upper limit power in a stepwise manner when the upper limit time period has not been reached.

Abstract: A method for operating a fluorescent lamp (5) having a nominal power (WLa) and stabilized with an EM ballast (B) comprises the steps of during normal operation, short-circuiting the lamp during a closing time interval (CTI) during each current period in order to operate the lamp at a reduced power. The method comprises the step of detecting whether the lamp is stabilized by means of an inductive ballast or by means of a capacitive ballast. If it is found that the ballast is capacitive, the timing of the closing time interval (CTI) is set such that the closing time interval (CTI) has a first closing time segment (CTS1) immediately before a zero-crossing of the current, having a first duration (?1) higher than zero, and a second closing time segment (CTS2) immediately after said zero-crossing of the current, having a second duration (?2) higher than zero.

Abstract: The present technique relates to an information processing apparatus and a method capable of realizing a communication tool of a new mode. An LED emits light according to a light emission pattern identified based on a set of light emission parameters indicating characteristics of light emission. An action control unit controls the light emission pattern of the LED based on a relationship between the self apparatus and a group to which the self apparatus and at least one other information processing apparatus including the LED belong, or a relationship between the other information processing apparatus and the self apparatus belonging to the group. The present technique may be applied to an information processing apparatus used as a communication tool.

Abstract: A switch circuit utilizes an LED for illumination. A diode is connected in parallel with the LED but in opposite orientation, with the LED anode connected to the diode cathode, and the LED cathode connected to the diode anode, to permit discharging of a power supply capacitor of a ballast of a lamp such as a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb. Undesirable flickering of the CFL are then avoided.

Abstract: A GPS enabled relay controller that interfaces with an electronic device, such as a street light, barricade light, refrigerator, and other similar applications for turning off power to an electronic device for energy savings. The relay controller invokes quantification of refractive photon diffusion to switch between on and off an electronic device based upon refracted photons diffused at the surface of the earth at a particular location and based upon sampling at the Earth's surface from before civil twilight start until after sunrise and from before sunset until after civil twilight end.

Abstract: Control apparatus for controlling an aspect of an apparatus are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the control apparatus comprises a dimmer that includes a variable impedance. In certain embodiments of the invention, the dimmer may be a TRIAC dimmer having a voltage at a gate electrode of the TRIAC that is always below a trigger voltage for the TRIAC such that the TRIAC never turns on and the remaining components within the TRIAC dimmer can be used as discreet components in a larger circuit. In the control apparatus, the dimmer may be coupled to a signal generation circuit that may generate an output signal whose frequency (period) is dictated at least in part by an impedance of the variable impedance. The output signal may be used to control an aspect of an apparatus such as the intensity, color or color temperature for a lighting apparatus.

Abstract: Control apparatus for controlling an aspect of an apparatus are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the control apparatus comprises a dimmer that includes a variable impedance. In certain embodiments of the invention, the dimmer may be a TRIAC dimmer having a voltage at a gate electrode of the TRIAC that is always below a trigger voltage for the TRIAC such that the TRIAC never turns on and the remaining components within the TRIAC dimmer can be used as discreet components in a larger circuit. In the control apparatus, the dimmer may be coupled to a signal generation circuit that may generate an output signal whose frequency (period) is dictated at least in part by an impedance of the variable impedance. The output signal may be used to control an aspect of an apparatus such as the intensity, color or color temperature for a lighting apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to functional and decorative lighting. At least one control device (200a, 200b) is connected to a plurality of lighting elements (2000). The control devices (200a, 200b) are arranged to control lighting effects of the plurality of lighting elements (2000).

Abstract: A lighting system includes a plurality of lights connected to a bridge, a gateway, a lighting controller, and an interface. A plurality of commands to control a corresponding light may be stored in a memory. A communication module may be provided to generate a packet for transmission to the gateway based on the plurality of stored commands. The packet may combine a plurality of the commands for controlling one or more of the lights.

Abstract: A lighting system (20) comprises a plurality of light units (1, 6, 10, 11), each light unit (1, 6, 10, 11) including a photo sensor (2, 7), a light source (4, 9) and a control unit (3, 8) adapted to operate the light source (4, 9) and to modulate the light emitted by the light source (4, 9) so as to transmit data, wherein the light units (1, 6, 10, 11) are arranged according to a ring topology.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution system for efficiently installing electrical lights, devices, and power outlets to selectively energize or de-energize an electrical load in a building or structure. The electrical power distribution system comprises a control module installed in a building comprising the controlled output that is selectively energized by controlling a latching relay connected to an AC supply source and a load to be energized. Some embodiments further comprise an electronic switch in parallel with a relay. In addition, other embodiments include an electronic switch in parallel with a relay controlled by the same control signal to energize a load, where the electronic switch is energized before the contacts of the relay close and the electronic switch is de-energized after the contacts of the relay open. In an exemplary embodiment the load may be controlled and its ON/OFF status may be known at a distance of at least one mile with a pair of wires, AWG #24 or smaller diameter.

Abstract: A system for controlling a load circuit is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of multi-way sensor switches for mounting in an electrical boxes and coupling to the load circuit. Preferably, each of the multi-way sensor switches includes a tactile switch for manually opening and closing the load circuit load circuit, a built-in sensor for automatically opening and closing the load circuit in response to a level of detected motion and a micro-processor for generating status signals. The status signals are transmitted between each of the multi-way sensor switches over a traveler wire that is electrically coupled to each of the multi-way sensor switches. The micro-processor then uses the status signals to synchronize the operation of each of the multi-way sensor switches to allowing the multi-way sensor switches to operate in a true three-way fashion.

Abstract: Control apparatus for controlling an aspect of an apparatus are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the control apparatus comprises a dimmer that includes a variable impedance. In certain embodiments of the invention, the dimmer may be a TRIAC dimmer having a voltage at a gate electrode of the TRIAC that is always below a trigger voltage for the TRIAC such that the TRIAC never turns on and the remaining components within the TRIAC dimmer can be used as discreet components in a larger circuit. In the control apparatus, the dimmer may be coupled to a signal generation circuit that may generate an output signal whose frequency (period) is dictated at least in part by an impedance of the variable impedance. The output signal may be used to control an aspect of an apparatus such as the intensity, color or color temperature for a lighting apparatus.

Abstract: A driver for driving a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) is formed of a plurality of LED controllers connected in series between a power supply and a reference voltage. Each controller drives one or more LEDs directly connected to it. Each controller has a voltage input terminal coupled to an output terminal of an adjacent upstream controller, and an output terminal coupled to the voltage input terminal of an adjacent downstream controller. Each controller has a normally-on bypass switch coupled between its voltage input terminal and the voltage input terminal of the adjacent upstream controller. The bypass switch completely bypasses the adjacent upstream controller when the adjacent downstream controller detects that its input voltage is below a threshold insufficient to drive the LED in the adjacent upstream controller. The bypass switch is turned off if the voltage is above the threshold.

Abstract: A load control system controls an electrical load provided in a space and comprises a load control device and one or more occupancy sensors. The load control device controls the load in response to the wireless control signals received from the occupancy sensors. Each occupancy sensor transmits an occupied control signal to the load control device in response to detecting an occupancy condition in the space and a vacant control signal to the load control device in response to detecting a vacancy condition. The load control device turns on the load in response to receiving the occupied control signal from at least one of the occupancy sensors, and turns off the load in response to receiving vacant control signals from both of the occupancy sensors. The load control device is operable to determine that no wireless control signals have been received from the occupancy sensors for the length of a predetermined timeout period and to subsequently turn off the load.

Abstract: A lighting system using a GPS receiver is provided. The lighting system includes: a GPS receiver for calculating sunrise time and sunset time from an inputted GPS signal and outputting an on/off signal and a satellite detection indicating signal according to the calculated sunrise time and sunset time; a security light configured to be turned on/off in response to the on/off signal; and an LED configured to be turned on/off in response to the satellite detection indicating signal. Accordingly, the GPS receiver itself receives GPS satellite signal, sunrise time and sunset time are automatically calculated from the received position information and reception information by using a baseband processor, and a security light is turned on/off at the calculated sunrise and sunset time, so that the number of components is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A lamp driving device has a pulse width modulation circuit, a phase splitter and several switching circuits. The pulse width modulation circuit is arranged to generate a pulse width modulation signal. The phase splitter is coupled to the pulse width modulation circuit and arranged to split the pulse width modulation signal into several phased signals having different phases, wherein pulses of each phased signal are non-overlapping with those of another phased signal. The switching circuits are coupled to the phase splitter and are arranged to respectively receive one of the phased signals, wherein each switching circuit is controlled by the received phased signal.

Abstract: A system for controlling a load circuit is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of multi-way sensor switches for mounting in an electrical boxes and coupling to the load circuit. Preferably, each of the multi-way sensor switches includes a tactile switch for manually opening and closing the load circuit load circuit, a built-in sensor for automatically opening and closing the load circuit in response to a level of detected motion and a micro-processor for generating status signals. The status signals are transmitted between each of the multi-way sensor switches over a traveler wire that is electrically coupled to each of the multi-way sensor switches. The micro-processor then uses the status signals to synchronize the operation of each of the multi-way sensor switches to allowing the multi-way sensor switches to operate in a true three-way fashion.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling lighting are described. In general, the system and method may be used for controlling generation of light from the one or more lighting devices within a lighting system, in response to an external input. The control system generally comprises a control interface module and a light generation module. The control interface module is configured to receive the external input and convert same in accordance with a predefined internal control protocol. The light generation module is communicatively linked to the control interface module to receive the converted input and is operatively linked to the one or more light-emitting element modules for controlling generation of light thereby in accordance with the converted input. In one example, the light generation module is either interchangeable or interchangeably adaptable to receive the external input in accordance with one of two or more control protocols.

Abstract: A ballast circuit including a charge pump interface circuit is disclosed to provide a method of isolating a switch from a power line used to power a ballast for supplying electrical power to a lamp. In addition, the charge pump interface circuit provides a method to control a discrete dimming ballast circuit which includes one or more inverters. The charge pump interface circuit offers cost advantages because no relays are necessary for isolation of the switch from the lamp electrical power and the dimming ballast circuit can be installed where existing lamps are currently mounted, without the need to add additional wiring.

Abstract: A luminous discharge display device having two distinct, independent discharge chambers, stacked vertically; of substantially flat circular shape containing inert gas mixtures, and a central electrode coupled to a power supply which provides ionizing means for the gas. The device utilizes two grooves formed into defining members of the discharge chambers to increase the capacitance along their length due to the inverse relationship between dielectric width and capacitance. Two electrode assemblies are biased out of phase with respect to the main electrode further increasing the capacitance and converging the luminous discharge at that specific point and are fitted into the circular grooves. A clock mechanism moves the electrode assemblies along their respective grooves thus creating a controlled motion of the luminous glowing plasma.

Abstract: In an electric system that controls electrical or state variable devices through inputs received from device operators such as switches, buttons and the like, where some of the button control or set sequences for the electrical devices and others predefined “presets”, an automatic sequence tracking process monitors the system and adjusts the position of the sequence steps for buttons that are associated therewith, to ensure that they always track the current condition of the electrical devices. Thereby, actuation of sequence generating buttons will always choose the next step in a sequence for the corresponding electrical device.

Abstract: A light management system for controlling a load circuit is disclosed. The system preferably comprises a switch unit with a momentary switch for manually controlling the load circuit, a night light to provide low-level or reduced room lighting from the switch unit and a motion sensor for sensing motion from the switch unit. The motion sensor is configured to automatically control the load circuit and/or the night light based on detected motion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the load circuit operates a room lighting system, the light unit comprises light emitting diodes to provide the low-level light. The switch unit is preferably programmable to customized modes of operation to suit a wide range of applications. In yet further embodiments of the invention, the system comprises a light sensor for controlling the load circuit or the night light in response to a level of detected room lighting.

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: Disclosed herein is a centralized power reducing device, particularly for lighting installations, comprising, on each phase of the installation power source, a winding (16) in series with load (10), wound on a magnetic core (18), the current supplied to load (10) flowing therethrough, a second winding (20) wound on said magnetic core (18), a drive or control current flowing therethrough, means (22, 24) for changing said drive or control current and wherein said means (22,24) for establishing the extent of the drive or control current in said second winding (20) are comprised of a multiple-tap autotransformer (22), the connection of said autotransformer (22) taps occurring by means of relays (24) controlled by a logic unit (26).

Abstract: A lighting control system (LCS) (50) is provided to remotely and centrally control the operation of lamps and other electrical appliances. The LCS (50) includes a master controller (100), zone controllers (110), slave units (120), an IR controller (160). The master controller (100), zone controllers (110), and slave units (120) are electrically linked together over a common powerline through a process of installation. A process of verification is provided to confirm that the master controller (100), zone controllers (110), and slave units (120) are installed properly. The slave units (120) are further linked with a corresponding electrical appliance. Appropriate commands applied by a user of the LCS (50) to the master controller (100), the zone controllers (110), the slave units (120), and the IR controller (160) control the operation of electrical appliances individually or collectively. The LCS (50) allows the program and recall of configurations of operating levels of the electrical appliances.

Abstract: An energy saving lighting control system for operating fluorescent light fixtures is provided with means for controlling the light level according to the light required for the task being done in the area. Ambient light available from sources outside of the controlled area such as daylight can be harvested to reduce the amount of artificial lighting required. A method of providing sensor inputs to detect occupancy in the controlled area provides control signals to the lighting control system which are used to reduce the light level or turn light fixtures off at times when the area is not occupied. A method of providing a central control of the operation of the lighting system can provide time-of-day scheduling, can provide minimum and maximum lighting levels, and can provide calibration and set-points for response times to various sensor inputs.

Abstract: A manual override circuit for use in commercial and household electronic devices. The override circuit may employ as little as a single integrated-circuit operational amplifier, two capacitors, which are charged and discharged in appropriate sequence in response to toggling of the power supply, and several resistors. In one embodiment the manual override circuitry includes an integrated-circuit operational amplifier, which provides a high signal at its output for triggering switching circuitry to energize a load. An RC network couples low-voltage a power supply to the inverting input of the op amp. The inverting and noninverting inputs of the op amp are coupled together through a resistive network, which may be provided by single resistor. A second resistive network, which may also be provided by single resistor couples the inverting input to ground.

Abstract: An energy saving lighting control system for operating fluorescent light fixtures is provided with means for controlling the light level according to the light required for the task being done in the area. Ambient light available from sources outside of the controlled area such as daylight can be harvested to reduce the amount of artificial lighting required. A method of providing sensor inputs to detect occupancy in the controlled area provides control signals to the lighting control system which are used to reduce the light level or turn light fixtures off at times when the area is not occupied. A method of providing a central .control of the operation of the lighting system can provide time-of-day scheduling, can provide minimum and maximum lighting levels, and can provide calibration and set-points for response times to various sensor inputs.

Abstract: A fluorescent lighting system has: (A) a central power supply connected with regular power line voltage and including a number of power supply modules (e.g., eight), each such module having: (i) a parallel-resonant self-oscillating bridge inverter operative to provide a 35 kHz sinusoidal output voltage at a pair of primary output terminals; (ii) a tank-inductor and a tank-capacitor parallel-connected across the primary output terminals; and (iii) several (e.g., four) pairs of secondary output terminals, each connected with the primary output terminals via its own dedicated current-limiting sub-circuit; thereby to prevent a load connected with a pair of secondary output terminals from drawing more than a certain amount of power; thereby, in turn, to render each pair of secondary output terminals fire-hazard-safe; (B) a plurality of lighting fixtures (e.g.

Abstract: A three-way toggle dimmer circuit controls the brightness of a lamp by independent operation of two light dimmer switches with each dimmer switch having its own electronic light dimmer circuit. Each of the light dimmer switches is arcuately actuated with one end of the vertical movement changing the electrical interconnection between the light dimmer switches. The other end of the vertical movement changes the internal electrical characteristics within the light dimmer circuit itself. The electronics of the light dimmer circuits are controlled by the position of a toggle arm through a linear slide potentiometer including both a variable slide resistor and a miniature internal switch.

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: The invention relates to a power supply and control unit for a light system, especially an airport approach light system, for making a number of lights go on and out as a progressive light front. The invention is also concerned with a lighting unit (1) suitable for use in combination with this power supply and control unit.

Abstract: A lighting load can be turned on/off manually from one or more remote switching stations as well as from a master switch controller station, with ON/OFF control signals produced at the remote switching stations being transmitted to the master controller circuit on the traveler conductor of a conventional single phase AC power distribution system. The main controller has an internal dual mode DC power supply which is referenced to load potential. The dual mode power supply derives operating power from the voltage across the gate controlled power switch which corresponds with essentially hot potential when the power switch is off. The voltage drop across the power switch is boosted by a step-up transformer when the power switch is on. Remote turn-on and turn-off signals are derived independently from the hot power conductor and ground safety power conductor, respectively.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the an electric motor of very small size which is adapted to plug into a lamp socket of a string-set of series connected decorative incandescent lamps so as to utilize the output of the motor to rotate ornaments and like devices. A particular electrical motor of unique design and geared output is shown.

Abstract: A portable, modular small appliance control system for lamps and the like, which allows separate control of each outlet of a multiple outlet receptacle from separate and remote locations.

Abstract: Remote control of street lights utilizes a programmable computer which generates wavelike control signals at fundamental frequencies in the voice range and having half periods corresponding in time-duration to the pulses used for binary digits in logic circuits. The signals are transmitted by phone line to a shared paging transmitter which broadcasts them over the city. The signals are received by radio receives contained in local controller boxes from which the power lines to luminaires start out. The output of the receiver is driven to a saturating level in order to square off the received signals for a microcomputer programmed to decode the signals when they are legitimate and properly addressed to it. The microcomputer can turn the 230 v 60 Hz AC power line to the luminaires off or on, and can also turn on a local oscillator to inject an RF carrier signal onto the AC power line for energizing a dimming circuit in the luminaires.

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: This invention is an electronic lamp control circuit for connection between a lamp bulb and a wall receptacle controlled by a wall switch. The lamp control circuit includes switching circuitry which permits complete control of the lamp from either the wall switch or a switch included in the lamp control circuit. The lamp control circuit permits a user to turn off the lamp by actuating the wall switch and to later turn on the lamp by actuating the lamp control switch and to turn off the lamp with the lamp control switch and later turn on the lamp using only the wall switch.

Abstract: A switching circuit provides multi-way control of the connection of a relatively high current load to a source of power by the momentary closing of any one of a number of switches at remote locations. A control current in the milliampere range is fed to the remote switches at a voltage having either one of two levels, depending on whether the load is connected or not. An indicator which is sensitive to the voltage levels at each remote location shows the on/off status of the load connection.

Abstract: A beam mode lamp has two discharge electrodes which alternately function as anode and cathode. One or more modifying electrodes are located between the discharge electrodes. Each modifying electrode is kept equal to or negative with respect to the cathode, raising the operating voltage of the lamp from a normal 20 volts to line voltage.

Abstract: The single zone lighting controller controls the lights in a zone or area integrating external control signals for daylighting and occupancy with a local override function. The daylighting signal is from a master photoelectric control, and occupancy signal is from a time-clock or electronic occupancy sensor; the local override, activated by an occupant provides a fixed override period before the single zone lighting controlled again responds to the external control signals. Shortly before the override period is over, the single zone lighting controller warns the occupant, e.g., by blinking the lights that the override is about to end.

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: A three-way light dimmer switch is shown wherein the brightness of a lamp or lamps is controlled by independent light dimmer switches with each dimmer switch having its own light dimmer circuit. Each of the light dimmer switches is vertically actuated with one end of the vertical movement turning the lamp or lamps ON, and the other end of the vertical movement turning the lamp or lamps OFF. Between the limits of vertical movement, either of the light dimmer switches may vary the voltage potential received by the lamp to thereby adjust the brightness of the lamp.

Abstract: The specification discloses a switching system for operating an incandescent lamp from a plurality of stations. The controlling switch at each station is wired in series with the lamp, and other control switches to form a single series circuit. Actuation of any single control switch produces a state change in the controlling circuitry so as to cause the lamp to increase or decrease in brightness. The rate at which the increase or decrease occurs is dependent upon the circuit values.

Abstract: A circuit for providing remote control at a plurality of locations for a lighting system, such control functions including on/off, dimming intensity and rate of dimming. Visual indication of take control is also provided.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed which is suitable for controlling lighting in a building from a multiple number of points. AC current to light bulbs is controlled by a triac which in turn is controlled by the output of an optical coupler which is controlled by the output of a logic device. The output of said logic device is connected to control the input to the triac. Switches connecting to the input of the logic device each can independently determine energization or deenergization of the light bulbs.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed which is suitable for controlling lighting in a building from a multiple number of points. AC current to light bulbs is controlled by a triac which in turn is controlled by the output of a series of exclusive OR gates. The output of each exclusive OR gate is connected to one input of an adjacent exclusive OR gate except that the output of the last exclusive OR gate of the series is connected to control the input to the triac. Switches connecting to the remaining inputs of each of the exclusive OR gates each can independently determine energization or de-energization of the light bulbs.