Miscellaneous Systems Patents (Class 315/363)
  • Publication number: 20100225540
    Abstract: To provide a positioning system that clearly defines a disposition of a base station for identifying a position of a radio set. While a wireless base station 1 that transmits and receives a distance-measuring signal to and from a terminal 2 to be measured by wireless communication is disposed at each corner forming an equilateral triangular, the length of each side of the equilateral triangle is made to be a maximum communication distance of the wireless base station 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Koizumi, Naoyuki Hibara, Toshiyasu Higuma, Noriyuki Kushiro
  • Publication number: 20100226399
    Abstract: A method of driving a GaN-based semiconductor light emitting element formed by laminating a first GaN-based compound semiconductor layer having a first conductive type, an active layer having a well layer, a second GaN-based compound semiconductor layer having a second conductive type, includes the steps of: starting light emission by the start of the injection of carrier; and then stopping the injection of the carrier before a light emission luminance value becomes constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ippei Nishinaka
  • Publication number: 20100219761
    Abstract: This invention relates to a luminaire comprising a light source emitting output light, and a detector unit, which is arranged to detect received light emanating from a remote reflection of said output light, wherein the detector unit comprises a first identifier, which is arranged to identify a remotely introduced reflector identifying light coding of the received light. The invention also relates to a method for determining a property of light at a remote position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Paulus Henricus Antonius Damink, Sel Brian Colak
  • Publication number: 20100213881
    Abstract: A light source apparatus that includes a light emitting diode and a fluorescent material film. The fluorescent material film converts ultraviolet or blue light emitted from the light emitting diode into white light. The film is formed by coating, on at least one side of a glass substrate, a liquid mixture of fluorescent material, an organic binder, and a solvent, followed by drying and firing, and another thin film is further formed by coating, on the fluorescent material film, a coating material that contains a metallic alkoxide and/or metallic alkoxide oligomer, followed by drying and firing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: USHIO DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuji Imai
  • Publication number: 20100213852
    Abstract: A light source apparatus that comprises a blue light emitting diode and a fluorescent material film capable of converting the blue light emitted from the blue light emitting diode into white light, wherein the fluorescent material film is formed by coating, on a glass substrate, a dispersion prepared by dispersing a composition containing metallic oxide fine particles and a yellow fluorescent material capable of absorbing part of the blue light, thereby emitting yellow light, in a metallic alkoxide and/or metallic alkoxide oligomer, followed by firing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: USHIO DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuji Imai
  • Publication number: 20100207550
    Abstract: An energy recovery circuit for a plasma display panel (PDP) according to the present invention includes an energy recovery unit recovering and storing energy from the PDP; and a switching stabilizing unit electrically connected to the energy recovery unit to stabilize switching of a sustain discharge pulse applied to the PDP. The switching stabilization unit may include one diode, two switches and one capacitor for energy recovery, or include two switches and an external input voltage source that is an external voltage supply. According to the present invention, the difference of voltages applied to both drain and source terminals of a switch SW2 for applying a sustain discharge voltage Vsus is minimized at the time when the switch SW2 is switched, so that switching can be stabilized by preventing hard switching from being generated when the sustain discharge voltage is applied to a panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Yong Duk Kim, Young Jun Lee, Su Sam Choi
  • Publication number: 20100207549
    Abstract: Visible and infrared light sources on silicon that have several attractive properties with respect to integrated optics. First, the devices are operational at room temperature and strictly require no thermal processing in their synthesis (although low temperature annealing can be used to form Ohmic contacts). These devices could therefore be included at any stage of chip fabrication. The special ease of synthesis of these silicon LEDs enables simple fabrication of surface structures such as patterned emitters and photonic crystal surfaces that enhance light emission in the forward direction. The LEDs are color-switchable—by reversing the current one can switch from infrared emission to visible emission. The lifetime of the luminescence is much shorter than the standard carrier recombination time in silicon, suggesting direct modulation of the emitted light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Al Meldrum, Sulan Kuai
  • Publication number: 20100194314
    Abstract: The present invention provides elimination of atmosphere that is not suitable to a space concerned by controlling atmosphere. The present invention is characterized that atmosphere in space is analyzed based on voice, and if atmosphere that is not suitable to the space is detected, the atmosphere in the space is controlled by choosing and irradiating illumination that enables to create atmosphere suitable to the space, atmosphere in the space is controlled for creating atmosphere that is suitable to the space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Nobuo Sato, Yasunari Obuchi
  • Publication number: 20100176752
    Abstract: In controlling an ambient lighting element, a host event is detected, a light script associated with the detected event is retrieved and the retrieved light script is rendered in correspondence with the detected event. A user may associate the light script with the event and/or an event type that corresponds to the event. A default association of events and/or event types may be provided, although these default associations may be modified by the user. An event type that corresponds to the event may be identified and a light script associated with the identified event type may be rendered in response to the detected event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Dengzhai Xiong
  • Publication number: 20100156957
    Abstract: To provide a novel anthracene derivative which exhibit blue to blue green light emission, provide a light-emitting element which emits blue to blue green light, provide a light-emitting element which emits blue to blue green light with a long lifetime, and provide a light-emitting element which emits blue to blue green light with high emission efficiency, an anthracene derivative represented by General Formula (G1) is provided. In addition, a light-emitting element which emits blue to blue green light can be obtained by using the anthracene derivatives represented by General Formula (G1). Further, a light-emitting element which emits blue to blue green light with high emission efficiency and/or high reliability can be obtained by using the anthracene derivatives represented by General Formula (G1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kaori OGITA, Sachiko KAWAKAMI, Tsunenori SUZUKI, Satoshi SEO
  • Publication number: 20100141182
    Abstract: Phosphor layer arrangement for use with light emitting diodes. In an aspect, a light emitting diode apparatus is provided that includes a least one light emitting diode, an encapsulation covering the at least one light emitting diode, a lens having a phosphor layer formed upon a bottom surface, the lens positioned to cover at least part of the encapsulation, and an air gap between the phosphor layer and the encapsulation. In an aspect, a light emitting diode lamp is provided that includes a package, a least one light emitting diode, an encapsulation covering the at least one light emitting diode, a lens having a phosphor layer formed upon a bottom surface, wherein the lens is positioned to cover at least part of the encapsulation, and an air gap between the phosphor layer and the encapsulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: BRIDGELUX, INC.
    Inventor: Wei Shi
  • Publication number: 20100141181
    Abstract: A highly heat resistant wire based on niobium or tantalum or niobium tantalum alloy for single-side socket lamps is enriched, according to the invention, with phosphorus and converted into an annealed state. The wire exhibits a yield strength Rp 0.2 of at least 200 MPa or a tensile strength Rm of at least 300 MPa. For the production of a frame for single-side socket lamps, a metal based on niobium or tantalum or an alloy thereof is doped with phosphorus and the doped metal is cold shaped into a wire, this wire is annealed and formed into a frame. This frame is used for the simultaneous current supply and holding of a burner in a single-side socket lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: W.C. HERAEUS GMBH
    Inventor: Bernd Spaniol
  • Publication number: 20100134052
    Abstract: A light emitting device comprising a transparent substrate; a layer of conducting material in contact with the transparent substrate; a self-assembled monolayer bonded to the layer of conducting material; one or more light emitting polymer layers in electron contact to the self-assembled monolayer; and a reflective metal layer in electron contact with the light emitting polymer layer is provided. The light emitting device provided gives enhanced performance as compared to currently available devices. Also provided is a self-assembled monolayer having the formula: R2-R3—Y where Y is a group capable of electron contact with a light emitting polymer, R3 contains a conjugated group, and R2 is a group capable of bonding to a conducting material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: HCF Partners, L.P.
    Inventors: Neil Gough, Jun Mo Gil, Wesley Thomas Walker, Nicolas Frederick Colaneri, William A. Huffman
  • Patent number: 7715205
    Abstract: A self-excited inverter circuit, includes: a booster transformer with a secondary coil, a feedback coil, and a primary coil respectively wound thereon, the primary coil including a center tap to which operating power can be supplied; a first N-channel FET having a drain to which is connected one terminal of the primary coil, and having a gate to which is connected one terminal of the feedback coil; and a second N-channel FET having a drain to which is connected the other terminal of the primary coil, and having a gate to which is connected the other terminal of the feedback coil, wherein: using a high voltage drive output generated in the secondary coil when the first and second N-channel FETs are turned on alternately, a discharge tube is driven and turned on; and the first and second N-channel FETs are both formed in a single package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20100102761
    Abstract: The invention discloses an organic radiation-emitting device which includes a substrate, and at least one radiation-emitting organic layer, which is arranged on the substrate between a first and a second electrode layer. A first charge carrier transport layer, which includes a first charge carrier transport material and a first salt, is arranged between the first electrode layer and the radiation-emitting organic layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Norwin Von Malm, Markus Klein, Hendrik Jan Bolink
  • Patent number: 7701153
    Abstract: A lamp includes an arc tube and a lighting unit for lighting the arc tube. The lighting unit includes a rectifier circuit, a smoothing circuit for partial smoothing, and an inverter circuit having a pair of switching elements. The smoothing circuit smoothes portions of the output voltage of the rectifier circuit below the first voltage value and outputs a voltage that falls between the first voltage value and the second voltage value. The discharge sustaining voltage of the arc tube is set to fall between the first and second values of the voltage Vdc output from the smoothing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Itou, Masayoshi Gyoten, Shiro Iida
  • Publication number: 20100072923
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical connection between two parts, one of which is a wire and the second is a sleeve, wherein the wire has a diameter DR, and wherein the sleeve has, at least sectionally, an inner diameter ID, and wherein DR is smaller than ID. The end of the wire leads into the hollow body, wherein the end of the wire has a means for securing a connection to the hollow body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Jonann Holland, Andreas Nittke
  • Publication number: 20100052866
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting device, particularly a lighting tile (100, 100?) for paving e.g. a floor area (1), comprising a light emitting unit and an associated control unit. The control unit is adapted to detect the presence of a first nearby object (3) and to receive wireless signals from a second nearby object, for example from an RFID-tag (2) and/or an NFC-based device, carried by the first object (3). The lighting device may for instance be used in a method for guiding passengers through a public space like an airport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Reinhold Elferich, Achim Hilgers
  • Publication number: 20100045478
    Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a lighting system for communication with a remote control device is provided, which comprises a light emitting element adapted for emitting modulated light to the remote control and for detecting control signals from the remote control. This may provide for a communication between the remote control and the lighting system without the need of an extra sensor or an extra transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Volkmar Schulz, Matthias Wendt, Christoph Martiny
  • Publication number: 20090289582
    Abstract: Lamp systems, lamp assemblies, and methods of operating a lamp system are provided. The lamp system includes a lamp head and a lamp assembly having at least one end fixture for securing the lamp assembly in the lamp head. A data carrier is mounted to lamp assembly. The data carrier is configured to store an identifier, or operational data, or data representing the number of hours of operation, or data representing the lamp type associated with the lamp assembly, or any combination thereof. A data reader is configured to read information stored on the data carrier. A controller is operable to process the information read from the data carrier. The data carrier may alternatively store data representing the number of hours of operation and the lamp system may further include a data writer for updating the stored data to reflect operation of the lamp assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: NORDSON CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Armitage, Jonathan Drayton, Quinton Stowell
  • Publication number: 20090284187
    Abstract: A light condition recorder system and method including a light condition recorder (104) responsive to a lighting environment (102) and generating an environment signal (112), a light simulator (106) responsive to the environment signal (112) and generating a lamp control signal (114), and a lamp system (108) responsive to the lamp control signal (114) and generating a simulated lighting environment (110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Elmo M.A. Diederiks, Martijn A.B. Santbergen, Bartel Marinus Van De Sluis, Tatiana A. Lashina, Astrid Van Spronsen, Andres Lucero Vera, Talitha Boom
  • Publication number: 20090200967
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (1) for controlling the hue (H) of light (L) emitted by a light source (2). The control device comprises a hue selection surface (20) capable of displaying one or more hues available for said light of said light source and interaction detection means (21) for detecting interaction between said hue selection surface and a user of said control device in selecting said hue for said light of said light source. The control device (1) allows the user to select the desired hue for the light source simply by interacting with the hue selection surface that displays the available hues. Consequently, the control device can be operated easily and intuitively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N V
    Inventors: Anthonie Hendrik Bergman, Lucius Theodorus Vinkenvleugel, Bram Francois Joosen, Hubertus Maria Rene Cortenraad
  • Patent number: 7573212
    Abstract: A power control module which can be used to automatically open a power circuit for electrically operated devices, particularly battery operated devices, during predetermined periods of non-use. A timer is reset by a motion detector indicating continuing use. The timer controls a transistor switch which closes and opens the power circuit as required. The timing interval can be user-selected e.g., by programming a microprocessor controller. The transition time between conductive and non-conductive states of the transistor can also be controlled to prolong the life of incandescent bulbs or other sensitive load devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Deborah K. Avis
  • Publication number: 20090058325
    Abstract: A group control type fluorescent, LED and/or halide lighting control system comprises at least a control interface, which generates a main control signal based on user's operation. This control interface is connected to one or more controllable driver to drive corresponding light sources according to the main control signal. The controllable drivers are cascaded to one or more drivers in order. These drivers control the connected light sources to produce corresponding actions according to control signals generated by the controllable drivers. Through a cascading design collocated with several controllable dimmable drivers, unlimited installation and immediate usage after installation can be accomplished without the need of any preset action. Moreover, the advantages of simple operation and easy learning can also be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Yu-Sheng SO
  • Patent number: 7492103
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-functional energy-saving fluorescent lamp in which an illumination sensor for distinguishing day and night, a timer for time control, and an infrared sensor for sensing a human are integrally provided to one lamp as a light source. The sensors measure illumination according to quantity of light or sense existence of a human. If the illumination around the lamp is lower than a certain level, e.g. at night, or a human exists, the sensors send a data signal for driving a lighting control circuit so that the lamp is automatically turned on/off. This lamp has simple structure and ensures low energy consumption. In addition, by addition of a reflection shade, heat emitted from the lamp is blocked and the illumination efficiency is improved. This lamp may be conveniently installed to any place using a socket-type light bulb without any separate sensor, thereby greatly improving convenience of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Yoon Kyu Hwang
  • Publication number: 20080290822
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment include a member, a first elongate member, and a second elongate member. Each of the first elongate member and the second elongate member are coupled to the member. A receiver configured to convert an electromagnetic wave to a DC power is disposed on the member. A first light-emitting device and a second light-emitting device are disposed on the first elongate member and on the second elongate member, respectively. Each of the light-emitting devices is configured to operate based on the DC power from the receiver. In another embodiment, a second receiver configured to convert an electromagnetic wave to a DC power can be disposed on one of the elongate members. In such embodiment, the light-emitting devices are configured to operate based on the DC power from the first and second receivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Charles E. Greene, G. Randolph Maruschock, Michael Thomas McElhinny, Daniel W. Harrist
  • Patent number: 7436134
    Abstract: The aquarium or terrarium light systems simulates rising and setting of the sun. A housing contains two lamps, one variable lumen output for graduated light output and the other for full ON or OFF lighting. The light fixture contains a timer/dimming unit to variably increase power/voltage to the first lamp (variable output) and then to supply full ON power to the second lamp. The timer turns ON-OFF the second lamp late in the sunrise cycle and then early in the sunset cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Matthew B. Levine
  • Publication number: 20080231214
    Abstract: A light emitting device capable of emitting light having various color temperatures is disclosed. The light emitting device includes a first light emitting part emitting a daylight color having a color temperature of 6000 K or more, a second light emitting part emitting white light having a color temperature less than 6000 K, and a third light emitting part emitting light in a visible range of 580 nm or more. The second and third light emitting parts are operable independently of the first light emitting part, and realize a warm white color having a color temperature of 3000 K or less with the white light emitted from the second light emitting part and the light emitted from the third light emitting part. The light emitting device realizes white light of various spectra and color temperatures corresponding to desired mood and utility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: SEOUL SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Do Hyung Kim, Hyuck Jung Choi
  • Patent number: 7408305
    Abstract: A codable electronic circuit arrangement, in particular an LED circuit arrangement (1), having a lead (3), via which electronic circuit elements (6) of the circuit arrangement, in particular LED components, can be driven by a drive circuit (2; 20; 21; 22). The lead (3) has a plurality of coding conductors (3c, 3d), which carry a code via a combination of electrically interrupted and electrically continuous coding conductors (3c, 3d), wherein the code gives an indication of specific properties of the circuit arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Osram Opto Semiconductors GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Plötz, Markus Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20080164824
    Abstract: A light fixture includes a plurality of fluorescent bulbs wherein a light intensity of each of the plurality of fluorescent bulbs is related to the operating temperature of the fluorescent bulbs, a sensor for sensing a physical parameter related to the light intensity, and a circuit adapted for monitoring the sensor and controlling the operating temperature of the fluorescent bulbs to maintain the operating temperature of the fluorescent bulbs within a range having a lower temperature and an upper temperature. A method of maintaining light intensity of fluorescent bulbs in an environmental chamber includes monitoring a physical parameter associated with the light intensity of the fluorescent bulbs in an environmental chamber and adjusting temperature of the fluorescent bulbs in the environmental chamber to maintain an optimum light intensity of the fluorescent bulbs in the environmental chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: HENRY JAVIER IMBERTI, DANIEL GENE KIEKHAEFER, KURT LEE WILHELM
  • Publication number: 20080157701
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electric discharge lamp control unit which is capable of enhancing air-tightness in the electric discharge lamp while suppressing increase in the size thereof. The electric discharge lamp control unit for controlling lighting ON/OFF of an electric discharge lamp includes an electronic component in which a circuit element is implemented and which has a connector section for connection to an outside thereof; and a casing for housing the electronic component which includes a base on which the electronic component is mounted and a cover which covers the base. The thorough hole is sealed with the electronic components on the inner side of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Kato
  • Publication number: 20080136334
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Shane P. Robinson, Bojana Bjeljac, Duncan L. B. Smith, Stefan Poli
  • Patent number: 7358961
    Abstract: A LED lighting system (100) employing a LED light source (115), a user interface (124, 128, 134, 138), and a controller (112). The LED light source (115) includes a plurality of colored LEDs emitting one of a plurality of spectral outputs as a function of one or more currents flowing through the colored LEDs, where each current has a variable time average flow. The user interface (124, 128, 134, 138) facilitate a user selection of one of the spectral outputs. The controller (112) controls the variable time average flow of each current flowing through the colored LEDs as a function of the spectral output selected by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Michel J. Zwanenburg
  • Patent number: 7342364
    Abstract: A light source comprising a light emitting diode comprising a GaN-based compound and having a single quantum well structure, and a driving voltage source for applying a pulse voltage to the light emitting diode, wherein a voltage at a low level of the pulse voltage is set to a voltage lower than a voltage at which a fall time of the light emitting diode is made the longest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Kato, Tetsu Kachi, Kazuyoshi Tomita, Hiroshi Ito, Masanori Kojima
  • Publication number: 20080054729
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for wirelessly powering an item. A source is configured to send wireless power. A target is configured to receive the wireless power and convert the wireless power to a useable power. A component is connected to and configured to receive the useable power from the target. When the component receives the usable power, the component activates. Also disclosed is an assembly including a system for wirelessly powering a component and a structure for supporting the system and an item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Charles E. Greene, Daniel W. Harrist, Michael Thomas McElhinny, David Jeffrey Graham
  • Patent number: 7312581
    Abstract: Light emitting elements with preselected or adjustable impedance characteristics are provided. Embodiments using a preselected impedance characteristic obtain significant performance benefits compared to the prior art. Embodiments having an adjustable impedance may alter the impedance associated with the light emitting component such that it has a substantially constant resistive or reactive impedance that improves certain performance attributes. This solution virtually eliminates the need for external compensation components and relieves the burden of impedance matching and circuit specialization from the driver circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Steven D Roach
  • Patent number: 7129652
    Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of load devices includes a high-side system operative to source current relative to at least two associated outputs. A low-side system is operative to sink current relative to a plurality of associated inputs. A control system controls the high-side system and the low-side system according to a multiplexing scheme that is operative to provide current to selected load devices of the plurality of load devices connected between the associated outputs and the associated inputs. The system can be implemented as an integrated circuit for driving the plurality of loads, which can include LED's.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Sanmukh Makan Patel, Zbigniew Jan Lata, Ross Teggatz
  • Patent number: 7098877
    Abstract: A driver circuit that allows high-speed switching when the reference current (I) is small. The driver circuit includes a drive current generation circuit (220) for supplying to a first node (232) a drive current based on a binary data signal (DATA); a current mirror circuit (240) for conducting through a second node (234) a current (mI) having a magnitude of the current flowing through the first node (232), multiplied by a predetermined current mirror ratio (m); and a pre-bias circuit (260) for supplying a first pre-bias current (Ib1) to the first node (232) and supplying a second pre-bias current (Ib2) having a magnitude of the first pre-bias current (Ib1), multiplied by said current mirror ratio (m), to the second node (234).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sakamoto, Shinji Masuda
  • Patent number: 7005802
    Abstract: Kits and methods and apparatus are provided for retrofitting a lamp for use with a modular lamp controller. In a representative embodiment, a kit includes a port connector, a first portion of a port adapter, a second portion of a port adapter, and a lock nut. The port connector is configured to accept a plug of the modular lamp controller. The first portion of a port adapter has a threaded section. The second portion of the port adapter has a threaded section. The first and second portions are configured to be placed in opposing relation about the port connector to securely surround the port connector while fitting into an opening within a fixture of the lamp. The lock nut screws onto the threaded sections of the first and second portions of the port adapter while placed in opposing relation surrounding the port connector to secure the port adapter and port connector within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas D. Myron, Jonathan D. Williams, R. Kurt Bender, Robert A. Martin
  • Patent number: 6836079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light emitting lamp for controlling various brightness and color more efficiently. The light emitting lamp having plural red color emitting device, green color emitting device, and blue color emitting device; comprises an input means for inputting the control request signal of brightness and color by a user, a brightness control means for generating a digital control signal modulated in amplitude wherein the digital control signal has a plurality of signal levels in accordance with the request signal of brightness, a color control means for generating a digital control signal modulated in pulse-width wherein the digital control signal has a plurality of signal level in accordance with the request signal of color, wherein the brightness and color of plurality of the emitting device are controlled by the digital control signal modulated in amplitude and pulse-width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Sam-Pyo Hong
  • Publication number: 20040183482
    Abstract: An adapter for permitting a medical diagnostic instrument having an illumination source including at least one LED (light emitting diode) to be used with a power supply normally configured for use with a diagnostic instrument having at least one incandescent lamp as an illumination source. The adapter includes circuitry for compensating LED specific characteristics for permitting the power supply to be used with the LED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris R. Roberts, Corinn C. Fahrenkrug, Allan I. Krauter, Shawn A. Briggman, Michael A. Pasik, Peter J. Davis, John R. Strom, Charles N. Stewart, Jon R. Salvati, Robert L. Vivenzio
  • Publication number: 20040140777
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventor: Ross M. Fosler
  • Patent number: 6661176
    Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp includes a light-transmissive ceramic discharge vessel with an envelope having a maximum outer diameter D1 and open ends, a metal pipe having one end, i.e., a top end fused in the open end of the light-transmissive ceramic discharge vessel and the other end, i.e., a base end protruding from the light-transmissive ceramic discharge vessel, a pair of electrodes each having one end, i.e., a base end connectively supported on the base end of the metal pipe and the other end, i.e., a top end extending within the light-transmissive ceramic discharge vessel, and a discharge agent which is filled in the light-transmissive ceramic discharge vessel, wherein it is also characterized by that the high pressure discharge lamp has an overall length L1, and the overall length L1 and the maximum outer diameter of D1 satisfies a following equation. 1.5≦L1/D1≦4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Toshiba Lighting & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Honda, Sadao Sakuguchi, Masazumi Ishida, Seiji Ashida, Shigemi Oku, Takahito Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 6654066
    Abstract: A display interface is arranged to processes analog input signals to provide digital output signals. The display interface includes a series of programmable current sources, an input buffer circuit, a first reference buffer circuit, a second reference buffer circuit, and an analog-to-digital converter. The programmable current sources are arranged to provide first and second reference signals, which are buffered by reference buffer circuits and provided to the analog-to-digital converter. The input buffer circuit provides a buffered input signal to the analog-to-digital converter, and operates in an open-loop configuration for improved operating speed. The analog-to-digital converter is configured to provide a digital output signal (DOUT) in response to the buffered input signal. The analog-to-digital converter includes gain and offset settings that are changed by adjusting the progranmnable current sources. The programmable current sources and reference buffer circuits are outside of the input signal path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ha Chu Vu, Seema Varma
  • Patent number: 6642666
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Gelcore Company
    Inventor: Nicolas St-Germain
  • Patent number: 6642667
    Abstract: A flashlight includes a motion detector and a light intensity detector for automatic shutoff of the flashlight when unused for a period of time. A timer for turning off the flashlight bulb is reset by the detectors when the flashlight is in motion. The light intensity detector also shuts off the flashlight bulb when the flashlight is placed in a well lit area. Override switches permit a user to maintain power to the flashlight bulb regardless of the detector states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Deborah Kah Avis
  • Patent number: 6633140
    Abstract: A display apparatus using clamps for coupling an electron gun unit with a video unit is provided. The display apparatus may be constructed using a panel on which a picture is displayed, a funnel fastened to the panel, an electron gun inserted into a neck of the funnel, a video unit coupled with the electron gun for transmitting a video signal, and first and second clamps respectively coupled with the electron gun and the video unit for preventing the video unit from separating from the electron gun. With this configuration, the video unit is easily combined to the electron gun and prevented from separating from the electron gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wan-Sub Lee
  • Patent number: 6628080
    Abstract: A spring clip 10 for assembling a light source to a shroud comprises a base 12 extending in a first plane and having an aperture 14 centrally located therein. Aperture 14 is substantially circular and is provided with cutouts 14a to provide flexibility. Upstanding walls 16, 18, are provide, one at each end of the base 12. A first lip 20 extends orthogonally away from the wall 16 in a second plane and a second lip 22 extends orthogonally away from the wall 18, also in the second plane. The second plane is substantially parallel to the first plane but spaced therefrom. Flags 24, 26 are formed, respectively, with the lips 20, 22, the flags extending away from the lips in a plane transverse to the first and second planes. Extended ends of a light source are accommodated into the apertures 14 and the lips and walls of the clips frictionally engage an interior surface of a shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.
    Inventors: Ebon L. McCullough, David J. Lamprey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6603342
    Abstract: A light emitting element driver composed of two transistors, one ground resistor, one inductance and a single capacitor is arranged to drive an LED with a supplied voltage as low as about 0.92 V. The transistors include an NPN transistor and a PNP transistor, the base of the PNP transistor being connected to the ground resistor and the base of the NPN transistor being connected to the collector of the PNP transistor, with the capacitor being connected between the base of the PNP transistor and the node connecting the collector of the NPN transistor to the inductance and to the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Precision Instrument Development Ctr., National Science Council
    Inventors: Tai-Shan Liao, Ming-Li Chen, Ming Hung Huang, Ho-Lin Tsay
  • Patent number: 6577081
    Abstract: A safety shield assembly for an electrical apparatus comprises a bellows which is recessed into the planar surface of the apparatus which surrounds a pair of electrical blades, and which faces the planar face of a wall receptacle when the electrical apparatus is plugged into the receptacle. The safety shield assembly includes the bellows and a cavity into which the bellows is secured. In its uncompressed state, the bellows extends nearly the length of the electrical blades; in its compressed state, the bellows recedes fully into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Elumina Lighting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Dickie