Door Or Closure Controlled Load Device Patents (Class 315/84)
  • Patent number: 11640736
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, by an armed monitoring system of a property and from a user, a disarm code, comparing the received disarm code to a stored disarm code, determining that the received disarm code matches the stored disarm code, determining a property access pattern that corresponds to the stored disarm code, that identifies a first door group of one or more doors inside the property that should be locked, and that identifies a second door group of one or more doors inside the property that should be unlocked, providing, to the first door group, a first instruction to lock, providing, to the second door group, a second instruction to unlock, and based on providing, to the first door group, the first instruction to lock and providing, to the second door group, the second instruction to unlock, disarming the monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Chad Giles, Linnea Giles
  • Patent number: 11564301
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for automated scotopic adaptation are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes measuring ambient illumination levels associated with at least one user over a first period of time; measuring illumination intensity levels generated by one or more illumination source devices during at least a portion of the first period of time; generating a scotopic adaptation model associated with the at least one user by processing at least a portion of the measured ambient illumination levels in conjunction with processing at least a portion of the measured illumination intensity levels; and automatically adjusting one or more illumination intensity levels generated by at least a portion of the one or more illumination source devices based at least in part on the scotopic adaptation model and one or more ambient illumination levels associated with the at least one user detected over a second period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Good Interfaces, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Lange, Kevin Jiang
  • Patent number: 10753126
    Abstract: A lock system for a motor vehicle includes a handle for opening a door or hatch, a drive device coupled to the handle, and a control device which is suited for checking an access code of a mobile ID transmitter, coupled to the drive device. A lock device is provided for the door or hatch. The handle can move between a non-use position in which it is flush with an outer contour of the door or hatch and an opening position in which it protrudes at least in part from the outer contour. The drive device is coupled and designed for opening or closing the door or hatch such that it moves along a movement path along which the drive device extends the handle into its opening position or retracts it into its non-use position, as well as actuating the lock device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dirk Mueller, Mirko Schindler, Coen Dieker, Thorsten Torkowski, Marco Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 10449911
    Abstract: Before back molding, the planar decorative element is provided with through-holes. At least in the area of the through-holes, a film is applied to the rear of the planar decorative element. When a plastic melt is introduced, for example by way of injection molding or extruding, the pressure of the plastic melt presses the film into said through-holes. The component is used, in particular, to produce an illuminable field, for example, of a door sill protector of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: WEIDPLAS GmbH
    Inventors: Marcel Stössel, Fredi Pfister, Josef Benz, Nikolai Baltzer
  • Patent number: 10364946
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a lighting system including a bulb. The bulb includes a phosphor plate, and a scanning projector to emit a beam of collimated light and scan the beam of collimated light across the phosphor plate to thereby cause emission of light by portions of the phosphor plate impinged upon by the beam of collimated light. Control circuitry wirelessly receives configuration data and modulates the beam of collimated light during scanning so that the scanning forms a projection pattern on the phosphor plate. A control system is spaced apart from the bulb and processes the initial configuration data, and wirelessly sends the configuration data to the control circuitry of the bulb. A mobile wireless communications device wirelessly sends initial configuration data to the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Guido Marco Bertoni, Massimo Ratti
  • Patent number: 9841173
    Abstract: This invention relates to mirror assemblies for vehicles and in particular to interior rearview mirror assemblies having touch screen inputs corresponding to elements representing a symbol. The symbols are located behind a reflective element and not visible until activated by selection of the corresponding input or other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas C Campbell, Rodger William Eich
  • Patent number: 9272672
    Abstract: A badge mounting system for a vehicle interior includes a badge plate and an emblem or badge comprised of raised lettering or a design that is formed integrally on the badge plate. A trim panel includes inner and outer surfaces and a badge relief section formed integrally on the trim panel. The badge relief section is defined by letter shaped apertures. The badge plate is coupled to the inner surface of the trim panel and the emblem is received in the badge relief section in assembly. The badge plate is rear loaded to the trim panel and the system may include more than one badge plate. In assembly, a portion of the badge extends outwardly from the outer surface of the trim panel through the badge relief section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tien Vo, Jacob Alexander, Prakash Babu
  • Patent number: 9024546
    Abstract: An illuminated latch apparatus is provided. The illuminated latch apparatus can include a latch member 100 with at least one surface 110 having a channel 120 formed therein. A light guide 200 having a first end 210 and a second end 220 can be at least partially disposed within the channel 120. A light source 310 can be disposed proximate the first end 210 of the light guide 200.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Mark S. Tracy, Earl W. Moore
  • Patent number: 8901844
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting device and method of transitioning color output by a vehicle lighting device are provided. The method includes activating the lighting device to output a first color light, and deactivating the first color light. The method also includes the steps of generating an intermediate color light with the lighting device for a short time period. The method further includes the step of generating a second color light with the lighting device. Accordingly, the intermediate color light prevents the apparent generation of an undesirable intermediate color light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Bob Miller
  • Patent number: 8876343
    Abstract: A lighting system for a motor vehicle 1 is disclosed in which a light source 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is fitted to the inside of each door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R so as to selectively provide interior lighting when the respective door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R is closed and puddle lighting when it is open. Each of the light sources 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is mounted close to a waistline of the door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R to which it is attached and is arranged to project light in a downward direction so as not to provide a distraction for a driver of the motor vehicle 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew John Murray, Torsten Gerhardt, John K. Harding, Will Farrelly
  • Publication number: 20140184069
    Abstract: A battery powered LED lamp suitable for mounting on the inside surface of a cabinet door is described. The LEDs are arranged such that their light will illuminate the inside of the cabinet and its contents when the cabinet door is opened and left in a position roughly ninety degrees from its closed position. In a favorite embodiment, a photo sensor sends a signal to a microprocessor whenever the light level at the photo sensor is suddenly increased, which would likely happen whenever the door is opened. The microprocessor reacts to the signal by activating one or more LEDs for a prescribed period of time. Multiple LEDs are arranged in a pattern that will broadcast light into several shelves within the cabinet at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: JERRELL PENN HOLLAWAY
  • Patent number: 8742664
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling a room lamp of a vehicle. The present invention relates to collecting information associated with the vehicle and information associated with an ambient environment using a global positioning system (GPS) or a controller area network (CAN) and then controlling the room lamp using at least one of turn-off of the room lamp, change of an irradiation angle of the room lamp, and adjustment of illumination of the room lamp based on the collected information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Intellectual Discovery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Ho Lee, Ho Geun Lee, Jang Sik Bae, Kyu Hyung Kim
  • Publication number: 20130257275
    Abstract: Method for operating a laundry treatment machine comprising an outer casing (2) provided with a door (8), a drum (3) mounted inside the outer casing, a drum lighting device (9) arranged inside the outer casing and operable to light the drum, and a control unit (11) adapted to control the lighting device; the method comprises: switching-on drum lighting device if the control unit detects a preset action performed by a user on the laundry treatment machine and/or a preset state of the laundry treatment machine and/or of the drum lighting device; switching-off drum lighting device if the control unit detects a preset action performed by a user on the laundry treatment machine and/or a preset state of the laundry treatment machine and/or of the drum lighting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventor: Roberto Ragogna
  • Patent number: 8547017
    Abstract: A vehicle dome and reading light assembly for a vehicle includes a lighting device assembled to the interior of the vehicle and capable of generating plural light colors. A first switch is actuatable to cause the lighting device to generate a first color light and a first light intensity to serve as a dome lamp. A second switch is actuatable to cause the lighting device to generate a second color light at a second light intensity to serve as a map or reading lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Jeffrey Singer, Megan Lovejoy
  • Patent number: 8476832
    Abstract: An interior lighting system for an automotive vehicle include a first light in a first zone a second light in a second zone, and a controller illuminating the lights in a sequence including a first welcome stage, a second welcome stage, and ambient stage, and a farewell stage. The stages are defined by an operating cycle of the vehicle as determined by conditions such as vehicle entry system status, door open/closed status, and ignition status. The colors and intensities of the lights varies throughout the stages to provide both adequate task illumination and attractive lighting to provide sophisticated vehicle interior illumination that is well harmonized with the various Stages of occupant ingress and egress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Prodin, Robert Miller, Jeffrey Scott Lossing, Michelle Lynn McQuad Heldke
  • Publication number: 20130082598
    Abstract: A bulb lighting device is provided. The bulb device comprises a base, a driving electronics unit comprising a power supply electrically connected to the base and a battery connected to the power supply through a battery management unit, and a communication unit comprising a communication interface and at least one of a wireless unit and a power line unit, wherein the communication unit is electrically connected to the driving electronics unit. The bulb device further comprises an LED module having LED flight sources in an LED array together with an electric driving LED controller arranged inside an at least partially transparent envelope, wherein the LED module is electrically connected to the driving electronics unit, and a motion detector arranged inside the envelope and electrically connected to the driving electronics unit, wherein an output signal of the motion detector is forwarded outside of the bulb lighting device through the communication unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
  • Patent number: 8378575
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided that has a passenger compartment, a hatchback, which is mounted so it is pivotable on the passenger compartment, external lighting having taillights, which are fastened on the hatchback, and additional taillights, which are concealed when the hatchback is closed and are visible from outside the motor vehicle when the hatchback is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Justus Illium, Torsten Kanning
  • Publication number: 20120293069
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and products passively generate electrical energy from waste heat. Electronic components in cabinets generate waste heat that is used to illuminate an interior of a cabinet. A thermovoltaic semiconductor detects a temperature differential between a pair of terminals installed in the cabinet. The thermovoltaic semiconductor generates a low voltage output in response to the temperature differential. A power supply receives the low voltage output and produces a higher voltage for low-wattage light sources installed in the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: David IRVIN, Todd Andrew FRYER, Nicholas A. NICAS
  • Patent number: 8232731
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method, a control system and a shed wherein the lighting is adjusted depending on the presence of an animal in a specific section of a shed. The shed is divided into a number of sections, for example a separation section. When no cows have access to the separation section and the section is therefore empty, the control system ensures that the lighting in the respective section is switched off. As the control system according to the invention controls both access to the section and lighting thereof, it is possible to dispense with movement sensors for controlling lighting in the respective sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Lely Patent N.V.
    Inventor: Marcel Van Leeuwen
  • Patent number: 8212482
    Abstract: An automotive illumination device includes a dome lamp bulb, a transistor switch, an in-vehicle unit, a door status detection unit, and a microcontroller. When user's access to an automobile has been detected by the in-vehicle unit, the microcontroller controls ON/OFF operation of the transistor switch at duty ratio of 60 percent to turn on the dome lamp bulb at brightness of 60 percent (welcome illumination state or mode). When opening of a door of the automobile has been detected by the door status detection unit during the welcome illumination, the microcontroller controls the ON/OFF operation of the transistor switch to always close the transistor switch (at duty ratio of 100 percent) to illuminate the dome lamp bulb at brightness of 100 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Yamashita, Tomohiro Nishikawa, Yoshihiro Ebisu
  • Publication number: 20110133648
    Abstract: A self contained lightweight device for providing night time illumination into a toilet bowl consists of an LED powered by internal battery enclosed in a small plastic housing. The device is designed to attach to the top of the bowl and beneath the toilet seat so that when the seat is lifted the light turns on. The light goes out when the seat is returned to the closed position or after a predetermined amount of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Scott Melton
  • Patent number: 7880390
    Abstract: A vehicular room illuminating lamp includes: a plurality of illumination units applying voltages through courtesy wires thereof to lamps which irradiate positions in a vehicle cabin, the positions corresponding to four doors; a mode switch capable of selecting an all-lights-on mode, a door mode and a light-off mode; and a controller that individually receives a mode selection signal of the mode switch and respective door open/close signals of the four doors. The controller applies the voltages to all of the courtesy wires in the all-lights-on mode, applies the voltage only to the courtesy wire of the illumination unit corresponding to the door indicated to be open by the door open/close signal in the door mode, and does not apply the voltage to any of the courtesy wires irrespective of states of the door open/close signals in the light-off mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Nagai, Yusuke Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20110006686
    Abstract: An illumination system includes a detecting unit and an illuminator, wherein the illuminator responds to the detecting unit. In use, the detecting unit can detect whether at least one predetermined program is opened. The illuminator can illuminate a keyboard when the predetermined program is opened. Moreover, an illumination method is disclosed in the specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Pao-Jean CHEN, Jui-Tsen HUANG
  • Patent number: 7852007
    Abstract: An automobile room lamp system is provided, which comprises a first circuit having a power source with positive and negative poles, a light emitting diode, a miniature incandescent bulb and a push switch, said light emitting diode, said miniature incandescent bulb and said push switch being connected in series between said positive pole and said negative pole; and a second circuit branching off from said first circuit between said light emitting diode and said miniature incandescent bulb and having a resistor provided on a negative pole side of said poser source, said resistor having a resistance value set at a level to allow said light emitting diode and said miniature incandescent bulb to be lighted with a high intensity when said push switch is closed and to allow said light emitting diode alone to issue dim light when said push switch is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha T An T
    Inventor: Isamu Kuwana
  • Patent number: 7761186
    Abstract: An automated lighting and building control system that is operative to control a large number of lights and to provide control to other control systems, such as security systems, powered window coverings, and HVAC systems, within a geographic area based on a large amount of input data, including day light conditions, occupancy data, security information, HVAC data, etc. The savings generated by the control system are measurable and verifiable and enable the operator of the controlled space to analyze exactly how the controlled space is being utilized. To improve the quality of the overall control system, the present invention utilizes a universal occupancy adapter for converting any motion detector for a security system, into a component of the lighting/building controller. Further, the entire system can be controlled remotely over the Internet without the need for special software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: TLC Integration, LLC
    Inventors: Carl Keller, James McLellen Freeman, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090134802
    Abstract: An object is to provide a showcase in which appropriate illumination can be realized by an LED illumination apparatus having a high durability against turning ON/OFF and capable of securing a predetermined illumination intensity even under an environment at a low temperature. The showcase in which the inside of a display chamber configured to display commodities is illuminated by an LED illumination apparatus includes a person detecting sensor which detects the approaching of any person, and a control apparatus which adjusts the illumination intensity of the LED illumination apparatus, and the control apparatus gradually increases the illumination intensity of the LED illumination apparatus in a case where the person detecting sensor detects the approaching of the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Oketani, Atsushi Todoroki, Yoichi Amari, Sakumi Shibusawa
  • Patent number: 7323831
    Abstract: An illumination device has an illumination unit which glows when current flows through a load thereof, at least one instruction unit for instructing the illumination unit to glow, a PWM signal generating unit which generates a plurality of PWM signals based on that the instruction unit instructed the illumination unit to glow, and a time difference setting unit for setting a time difference between one of the plurality of PWM signals and an other thereof based on that the instruction unit instructed the illumination unit to glow. The load of the illumination unit is divided into a plurality of portions which are respectively connected with each other in parallel and connected with the PWM signal generating unit. The plurality of PWM signals are generated for currents flowing through the plurality of divided portions of the load of the illumination unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Norimatsu
  • Patent number: 7233111
    Abstract: Each of illumination portions 30a includes a bulb terminal VT electrically connected to a first electrical contact 31a of a bulb 31 and a battery wire B, a courtesy terminal CT which is electrically connected to a third electrical contact 32d of a switch 32 and a bypass wire P, and can be electrically connected to a second electrical contact 31b of the bulb 31 when an electrical contact member 32f of the switch 32 is brought into a position of FIG. 5, and a switch terminal ST electrically connected to a first electrical contact 32b of the switch 32 and a grounding wire G. The courtesy wire C and the bypass wire P can be electrically connected together by a mode-changing switch 33.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kentaro Nagai, Shinji Yamada, Shingo Chiba, Haruyuki Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7191348
    Abstract: An integrated circuit has an input connection for connecting an external signal conductor that passes signals to execute functions in the device. The external signal conductor can pick up strong interfering signals with high frequency content, for example when the device is used in a car. To protect against unintended execution of functions the device contains a timer circuit comprising a capacitance and a current supplying circuit coupled to an integration node. A discharge diode is coupled between the input connection and the integration node, with a polarity such that the discharge diode, when in forward bias, is capable of draining current from the current supplying circuit. A detector is coupled to the integration node for generating a signal to be supplied to the integrated circuit device to respond to a signal transition on the conductor. The diode serves to reset integration on the integration node before the detector detects the transition in case of short pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Clemens Gerhardus Johannes De Haas, Cecilius Gerardus Kwakernaat, Stefan Gerhard Erich Butselaar
  • Patent number: 7088045
    Abstract: A tailgate controlled light system for automatically illuminating the interior of a pickup box upon opening of a tailgate. The tailgate controlled light system includes a light unit attachable within a pickup box, a control switch electrically connected to the light unit and attachable within the opening of the pickup box, and an override switch electrically connected to the control switch and to the vehicle power supply. The control switch is positioned to be depressed by the tailgate when closed thereby terminating power to the light unit. When the tailgate is opened away from the control switch the light unit is activated with power. The override switch is used to terminate power to the light unit regardless of the position of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Justin D. Zich
  • Patent number: 7005804
    Abstract: A light activation system is provided for automatically illuminating a compartment in an automobile. The system comprises a light adapted to illuminate the compartment, a lighting circuit that activates and deactivates the light, and a distance sensor, electrically coupled to the lighting circuit, and adapted to cause the light to be activated when a person is within a predetermined distance from the compartment. A method is also provided for automatically illuminating a compartment in an automobile having a light that is adapted to illuminate the compartment, and a lighting circuit that activates and deactivates the light. The method comprises the step of activating the light when a person is within a predetermined distance from the compartment using a distance sensor that is electrically coupled to the lighting circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Steven E. Morris
  • Patent number: 6929386
    Abstract: A lamp with connector housing for motor vehicles comprising a push/push switch, a light source, and a backplate with a 3-way connector. The backplate with a 3-way connector further comprises a connection between point ground and point door and a connection between point ground and point B. This lamp with connector housing is twisted into the motor vehicle headliner with no screws or other fasteners, it has a compact size, and only uses one light source to illuminate the interior of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Shu-Hsiung Chou
  • Patent number: 6927540
    Abstract: A tailgate controlled light system for automatically illuminating the interior of a pickup box upon opening of a tailgate. The tailgate controlled light system includes a light unit attachable within a pickup box, a control switch electrically connected to the light unit and attachable within the opening of the pickup box, and an override switch electrically connected to the control switch and to the vehicle power supply. The control switch is positioned to be depressed by the tailgate when closed thereby terminating power to the light unit. When the tailgate is opened away from the control switch the light unit is activated with power. The override switch is used to terminate power to the light unit regardless of the position of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Justin D. Zich
  • Patent number: 6897614
    Abstract: A light emitting circuit includes: a first circuit H1 in which is provided a main light source 5, 6; and a second circuit H2 connected in parallel with the first circuit H1 and in which is provided an auxiliary light source 1, 2 and 3; wherein a drain (D) and a source (S) of an field effect transistor 4 are connected in the second circuit H2, and a gate (G) of the field effect transistor 4 is connected to the first circuit H1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatomo Matsumoto, Masaru Ishizaki, Isamu Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 6713967
    Abstract: A vehicular interior lighting system features a lamp assembly having two input terminals, each connected to a power source via two control switches. The lamp assembly further includes a lighting element connected at one end to an input terminal and at the other end to dual position manual switch that is connected in parallel to a diode. This configuration allows the lighting element to be illuminated from either the control switches or via the manual switch, depending on the polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: John M Gaynier, Lisa A Gronowski, Joseph G. Machak
  • Patent number: 6650066
    Abstract: The present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, is directed to portable electronic devices which operate on exhaustible power sources, for example, batteries. The electronic devices of the present invention comprise at least one signal switch and a microchip in communication with the switch wherein the switch is only capable of transmitting a signal to the microchip that the switch has been activated or deactivated. The microchip is in communication with the exhaustible power source of the electronic device and controls (i) the power on/off function of the device, (ii) at least one other function of the device in response to activation and deactivation signals from the switch, and (iii) an automatic shut off function in response to the receipt of an activation signal from the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Frederick J. Bruwer
  • Publication number: 20030141825
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for supplying RF power from a RF power source having an output impedance to an electrically non-linear medium, the assembly being composed of: a drive electrode in communication with the medium and forming with the medium a load impedance; and an impedance match network coupled between the RF power source and the drive electrode for matching the output impedance of the RF source to the load impedance. The match network has an output component that is directly connected to the drive electrode. The electrode assembly can further have a body of RF energy absorbing material disposed between the match network and the drive electrode, the absorbing material having a frequency dependent energy absorption characteristic which increases with frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas H. Windhorn
  • Patent number: 6561684
    Abstract: Lighting is provided for the entry area on the outer side of a seat part in the backrest of a car seat, which is provided with a seat part. The lighting can be switched on by opening the car door next to it. Current supplying lines are deployed through a line feeder leading to the car seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Achim Reitze, Olaf Sackers
  • Patent number: 6474853
    Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
  • Publication number: 20010026132
    Abstract: The objectives of the present invention is to provide smaller, lighter and less expensive structure in a starting device for discharge lamp for car use so as to prevent breakage due to vibrations etc. The device having the following arrangement realizes the above-mentioned objective. A starting device for a discharge lamp comprises a socket for mounting the discharge lamp and starting members such as a starting transformer etc. where the starting transformer comprises a bobbin having a core-less structure and a primary coil and a secondary coil wound around the bobbin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Youichi Yamamoto, Osamu Miyata, Hisao Hirata
  • Publication number: 20010020828
    Abstract: An electrical device such as a ballast for fluorescent lamps and including a housing, a terminal, and a catch element for connecting the terminal to the housing, the catch element including a catch leg for connecting the terminal to the catch element and for connecting the catch element to the housing. Accordingly, the electrical device is designed such that the individual terminal sites of the terminal have minimal positional tolerance so that the terminal can be wired with an automatic installation machine without the danger of misinsertions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Inventors: Jurgen Feye-Hohmann, Wolfgang Ebert, Gunther Lohmann, Axel Becker
  • Patent number: 6268663
    Abstract: This invention proposes a control device for an electric source supply, providing a function which prevents battery death of a vehicle. A lamp main relay turns a lamp main relay 3 off in case an ignition switch 1a is off and also when a door state is not changed over time T1 which is predetermined with a timer Tm1, and cuts off an electric source supply to an interior dome lamp 5, door lamps 6a, 6b, 6c of D-seat, P-seat, R-seat in order to prevent battery death. Further, a door/interior dome lamp control part 2c turns the interior dome lamp 5 and the door lamps in response to opened-doors off when doors are not closed more than time T2 which is predetermined with timer means Tm2 in order to prevent battery death. A warning signal may be generated before the control for preventing battery death or during the control mode for preventing battery death.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken Abe, Shigeki Itabashi, Hiroshi Tutumi, Masaaki Imamura
  • Patent number: 6099155
    Abstract: A floodlight that is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing of a vehicle exterior mirror on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The pattern extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the mirror housing. In this manner, the lighted security zone extends from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. An actuator for the floodlight includes a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter wherein the base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. The actuator may further include a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. A signal light is additionally included in the exterior mirror housing in order to project a second pattern of light from the mirror housing extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Todd W. Pastrick, Linda K. Molenkamp, Roger L. Koops
  • Patent number: 6097290
    Abstract: A entrance actuated lighting activating system wherein a control logic system is used to activate and de-activate the area lighting of a room by monitoring the entrance door in order to detect when people enter or leave the room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Gilbert A. Balfour
  • Patent number: 6060835
    Abstract: An activation device for supplying an electrical signal to a lamp in response to an outside force comprising a hollow tube, a ball placed within the hollow tube, the ball of a diameter less than the diameter of said hollow tube, a piezo device including a piezo bender coupled to an end of the hollow tube, wherein the outside force produces movement of the ball such that the ball traverses the tube to strike the piezo bender thereby producing an electrical signal; and means for using said electrical signal to activate the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Glentronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan M Schulman, James W. Oram
  • Patent number: 6051931
    Abstract: If an ignition switch of a vehicle is ON and the vehicle speed is not zero (i.e., the vehicle is travelling), the lighting of a work lamp is prohibited even if the work lamp operating switch has been set to ON. This ensures that a work lamp does not remain lit by mistake while the vehicle is travelling, and that battery consumption by unnecessary lighting of a work lamp is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Hino Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Takei
  • Patent number: 6022131
    Abstract: This invention provides a room lamp unit for vehicles comprising a main unit body fixed to an interior of a vehicle and a sub-unit detachably incorporated in the main unit body, said sub-unit including a room lamp and being electrically connected to said main unit body for supply of electric power for illumination. Thus constructed, any place inside and outside the vehicle can be illuminated by the sub-unit when detached from the main unit body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Morimoto, Atsuyoshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5903105
    Abstract: A fluorescent lamp lighting control apparatus and method for use in a refrigerator is provided. Here, power is supplied according to opening of a refrigerator door and a fluorescent lamp is preheated for a predetermined time and is turned on by a counter-electromotive force supplied from a stabilizer after being preheated. The fluorescent lamp lighting control apparatus detects whether or not said fluorescent lamp is lit up, and repeats the lighting operation until said fluorescent lamp is lit up when it is detected that said fluorescent lamp is not lit up. Accordingly, the lighting operation of a fluorescent lamp installed in a refrigerator is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jang Hee Lee, Jin Oh Seok
  • Patent number: 5880431
    Abstract: A preheating device for an illuminating unit comprises a cold cathode fluorescent tube, a heater for heating the cold cathode fluorescent tube at the time of low temperature and ensuring the brightness, a temperature sensor, a door-unlocking detector, and a CPU controlling the heater. When a driver of a vehicle unlocks a door of a vehicle with a key to get it in, the door-unlocking detector detects unlocking of the door and sends the detected signal to the CPU. The CPU starts electric supply to the heater to preheat the cold cathode fluorescent tube when a detected signal of the unlocking of the door is input by the door-unlocking detector and a cold temperature signal is input by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Niimi, Yukihide Shibata
  • Patent number: 5869932
    Abstract: A clothes washing machine includes a body, a tub within the body, a cover for the body, and an illumination device for illuminating an interior of the body. The illumination device includes a downwardly depending socket having a lamp mounted therein; and a case encompassing the lamp and forming a water-tight seal with the socket. Light is emitted from a lower end of the case, which is covered by a light-concentrating lens. The lamp is energized by a secondary coil of a transformer and is turned on and off by a switch. The lamp is turned on when the cover is open. Another secondary coil of the transformer supplies power to a microcomputer which operates the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ssi Chol Choi