Signalling Light Element Patents (Class 340/641)
  • Patent number: 11133744
    Abstract: A driving device comprises a first transistor (B13), a second transistor (B14), and a resistance element. The first transistor (B13) has one terminal receiving a pulsed current and a control terminal connected to the one terminal. The second transistor (B14) has one terminal connected to at least one load, the other terminal connected to a reference potential together with the other terminal of the first transistor (B13), and a control terminal connected to the control terminal of the first transistor (B13). The resistance element is connected between the control terminal of the first transistor (B13) and the other terminal of the first transistor (B13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Kawata, Yoichi Kajiwara
  • Patent number: 10791606
    Abstract: An LED traffic light driven by a control circuit, where the control circuit includes a driving power supply outputting direct current, and an accurate constant current module configured to perform accurately constant current processing for the direct current output by the driving power supply. The LED traffic light includes a plurality of conductive branches connected in parallel at an output end of the accurate constant current module, and each of the conductive branches is formed by connecting a power line with at least one light emitting diode. It is not necessary for the LED traffic light to connect a resistor in series or in parallel, and the light emitting diode can be driven directly by a direct current at a low voltage without the need for a built-in high-voltage AC/DC driving power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventor: Hokyuen Hung
  • Patent number: 10720052
    Abstract: An intelligent control circuit for a traffic LED signal lamp, including: a driving power, configured to convert an utility electric alternating current into multiple direct currents for output; multiple precise constant current modules, in one-to-one correspondence to the multiple direct currents, respectively, and configured to perform precise constant current processing on each of the multiple direct currents for output; and traffic LED signal lamps, in respective connection with output terminals of multiple precise constant current modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Inventor: Hokyuen Hung
  • Patent number: 10634332
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising a pole such as a light pole, and one or more removable modules adapted to be removably fitted to the pole. The apparatus further comprises, included in the lighting module or another of the modules, a controller comprising a wireless receiver for wirelessly receiving on-off signals from a remote control system. An inductive coupling between a primary winding in the light pole and a secondary winding in the lighting module is used to transfer power from a power supply of the pole to at least one of the removable modules, in order to power an element of that module. Further, a magnetic coupling is used to enable the controller to control a switch in the pole in order to connect and disconnect the primary winding to and from the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Maurice Herman Johan Draaijer, Kumar Arulandu
  • Patent number: 10588201
    Abstract: Described herein is control module for a street light which is mounted on the street light and provides a control output for controlling the operation of the light. The control module has a circuit board (38) on which a controller (39) is mounted, the controller being connected a long-distance communication module, a short-distance communication module, and a geocoordinate module. A network is formed by the control modules in which a central server uses long-distance communication for communicating with the control modules at start up and with a group controller after start up, the group controller using short-distance communication for communicating with control modules within its group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: SCHREDER
    Inventors: Helmut Schröder, Daniel Brand, Didier Wellens
  • Patent number: 10508784
    Abstract: A multiple function LED night light has at least one LED device and added function(s) such as an air-freshener adaptor device, sonic device, frequency device, sensor device, bug repeller device, second light device, timepiece, electric message device, timer device, temperature device, surge protection device, electric short circuit protection device, base device for installation on an existing lamp socket, emergency light device, or any other electric device(s) suitable for home use to keep people comfortable or safe. The LED device has a first optic means to change the narrow-viewing angle of an LED's spot-light beams into a wider-viewing angle and second optic means to help make the LED night light exhibit a smooth lighting effect. The device may be arranged to fit into an existing night light bulb socket to turn any existing bulb night light into a power saving LED night light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 10347092
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to status indicator devices having a first releasably connectable electrical interface (RCEI) and second RCEI defining an axis from which an illumination module illuminates in substantially all radial directions with respect to the axis. In an illustrative example, an indicator device may include an illumination module and a detection module between the first RCEI and the second RCEI. An electrically conductive path along the axis may connect the first RCEI and the second RCEI. The detection module may be configured such that when the first RCEI receives a signal, the detection module may cause, in accordance with predetermined signal criteria, the illumination module to illuminate. In some examples, the status indicator may advantageously provide instantaneous remote visual indication of the predetermined signal criteria from substantially any viewing angle and at any point along a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Banner Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Charles Dolezalek, William Theunissen
  • Patent number: 10128622
    Abstract: An electrical receptacle assembly is for a power inlet apparatus of an electrical system. The power inlet apparatus includes a housing. The electrical system has a power source and a transfer switch. The electrical receptacle assembly includes an electrical receptacle structured to be mechanically coupled to the housing and electrically connected with the power source and the transfer switch, and an indication assembly mechanically coupled to and electrically connected with the electrical receptacle. The indication assembly has a status indicator adapted to provide an indication of circuit status within the electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: John Thomas Clark, Andrew William Courson
  • Patent number: 10053002
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a control system. The control system is connectable to a trailer and includes a trailer connection checking mode in which the control system actuates trailer lights of the trailer in a predetermined sequence. The control system makes a trailer presence determination of whether the trailer is connected to the control system. According to the trailer presence determination, the control system performs the trailer connection checking mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Corey Randolph, Ernest Workman, Jonathon Ratliff, Kouhei Kasedo
  • Patent number: 9946034
    Abstract: A plug may be coupled with a cable and include a fiber ferrule extending from the plug. A biasing mechanism may be arranged to bias a cover toward a covered configuration in which the fiber ferrule is situated within an internal volume defined by the cover and away from an uncovered configuration in which the fiber ferrule is situated at least partially outside of the internal volume defined by the cover. Bristles or other blockers may be positioned along or within a boundary of the internal volume of the cover, may be arranged to block particulate entry through the blockers into the internal volume of the cover in the covered configuration, and may be movable to permit passage of the fiber ferrule through the blockers in response to movement of the cover between the covered configuration and uncovered configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Eslick, Alan Michael Judge, Alaa Adel Mahdi Hayder, Colin John Whittaker
  • Patent number: 9693419
    Abstract: An LED substrate (light source substrate) includes: a substrate; a plurality of LEDs (light sources) mounted on the substrate; a power supply wiring line on the substrate that can supply power to the plurality of LEDs by connecting the plurality of LEDs in series; and an inspection wiring line that is disposed on the substrate and connected to a portion of the power supply wiring line that connects adjacent LEDs included in the plurality of LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yosuke Kazikawa
  • Patent number: 9530305
    Abstract: A system for obtaining performance information is provided and includes a condition detector configured to output the performance information as an optical signal, an optical probe wirelessly disposed in signal communication with the condition detector, the optical probe including a photodiode configured to receive the optical signal and to output an electrical signal accordingly, a data converter, which is coupled to the optical probe and configured to convert the electrical signal into data representative of the performance information and a computing device, which is coupled to the data converter and configured to allow for analysis, display and/or storage of the data representative of the performance information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: UTC FIRE & SECURITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stan Burnette, Ken Fasen
  • Patent number: 9463815
    Abstract: Predicting operational changes in a multi-detector environment includes generating, via a computer processing device, a factor matrix for each univariate time series data in a set of sparse time series data collected from data sources, identifying a subset of the time series data as a feature selection based on application of a loss function, and generating a predictive model from the subset of the time series data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Arun Hampapur, Qing He, Hongfei Li, Zhiguo Li, Dhaivat P. Parikh
  • Patent number: 9428282
    Abstract: An obstruction light system includes a light and lens configured to output light. The system further includes a plurality of sensors associated with the light, a processor configured to receive outputs from the plurality of sensors and determine a status of the light based on the output from the plurality of sensors, and a wireless transmitter configured to transmit the status from the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Lane, Russell Bruner, Scott Fulton, David Duryea, Christopher Range
  • Patent number: 9384113
    Abstract: A network device and associated methods are provided. The device includes a plurality of ports capable of communicating using a plurality of protocols; a light emitting diode (LED) circuit configured to display at least two different colors; and a processor configured to send a signal to the LED package to select between the two different colors. The selected color depends on the protocol used by a network device port to communicate with the other network device port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: QLOGIC, Corporation
    Inventors: Wilson Moy, Martin W. Holmes
  • Patent number: 9338845
    Abstract: An LED arrangement includes a first LED chain having first LEDs; a second LED chain having second LEDs; a circuit arrangement for coupling the first and second LED chains to a supply source; wherein the circuit arrangement is configured such that the first and second LED chains can be coupled to or decoupled from the supply source, wherein the first LED chain can be coupled to the supply source at first points in time and the second LED chain can be coupled to the supply source at second points in time; wherein the circuit arrangement is configured such that, in the case of a coupling of the LED arrangement to the supply source, a current having a first average current intensity through the first LED chain and a current having a second average current intensity through the second LED chain, wherein the LEDs are arranged depending on their current intensities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: OSRAM GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Seider, Harald Dellian
  • Patent number: 9272659
    Abstract: An auxiliary vehicle lamp operation system that detects interruption of DC current flow by a PIC microprocessor, which is Hall Effect device, based upon a decrease in the magnetic flow to a failing dim headlight bulb which, then, activates a power width modulation transistor which, in turn, activates an N channel power MOSFET, through which the microprocessor pulses the output thereof at approximately a 50% duty cycle to the bright headlamp bulb, permitting illumination output of the bright headlamp approximately the same as normal output of the dim headlight bulb. Upon detection of the failing dim headlight bulb, a visual indicator is provided by at least 3 one-quarter second flashes of the dim headlight bulb. Activation of the bright headlamp switch provides a normal rate of current to the bright headlamp bulb regardless of the detection of interruption of the magnetic field of current flow to the dim headlight bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventors: Marcus Boykin, Andre Lamarr Gist
  • Patent number: 9131557
    Abstract: An LED lamp for outdoor and large space lighting, particularly for streets, warehouses car parks and the like, is adapted for fitting into legacy light fittings designed for sodium bulbs and the like. The LED lamp includes light emitting diodes arranged over a surface of the lamp, is rotatably connected through a rotatable electrical connection to a screw-in adaptor for insertion into a legacy screw-in socket, such that the screw in adaptor is rotatable independently of the lamp, so that the legacy screw in socket can be used even though the light fitting is too small to allow rotation of the LED lamp. Additional variants provide for cooling airflow through the light fitting, for temperature control of the LEDs, and for failure protection, to ensure a longest possible lamp lifetime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Led Net Ltd.
    Inventors: Ephraim Vadai, Amit Shefi, Tzvika Herbst
  • Patent number: 9019112
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a timing component to optimize low battery indication in alarm devices. The method and apparatus may set a timing component based on a condition detected by a alarm device. Upon detection of a low battery condition within the alarm device, the alarm device can delay low battery indication, using the timing component, until a time of day with a higher probably of user suitability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry R. Ratzlaff, Stan Burnette, John Andres, Bill Chandler
  • Patent number: 8912898
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a request to determine a status of a first of a plurality of advertising devices is received. The advertising devices are spatially separated. Operating conditions of the first advertising device are identified. The status of the first advertising device is determined based, at least in part, on the operating conditions. A presentation including information indicating the status of the first advertising device is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Lites Out, LLC
    Inventors: Brent D. Arnold, Brian K. Reinle, Scott H. Galaise
  • Publication number: 20140266749
    Abstract: Ink-printed electric circuits including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for validation of items is disclosed. In one embodiment, the flexible circuit includes a pliant substrate, and an ink-printed electric circuit. The ink-printed electric circuit comprises at least one ink-printed LED printed on the pliant substrate. The ink-printed electric circuit is configured to couple to a power source, determine an open circuit condition, and cause the at least one LED to transition from a first state to a second state upon determining the open circuit condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Toby D. Thomas, Steven D. Roper, Becky B. Wallace, Joseph G. Metzger
  • Patent number: 8803711
    Abstract: An indicator device on a marine vessel is configured to display motion. A controller operates the indicator device according to at least a first mode wherein the indicator device displays motion and a second mode wherein the indicator device does not display motion. The controller operates the indicator device based upon an operational characteristic of the marine vessel to thereby inform a swimmer located proximate to the marine vessel of the operational characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Gonring
  • Patent number: 8797157
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring usage and predicting failure of visual notification appliances are disclosed. The visual notification appliances may be strobe lights, which can be provided with an internal counter circuit that obtains a cumulative tally of the number of times the strobe has flashed. Since strobe service life is directly proportional to the number of flashes, monitoring the number of flashes enables proactive repair or replacement of the strobe prior to failure. Flash counts can be stored in the appliance and periodically transmitted to a remote location such as a fire panel or remote monitoring center. Flash counts can also be locally displayed, or can be readable by a user with a handheld device. Alarms or other indications may automatically be generated to alert building or service personnel when an end of life condition is approaching for one or more strobes. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbH
    Inventor: John R. Haynes
  • Patent number: 8730052
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting that a removable antenna is electrically connected to a communication device are disclosed. An exemplary detection device includes a visual indicator component and a data indicator component. The visual indicator component electrically connects to an RF antenna connector of the communication device. The visual indicator component generates a visual indicator in response to the RF antenna connector being connected to the removable antenna. The RF antenna connector being connected to the removable antenna provides electrical paths through the visual indicator component and through the data indicator component from at least one voltage source to ground. The data indicator component electrically connects to the RF antenna connector. The data indicator component generates a data indicator in response to the RF antenna connector being connected to the removable antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony DePoy
  • Patent number: 8692669
    Abstract: The present invention is an illuminator for CCTV surveillance and security applications that maintains constant optical output from an array of LEDs by employing output compensation, feedback and enhancement. This constant optical output illuminator system enables reliable long-duration low-light imaging and data capture for surveillance and security applications, via an array of LEDs, LED power supply circuitry, and output feedback and compensation circuitry in which a photodetector circuit provides a voltage signal proportional to an amount of light falling on a photosensor and the voltage signal is fed to a drive control circuit for electrical current to the LEDs to achieve a desired optical output as measured by a photosensor voltage setpoint across the photodetector circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Security Systems BV
    Inventors: Tony Mayer, Mark Vernon, Jim Ren
  • Patent number: 8635035
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring operation of an LED string. An exemplary system includes an LED string, a circuit that supplies current to the LEDs, a current measuring circuit that measures current through the LEDs, a voltage measuring circuit that measures voltage across the LEDs, and a temperature sensor that measures temperature proximate to the LEDs. A processor calculates a predicted string voltage based on a predefined voltage-current curve, number of LEDs, a predefined temperature coefficient value, the measured string current, a measured junction temperature, a life curve function, a prestored calibration string current value, a prestored calibration string voltage value, a prestored junction calibration temperature and an accumulated time value. The process also calculates an error value based on the predicted string voltage and a measured string voltage and generates an indication that there is a failure in the LED string if the calculated error value is greater than the predefined error limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Len De Oto, Richard Policy, Stan Hodge
  • Patent number: 8514093
    Abstract: A sheet switch (142) has a bottom layer (144) and a top layer (160). First and second conductors (148, 162) located on the bottom layer (144) form two separate conductive paths, with a voltage potential applied to the conductors (148, 162). The top layer (160) includes a ground conductor (172). Spacers (178) are positioned between the top and bottom layers (160, 144). When forces are externally applied, the spacers (178) collapse and the ground conductor (172) contacts the first and second conductors (148, 162), and establishes a conductive path therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: CHG Hospital Beds Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Roussy
  • Patent number: 8502688
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process of configuring a standalone self-supplied numeric controlled relay for providing phase and earth over current protection to electrical systems by accurate current measurement. The arrangement for current measurement with control algorithms is provided for power control by providing amplified and conditioned current for optimization between the current to power an electronic circuit and the fidelity of a measured current waveform so that they both are at the acceptable levels at the same time. This disclosure describes the current sensing and associated algorithm for power control in a truly self-powered relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ABB Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Niraj Suthar, Vijay Shah, Maulik Vyas, Bernhard Deck
  • Patent number: 8497773
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a request to determine a status of a first of a plurality of advertising devices is received. The advertising devices are spatially separated. Operating conditions of the first advertising device are identified. The status of the first advertising device is determined based, at least in part, on the operating conditions. A presentation including information indicating the status of the first advertising device is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Lites Out, LLC
    Inventors: Brent D. Arnold, Brian K. Reinle, Scott H. Galaise
  • Patent number: 8362910
    Abstract: A digital electronic apparatus includes a touch display panel, an active touch pen and a power shortage reminding module. The active touch pen is suitable for inputting signals to the touch display panel. The power shortage reminding module is disposed in one of the touch display panel and the active touch pen. The power shortage reminding module is suitable for monitoring a remaining power of the active touch pen and prompting the touch display panel to send out a reminding signal for charging the active touch pen, and therefore, the active touch pen can be timely charged, which prevents the power of the active touch pen be exhausted in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hao Lee
  • Patent number: 8237540
    Abstract: Programmable occupancy sensors that control the on/off operation of a fluorescent lamp automatically determine loss of lamp life as the lamp is used. The programmable occupancy sensors can provide lamp life status and can automatically alert a user when a lamp is nearing its end of life and should be replaced. The occupancy sensors are also programmable to automatically improve lamp life and energy savings by selecting an optimal time delay from among a number of selectable time delays at which to operate the sensor. The selection is based on an occupancy pattern sensed by the sensor over a given period of time. The optimal time delay, which prevents the lamp from turning off immediately after last sensing occupancy, extends lamp life by limiting the number of lamp off/on transitions, which shortens lamp life, in view of overall energy usage and lamp usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan A. Zaveruha, Brian P. Platner, Benjamin C. Hahn
  • Patent number: 8228182
    Abstract: A self-testing notification appliance includes a notification emitter, a verification circuit, and a controller. The notification emitter is operable to output light or light and sound based on a control signal. The verification circuit includes a notification sensor to detect the light or light and sound and generate a verification signal. The controller sends the control signal to the notification emitter and receives information based on the verification signal from the verification circuit. The self-testing notification appliance may be part of a network including a fire control panel and a plurality of additional self-testing notification appliances. The self-testing notification appliances may be assigned addresses on the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: SimplexGrinnell LP
    Inventors: Todd F. Orsini, Anthony J. Capowski, Michael A. Furtado
  • Patent number: 8196977
    Abstract: A door handle structure found on the outside of a vehicle may include a door handle including a handle base member installed to the inside of a door panel and a handle grip member coupled to the outside of the door panel, wherein a portion of the handle grip member is pivotally coupled to the handle base member, and a lighting device installed to the door panel, having at least a light emitting diode (LED) lamp which is installed at the handle base member and configured to emit a light source through a recess formed on the door panel, and a band member configured to receive the light source through the recess from the LED lamp and emit the light source towards the outside of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Do Won Sung
  • Patent number: 8130097
    Abstract: A card and detection system comprises a group of light sensors located under and covered over by a table felt. The light sensors are directed vertically upward to detect changes in light intensity on the top surfaces of the sensors through the felt. This allows flexibility of placement of the sensors and avoids daily maintenance issues. The sensors read through fabric to detect when objects such as chips or cards are placed on top of the felt. With this system, the procedure of detecting chips or cards is imperceptible to the customers or dealers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy L. Knust, Eric Schoppe
  • Patent number: 8111131
    Abstract: Programmable occupancy sensors that control the on/off operation of a fluorescent lamp automatically determine loss of lamp life as the lamp is used. The programmable occupancy sensors can provide lamp life status and can automatically alert a user when a lamp is nearing its end of life and should be replaced. The occupancy sensors are also programmable to automatically maximize lamp life and energy savings by selecting an optimal time delay from among a number of selectable time delays at which to operate the sensor. The selection is based on an occupancy pattern sensed by the sensor over a given period of time. The optimal time delay, which prevents the lamp from turning off immediately after last sensing occupancy, extends lamp life by limiting the number of lamp off/on transitions, which shortens lamp life, in view of overall energy usage and lamp usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan A. Zaveruha, Brian P. Platner, Benjamin C. Hahn
  • Patent number: 8106786
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of notifying the selection of an item using a plurality of light emitting devices provided in a terminal, including: selecting an item of at least one item displayed on a display included in the terminal, and notifying the selection of the item using the plurality of light emitting devices. Disclosed herein is also a method of notifying the occurrence of an event using a plurality of light emitting devices provided in a terminal, including: notifying the occurrence of the event using the light emitting devices according to the detection of the occurrence of the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Huhn Kim, Young Suk Oh, Hyun Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8059007
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining when a battery, or one or more batteries within a battery pack, undergoes an undesired thermal event such as thermal runaway. The system uses a conductive member mounted in close proximity to, or in contact with, an external surface of the battery or batteries to be monitored. A resistance measuring system such as a continuity-tester or an ohmmeter is coupled to the conductive member, the resistance measuring system outputting a first signal when the temperature corresponding to the battery or batteries is within a prescribed temperature range and a second signal when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature that falls outside of the prescribed temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Daniel Nicholas Brncic, Paul Bryan Kreiner, Scott Ira Kohn, Dorian West, Jonathan Louis Hall
  • Patent number: 8035513
    Abstract: A sensor circuit for remotely commanding the operation of a remote device includes a motion sensor circuit for detecting motion relative thereto and having an output conditioned upon motion detection. Additionally, a photocell sensor circuit for detecting a low ambient illumination level has an output command conditioned upon the detection of a predetermined illumination level that is electrically coupled to a control circuit having a plurality of inputs. The invention further includes a data output comprising a remote device operation command and a transmitter circuit coupled to the data output of said control circuit for transmitting said operation command to a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: HeathCo LLC
    Inventor: William C. Raper
  • Patent number: 8013718
    Abstract: An electric street light controller apparatus and monitoring method allows automatic street light turn-on and turn-off characteristics to be field programmable using RFID technology, lamp current magnitude recording, auxiliary sensor input, diagnostic alarming and data storage for later retrieval in a remote electric street lighting monitoring system. The apparatus and method includes, from a remotely located exciter apparatus using an antenna to transmit a specific frequency and code key to the antenna of an electric street light control and monitoring apparatus associated with the electric street light allowing remote wireless field programming of turn-on fight levels, turn-off light levels, rate of change of light levels, specific turn-on, turn-off, and turn back on sequences during dark hours, and specific remote wireless sensors or internal sensor inputs useful for radiological, biological, chemical, or environmental sensing and alarming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Marmon Utility LLC
    Inventor: Norman D. McCollough, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7944344
    Abstract: A control device, either installed on a bicycle or carried by a user, communicates with the accessories via radio signals. The control device radiates control signals via its radio transceiver and the control signals are received by the radio transceivers of the accessories. Each accessory has a unique identification code which is encapsulated in the radio control signals so that the individual lamp or lock could be turned on and off or locked and unlocked. On the other hand, accessories such as speed sensor and body sensor could radiates their collected information to the control device which in turn calculates and displays readings such as the speed of the bicycle and the heart beat rate of the rider, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Yu-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 7928858
    Abstract: A data storage and retrieval system that comprises a data storage device is disclosed. The data storage and retrieval system further comprises a first LED, a second LED, a third LED, and a fourth LED, interconnected with the data storage device. The data storage device causes the first LED and the second LED to emit first light comprising a first color if the data storage device detects an internal failure. Alternatively, the storage device causes the third LED and the fourth LED to emit second light comprising a second color if the data storage device remains operative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Carl E. Jones, Gregg S. Lucas, Andrew E. Seidel
  • Patent number: 7880629
    Abstract: A power supply device for supplying power to a communication device includes a power source, a first fuse, a second fuse, a voltage converter, a photo coupler, and a central processing unit (CPU). The voltage converter is configured for receiving first power signals from the power source via the first fuse and the second fuse, and converting the first power signals to second power signals. The photo coupler connected in parallel to the third resistor, configured for outputting a first electrical signal upon the condition that the first fuse and the second fuse are operational, and outputting a second electrical signal upon the condition that at least one of the first fuse and the second fuse is blown. The CPU is connected to the photo coupler, configured for generating an alarm message upon receiving the second electrical signal from the photo coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsung-Hsi Lee
  • Patent number: 7859398
    Abstract: A method of maintaining and controlling a plurality of wireless light fixtures includes providing the light fixtures in a structure, wirelessly receiving respective operational data from each of the light fixtures at a central location, aggregating the received respective operational data to form an aggregation of operational data, and analyzing at least a portion of the aggregation of operational data. The method further includes performing one or both of (i) controlling the operation of a first selected one or more of the light fixtures based on a result of the analyzing step by wirelessly transmitting respective operational commands from the central location to each of the first selected one or more of the light fixtures, and (ii) causing a maintenance related action to be taken with respect to each of a second selected one or more of the light fixtures based on a result of the analyzing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Davidson, Charles J. Luebke
  • Patent number: 7847703
    Abstract: An electrical connector apparatus for use with a field device includes a housing having a first end and a second end, an electrical feedthrough subassembly, and a visual indicator viewable from outside the housing. The first end of the housing is configured to mechanically connect to the field device. The electrical feedthrough subassembly extends through at least a portion of the housing and includes a plurality of electrical conductors configured to provide a removable electrical connection at the second end of the housing and a flameproof barrier disposed between the first and second ends of the housing. The visual indicator has a plurality of illumination modes indicative of a power state of the electrical feedthrough subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk Bauschke, Todd Larson, Douglas Wayne Arntson, Nga Doan
  • Publication number: 20100289518
    Abstract: A circuit for detecting faulty diode is disclosed, wherein the circuit for detecting faulty diode comprises a diode having an anode connecting to a voltage supply; a first switch having a first end connected to a cathode of the diode; a testing current source connected to the second end of the first switch; a one-shot circuit connected to a control end of the first switch, by which an output signal is generated and transmitted to the control end; and a comparator connected to a reference voltage input terminal for receiving a reference voltage and connected to the second end of the first switch. When the one-shot circuit closes the first switch for a maintaining period to urge the comparator comparing the reference voltage with the voltage applied to the second end of the first switch, whereby a signal used to discriminate whether the diode is fail or not is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: ENE TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: CHI-FENG HUANG
  • Publication number: 20100225235
    Abstract: A light emitting diode drive device includes a drive circuit section that applies a direct-current voltage to a light source including a plurality of light emitting diodes connected in series to allow the light source to light up, a voltage detection circuit section that detects a voltage across the light source, and a malfunction determination circuit section that determines that the light emitting diode is short-circuited when the voltage detection circuit section detects a voltage drop and a potential between the voltage before being dropped and the voltage after being dropped is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value. Thus, it is possible to detect a fact that a light emitting diode, which lights up, is short-circuited or is not short-circuited, with a simple circuit configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Haruo Nagase
  • Patent number: 7791492
    Abstract: Disclosed is a street lamp control system, which cuts off power sources only around an abnormal street lamp where an electric leakage or dangerous situation occurs and allows the rest street lamps to be kept being turned on. The street lamp control system is positioned in a region divided by a plurality of areas where a predetermined number of street lamps are installed. A distribution panel is installed in each center of the areas, and includes two power source control switching circuits for controlling right and left power sources of the corresponding areas. The power source control switching circuit of the corresponding distribution panel turns off the right and left street lamps including the corresponding street lamp when an abnormal state is sensed on a specific street lamp of a specific area, and a power is supplied to the right and left street lamps to be turned on excluding the abnormal street lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Korean Electro Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Kee-Young Nam, Jae-Duck Lee, Seong-Hwan Jeong
  • Publication number: 20100199023
    Abstract: A memory management method and apparatus are disclosed. The memory management apparatus may compute a remaining storage capacity of a flash memory based on a number of bad blocks in a flash memory or a number of block-erases of each of a plurality of blocks, and may display the computed remaining storage capacity of the flash memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Jae Don LEE
  • Patent number: 7675426
    Abstract: A light guide part (20) is provided along a Z-axis on a side surface of a case (2) of a relay (1). The light guide part is a thick portion formed of a material forming the side surface of the case, and is structurally integral with the other parts of the case. Also, a light emitting device which emits light in response to application of a voltage to coil terminals (41) is provided within the relay (1) (case). A reflection surface (201) which reflects illuminating light emitted from the light emitting device in a (+Y) direction in a (+Z) direction is placed at a lower end of the light guide part. Illuminating light reflected by the reflection surface is guided to a display surface (200) placed at an upper end of the light guide part, to illuminate the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: IDEC Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Takada, Nobuyuki Hidaka, Shigeru Tsujimura
  • Patent number: 7623042
    Abstract: Wireless control of lighting fixtures via a wireless radio network using a radio-controlled relay device located between a lighting fixture or a ballast of a fluorescent fixture and its power supply. The radio-controlled device receives signals from remote controllers or via a computer interface. The wireless device is also configured to monitor the power consumption of a lighting fixture (or ballast) and send that information to the network. In the wireless control network, light level sensors and motion sensors also send information to the network to allow lights to respond to daylight levels or occupancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Charles A. Huizenga