Plural Bulbs Or Filaments Patents (Class 340/642)
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Patent number: 11555833Abstract: A system having a control unit, which has a housing in which at least one processing unit of the control unit is situated. The system further includes an electrical ground connection situated outside the housing; a first ground line by which the control unit and the ground connection are electrically connected; a second ground line by which the control unit and the ground connection are electrically connected; and a sensor device, which is developed to monitor an electrical first ground current flowing through the first ground line and an electrical second ground current flowing through the second ground line. The sensor device has an XMR sensor for monitoring the first and the second ground current.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Fei Xie, Rafael Benzler, Volker Weeber
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Patent number: 11398143Abstract: Technologies for an emergency evacuation system include a system operator and one or more emergency lighting units located in a building. Each emergency lighting unit further includes a processor, communication circuitry configured to communicate with the system operator, and a light indicator configured to be illuminated to indicate an exit of the building.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2020Date of Patent: July 26, 2022Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Christian Poirier, Marc Rondeau, Sarwarul Chowdhury
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Patent number: 11234319Abstract: Systems and methods for backup power sources and controls for Power over Ethernet light sources are provided. In one example embodiment, a lighting system includes one or more light sources configured to receive power over one or more Ethernet cables. The lighting system also includes a battery pack comprising an energy storage medium. The battery pack can be configured to provide power to the one or more light sources over one or more Ethernet cables. The lighting system can also include an output control circuit configured to manage delivery of power from the battery pack to the one or more light sources.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2018Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Pritam Yadav, Douglas Matthew Hamilton
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Patent number: 11100778Abstract: An electronic label tag (100) and electronic label tag system (300) wherein electronic label tag (100) comprises machine readable identifier module, communication module for receiving product related information, attachment means for attaching the electronic label tag (100) to product, and display for displaying product related information. The machine readable identifier module of the electronic label tag (100) is configured to activate the communication module and/or display in response to a command received by the machine readable identifier module.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2013Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: MARISENSE OYInventor: Hannu Karhuketo
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Patent number: 10803715Abstract: Technologies for an emergency evacuation system include a system operator and one or more emergency lighting units located in a building. Each emergency lighting unit further includes a processor, communication circuitry configured to communicate with the system operator, and a light indicator configured to be illuminated to indicate an exit of the building.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Christian Poirier, Marc Rondeau, Sarwarul Chowdhury
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Patent number: 10621874Abstract: A device arrangement for improving the detection quality of ground situation representation systems and traffic guidance or traffic management systems, in particular at an airport, comprises at least the following components interacting with each other: a lighting unit having at least one controllable lamp, and an earth's magnetic field sensor for determining the position, direction of movement, orientation, and/or speed of an object.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2016Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: FRAPORT AG FRANKFURT AIRPORT SERVICES WORLDWIDEInventor: Bjoern Daniel Vieten
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Patent number: 10235878Abstract: The application relates to an intelligent traffic cloud control system configured to acquire and centrally analyze a large amount of field data in a traffic system, and to control the traffic system. Unlike a traditional traffic directing and controlling system in such an operating mode that data are acquired and transmitted respectively by different sensing devices, and then collected, analyzed, and processed by a central system, the intelligent traffic cloud control system according to the invention analyzes and processes centrally a large amount of data through field control servers communicating over IP address based broadband buses, and performs adaptive traffic control, traffic regulation enforcement, position tracking, coordinated control, and other service functions through integrating edge computing and cloud computing at a plurality of adjacent field control servers.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: KYLAND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTDInventor: Ping Li
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Patent number: 10050393Abstract: A modular electronic apparatus includes an electric box, an insert, and optionally one or more electric modules. The insert is configured to be inserted at least partially into an internal space of the electric box and connect to electric wires of a building. The insert is further configured to receive the electric modules such that they can be powered from the electric wires without directly connecting to them. The electric modules can engage with the insert and be easily replaceable without the need to reconnect the electric wires. Each of the electric modules can be one of the following: a programmable electric socket (“smart” socket), traditional electric socket, programmable electric switch (“smart” switch), traditional electric switch, dimmer, touch screen panel, speaker, personal computer, television device, lighting device, audio player, multimedia device, network hub, a router, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment LLCInventor: Thomas Calabrese
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Patent number: 9223037Abstract: Systems and methods to ensure correct operation of a semiconductor chip in the presence of ionizing radiation is disclosed. The system includes a semiconductor chip, a first radiation detection array incorporated in the semiconductor chip, and at least one additional radiation detection array incorporated in the semiconductor chip. a processor determines a region of the semiconductor chip affected by an incident radiation particle by analyzing a trajectory of the radiation particle determined from locations of sensors hit by the radiation particle in the first radiation detection array and the at least one additional radiation detection array. The processor determines whether corrective action is needed based on the region of the semiconductor chip affected by the incident radiation particle.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.Inventors: Ethan H. Cannon, Michael J. Hauser, Timothy D. Sullivan
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Patent number: 8937557Abstract: The application discloses a method and apparatus for providing a desired warning signal for a lighting unit. A coded warning system is provided employing a detection module (320) and a signal generating module (330), wherein the detection module is configured to obtain information regarding the detection of one or more operating parameters of the lighting unit and the signal generating module generates a desired warning signal (331) selected from a plurality of warning signals, upon determination that one or more of the operating parameters are abnormal operating parameters. Each warning signal of the plurality of warning signals is indicative of a specific abnormal operating parameter or a known combination of specific abnormal operating parameters.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2010Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Damien Loveland, Stefan Poli
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Patent number: 8917084Abstract: The present invention is an efficient high voltage sensing mechanism that operates only when an individual needs to test the voltage across a wire. The present invention attaches around a tested wire using a jaw and a hook. The hook is tensioned using an expansion spring. The operator propels the hook outwards from the jaw, around the tested wire; thereafter, the expansion spring retracts to latch onto the tested wire against the jaw. An on-off switch is integrated into the mechanical hook device. As the hook is propelled outwards, the on-off switch moves into the “on” position, which powers the electrical processing and voltage analysis equipment. Once the hook is returned to the initial position, the on-off switch moves to the “off” position. This arrangement allows the present invention to remain unpowered for any instance a wire is not being tested. The present invention detects voltage through capacitive coupling.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Synergistic Technology Solutions, Inc.Inventors: John G. Konopka, Alex K. Choi, David A. Konopka
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Patent number: 8912898Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Lites Out, LLCInventors: Brent D. Arnold, Brian K. Reinle, Scott H. Galaise
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Patent number: 8665114Abstract: The present invention provides a display for traffic control within a region of traffic flow, comprising an array of lights arranged for illumination to indicate to traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with a first path of travel the likely movement of traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with a second path of travel different from the first, and thus whether said traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with said second path of travel has a right of way over traffic seeking to negotiate the region in accordance with said first path of travel.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Derek Cozens
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Patent number: 8635035Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Len De Oto, Richard Policy, Stan Hodge
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Patent number: 8502688Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: ABB Technology LtdInventors: Niraj Suthar, Vijay Shah, Maulik Vyas, Bernhard Deck
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Patent number: 8284751Abstract: The invention relates to a communications system for airport signalling devices. In said system, the series or parallel circuits used for supplying electricity to the signalling devices are used for the communication between a control device, a central communication device and signalling devices. The OFDM method is preferably used to transmit signals and decentralised communications devices, which are assigned to the signalling devices and preferably have elements for preparing the signals, are dynamically configured in an adaptive manner during the active operation of the system by a central communication device.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2003Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: ADB BVBAInventor: Klaus Kock
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Patent number: 8237583Abstract: A method and system for a display system is provided. The system includes a screen surface that includes a plurality of luminous units, a controller communicatively coupled to the screen surface wherein the controller is configured to address at least one of the plurality of luminous units, and a luminous unit sensor having a field of view including at least a portion of the screen surface wherein the luminous unit sensor configured to receive an image of the luminous units in the field of view.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Michael Scott Mitchell, Samuel Robert Mollet
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Patent number: 8063647Abstract: A testing apparatus includes a relay and a connector. The relay includes a coil, first and second single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switches. The first and the second SPDT switches include first and second contacts. The connector includes first and second hard disk drive (HDD) indicator pins, and first and second switch pins. The first contact of the first SPDT switch is grounded. The first contact of the second SPDT switch is connected to the power source. The first HDD indicator pin is connected to a power source. The second HDD indicator pin is connected to the second contact of the first SPDT switch and the second contact of the second SPDT switch. The first switch pin is connected to the power source. The second switch pin is grounded via the coil.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zhen-Shan Cui, Lian-Zhong Gong
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Publication number: 20110037604Abstract: A feedback circuit for a display sign has a number of lights. A resistor is coupled in series with the lights. A voltage measuring circuit is coupled to the resistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventors: Charles Lee Lindsay, Charles Hunter Bush
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Patent number: 7880629Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsung-Hsi Lee
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Patent number: 7859398Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: David L. Davidson, Charles J. Luebke
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Patent number: 7777495Abstract: Provided are a device and a method of detecting signal lamps in a vehicle, in particular in a large vehicle, being provided with a plurality of signal lamps each being capable of switching between an OFF-phase and an ON-phase. The method includes the steps of during the OFF-phase of a vehicle signal lamp to be probed inducing a probing current by connecting an electric current generator to said vehicle signal lamp circuit, where the probing current is lower than the nominal current for the lamp in question. The next step is to detect the electric voltage level over the lamp circuit and determining vehicle signal lamp characteristics such as type and condition based on said electric voltage level detection. The result of the determination is that the signal lamp is a LED lamp being connected, when the detected voltage level is within a predetermined interval between a first voltage level and a second voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventor: Carl Mannerfelt
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Patent number: 7772990Abstract: A signal monitor includes an alarm function module configured to compare a plurality of input signals associated with traffic control to a set of programmable criteria associated with predetermined events, and to produce a non-critical alarm signal when at least one of the set of programmable criteria is satisfied. This non-critical alarm signal—which is associated with programmable alarm conditions that do not require that the intersection enter the “flash” mode—is communicated to the controller, which may then log and/or transmit the non-critical alarm condition to a central station or maintenance point.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Eberle Design, Inc.Inventor: Scott Richard Evans
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Patent number: 7638948Abstract: An apparatus and method adapted to detect a failure in at least one lamphead of an emergency lighting system includes a signal generator and a failure sensor. The lamphead receives power from a power connection. The signal generator generates a monitoring signal having a voltage, which is operatively coupled to the power connection. The failure sensor detects a failure in the lamphead and modifies the voltage of the monitoring signal. The emergency lighting system may also include a plurality of lampheads. In this case, the failure sensor may detect a failure in at least one of the lampheads, and identify which of the plurality of lampheads has failed. The failure sensor may also be adapted to reduce the voltage of the monitoring signal in response to detection of the failure.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.Inventors: Camille Descarries, Christian Briere
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Patent number: 7602305Abstract: A feedback circuit for a display sign has a number of lights. A resistor is coupled in series with the lights. A voltage measuring circuit is coupled to the resistor.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Skyline Products, Inc.Inventors: Charles Lee Lindsay, Charles Hunter Bush
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Patent number: 7378987Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring for Red Fail faults in a traffic signal control system. Traffic control signals generated by a traffic control unit are grouped into channels. Certain channels are specified for Red Fail testing in which all lights in a given channel are inactive at the same time. Channels which are not specified are not subject to Red Fail testing, but other conflict testing can still be performed on these unselected channels.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Reno A & EInventor: Allen Jacobs
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Patent number: 7259685Abstract: A helicopter of the type having an electrical system, a landing light, a master switch and a power supply of between about 18-32 V for operating the electrical system when the master switch is in an on position also includes a landing light fault detector. The landing light fault detector includes a light switch for turning the landing lights on and off and circuit means for detecting a fault in the landing light and for providing a signal indicative of a fault whether or not the light switch is in an on or off position.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Safe Flight CorporationInventors: Randall A. Greene, Paul Levine
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Patent number: 7250872Abstract: A test device for at least one LED strip contains: a voltage source, by way of which a cold test voltage or a warm test voltage can be applied to a parallel circuit formed of a test resistor and the LED strip, and an evaluation unit which records the cold test current flowing when a cold test voltage is present and diagnoses an error if the cold test current deviates from a required value by an above-the-threshold amount. A test device contains a switching element connected in series with the test resistor and an error circuit connected to the at least one LED strip, which during the warm testing records an over-the-threshold deviation of a current flowing through the at least one LED strip from a pre-specified value and for an over-the-threshold deviation opens the switching element.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Jürgen Klinger
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Patent number: 7109886Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring for Red Fail faults in a traffic signal control system. Traffic control signals generated by a traffic control unit are grouped into channels. A parent-child relationship is established between some channels. When testing for a Red Fail fault, the control signals in both the parent channel and the child channel are examined. A Red Fail fault will occur only if all the control signals examined in both the parent and the child channel are inactive. The control signals examined in the child channel can be limited to the Green and Walk signals; or may include the Yellow signals.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Reno A&EInventor: Allen Jacobs
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Patent number: 7102540Abstract: Remote monitor and control of an airfield lighting system. A processing system local to the airport is provided in communication with the airfield lighting system for monitor and control thereof, the airfield lighting system producing airfield information for processing by the local processing system. The local processing system connects to a global communication network such that the airfield information is accessed from a remote location disposed on the global communication network.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Siemens Airfield Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Edwin K. Runyon, Jess Murphy, Stephen Rauch, Joe Pokoj, John C. Stutz
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Patent number: 7046132Abstract: A lamp monitor for a bus or other motor vehicle has a processor, a current sensor, a memory and a display for monitoring the current through the lamps. In program mode, the processor samples the current passing through the warming lamps and calculates an operating range. In operate mode, if the current sensor detects current passing through the lamp within the operating range, then a status lamp, located near the driver of the bus or motor vehicle, is illuminated.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Emergency Technology, Inc.Inventor: Kevin P. Carpenter
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Patent number: 7023353Abstract: A warning device including a status and function indicator circuit for indicating the status and function of the warning device. In a visual warning device such as a strobe light, the status and function indicator circuit includes a status output device such as an LED. The LED and associated circuitry are configured to indicate both proper operation of the visual warning device and, in the event of a device failure, will indicate whether the fault lies with circuitry for the visual warning device or simply with a warning output device.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Electronic Controls CompanyInventors: Tony J. Tewell, Hans J. Kuhr
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Patent number: 7002453Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for remotely monitoring the status of a variety of illumination devices. A fiber optic cable coupled to a light fixture transmits a light display. Based on the light received, the status of the light is determined. The status is determined without the use of elegant and expensive electronics that are more subject to failure and with minimal power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Anthony Edward Martinez
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Patent number: 6982648Abstract: A light unit or indicating device for a vehicle (.e.g., a vehicle lighting unit, a vehicle indicating unit, reversing radars and other systems) has a shell, a light contained in the shell, and an electronics card mechanically associated with the shell. The electronics card is connected an electrical power supply and to a multiplexed bus of an on-board network. The card has a controller for the light that allows exchange of commands and information on status of the light unit over the multiplexed bus, and also has an internal bus connected to the controller and the light that allows exchange between them of commands generated by the controller and of the status information of the light unit. The unit may also have an ancillary component for implementing ancillary facilities such as light beam adaptation or automatic adjustment of the orientation of the light beam.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Valeo VisionInventors: Christophe Cros, Alexis Dubrovin, Patrick Lacombe
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Patent number: 6930613Abstract: A device representing a simple means of multiplying the functionality of wiring in point to point control circuits such that fault tolerant, fault reporting circuits can be constructed with less wire. The circuit can employ the wiring on a continuous basis by the use of AC and a series arrangement that may combine sensors and command loads on the same single wire loop. A bi-directional current detector with switchable impedance over each polarity can form the device. The detector may be equipped with an electrically isolated man-machine interface that communicates with light to achieve input-output functions. Command functions may be issued by changing the current level within the circuit over each polarity of current flow to series mounted remote loads that are polarized with diodes. The whole circuit can be in triplicate for high reliability and fault tolerance and use a common return wire.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Inventor: Robert Gardner
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Patent number: 6867703Abstract: In the process of drilling a concrete in a building, many times contact and damage can accidentally be made with existing electrical conduit and the wires inside, or plumbing pipes. This damage can be avoided with a device which can indicate a grounded metal, such as a conduit, plumbing pipes, supporting frames or metal beam, all of which may be grounded to the existing electrical system. A safety protection circuit is incorporated into a power tool and includes at least one LED indicator connected to a low voltage power supply and to the body of the power tool to be illuminated when contact with grounded metal occurs.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Inventor: Yulian Neykov
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Publication number: 20040189479Abstract: A warning device including a status and function indicator circuit for indicating the status and function of the warning device. In a visual warning device such as a strobe light, the status and function indicator circuit includes a status output device such as an LED. The LED and associated circuitry are configured to indicate both proper operation of the visual warning device and, in the event of a device failure, will indicate whether the fault lies with circuitry for the visual warning device or simply with a warning output device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Tony J. Tewell, Hans J. Kuhr
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Patent number: 6788195Abstract: A monitor for a light circuit comprising a power source, a light being monitored, and a sense resistor. A first voltage amplifier circuit connected to the light circuit has a first output signal representing the voltage across the sense resistor. A second voltage amplifier circuit connected to the circuit has a second output signal representing the voltage across the sense resistor. A microprocessor is configured to receive the output signals from the first and second voltage measuring circuit and is programmed to calculate the current to the light based on the first and second digital output signals, compare the calculated current against a threshold current, and initiate a failure signal if the calculated current is less than the threshold current. A visual indicator activates if the microprocessor initiates a failure signal, whereby the activated indicator notifies that the light is not operating correctly.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Osborne Coinage CompanyInventors: Todd Robert Stegman, Matt Michael Leonard
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Patent number: 6774785Abstract: The system tests front panel lights, such as LEDs, on an electronic instrument, the front panel lights being normally used to indicate the status of selected output conditions of the instrument. The system also uses the LEDs to communicate additional information concerning the instrument, in particular the operation of the clock system for the instrument. The system includes a plurality of timers, each timer being associated with one front panel LED. The user sets the timers a specific amount of time (e.g. one second) apart, with each LED being programmed with a different timer. The LEDs light in succession in response to the clock reaching a preselected time. If one or more of the LEDs do not light, failure of the LEDs is indicated. If the LEDs do not light in proper order or at the expected time, investigation of the clock system is indicated.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Edmund O. Schweitzer, III
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Patent number: 6720883Abstract: A warning device including a status and function indicator circuit for indicating the status and function of the warning device. In a visual warning device such as a strobe light, the status and function indicator circuit includes a status output device such as an LED. The LED and associated circuitry are configured to indicate both proper operation of the visual warning device and, in the event of a device failure, will indicate whether the fault lies with circuitry for the visual warning device or simply with a warning output device.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Electronic Controls CompanyInventors: Hans J. Kuhr, Tony J. Tewell
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Publication number: 20030160707Abstract: A monitoring and control system controls multiple lights and monitors their operation through two-way communication over power lines. An interface is connected to receive control signals for at least one of the lights from the central computer and to transmit monitoring data concerning the lights to the central computer. The interface communicates over the power lines with light controlling and monitoring devices in the field to transmit the control signals over the power lines to the light controlling and monitoring devices and to receive the monitoring data over the power lines from the light controlling and monitoring devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Applicant: Safegate International ABInventors: Rolf Norman, Goran Backstrom, Lars Millgard
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Patent number: 6603302Abstract: A circuit tester (1) for testing circuit integrity in a series-wired string of Christmas fairy lights powered by domestic mains electricity.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Inventor: Frank Joseph Prineppi
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Patent number: 6583731Abstract: An indicator controller (18), an optical assembly (10) having the indicator controller (10), a traffic light system that comprises at least one of the optical assembly (10) and a method for fault indication by the indicator controller (10) is disclosed. A control signal from a control signal generator (20) of the indicator controller (18) is disabled to block off current supply to a diode chain of three light emitting diodes (LEDs) of an array (12) of LEDs. Input to the control signal generator (20) has a frequency setting section that sets the control signal at a predetermined frequency. Consequently, the three LEDs are made to blink according to the predetermined frequency. The control signal is generated when the amplitude of current supply to the array (12) exceeds a threshold setting.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Singapore Technologies Electronics Ltd.Inventors: Hua Tek Chan, Tai Leong Cheng, Muthuraman Ramaswamy
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Patent number: 6573840Abstract: In an arrangement for supervising and controlling field light units (20) at an airport, a regulator provided with a monitoring unit for power supply and for monitoring the light units is arranged individually for each light unit (18,20) to regulate the light intensity of the light units and to receive information as to their operational status. In a preferred embodiment, each light unit comprises two separate light sources that can be alternately and separately connected into circuit in case of failure to either of the light sources. Each light unit is provided with an electronic unit including a regulator, monitoring unit, and modem for power supply to the light unit and for monitoring the operation of the light unit. Each light unit is individually addressable from a control central for the airport. A ground traffic control system can be integrated into the field lighting system by connecting suitable presence detectors to the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1997Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Airport Technology in ScandinaviaInventors: Rolf Norman, Goran Backstrom, Lars Millgard
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Patent number: 6556017Abstract: A Method and an arrangement providing detection of deteriorated lamp filaments (3) in a lamp circuit (11) fed by constant current, in particular for a lamp supervision system for airfield lights. A change in a constant current fed through a lamp circuit (11) is initiated, whereby the lamp filament resistance is determined once in conjunction with the change in current and once a time period later. A difference between the resistance determinations constitutes the deterioration of a lamp filament (3) in comparison with a threshold value. Hence, no record of previous resistance determinations have to be stored, and lamps (4) can be replaced when the difference matches the threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Safegate International ABInventor: Åke Pettersson
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Patent number: 6515435Abstract: A lighting system with a digital micromirror device which forms a digital gobo system that is controllable on a pixel level. The device includes a number of sensitive electronic elements. The device is controlled by two different controllers: a digital signal processor which is effectively the number crunching portion, and a controller, which controls the functions of the light. The controller also logs errors into a registry, such as a non-volatile memory. A field programmable gate array is used for a number of purposes, including to form the ports. One of those ports is a tech port, which is used to detect status of the light such as faults.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Light and Sound Design, Ltd.Inventors: Michael Hughes, William Hewlett, Ian Clarke
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Patent number: 6504485Abstract: Monitoring and control apparatus for fail-safe monitoring for normal operation of traffic signal lights provided at an intersection or the like where a plurality of roads intersect. The illumination conditions of respective signal lights are detected using as sensor device, and when the number of illuminated or non-illuminated signal lights is a predetermined number, a normal judgment output of logic value 1 corresponding to a high energy condition is generated while, when the number of illuminated or non-illuminated signal lights is not the predetermined number, an abnormal judgment output of logic value 0 corresponding to a low energy condition is generated. As a result, when a fault in the monitoring apparatus stops the output, the resultant output condition is the same as for a danger condition due to a signal light abnormality, resulting in an extremely safe signal light monitoring and control with excellent fail-safe characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshitaka Jinno, Yoshiharu Ozaki, Norihiro Okada, Heisaku Mazawa, Hidetoshi Fujimoto, Junya Toda, Koichi Futsuhara, Norihiro Asada
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Patent number: 6456091Abstract: An apparatus and a method using a power line conditioner having a conventional grounded plug disposed at one end of a short three-wire cord and a housing disposed at the opposite end for providing surge protection, voltage and current amplitude monitoring and indication, as well as visual indication of other singular conditions such as “power on,” “adequate ground,” etc., and outlets for receiving the connecting cord plugs of the electronic equipment to be protected.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Monster Cable Products, Inc.Inventors: Kendrew Lee, Noel Lee
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Patent number: 6392553Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for interfacing railway controllers with light units, such as LED light unit arrays, to shunt and/or disable test signals not traditionally intended to test non-incandescent light unit arrays.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Harmon Industries, Inc.Inventors: Samuel R. Mollet, David J. Wade
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Publication number: 20020008629Abstract: The invention relates to monitoring apparatus and control apparatus for fail-safe monitoring for normal operation of traffic signal lights provided at an intersection or the like where a plurality of roads intersect.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Applicant: The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshitaka Jinno, Yoshiharu Ozaki, Norihiro Okada, Heisaku Mazawa, Hidetoshi Fujimoto, Junya Toda, Koichi Futsuhara, Norihiro Asada