Condition Responsive Patents (Class 362/276)
  • Patent number: 7592754
    Abstract: An LED drive circuit includes a current source configured to electrically drive an LED. In one configuration, the current source forms part of an integrated circuit that requires a relatively small amount of voltage for operation. As such, separate voltage sources can be electrically coupled to the LED and integrated circuit respectively. For example, a first voltage source provides a source voltage to the LED that is sufficient to allow operation the LED and a second voltage source provides a source voltage to the integrated circuit that is sufficient to allow operation of the integrated circuit but that is less than a voltage operable to activate the LED. As a result, a low voltage source can be used as a supply for all of the circuitry associated with the integrated circuit, including the current source, without sacrificing the supply voltage used to drive the LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick Roland Schindler
  • Publication number: 20090231852
    Abstract: A lighting fixture having at least one fixed element, to which fixed element controllable moving elements are rotatingly fastened, where one moving element has at least one light source. To automatically receive information concerning the orientation of lighting fixture and to achieve feed-forward regulation of cooling in the lighting unit the lighting fixture has an orientation sensor as the at least one the fixed element, which orientation sensor detects at least 3 orthogonal axes and transmits orientation signals to an internal processor in the lighting fixture, which processor calculates the actual orientation of the fixed elements. As a result, a computer that controls the lightning fixture knows the actual position of each component in the lightning fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: MARTIN PROFESSIONAL A/S
    Inventors: Thomas Vinter, Niels Jorgen Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7588067
    Abstract: A system for reducing sun glare through an opening into a space, the system comprising an electrically controllable window treatment operable to alter the amount of daylight entering the space through the opening; a first sensor mounted within the space and characterized by a sensor gain, the first sensor operable to sense a level of illumination in the space; and a control system operable: to compare the sensed illumination level in the space to a dead-band having upper and lower thresholds; to adjust during a time period when glare from the sun can occur through the opening at least one of: (a) the upper threshold of the dead-band, (b) the lower threshold of the dead-band, and (c) the sensor gain of the first sensor; and to adjust the window treatment in response to the sensed level of illumination to reduce the sun glare.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Dragan Veskovic
  • Patent number: 7588349
    Abstract: A solar-infrared-rays sensing garden lamp is provided. It mainly comprises a garden lamp body with a control apparatus set inside. The control apparatus charges a power supply via the solar energy in the daytime, and provides power via the power supply in the nighttime. Therefore a infrared rays sensing circuit set on the garden lamp body at a surface thereof can sense omnibearingly in the nighttime. When the infrared rays sensing circuit senses unusual situation, it drives a corresponding lighting unit to illuminate and transmits a triggered signal to the voice control unit for driving a speaker and giving off sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Jen-Yen Yen
  • Publication number: 20090224699
    Abstract: According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a lighting fixture is provided with a housing space to receive a retractable sensor module. The housing space is provided with an internal holder with electrical circuitry to operate the lighting fixture. The internal holder is essentially cylindrical in shape, with one closed end. The closed end is provided with openings and slots for screw and wires. The internal holder allows for pan rotation of a retractable sensor module. The retractable sensor module includes a control module comprising a top cover, a lower cover and a printed circuit board sub-assembly inside, and a lens assembly. The printed circuit board sub-assembly comprises a power printed circuit board, a sensor printed circuit board, with a printed circuit board and a transmitter printed circuit board. The lens assembly constitutes dotted lenses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Yung Chih Chi, Ching-Chen Chen, Wei-Jen Ho, Kong Yeow Lai
  • Patent number: 7585092
    Abstract: Motion-activated lamps are disclosed herein. Preferred motion-activated lamps include a free-standing base housing a motion sensor and a battery power source operably connected to an electrical circuit, an adjustable neck, and means for emitting light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Tom Huffman
  • Patent number: 7581858
    Abstract: An illuminating apparatus shows music effects with light sequences in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a support structure that is installable on an electrical socket. A switch on the base structure activates the apparatus. A transparent container with cut-outs surrounds the base structure and includes a white light activated by the switch. A direct current motor has an axle configured to rotate the base structure within the container. A circuit board is attached to the axle enables rotation of the circuit board within the container. The circuit board can activate sequences of light upon detection of a music signal and can detect a signal from a remote control. Light emitting sources are operably connected to the circuit board to rotate with the circuit board and to project light through the container. A remote control comprises buttons for controlling apparatus operational functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Juan M. Gallegos
  • Patent number: 7578603
    Abstract: A light emitting golf ball is provided that includes a spherical housing, a fixing container, a light emitting device, a first fitting portion, and a second fitting portion. The light emitting device is disposed in the fixing container and includes an acoustic wave sensor, a controller, one or more light emitting elements and an electricity supplier. When the acoustic wave sensor receives an external acoustic wave signal higher than a predetermined value, it sends out an activating signal to the controller so that at least one light emitting element emits light. This invention is irrelevant to the hitting direction. It has an extremely low defective rate. Furthermore, the product life can be prolonged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventors: Chang-Hsiu Huang, Wei-Lung Chou
  • Patent number: 7575357
    Abstract: A backlight system and an LCD using the same are provided. The present backlight system is equipped with a light-source driving module and several light sources of different optimum working temperature ranges. Hence, according to the environmental temperature, appropriate light source(s) will be driven by the light-source driving module to maintain a constant light output of the backlight system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corporation
    Inventors: Meng-Chai Wu, Chin-Kun Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20090193689
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for incorporating a resilient source of high-visibility illumination into an article of footwear. A biomechanically-sound and hermetically-sealed electronics module contains a microprocessor, power source, and at least one light source, such as a light emitting diode, or LED. The LEDs are not externally visible, but rather illuminate a diffusive substrate that is incorporated into the construction of the footwear, allowing for visibility from substantially every angle above the bottom of the sole. A control panel enables the wearer to turn the power on and off, change colors, rotate through transition effects, and the like. A charging pad allows for the wireless and contact-less recharging of the onboard power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Matthias Galica, Elliott Temkin
  • Publication number: 20090196041
    Abstract: An intelligent light, such as a solar or photocell light, is provided. The intelligent light includes a photocell that is in communication with a power source. The photocell receives and converts light energy into electrical energy to charge the power source. A processor is in communication with the photocell. A light source is in communication with the processor. The processor determines an amount of energy charged in the power source and operates the light source as a function of the determined amount of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Peter D. Joseph, Timothy L. Duitsman
  • Publication number: 20090190355
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing pests sensitive to light from inhabiting an enclosed area. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a strobe light configured to emit high intensity flashes of light in a continuously repeated pattern, a mounting mechanism configured to mount the strobe light in the enclosed area, and a power source configured to supply energy to the strobe light; placing the strobe light in the enclosed area in a relatively central location; providing power to the strobe light; and driving pests sensitive to light from the enclosed area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Joseph DeGinto, William Lester Earl
  • Publication number: 20090190354
    Abstract: An exemplary light emitting diode illuminating device includes a light emitting diode (LED) light source, a heat dissipating device, a temperature detector, a power supply and a pulse width modulator. The heat dissipating device is thermally connected to the LED light source. The temperature detector is thermally connected to the LED light source and configured for detecting the working temperature of the LED light source. The power supply is electrically connected to the pulse width modulator for providing electric power to the pulse width modulator. The pulse width modulator has a direct current (DC) output mode and a pulse output mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: FOXSEMICON INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: CHIH-MING LAI, CHUN-WEI WANG
  • Patent number: 7566143
    Abstract: Herein disclosed a backlight apparatus for illuminating a color display panel from the back side, which may include a light source section having a composite light source, a light detecting light introducing plate, a plurality of light amount sensors for the individual colors, and control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Norimasa Furukawa, Mitsunari Hoshi, Yoshihiro Katsu, Mitsuru Okabe
  • Patent number: 7559665
    Abstract: A low cost document holder automatically illuminates a document under low light conditions. An energy-saving system having a switch that turns on a lamp when a front cover is at an angle to a rear cover of between 45 and 135 degrees. The lamp is turned off when the angle is less than 45 degrees or greater than 135 degrees to prevent battery drain when the holder is left open or cannot completely close. Optimized lamp positioning places a centerline of a cone of illumination at a maximum of thirty degrees from the front cover to enable use of a low wattage lamp. The resultant low battery drain enables the components to be permanently enclosed in a document holder cover that has the appearance, dimensions and thickness of standard document holders. Advantages of components enclosed within a cover are reliability, ease of cleaning, market entry and low cost manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: John Pfanstiehl
  • Patent number: 7557704
    Abstract: An emergency location identification system is provided. The system includes a monitoring unit and an emergency light unit. The monitoring unit is connected to a telephone system of a facility, and responds to some predetermined dialing of the telephone generating signals, which is going to control the behavior of the emergency light unit. The emergency light unit includes a plurality of colors and shapes adapted to display a emergency location identification to an emergency crew or visitors. The emergency light unit may include blue, green, and red lights and may flash for some instances. Also, the emergency light may have a predetermined shape such as arrow, triangle, and others to alert people properly for the emergency situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Clifton DeBaugh
  • Patent number: 7553044
    Abstract: An improved LED signaling device employing a number of LEDs arranged in a specific pattern. At least some of the LEDs are received in a corresponding reflective cavity with an associated output angle. The LED signaling device also employs first and second lenses. The first lens collects the light emitted by the LEDs and disperses the light such that the second lens is flooded. The second lens collects the light dispersed by the first lens and collimates the light. The type of LEDs used, their specific pattern, the specific output angles of their corresponding reflective cavities, and the combination of the first and second lenses insure that the LED signaling device meets or exceeds the minimum luminous output intensity requirements and uniformity requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Ansaldo STS USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark T. Wedell
  • Patent number: 7553040
    Abstract: An underwater light that can include a mounting assembly attachable to a pool wall without having to make a niche in the wall, a housing coupled to the mounting assembly and including a light source cavity, a reflector in the light source cavity, a light source in front of the reflector, and a lens in front of the light source. The lens can include a plurality of contiguous parallel concave lens elements extending in a single direction to disperse light perpendicular to the single direction. The underwater light can include a removable lens cover that is at least one of red, green, yellow, and blue, in order to shine colored light into the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Boothe, Kenneth K. Leis
  • Patent number: 7549764
    Abstract: The present invention is a solar powered light assembly mounted at a distal end of a flexible neck support, where a proximal end is fixed to a top of an exterior panel housing of an exterior panel that supports the neck support and light in a position which can be easily manipulated by a user. Presented at an underside of the exterior panel is a first flat magnet generally co-extensive with the entire underside of the exterior panel. An interior panel comprises a second flat magnet with approximately the peripheral shape as that of the first flat magnet. A secure fixation of the exterior panel on an outside surface of a mailbox, regardless of the location on said outside surface, can be achieved by the invention assembly by placing an upper surface of the interior panel adjacent to a portion of the relatively thin wall of the mailbox where the underside of the exterior panel has been located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Gordon Ko
  • Patent number: 7547119
    Abstract: A vehicle interior light system includes a lamp, an enclosure internally provided with the lamp, a lens attached to the front of the enclosure, a touch sensor arranged on the back surface of the lens, and a control circuit including a sensor circuit and a switching circuit. The sensor circuit is configured to detect the capacitance of a human body when the lens is touched or approached by a finger or the like. The switching circuit is configured to turn the lamp on and off in response to an output from the sensor circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha T An T
    Inventors: Isamu Kuwana, Hirofumi Okano
  • Patent number: 7543951
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for providing a luminous writing surface, whose color, color temperature, and/or brightness are controlled to achieve a desired contrast between the writing surface and markings removably made thereon. For example, LED-based light sources and/or LED-based controllable lighting units can be employed to back-light or edge-light a transparent or translucent material thereby providing the luminous writing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad E. Koerner, Kevin J. Dowling
  • Patent number: 7543958
    Abstract: According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a lighting fixture is provided with a housing space to receive a retractable sensor module. The housing space is provided with an internal holder with electrical circuitry to operate the lighting fixture. The internal holder is essentially cylindrical in shape, with one closed end. The closed end is provided with openings and slots for screw and wires. The internal holder allows for pan rotation of a retractable sensor module. The retractable sensor module includes a control module comprising a top cover, a lower cover and a printed circuit board sub-assembly inside, and a lens assembly. The printed circuit board sub-assembly comprises a power printed circuit board, a sensor printed circuit board, with a printed circuit board and a transmitter printed circuit board. The lens assembly constitutes dotted lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: IQ Group Sdn Bhd
    Inventors: Yung Chih Chi, Ching-Chen Chen, Wei-Jen Ho, Kong Yeow Lai
  • Publication number: 20090141499
    Abstract: A relocatable add-on control sensor module is described which electrically connects and controls at least one recessed light fixture. The add-on control sensor module includes a sensor ethernet socket that may be electrically connected by an ethernet cable to a light fixture ethernet socket of the at least one recessed light fixture so that the add-on control sensor module may control the at least one recessed light fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Philips Koninklijke Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: William Fabbri, Roy B. Crane
  • Patent number: 7537358
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing pests sensitive to light from inhabiting an enclosed area. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a strobe light configured to emit high intensity flashes of light in a continuously repeated pattern, a mounting mechanism configured to mount the strobe light in the enclosed area, and a power source configured to supply energy to the strobe light; placing the strobe light in the enclosed area in a relatively central location; providing power to the strobe light; and driving pests sensitive to light from the enclosed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Joseph De Ginto, William Lester Earl
  • Patent number: 7520635
    Abstract: A light element includes a decorative, patterned translucent outer shell and a base. The base supports a plurality of LEDs positioned so as to emit a light show through the shell. The device also includes a compartment for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active cartridge and a heater for enabling the device to effectively emit an active ingredient from the cartridge when the cartridge is secured in the compartment A white light source is provided in the shell as a source of illumination along with the LEDs The device can be used as a white light source, for displaying a colored light show, for displaying colored light is schemes and for volatile active emission. The device may include an acoustic transducer for producing light and sound shows. The device may also include a light sensor, a motion detector and/or a microphone or acoustic receiver thereby enabling the light and sound show to be dependent upon ambient light intensity, motion detection and/or ambient noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Wolf, Scott D. Walter, Scott W. Demarest
  • Patent number: 7520634
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus in which at least one first LED generates first radiation having a first spectrum, and at least one second LED generates second radiation having a second spectrum different than the first spectrum. One or more controllers control at least one of the first radiation and the second radiation so as to control at least a color temperature of visible radiation. In one example, one or more sensors monitor at least one characteristic of sample radiation and provide one or more sensor signals to the one or more controllers, which in turn control at least the color temperature of the visible radiation based at least in part on the at least one sensor signal. In various implementations, the sample radiation may be ambient illumination (e.g., natural-light and/or light from other light sources), may be the visible radiation itself (e.g., to provide feedback to the one or more controllers), or generally any desired lighting condition to simulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred D. Ducharme, Frederick M. Morgan, Ihor A. Lys, Kevin J. Dowling, George G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7507001
    Abstract: An energy saving device for an LED lamp mounted to an existing fixture for a fluorescent lamp where the ballast is removed or bypassed. The LEDs are positioned within a tube and electrical power is delivered from a power source to the LEDs. The LED lamp includes means for controlling the delivery of the electrical power from the power source to the LEDs, wherein the use of electrical power can be reduced or eliminated automatically during periods of non-use. Such means for controlling includes means for detecting the level of daylight in the illumination area of said least one LED, in particular a light level photosensor, and means for transmitting to the means for controlling relating to the detected level of daylight from the photosensor. The photosensor can be used in operative association with an on-off switch in power connection to the LEDs, a timer, or with a computer or logic gate array in operative association with a switch, timer, or dimmer that regulates the power to the LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: DeNovo Lighting, LLC
    Inventor: John Kit
  • Patent number: 7507000
    Abstract: An illumination sensing device for a portable terminal is disclosed. The illumination sensing device includes a housing having a sensor hole extending through a side of the housing, a printed circuit board in the housing and connected to a backlight unit, an illumination sensor coupled with the printed circuit board and disposed in the sensor hole, and an optical guide disposed in the sensor hole and facing the illumination sensor. The illumination sensor senses light introduced through the optical guide from outside the housing, and the backlight unit is operated based on the light sensed by the illumination sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bum-Lai Cho, Moon-Young Cha
  • Patent number: 7506990
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) and associated driver circuit wherein the LED is mounted on the front of a switchplate and the driver circuit on the back of the switchplate. The LED is mounted at a downward angle on the outside of the switchplate so as to light a pathway beneath the switchplate. The drive electronics are designed to work with a return path through an electrical load. Additionally, the LED driver circuit is designed to allow operation of the LED with both resistive and reactive loads controlled by the switch to which the switchplate is connected. The device is also designed to be connected to any electrically valid combination of 2-way, 3-way, and 4-way switches either singly or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Nite Ize, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory F Glazner
  • Patent number: 7500763
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for using a light source to incapacitate a subject by a pattern of temporal flashing and/or color flashing of the light source. The light source is preferably an array of light emitting diodes. A rangefinder may be used to control the light output from the light source to avoid exposing a subject to light energy beyond a maximum permissible exposure threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Optech Ventures, Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir Rubtsov
  • Patent number: 7494237
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a shoe having an incorporated light source. The light source includes a plurality of LEDs composed of several light-emitting chips of at least two different colors wherein the plurality of LEDs being used to generate light of various color. The light source further includes a trigger controller for generating a trigger signal when vibrated and a control IC for generating a drive signal to control a lighting duration of each of the plurality of LEDs to emit a plurality of desired different illumination sequences of at least 2 different colors. The drive signal is activated by the trigger signal and the manual switch selects the plurality of desired programmed different sequential illumination of light sources from at least two programmed flash sequences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: James D. Cheung
  • Patent number: 7490960
    Abstract: A relocate able add-on control sensor module is described which electrically connects and controls at least one recessed light fixture. The relocate able add-on control module is mounted to a suspended ceiling t-bar grid and can be positioned anywhere in the ceiling grid while still controlling one or more recessed lighting fixtures. The control sensor module containing at least one sensor controlling light output of at least one recessed lighting fixture based on human occupancy, light intensity or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
    Inventors: Michael Fiorino, William Fabbri
  • Patent number: 7490966
    Abstract: An illumination system having a light source, an integration rod and a color wheel is provided. The light source is suitable for providing a light beam. The light integration rod and the color wheel are disposed in the transmission path of the light beam. The color wheel is disposed between the light source and the light integration rod. The light integration rod has a light input end adjacent to the color wheel and a light output end opposite the light input end. The light integration rod has two indentations at the light input end to form an airflow channel. The noise caused by the rotating color wheel is reduced through the airflow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Young Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Jia-Bin Huang, Chi-Chui Yun, Chu-Ming Cheng, S-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 7488941
    Abstract: A motion-activated decorative lighting fixture with a PIR motion detector hidden behind a decorative slotted wall of the fixture body. The motion-activated decorative lighting fixture includes a motion detector housing that forms an integral part of the lighting fixture body. The housing includes a slotted vertically extending exterior wall around the housing with an array of elongate vertically extending slots horizontally spaced apart from one another and extending along at least a portion of the wall. One or more PIR sensors are disposed within the housing, and a segmented Fresnel lens array is disposed within the housing behind the slots to direct infra-red energy from a monitored field of view to a sensor. The lens array includes a plurality of columns of lenslets, at least a portion of which have at least two lenslets disposed one above the other. Each column is aligned with a corresponding slot so as to direct infra-red energy from a monitored zone passing through the corresponding slot to a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: EML Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wade Lee, Donald R. Sandell
  • Publication number: 20090021943
    Abstract: An exemplary outdoor lighting apparatus includes a lighting device and a bird expeller. The lighting device includes a supporting pole, a housing and a light emitting unit. The housing is fixed on the top of the supporting pole. The light emitting unit is received in the housing. The bird expeller includes a sensing unit and an expelling signal generating unit. The sensing unit is configured for sensing a bird that is getting close by or in contact with the lighting device, generating a trigger signal and sending the trigger signal to the expelling signal generating unit. The expelling signal generating unit is configured for generating an expelling signal to expel the bird in response to the trigger signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: FOXSEMICON INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: CHIH-CHUNG TSAO, WEN-JANG JIANG
  • Patent number: 7478926
    Abstract: A lamp socket has a casing, a switching contact assembly, a stem assembly, an electric tab, a photo switch, a first electric connector and a second electric connector. The switching contact assembly is mounted in the casing and around the stem assembly. The stem assembly has a pawl. The pawl has multiple surfaces. The electric tab is mounted on two of the surfaces of the pawl and selectively contacts the switching contact assembly. The first electric connector and the second electric connector are connected electrically to the photo switch. The contact between the electric tab and the switching contact assembly switches via turning the stem assembly to turn on or off two lights. Furthermore, the lamp socket turns on one of the lights based on ambient light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Groton Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Chin-Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 7478922
    Abstract: Disclosed examples of lighting systems having at least three light sources of different colors may be controlled by validating input settings representing chromaticity and/or intensity of desired light to be generated by determining if the respective lighting system is capable of generating the desired light. This may involve comparing the chromaticity and/or intensity to a three-dimensional gamut representing chromaticity and associated intensities that the lighting system is capable of generating. The top contour of the gamut represents the maximum intensities for every chromaticity which the lighting system is capable of generating. Specifically the top contour is defined by points representing the maximum attainable intensities that each light source is capable of generating and the maximum intensity attainable by the lighting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Renaissance Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Garbus, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7478920
    Abstract: A backlight in which a reflector is secured to a chassis disposing a mounted substrate mounting light emitting diodes between the reflector and the chassis by a lamp clip for holding lamps and the mounted substrate is connected to a drive substrate outside the chassis and also relates to a liquid crystal display device provided with the backlight and a liquid crystal panel. The backlight and the liquid crystal display device capable to detect colors accurately by blocking light transmitted other than through a transparent part of a lamp clip and prevent light from escaping through fitting holes for the lamp clip into a space outside a chassis are provided. A cover surrounding a photodiode and through holes to transmit light from the clip to an LED drive substrate is disposed between the chassis and the LED drive substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kohhei Nanbu
  • Publication number: 20090016060
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus of the present invention is composed of: LED arrays (LL1 to LLn) for illuminating a panel (3); a light amount control section (12) for individually controlling the amount of light emitted by each of the LED arrays; light sensors (4a to 4d) for respectively detecting the amounts of light received on the different portions of the panel (3); a light amount determination section (6) for determining a correlation between the detected amounts of light received on the different portions of the panel (3); and a memory (7) for storing relationship information on the relationship between variations in the amount of light emitted by each of the LED arrays and variations in the amount of light received on each of the different portions of the panel (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigeharu Nakao
  • Patent number: 7477158
    Abstract: A method for gradually increasing the brightness of an indicator light. An activation signal is received indicating that the indicator light should be lit. Upon receipt of the activation signal, the brightness of the indicator light gradually increases. Upon detection of deactivation of the activation signal, the indicator light is extinguished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: John Houldsworth, Nigel A. Jones
  • Patent number: 7476002
    Abstract: A light element includes a translucent shell and a base. The base supports a plurality of LEDs positioned so as to emit a light show through the shell. The device also includes a compartment for receiving and securing a replaceable volatile active cartridge and a heater for enabling the device to effectively emit an active ingredient from the cartridge when the cartridge is secured in the compartment. A white light source is provided in the shell as a source of illumination along with the LEDs The device can be used as a white light source, for displaying a colored light show, for displaying colored light schemes and for volatile active emission The devise may include an acoustic transducer for producing light and sound show. The devise may also include a light sensor, a motion detector and/or a microphone or acoustic receiver thereby enabling the light and sound show to be dependent upon ambient light intensity, motion detection and or/ambient noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Wolf, Scott D. Walter, Scott W. Demarest, Cory J. Nelson, Steven B. Mineau
  • Patent number: 7476016
    Abstract: Provided is a display device including: a light guide member for mixing light from a blue LED element coated with a translucent resin mixed with phosphor particles which converts blue light into green light with light from a red LED element to make white light exit from a light exit surface; and a non-self light emission display element provided on an irradiating surface side of the light guide member. Therefore, the display element is irradiated with white light whose sufficient wavelength region is 600 nm or more and whose intensity efficiency is high. When the display device further includes a circuit for separately controlling light emission intensities of the red LED element and a blue LED element, chromatic balance can be adjusted even after manufacturing and an intensity of the display device and color reproducibility thereof can be easily set in an optimum range even after assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Makoto Kurihara
  • Patent number: 7473005
    Abstract: A light assembly is provided for installation in one of an insulation capable (IC) environment and a non-insulation capable (non-IC) environment. The light assembly comprises a light fixture and a label. The light fixture includes a housing having an open end and a wall visible through the open end, the wall defining an aperture having a size sufficient for determining whether insulation is within a predetermined distance of the light fixture. The label includes an indicia signaling a user to use the aperture to make a determination whether insulation is within the predetermined distance of the light fixture and to make a lamp selection based on the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Aaron O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20090002982
    Abstract: An outdoor lighting system comprises an outdoor light source, a luminance control device, a detection apparatus, a communication network and a main controlling system. The detection apparatus is configured for detecting a luminance of the light source and generating a corresponding detecting signal associated with the luminance of the light source. The main controlling system receives the detecting signal from the detection apparatus via the communication network, and generates a luminance control signal in responsive to the detecting signal; the luminance control device is configured for receiving the luminance control signal via the communication network and regulating the luminance of the light source according to the luminance control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: FOXSEMICON INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Sheng-Kai Hu, Wen-Jang Jiang
  • Patent number: 7467881
    Abstract: A multipurpose ceiling fixture selectively receives and powers multiple components. A mounting strap supports a lamp socket, a battery socket, and plural power outlets for selected components. A cylindrical lamp housing within the fixture is attached to the mounting strap and a lamp is engaged with the lamp socket. An annular mounting chassis is adapted for receiving a plurality of the components which may include a loudspeaker; detectors of particles, heat, motion, sound and noxious gas; an audible alarm; a video cam; and an intercom. One may select only those components that are of interest to a particular installation and then can install such components into power sockets and on one or another of the several mounting surfaces. Of particular advantage is a mounting chassis that allows components a line of sight lateral to the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth Clark McMillen
  • Patent number: 7465068
    Abstract: A method of configuring one or more illumination states for illuminating at least two user interface devices of a mobile device, the method comprising assigning a first illumination state to first and second user interface devices, when intensity of ambient light is greater than a first threshold; assigning the first illumination state to the first interface device, and a second illumination state to the second interface device, when the intensity of the ambient light is between the first threshold and a second threshold; and assigning the second illumination state to the first and the second user interface devices, when the intensity of the ambient light is less than the second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: IXI Mobile (R&D), Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Fornell
  • Patent number: 7458699
    Abstract: A ball glove includes impact detection and annunciation circuitry for detecting an impact event, such as contact of a caught ball with the glove. Upon detection of an impact, annunciation circuitry provides a visible light signal, such as flashing a sequence of lights located in the web portion of the glove. An associated method of use is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Karl Whiteside, Jason Michael McCartney
  • Patent number: 7455419
    Abstract: An efficient, long lasting identification and trail light that is suitable for marking trails and objects for nighttime identification includes a translucent housing with an internal cavity. A folding tack is mounted on the housing and is movable from a folded away storage position to an extended position for temporarily tacking the housing to an object. An electrical control circuit with a battery are suitably mounted within the cavity. A light is mounted on the housing and is connected to the control circuit. A photocell is connected to the control circuit to actuate battery power to turn on the light in darkness to identify an object or illuminate a trail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventors: Gerald E. Helget, Robert Evans
  • Patent number: 7452107
    Abstract: A control element for a motor vehicle is disclosed that includes at least one rotary actuator and one actuating element integrated in the rotary actuator, whereby the actuating element can be moved relative to the rotary actuator, and whereby a connecting member, which interacts with an optical system, is molded to the actuating element. A connecting member extends into the optical system such that the deflection of the actuating element can be evaluated as a signal by the optical system. The optical system includes at least one light-emitting and at least one light-absorbing light guide element, whereby one light guide element is arranged on one side of the connecting member and one light guide element is arranged outside the connecting member so that a deflection of the actuating element is analogous to the absorption of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: PREH GmbH
    Inventors: Gerold Eckert, Haiko Glienicke, Anton Ruettiger
  • Patent number: 7452106
    Abstract: The invention provides a circuit device for controlling N light-emitting devices disposed in a sequence on an object, wherein N is an integer larger than 1, and each light-emitting device includes a respective light-emitting diode. The circuit device includes a water-proof enclosure, a motion-actuated switch, a controller, and a battery. Particularly, the controller is capable of driving the light-emitting diodes lighting up on the basis of a first predefined sequence and a consequent second predefined sequence when triggered by the motion-actuated switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Shen Ko Tseng