Abstract: A method and a circuit for driving light emitting diodes (LEDs) in multiphase are provided. A string of LEDs divided into groups connected to each other in series is provided. Each group is coupled to ground through separate conductive paths. A phase switch is provided in each conductive path. Increasing the input voltage turn on the string of LEDs, group by group in the sequence downstream the string. To reduce power dissipation, the phase switch of an upstream group is turned off when next downstream group is turned on.

Abstract: The diffuse lighting arrangement comprises a plurality of strands of miniature lights branching off a power supply cord. An accessory anchor strap is provided for use when it is desired to secure the arrangement to a structure such as a patio umbrella or gazebo.

Abstract: A balloon apparatus includes a balloon having an inflation opening that can be closed for keeping the balloon inflated. The apparatus also includes a light source inside the balloon, wiring connecting a power source to the light source, and a tube through which the wiring extends. The tube may be entirely enclosed in the balloon. This balloon can be inexpensive to fabricate and can provide an attractive advertising medium.

Abstract: An ornamental lighting assembly includes a plurality of lighting units, each of which includes a plurality of upright posts, a plurality of lamps mounted respectively on the posts, hollow upper and lower spacing ribs parallel to each other and extending through the posts, conductive upper and lower wires enclosed respectively in the upper and lower spacing ribs, and pairs of conductive connecting wires connected electrically to the lamps and the upper and lower wires. Each of the upper and lower spacing ribs is non-foldable and non-collapsible so that the spacing between two adjacent ones of the posts is fixed, and is slightly flexible so as to enable the lighting units to be assembled into a circle.

Abstract: An ornamental lamp strings assembly is disclosed. It comprises a plurality of lamp strings each unit in one string being composed of an electric conductor, a lamp socket, a lamp holder and a lighting element, and the lamp socket is provided with a slanted support; and a base plate having a drilled hole for fastening to the slanted support of the lamp socket with its inner fringe. With this scheme, each lamp socket is slantly erected on the base plate forming an acute angle with the base plate.

Abstract: A space that closely approximates the state of an actual flame is reproduced without depending on temporal periods. Namely, by reproducing a spatiotemporal pattern of a flame, the light source can be caused to emit warm light, whereby a compact and inexpensive imitation flame generating apparatus is provided. The imitation flame generating apparatus 1 comprises a light source 10 and a control device 40 for controlling the output of electric current to the light source 10. The control device 40 comprises computation means 41 for computing a spatiotemporal pattern of the flame using a coupled map lattice, and output means 42 for outputting the electric current in accordance with the thus computed spatiotemporal pattern of the flame.

Abstract: A resistive bubble lamp structure is disclosed and claimed, which comprises a vacuum glass tube containing liquid CH2Cl2 with a low boiling point and a circuit mounted at the bottom end of the vacuum glass tube and externally connected to a power supply. The circuit comprises at least one heat-emitting resistive element, which closely surrounds the bottom end of the vacuum glass tube and provides heat to the vacuum glass tube to heat the liquid CH2Cl2 to its boiling point and generate bubbles therein. The circuit further comprises at least one LED to provide light emissions in various colors at the bottom of the vacuum glass tube. The circuit can be further fitted with an integrated circuit control board to control the light emission of the at least one LED.

Abstract: A stretchable and shrinkable tree light string including a long trunk with many short pipes. The short pipes have one or many connecting rings. A base frame has a central axis to support the long trunk to stand up straight. Multiple branches connect at one end with a pin to the connecting ring on the short pipe. These branches use the connecting ring as a base pivot point. The branches being centered on the long trunk to be able to stretch out to form a tree shape, and also to be able to fold up to reduce the volume. Single or many sets of light strings, composed of many lamp bulbs, lamp holders, electrical conductors and receptacles, are to be fixed on the branches to establish tree light strings.

Abstract: A transparent decorative belt, which has an undulating surface on one side or both sides is provided to be wrapped around a frame of a patterned decoration having a light string wound thereon. The light emitted from the bulb assembly of the light string is refracted by the transparent decorative belt to increase the lighting effect.

Abstract: A device (50) capable of selectively altering its appearance can include a housing portion (64) of the device having at least one photochromic compound and an ultraviolet light source (60) forming a portion of the device for exposing the portion of the device having the photochromic compound to the ultraviolet light source. A reaction by the photochromic compound can provide or serve as a status indicator for the device. The device can be any number of devices such as a portable communication device, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a camera, a GPS device, a printer, a camcorder, a vehicle, a toy, a personal hygiene device, a watch, a calculator, and a writing instrument for example. The device can be formed so that reactions by the photochromic compounds within the device are controlled solely by the ultraviolet light sources (54 and 60) within the device.

Abstract: An image-casting flashlight has a housing adapted to hold a battery, a battery-powered LED light source mounted on the housing and directed forward along an axis, and a holder sleeve axially displaceable on the housing forward of and relative to the LED light source. An image carrier, e.g. a slide or a mask, is fixed in the holder sleeve and axially aligned with the light source. An end piece on the housing forward of the LED light source and of the image carrier holds a lens. Thus axial displacement of the holder sleeve moves the image carrier relative to the light source and to the lens.

Abstract: An image locking jewelry device designed to hide a customized image from view until the wearer reveals the image. The image unlocking jewelry device includes a lens mated to a casing and housing a liquid crystal display; a light emitting diode; circuitry placed inside the casing and capable of sending signals to the liquid crystal display and the light emitting diode; and an image positioned between the lens and the circuitry. Voltage is sent from the circuitry to the liquid crystal display and the light emitting diode in order to reveal the image held underneath the lens.

Abstract: An optical fiber layout of light decorative object, in that the layout is for simulating illuminating accumulated snow in a decorative object, includes a house, a separate roof covering a top portion of the house, and an optical fiber strip formed by a plurality of optical fiber threads and clamped between the house and the roof. The invention is characterized that, a light curtain is exposed at a bent end portion of the optical fiber strip for simulating glittering effects of an icicle screen of the decorative object.

Abstract: A light-up accessory which includes a plurality of elementary building units and a chaining arrangement, wherein each of the elementary building units includes a supporting case; a lighting system, which is disposed in the supporting case, and includes an illuminating unit; an operating system which includes an operating member electrically connected with the lighting system and operatively connected with an electrical power supply in such a manner that when the operating member is switched on, the illuminating unit is supplied with electrical power to illuminate. The chaining arrangement which contains a plurality of chaining passageways longitudinally formed on the supporting cases of the elementary building units respectively, and includes a connecting chain adapted to connect the elementary building units by passing through the chaining passageway of each of the elementary building units.

Abstract: A portable light-emitting display device having one or more rotating members including one or more light sources mounted or otherwise affixed thereto. The one or more rotating members are coupled to a motor. The motor and the light sources are each electrically coupled to one or more controllers, which control the speed at which the motor rotates the one or more rotating members and controls a lighting frequency and/or an intensity of all or one or more of the light sources or any combination thereof, to create a visual effect.

Abstract: A vehicular lighting system including an elongated mounting base having a body. The body has a central portion with a central bearing surface for contacting a mounting surface. The body includes a pair of flanges having upwardly depending portions extending from the central portion and downwardly depending portions extending from the central portion. The downwardly depending portions form bearing surfaces spaced from the central bearing surface for bearing on the mounting surface. The central portion includes an elongated groove extending along the base opposed from the central bearing surface. The elongated groove and inner surfaces of the flanges defining an elongated receptacle for a flexible light strip, which is positioned and retained in the receptacle by the flanges. The light strip is substantially contained within the receptacle and comprises a substantially transparent polymeric body with a plurality of light sources encapsulated in the polymeric body.

Abstract: An illuminated display includes a light source positioned within an optical chamber defined by a first optical element having a first reflective surface with an image thereon. A second optical element is positioned within the chamber and is spaced from the first optical element to define a gap therebetween, through which gap the image is visible. The second optical element has a second reflective surface thereon for reflecting light from the light source onto the image. A third reflective surface is positioned on the first optical element and also reflects light from the light source to the second reflective surface from which light is directed to the image on the first optical element and out through the gap. In this way the efficiencies of the illuminated display are enhanced. The illuminated display is used in combination with an automotive vehicle to display branding information and logos.

Abstract: The decorative glass block includes a bowl-shaped first half and a bowl-shaped second half joined together. The first half and the second half each include a face, a lip surrounding the perimeter of the face, and a wall portion extending outwardly from the lip around the perimeter of the face. Decorations including layers of paint, decals, decoupage glaze, and glitter are provided on at least one of the faces. A hole sized to accommodate a string of lights is provided in one of the faces. The decorative glass block is illuminated using a string of lights inserted into the interior of the decorative glass block through the hole. The decorations enhance the appearance of the decorative glass block and the aesthetic value of light transmitted by the decorative glass block when the decorative glass block is illuminated.

Abstract: Decorative coil string lights that are easily applied to and removed from a Christmas tree, for example, and are easily stored without tangling of the wires. The coil lights are formed of a string of decorative lights that are attached to a coil of memory wire. The coiled memory wire expands and automatically retracts back its original length when released. Thus, the coil string lights expand for easy placement of the lights and then retract for easy storage. The coil string lights provide increased light density to create a more visually pleasing effect because the electrical wires do not sag between the bulbs and the bulbs are supported by the spiral structure of the coiled memory wire.

Abstract: A lighting system has at least one decorative transparent member which has at least one bore with at least one light source for illuminating the at least one decorative transparent member. The lightning system further has a mechanical holder which extends into the bore for holding or hanging the at least one decorative transparent member. Each light source is arranged in the bore of the respective decorative transparent member, and the current supply to each light source takes place through the respective holder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible decoration lamp tube, which can be formed into any shape freely, comprising a lamp string formed by a plurality of lighting elements connected in series by wires; and a transparent support body made by hollow tubular flexible insulator material, which is used to contain said lamp string; a decoration tape, which is wrapped around the tube wall of said support body to enhance its fineness; and outer cover body which is made by transparent tubular flexible insulator material to envelop said decoration tape and to fix the decoration tape between the outer cover body and the support body. This invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the flexible decoration lamp tube of this invention.

Abstract: Multipurpose fancy goods having a plurality of sheets connected to each other to form a polyhedron. The multipurpose fancy goods including a first regular square-shaped sheet, a second regular square-shaped sheet, a first regular triangle-shaped sheet, and a second regular triangle-shaped sheet each being made of a polypropylene foam sheet. Each of the first and second regular square-shaped sheets has four regular square-shaped sheet coupling parts each protruded outwardly from one side of each edge. Each of the first and second regular square-shaped sheets has four regular square-shaped sheet coupling through holes each formed around each corner. Each of the first and second regular triangle-shaped sheets has three regular triangle-shaped sheet coupling through holes each formed around each corner.

Abstract: A household-use receptacle has a one-piece glass body having a side wall forming an annular upper edge defining an upwardly open mouth and having an inner surface and an outer surface and a floor unitarily joined to a lower edge of the side wall and forming with the side wall an upwardly open and laterally closed interior. The side wall is formed with at least one horizontally throughgoing hole having an annular inner edge. A decorative jewel is fixedly secured in the hole and projects horizontally past one of the side-wall surfaces.

Abstract: A light system to be installed under branches of a tree, particularly under the fronds of a palm tree. The system involves a flexible multiple bulb light rod or a continuous string of lights. A lower end of the light rod is installed to a trunk of a tree by way of a bracket. The upper end of the flexible light rod has one end of a cord attached thereto. The cord is passed along the light rod by way of hooks attached thereon. By pulling at the other free end of the cord the flexible light rod will be bent downwardly to simulate the curvature of a branch on the tree without being attached thereto. The free end of the cord is then tied to a lower end of the bracket. The support rod for the lighting string may be supported on both ends on individual columns to form an arch.

Abstract: An improved decorative lighting device comprising a central column containing at least one light source, a rigid member lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of said column, and a plurality of optical fibers extending from a point adjacent the top of said column about said rigid member to a point adjacent the bottom of said column.

Abstract: An illumination device having a first light source, a second light source, whose luminous color differs from that of said first light source, and a controller for controlling the illuminating condition of each of the first light source and the second light source is configured. The controller turns on the first light source so that the light intensity of the first light source gradually increases at an early stage of a turning-on operation. Moreover, the controller turns on the second light source when the light intensity of the first light source gradually increases after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the turning-on of the first light source.

Abstract: A luminaire having a housing and/or a reflector formed of a patterned material or a material having a pattern disposed on at least a portion or portions thereof reminiscent of a person, place or thing associated with an experience pleasing to an observer of said luminaire, the invention finds particular utility in the formation of a luminaire such as a shoplight as can be employed in a work space such as a space wherein automotive activities are conducted, a luminaire configured according to one embodiment of the invention being formed of a separate channel and reflector and in another embodiment of the invention with at least portions of a reflector formed integrally with a channel. In particular embodiments of the invention, a pattern referred to in the art as a diamond tread plate pattern is employed in order to produce an association of the luminaire with motor sport activities such as professional auto racing and particularly stock car racing.

Abstract: A decorated luminary product includes a candle holder containing a candle, wherein at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the candle holder has a hammered texture such that light passing through the candle holder varies substantially as a result of variation of refraction of the light. A decorative web of a heat-shrinkable polymer may be heat shrunk to conform to the outer surface of the candle holder. The web is decorated with an ink or pigmentation to cooperate with light and/or heat emitted by burning the candle, so as to provide a pleasing visual effect when the candle is burned, while the hammered texture of the candle holder causes variations in the refraction of light emitted from the candle, causing further visual effects.

Abstract: A cuttable illumination device has a first lamp, a second lamp, a current source element, and a voltage breakdown element connected such that the first lamp may be removed from the device without affecting the function and performance of the remaining portion of the illumination device. Additional lamps may be added to the device in conjunction with additional voltage breakdown elements to form a string of lamps where any number of lamps may be removed without affecting the function and performance of the remaining portion of the device. The device may have a waveguide member and a housing, creating a cuttable illumination device for simulating neon lighting.

Abstract: There is provided a novelty candy assembly including a body, an illumination module attached to the body, a cover for the illumination module, the cover having at least an outer layer of candy, at least one activation conduit extending through the cover and being operatively connected to an activation switch within the body, at least one speaker within the body, and at least one memory chip within the body. The activation switch is activated when the candy is at least in part consumed, the activation switch being part of a circuit including the illumination module, the memory chip, and the speaker. Pre-recorded audio in the memory chip is reproduced by the at least one speaker and illumination is produced by the illumination module when the activation switch is activated.

Abstract: A light display power box receives a string of clear and a string of colored lights thereby displaying clear and colored lights simultaneously to form selected light display patterns. The light display power box includes a plurality of outlets for receiving at least one string of clear lights and at least one string of colored lights. Additionally, the light display power box includes electronic circuitry including a microprocessor programmed to receive, process, and use received command signals to program selected light patterns. In one embodiment, a remote control transmitter transmits wireless command signals associated with selected light patterns to a sensor unit housed within or in proximity to the light display power box.

Abstract: A vehicular lamp used in a vehicle, includes: a light source for emitting light in accordance with power given thereto; a lamp body for accommodating the light source and protecting the light source from water; a first resistor provided in the outside of the lamp body and connected in series with the light source; and a current limiting circuit, provided in the inside of the lamp body, for preventing an excess current supplied to the light source in a case where dump surge occurs in a supplied voltage or current to be supplied to the light source.

Abstract: The present invention is a supporting structure for decorative Christmas lights. The main structure of the present invention is a center pole with a fixed hub at the top, and a movable hub, which can move along the center pole. A plurality of hanging bars are connected to the fixed hub at one end, and connected to the supportive struts at the other end. The other ends of the supportive struts are hooked to the movable hub. This forms an umbrella-like structure. By moving the movable hub along the center pole, the structure can be easily opened up or display or fold to save storage space. It could also form a multi-level structure and a number of variations. The lights can be hanged, or clipped to the structure. When the structure is implemented with hollow tubes, the lights can be inserted inside the tubes. The different styles of attaching lights to the supporting structure can be combined to achieve various desirable visual effects.

Abstract: A novelty item comprising a simulated animal, bird, or vertebrate comprising a head, a body, and one or more appendages coupled to the body. The novelty item also includes a translucent rod having a first end and a second end where the first end of the rod is coupled to the body and the second end is coupled to a base. The translucent rod has a bore and one or more electromagnetic energy sources positioned within the bore. The base has one or more energy sources electrically coupled to the one or more electromagnetic energy sources. The novelty item also includes a securing means coupled to the base of the novelty item.

Abstract: An elongated perimeter light is disclosed, which comprises a linear array of light sources (LEDs) that are electrically illuminated. The array of light sources is disposed within an elongated transparent tube, with the tube transmitting and dispersing the light from the array giving the appearance that said array of light sources is a continuous light source. The array of light sources is capable of being cut at intervals down its length to shorten it. The light sources that remain in the array continue to emit light and the tube can be cut to match the length of said array. The present invention also discloses systems for lighting structural features, with one system according to the present invention comprising a plurality of elongated perimeter lights. The perimeter lights are electrically coupled in a daisy chain with the electrical power at each of the perimeter lights being transmitted to the successive light.

Abstract: An electric fire assembly with a flame effect arrangement. The arrangement includes a bulb located in a hollow cylindrical member of opaque material with a plurality of flame shape cutouts. Light passes through the cutouts onto the rear surface of a screen to provide a flame effect as the member rotates.

Abstract: An improved gang lamp structure includes a first socket and a second socket alternately integrated with one another with the first socket positioned slightly higher than the second socket and each of the sockets has a first and second insertion grooves, wherein the first socket has a rectangular opening in an upper periphery abutting the upper rims of the sockets, the second socket has a pair of hooks facing a stop plate respectively formed on opposing upper peripheries to define a gap therebetween. A bent step shaped copper plate strides on the bottom of the opening having an upper contact surface engaged within the second insertion groove of the first socket and a lower contact surface engaged with the first insertion groove of the second socket. A pair of electric wires each has a contact plate on the top respectively engaged with the first insertion groove of the first socket and the second insertion groove of the second socket.

Abstract: A flameless candle includes a housing, which defines an enclosure. A wall is positioned in the enclosure to form an air intake chamber and an air outflow chamber. At least one opening is in communication with both the ambient air and the air intake chamber. At least one opening is in communication with the air intake chamber and the air outflow chamber. And at least one opening is in communication with the ambient air and the air outflow chamber.

Abstract: A multi-variation decorative lamp, comprising: a light emitting device including a plurality of light emitting units for emitting lights of different wave lengths in combination; a functions control device for generating and emitting a plurality of electric waves, it is connected to and control said light emitting units; a power supply device, to be connected to said functions control device for supplying electric power; decorative objects, formed by one or a plurality of light penetrating materials with identical or different reflection or refraction coefficients or light-absorbing efficiency; it is located near said light-emitting unit; and, when said functions control device generates the electric wave according to pre-designed functions, the light emitting units then emit light of multi-variations, such that each of the decorative objects generates functions of multi-variations.

Abstract: A gaming machine in which the number of parts for securing a decorative panel is small, so the decorative panel is easy to attach and detach. A frame supports a decorative panel from a front face of the decorative panel. The frame is detachably attached to a door. The door is provided with a support part for supporting the decorative panel from a rear face of the decorative panel. When the frame is secured to the door, the decorative panel is held between the frame and the support part.

Abstract: Analog control of a plurality of light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), to generate multiple colors of light. An electronic circuit controls three or more analog outputs in response to a single analog input, each of the analog outputs controlling a different one of the light sources.

Abstract: A plasma lamp head that has a spherical plasma bulb whose upper hemisphere serves as the top of the head, a decorative face and lower back of the head covering the lower hemisphere of the bulb. Operative components are provide to enable the bulb to illuminate in response to receipt of appropriate energy delivery to excite the plasma within the bulb to illuminate. The face preferably has eyes, a nose, a mouth and ears, any of which may be transparent or translucent so that light shines through when the bulb illuminates. The remainder of the decorative face and lower back of the head may be opaque or translucent material.

Abstract: A light emitting decorative apparatus includes a main frame, a socket, a cover, a soft rubber jacket, and an ornament. Thus, when the protruding probe detects existence of the water, and when the optical sensitive resistor detects that the light is weakened to a determined extent, the optical sensitive resistor triggers the circuit board to drive the light emitting diode to emit light outward, and the optical fibers conduct the light to the ornament, so that the ornament lights and blinks, thereby greatly enhancing the aesthetic quality of the light emitting decorative apparatus.

Abstract: A decorative illumination includes an illumination string and a baseplate. The baseplate is provided with laser film. The illumination string fits inside a lamphole, and the lamphole is a through hole that penetrates the baseplate and laser film. The baseplate is made form plastic film material. In addition, there is a support frame on the other side of the laser film opposite to the base plate, and the illumination string is inside the support frame and fitted in the lamphole. The illuminations in accordance with the present invention provide advantages of simple structure and aesthetic appearance that can beautify the environment and provide perfect night lighting effect, which can be used for decoration, beautifying the environment, etc.

Abstract: A lamp unit for a motor vehicle includes a light source, a substantially plano-convex projection lens, and an identification symbol. The projection lens has the configuration of a spherical segment and a central region, and the identification symbol is disposed in the central region of the planar side of the projection lens. The planar side of the lens faces the light source. A method of making a lamp unit for a motor vehicle includes disposing an identification symbol in a central region of a planar side of a substantially plano-convex projection lens of the lamp unit, wherein the planar side of the lens faces a light source.

Abstract: A lighting system has a base and at least one vertical support (trunk) that frictionally engages the base. The vertical support (trunk) has apertures around its circumference and its inner circumference is lined with longitudinal current carrying conductors. A low voltage transformer disposed within the base and electrically connected to a voltage supply contact in the base. The longitudinal current carrying conductors engage the voltage supply contact when the vertical support frictionally engages the base. Pairs of current carrying rods (branches) frictionally engage the vertical support (trunk) at the apertures and have voltage supply contacts that contact the longitudinal current carrying conductors. Ornaments having resilient clasps, with a pair of separately disposed electrical contacts on both sides of the clasp, frictionally engage the current carrying rods (branches) and electrically connect the current carrying rods to the electrical contacts and the ornament.

Abstract: A wheel rim device with patterned light capable of automatically generating electric power has a wheel rim, an automatic generating assembly, a rectifier/filter circuit, a circuit board, a programmable chip and several light emitting components. The automatic generating assembly is accommodated on an end face of a wheel axle of the wheel rim. The circuit board is disposed on a wheel spoke of the wheel rim. The rectifier/filter circuit, the programmable chip and the light emitting components are disposed on the circuit board. Input terminals of the rectifier/filter circuit are connected to lead out wires of the automatic generating assembly. The programmable chip has a power source terminal, a trigger terminal and several I/O terminals. The power source terminal is connected with the output terminal of the rectifier/filter circuit. Each of the I/O terminals is connected with one of the light emitting components.

Abstract: A lighted hat is provided that in one embodiment includes a crown, a bill extending from the crown, and at least one light source positioned to direct light through a light-transmissive portion of the bill. The light-transmissive portion may include one or more indicia which are highlighted by light from the light source.

Abstract: A decorative light strand has user-selectable color schemes corresponding to several holidays for year-round use. The light strand has a plurality of lights including at least one commonly-controlled set of color-controllable multi-color LEDs; a decorating selector comprising a switch which provides a plurality of user-selectable settings; and logic coupled to the switch and the plurality of lights to provide different holiday color schemes in response to the user-selectable settings. Preferably, a plurality of commonly-controlled sets of color-controllable multi-color LEDs exist along the strand, where LEDs of each set are interleaved with LEDs of other sets along the light strand. Advantageously, this light strand may be hung permanently and utilized year-round for major holidays and other suitable occasions.

Abstract: A twinkle bulb light set includes, alternately from one end of the light set to an opposite end of the light set, at least one standard bulb socket configured and dimensioned to operatively receive a standard or steady-burning bulb and at least one non-standard bulb socket configured and dimensioned to operatively receive a non-standard twinkle bulb. The standard and non-standard bulb sockets are configured and dimensioned to operatively receive only standard and non-standard bulbs, respectively. Preferably the standard bulb socket is smaller than the non-standard bulb socket in at least one dimension such that the standard bulb socket cannot operatively receive a non-standard bulb, and the non-standard bulbs have at least one dimension greater than that of the standard bulbs, thereby to preclude operative receipt of a non-standard bulb in a standard bulb socket.