Pre-selectable Regulator Systems Patents (Class 315/293)
  • Patent number: 11943855
    Abstract: Provided herein are lighting devices, systems, and methods. In particular, provided herein are lighting systems configured for use in a variety of facilities, such as health care facilities and prisons, to improve resident and staff health, performance, and well-being by optimizing lighting in resident rooms, common areas, and staff areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: MIDWEST LIGHTING INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventor: Rodney Heller
  • Patent number: 11689092
    Abstract: A power conversion system comprising, three full wave LLC resonant converters each of which has an associated high frequency isolation transformer, a full wave rectifier and an unfolding inverter, to provide a direct connection to a Medium Voltage (MV) three-phase grid for a high power photovoltaic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Imagen Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Adel Nasiri, Ezana T Mekonnen, Bruce Beihoff, Jason S Katcha
  • Patent number: 11626793
    Abstract: An LED driver is described, the LED driver comprising: a back end module BE comprising a switch mode power converter SMPS configured to operate in a self-oscillating current control mode, the back end module BE further comprising: an input terminal configured to receive a DC bus voltage; an output terminal configured to output a supply current for powering an LED fixture; a control unit configured to control the back end module to operate the SMPS in a voltage control mode by: determining a switching frequency of the SMPS when operating in the self-oscillating current control mode; determining a minimal switching frequency of the SMPS and receiving an input signal representative of the supply current for powering the LED fixture; wherein the control unit is further configured to control the switch of the SMPS in the voltage control mode by: operating the switch of the SMPS at a substantially constant frequency based on the determined minimal switching frequency and modulating a duty cycle of the switc
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: eldoLAB Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Marc Saes, Franciscus Bernardus Marie Van Horck
  • Patent number: 11448386
    Abstract: A light fitting control module able to receive a coupler of a light fitting that is also able connect to an electrically power track. The light fitting is able to be supported and/or powered by the track. The control module comprises a first coupler able to connect with the supporting power track and a second coupler able to connect to the coupler of said light fitting to support and electrically connect said light fitting with the electrically powered track. The control module is configured and adapted to respond to remote command to control at least one degree of freedom of operation the lighting fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: ENERGY LIGHT GROUP LIMITED
    Inventors: Ralph David Booth, Nelson Halwyn Duder
  • Patent number: 11403248
    Abstract: For a bi-directional bus topology, a node connection includes two select line connections for a select line of a serial network. The select line is broken at the node connection. A bus direction module configures a first select line connection for an input line and a second select line connection for an output line in response to detecting a selection event. At least a portion of the bus direction module includes one or more of hardware and executable code, the executable code stored on a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Brandt, Scott T. Griffiths, Dayin Xu, Yutao Wang, Wojciech Koczwara
  • Patent number: 11278183
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a light source device and imaging system capable of issuing a warning to a user in accordance with an actual deterioration state of a light source. [Solution] The light source device includes: at least one light source; a light monitor unit that detects emitted light emitted from the light source; a light source drive unit that controls a drive current or an applied voltage of the light source such that a detection value detected by the light monitor unit indicates a predetermined target value; and a warning unit that performs a primary warning when the drive current or the applied voltage of the light source reaches a predetermined reference value, and performs a predetermined process on a basis of a deterioration level of the light source after the primary warning is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Oki, Akio Furukawa
  • Patent number: 11109467
    Abstract: Provided herein are lighting devices, systems, and methods. In particular, provided herein are lighting systems configured for use in a variety of medical settings to improve patient and health care worker health, performance, and well-being.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Midwest Lighting Institute, INC.
    Inventor: Rodney Heller
  • Patent number: 10883693
    Abstract: A vehicle lamp 100 includes: an organic EL element 120; a lighting circuit 200 configured to switch between lighting and lighting-off of the organic EL element 120; and a lighting control unit 202 configured to control the lighting circuit 200 so as to repeat instantaneous lighting-off in a state in which the organic EL element 120 is to be lighted. The lighting circuit 200 includes a discharge path 210 formed at least during the instantaneous lighting-off so as to discharge accumulated charges from the organic EL element 120.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Harada, Masaya Shido, Toru Ito
  • Patent number: 10849199
    Abstract: In one aspect, a gloving light includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged in an array; a programmable controller configured to store logic including instructions for controlling a functionality of the plurality of LEDs; at least one user interface for modifying the logic stored in the programmable controller; and a housing configured to enclose the electronics and be retained in a digit of a glove. In another aspect, a gloving light includes at least one LED; at least one integrated circuit configured to store logic including instructions for controlling a functionality of the at least one LED; a user interface for modifying the logic stored in the at least one integrated circuit; a housing configured to enclose at least one integrated circuit and to be inserted into a digit of a glove; and a bidirectional communication interface comprising one or more wireless emitters and receivers for bidirectional communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Jarrad Bryan Fallon
  • Patent number: 10485079
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for configuring a device of a lighting control system. The method begins by providing a configuration interface by a centralized controller of the lighting control system. Device configuration information is received via the configuration interface. A communication network of the lighting control system is then placed into a programming mode. A programming request received at the device is detected, and configuration data representing at least a portion of the received device configuration information is transmitted from the centralized controller to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Douglas Lighting Controls
    Inventors: John Cavacuiti, Arif Hossain, Russell Kramer, Tony Lee, Rob Mahaffey
  • Patent number: 10334700
    Abstract: A mechanism for control and configuration of a lighting system from a user interface. For instance, a wall module designed as a user interface for a tenant to control the system may be implemented so as to be used not only to control the lighting system but also to configure it. The lighting system may involve a controller, circuits of lights, relays, motion and ambient detectors, scenes, schedules, and more. An additional user interface such as a wall module may be connected to the lighting system for control and configuration of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Nelson, John Marden
  • Patent number: 10116431
    Abstract: The present application relates to an optical communication transmitting apparatus and receiving apparatus. The optical communication transmitting apparatus includes: an encoder, configured to encode and shunt an input signal, to generate multiple synchronous encoded signals; a driver, configured to amplify the multiple encoded signals, to generate multiple drive signals; and multiple light sources, configured to generate multiple synchronous optical signals when driven by the multiple drive signals. The optical communication transmitting apparatus and receiving apparatus provided in the present application make full use of advantages of visible light communication, achieving a rapid communication speed and high security.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: KUANG-CHI INTELLIGENT PHOTONIC TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Ruopeng Liu, Weizi Huang, Weicheng Xu, Linyong Fan, Zhiwei Pan
  • Patent number: 9125254
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for commissioning improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to send and receive signals and control the LED light bars, and network connectivity to other fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Digital Lumens, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Chemel, Colin Piepgras, Steve T. Kondo, Scott D. Johnston
  • Patent number: 9085260
    Abstract: Light for motor vehicles and the like provided with a lighting device comprising a pair of power supply lines flowed through by a primary supplying current, two or more lighting branches each comprising one or more light sources adapted for being flowed through by a secondary supplying current; and an electronic control circuit configured to determine the secondary current flowing through each lighting branch; limit the primary supplying current to a predetermined minimum value when the secondary current flowing through at least one of said lighting branches is lesser than a predetermined threshold current; control the simultaneous transition of the light sources from a pre-lighting state to a complete-lighting state, when each of the secondary currents flowing through the lighting branches is greater than or equal to the predetermined current threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING ITALIA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giancarlo Codutti, Stefano Marchesin, Franco Marcori
  • Patent number: 9041309
    Abstract: A dynamically programmable LED illumination system, method and apparatus provides for a dynamically programming an LED illumination unit including LED bulbs affixed on a circuit board and arranged to providing an animating display (such as a logo, sign, . . . ), where a user can customize the animating display on the LED illumination unit by selecting control signals. LED bulbs in the unit can illuminate or be adjusted such as to provide an animating display to a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Scott M. Shane
  • Patent number: 8988002
    Abstract: A lighting power supply device receives a voltage converted from an alternating current to a direct current by a rectifying circuit rectifying the alternating current whose phase is controlled by a phase control type dimmer, and generates and outputs a direct current voltage/current to be supplied to a load. The lighting power supply device includes: a control circuit, and the control circuit gradually decreases a current drawn from the rectifying circuit from a predetermined current value set in advance, determines a current value immediately before detecting a malfunction of the phase control type dimmer as a drawn current value, and performs current control so as to maintain the determined current value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Okubo, Taro Isogai
  • Patent number: 8981668
    Abstract: A demand-side dimmable LED lamp operable on a direct current power source that powers a lighting subsystem. The dimming unit selects a power consumption level of the lighting system. Such selection changes the efficacy of the lighting subsystem such that a reduction in power consumption actually results in improved efficacy. The selecting might, for example, select a particular passive network that includes LEDs within the lighting subsystem. Each passive network may have different I-V characteristics, and result in different L-P characteristics, thereby effecting the improved efficacy at lower powers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: LT Lighting (Taiwan) Corp.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Wen-Tai Shuy, Wen Ten Chang, Chang-Horang Li
  • Publication number: 20150069930
    Abstract: An energy-efficient, compact and cost-effective solution for driving a number of high-power LED groups for lighting applications includes using a single switching power supply together with LEDs connected in series and/or in parallel and pulse width-controlled switches in parallel across the individually controllable LED groups. If the switch of an LED group is ON, the LED group will not light up. If the switch is in the OFF position, the full current of the power supply will pass through the corresponding LED group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: EldoLAB Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Machiel Slot, Antonius Jacobus Maria Cremer
  • Publication number: 20140292223
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes: a plurality of light emission units that respectively emit lights in luminescent colors different from each other; and a control unit that controls in luminance the respective light, which are emitted from said plurality of light emission units, for the respective luminescent colors. In response to a control input, said control unit switches between a first light emission mode that it makes said light emission units emit light with luminance set for the respective luminescent colors and a second light emission mode that makes it light emission units corresponding to at least one luminescent color turn off or emit light with luminance lower than the luminance in the first light emission mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: PIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Hirasawa, Yuhki Terao
  • Patent number: 8823266
    Abstract: A dimming LED lamp having an LED light, an EMI circuit, a power-factor correction circuit, a digital switching power supply circuit, a dimming control circuit, a power supply circuit, a signal acquisition circuit, an MCU microcontroller, a RF wireless transmitter, a RF receiver circuit, an EEPROM memorizer, and a fan circuit. The brightness of the dimmable LED lamp can be dimmed through any conventional incandescent dimmers, or through any ordinary key switch, or through a wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter can also remotely turn on the lamps or turn off the lamps, at the same time the LED lamp also has the function of brightness saving. The fan circuit uses air convection to cool the LED which has the advantages of aesthetically pleasing appearance, small size, light weight, low cost, long life, and good cooling effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ningbo Huadian Envirotech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bing Qin
  • Patent number: 8816602
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for controlling a lighting system by proximity sensing of a spotlight control device, particularly to controlling a spotlight generated by a lighting system such as a large LED lighting array by means of a spotlight control device. A device is provided for controlling a lighting system by proximity sensing of a spotlight control device, wherein a predefined area around the spotlight control device is illuminated if a proximity sensor signals presence of the spotlight control device within the predefined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Markus Gerardus Leonardus Maria Van Doorn
  • Patent number: 8648544
    Abstract: An illumination lighting apparatus is connected to, as an external apparatus, any of a human body sensing sensor configured to detect presence/absence of a person, an illuminance sensor configured to detect space illuminance, and a dimmer which arbitrarily adjusts the space illuminance, and is configured to produce an output control signal for controlling an optical output of a light source based on a signal output from the external apparatus. The illumination lighting apparatus includes: an external apparatus determining unit configured to determine which kind of the external apparatus is connected based on the signal output from the external apparatus; and a signal processing unit configured to produce the output control signal based on the signal output from the external apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Sasakawa, Naoki Onishi, Masafumi Yamamoto, Keisuke Ueda, Katsunobu Hamamoto, Kei Mitsuyasu
  • Patent number: 8624706
    Abstract: A control circuit for an indicator light includes a power source, a switch unit, a ground resistor, and a first adjusting unit. The power source supplies a voltage. The switch unit is connected between the power source and the indicator light and turns on or turns off the indicator light. The ground resistor is connected between the power source and the ground via the indicator light and the switch unit. The first adjusting unit includes a first adjusting resistor and a first control switch. The adjusting resistor is connected between the indicator light and the ground via the first control switch. The first control switch is capable of connecting the first adjusting resistor with the ground resistor in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Feng Xu, Yong-Qian Deng
  • Patent number: 8519630
    Abstract: A driving circuit includes a switch, a detecting unit, a current supply unit, and an energy storage unit. The current supply unit is used for providing a driving current for at least one series of light emitting diodes. The detecting unit is used for comparing a voltage of a first terminal of the detecting unit with a reference voltage to generate a switch control signal. When the switch is turned on according the switch control signal, a first voltage drives the series of light emitting diodes through the switch and the energy storage unit is charged according a charge current. When the switch is turned off according the switch control signal, the energy storage unit drives the series of light emitting diodes according to a discharge current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Analog Integrations Corporation
    Inventors: Jing-Chyi Wang, Chi-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20130200819
    Abstract: The present invention extends to independently programmable lights for use in gloves and to gloves that incorporate such lights. Each independently programmable light of the present invention can include a programmable controller that stores logic for controlling the light such as by changing the color emitted by the light or the on/off pattern of the light. The user of the glove can modify the logic within the programmable controller to customize the functionality of the light. These modifications can be made by connecting the programmable light or a dedicated control unit that connects to each programmable light to another computer system to transfer new or updated logic to a programmable controller for controlling the lights in a custom manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventor: Richard J. Valenti
  • Publication number: 20130187565
    Abstract: A demand-side dimmable LED lamp operable on a direct current power source that powers a lighting subsystem. The dimming unit selects a power consumption level of the lighting system. Such selection changes the efficacy of the lighting subsystem such that a reduction in power consumption actually results in improved efficacy. The selecting might, for example, select a particular passive network that includes LEDs within the lighting subsystem. Each passive network may have different I-V characteristics, and result in different L-P characteristics, thereby effecting the improved efficacy at lower powers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: LT LIGHTING (TAIWAN) CORP.
    Inventor: LT LIGHTING (TAIWAN) CORP.
  • Publication number: 20130154501
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for defining an operational parameter of an operational device for lighting means. According to the method, a voltage supply of the operational device is preferably switched on/off manually, an on/off switching is evaluated by the operational device as to whether at least one first predetermined criterion is fulfilled, for example, time constants or repetition rates, in this is the case, a continuous, preferably cyclic change of the predetermined operational parameters is switched on by the operational device, the changed operational parameter is returned to the user directly or indirectly, optically and/or acoustically, and the actual value of the changed operational parameters is maintained at a moment in time for a subsequent operation of the lighting means to which an additional on/off switching of the voltage supply fulfills at least one second criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Tridonic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Zudrell-Koch, Rainer Troppacher, Florian Moosmann
  • Publication number: 20130119892
    Abstract: There is provided a lighting system 100 comprising at least one lighting device 110, 120, 130 and a control unit 140 arranged for providing power P1,2,3 to each lighting device according to a control logic which is based on startup characteristics C1,2,3 of each lighting device. Thereby a lighting system is provided in which the individual characteristics of the lighting devices are taken into account when controlling the lighting devices. Since the control logic is based on startup characteristics for the lighting devices in the system, as an example, a reduction of the total standby power in the lighting system is achievable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV
    Inventors: Lorenzo Feri, Theodorus Jacobus Johannes Denteneer, Johan Cornelis Talstra
  • Publication number: 20130119891
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlled lighting of an area (2) with a lighting system (1). The method comprises providing with the lighting system (1), according to a predetermined time program, general lighting (11) during a predetermined general lighting period and colored lighting (21) during a predetermined first colored lighting period. The time program runs for at least 6 hours. Further, in the method a control unit (30) is applied, configured to control the lighting system (1) according to the predetermined time program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Hannelore Marie Lea Elise Herremans, Lucas Josef Maria Schlangen, Leonie Maria Geerdinck
  • Patent number: 8362713
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for systems and methods that provide a method of power management of a lighting source, including providing a lighting facility, wherein the lighting facility includes the lighting source, an external control device for communicating between the lighting facility and an external control source, an internal control facility, an energy storage device, and a connection to external power; and shifting power usage between the external power and the energy storage device as controlled by the internal control facility and as a result of information received from the external control source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Wireless Environment, LLC
    Inventors: Michael V. Recker, David B. Levine
  • Patent number: 8207682
    Abstract: A light source control method and a light source control device are used for controlling a light source. The light source control device includes a position detecting sensor and a microcontroller. The light source control method includes steps of generating a first signal according to an object touching a position of the position detecting sensor, and generating a control signal according to a light source adjustable parameter set corresponding to the first signal for controlling an illuminating status of the light source. The light source adjustable parameter set includes a plurality of color value components. The control signal is generated by the microcontroller according to the color value components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Young Lighting Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Chin Lan, Wei-Jen Chou, Shih-Yuan Yu, Chien-Chung Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20120056544
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving a light emitting device includes: a current control unit generating a current control signal according to a preset current setting value; a constant current circuit unit varying a current resistance value according to the current control signal of the current control unit, detecting a current flowing in a light emitting unit including a plurality of emitting devices by using the current resistance value, and controlling the current flowing in the light emitting unit based on the detected current; and a voltage control unit varying a voltage resistance value according to a preset voltage setting value, detecting a voltage supplied to the light emitting unit by using the voltage resistance value, and determining whether or not the voltage is in an over-voltage state, based on the detected voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Nak Jun JEONG, Jae Eun Kim, Jong Duck Kim, Kwang Hee Sung
  • Publication number: 20120038290
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for common use of a power supply and a display apparatus using the same are provided. The display apparatus includes a display panel, a backlight unit which provides backlight to the display panel, and a power supply unit for common use which comprises an adjusting circuit unit comprising a plurality of resistances, and provides a current of a magnitude corresponding to a combination state of the plurality of resistances to the backlight unit. Accordingly, the power supply apparatus for common use adjusts an output current easily and is commonly used for diverse display apparatuses, and thus a manufacturing process is efficiently improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyo-soon CHOI, Jeong-il KANG
  • Patent number: 8102125
    Abstract: Systems for reducing the power consumption of fluorescent lights are provided. The systems can be used in new construction as well as retrofitted into existing buildings employing overdriven fluorescent lights without significantly affecting the operation of utility power lines. In preferred embodiments, the systems provide substantially constant light output during start-up and low voltage conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Pyramid Technologies LLC
    Inventor: George Bucci
  • Patent number: 8067893
    Abstract: An intelligent light fixture facilitates the use of a ‘universal’ light bulb having a wattage rating. A lamp dimmer circuit disposed within the fixture is in electrical communication between the AC line and a socket. A bulb test circuit within the fixture is operative to determine the maximum wattage of the bulb. A controller, also within the fixture includes a wattage select input. The controller is operative to determine the maximum wattage of the bulb using the bulb test circuit, compare the maximum wattage to the wattage select input and, if the maximum wattage is greater than the wattage select input, control the dimmer circuit to ensure that the power delivered to the bulb does not exceed the wattage select input. The bulb test circuit may determine the maximum wattage of the bulb by measuring the resistance of the bulb's filament or alternatively, by temporarily impressing line voltage across the bulb and measuring the current drawn by the bulb's filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Stacy Markel
  • Patent number: 7956554
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a system, apparatus, and method of controlling an intensity and spectrum of light emitted from a solid state lighting system. The solid state lighting has a first emitted spectrum at full intensity and at a selected temperature, with a first electrical biasing for the solid state lighting producing a first wavelength shift, and a second electrical biasing for the solid state lighting producing a second, opposing wavelength shift. Exemplary embodiments provide for receiving information designating a selected intensity level or a selected temperature; and providing a combined first electrical biasing and second electrical biasing to the solid state lighting to generate emitted light having the selected intensity level and having a second emitted spectrum within a predetermined variance of the first emitted spectrum over a predetermined range of temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Exclara, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Shteynberg, Harry Rodriguez, Bradley M. Lehman, Dongsheng Zhou
  • Patent number: 7911158
    Abstract: A system (120) and/or corresponding method introduces a minor change to a given set of parameters (110) that affect an ambiance (130) associated with an environment, and collects the user's response to the change. Based on the user's response, the system learns which changes to which parameters lead to an improved effect. By repeating the change-feedback sessions, the system approaches an optimal setting for achieving the desired ambiance in the given environment. Preferably, the change-feedback session is non-obtrusive, and occurs, for example, each time a light is turned on, and the feedback is collected when the light is turned off, using a multiple switch arrangement. If the light is turned off using one switch, the feedback is positive; if the light is turned off using an alternative switch, the feedback is negative. Alternatively, the system can be placed in a rapid-learning mode, wherein the change-feedback cycles occur more frequently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Stefan Marcus Verbrugh, Michael Cornelis Van Beek, Constantinus Carolus Franciscus Frumau
  • Patent number: 7759881
    Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lighting system includes a controller to control current in one or more LEDs in response to a dimming level input. The LED lighting system implements a dimming strategy having two modes of operation that allow the LED lighting system to dim the LEDs using an active value of an LED current less than a full value LED current while maintaining continuous conduction mode operation. In an active value varying mode of operation, the controller varies an active value of the LED current for a first set of dimming levels. In an active value, duty cycle modulation mode of operation, the controller duty cycle modulates an active value of the LED current for a second set of dimming levels. In at least one embodiment, the active value of the LED current varies from a full active value to an intermediate active value as dimming levels decrease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20100164384
    Abstract: An illumination system includes an LED lamp, a timer, a controlling circuit, a driving circuit and a power source electrically connected together. The timer produces different signals to the controlling circuit at different periods, thereby driving the LED lamp to lighten with different brightness. A light or movement sensor is further electrically connected to the LED lamp to work together with the timer. The sensor cooperating with the timer, detects light or movement of an object to drive the LED lamp to lighten for a while with a corresponding brightness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicants: FU ZHUN PRECISION INDUSTRY (SHEN ZHEN) CO., LTD., FOXCONN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Long Ku, Qing-Hai Ruan
  • Publication number: 20100102751
    Abstract: An intelligent light fixture facilitates the use of a ‘universal’ light bulb having a wattage rating. A lamp dimmer circuit disposed within the fixture is in electrical communication between the AC line and a socket. A bulb test circuit within the fixture is operative to determine the maximum wattage of the bulb. A controller, also within the fixture includes a wattage select input. The controller is operative to determine the maximum wattage of the bulb using the bulb test circuit, compare the maximum wattage to the wattage select input and, if the maximum wattage is greater than the wattage select input, control the dimmer circuit to ensure that the power delivered to the bulb does not exceed the wattage select input. The bulb test circuit may determine the maximum wattage of the bulb by measuring the resistance of the bulb's filament or alternatively, by temporarily impressing line voltage across the bulb and measuring the current drawn by the bulb's filament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Stacy Markel
  • Publication number: 20100097008
    Abstract: A power control circuit of photo coupler mainly includes a plurality of impedances having one end connected in parallel with a pin of a photo coupler and the other end connected with a relative control pin of an integrated circuit, in which the values of the plural impedances are chosen in a class-by-class pattern on a basis of impedance value to increase or decrease a total impedance value class by class in a range by varying a high impedance or low output via the relative control pin of the IC. As such, the combined circuit is simplified and practical and achieves an effect taking cost and precise adjustment into account to possess digital adjustment of impedance range without spending a lot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Ta-Cheng Hsiung
  • Publication number: 20100052576
    Abstract: A load control system controls an electrical load provided in a space and comprises a load control device and one or more occupancy sensors. The load control device controls the load in response to the wireless control signals received from the occupancy sensors. Each occupancy sensor transmits an occupied control signal to the load control device in response to detecting an occupancy condition in the space and a vacant control signal to the load control device in response to detecting a vacancy condition. The load control device turns on the load in response to receiving the occupied control signal from at least one of the occupancy sensors, and turns off the load in response to receiving vacant control signals from both of the occupancy sensors. The load control device is operable to determine that no wireless control signals have been received from the occupancy sensors for the length of a predetermined timeout period and to subsequently turn off the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: James P. Steiner, Andrew Peter Schmalz, Andrew Ryan Offenbacher, Adam J. Schrems, Brian Raymond Valenta
  • Patent number: 7667413
    Abstract: Provided is a method for lighting a high pressure discharge lamp capable of increasing the life thereof. The lighting method is as follows. When the time elapse after lighting up the discharge lamp is within a predetermined condition (e.g. 5 minutes or less), constant current control is performed if the lamp voltage is lower than switching voltage (here, a first voltage value V1) and constant power control is performed to maintain the lamp power at a power value W1 if the lamp voltage is equal to or above the switching voltage. After the predetermined condition (5 minutes) is exceeded, the constant power control is performed by lowering the value of the switching voltage from the first voltage value V1 to the second voltage value V2. If the lamp voltage is equal to or above the switching voltage lowered, the lamp power is maintained at power value W1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Ikeda, Syunsuke Ono, Minoru Ozasa, Masahiro Yamamoto, Go Yamada
  • Publication number: 20090261751
    Abstract: A fluorescent light temperature sensor for producing a temperature signal from a fluorescent light of an optically stimulated fluorescent material is provided with: an LED for projecting light onto the fluorescent material; a driving circuit for driving the light projecting element; a photo diode for receiving the fluorescent light that is emitted from the fluorescent material; a signal processing circuit for producing the temperature signal from the output signal from the photo diode; and an APC circuit for controlling the driving of the driving circuit so as to maintain a uniform light projecting intensity from the LED based on the output signal of the photo diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Yamatake Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichiro Kinugasa, Atsushi Kato, Shunji Ichida
  • Patent number: 7592758
    Abstract: A stabilizer with brightness control for a High Intensity discharge lamp comprising a base, an positive electrode terminal configured with a power input of the base, a negative electrode terminal configured with the base on the same side the positive electrode terminal configured, a power-switching terminal configured with the base on the other side the positive electrode terminal configured, a control switch and a control element on a circuit board inside the base, wherein the control switch coupled with the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode terminal and the power-switching terminal respectively, and a connect pin of the power-switching terminal is corresponding to the control element on a circuit board inside the base so as to adjust brightness for a High Intensity discharge lamp by the control switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: A-Chuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20090224691
    Abstract: The present application discloses a method and apparatus for providing an isolated set point from an input signal. The set point can control the amount of power applied to a lamp via a lamp ballast. An AC output signal from the ballast powers a dimming circuit. The AC signal is coupled across an isolation transformer and subsequently converted into a DC signal. This DC signal is loaded by a variable resistor, which creates a voltage differential across the resistor. This voltage differential is then seen across DC input terminals of the ballast, and it is across the DC input terminals that the set point is created. By varying the value of the resistor, the ballast set point is varied ultimately changing the power that is applied to the lamp by the ballast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Louis R. Nerone, Laszlo S. IIyes
  • Publication number: 20090218959
    Abstract: A method for employing an electronic ballast. A distributor is provided with the electronic ballast. An operative parameter of the electronic ballast is configurable to operate a type of gas discharge lamp. The distributor is further provided with a configuration mechanism for configuring said electronic ballast. The electronic ballast is attached to the configuration mechanism, the configuration mechanism is attached to a client computer and the client computer is operatively attached to a configuration service, typically over a wide area network, e.g. Internet. The distributor, using the client computer, requests from the configuration server to configure the ballast. The configuration is performed using the configuration mechanism by transmitting instructions from the configuration server to the client computer in response to the request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: METROLIGHT LTD.
    Inventors: Jonathan Hollander, Ben Enosh
  • Patent number: 7495398
    Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting apparatus includes: an inverter circuit including a switch circuit and a high-voltage transformer; a step-up circuit connected at the input stage of the inverter circuit; a control circuit to output a switch circuit controlling signal and a step-up circuit controlling signal; an on-off switching circuit connected at a input voltage line; and a switch signal buffering circuit connected between the control circuit and the switch circuit and adapted to relay the switch circuit controlling signal. A drive voltage is applied to the control circuit without going through the on-off switching circuit, and a drive voltage is applied to the switch signal buffering circuit via the on-off switching circuit. With such a structure, an excess rush current is inhibited from flowing into the discharge lamp thereby preventing its electrode wear and therefore increasing the product life of a lamp and enhancing reliability while achieving cost reduction and downsizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoji Sakamoto, Ryu Terada
  • Publication number: 20090021184
    Abstract: An illumination adjusting device for receiving power from a power supply and supplying output voltage to a lighting unit is provided herein. The illumination adjusting device includes a detector for detecting ambient illumination intensity and generating an ambient illumination value according to the ambient illumination intensity; a comparator for comparing the ambient illumination value with a predetermined value, the comparator outputting a first power signal when the ambient illumination value is lower than a predetermined value; an adjustor for adjusting the output voltage according to the first power signal, as a result, light emitted by the lighting unit is controlled within a predetermined illumination intensity range. A related illumination adjusting method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIANG-FENG SHAN, LIN-KUN DING, SHIH-FANG WONG
  • Patent number: RE41015
    Abstract: A circuit that receives signals from a dynamo and provides signals for charging a battery and indicating bicycle speed. The circuit includes a first switching circuit adapted to receive the dynamo signals and provide first signals for charging the battery; and a second switching circuit adapted to receive the dynamo signals and provide second signals for indicating bicycle speed. If the dynamo outputs periodic signals, the first signals may correspond to one of the half periods of the periodic signals (e.g., the positive half periods), and the second signals may correspond to the other half periods (e.g., the negative half periods) of the periodic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Kouji Uno