Abstract:
Techniques for supplying auxiliary power to lighting driver circuitry are disclosed. An auxiliary power supply can be used, for example, to provide auxiliary power to a current source that drives an LED string. In some embodiments, the LED string is effectively used as a series resistor to charge a capacitor that provides the auxiliary voltage Vaux. As soon as the capacitor is charged to a given threshold, the LED string can be disconnected from the capacitor and the current through the LED string bypasses the auxiliary supply circuit. Thus, the current source provides a current through the LED string, which in turn may be selectively fed to the auxiliary power supply to provide auxiliary power back to the current source or to provide auxiliary power to other circuitry.
Abstract:
A lamp including a two-sided source plate, a plurality of light sources, a lens, a diffuser plate, and a driver insulator is disclosed. One set of the light sources generates white light and is attached to one side of the source plate. Another set of the light sources generates colored light and is attached to the source plate's other side. The lens encapsulates the white light-generating set, and redirects that white light. The driver insulator and the diffuser plate are each in contact with the source plate's other side. The driver insulator, diffuser plate, and that side of the source plate define a light box region that contains the colored light-generating set of light sources. The driver insulator acts as a reflector, and the diffuser plate acts as a diffuser, such that colored light is dispersed from the light box region through the diffuser plate.
Abstract:
Illumination techniques and related devices are disclosed. In some cases, a lighting device configured as described herein may include a front luminaire configured to emit white light and a back luminaire configured to emit colored light. The lighting device can be operatively coupled with controller circuitry programmed or otherwise configured, for example, with one or more algorithms which control the light output of the front and/or back luminaire so as to provide tunability. In some cases, device output may be controlled so as to: (1) simulate lighting conditions/patterns corresponding to the daytime/nighttime on Earth; (2) support/alter physiological processes; and/or (3) provide a specific ambient lighting for a given space. In some instances, a system of multiple such lighting devices can be provided, and in some cases, communication between constituent lighting devices may be provided. In some instances, the lighting device may be mountable as a sconce or other lighting fixture.
Abstract:
An edge-lit light panel is disclosed, which includes a generally planar, transparent light guide. Light, such as from one or more solid state light source arrays, is coupled into the light guide through its lateral edge, and propagates generally laterally within the light guide via total internal reflection. A diffuser is attached to the front or rear face of the light guide, such as by lamination. The diffuser may have a refractive index matched to that of the light guide. The light guide may have one or more concave features on its lateral edge to reduce reflection losses at high angles of incidence. The concave features may include a single, one-dimensional groove that includes all the solid state light sources along a particular straight edge of the light panel, or may include a series of concave dimples, with one dimple for each solid state light source.
Abstract:
A method for the dissolution and purification of tantalum ore and synthetic concentrates is described. The method preferably uses ammonium bifluoride as the fluoride source in place of the hydrofluoric acid used in the conventional methods. Other fluoride compounds such as NaF, KF, and CaF2 may be used alone or in combination with ammonium bifluoride. The tantalum concentrate and fluoride source are combined with sulfuric acid to form a solution containing tantalum values and impurities. The tantalum values are then separated from the impurities by solvent extraction.
Abstract:
An electrochemical displacement-deposition method for making composite metal powders is described. The method is carried out by combining tungsten or molybdenum metal particles with particles of silver oxide or copper oxide in an aqueous hydroxide solution. Heat is applied to the solution to cause the oxide particles to convert to silver or copper metal particles which are substantially adhered to the refractory metal particles. Unlike conventional methods, it is not necessary to heat the oxide powders to a very high temperature in a reducing atmosphere in order to form the composite metal powder.
Abstract:
A ceramic arc tube for a metal halide discharge lamp is described wherein the lower end well of the arc tube has an internal barrier ridge which substantially prevents migration of the metal halide condensate into the central region of the discharge chamber during vertical operation. The use of the ridge reduces fluctuation in the color temperature of vertically operated lamps and improves efficacy.
Abstract:
A method of removing contaminants from a double-ended arc discharge tube includes the steps of providing at least one capillary channel at each end of the tube, where the ends of the tube are sealed closed except at the capillary channels, and introducing a flushing gas into the tube through one capillary channel at one end of the tube and removing the flushing gas and contaminants through another capillary channel at another end of the tube. During manufacture, the double-ended arc discharge tube has a sealed electrode and an open capillary channel at each end of the tube.
Abstract:
A flyback converter with indirect estimation of primary-side voltage at the secondary-side. The converter includes a primary voltage sensing circuit coupled to the second winding of the converter and being configured to establish an output voltage when a switch of the converter is in the first state and a first diode of the converter is reversed biased, the output voltage being representative of a voltage across the primary winding.
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.