Electronic Theatre Controls, Inc.

John P Thurk

Eric W Suomi

Kevin Burke

Eric G Rasmussen

Bradley J Brunker

John Udelhofen

Andrew Slade

Joseph W Garvey

Joe Garvey

Derek Krouze

A lighting control system having a driver for independently controlling multiple light sources. One lighting control system includes an input capable of being driven in a first polarity and a second polarity reversed from the first polarity, a first light source connected to the input and configured to generate light when driven at the first polarity, and a second light source connected to the input and configured to generate light when driven at the second polarity. The lighting control system includes a steering bridge connected to the input and configured to control the polarity of the input, and a controller connected to the steering bridge. The controller is configured to control, based on a steering drive command, the steering bridge, and provide, to the input, lighting control signals to independently control the first light source and the second light source.

Independent lighting control

A light fixture is configured to produce an output via a driver circuit to drive an array of LED light sources. Controlling the light fixture includes receiving a first light intensity value related to a light intensity value for the array of LED light sources, determining a first dimming curve based on the first light intensity value and a color temperature value to determine a first value, receiving a second light intensity value related to a light intensity value for the array of LED light sources at which the color temperature value for the output of the light fixture is achieved, wherein the second light intensity value is different than the first light intensity value, determining a second dimming curve based on the second light intensity value and the color temperature value to determine a second value, wherein the second dimming curve is different than the first dimming curve.

Systems, devices, and methods for controlling an LED light source based on a color temperature scale factor

A breaker module comprises a breaker housing defining a bottom surface, a line side connector, a module mount adapted to engage a board mount, a platform protruding from the bottom surface between the line side connector and the module mount, and breaker connections recessed into the platform positioned between the line side connector and the module mount. The platform is dimensioned to mate into the well to facilitate coupling of the breaker connections to the board connections. In another aspect, the breaker module comprises a breaker housing defining a bottom surface, a line side connector, a module mount, a platform protruding from the bottom surface between the line side connector and the module mount, and breaker connections mounted on the platform. At least two of the breaker connections are recessed into the platform and do not protrude beyond the platform.

Breaker module with recessed breaker connections

Automatic transfer switch for switching an electrical load between two power sources. In one example, the automatic transfer switch includes four latching relays and an electronic controller. A first power source line connection is connected to an electrical load line connection via a first latching relay. A first power source neutral connection is connected to an electrical load neutral connection via a second latching relay. A second power source line connection is connected to the electrical load line connection via a third latching relay. A second power source neutral connection is connected to the electrical load neutral connection via a fourth latching relay. The electronic controller connects the second power source to the electrical load when a voltage of the first power source is less than a first threshold, and connects the first power source to the electrical load when the voltage is greater than a second threshold.

Automatic transfer switch

A breaker assembly is disclosed comprising a breaker board having a bus bar including a first engagement feature and a breaker module having a line side connector including a second engagement feature engaging the first engagement feature to inhibit separation of the breaker module from the breaker board. The breaker board can further include a board mount having a first alignment feature, and the breaker module can further include a module mount engaging the board mount and having a second alignment feature engaging the first alignment feature. In another aspect of the invention, the breaker board includes board connections, the breaker module includes breaker connections (e.g., blind mate connections), and the board connections are engaged with the breaker connections. In another aspect of the invention, the breaker module includes a ledge that defines an undercut to facilitate prying of the breaker module from the breaker board.

Breaker assembly with mating platform and well connection

A current sensing transformer having a low impedance primary winding is connected in series with a filter and load circuit supplied with output current by a high frequency switching PWM power supply such as a sinewave dimmer. Sensed output current is supplied to a microprocessor based programmable controller. The controller performs a routine including a family of overcurrent tests. Tests of the family are satisfied by the presence of different output current values for different time durations. At least one of the tests is enabled only at low requested output voltages or dimming levels. In response to satisfaction of any of the tests, a series power switching stage of the power supply is rendered nonconductive to shut down the power supply.

Low voltage overcurrent protection for solid state switching system

Current sensing resistors are connected directly to output terminals of MOSFETs forming the series switching stage of a PWM sinewave dimmer. An analog sensed current signal is coupled through an EMI resistant current link to comparators that provide an overcurrent indication in response to an overcurrent condition. A logic circuit overrides PWM control signals from a programmable controller, and operates drivers to render the series switching stage nonconductive and to render a clamp switching stage conductive until after the end of the current PWM duty cycle power on segment. The logic circuit sends an overcurrent signal through an optocoupler to an input of the programmable controller. The input of the controller is polled at a clock frequency for overcurrent signals and if the count exceeds a limit in any half cycle, or a maximum sum in sixteen half cycles of the AC supply, the series switching stage is rendered nonconductive and the clamp switching stage is rendered conductive pending a reset signal.

Overcurrent protection for solid state switching system

An input line filter separates an ac sinusoidal power source from a power switching stage having a series switching section and a clamp switching section. Both the series switching section and a clamp switching section include complementary pairs of high power and high speed MOSFETs. The series switching section is connected in series between the input line filter and the inductor of an output load filter between the power switching stage and a load. The clamp switching section is connected to shunt the inductor and load. Synchronous operation is achieved by alternately operating the series and clamp switching sections to conductive conditions at a high pulse width modulation frequency. The duty cycle is selected to provide a sinusoidal output waveform with a desired amplitude. A microprocessor based programmable controller provides control signals for alternate conduction of the series and clamp switching sections. A dead time interval stored in memory in the controller separates the control signals for reliable and efficient operation. The dead time interval may be constant, or may be varied in accordance with load power variations.

Sinewave dimmer control method

A heat sink with fins has a flat, planar surface soldered to a metallic layer at one surface of a flat, planar ceramic layer. The opposite surface of the ceramic layer has a metallic pattern including base areas for high power, high frequency load switching MOSFETs. Lead frames are soldered between the lead frame base areas and base contact areas of the MOSFET packages. Thermal conduction between the MOSFETs and the heat sink dissipates the heat from switching losses. A gate drive circuit board for the load switching system is supported spaced from the and is separated from the MOSFETs by a thermally blocking air gap, with the component side of the gate drive circuit board facing away from the MOSFETs. Spade terminals of the lead frames extend through openings in the gate drive circuit board to route high power signals independently of the gate driver circuit board.

Power module package for high frequency switching system

A self contained multiple dimming channel package includes a housing with a main power circuit board supported on its bottom wall and a control circuit board extending laterally and vertically to baffle air flow through the housing. A cross flow cooling fan forces air through an opening in the control board and across power switching modules and toroidal chokes mounted to the main board. Each power switching module includes a heat sink with fins parallel to the air flow, and the chokes are mounted in rows with their central openings aligned with the air flow. The power switching modules include circuits attached to the heat sinks with terminals releasably plugged into mating connectors on the main board. Circuit breaker switches are snapped into place in the housing. The front corners of the housing are provided with integral mounting bracket and handle members.

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Madison, WI, United States of America

John P Thurk