U.S. patent application number 12/821254 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-14 for lighting system.
This patent application is currently assigned to EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.. Invention is credited to John D. Crawford, Peter F. Hoffman, David A. Spartano.
Application Number | 20100259220 12/821254 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40898522 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100259220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crawford; John D. ; et
al. |
October 14, 2010 |
Lighting System
Abstract
An energy storage system includes battery cells and a
controller. The battery cells include first and second cells. The
controller controls a current to the first and second cells, such
that a first charging method is utilized when a voltage potential
of the first and second cells is less than a first voltage
potential threshold, and a second charging method is utilized when
the voltage potential of the first and second cells is equal to or
greater than the first voltage potential threshold. The first
charging method charges at least one of first and second cells at a
greater rate than second charging method, and first charging method
is utilized to charge first cell prior to being utilized to charge
said second cell when said voltage potential of first cell is below
the first voltage potential threshold and greater than the voltage
potential of the second cell.
Inventors: |
Crawford; John D.; (Avon,
OH) ; Hoffman; Peter F.; (Avon, OH) ;
Spartano; David A.; (Brunswick, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL C. POPHAL;EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY INC
25225 DETROIT ROAD, P O BOX 450777
WESTLAKE
OH
44145
US
|
Assignee: |
EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY,
INC.
St. Louis
MO
|
Family ID: |
40898522 |
Appl. No.: |
12/821254 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/US2009/000284 |
Jan 20, 2009 |
|
|
|
12821254 |
|
|
|
|
61023632 |
Jan 25, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
320/116 ;
315/294; 362/235 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 29/76 20150115;
F21V 5/007 20130101; H05B 45/10 20200101; F21Y 2113/00 20130101;
F21Y 2115/10 20160801; F21V 23/0414 20130101; H05B 45/32 20200101;
F21V 5/006 20130101; F21V 29/75 20150115; H05B 45/00 20200101; H05B
47/10 20200101; F21L 4/02 20130101; H05B 45/18 20200101; H05B
45/3725 20200101; F21W 2111/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
320/116 ;
362/235; 315/294 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00; F21V 1/00 20060101 F21V001/00; H05B 37/02 20060101
H05B037/02 |
Claims
1. A lighting device comprising: a plurality of lighting sources; a
plurality of first optical lenses, each of said plurality of first
optical lenses being in optical communication with one of said
plurality of lighting sources; and a second lens comprising: a
plurality of portions, each of said plurality of portions being in
optical communication with one corresponding lighting source of
said plurality of lighting sources and one corresponding first
optical lens of said plurality of first optical lenses; and a
plurality of surface configurations, wherein one of said plurality
of surface configurations is formed on one corresponding portion of
said plurality of portions to control an illumination pattern of
said emitted light.
2. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein a first surface
configuration of said plurality of surface configurations is a
flood surface configuration, such that light emitted from said
corresponding lighting source and reflected by said corresponding
first optical lens are directed to create a flood pattern.
3. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein a second surface
configuration of said plurality of surface configurations is a spot
surface configuration, such that light emitted from said
corresponding lighting source and reflected by said corresponding
first optical lens is emitted to create a spot pattern.
4. The lighting device of claim 1 further comprising a housing
configured to enclose said plurality of lighting sources, said
plurality of first optical lenses, and said second lens, wherein
said second lens is substantially fixedly coupled to said
housing.
5. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
said plurality of first optical lenses is a conically shaped
optical lenses.
6. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of
said plurality of first optical lenses is a total internal
reflection (TIR) lens.
7. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein one of said plurality of
first optical lenses is a cone shape having a deeper focal point
with respect to a top defining an opening where light is directed
out of said first optical lens than at least one other of said
plurality of first optical lenses.
8. The lighting device of claim 7, wherein said cone shaped optical
lens having said deeper focal point is a multiple-part optical
lens, such that said cone shaped optical lens comprises multiple
parts that are attached to form said cone shaped optical lens.
9. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein said at least portion of
said plurality of first optical lenses comprises a polycarbonate
material.
10. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein said second lens
comprises a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) material.
11. The lighting device of claim 1, wherein a first lighting source
of the plurality of lighting sources, a first optical lens of said
plurality of first optical lenses, and a first portion of said
second lens of said plurality of portions are configured to project
light in a first illumination pattern, and a second lighting source
of said plurality of lighting sources, a second optical lens of
said plurality of first optical lenses, and a second portion of
said second lens of said plurality of portions are configured to
project light in a second illumination pattern, and said first and
second illumination patterns at least partially overlap to form a
third illumination pattern.
12. The lighting device of claim 11 further comprising a controller
for controlling first and second intensities of said first and
second illumination patterns, respectively, with respect to one
another, wherein said third illumination pattern is altered when
said controller alters said first and second intensities.
13. An energy storage system comprising: a plurality of battery
cells configured to be electrically connected to a power source,
said plurality of battery cells comprising: a first battery cell;
and a second battery cell; and a controller in communication with
said first and second battery cells, said controller controls an
electrical current supplied to said first and second battery cells,
such that a first charging method is utilized when a voltage
potential of said first and second battery cells is less than a
first voltage potential threshold, respectively, and a second
charging method is utilized when said voltage potential of said
first and second battery cells is equal to or greater than said
first voltage potential threshold, wherein said first charging
method charges at least one of said first and second battery cells
at a greater rate than said second charging method, and said first
charging method is utilized to charge said first battery cell prior
to being utilized to charge said second battery cell when said
voltage potential of said first battery cell is below said first
voltage potential threshold and greater than said voltage potential
of said second battery cell.
14. The energy storage system of claim 13, wherein said
substantially constant electrical current is supplied to said first
battery cell prior to providing said electrical current to said
second battery cell when said voltage potential of said first
battery cell is greater than said voltage potential of said second
battery cell.
15. The energy storage system of claim 13, wherein said first
charging method comprises supplying a substantially constant
electrical current, and said second charging method comprises
supplying an electrical current at a substantially constant voltage
potential.
16. The energy storage system of claim 13, wherein said first
charging method comprises said controller controlling a supply of
an electrical current to said first and second battery cells, such
that a substantially constant electrical current is supplied to
said first battery cell for a period of time when said voltage
potential of said first battery cell is below said first voltage
potential threshold, and then controlling said substantially
constant electrical current being supplied to said second battery
cell when said voltage potential of said second battery cell is
below said first voltage potential threshold.
17. The energy storage system of claim 13, wherein said second
charging method comprises said controller controlling a supply of
an electrical current to said first and second battery cells, such
that said electrical current at a substantially constant voltage
potential is supplied to said first battery cell when substantially
all of said plurality of battery cells have a voltage potential of
at least one of equal to or greater than said first voltage
potential threshold.
18. An energy storage system comprising: a plurality of battery
cells configured to be electrically connected to a power source,
said plurality of battery cells comprising: a first battery cell;
and a second battery cell; and a controller in communication with
said first and second battery cells, said controller controls an
electrical current supplied to said first and second battery cells,
such that a substantially constant electrical current is supplied
to said first and second battery cells for a period of time when a
voltage potential of said first and second battery cells is less
than a first voltage potential threshold, respectively, and
controlling an electrical current at a substantially constant
voltage potential that is supplied to said first and second battery
cells when said voltage potential of said first and second battery
cells is equal to or greater than said first voltage potential
threshold, said substantially constant electrical current is
supplied to said first battery cell prior to providing an
electrical current to said second battery cell, wherein said
voltage potential of said first battery cell is below said first
voltage potential threshold, and said voltage potential of said
first battery cell is greater than said voltage potential of said
second battery cell.
19. The energy storage system of claim 18, wherein said electrical
current supplied to at least a portion of said plurality of battery
cells has a voltage potential of approximately eight volts (8V) to
twelve volts (12V).
20. The energy storage system of claim 18, wherein said controller
controls said electrical current supplied to said plurality of
battery cells based upon a monitored temperature of at least one of
said plurality of battery cells.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of International
Application No. PCT/US2009/000284, filed Jan. 20, 2009, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/023,632,
filed Jan. 25, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a lighting
system, and more particularly, to a lighting system with at least
one lighting device having an internal power source and adapted to
be electrically connected to at least one external power
source.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Generally, a mobile lighting device, such as a flashlight,
is powered by a power source that is internal to the flashlight,
such as a battery. Typically, the batteries of the flashlight
device can be replaced when the state of charge of the batteries is
below an adequate state of charge for providing electrical power
for the light source of the flashlight. Since the flashlight is
being powered by batteries, the flashlight can generally emit light
while not being electrically connected to a power source that is
external to the flashlight, such as an alternating current (AC)
wall outlet.
[0004] Additionally, when the batteries of the flashlight have a
state of charge that is below an adequate state of charge level,
the batteries can be replaced with other batteries. If the removed
batteries are rechargeable batteries, then the removed batteries
can be recharged using an external recharging device, and
re-inserted into the flashlight. When the removed batteries are not
rechargeable batteries, then the non-rechargeable batteries are
replaced with new batteries.
[0005] Alternatively, a flashlight may contain an electrical
connector in order to connect to a specific type of power source,
such as the AC wall outlet, in addition to the batteries.
Typically, when the flashlight is connected to the stationary
external power supply, the flashlight can continue to illuminate
light, but the mobility of the flashlight is now hindered. If the
flashlight is directly connected to the AC wall outlet, then the
mobility of the flashlight is generally eliminated. When the
flashlight is not directly connected to the AC wall outlet, such as
by an extension cord, the flashlight has limited mobility.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
lighting system is provided that includes at least one lighting
device, at least one connector, and a plurality of external power
sources. The at least one lighting device includes at least one
lighting source, and an internal power source applying a first
electrical power to illuminate the at least one lighting element,
wherein the internal power source supplies the first electrical
power. The at least one connector electrically connects to the at
least one lighting device. The plurality of external power sources
include at least first and second external power sources that are
adapted to be electrically connected to the at least one lighting
device by the at least one connector. The first external power
source supplies a second electrical power to the at least one
lighting device to illuminate the at least one lighting source and
the second external power source supplies a third electrical power
to illuminate the at least one lighting source, such that the
internal power source and one of the plurality of external power
sources each supply electrical power to illuminate the at least one
lighting source at different times.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an
energy storage system is provided that includes battery cells and a
controller. The battery cells include first and second battery
cells. The controller controls an electrical current to the first
and second battery cells, such that a first charging method is
utilized when a voltage potential of the first and second battery
cells is less than a first voltage potential threshold, and a
second charging method is utilized when the voltage potential of
the first and second battery cells is equal to or greater than the
first voltage potential threshold. The first charging method
charges at least one of first and second battery cells at a greater
rate than second charging method, and first charging method is
utilized to charge first battery cell prior to being utilized to
charge said second battery cell when said voltage potential of
first battery cell is below the first voltage potential threshold
and greater than the voltage potential of the second battery
cell.
[0008] In accordance with yet another aspect, a lighting device is
provided. The lighting device includes a plurality of lighting
devices and a plurality of first optical lenses in optical
communication with at least one of the lighting sources. The device
also includes a second lens in optical communication with at least
one of the lighting sources. The second lens includes surface
configurations.
[0009] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a lighting system is provided that includes a plurality power
sources, at least one connector, and at least one lighting device.
The plurality of power sources include a first power source and a
second power source. The at least one connector electrically
connects to one of the plurality of power sources. The at least one
lighting device includes at least one lighting source, wherein the
first power source is internal the at least one lighting device.
The first power source supplies an electrical current through a
first electrical path to illuminate the at least one lighting
source, and the second power source is external to the at least one
lighting device and supplies the electrical current through a
second electrical path to bypass the first power source and
illuminate the at least one lighting source when the at least one
lighting device is electrically connected to the second power
source by the at least one connector.
[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a lighting device is provided that includes a plurality
of lighting sources configured to emit light and a plurality of
first optical lenses, each of the plurality of first optical lenses
being in optical communication with one of the plurality of
lighting sources and a second lens. The second lens includes a
plurality of portions, wherein each of the plurality of portions is
in optical communication with one corresponding lighting source of
the plurality of lighting sources and one corresponding first
optical lens of the plurality of first optical lenses. The second
lens further includes a plurality of surface configurations,
wherein one of the plurality of surface configurations is formed on
one corresponding portion of the plurality of portions to control
an illumination pattern of said emitted light.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
an energy storage system includes a plurality of battery cells
configured to be electrically connected to a power source. The
plurality of battery cells includes a first battery cell and a
second battery cell. The energy storage system further includes a
controller in communication with the first and second battery
cells, the controller controls an electrical current supplied to
the first and second battery cells, such that a first charging
method is utilized when a voltage potential of the first and second
battery cells is less than a first voltage potential threshold,
respectively. A second charging method is utilized when the voltage
potential of the first and second battery cells is equal to or
greater than the first voltage potential threshold, wherein the
first charging method charges at least one of the first and second
battery cells at a greater rate than the second charging method.
The first charging method is utilized to charge the first battery
cell prior to being utilized to charge the second battery cell when
the voltage potential of the first battery cell is below the first
voltage potential threshold and greater than the voltage potential
of the second battery cell.
[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, an energy storage system includes a plurality of battery
cells configured to be electrically connected to a power source.
The plurality of battery cells includes a first battery cell and a
second battery cell. The energy storage system further includes a
controller in communication with the first and second battery
cells, the controller controls an electrical current supplied to
the first and second battery cells, such that a substantially
constant electrical current is supplied to the first and second
battery cells for a period of time when a voltage potential of the
first and second battery cells is less than a first voltage
potential threshold, respectively, and controlling an electrical
current at a substantially constant voltage potential that is
supplied to the first and second battery cells when the voltage
potential of the first and second battery cells is equal to or
greater than the first voltage potential threshold. The
substantially constant electrical current is supplied to the first
battery cell prior to providing an electrical current to the second
battery cell, wherein the voltage potential of the first battery
cell is below the first voltage potential threshold, and the
voltage potential of the first battery cell is greater than the
voltage potential of the second battery cell.
[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a method of charging a plurality of battery cells in an energy
storage system includes the steps of charging one of a first
battery cell and a second battery cell utilizing a first charging
method when at least one of the first and second battery cells have
a voltage potential less than a first voltage potential threshold,
and charging one of the first battery cell and second battery cell
utilizing a second charging method when the first and second
battery cells have a voltage potential equal to or greater than the
first voltage potential threshold, wherein the first charging
method charges the first and second battery cells at a quicker rate
than the second charging method. The method further includes the
step of charging the first battery cell utilizing the first
charging method prior to charging the second battery cell when the
voltage potential of the first battery cell is below the first
voltage potential threshold, and when the voltage potential of the
first battery cell is greater than the voltage potential of the
second battery cell.
[0014] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, a method of charging a plurality of battery cells in an
energy storage system includes the steps of charging one of a first
battery cell and a second battery cell by supplying a substantially
constant electrical current when at least one of the first and
second battery cells have a voltage potential less than a first
voltage potential threshold, and charging one of the first and
second battery cells by supplying an electrical current at a
substantially constant voltage potential when the first and second
battery cells have a voltage potential equal to or greater than the
first voltage potential threshold. The method further includes the
step of charging the first battery cell by supplying the
substantially constant electrical current prior to charging the
second battery cell when the voltage potential of the first battery
cell is below the first voltage potential threshold, and when the
voltage potential of the first battery cell is greater than the
voltage potential of the second battery cell.
[0015] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the
present invention will be further understood and appreciated by
those skilled in the art by reference to the following
specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention will now be described, by way of
example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a lighting system having a
plurality of lighting devices and a plurality of external power
sources, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2A is a circuit diagram of a handheld lighting device
of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2B is a circuit diagram of the handheld lighting device
of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3A is a circuit diagram of a headlight lighting device
of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 3B is a circuit diagram of the headlight lighting
device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4A is a circuit diagram of a spotlight lighting device
of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4B is a circuit diagram of the spotlight lighting
device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 5A is a circuit diagram of an energy storage system of
a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 5B is a circuit diagram of the energy storage system of
the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of an
electrical current supported by an external power source bypassing
an internal power source of a lighting device of a lighting system,
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 7A is front perspective view of a handheld lighting
device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 7A' is a front perspective view of a handheld lighting
device of a lighting system, illustrating vertical heat sink fins,
in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the handheld lighting device
of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0030] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the handheld lighting
device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 7D is an exploded view of a handheld lighting device of
a lighting system, in accordance with an alternate embodiment of
the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of a headlight lighting
device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the headlight lighting device
of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0034] FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the headlight lighting
device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 8D is an exploded view of an internal power source of
the headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 9A is a side perspective view of a spotlight lighting
device of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 9B is an exploded view of the spotlight lighting device
of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0038] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the spotlight lighting
device of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 10A is a front perspective view of an energy storage
system of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the energy storage system of
the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0041] FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the energy storage
system of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 10D is a perspective view of a trilobe cartridge
housing a battery cell, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 11A is a top perspective view of a solar power source
of a lighting system in a solar radiation harvesting position, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 11B is an exploded view of the solar power source of
the lighting system in a solar radiation harvesting position, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 11C is a front perspective view of the solar power
source of the lighting system in a rolled-up position, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 12A is a front perspective view of an electrical
connector of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 12B is an exploded view of the electrical connector of
the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0048] FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of the electrical
connector of the lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 13A is a front perspective view of an optic pack of a
handheld lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 13B is a top plan view of the optic pack of the
handheld lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 13C is a side plan view of the optic pack of the
handheld lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 13D is a top plan view of an optic pack of a handheld
lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 14A is a top perspective view of an optic pack of a
headlight lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 14B is a top plan view of the optic pack of the
headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 14C is a side plan view of the optic pack of the
headlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 15A is a side perspective view of an optic pack of a
spotlight lighting device of a lighting system, in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 15B is a top plan view of the optic pack of the
spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 15C is a front plan view of the optic pack of the
spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 15D is a side plan view of the optic pack of the
spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 16A is a top perspective view of a lens of the optic
pack of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 16B is a top plan view of the lens of the optic pack of
the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0062] FIG. 16C is a front plan view of the lens of the optic pack
of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0063] FIG. 16D is a side plan view of the lens of the optic pack
of the spotlight lighting device of the lighting system, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 17A is a flow chart illustrating a method of
controlling at least one component of a lighting device of a
lighting system based upon a temperature of at least one component
in the lighting device, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0065] FIG. 17B is a flow chart illustrating a method of
controlling at least one component of a lighting device of a
lighting system based upon a rate of temperature change of at least
one component in the lighting device, in accordance with an
alternate embodiment of the present invention;
[0066] FIG. 18 is a graph illustrating the current and voltage
supplied to a battery cell with respect of a period of time when
charging the battery cell, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0067] FIG. 19A is a flow chart illustrating a method of charging
at least one battery cell of a device or system of a lighting
system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0068] FIG. 19B is a flow chart illustrating a method of charging
at least one battery cell of a device or system of a lighting
system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0069] FIG. 20A is an illustration of an illumination pattern
emitted by a lighting device of a lighting system, wherein lighting
sources of the lighting device are emitting light at substantially
a spot end of a cross-fading spectrum, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 20B is an illustration of an illumination pattern
emitted by a lighting device of a lighting system, wherein lighting
sources of the lighting device are emitting light at substantially
a flood end of a cross-fading spectrum, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0071] FIG. 20C is an illustration of an illumination pattern
emitted by a flood lighting source of a lighting device of a
lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0072] FIG. 20D is an illustration of an illumination pattern
emitted by a spot lighting source of a lighting device of a
lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0073] FIG. 20E is an illustration of an illumination pattern
created by the cross-fading of the illumination patterns
illustrated in FIGS. 20C and 20D, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0074] FIG. 20F is a graph illustrating an intensity of an
illumination pattern at a target of light emitted by a flood
lighting source of a lighting device of a lighting system, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0075] FIG. 20G is a graph illustrating an intensity of an
illumination pattern at a target of light emitted by a spot
lighting source of a lighting device of a lighting system, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0076] FIG. 20H is a graph illustrating an intensity of an
illumination pattern at a target created by the cross-fading of the
illumination patterns of FIGS. 20F and 20G, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0077] FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating a method of
cross-fading lighting sources of a lighting device to emit light in
an illumination pattern, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0078] FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating a method of dimming a
light emitted by lighting sources of a lighting device in a
lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0079] FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustrating a method of determining
an electrochemical composition of a power source of a device or
system of a lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention;
[0080] FIG. 24 is a chart illustrating a state of charge with
respect to a voltage potential and an internal resistance of a
battery cell with different electrochemical compositions, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0081] FIG. 25 is a flow chart illustrating a method of determining
a state of charge of a power source of a device or system of a
lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0082] FIG. 26 is a flow chart illustrating a method of determining
an electrochemical composition of a power source and a state of
charge of the power source of a device or system of a lighting
system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0083] FIG. 27 is an exemplary illustration of an illumination
pattern emitted by a lighting source of a lighting device in a
lighting system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0084] FIG. 28 is a circuit diagram generally illustrating test
circuitry for detecting the electrochemical composition of a power
source of a device or system of a lighting system, in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0085] FIG. 29 is a flow chart illustrating a routine for
determining the electrochemical composition of a power source of a
device or system of a lighting system, in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0086] FIG. 30 is a circuit diagram generally illustrating test
circuitry for detecting the electrochemical composition of multiple
battery cells, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0087] FIG. 31A is a flow diagram illustrating a routine for
determining the electrochemical composition of a power source of a
device or system of a lighting system, in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0088] FIG. 31B is a flow diagram illustrating a routine for
determining the electrochemical composition of a power source of a
device or system of a lighting system, in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0089] FIG. 32 is a graph illustrating changes in voltage realized
for three battery types during the detection test, according to one
example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0090] Before describing in detail embodiments that are in
accordance with the present invention, it should be observed that
the embodiments include combinations of method steps and apparatus
components related to a lighting system and method of operating
thereof. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps
have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols
in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are
pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention
so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be
readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the
benefit of the description herein. Further, like reference
characters in the description and drawings represent like
elements.
[0091] In this document, relational terms, such as first and
second, top and bottom, and the like, may be used to distinguish
one entity or action from another entity or action, without
necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or
order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover
a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or
apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only
those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed
or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An
element proceeded by "comprises . . . a" does not, without more
constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical
elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that
comprises the element.
I. Lighting System
[0092] In reference to FIGS. 1-11, a lighting system is generally
shown at reference identifier 10. The lighting system 10 includes
at least one lighting device 14, at least one electrical connector
generally indicated at 12, and one or more power sources
16,20,22,24,26,27. According to one embodiment, the at least one
lighting device includes a handheld lighting device generally
indicated at 14A, a headlight lighting device generally indicated
at 14B, and a spotlight lighting device generally indicated at 14C.
For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the invention is
generally described herein with regards to the at least one
lighting device including the handheld lighting device 14A, the
headlight lighting device 14B, and the spotlight lighting device
14C; however, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that the lighting system 10 can include a combination of the
lighting devices 14A,14B,14C and/or additional lighting devices.
The at least one lighting device typically includes at least one
lighting source and an internal power source, generally indicated
at 16, that supplies a first electrical current to illuminate the
at least one lighting source, as described in greater detail
herein. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that other embodiments include devices that emit the at least
one lighting device 14A,14B,14C and/or the internal power source
16. According to one embodiment, the lighting system 10 can include
non-lighting devices, such as, but not limited to, a weather radio,
a global positioning satellite (GPS) system receiver, an audio
player, a cellular phone, the like, or a combination thereof.
[0093] According to one embodiment, the at least one lighting
source includes a white flood light emitting diode (LED) 18A, a
white spot LED 18B, and a red flood LED 18C. Typically, the white
flood LED 18A and white spot LED 18B emit a white light having two
different illumination patterns, wherein the white flood LED 18A
illumination pattern disperses the emitted light over a greater
area than the white spot LED 18B, as described in greater detail
below. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
the white flood LED 18A, white spot LED 18B, and red flood LED 18C
can be any desirable color, such as, but not limited to, white,
red, blue, suitable colors of light in the visible light wavelength
spectrum, infrared, suitable colors of light in the non-visible
light wavelength spectrum, the like, or a combination thereof.
[0094] According to one embodiment, the flood beam pattern
illuminates a generally conical shaped beam having a circular
cross-section with a target size in diameter of approximately two
meters (2 m) or greater at a target distance of approximately one
hundred meters (100 m), and the spot beam pattern illuminates a
generally conical shaped beam having a circular cross-section with
a target size in diameter of approximately less than one meter (1
m) at a target distance of two meters (2 m). Thus, the flood beam
pattern can be defined as the light being emitted at a half angle
of twelve degrees (12.degree.) or greater with respect to the
lighting source 18A, and the spot beam pattern can be defined as
the light being emitted at a half angle of less than twelve degrees
(12.degree.) with respect to the lighting source 18B. According to
one embodiment, the spot lighting source 18B can have a half angle
of less than or equal to approximately five degrees (5.degree.) for
the handheld and headlight lighting devices 14A,14B, and a half
angle of less than or equal to approximately two degrees
(2.degree.) for the spotlight lighting device 14C. The red flood
LED 18C can have a similar illumination pattern to the white flood
LED 18A while emitting a red-colored light. According to one
embodiment, the term illumination pattern generally refers to the
size and shape of the illuminated area at a target distance, angles
of the emitted light, the intensity of the emitted light across the
beam, the illuminance of the beam (e.g., the total luminous flux
incident on a surface, per unit area), or a combination thereof.
The shape of the illumination pattern can be defined as the target
area containing approximately eighty percent to eighty-five percent
(80%-85%) of the emitted light.
[0095] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
the flood and/or the spot illumination patterns can form or define
shapes other than circles, such as, but not limited to, ovals,
squares, rectangles, triangles, symmetric shapes, non-symmetric
shapes, the like, or a combination thereof. It should further be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the lighting sources
18A,18B,18C can be other combinations of lighting sources with
different illumination patterns, such as, but not limited to, two
or more flood lighting sources, two or more spot lighting sources,
or a combination thereof.
[0096] For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the
invention is generally described herein with regards to the at
least one lighting source including the white flood LED 18A, the
white spot LED 18B, and the red flood LED 18C. However, it should
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the lighting system
10 can include lighting devices 14A,14B,14C having a combination of
lighting sources 18A,18B,18C and/or additional lighting sources.
According to one embodiment, the light sources 18A,18B,18C are
connected to a LED circuit board 19, as described in greater detail
below.
[0097] The plurality of power sources include a plurality of
external power sources, wherein the plurality of external power
sources include at least first and second external power sources
that are adapted to be electrically connected to the at least one
lighting device by the at least one electrical connector 12.
Typically, the electrical connector 12 electrically connects the
external power source to the lighting device 14A,14B,14C. By way of
explanation and not limitation, the plurality of external power
sources can include an alternating current (AC), such as a 120 Volt
wall outlet, power source 20, a direct current (DC) power source
22, such as an outlet in a vehicle, an energy storage system
generally indicated at 24, a solar power source 26, a solar power
energy storage system 27, the like, or a combination thereof. It
should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types
of external power sources can be configured to connect with the
lighting device 14A,14B,14C.
[0098] For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the handheld
lighting device 14A can be adapted to be held by a single hand of a
user, wherein the hand of the user wraps around the longitudinally
extending handheld lighting device 14A. Thus, a thumb of the user's
hand is positioned to actuate at least one switch SW1,SW2,SW3, or
SW4, which alters the light emitted by the handheld lighting device
14A, as described in greater detail herein. The headlight lighting
device 14B can be adapted to be placed over a user's head using a
headband 21, wherein the user actuates the at least one switch
SW1,SW2,SW3, or SW4 using one or more fingers of the user's hand in
order to alter the light emitted from the headlight lighting device
14B, as described in greater detail herein. Thus, a user generally
directs the light emitted by the headlight lighting device 14B by
moving their head. Additionally or alternatively, the spotlight
lighting device 14C is adapted to be held in the hand of a user,
wherein the user's hand wraps around a handle portion 17 of the
spotlight lighting device 14C. Typically, a user's hand is
positioned on the handle portion 17, such that an index finger of
the user's hand can actuate switches SW1,SW2, or SW3, and a middle
finger of the user's hand can be used to actuate switch SW4, which
alters the light emitted by the spotlight lighting device 14C, as
described in greater detail herein. Generally, the spotlight
lighting device 14C illuminates objects with the light emitted from
the lighting source 18B at a greater distance than objects
illuminated by light emitted from the handheld lighting device 14A
and headlight lighting device 14B.
[0099] Typically, the lighting devices 14A,14B,14C include the
internal power source 16, and are electrically connected to the
external power sources 20,22,24,26, or 27 by the electrical
connector 12. The lighting devices 14A,14B,14C can be electrically
connected to the external power sources 20,22,24,26, or 27 at the
discretion of the user of the lighting system 10, such that the
lighting devices 14A,14B,14C are not consuming electrical power
from the internal power source 16 when the lighting devices
14A,14B,14C are electrically connected to one of the external power
sources 20,22,24,26, or 27. Thus, if a user does not desire to
consume the electrical power of the internal power source 16 or the
state of charge of the internal power source 16 is below an
adequate level, the user can electrically connect one of the
external power sources 20,22,24,26, or 27 to the lighting device
14A,14B,14C, such that the electrically connected power source
20,22,24,26, or 27 supplies an electrical current to the lighting
source 18A,18B,18C, according to one embodiment. Further, one or
more of the external power sources can be a rechargeable power
source that can be charged by other external power sources of the
lighting system 10, or other power sources external to the lighting
system 10.
[0100] According to one embodiment, the first external power source
supplies a second electrical current to the at least one lighting
device to illuminate the at least one lighting source 18,18B,18C,
and the second external power source supplies a third electrical
current to illuminate the at least one lighting source 18A,18B,18C,
such that the internal power source 16 and one of the plurality of
external power sources each supply electrical current to illuminate
the at least one lighting source 18A,18B,18C at different times, as
described in greater detail herein. The first, second, and third
electrical currents are supplied at least two different voltage
potentials. According to one embodiment, the AC power source 20
receives electrical current from an AC source at a voltage
potential ranging from substantially ninety Volts (90 VAC) to two
hundred forty Volts (240 VAC) at fifty hertz (50 Hz) or sixty hertz
(60 Hz), and supplies an electrical current to the lighting devices
14A,14B,14C at a voltage potential of about substantially 12 Volts,
the DC power source 22 supplies the electrical current at a voltage
potential of about substantially 12 Volts, the energy storage
system 24 and solar power energy storage system 27 supply the
electrical current at a voltage potential of about substantially
3.6 Volts, and the solar power source 26 supplies the electrical
current at a voltage potential of substantially 8 Volts. According
to one embodiment, the internal power source 16 can be an
electrochemical cell battery configured as a 1.5 Volt power source,
such as, but not limited to, an alkaline battery, a nickel metal
hydride (NiMH) battery, or the like. Alternatively, the internal
power source 16 can be an electrochemical cell battery configured
as a 3.6 Volt-3.7 Volt power source, such as a lithium ion (Li-Ion)
battery, or the like. Thus, the lighting devices 14A,14B,14C can be
supplied with an electrical current having a voltage potential
ranging from and including approximately 1.5 Volts to 12 Volts in
order to illuminate the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C. It should be
appreciated that the electrical currents supplied by the power
sources 16,20,22,24,26,27 can be approximately equal, such that a
voltage potential differs, different electrical currents, or a
combination thereof.
[0101] According to one embodiment, the lighting devices
14A,14B,14C can each include a first electrical path generally
indicated at 28, and a second electrical path generally indicated
at 30, wherein both the first electrical path 28 and second
electrical path 30 are internal to the lighting device 14A,14B,14C
(FIGS. 2B, 3B, and 4B). Typically, the internal power source 16
provides the electrical current to the lighting source 18A,18B,18C
through the first electrical path 28, and the plurality of external
power sources 20,22,24,26,27 supply the electrical current via the
electrical connector 12 to the lighting source 18A,18B,18C through
the second electrical path 30, such that the second electrical path
30 bypasses the first electrical path 28. According to an alternate
embodiment, the external power sources 20,22,24,26,27, when
connected to the lighting device 14A,14B,14C, supply the electrical
current via the electrical connector 12 through the second
electrical path 30 to illuminate the lighting element 18A,18B,18C
and supply an electrical current to the internal power source 16 to
recharge the internal power source. It should be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that in such an embodiment, the internal
power source 16 is a rechargeable power source (FIG. 1). According
to another embodiment, the lighting device 14A,14B,14C is not
configured to be electrically connected to the external power
sources 20,22,24,26,27, and thus, is not adapted to be connected to
the connector 12.
[0102] The lighting devices 14A,14B,14C typically include the
internal power source 16 and are configured to connect to one of
the external power sources 20,22,24,26, or 27 at a time. A battery
voltage monitor generally indicated at 34 is in electrical
communication with the internal power source 16 and the external
power sources 20,22,24,26,27, when one of the external power
sources 20,22,24,26, or 27 is connected. The battery voltage
monitor 34 determines if the internal power source 16 and external
power source 20,22,24,26,27 have a voltage potential. According to
one embodiment, a processor or microprocessor 36 powers or turns on
transistors Q10 of the battery voltage monitor 34, so that the
lighting device 14A,14B, or 14C can determine if the internal power
source 16 or the connected external power source 20,22,24,26, or 27
has a voltage potential. Thus, the battery voltage monitor 34
activates a switch to turn on one of an internal battery selector,
generally indicated at 38, or an external battery selector,
generally indicated at 40. According to one embodiment, the
internal battery selector 38 is turned on by switching transistors
Q8, which can be back-to-back field-effect transistors (FETs), and
the external battery selector 40 is turned on by switching
transistors Q9, which can be back-to-back FETs.
[0103] In regards to FIGS. 1-6, a method of supplying electrical
current from the power sources 16,20,22,24,26,27 is generally shown
in FIG. 6 at reference identifier 1000. The method 1000 starts at
step 1002, and proceeds to step 1004, wherein the at least one
switch SW1 or SW4 is actuated, according to one embodiment. At step
1006, the voltage potential of at least one of the power sources
16,20,22,24,26,27 are determined. At decision step 1008, it is
determined if an external power source 20,22,24,26,27 is connected
to the lighting device 14A,14B,14C. According to one embodiment,
the external power sources 20,22,24,26,27 have a greater voltage
potential than the internal power source 16 when the external power
source 20,22,24,26,27 is charged (e.g., energy storage system 24),
and thus, by determining the voltage potential of the power sources
16,20,22,24,26,27 at step 1006, when there are multiple determined
voltage potentials, then the higher voltage potential is assumed to
be the external power source 20,22,24,26,27.
[0104] If it is determined at decision step 1008 that there is not
an external power source 20,22,24,26, or 27 connected to the
lighting device 14A,14B,14C, then the method 1000 proceeds to step
1010, wherein the internal battery selector 38 is turned on. At
step 1012, electrical current is supplied from the internal power
source 16 to a lighting source 18A,18B,18C through the first
electrical path 28, and the method 1000 then ends at step 1014.
However, if it is determined at decision step 1008 that one of the
external power sources 20,22,24,26, or 27 is connected to the
lighting device 14A,14B,14C, then the method 1000 proceeds to step
1016, wherein the external battery selector 40 is turned on. At
step 1018, electrical current is supplied from the external power
source 20,22,24,26, or 27 to the lighting source 18A,18B,18C
through the second electrical path 30, and the method 1000 then
ends at step 1014. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that if the external power source 20,22,24,26, or 27 is
connected to the lighting device 14A,14B,14C, after the switch SW1
or SW4 has been actuated to turn on the lighting source
18A,18B,18C, then the method 1000 starts at step 1002, and proceeds
directly to step 1006, wherein the voltage potential of the power
sources 16,20,22,24,26,27 is determined.
[0105] With regards to FIGS. 1-5 and 7-11, the lighting devices
14A,14B,14C can include a voltage regulator 42 (FIGS. 2B, 3B, and
4B). According to one embodiment, the voltage regulator 42 is a 3.3
voltage regulator, wherein the voltage regulator 42 receives an
electrical current from the internal power source 16, the external
power source 20,22,24,26, or 27, or a combination thereof.
Typically, the voltage regulator 42 determines which of the
internal power source 16 and the external power source
20,22,24,26,27 have a higher voltage potential, and uses that power
source 16,20,22,24,26, or 27 to power the processor 36. However, it
should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the voltage
regulator 42 can include hardware circuitry, execute one or more
software routines, or a combination thereof to default to the
internal power source 16 or the external power source
20,22,24,26,27, when present, to power the processor 36. Thus, the
voltage regulator 42 regulates the voltage of the selected power
source 16,20,22,24,26,27 to supply electrical power at a regulated
voltage potential to the processor 36.
[0106] Additionally or alternatively, the lighting devices
14A,14B,14C can include a converter 44, a voltage limiter 46, at
least one LED driver, a reference voltage device 48, at least one
fuel gauge driver, a temperature monitor device generally indicated
at 50, or a combination thereof, as described in greater detail
herein. The processor 36 can communicate with a memory device to
execute one or more software routines, based upon inputs received
from the switches SW1,SW2,SW3,SW4, the temperature monitor device
50, the like, or a combination thereof. According to one
embodiment, the converter 44 is a buck-boost converter that has an
output DC voltage potential from the input DC voltage potential,
and the voltage limiter 46 limits the voltage potential of the
electrical current supplied to the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C to
suitable voltage potentials. The plurality of LED drivers can
include, but are not limited to, a flood LED driver 52A, a spot LED
driver 52B, and a red LED driver 52C that corresponds to the
respective lighting source 18A,18B,18C. According to one
embodiment, the reference voltage device 48 supplies a reference
voltage potential of 2.5 Volts to the processor 36 and temperature
monitor device 50.
[0107] According to one embodiment, the lighting devices
14A,14B,14C, the AC power source 20, the DC power source 22, or a
combination thereof include components that are enclosed in a
housing generally indicated at 54. Additionally or alternatively,
the energy storage system 24, the solar power source 26, the solar
energy storage system 27, or a combination thereof can include
components that are enclosed in the housing 54. According to one
embodiment, the housing 54 is a two-part housing, such that the
housing 54 includes corresponding interlocking teeth 56 that extend
along at least a portion of the connecting sides of the housing 54.
According to one embodiment, the interlocking teeth 56 on a first
part of the two-part housing interlock with corresponding
interlocking teeth 56 of a second part of the two-part housing in
order to align the corresponding parts of the housing 54 during
assembly of the device. The interlocking teeth 56 can also be used
to secure the parts of the housing 54. However, it should be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional connection
devices, such as mechanical connection devices (e.g., threaded
fasteners) or adhesives, can be used to connect the parts of the
housing 54. Further, the interlocking teeth 56 can be shaped, such
that a force applied to a portion of the housing 54 is distributed
to other portions of the two-part housing 54 along the connection
point of the interlocking teeth 56.
[0108] In accordance with an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 7D,
the housing 54 of the handheld lighting device 14A can be a tubular
housing, wherein the internal power source 16 and the circuit board
39 are contained in a longitudinally extending bore of the tubular
housing 54. An end cap, generally indicated at 59, can enclose a
first end or a front end of the tubular housing 54. According to
one embodiment, the end cap 59 includes an optic pack 57, which
includes at least the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C, wherein the
optic pack 57A is described in greater detail below. Thus, the end
cap 59 can be a light emitting end of the handheld lighting device
14A. Additionally, a tail cap assembly, generally indicated at 88,
can be used to enclose a second end of the tubular housing 54. The
tail cap assembly 88 includes a connector 92, as described in
greater detail below. According to one embodiment, the tubular
housing 54 can include external features, such as thermally
conductive heat sink fins 74. According to an alternate embodiment,
an external component 61 can be attached to the tubular housing 54,
wherein the external component 61 includes external features, such
as the thermally conductive heat sink fins 74. The external
component 61 can be attached to the tubular housing 54 by any
suitable form of attachment, such as, but not limited to, a
mechanical attachment device, an adhesive, the like, or a
combination thereof.
[0109] According to one embodiment, the handheld lighting device
14A has the internal power source 16, which includes three (3) AA
size batteries connected in series. Typically, at least two of the
AA batteries are positioned side-by-side, such that the three (3)
AA size batteries are not each end-to-end, and a circuit board 39
is positioned around the three (3) AA size batteries within the
housing 54. According to one embodiment, the internal power source
16 of the headlight lighting device 14B is not housed within the
same housing as the light sources 18A,18B,18C, but can be directly
electrically connected to the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C and
mounted on the headband 21 as the housing 54 enclosing the lighting
sources 18A,18B,18C. Thus, the internal power source 16 of the
headlight lighting device 14B differs from the external power
sources 20,22,24,26,27 that connect to the headlight lighting
device 14B with the electrical connector 12. Further, the headlight
lighting device 14B can include one or more internal power sources
16 that have batteries enclosed therein. Typically, the internal
power source 16 of the headlight lighting device 14B includes three
(3) AAA size batteries, as shown in FIG. 8D. Typically, AAA size
batteries are used in the headlight lighting device 14B in order to
reduce the weight of the headlight lighting device 14B, which is
generally supported by the user's head, when compared to the weight
of other size batteries (e.g., AA size batteries, C size batteries,
etc.). According to one embodiment, the spotlight lighting device
14C has the internal power source 16, which includes six (6) AA
size batteries, each supplying about 1.5 Volts, and electrically
coupled in series to provide a total voltage potential of about
nine Volts (9 V). Typically, the six (6) AA size batteries are
placed in a clip device 23 and inserted into the handle 17 of the
housing 54 of the spotlight lighting device 14C, as shown in FIG.
9B. However, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art
that batteries of other shapes, sizes, and voltage potentials can
be used as the internal power source 16 of the lighting devices
14A,14B,14C.
[0110] In regards to FIGS. 1 and 10A-10C, the solar power source 26
includes a film material 29 having panels, wherein the panels
receive radiant solar energy from a solar source, such as the sun.
According to one embodiment, the film material 29 includes one (1)
to five (5) panels. The film material 29, via the panels, receives
or harvests the solar energy, such that the solar energy is
converted into an electrical current, and the electrical current is
propagated to the lighting device 14A,14B,14C or the energy storage
system 24,27 through the electrical connector 12. According to one
embodiment, the solar radiation received by the solar power source
26 is converted into an electrical current having a voltage
potential of approximately eight volts (8V) to fifteen volts (15V).
Further, film material 29 can be a KONARKA.TM. film material, such
as a composite photovoltaic material, in which polymers with nano
particles can be mixed together to make a single multi-spectrum
layer (fourth generation), according to one embodiment. According
to other embodiments, the film material 29 can be a single crystal
(first generation) material, an amorphous silicon, a
polycrystalline silicon, a microcrystalline, a photoelectrochemical
cell, a polymer solar cell, a nanocrystal cell, and a dyesensitized
solar cell. Additionally, the solar power source 26 can include
protective cover films 31 that cover a top and bottom of the film
material 29. For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the
protective cover film 31 can be any suitable protective cover film,
such as a laminate, that allows solar radiation to substantially
pass through the protective cover film 31 and be received by the
film material 29.
[0111] According to one embodiment, the film material 29 and the
protective cover film 31 are flexible materials that can be rolled
or wound about a mandrel 33. The mandrel 33 can have a hollow
center, such that the electrical connector 12 or other components
can be stored in the mandrel 33. Straps 35 can be used to secure
the film material 29 and the protective cover film 31 to the
mandrel when the film material 29 and protective cover film 31 are
rolled about the mandrel 33 or in a rolled-up position, according
to one embodiment. Additionally, the straps 35 can be used to
attach the solar power source 26 to an item, such as, but not
limited to, a backpack or the like, when the film material 29 and
protective cover film are not rolled about the mandrel 33 or in a
solar radiation harvesting position. Additionally or alternatively,
end caps 37 can be used to further secure the film material 29 and
protective cover film 31 when rolled about the mandrel 33, and to
provide access to the hollow interior of the mandrel 33.
[0112] According to an alternate embodiment, the film material 29
can be a foldable material, such that the film material 29 can be
folded upon itself in order to be stored, such as when the solar
power source 26 is in a non-solar radiation harvesting position.
Further, the film material 29, when in the folded position, can be
stored in the mandrel 33, other suitable storage containers, or the
like. Additionally, the protective cover film 31 can be a foldable
material, such that both the film material 29 and protective cover
film 31 can be folded when in a non-solar radiation harvesting
position. The film material 29 and protective cover film 31 can
then also be un-folded when the film material 29 is in a solar
radiation harvesting position.
[0113] With respect to FIGS. 1-5 and 7-11, the electrical connector
12 includes a plurality of pins 41 connected to a plurality of
electrical wires 43 that extend longitudinally through the
electrical connector 12, according to one embodiment. Typically,
the plurality of pins 41 are positioned, such that the pins 41
matingly engage to make an electrical connection with a electrical
component of the device 14A,14B,14C,20,22,24,26,27 that is
connected to the electrical connector 12. Thus, the electrical
wires 43, and the pins 41, can communicate or propagate an
electrical current between one of the light devices 14A,14B,14C and
one of the external power sources 20,22,24,26, or 27 and between
the external power sources (i.e. the AC power source 20 to the
energy storage system 24) at different voltage potentials.
According to one embodiment, the electrical connector 12
communicates an intelligence signal from the power source
20,22,24,26,27 to the lighting device 14A,14B,14C, such that the
lighting device 14A,14B,14C can confirm that the electrical
connector 12 is connecting a suitable external power source to the
connected lighting device 14A,14B,14C.
[0114] According to one embodiment, the connector 41 includes an
outer sleeve 45 having a first diameter and an inner sleeve 47
having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller
than the first diameter. The connector 41 can further include a
retainer 49 that surrounds at least a portion of the plurality of
pins 41 and the electrical wires 43, according to one embodiment.
The retainer 49, in conjunction with other components of the
electrical connector 12, such as the outer sleeve 45 and inner
sleeve 47, form a water-tight seal, so that a waterproof connection
between the pins 41 and the electrical components of the connected
device 14A,14B,14C,20,22,24,26,27.
[0115] Additionally or alternatively, the connector 41 includes a
quarter-turn sleeve 51, which defines at least one groove 53 that
extends at least partially circumferentially, at an angle, around
the quarter-turn sleeve 51. According to one embodiment, the
electrical connector 12 includes a flexible sleeve 55 at the
non-connecting end of the quarter-turn sleeve 51 that connects to a
protective sleeve 59. Typically, the protective sleeve 59 extends
longitudinally along the length of the electrical connector 12 to
protect the wires 43, and the flexible sleeve 55 allows the ends of
the electrical connector 12 to be flexible so that the pins 41 can
be correctly positioned with respect to a receiving portion of the
device 14A,14B,14C,20,22,24,26, or 27.
[0116] The spotlight lighting device 14C can also include a switch
guard 32, according to one embodiment. Additionally or
alternatively, the devices 14A,14B,14C,20,22,24,26,27 can include
the tail cap assembly 88. The tail cap assembly 88 includes a hinge
mechanism 90, wherein at least one cover is operably connected to
the hinge mechanism 90, such that the at least one cover pivots
about the hinge mechanism 90. According to one embodiment, a
connector 92 is attached or integrated onto a cover 94, wherein the
connector 92 is the corresponding male portion to the electrical
connector 12. The connector 92 can include a flange that is
positioned to slidably engage the groove 53 of the electrical
connector 12 when the connector 92 is being connected and
disconnected from the electrical connector 12, according to one
embodiment. The connector 92 is electrically connected to the
lighting sources 18A,18B,18C when the cover 94 is in a fully closed
positioned, such that when one of the external power sources
20,22,24,26, or 27 is connected to one of the lighting devices
14A,14B, or 14C by the electrical connector 12 being connected to
the connector 92, the external power source 20,22,24,26,27
propagates an electrical current to the lighting sources
18A,18B,18C. When the cover 94 is in an open position, the
connector 92 is not electrically connected to the lighting sources
18A,18B,18C, and the internal power source 16 can be inserted and
removed from the lighting device 14A,14B,14C.
[0117] According to an alternate embodiment, the tail cap assembly
88 includes a second cover 96 that covers the connector 92 when in
a fully closed position. Typically, the second cover 96 is operably
connected to the hinge mechanism 90, such that the second cover
pivots about the hinge mechanism 90 along with the cover 94. When
the second cover 96 is in the fully closed position, the electrical
connector 12 cannot be connected to the connector 92, and when the
second cover 96 is in an open position, the electrical connector 12
can be connected to the connector 92. Thus, the connector 92 does
not have to be exposed to the environment that the lighting device
14A,14B,14C is being operated in, when the connector 92 is not
connected to the electrical connector 12. Further, the tail cap
assembly 88 can include a fastening mechanism 98 for securing the
cover 94,96 when the cover 94,96 is in the fully closed
position.
II. Optic Pack
[0118] In regards to FIGS. 1-5, 7-9, 13-16, and 20A-20H, the
lighting devices 14A,14B,14C have a plurality of lighting sources
enclosed in the housing 54, wherein at least one light source
18A,18B,18C of the plurality of light sources emits lights.
According to one embodiment, each of the light sources 18A,18B,18C
are in optical communication with a corresponding optic pack
generally indicated at 57A,57B,57C. Typically, the optic pack
57A,57B,57C includes an optical lens, such that a plurality of
optical lenses are enclosed in the housing 54, wherein each of the
plurality of light sources 18A,18B,18C is in optical communication
with one optical lens of the plurality of optical lenses. According
to one embodiment, the plurality of optical lenses include a first
optical lens 58A associated with the white flood LED 18A, a second
optical lens 58B or 58B' associated with the white spot LED 18B,
and a third optical lens 58C associated with the red flood LED 18C.
Typically, the optical lens 58A,58B,58B',58C reflects at least a
portion of the light emitted by the corresponding lighting source
18A,18B,18C, wherein at least a portion of the light emitted by the
corresponding lighting sources 18A,18B,18C passes through the
optical lens 58A,58B,58B',58C, as described in greater detail
herein.
[0119] A lens generally indicated at 60A,60B,60C is substantially
fixedly coupled to the housing 54. Thus, the optic pack 57A,57B,57C
can include the optical lens 58A,58B,58B',58C and the lens
60A,60B,60C, wherein the corresponding light source 18A,18B,18C can
be connected to the LED circuit board 19 and inserted into the
corresponding optic pack 57A,57B,57C. According to one embodiment,
the optic pack 57A including optical lens 58A,58B,58C and lens 60A
is associated with the handheld lighting device 14A, the optic pack
57B including optical lens 58A,58B',58C and lens 60B is associated
with the headlight lighting device 14B, and the optic pack 57C
including optical lens 58A,58B,58C and lens 60C is associated with
the spotlight lighting device 14C. The lens 60A,60B,60C is a single
lens having a portion that is in optical communication with a
corresponding light source 18A,18B,18C and corresponding optical
lens 58A,58B,58C, according to one embodiment. The lens 60A,60B,60C
also includes a plurality of surface configurations, such that at
least one surface configuration of the plurality of surface
configurations is formed on each portion of the lens 60A,60B,60C to
control an illumination pattern of the light emitted from the
corresponding lighting source 18A,18B,18C.
[0120] According to one embodiment, a first portion 62 of the lens
60A,60B,60C has a first surface configuration that is a flood
surface configuration. Thus, the light emitted from the
corresponding light source (e.g., white flood LED 18A and red flood
LED 18C) and reflected by the corresponding optical lens 58A,58C
are directed through the flood surface configuration to produce a
flood pattern. Additionally, a second portion 64 of the lens
60A,60B,60C can include a second surface configuration that is a
spot surface configuration. Thus, the light emitted from the
corresponding light source (e.g., white spot LED 18B) and reflected
by the corresponding optical lens 58B' is directed through the spot
surface configuration to produce a spot pattern. According to one
embodiment, at least a portion of the plurality of the surface
configurations are generally formed by chemically treating the
portion of the lens 60A,60B,60C. Typically, at least one chemical
agent is applied to the desired portion of the lens 60A,60B,60C
surface (e.g., the first portion 62), and the chemical agent alters
the surface configuration, which results in the light emitted from
the corresponding light source (e.g., white flood LED 18A and red
flood LED 18C) to be dispersed at greater angles than the light
emitted through a smooth or non-treated portion of the lens
60A,60B,60C (e.g., the second portion 64).
[0121] According to one embodiment, the flood beam pattern
illuminates a circular target size in diameter of approximately two
meters (2 m) or greater at a target distance of approximately one
hundred meters (100 m), and the spot beam pattern illuminates a
circular target size in diameter of approximately less than one
meter (1 m) at a target distance of two meters (2 m). Thus, the
flood beam pattern generally illuminates a target size at a first
target distance having a greater diameter than the spot beam
pattern at a second target distance, such that the light emitted in
the flood pattern is emitted at greater angles with respect to the
light source (e.g., the white flood LED 18A and red flood LED 18C)
than light emitted in the spot pattern. According to one
embodiment, the flood beam pattern can be defined as the light
being emitted at a half angle of twelve degrees (12.degree.) or
greater with respect to the lighting source 18A, and the spot beam
pattern can be defined as the light being emitted at a half angle
of less than twelve degrees (12.degree.) with respect to the
lighting source 18B. Additionally or alternatively, the white LED
light sources 18A,18B are CREE XR-E.TM. LEDs, and the red LED light
source 18C is a CREE-XR.TM. 7090 LED. According to one embodiment,
the spot lighting source 18B, and corresponding optic pack 57B, can
have a half angle of less than or equal to approximately five
degrees (5.degree.) for the handheld and headlight lighting devices
14A,14B, and a half angle of less than or equal to approximately
two degrees (2.degree.) for the spotlight lighting device 14C.
[0122] For purposes of explanation and not limitation, an exemplary
illumination pattern that is emitted by a lighting source
18A,18B,18C is shown in FIG. 27. The illumination pattern has a
diameter D at a target, wherein the diameter D corresponds to an
angle .theta., with which the light is emitted with respect to an
optical axis of the lighting source 18A,18B,18C. Thus, the
illumination pattern of light emitted by the lighting source
18A,18B,18C can be defined by the size or diameter D of the
illumination pattern at the target, the shape of the illumination
pattern, the intensity of the light emitted, the angle with which
the light is emitted from the lighting source 18A,18B,18C, or a
combination thereof. Typically, the light emitted by the white
flood LED 18A and red flood LED 18C have a greater size or diameter
D at a target, and the light is emitted at a greater angle .theta.
with respect to the optical axis of the lighting source than the
white spot LED 18B.
[0123] With regards to FIGS. 13A-13C, the optic pack 57A of the
handheld lighting device 14A includes the first, second, and third
optical lens 58A,58B,58C and the lens 60A. The first portion 62 of
the lens 60A,60B, substantially covers and corresponds with the
first optical lens 58A and the third optical lens 58C, and the
second portion 64 of the lens 60A,60B,60C substantially covers and
corresponds with the second optical lens 58B. Thus, the first
portion 62 in conjunction with the first optical lens 58A and the
third optical lens 58C produce a flood pattern of light emitted by
the white flood LED 18A and the red flood LED 18C, respectively.
Further, the second portion 64 in conjunction with the second
optical lens 58B emit a spot pattern of illuminated light emitted
by the white spot LED 18B.
[0124] In reference to FIGS. 14A-14C, the optic pack 57B of the
headlight lighting device 14B is shown, wherein the optic pack 57B
includes the first, second, and third optical lens 58A,58B,58C and
the lens 60B. According to one embodiment, the first portion 62 of
the lens 60B substantially covers and is associated with the first
optical lens 58A and the third optical lens 58C, such that the
corresponding white flood LED 18A and red flood LED 18C are
directed through the first portion 62 to produce a flood pattern of
illuminated light. The second portion 64 of the lens 60A,60B,60C
substantially covers and corresponds to the second optical lens
58B, such that light emitted from the white spot LED 18B is emitted
through the second portion 64 to produce a spotlight pattern.
[0125] With respect to FIGS. 15A-15D, the optic pack 57C of the
spotlight lighting device 14C includes the first optical lens 58A,
a second optical lens 58B', the third optical lens 58C, and the
lens 60C. The first portion 62 of the lens 60C substantially covers
and corresponds to the first optical lens 58A and the third optical
lens 58C, such that light emitted from the white flood LED 18A and
the red flood LED 18C is emitted through the first portion 62 to
produce a flood pattern. The second portion 64 of the lens 60C
substantially covers and corresponds to the second optical lens
58B', such that light emitted by the white spot LED 18B is emitted
through the second portion 64 to produce a spot pattern.
Additionally, the second optical lens 58B' that is included in the
optic pack 57C of the spotlight lighting device 14C can have a
focal point 66 that is deeper with respect to a top 68 that defines
an opening 70, wherein light is directed out of the second optical
lens 58B' that is deeper than at least one other focal point of the
plurality of optical lenses in the optic pack 57C. Additionally,
the second optical lens 58B' can be a multiple-part optical lens,
according to one embodiment. Thus, the multiple parts of the second
optical lens 58B' can be attached to one another to form the second
optical lens 58B' in the final assembly. The multiple parts of the
second optical lens 58B' can be attached by suitable mechanical
devices, pressure fitting, adhesives, the like, or a combination
thereof. According to one embodiment, the second optical lens 58B'
has a seam 72 that extends circumferentially around the second
optical lens 58B' that separates the second optical lens 58B' into
two parts. According to an alternate embodiment, the second optical
lens 58B' has a seam that extends longitudinally along the second
optical lens 58B' to separate the second optical lens 58B' into two
parts.
[0126] According to one embodiment, the optical lenses
58A,58B,58B',58C are conically shaped reflectors. Specifically, the
conically shaped optical lenses 58A,58B,58B',58C are total internal
reflection (TIR) optical lenses, according to one embodiment. The
apex (vertex) of each cone shaped optical lens 58A,58B,58B',58C has
a concave surface that generally engages the corresponding LED
18A,18B,18C. By way of explanation and not limitation, at least one
of the optical lenses 58A,58B,58B',58C have a refractive index of
1.4 to 1.7. Additionally or alternatively, the optical lenses
58A,58B,58B',58C are made of a polycarbonate material, and the lens
60A,60B,60C is made of a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) material.
Further, the housing 54 can define an indentation 73, as shown in
FIGS. 7B,7C, 8B, 8C, 9B, and 9C, wherein a portion of the lens
60A,60B,60C is inserted in the indentation 73 to fixedly connect
the lens 60A,60B,60C to the housing 54, according to one
embodiment. Additionally, the first and second potions 62,64 of the
lens 60A,60B,60C are optically aligned with the corresponding light
source 18A,18B,18C and optical lens 58A,58B,58B',58C when the lens
60A,60B,60C is inserted into the indentation 73. Alternatively, the
lenses 58A,58B,58B',58C can be, but are not limited to,
plano-convex lenses, biconvex or double convex lenses, positive
meniscus lenses, negative meniscus lenses, parabolic lenses, the
like, or a combination thereof, according to one embodiment.
[0127] According to one embodiment, the optic pack 57A,57B,57C can
include a central lens section, an outside internal reflection
form, a top microlens array, and a small microlens array (FIG.
13D). The microlenses can be the surface configurations on the
portions 62,64 of the lens 60A,60B,60C,60D. Typically, the central
lens section can concentrate the light into a range of angles, and
the outside internal reflection form can guide the light in the
direction the light is to be emitted (e.g., a forward direction).
The top microlens array can spread the light into a particular
pattern, such as the flood illumination pattern, according to one
embodiment. The small microlens array can be used to eliminate a
square shape in the illumination pattern, such as for the white
spot LED 18B, according to one embodiment. Thus, an output surface
remains flat. An input side lens can create an image on the
lighting source 18A,18B,18C. Typically, in order to avoid a direct
imaging of the lighting source 18A,18B,18C, a smaller array of
microlens are substantially opposite an internal lens, according to
one embodiment. Thus, the microlens or microlens array can collect
small images and overlap in a far field to mix spectral
non-uniformity from the lighting source 18A,18B,18C.
[0128] According to an alternate embodiment, the optic pack
57A,57B,57C is a hybrid of components instead of the embodiment as
described above. In this embodiment, the sidewalls of the TIR lens
can be reflectors, and a central lens portion can function as
spreading optics to spread out the light and form the illumination
pattern.
III. Heat Dissipation
[0129] With regards to FIGS. 1-4 and 7-9, the lighting devices
14A,14B,14C each include at least one lighting source 18A,18B,18C
that generate thermal energy (heat) as a by-product, and the
housing 54 that encloses the at least one lighting source
18A,18B,18C generally confines the heat and protects the components
therein, according to one embodiment. The housing 54 is in thermal
communication with at least one of the lighting sources
18A,18B,18C, such that thermal radiation transfers directly or
indirectly from the at least one lighting source 18A,18B,18C to the
housing 54. The housing 54 includes a body and a plurality of
thermally conductive heat sink fins 74. According to one
embodiment, at least a portion of the plurality of thermally
conductive heat sink fins 74 extend horizontally with respect to a
normal operating position of the at least one lighting device
14A,14B,14C, shown in FIGS. 7A, 8A, and 9A. According to an
alternate embodiment, at least a portion of the thermally
conductive heat sink fins 74 extend vertically with respect to a
normal operating position of the at least one lighting device (FIG.
7A').
[0130] According to one embodiment, the housing 54 is made of a
thermally conductive material, such as, but not limited to, thixo
molded magnesium alloy, or the like. Additionally or alternatively,
at least a portion of the thermally conductive material of housing
54 can be covered with an emissivity coating, wherein the
emissivity coating increases the heat dissipation capabilities of
the thermally conductive material. According to one embodiment, the
emissivity coating can be a material with a heat conductive rating
of approximately 0.8, such that the emissivity coating provides a
high emissivity and promotes adequate radiant heat transfer. For
purposes of explanation and not limitation, the emissivity coating
can be, but is not limited to, a DUPONT.RTM. Raven powder material.
Typically, the emissivity coating is applied to the housing 54 and
baked onto the housing 54 after the molding process in order to
provide a durable finish.
[0131] The thermally conductive heat sink fins 74, whether
extending horizontally (FIG. 7A) in one embodiment, vertically
(FIG. 7A') in another embodiment, or a combination thereof, can
include at least a first thermally conductive heat sink fin 74A and
a second thermally conductive heat sink fin 74B that define an
approximately five millimeter (5 mm) spacing 76 between the first
and second thermally conductive heat sink fins 74A,74B. In one
exemplary embodiment, a horizontal thickness of the thermally
conductive heat sink fins 74 can range from and include
approximately 0.75 mm to one millimeter (1 mm), and the height of
the thermally conductive heat sink fins 74A,74B range from and
include approximately four millimeters (4 mm) to 5.8 mm. However,
it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above
dimensions can be altered to provide a thermally conductive heat
sink fin 74 with a greater amount of surface area, which generally
dissipates heat with greater efficiency than a thermally conductive
heat sink fin with less surface area under substantially the same
operating conditions.
[0132] According to one embodiment, a thermal conductive gap filler
is dispersed between the housing 54 and the LED circuit board 19.
The thermal conductive gap filler can generally be selected to have
characteristics including, but not limited to, thermal
conductivity, adhesive, electrical non-conductivity, the like, or a
combination thereof. Thus, the thermal conductive gap filler can be
used to conduct heat from the LED circuit board 19 to the housing
54. According to one embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the
thermal conductive material is one watt per meter degree of Celsius
(W/mC). One exemplary thermal conductive material that can be used
as the gap filler is GAP PAD.TM. manufactured by Bergquist Company.
The thermal conductive gap filling material can have an adhesive
property, which further forms a connection between the LED circuit
board 19 and the housing 54. Typically, the thermal conductive gap
filling material is a dielectric material.
[0133] At least one temperature monitoring device 50 can be in
thermal communication with at least one of the LED circuit board 19
and the housing 54. In one exemplary embodiment, the temperature
monitoring device 50 is a thermistor that monitors the temperature
of at least one component of the lighting device 14A,14B,14C. By
way of explanation and not limitation, the temperature monitoring
device 50 can be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC)
thermistor, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, or
a thermocouple. According to one embodiment, the temperature
monitoring device 50 is in thermal communication with at least one
other component, such that the temperature monitoring device 50
directly monitors the thermal radiation emitted by the component or
a rate of change in the emitted thermal radiation over a period of
time. Additionally, the temperature monitoring device 50
communicates the monitored temperature to the processor 36. The
processor 36 has hardware circuitry or executes one or more
software routine to determine a temperature of at least one other
component of the lighting device 14A,14B,14C based upon the
monitored temperature. The processor 36 can then alter the
electrical power supplied to the at least one light source
18A,18B,18C in order to control the thermal radiation emitted by
the light source 18A,18B,18C to the LED circuit board 19. By way of
explanation and not limitation, the electrical power can be altered
by altering the electrical current, the voltage potential of the
electrical power, or a combination thereof.
[0134] According to one embodiment, wherein the rate of change of
the emitted thermal radiation is monitored, the rate of change of
emitted thermal radiation is monitored with respect to a commanded
or selected light output function for the lighting source
18A,18B,18C. Thus, the temperature of a component, such as the
housing 54, can be determined to a degree by measuring the rate of
change of the LED circuit board 19 temperature during a period of
time at a specific current output. Typically, the rate of change in
the temperature of the component is a function of convection heat
transfer (e.g., wind), conduction heat transfer (e.g., the lighting
device 14A,14B,14C being held), and radiation heat transfer (e.g.,
solar radiation).
[0135] For purposes of explanation and not limitation, in
operation, one of the white flood LED 18A, white spot LED 18B, and
red flood LED 18C, or a combination thereof, are illuminated and
emit thermal radiation, which is transferred to the LED circuit
board 19. According to one embodiment, the temperature monitor
device 50 is in thermal communication with the LED circuit board
19, such that the temperature monitor device 50 determines the
temperature of the LED circuit board 19. The temperature monitor
device 50 communicates the monitored temperature data, which
includes, for example, resistance, of the LED circuit board 19 or
data to processor 36, wherein the processor 36 determines an
approximate temperature of the housing 54 based upon the monitored
temperature of the LED circuit board 19. If the monitored
temperature or the determined temperature are at or exceed a
temperature value, then the processor 36 reduces the electrical
power supplied to the white flood LED 18A, white spot LED 18B, red
flood LED 18C, or a combination thereof, in order to reduce the
amount of thermal radiation emitted by the LEDs 18A,18B,18C.
[0136] The temperature value or threshold value that is compared to
one of the monitored temperature or the determined temperature can
be a temperature value, according to embodiment. The electrical
power supplied may be controlled by altering the electrical current
supplied to the lighting source 18A,18B,18C, such as by using pulse
width modulation (PWM) control. By reducing the electrical power
supplied to the LEDs 18A,18B,18C, the thermal radiation emitted by
the LEDs 18A,18B,18C is reduced, and the temperature of the LED
circuit board 19 and housing 54 is also reduced. Therefore,
reducing the electrical power, which reduces the amount of light
emitted by the LEDs 18A,18B,18C, results in a temperature
controlled lighting device that maintains a selected temperature
for the lighting devices 14A,148,14C.
[0137] According to an alternate embodiment, the temperature
monitoring device 50 is in thermal communication with the housing
54, such that the thermal monitoring device 50 monitors the
temperature of the housing 54. The temperature monitoring device 50
then communicates the monitored temperature of the housing 54 or
data to the processor 36, wherein the processor 36 processes the
data and determines an approximate temperature of the LED circuit
board 19 based upon the monitored temperature of the housing 54.
The processor 36 can alter the electrical power supplied to the
LEDs 18A,18B,18C based upon the monitored temperature of the
housing 54, the determined temperature of the LED circuit board 19,
or a combination thereof, in order to reduce the amount of thermal
radiation emitted by the LEDs 18A,18B,18C.
[0138] Additionally or alternatively, the processor 36 can increase
the electrical power supplied to the LEDs 18A,18B,18C based upon a
monitored temperature monitored by the temperature monitoring
device 50, the determined temperature determined by the processor
36, or a combination thereof, without regard to the component that
the temperature monitoring device 50 is in thermal communication
with. Typically, the electrical power can be altered by altering
the electrical current, which can be controlled by using PWM
control. Thus, the supplied electrical power to the LEDs
18A,18B,18C can be increased in order to emit more illumination
from the LEDs 18A,18B,18C, when the temperature within the lighting
device 14A,14B,14C is maintained at a suitable temperature, such
that one of the monitored temperature of the determined temperature
are below a second temperature value or threshold value.
[0139] With respect to FIGS. 1-4, 7-9, and 17A, a method of
controlling the electrical power supplied to the lighting source
18A,18B,18C is generally shown in FIG. 17A at reference identifier
1040, according to one embodiment. The method 1040 starts at step
1042, and proceeds to step 1044, wherein the temperature of a first
component is monitored. According to one embodiment, the first
component is the LED circuit board 19, which is monitored by the
temperature monitoring device 50. According to an alternate
embodiment, the first component is housing 54, wherein the
temperature of the housing 54 is monitored by the temperature
monitoring device 50. At step 1046, an approximate temperature of a
second component is determined based upon the temperature monitored
at step 1044. According to one embodiment, the second component is
either the LED circuit board 19 or the housing 54, wherein the
temperature monitoring device 50 is not in direct thermal
communication with the second component.
[0140] It is then determined at decision step 1048 whether one of
the monitored or determined temperature is above a first value. For
purposes of explanation and not limitation, when the temperature
monitoring device 50 monitors the temperature of the LED circuit
board 19, the first value is approximately sixty-six degrees
Celsius (66.degree. C.), such that the LED board 19 is operating at
approximately sixty-six degrees Celsius (66.degree. C.) and the
housing 54 is presumed to have an operating temperature of
approximately fifty-five degrees Celsius (55.degree. C.). If it is
determined at decision step 1048 that one of the monitored or
determined temperature is above the first value, then the method
1040 proceeds to step 1050, wherein the electrical current supplied
to the light source 18A,18B,18C is decreased. The method 1040 then
ends at step 1052.
[0141] When it is determined at decision step 1048 that one of the
monitored or determined temperature is not above the first value,
then the method 1040 proceeds to decision step 1054. At decision
step 1054, it is determined if one of the monitored or determined
temperature is below a second value. If it is determined at
decision step 1054 that one of the monitored or determined
temperature is below the second value, then the method 1040
proceeds to step 1056, wherein the electrical current supplied to
the light source 18A,18B,18C is increased. The method 1040 then
ends at step 1052.
[0142] However, if it is determined at decision step 1054 that one
of the monitored or determined temperatures is not below the second
value, then the method 1040 proceeds to step 1058. At step 1058,
the electrical current being supplied to the light source
18A,18B,18C is maintained, and the method 1040 then ends at step
1052.
[0143] With respect to FIGS. 1-4, 7-9, and 17B, a method of
controlling the electrical power supplied to the lighting source
18A,18B,18C is generally shown in FIG. 17B at reference identifier
1200, according to one embodiment. The method 1200 starts at step
1202, and proceeds to step 1204, wherein a temperature of a first
component is monitored over a period of time. At step 1206, a rate
of change of the emitted thermal radiation or monitored temperature
is determined. According to one embodiment, the rate of change can
be determined based upon comparing the current temperature of the
component to a previous temperature of the component. Thus, the
temperature of the component is monitored over a period of time. At
step 1208, the temperature of a second component is determined
based upon the determined temperature rate of change of the first
component.
[0144] At decision step 1210, it is determined if one of the
determined temperature rate of change or determined temperature of
the second component is above a first value. If it is determined at
decision step 1210 that one of the determined temperature rate of
change or determined temperature of the second component is above
the first value, then the method 1200 proceeds to step 1212. At
step 1212, the electrical current supplied to the lighting source
is decreased, and the method 1200 then ends at step 1214.
[0145] However, if it is determined at decision step 1210 that one
of the determined temperature rate of change or determined
temperature of the second component is not above the first value,
then the method 1200 proceeds to decision step 1216. At decision
step 1216, it is determined if one of the determined temperature
rate of change or the determined temperature of the second
component is below the second value. If it is determined at
decision step 1216 that one of the determined temperature rate of
change or the determined temperature of the second component is
below a second value, then the method 1200 proceeds to step 1218.
At step 1218, the electrical current supplied to the lighting
source 18A,18B,18C is increased, and the method 1200 then ends at
step 1214.
[0146] If it is determined at decision step 1216 that one of the
determined temperature rate of change or the determined temperature
of the second component is not below the second value, then the
method 1200 proceeds to step 1220. At step 1220, the electrical
current being supplied to the lighting source 18A,18B,18C is
maintained, and the method 1200 then ends at step 1214.
[0147] Therefore, the monitored temperature of a component of the
lighting device 14A,14B,14C and the determined approximate
temperature of other components in the lighting device 14A,14B,14C
can be used for controlling different components or devices within
the lighting devices 14A,14B,14C.
[0148] By way of explanation and not limitation, one exemplary use
is to protect the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C from overheating
when the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C are LEDs. Typically, LEDs
have an LED junction, and it can be undesirable for a temperature
of such an LED junction be exceeded for extended periods of time.
When the LED junction temperature is exceeded for extended periods
of time, the LED life can be shortened. Thus, the monitored and
determined temperatures can be used to prevent the LED junction
from exceeding a temperature for an extended period of time.
Another exemplary use is to maintain the temperature of the housing
54 at a desirable temperature. Thus, by monitoring the temperature
of the LED circuit board 19, the approximate temperature of the
housing 54 can be determined so that the temperature of the housing
54 can be maintained at a desirable level. A third exemplary use
can be to determine an approximate temperature of the internal
power source 16, so that the internal power source 16 is operated
under desirable conditions, as set forth in greater detail below.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other
components, devices, or operating conditions of the lighting device
14A,14B,14C can be controlled based upon the monitored and
determined temperatures.
IV. Energy Storage System
[0149] In regards to FIGS. 1, 5A-5B, 10A-10D, 18, 19A, and 19B, the
energy storage system 24 and the solar power energy storage system
27 include a plurality of battery cells including at least a first
battery cell 78 and a second battery cell 80, according to one
embodiment. The exemplary embodiments described herein are
generally discussed with respect to the first and second battery
cells 78,80; however, it should be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that any suitable number of battery cells can be used in
the energy storage system 24 or the solar power energy storage
system 27, such as, but not limited to, there (3) or four (4)
battery cells used in the energy storage system 24 or the solar
power energy storage system 27. A power source, such as the
external power sources, including the AC power source 20, the DC
power source 22, and the solar power source 26 can be electrically
connected to the plurality of battery cells with the electrical
connector 12. Thus, the battery cells 78,80 can be configured to
electrically connect to the external power source 20,22,26,27.
According to one embodiment, the power source 20,22,26,27 supplies
an electrical current to the energy storage system 24 having a
voltage potential of approximately eight Volts (8 V) to twelve
Volts (12 V). A controller 82 is in communication with the
plurality of battery cells, and controls the electrical current
supplied to the battery cells 78,80 based upon the controller's 82
hardware circuitry, executing one or more software routines, or a
combination thereof. The controller 82 can be a microprocessor or
another suitable controlling device that controls the electrical
current propagated between the plurality of battery cells and the
power source 20,22,26,27, according to one embodiment.
[0150] According to one embodiment, the controller 82 controls the
electrical power supplied to the plurality of battery cells 78,80,
such that the battery cells 78,80 can be charged using a quick
charging method and a fully charged charging method. Generally, the
quick charging method increases the state of charge of the battery
cell 78,80 at a higher rate during a period of time than the fully
charged charging method during the same length of time. Typically,
the battery cell 78,80 is first charged using the quick charging
method, and then charged using the fully charged charging method in
order to obtain a one hundred percent (100%) state of charge.
Typically, the quick charging rate charges the battery cells 78,80
at a quicker rate than the fully charged charging method. According
to one embodiment, the quick charging method can include applying a
substantially constant electrical current, and the fully charged
charging method can include applying an electrical current that is
tapered off in order to maintain a substantially constant voltage
potential. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 82 can
control the supply of electrical current to the battery cells 78,80
based upon a monitored temperature of at least one of the battery
cells 78,80.
[0151] A method of charging the battery cells 78,80 is generally
shown in FIG. 19A at reference identifier 1240, according to one
embodiment. The method 1240 starts at step 1242, and proceeds to
decision step 1244. At decision step 1244, it is determined if at
least one of the battery cells 78,80 has a voltage potential or
state of charge below a first state of charge. If it is determined
at decision step 1244 that at least one battery cell 78,80 is below
the first voltage potential threshold, then the method 1240
proceeds to step 1246. At step 1246, the battery cell 78,80 is
charged using the quick charging method. According to one
embodiment, the quick charging method includes supplying a
substantially constant electrical current to the battery cell
78,80. At decision step 1248, it is determined if the battery cell
78,80 has a state of charge that is equal to or greater than the
first voltage potential threshold. If it is determined at decision
step 1248 that the battery cell 78,80 state of charge is not equal
to or greater than the first voltage potential threshold, then the
method 1240 returns to step 1246. However, if it is determined at
decision step 1248 that the battery cell 78,80 has a state of
charge that is equal to or greater than the first voltage potential
threshold, then the method 1240 returns to step 1244.
[0152] If it is determined at decision step 1244 that none of the
battery cells 78,80 have a voltage potential that is below the
first voltage potential threshold, then the method 1240 proceeds to
step 1250. At step 1250, the battery cell 78,80 is charged using
the fully charged charging method. According to one embodiment, the
fully charged charging method includes supplying an electrical
current at a substantially constant voltage potential. At decision
step 1252, it is determined if the battery cell 78,80 state of
charge is equal to or greater than a second voltage potential
threshold. If it is determined at decision step 1252 that the
battery cell 78,80 state of charge is less than the second voltage
potential threshold, then the method 1240 returns to step 1250.
However, if it is determined at decision step 1252 that the battery
cell 78,80 state of charge is equal to or greater than the second
voltage potential threshold, then the method 1240 proceeds to step
1254, wherein it is determined if all of the battery cells 78,80
are fully charged. If it is determined at decision step 1254 that
all of the battery cells 78,80 are not fully charged, then the
method 1240 returns to step 1250. However, if it is determined at
decision step 1254 that all of the battery cells 78,80 are fully
charged, then the method 1240 ends at step 1256.
[0153] The controller 82 controls the electrical power supplied
from the external power source 20,22,26,22, such that a
substantially constant electrical current is supplied to the first
and second battery cells 78,80, when a voltage potential of the
first and second battery cells 78,80 is less than the voltage
potential threshold, respectively. In this embodiment, the battery
cells 78,80 are rechargeable cells and the external power source
20,22,26,27 provides a charging current. The controller 82 also
controls the electrical current supplied by the external power
source 20,22,26,27, such that the electrical current is supplied at
a substantially constant voltage potential from the external power
source 20,22,26,27 to the first and second battery cells 78,80,
when the voltage potential of the first and second battery cells
78,80 is equal to or greater than the first voltage potential
threshold, respectively. The controller 82 controls the electrical
current supplied from the external power source 20,22,26,27, such
that the external power source 20,22,26,27 supplies a substantially
constant electrical current to the first battery cell 78 prior to
providing the substantially constant electrical current to the
second battery cell 80, when the voltage potential of the first
battery cell 78 is greater than the voltage potential of the second
battery cell 80, and the voltage potential of both the first and
second battery cells 78,80 is below the first voltage potential
threshold.
[0154] According to one embodiment, the first and second battery
cells 78,80 are Li-Ion battery cells. However, it should be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of
electrochemical composition can be used in the battery cells, such
as, but not limited to lithium or nickel metal hydride (NiMH)
battery cells. It should further be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that one or more battery cells having one or more
electrochemical compositions can be used in the energy storage
system 24 or the solar power energy storage system 27.
[0155] Typically, the battery cell 78,80 selected first for
charging is the battery cell 78,80 with the greatest voltage
potential that is less than a first voltage potential threshold,
wherein the controller 82 begins to control the substantially
constant electrical current supplied to the charging battery cell
78,80, rather than an electrical current at a substantially
constant voltage potential. According to one embodiment, the
selected battery cell 78,80 continues to be charged until the
voltage potential of the selected battery cell 78,80 is at least
equal to the first voltage potential level threshold, wherein the
controller 82 can then select another battery cell 78,80 that is
below the first voltage potential threshold. However, if none of
the battery cells 78,80 have a voltage potential below the first
voltage potential threshold, the controller 82 can begin an
electrical current have a substantially constant voltage potential
supplied to the battery cell 78,80 that has a first voltage
potential threshold at least equal to the first voltage potential
threshold. The substantially constant electrical current is
supplied to the selected battery cell 78,80 until the voltage
potential of the selected battery cell 78,80 is at a second voltage
potential. The controller 82 then controls the external power
source 20,22,26,27 to supply the substantially constant electrical
current to another battery cell 78,80.
[0156] For purposes of explanation and not limitation, the first
voltage potential threshold can be the voltage potential of the
battery cells 78,80 having an approximately seventy percent (70%)
state of charge, and the second voltage potential threshold can be
the voltage potential of the battery cells 78,80 having an
approximately one hundred percent (100%) state of charge, wherein
the controller 82 controls the electrical current to then be
supplied to another or non-first-selected battery cell 78,80. It
should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there can be
any number of suitable voltage potential values of the battery
cells 78,80, wherein the controller 82 controls the electrical
current supplied to the battery cells 78,80 to efficiently charge
the battery cells 78,80 within an allotted charging time
period.
[0157] According to an alternate embodiment, the selected battery
cell 78,80 can be charged for a predetermined period of time in
which the controller 82 then selects another battery cell 78,80
that has a voltage potential less than the first voltage potential
threshold. If it is determined that none of the battery cells 78,80
of the energy storage system 24 have a voltage potential less than
the first voltage potential threshold, then the controller 82 then
selects one of the battery cells 78,80 to supply an electrical
current at a substantially constant voltage potential and allowing
the electrical current to taper.
[0158] With respect to FIG. 18, the chart illustrates the
relationship between the electrical current and the voltage
potential of the electrical current applied to the battery cells
78,80 during the charging period. During a first period of time,
such as when at least one of the battery cells 78,80 has a voltage
potential below the first voltage potential threshold, the
substantially constant current is supplied to the battery cell
78,80. During this period of time, the voltage potential of the
electrical current progressively increases until a point where the
battery cell 78,80 obtains a state of charge, or when the voltage
potential of the battery cell 78,80 is at the first voltage
potential threshold. At this point, the electrical current supplied
to the battery cell 78,80 has a substantially constant voltage
potential, and the amount of electrical current progressively
decreases or tapers off. The point wherein the charging of the
battery cell 78,80 changes from supplying a substantially constant
current to an electrical current, a substantially constant voltage
potential is when the battery cell 78,80 has a voltage potential of
4.2 Volts, according to one embodiment.
[0159] According to one embodiment, when the battery cells 78,80
are Li-Ion battery cells, the battery cells 78,80 can be charged by
first selecting the battery cell 78,80 that has a voltage potential
below the first voltage potential threshold for providing a
substantially constant electrical current prior to providing an
electrical current of a substantially constant voltage potential to
any of the other battery cells 78,80. This quick charge is based
upon chemical properties of the Li-Ion battery cell, which allows
the battery cell 78,80 to obtain a quick charge by receiving a
substantially constant electrical current until the battery cell
78,80 state of charge ranges from approximately seventy percent
(70%) to approximately one hundred percent (100%). Then, the
electrical current having a substantially constant voltage
potential can be applied to the battery cell 78,80 in order to
continue to charge the battery cell 78,80 at a slower rate, so that
the state of charge of the battery cell 78,80 can be one hundred
percent (100%).
[0160] Therefore, by first providing a substantially constant
electrical current to the first battery cell 78,80 prior to
providing an electrical current at a substantially constant voltage
potential to any other battery cells 78,80, the battery cells 78,80
within the energy storage system 24,27 can be efficiently charged
within the allowed charging time, when compared to fully charging
the first selected battery and then fully charging another battery.
In such an example, the charging period of a Li-Ion battery has a
more efficient charging ratio (e.g., percent of state of charge
increase to charging time) during the charging period, wherein the
substantially constant current is supplied rather than the
electrical current supplied at a substantially constant voltage
potential.
[0161] By way of explanation and not limitation, if a Li-Ion
battery cell is at zero percent (0%) state of charge and a
substantially constant current is supplied to the Li-Ion battery
cell until the state of charge is seventy percent (70%) during a
first period of time. The state of charge is increased during a
second period of time to one hundred percent (100%) by supplying an
electrical current at a substantially constant voltage potential.
When using the method described herein, the substantially constant
current is supplied to the battery cells below a state of charge
prior to supplying the electrical current at a substantially
constant voltage potential. Thus, both the battery cells 78,80 are
charged to seventy percent (70%) state of charge in a shorter time
period than it would take to fully charge one battery cell. A user
charging the battery cells has two battery cells at seventy percent
(70%) state of charge rather than one battery cell at one hundred
percent (100%) state of charge, and therefore, the ability to power
the lighting devices 14A,14B,14C for a longer time.
[0162] According to one embodiment, the energy storage system 24
can receive electrical power from a plurality of different
electrical sources that provide the electrical power within a range
of voltages. By way of explanation and not limitation, the energy
storage system 24 can receive electrical power from the AC power
source 20 and the DC power source 22, which provides electrical
power at approximately a voltage potential of 12 Volts, and the
solar power source 26 that supplies electrical power at a voltage
potential of approximately eight Volts (8 V). Further, the energy
storage system 24 can provide electrical power to the lighting
devices 14A,14B,14C at a voltage potential of approximately 3.6
Volts. According to one embodiment, the energy storage system 24
can include other types of electrical outlets, which are not
received by the electrical connector 12, such as, but not limited
to, a universal serial bus (USB) and an energy-to-go (ETG)
connector. Thus, the energy storage system 24 can be used to
provide electrical power to other devices, such as, but not limited
to, computers, cellular phones, personal data assistants (PDAs),
the like, or a combination thereof.
[0163] A method of controlling the electrical current provided from
the external power sources 20,22,26,27 to the energy storage system
24 is generally shown in FIG. 19B at reference identifier 1020. The
method 1020 starts at step 1022, and proceeds to decision step
1024, wherein it is determined if at least one battery cell 78,80
is below a first voltage potential threshold. If it is determined
at decision step 1024 that at least one battery cell 78,80 is below
the first voltage potential threshold, the method 1020 proceeds to
step 1026, wherein a substantially constant current is provided to
the battery cell 78,80 with the greatest voltage potential that is
below the first voltage potential threshold. At step 1028, it is
determined if the voltage potential of the selected battery cell
78,80 is equal to or greater than the first voltage potential
threshold. If it is determined at decision step 1028 that the
voltage potential of the selected battery cell 78,80 is equal to or
greater than the first voltage potential threshold, then the method
1020 returns to step 1024. However, if it is determined at decision
step 1028 that the voltage potential of the selected battery cell
78,80 is less than the first voltage potential threshold, then the
method 1020 returns to step 1026.
[0164] If it is determined at decision step 1024 that at least one
battery cell 78,80 is not below the first voltage potential
threshold, then the method 1020 proceeds to step 1030, wherein an
electrical current is provided at a substantially constant voltage
potential to the battery cell 78,80 with the lowest voltage
potential equal to or greater than the first voltage potential
threshold. At decision step 1032, it is determined if the voltage
potential of the selected battery cell 78,80 equal to or greater
than a second voltage potential threshold. If it is determined at
decision step 1032 that the voltage potential of the selected
battery cell 78,80 is less than the second voltage potential
threshold, then the method 1020 returns to step 1030. However, if
it is determined at decision step 1032 that the voltage potential
of the selected battery cell 78,80 is equal to or greater than the
second voltage potential threshold, then the method 1020 proceeds
to step 1034, wherein it is determined if all of the battery cells
78,80 are fully charged. If it is determined at decision step 1034
that not all of the battery cells 78,80 are fully charged, then the
method 1020 returns to step 1030. However, if it is determined at
decision step 1034 that all of the battery cells 78,80 are fully
charged, then the method 1020 ends at step 1036.
[0165] According to one embodiment, the lighting system 10 can
include the solar power energy storage system 27, wherein the solar
power energy storage system 27 can be electrically connected to the
plurality of solar power sources 26 using the electrical connector
12. Thus, the solar power energy storage system 27 can receive
electrical energy from the plurality of solar power sources 26 and
store the electrical power in the battery cells 78,80. The solar
power energy storage system 27 can sum the solar radiation received
and converted to an electrical current by the solar power source
26, and store the energy in the battery cells 78,80. Additionally
or alternatively, the solar power energy storage system 27 can sum
the solar radiation received and converted to an electrical current
by the solar power source 26, wherein the electrical power is
summed and passed through the solar energy storage system 27 to the
lighting devices 14A,14B,14C. It should be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that the battery cells 78,80 for storing the
energy in the solar power energy storage system 27 can be any
desirable electrochemical composition, and any suitable number of
battery cells 78,80 can be used.
[0166] The solar power energy storage system 27 can also be
electrically connected to other external power sources, such as the
AC power source 22 and the DC power source 20, in order to charge
the battery cell 78,80. According to one embodiment, the solar
power energy storage system 27 charges the battery cell 78,80 using
the charging method described above for charging the battery cell
78,80 of the energy storage system 24. Further, the lighting
devices 14A,14B,14C can be electrically connected to the solar
power energy storage system 27 by the electrical connector 12 in
order for the solar power energy storage system 27 to provide an
electrical current to the lighting devices 14A,14B,14C to
illuminate the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C.
[0167] With respect to FIG. 10D, the battery cells 78,80 can be
housed in a trilobe cartridge 81. The energy storage system 24 can
be configured to receive the trilobe cartridge 81. Typically, there
are three (3) battery cells serially electrically connected, which
are housed in the trilobe cartridge 81.
[0168] According to one aspect, an energy storage system comprises:
a plurality of battery cells configured to be electrically
connected to a power source, the plurality of battery cells
comprising: a first battery cell; and a second battery cell; and a
controller in communication with the first and second battery
cells, the controller controls an electrical current supplied to
the first and second battery cells, such that a first charging
method is utilized when a voltage potential of the first and second
battery cells is less than a first voltage potential threshold,
respectively, and a second charging method is utilized when the
voltage potential of the first and second battery cells is equal to
or greater than the first voltage potential threshold, wherein the
first charging method charges at least one of the first and second
battery cells at a greater rate than the second charging method,
and the first charging method is utilized to charge the first
battery cell prior to being utilized to charge the second battery
cell when the voltage potential of the first battery cell is below
the first voltage potential threshold and greater than the voltage
potential of the second battery cell.
[0169] Also, the substantially constant electrical current can be
supplied to the first battery cell prior to providing the
electrical current to the second battery cell when the voltage
potential of the first battery cell is greater than the voltage
potential of the second battery cell. The first charging method can
comprise supplying a substantially constant electrical current, and
the second charging method can comprise supplying an electrical
current at a substantially constant voltage potential. At least a
portion of the plurality of battery cells can be at least one
comprising: a lithium battery cell; a lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery
cell; and a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery cell. An electrical
current supplied to at least a portion of the plurality of battery
cells can have a voltage potential of approximately eight volts
(8V) to twelve volts (12V). The controller can taper off an
electrical current supplied to the first battery cell when
utilizing the second charging method. The controller can control an
electrical current supplied to the plurality of battery cells based
upon a monitored temperature of at least one of the plurality of
battery cells. The first charging method can comprise the
controller controlling a supply of an electrical current to the
first and second battery cells, such that a substantially constant
electrical current is supplied to the first battery cell for a
period of time when the voltage potential of the first battery cell
is below the first voltage potential threshold, and then
controlling the substantially constant electrical current being
supplied to the second battery cell when the voltage potential of
the second battery cell is below the first voltage potential
threshold. The second charging method can comprise the controller
controlling a supply of an electrical current to the first and
second battery cells, such that the electrical current at a
substantially constant voltage potential is supplied to the first
battery when substantially all of the plurality of battery cells
have a voltage potential of at least one of equal to or greater
than the first voltage potential threshold. The plurality of
battery cells can be electrically connected in series in a trilobe
cartridge.
[0170] According to another aspect, an energy storage system
comprises: a plurality of battery cells configured to be
electrically connected to a power source, the plurality of battery
cells comprising: a first battery cell; and a second battery cell;
and a controller in communication with the first and second battery
cells, the controller controls an electrical current supplied to
the first and second battery cells, such that a substantially
constant electrical current is supplied to the first and second
battery cells for a period of time when a voltage potential of the
first and second battery cells is less than a first voltage
potential threshold, respectively, and controlling an electrical
current at a substantially constant voltage potential that is
supplied to the first and second battery cells when the voltage
potential of the first and second battery cells is equal to or
greater than the first voltage potential threshold, the
substantially constant electrical current is supplied to the first
battery cell prior to providing an electrical current to the second
battery cell, wherein the voltage potential of the first battery
cell is below the first voltage potential threshold, and the
voltage potential of the first battery cell is greater than the
voltage potential of the second battery cell.
[0171] Additionally, the electrical current supplied to at least a
portion of the plurality of battery cells can have a voltage
potential of approximately eight volts (8V) to twelve volts (12V).
The controller can control the electrical current supplied to the
plurality of battery cells based upon a monitored temperature of at
least one of the plurality of battery cells. The plurality of
battery cells can be electrically connected in series in a trilobe
cartridge.
[0172] According to yet another aspect, a method of charging a
plurality of battery cells in an energy storage system can comprise
the steps of charging one of a first battery cell and a second
battery cell utilizing a first charging method when at least one of
the first and second battery cells have a voltage potential less
than a first voltage potential threshold; charging one of the first
battery cell and second battery cell utilizing a second charging
method when the first and second battery cells have a voltage
potential equal to or greater than the first voltage potential
threshold, wherein the first charging method charges the first and
second battery cells at a quicker rate than the second charging
method; and charging the first battery cell utilizing the first
charging method prior to charging the second battery cell when the
voltage potential of the first battery cell is below the first
voltage potential threshold, and when the voltage potential of the
first battery cell is greater than the voltage potential of the
second battery cell.
[0173] Also, the method can comprise the step of supplying the
electrical current to the first battery cell based upon a monitored
temperature of at least the first battery cell. The method can
comprise the step of utilizing the first charging method to supply
a substantially constant electrical current to the first battery
cell for a period of time when the voltage potential is below the
first voltage potential threshold, and then utilizing the first
charging method to supply the substantially constant electrical
current to the second battery cell when the voltage potential of
the second battery cell is below the first voltage potential
threshold. The method can comprise the step of supplying the
electrical current at the substantially constant voltage potential
to the first battery when substantially all of a plurality of
battery cells that have a voltage potential of at least one of
equal to and greater than the first voltage potential threshold.
The electrical current can be supplied at a voltage potential of
approximately eight volts (8V) to twelve volts (12V). At least a
portion of the plurality of battery cells can be at least one
comprising: a lithium battery cell; a lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery
cell; and a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery cell. The first
charging method can comprise supplying a substantially constant
electrical current, and the second charging method can comprise
supplying an electrical current at a substantially constant voltage
potential.
[0174] According to another aspect, a method of charging a
plurality of battery cells in an energy storage system comprises
the steps of: charging one of a first battery cell and a second
battery cell by supplying a substantially constant electrical
current when at least one of the first and second battery cells
have a voltage potential less than a first voltage potential
threshold; charging one of the first and second battery cells by
supplying an electrical current at a substantially constant voltage
potential when the first and second battery cells have a voltage
potential equal to or greater than the first voltage potential
threshold; and charging the first battery cell by supplying the
substantially constant electrical current prior to charging the
second battery cell when the voltage potential of the first battery
cell is below the first voltage potential threshold, and when the
voltage potential of the first battery cell is greater than the
voltage potential of the second battery cell.
[0175] Additionally, the method can comprise the step of supplying
the electrical current to the first battery cell based upon a
monitored temperature of at least the first battery cell. The
method can comprise the step of supplying the substantially
constant electrical current to the first battery cell for a period
of time when the voltage potential is below the voltage potential
threshold, and then supplying the substantially constant electrical
current to the second battery cell when the voltage potential of
the second battery cell is below the first voltage potential
threshold. The method can comprise the step of supplying the
electrical current at the substantially constant voltage potential
to the first battery when substantially all of a plurality of
battery cells that have a voltage potential of at least one of
equal to and greater than the first voltage potential threshold.
The electrical current can be supplied at a voltage potential of
approximately eight volts (8V) to twelve volts (12V). At least a
portion of the plurality of battery cells can be at least one
comprising: a lithium battery cell; a lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery
cell; and a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery cell
V. Cross-Fade and Dimming
[0176] In reference to FIGS. 1-4, 7-9, and 20-22, according to one
embodiment, at least one of the lighting devices 14A,14B,14C
include a plurality of lighting sources 18A,18B,18C including a
first lighting source and a second lighting source. Typically, the
first lighting source emits light in a first illumination pattern,
and the second lighting source emits light in a second illumination
pattern that may be different than the first illumination pattern.
According to one embodiment, the term illumination pattern
generally refers to the size and shape of the illuminated area at a
target distance, angles of the emitted light, the intensity of the
emitted light across the beam, the illuminance of the beam (e.g.,
the total luminous flux incident on a surface, per unit area), or a
combination thereof. The shape of the illumination pattern can be
defined as the target area containing approximately eighty percent
to eighty-five percent (80%-85%) of the emitted light. Cross-fading
generally refers to sharing or adjusting the electrical power
supplied to two or more light sources in order to yield a selected
illumination pattern, such that the intensity distribution of the
emitted light is altered to create the selected illumination
pattern.
[0177] According to one embodiment, the first lighting source is
the white flood LED 18A and the second lighting source is the white
spot LED 18B. Typically, the first and second illumination patterns
of the white flood LED 18A and white spot LED 18B are directed in
substantially the same direction, such that the first and second
illumination patterns of the white flood LED 18A and the white spot
LED 18B at least partially overlap to yield or create a third
illumination pattern. The controller or processor 36 alters an
intensity of the light emitted from the white flood LED 18A and
white spot LED 18B with respect to one another, wherein the third
illumination pattern is altered when the processor 36 alters the
intensity of the white flood 18A and white spot LED 18B. However,
it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that two or
more illumination patterns emitted by two or more lighting sources
can be cross-faded that have the same illumination pattern,
different illumination patterns, illumination patterns other than
spot and/or flood, the same color, different colors, or a
combination thereof, according to one embodiment.
[0178] Generally, by cross-fading the lighting sources of the
lighting devices 14A,14B,14C, the available power is proportionally
shifted between the white flood LED 18A and the white spot LED 18B,
which controls the relative intensity of the LEDs 18A,18B. The
third illumination pattern is yielded by a combination of the first
and second illumination patterns of the white flood LED 18A and the
white spot LED 18B, respectively, such that when the power supplied
to one of the LEDs 18A,18B is increased, the power supplied to the
other LED 18A,18B can be proportionally decreased, according to one
embodiment. The electrical power can be altered by controlling the
electrical current, the voltage, pulse width modulation (PWM),
pulse frequency modulation (PFM), the like, or a combination
thereof. According to one embodiment, wherein the electrical power
is controlled by PWM, the perceived brightness of the white flood
LED 18A and white spot LED 18B, the third illumination pattern can
be altered by changing the PWM duty cycle. According to one
embodiment, a default PWM frequency is approximately one hundred
hertz (100 Hz), which is a ten millisecond (10 ms) period, which is
altered to change the intensity of the LEDs 18A,18B.
[0179] By way of explanation and not limitation, the lighting
devices 14A,14B,14C have, such as, but not limited to, the first
switch SW1 for activating and deactivating the white LEDs 18A,18B,
the second switch SW2 for increasing the power supplied to the
white spot LED 18B, the third switch SW3 for increasing the power
supplied to the white flood LED 18A, and the fourth switch SW4 for
activating and deactivating the red flood LED 18C. Thus, in order
to alter the intensities of the white flood LED 18A and white spot
LED 18B, and ultimately alter the third illumination pattern, one
of the second and third switches SW2,SW3 is actuated in order to
indicate which lighting source 18A,18B is to be supplied with
additional electrical power. However, it should be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that the second and third switches SW2,SW3
can be a single switching device, such as a rocker switch.
[0180] Depending upon which of the second and third switches
SW2,SW3 is actuated, the power supplied to the other lighting
source of the white flood LED 18A and white spot LED 18B is
supplied with proportionally less electrical power. Typically, when
the second or third switch SW2,SW3 is actuated, the PWM duty cycle
for the corresponding LED 18A,18B is increased, while the PWM duty
cycle for the non-corresponding LED 18A,18B is decreased while
maintaining a constant period. For purposes of explanation and not
limitation, when the second switch SW2 is actuated to increase the
power supplied to the white spot LED 18B, the third illumination
pattern is created having a greater light intensity in the center
of the pattern than the outer portions of the pattern, as shown in
FIG. 17A. Alternatively, when the third switch SW3 is actuated in
order to increase the power supplied to the white flood LED 18A,
the third illumination pattern is created, wherein the outer
portions of the third illumination pattern have a greater light
intensity than the center portion of the third illumination
pattern, as shown in FIG. 17B.
[0181] Another example of cross-fading to create the third
illumination pattern is shown in FIGS. 20C-20E, according to one
embodiment. FIG. 20C shows an exemplary first illumination pattern
emitted by the white flood LED 18A, and FIG. 20D shows an exemplary
second illumination pattern emitted by the white spot LED 18B. As
described herein, the target illuminated by the light emitted from
the white spot LED 18B is smaller than the target size illuminated
by the white flood LED 18A. When the exemplary first and second
illumination patterns of FIGS. 20C and 20D are combined, the third
illumination pattern is created, as shown in FIG. 20E. Thus, the
third illumination pattern has the diameter of the illuminated
target size from the light emitted by the white flood LED 18A,
while having a greater intensity in the center of the third
illumination pattern based upon the additional light intensity
emitted by the white spot LED 18B.
[0182] In regards to FIG. 20F, an illumination pattern is shown
with an intensity at a target, wherein the illumination pattern is
representative of the light emitted by the white flood LED 18A,
according to one embodiment. The intensity at a target, as shown in
FIG. 20G, is representative of a second illumination pattern
created by a light emitted from the white spot LED 18B. Thus, the
intensity at a target illustrated in FIG. 20H represents the
cross-fading of the intensities of the white flood LED 18A and the
white spot LED 18B, which illuminates the target with the diameter
of the illumination pattern emitted by the white flood LED 18A with
greater intensity in the center due to the illumination pattern
emitted by the white spot LED 18B.
[0183] According to one embodiment, a default setting when the
lighting device 14A,14B,14C is turned on by actuating the first
switch SW1 is employed, such that both the white flood LED 18A and
white spot LED 18B receive fifty percent (50%) of the cycle time.
Additionally or alternatively, there can be any number of
cross-fading levels across a cross-fading spectrum, which have
corresponding PWM duty cycles for the lighting sources 18A,18B. For
purposes of explanation and not limitation, there can be a suitable
number of cross-fading levels in order to control the proportional
intensity of the lighting sources 18A,18B, such that there are
thirty-eight (38) cross-fading levels in the cross-fading spectrum,
wherein each level takes 78.9 milliseconds (ms) so that the
electrical current supplied to the lighting sources LEDs 18A,18B
can be varied over the entire available spectrum in approximately
three seconds (3 s).
[0184] Cross-fading levels are a plurality of levels that yield the
cross-fading spectrum, wherein each level represents an amount of
electrical power supplied to the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C.
According to one embodiment, the cross-fading levels are linear,
such that the change of electrical power supplied to the lighting
sources 18A,18B at the different cross-fading levels is a linear
change. According to an alternate embodiment, the cross-fading
levels are non-linear, such that the change of electrical power
supplied to the lighting sources 18A,18B at the different
cross-fading levels is a non-linear change. Additionally or
alternatively, the cross-fading levels can correspond to an
increase or decrease in light intensity that is noticeable by the
human eye (e.g., approximately thirty percent (30%)).
[0185] According to one embodiment, a method of cross-fading the
first and second illumination patterns to alter the third
illumination is generally shown in FIG. 21 at reference identifier
1060. The method 1060 starts at step 1062, and proceeds to decision
step 1064, wherein it is determined if the switch SW2 associated
with the white spot LED 18B is depressed or actuated, according to
one embodiment. If it is determined at decision step 1064 that the
switch SW2 is depressed, then the method 1060 proceeds to decision
step 1066. At decision step 1066 it is determined if a spot
percentage is less than one hundred percent (100%), wherein the
spot percentage represents the percentage of total light intensity
emitted by the white spot LED 18B. If it is determined at decision
step 1066 that the spot percentage is less than one hundred percent
(100%), then the method 1060 proceeds to step 1068 and the spot
percentage in incremented. Thus, the percentage of the total light
intensity emitted by the white spot LED 18B is increased, and the
percentage of total light intensity emitted by the white flood LED
18B is proportionally decreased, according to one embodiment. This
effectively shifts a higher concentration of the output light
illumination beam from a flood illumination pattern to a spot
illumination pattern. At step 1070, the On Time is calculated. The
calculated On Time represents the total time the white spot LED 18B
is on, which corresponds to the intensity of the light emitted by
the white spot LED 18B, according to one embodiment. The method
1060 then ends at step 1072.
[0186] However, if it is determined at decision step 1066 that the
spot percentage is not less than one hundred percent (100%), then
the method 1060 proceeds to decision step 1074. At decision step
1074, it is determined if the Percent On Time (% On_Time) is less
than one hundred percent (100%). According to one embodiment, the
Percent On Time (% On_Time) is the total time the white spot LED
18B is on, which is typically represented by a percentage of the
total PWM period. If it is determined that the Percent On Time (%
On_Time) is not less than one hundred percent (100%) at decision
step 1074, then the method 1060 ends at step 1072. However, if it
is determined at decision step 1074 that the Percent On Time (%
On_Time) is less than one hundred (100%), then the method 1060
proceeds to step 1076, wherein the Percent On Time (% On_Time) is
incremented. According to one embodiment, when the Percent On Time
(% On_Time) is incremented, the intensity of the light emitted by
the white spot LED 18B is increased. Thus, the intensity of the
light emitted by the white flood and spot LEDs 18A,18B is increased
when the cross-fade is at an end (i.e. spot end) of a cross-fade
spectrum. Generally, the spot end of the cross-fade spectrum can be
the end of the cross-fade spectrum where the output light
illumination pattern is substantially concentrated with the spot
illumination pattern. The method 1060 then proceeds to step 1070,
wherein the On Time is calculated, and the method 1060 then ends at
step 1072.
[0187] When it is determined at decision step 1064 that the switch
SW2 is not depressed, then the method 1060 proceeds to decision
step 1078. At decision step 1078 it is determined if the switch SW3
associated with the white flood LED 18A is depressed. If it is
determined at decision step 1078 that the switch SW3 is depressed,
the method proceeds to decision step 1080, wherein it is determined
if the spot percentage is greater than zero percent (0%). When it
is determined that the spot percentage is greater than zero percent
(0%) at decision step 1080, then the method 1060 proceeds to step
1082. At step 1082, the spot percentage is decremented. Typically,
when the spot percentage is decremented, the intensity of the light
emitted by the white spot LED 18B is decreased and the intensity of
the light emitted by the white flood LED 18A is proportionally
increased, according to one embodiment. The method 1060 then
proceeds to step 1083, wherein the On Time is calculated, and ends
at step 1072. Typically, the On Time calculated for the white spot
LED 18B at step 1083 can be calculated in the same manner as the On
Time calculated in step 1070 for the white flood LED 18A.
[0188] However, if it is determined at decision step 1080 that the
spot percentage is not greater than zero percent (0%), then the
method 1060 proceeds to decision step 1084. At decision step 1084,
it is determined if the Percent On Time (% On_Time) is less than
one hundred percent (100%). If it is determined at decision step
1084 that the Percent On Time (% On_Time) is less than one hundred
percent (100%) then the method 1060 proceeds to step 1086, wherein
the Percent On Time (% On_Time) is incremented. Thus, the intensity
of the light emitted by the white flood and spot LEDs 18A,18B is
increased when the cross-fade is at an end (i.e. flood end) of the
cross-fade spectrum. Generally, the flood end of the cross-fade
spectrum can be the end of the cross-fade spectrum where the output
light illumination pattern is substantially concentrated with the
flood illumination pattern. The method 1060 then proceeds to step
1070 to calculate the On Time, and the method 1060 then ends at
step 1072. Further, when it is determined at decision step 1078
that the switch SW3 is not depressed, the method 1060 then ends at
step 1072.
[0189] Additionally or alternatively, the lighting devices
14A,14B,14C can have a dimming feature to control the intensity of
the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C. According to one embodiment, the
first switch SW1 can be depressed for a predetermined period of
time in order to activate the dimming feature, which would then
increase or decrease the electrical current provided to both the
white flood LED 18A and the white spot LED 18B by the power source
16,20,22,24,26,27. Similarly, the fourth switch SW4 can be
depressed for a predetermined period of time in order to increase
or decrease the electrical current supplied to the red flood LED
18C. Typically, by increasing or decreasing the electrical current
supplied to the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C, the intensity of the
light emitted by the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C is altered
accordingly. Typically, increasing or decreasing the electrical
current supplied to the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C is
accomplished by reducing or increasing the duty cycle of the
lighting sources 18A,18B,18C.
[0190] By way of explanation and not limitation, there can be a
suitable number of dimming levels of a dimming spectrum in order to
control the dimming of the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C. According
to one embodiment, thirty-eight (38) dimming levels are provided
across the dimming spectrum, wherein each dimming level takes
approximately 78.9 milliseconds (ms) to change between dimming
levels when the corresponding switch SW1,SW2 is continuously being
depressed. Thus, the time for total transition across the spectrum
for each lighting source 18A,18B,18C is approximately three seconds
(3 s). Dimming levels are a plurality of dimming levels that yield
the dimming spectrum, wherein each level represents an amount of
electrical power supplied to the lighting source 18A,18B,18C.
Typically, when either the minimum or maximum dimming level is
selected (e.g., the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C are emitting the
minimum or maximum amount of light), the dimming state will be
maintained at the minimum or maximum dimming level for a
predetermined period of time before changing to another level when
the switch SW1,SW4 is depressed. According to one embodiment, the
selected dimming conditions of the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C is
maintained when the cross-fading feature is activated. Additionally
or alternatively, the selected cross-fading pattern is maintained
when the dimming feature is activated.
[0191] According to one embodiment, a method of dimming the
lighting sources 18A,18B,18C to increase or decrease the intensity
of the light emitted by the lighting source 18A,18B,18C is
generally shown in FIG. 22 at reference identifier 1100. The method
1100 starts at step 1102, and proceeds to decision step 1104,
wherein it is determined if a dimming state value (Dim_state) is
equal to a first predetermined dimming value (DIM). According to
one embodiment, the first predetermined dimming value (DIM) is a
value that is not at the minimum or maximum end of the dimming
spectrum, but instead is an intermediate position in the dimming
spectrum. If it is determined at decision step 1104 that the
dimming state value (DIM_state) is equal to the first predetermined
dimming value (DIM), then the method 1100 proceeds to decision step
1106.
[0192] At decision step 1106 it is determined if the Percent On
Time (% On_Time) is greater than zero percent (0%). According to
one embodiment, the Percent On Time (% On_Time) related to the
total light intensity of the light emitted by the lighting source
18A,18B,18C. Thus, the Percent On Time (% On_Time) is equal to a
percentage of the total PWM period, according to one embodiment. If
it is determined at decision step 1106 that the Percent On Time (%
On_Time) is greater than zero percent (0%), then the method 1100
proceeds to step 1108, wherein the Percent On Time (% On_Time) is
decremented. Typically, when the Percent On Time (% On_Time) is
decremented, the intensity of the light emitted by the lighting
source 18A,18B,18C is decreased. At step 1110, the On Time is
calculated, wherein the calculated On Time represents the total
time that the lighting source 18A,18B,18C is on, which relates to
the intensity of the light emitted by the lighting source
18A,18B,18C. At step 1112, the dimming state value (Dim_state) is
set to equal the first predetermined dimming value (DIM), and the
method 1100 then ends at step 1114.
[0193] However, if it is determined at decision step 1106 that the
Percent On Time (% On_Time) is not greater than zero percent (0%),
then the method 1100 proceeds to step 1116. At step 1116, the
dimming state value (Dim_state) is set to equal a second
predetermined dimming value (DIM_DELAY). According to one
embodiment, the second predetermined dimming value (DIM_DELAY) is a
value at substantially the minimum end of the dimming spectrum, and
thus, the dimming state of the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C will be
maintained for a predetermined period of time when the switch
SW1,SW4 is depressed. Generally, the minimum end of the dimming
spectrum is the end of the dimming spectrum where the light emitted
by the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C is at an approximately minimum
value. The method 1100 then ends at step 1114.
[0194] When it is determined at decision step 1104 that the dimming
state value (Dim_state) is not equal to the first predetermined
dimming value (DIM), then the method 1100 proceeds to decision step
1118. At decision step 1118, it is determined if the dimming state
value (Dim_state) is equal to the second predetermined dimming
value (DIM_DELAY). If it is determined at decision step 1118 that
the dimming state value (Dim_state) is equal to the second
predetermined dimming value (DIM_DELAY) then the method 1100
proceeds to decision step 1120. At decision step 1120, it is
determined if a delay counter value (Delay_counter) is less than a
predetermined delay value (DELAY_LIMIT). According to one
embodiment, the predetermined delay value (DELAY_LIMIT) is the time
that the dimming state will be maintained at the minimum and
maximum ends of the dimming spectrum when the switch SW1,SW4 is
depressed.
[0195] If it is determined at decision step 1120 that the delay
counter value (Delay_counter) is less than the predetermined delay
value (DELAY_LIMIT), then the method 1100 proceeds to step 1122,
wherein the delay counter value (Delay_counter) is incremented.
Typically, the delay counter value (Delay_counter) continues to be
incremented to represent the increase in time that the dimming
state has been maintained at the minimum or maximum end of the
dimming spectrum. At step 1124, the dimming state value (Dim_state)
is set to equal the second predetermined dimming value (DIM_DELAY),
and the method 1100 ends at step 1114.
[0196] However, if it is determined at decision step 1120 that the
delay counter value (Delay_counter) not less than the predetermined
delay value (DELAY_LIMIT), then the method 1100 proceeds to step
1126, wherein the delay counter value (Delay_counter) is reset to
zero (0). At step 1128, the dimming state value (Dim_state) is set
to equal a third predetermined dimming value (BRIGHTEN), and the
method 1100 then ends at step 1114. Thus, the dimming state has
been maintained at the minimum end of the dimming spectrum for the
predetermined period of time, and the delay counter value
(Delay_counter) is reset, and the light intensity of the light
emitted by the lighting source 18A,18B,18C is increased.
[0197] When it is determined that the dimming state value
(Dim_state) is not equal to the second predetermined dimming value
(DIM_DELAY), then the method 1100 proceeds decision step 1130. At
decision step 1130, it is determined if the dimming state value
(Dim_state) is equal to the third predetermined dimming value
(BRIGHTEN). If it is determined at decision step 1130 that the
dimming state value (Dim_state) is equal to the third predetermined
dimming value (BRIGHTEN), then the method 1100 proceeds to decision
step 1132. At decision step 1132, it is determined if the Percent
On Time (% On_Time) is less than one hundred percent (100%). When
it is determined that that the Percent On Time (% On_Time) is less
than one hundred percent (100%), then the method 1100 proceeds to
step 1134, wherein the Percent On Time (% On_Time) is incremented.
Typically, when the Percent On Time (% On_Time) is incremented, the
intensity of the light emitted by the lighting source 18A,18B,18C
is increased. At step 1136, the On Time is calculated, and at step
1138, the dimming state value (Dim_state) is set to equal the third
predetermined dimming value (BRIGHTEN). The method 1100 then ends
at step 1114. Generally, the maximum end of the dimming spectrum is
the end of the dimming spectrum where the light emitted by the
lighting sources 18A,18B,18C is at an approximately maximum
value.
[0198] However, if it is determined at decision step 1132 that the
Percent On Time (% On_Time) is not less than one hundred percent
(100%), then the method 1100 proceeds to step 1140. At step 1140,
the dimming state value (Dim_state) is set to equal a fourth
predetermined dimming value (BRIGHTEN DELAY). According to one
embodiment, the fourth predetermined dimming value (BRIGHTEN DELAY)
represents the maximum end of the dimming spectrum. The method 1100
then ends at step 1114. Generally, the minimum end of the dimming
spectrum is the end of the dimming spectrum where the light emitted
by the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C is at an approximately maximum
value.
[0199] When it is determined at decision step 1130 that the dimming
state value (Dim_state) is not equal to the third predetermined
dimming value (BRIGHTEN), then the method 1100 proceeds to decision
step 1142. At decision step 1142, it is determined if the dimming
state value (Dim_state) is equal to the fourth predetermined
dimming value (BRIGHTEN DELAY). If it is determined at decision
step 1142 that the dimming state value (Dim_state) is equal to the
fourth predetermined dimming value (BRIGHTEN DELAY) then the method
proceeds to decision step 1144. At decision step 1144, it is
determined if the delay counter value (Delay_counter) is less than
the predetermined delay value (DELAY_LIMIT). If it is determined at
decision step 1144 that the delay counter value (Delay_counter) is
less than the predetermined delay value (DELAY_LIMIT), then the
delay counter value (Delay_counter) is incremented at step 1146. At
step 1148, the dimming state value (Dim_state) is set to equal the
fourth predetermined dimming value (BRIGHTEN DELAY), and the method
1100 then ends at step 1114.
[0200] However, if it is determined at decision step 1144 that the
delay counter value (Delay_counter) is not less than the
predetermined delay value (DELAY_LIMIT), then the method 1100
proceeds to step 1150, wherein the delay counter value
(Delay_counter) is reset to zero (0). At step 1152, the dimming
state value (Dim_state) is set to the first predetermined dimming
value (DIM), and the method 1100 then ends at step 1114. When it is
determined at decision step 1142 that the dimming state value
(Dim_state) is not equal to the fourth predetermined dimming value
(BRIGHTEN DELAY), then the method 1100 ends at step 1114. It should
be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that the method 1100
can continuously run while the lighting device 14A,14B,14C is on,
such that when the method 1100 ends at step 1114, the method 1100
starts again at step 1102.
[0201] Additionally or alternatively, the controller 36 can receive
the measured temperature from the temperature monitoring device 50,
and alter or limit the available cross-fading levels and/or dimming
levels that can be implemented. Thus, if the temperature monitoring
device 50 measures the temperature of the LED circuit board 19, and
it is determined that the measured temperature is at or approaching
an undesirable level, than one or more of the cross-fading and/or
dimming levels can be deactivated so that the user cannot control
the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C to be supplied with the needed
electrical power to illuminate the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C at
the greater intensities, according to one embodiment. In such an
embodiment, where the temperature of the lighting device
14A,14B,14C is being maintained by minimizing the electrical power
supplied to the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C, the user does not
have the ability to increase the intensity (e.g., supply electrical
power) to levels that would otherwise increase the temperature of
the lighting device 14A,14B,14C.
[0202] With respect to FIGS. 1-5, 7-11, 23-26, and 28-32, the
internal power source 16 and external power sources, such as the AC
power source 20, the DC power source 22, the energy storage system
24, the solar power source 26, and the solar power energy storage
system 27, can have a variety of electrochemical compositions,
wherein the electrochemical composition can be determined in order
to control one or more features of the lighting device 14A,14B,14C,
according to one embodiment. Typically, the lighting device
14A,14B,14C has a load that is in electrical communication with the
power source, such as the white flood LED 18A, white spot LED 18B,
and red flood LED 18C, being in electrical communication with one
of the internal power source 16, the AC power source 20, the DC
power source 22, the energy storage system 24, the solar power
source 26, and the solar power energy system 27. An electrochemical
composition device, such as the processor 36, can then determine
the electrochemical composition of certain power sources, such as
the internal power source 16, the energy storage system 24, and the
solar power energy storage system 27, according to one embodiment.
According to one embodiment, the electrochemical composition device
can be a stand-alone unit or combined with another unit, device, or
system, such as, but not limited to, the lighting device
14A,14B,14C, a battery recharging device, a cell phone, a personal
digital assistance (PDA), a multimedia player, or the like.
[0203] The lighting device 14A,14B,14C may be powered by one of a
number of different types of electrochemical cell batteries. For
example, a single AA-size alkaline electrochemical cell battery
having an electrochemistry that includes an alkaline electrolyte
and electrodes generally made up of zinc and manganese dioxide
(Zn/MnO.sub.2) as the active electrochemical materials, according
to one embodiment may be employed. According to another embodiment,
a lithium. AA-size LiFeS.sub.2 electrochemical cell may be employed
as the power source. According to further embodiments, a nickel
metal hydride (NiMH) electrochemical cell, a lithium
electrochemical cell, a lithium ion electrochemical cell, and a
lead acid electrochemical cell may be employed as the power source.
Different types of batteries cells employing different chemical
compositions provide different power capabilities. It should be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that additional or
alternative electrochemical compositions of power sources can be
determined.
[0204] The processor 36 can determine the electrochemical
composition of the power source 16,24,27 by executing one or more
software routines and/or by receiving data to determine a voltage
potential of the power source 16,24,27 under at least one operating
condition of the lighting device 14A,14B,14C with respect to the
load. The processor 36 can then determine an electrical current
supplied by the power source 16,24,27 to the load, and detect the
electrochemical composition of the power source 16,24,27 based upon
the determined voltage potential under the operating condition and
the determined electrical current.
[0205] According to one embodiment, the processor 36 determines an
open circuit voltage (V.sub.oc) and a closed circuit voltage
(V.sub.cc) under known load conditions. The open circuit voltage
(V.sub.oc) and the closed circuit voltage (V.sub.cc) can be
subtracted and divided by the determined electrical current
provided to the load in order to determine the internal resistance
(R.sub.Internal) of the power source 16,24,27. Based upon the
internal resistance (R.sub.Internal) of the power source 16,24,27,
the electrochemical composition of the power source 16,24,27 can
then be determined. Thus, the internal resistance (R.sub.Internal)
of the power source 16,24,27 can be represented by the following
equation:
( V oc - V cc ) I = R Internal ##EQU00001##
[0206] According to another embodiment, the processor 36 determines
the internal resistance (R.sub.INTERNAL) of the power source
16,24,27 based on the open circuit voltage, closed circuit voltage,
and the known load resistance R.sub.LOAD, as set forth in the
following equation:
R INTERNAL = ( V oc - V cc ) .times. R LOAD V cc ##EQU00002##
[0207] In this embodiment, the electrical current need not be
determined by the processor 36. Instead, the internal resistance of
the power source 16,24,27 is determined by the difference between
the open circuit voltage (V.sub.oc) and the closed circuit voltage
(V.sub.cc) multiplied by the known load resistance (R.sub.LOAD)
divided by the closed circuit voltage (V.sub.cc). It should be
appreciated that the above determinations of internal resistance
generally apply to determining the internal resistance of a single
cell battery. However, it should be appreciated that the internal
resistance of multiple cells, such as two battery cells, may be
determined. It should be appreciated that other suitable
determinations for the internal resistance can be employed,
according to other embodiments.
[0208] The processor 36 can then use the internal resistance
(R.sub.Internal), the magnitude of the voltage (e.g., the open
circuit voltage (V.sub.oc) and the closed circuit voltage
(V.sub.cc)), temperature data (e.g., data received from the
temperature monitoring device 50), stored hierarchical correction
data, a lookup table of known internal resistance (R.sub.Internal)
values for different electrochemical compositions, or a combination
thereof, to determine the electrochemical composition of the power
source 16,24,27. Typically, the lookup table data is stored in a
memory device. Additionally, the determined open circuit voltage
(V.sub.oc) can be used as a cross-reference with the internal
resistance (R.sub.Internal) of the processor 36 to determine the
electrochemical compositions of the power source 16,24,27. The
controller 36 can then control one or more operating parameters of
the lighting device 14A,14B,14C based upon the determined
electrochemical composition of the power source 16,24,27.
[0209] By way of explanation and not limitation, the determined
electrochemical composition of the power source 16,24,27 can be
used to determine the state of charge of the power source 16,24,27,
as described in greater detail herein. Additionally or
alternatively, the determined electrochemical composition of the
power source 16,24,27 can be used to alter the electrical current
supplied to the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C in conjunction with
the temperature data received by the processor 36 from the
temperature monitoring device 50. Thus, the heat emitted by the
lighting sources 18A,18B,18C can be monitored by the temperature
monitoring device 50, and the electrical current supplied to the
lighting sources 18A,18B,18C can be controlled according to a
desired lighting device 14A,14B,14C operating temperature with
respect to the electrochemical composition of the internal power
source 16.
[0210] According to one embodiment, the processor 36 determines the
electrochemical composition of the power source 16,24,27 at
predetermined time intervals, such as, but not limited to,
detecting the electrochemical composition every five minutes (5
min). By detecting the electrochemical composition of the power
source 16,24,27 at predetermined time intervals, the power
consumption of the processor 36 and processing load of the
processor 36 for the electrochemical composition determination is
limited when compared to continuously determining the
electrochemical composition of the power source 16,24,27. Further,
by determining the electrochemical composition of the power source
16,24,27 at predetermined time intervals, the processor 36 can
confirm or correct the previous electrochemical composition
determination and/or determine the electrochemical composition of
the newly connected power source 16,24,27.
[0211] According to one embodiment, a method of determining the
electrochemical composition of the power source 16,24,27 is
generally shown in FIG. 23 at reference identifier 1160. The method
1160 starts at step 1162, and proceeds to step 1164, wherein an
open circuit voltage is determined. At step 1166, a closed circuit
voltage is determined. Typically, the closed circuit voltage can be
determined with respect to a known load. At step 1167, an operating
electrical current is determined. According to one embodiment, the
operating electrical current is determined by measuring the
operating current. The method 1160 then proceeds to step 1168,
wherein the internal resistance (R.sub.Internal) of a source is
determined based upon the open circuit voltage, the closed circuit
voltage, and the operating electrical current. At step 1170, the
electrochemical composition of the source (e.g., power source
16,24,27) is determined based upon the internal resistance
(R.sub.Internal) and the open circuit voltage, and the method 1160
then ends at step 1172.
[0212] As illustrated in FIG. 24, the percentage depth of
discharge, a voltage potential, and the internal resistance
(R.sub.Internal) of a power source differs based upon the
electrochemistry composition of the power source. Typically, the
voltage potential of the power source changes based upon the
percent depth of discharge at one rate of change, and the internal
resistance (R.sub.Internal) of the power source alters based upon
the percent of discharge at a second rate of change. Thus, by
comparing the voltage potential and the internal resistance
(R.sub.Internal) when the electrochemistry composition of the power
source is determined, the percent depth of discharge can then be
determined.
[0213] Referring to FIG. 28, electrochemistry composition test
circuitry 490 is illustrated for detecting chemistry composition of
a power source 16,24,27, according to one embodiment. By way of
explanation and not limitation, the power source or cell
illustrated in FIG. 28 is internal power 16. It should be
appreciated that the test circuitry 490 may be built into the
lighting device 14A,14B,14C and may be included as part of the
control circuitry. Alternately, the test circuitry 490 may be a
separate circuit. Test circuitry 490 can employ hardware circuitry
that is adapted to electrically connect to the power source
16,24,27, and the processor 36 powered by a voltage supply of five
volts (+5V), according to one example. It should be appreciated
that a voltage boost circuit may be employed to boost a voltage of
the power source 16,24,27 to five Volts (5V) to power the processor
36. It should further be appreciated that the test circuitry 490
can include a separate processor. The test circuitry includes a
known load resistance R.sub.LOAD connectable via a switch, shown as
a field effect transistor (FET) Q, in parallel with the power
source 16,24,27. According to one embodiment, the load resistance
R.sub.LOAD has a known value of 2.2 ohms. Connected in series with
the load resistance R.sub.LOAD is the transistor Q for switching
the load resistance R.sub.LOAD in or out of a closed circuit with
the power source 16,24,27. Switch Q may be implemented as an FET
transistor controlled by an output of the processor 36. Transistor
Q may be controlled by the processor 36 to apply the load
resistance R.sub.LOAD across the power source 16,24,27 to allow for
measurement of the closed circuit voltage and current, and may be
opened to allow for measurement of the open circuit voltage of the
power source 16,24,27. Voltage measurements may be taken from the
positive (+) terminal of power source 16,24,27 by an RC circuit
coupled to the processor 36.
[0214] It should be appreciated that according to the illustrated
test circuit 490, a switch SW may be actuated by depression to
initiate the chemistry composition test, according to one
embodiment. However, it should be appreciated that the test
circuitry 490 may be implemented automatically by the processor 36
based on time intervals, or other triggering events such as
activating one or more light sources or changing (replacing) one or
more batteries. Further, three LEDs are shown connected to the
processor 36, The three LEDs may include light sources of the
lighting device, or may include additional lighting indicators that
may be used to indicate the determined type of power source
16,24,27 electrochemical composition. For example, a first LED may
be employed to indicate detection of a lithium battery cell, a
second LED may be employed to indicate detection of a nickel metal
hydride battery cell, and a third LED may be used to indicate
detection of an alkaline battery cell.
[0215] Referring to FIG. 29, a method of determining the
electrochemical composition of a power source 16,24,27 is generally
illustrated at reference identifier 500, according to another
embodiment. The method 500 starts at step 502, and proceeds to step
504 to apply a load resistance R.sub.LOAD to the power source
16,24,27 for a test time period, according to one example. In one
exemplary embodiment, the load resistance R.sub.LOAD is about 2.2
ohms, and the test time period is approximately 100 milliseconds.
During the chemistry detection test, method 500 determines an open
circuit voltage V.sub.oc in step 506 and a closed circuit voltage
V.sub.cc in step 508. The open circuit voltage V.sub.oc is
determined with the load not applied to the power source 16,24,27,
such that the battery circuit is open-circuited and no current
flows in or out of the power source 16,24,27, whereas the closed
circuit voltage V.sub.cc is determined when the known load
resistance R.sub.LOAD is applied across the power source 16,24,27
terminals, such that current flows across the load resistance
R.sub.LOAD. The method 500 then proceeds to step 510, wherein the
internal resistance (R.sub.INTERNAL) of the power source 16,24,27
is determined based upon the open circuit voltage V.sub.oc and
closed circuit voltage V.sub.cc. According to one embodiment,
current may also be used to determine the internal resistance of
the power source 16,24,27. The internal resistance value is
determined as a decimal equivalent value, according to the
disclosed embodiment, which is determined based on a multiplication
factor, such as 1/1000.sup.th of the actual resistance. It should
be appreciated that the internal resistance may be determined as an
actual ohmic value, according to another embodiment.
[0216] The battery chemistry detection method 500 then proceeds to
decision step 512 to compare the open circuit voltage V.sub.oc to a
voltage threshold. According to one embodiment, the voltage
threshold can be about 1.65 Volts. If the open circuit voltage
V.sub.oc is greater than the voltage threshold of 1.65 Volts,
method 500 determines that the power source 16,24,27 is a lithium
cell in step 514.
[0217] If the open circuit voltage V.sub.oc is not greater than the
voltage threshold (e.g., 1.65 Volts), method 500 proceeds to
decision step 518 to determine if the internal resistance value is
less than a low first value. According to one embodiment, the low
first value is 89. If the internal resistance value is less than
the low first value (e.g., 89), method 500 determines that the
battery cell is a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) in step 520.
[0218] If the internal resistance R.sub.INTERNAL value is equal to
or greater than the low first value of 89, method 500 proceeds to
decision step 524 to determine if the internal resistance
R.sub.INTERNAL value is in a range between the low first value
(e.g., 89) and a high second value. According to one embodiment,
the high second value is 150. If the internal resistance value is
between the low first value (e.g., 89) and the high second value
(e.g., 150), method 500 determines that the power source 16,24,27
is a lithium cell in step 526. It should be appreciated that the
power source 16,24,27 may be determined to be a lithium battery
cell which has a voltage less than or equal to the voltage
threshold (e.g., 1.65 Volts) and has an internal resistance value
between the low first value (e.g., 89) and the high second value
(e.g., 150) when the lithium battery cell has been partially
discharged, as opposed to a fully charged lithium battery cell.
Additionally or alternatively, if the voltage of a cell is above
approximately four volts (4V), then it can be determined that the
cell has a lithium-ion electrochemical composition, and if the
voltage of the cell is above approximately two volts (2V), then it
can be determined that the cell has a lead acid electrochemical
composition.
[0219] If the internal resistance R.sub.INTERNAL value is greater
than or equal to the high second value (e.g., 150) in decision step
524, method 500 proceeds to step 528 to determine that the power
source 16,24,27 is an alkaline battery cell. It should be
appreciated that method 500 may be repeated at select intervals or
based on any of the number of triggering events, such as
replacement of the batteries, actuation of a light source, and
other events.
[0220] It should further be appreciated that the internal
resistance value and chemistry composition of multiple cells (e.g.,
power source 16,24,27 includes multiple cells) employed in the
lighting device 10 may be determined, according to further
embodiments. At least a portion of the multiple cells can have the
same electrochemical composition, a different electrochemical
composition, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, multiple
battery cells connected in series may be tested to determine the
internal resistance R.sub.INTERNAL of each battery cell and the
electrochemical composition of each battery cell, as shown by the
circuit 550 in FIG. 30. In this embodiment, a plurality of battery
cells, labeled BAT 1-BAT n are shown connected in series, such that
the positive terminal of one battery electrically contacts the
negative terminal of an adjoining connected battery. Each battery
cell generates a voltage potential and, in a series connection, the
voltage potentials are summed together. The chemistry detection
circuit 550 is shown including the processor 36 having a plurality
of voltage sensing lines for sensing voltages V.sub.1-V.sub.n,
which measure the voltage potential at the positive terminals of
each of the plurality of batteries BAT 1-BAT n, respectively. The
sensed voltage of BAT 1 is voltage V.sub.1, the sensed voltage of
BAT 2 is the difference between voltages V.sub.2 and V.sub.1, etc.
By way of explanation and not limitation, BAT 1-BAT n are
illustrated in FIG. 30 as internal power source 16.
[0221] The battery chemistry detection circuit 550 includes three
switches, shown as FET transistors Q.sub.1-Q.sub.n, each having a
control line for receiving a control signal from processor 36.
Transistor Q.sub.1 switches the known load resistance R.sub.LOAD
into a closed circuit connection with the first battery BAT 1 in
response to a control signal from the processor 36. Transistor
Q.sub.2 switches the load resistance R.sub.LOAD into a closed
circuit connection with batteries BAT 1 and BAT 2. Transistor
Q.sub.n switches the load resistance R.sub.LOAD into connection
with batteries BAT 1-BAT n.
[0222] When transistor Q.sub.1 is closed, the load resistance
R.sub.LOAD is applied across the first battery BAT 1, such that
current flows through the first battery BAT 1 and the load
resistance R.sub.LOAD. During a test procedure, the open circuit
voltage for voltage potential V.sub.1 is measured when the load
resistance R.sub.LOAD is not applied across the battery BAT 1, and
the closed circuit voltage V.sub.cc is measured while the load
resistance R.sub.LOAD is applied across battery BAT 1. When
transistor Q.sub.2 is closed, the open and closed circuit voltages
of the voltage potentials V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 are measured during
the test procedure. Similarly, when transistor Q.sub.n is closed,
the open and closed circuit voltages of voltage potentials
V.sub.1-V.sub.n are measured during the test procedure.
[0223] It should be appreciated that the open circuit voltage of
the first battery BAT 1 is determined by sensing voltage V.sub.1,
whereas the open circuit voltage of the second battery BAT 2 is
determined by subtracting the voltage V.sub.1 from voltage V.sub.2,
and the open circuit voltage of BAT n is determined by subtracting
voltage V.sub.n-1 from voltage V.sub.n. The closed circuit voltages
are also similarly measured. The internal resistance of each
battery may be determined according to the following equations:
R INTERNAL 1 = V oc 1 - V cc 1 V cc 1 R LOAD ; and ##EQU00003## R
INTERNAL 1 + R INTERNAL 2 = V oc 2 + 1 - V cc 2 + 1 V cc 2 + 1 R
LOAD . ##EQU00003.2##
[0224] V.sub.oc1 represents the open circuit voltage of battery BAT
1, and V.sub.cc1 represents the closed circuit voltage of battery
BAT 1. V.sub.oc2 represents the open circuit voltage of battery BAT
2, and V.sub.cc2 represents the closed circuit voltage of battery
BAT 2. The internal resistance R.sub.INTERNAL1 is the internal
resistance of the first battery BAT 1. The internal resistance
R.sub.INTERNAL2 is the internal resistance of the second battery
BAT 2. It should be appreciated that the internal resistance of
further batteries up to BAT n may likewise be determined.
[0225] It should further be appreciated that the battery chemistry
detection circuit 550 may detect different types of batteries, such
as alkaline, nickel metal hydride and lithium battery cells used in
various combinations. While one example of a battery chemistry
detection circuit 550 has been illustrated for detecting chemistry
of a plurality of battery cells in a series connection, it should
be appreciated that other configurations of circuit 550 may be
employed to detect other arrangements of batteries, such as a
plurality of batteries connected in parallel and/or series, in
various battery cell numbers and combinations.
[0226] Referring to FIGS. 31A, 31B, and 32, a method of determining
the electrochemical composition of a power source 16,24,27 is
generally illustrated in FIGS. 31A and 31B at reference identifier
600, according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the
method 600 determines a recovery time period for the power source
16,24,27 under test to return to a predetermined percentage of its
voltage, and further determines the electrochemical composition of
the power source 16,24,27 based on the determined recovery time. It
should also be appreciated that method 600 determines the
electrochemical composition of the power source 16,24,27 as a
function of the determined recovery time, in combination with one
or more of the internal resistance, the open circuit voltage
(V.sub.oc), and the closed circuit voltage (V.sub.cc).
[0227] With particular reference to FIG. 32, the output voltages of
three different batteries having different electrochemical
compositions (e.g., the power sources 16,24,27 having different
electrochemical compositions, battery cells within the power
sources 16,24,27 having different electrochemical compositions, or
a combination thereof) are illustrated during a test procedure to
detect battery chemistry. Included in the test is a lithium battery
cell having a voltage shown by line 650, an alkaline battery cell
having a voltage shown by line 652 and a nickel metal hydride
battery cell having a voltage shown by line 654. Each of the
batteries were subjected to a load resistance R.sub.LOAD of about
0.1 ohms for a time period of about 11 milliseconds. Prior to
application of the load, the battery cells each had a substantially
constant voltage, and during application of the load resistance,
the output voltage drops significantly as shown during the time
period from 0.000 to 0.011 seconds. At time period 0.011 seconds,
the load resistance is no longer applied and the voltage of each of
the battery cells recovers over a period of time. The period of
time that it takes each battery cell to recover to percentage
threshold of 98.5 percent of the voltage prior to applying the load
is referred herein as the recovery time. It should be appreciated
that in the example shown, a battery cell that recovers to 98.5
percent of the preload voltage in less than 1 millisecond is
determined to be a nickel metal hydride battery, whereas the
lithium and alkaline battery cells have a longer recovery time,
according to the present embodiment of the chemistry detection test
process.
[0228] Returning to FIGS. 31A and 31B, method 600 starts at step
602, and proceeds to step 604 to apply a known load resistance
R.sub.LOAD to the battery cell for a test period. According to one
example, the known load resistance R.sub.LOAD can be about 0.1
ohms, and the test period can be about 11 milliseconds. It should
be appreciated that the test period may include other time periods,
and that the load resistance R.sub.LOAD may have other values.
During the chemistry detection test, method 600 determines an open
circuit voltage V.sub.oc in step 606 and a closed circuit voltage
V.sub.cc in step 608. The open circuit voltage V.sub.oc is
determined with the load resistance not applied to the battery cell
such that the battery circuit is open-circuited and no current
flows in or out of the battery cell, whereas the closed circuit
voltage -V.sub.cc is determined when the known load resistance
R.sub.LOAD is applied across the battery cell terminals such that
current flows across load resistance R.sub.LOAD. The method 600
then proceeds to step 610, wherein the internal resistance
R.sub.INTERNAL of the battery cell is determined based upon the
open circuit voltage V.sub.oc and closed circuit voltage V.sub.cc.
According to one embodiment, the internal resistance R.sub.INTERNAL
can be determined as the difference between the open circuit
voltage V.sub.oc and the closed circuit voltage V.sub.cc multiplied
by the resistance load R.sub.LOAD multiplied by a multiplication
factor of 1000 and divided by the closed circuit voltage V.sub.cc,
as shown in the following equation:
R INTERNAL = ( ( V oc - V cc ) .times. R LOAD ) .times. 1000 V cc
##EQU00004##
The internal resistance value R.sub.INTERNAL may be determined as a
decimal equivalent value, based on a multiplication factor such as
1000, or may include the actual ohmic value of resistance.
[0229] Routine 600 then proceeds to step 612 to determine the
recovery time of the battery to reach a percent of the output
voltage prior to application of the load. According to one
embodiment, the battery reaches 98.5 percent of the output voltage
prior to application of the load when determining the recovery
time. The recovery time is monitored from the time that the load
resistance R.sub.LOAD is no longer applied to the battery until the
voltage of the battery rises to about 98.5 percent of the voltage
prior to applying the load. While a recovery time based on 98.5
percent is disclosed according to the present embodiment, it should
be appreciated that the recovery time may be based on other
percentage values or voltage levels.
[0230] The battery chemistry detection method 600 then proceeds to
decision step 614 to compare the open circuit voltage V.sub.oc to a
first voltage threshold. According to one embodiment, the first
voltage threshold is about 1.65 Volts. If the open circuit voltage
V.sub.oc is greater than the voltage threshold (e.g., 1.65 Volts),
method 600 determines that the battery cell is a lithium cell in
step 616. Method 600 then ends at step 638.
[0231] If the open circuit voltage V.sub.oc is not greater than the
first voltage threshold (e.g., 1.65 Volts), method 600 proceeds to
decision step 620 to determine if the determined recovery time is
less than a time period. According to one embodiment, the time
period is 1 millisecond. If the recovery time is determined to be
less than the time period (e.g., 1 millisecond), routine 600
proceeds to determine that the battery cell is a nickel metal
hydride (NiMH) cell in step 622. Since any fresh lithium cell would
have been detected in step 614, step 620 is able to detect a nickel
metal hydride battery cell based on the recovery time.
[0232] If the recovery time is not less than the time period (e.g.,
1 millisecond), method 600 proceeds to decision step 626 to
determine if the closed circuit voltage V.sub.cc is less than a
second voltage threshold. According to one embodiment, the second
voltage threshold is 0.9 Volts. If the closed circuit voltage
V.sub.cc is less than the second voltage threshold (e.g., 0.9
Volts), method 600 determines that the battery cell is an alkaline
battery cell in step 628. The method 600 then ends at step 638.
Accordingly, a low closed circuit voltage below the second voltage
threshold (e.g., 0.9 Volts) is used to determine that an alkaline
battery cell is present.
[0233] If the closed circuit voltage is not less than the second
voltage threshold (e.g., 0.9 Volts), method 600 proceeds to
decision step 632 to determine if the open circuit voltage V.sub.oc
is greater than a third voltage threshold. According to one
embodiment, the third voltage threshold is 1.60 Volts. If the open
circuit voltage is greater than the third voltage threshold (e.g.,
1.60 Volts), method 600 proceeds to step 628 to determine that the
cell is an alkaline battery cell. Accordingly, an open circuit
voltage V.sub.oc greater than the third voltage threshold (e.g.,
1.60 Volts) at the step 632 of method 600 is indicative of a fresh
high capacity alkaline battery cell.
[0234] If the open circuit voltage V.sub.oc is not less than the
second voltage threshold (e.g., 0.9 Volts) and not greater than the
third voltage threshold (e.g., 1.60 Volts), method 600 proceeds to
decision step 634 to determine if the internal resistance
R.sub.INTERNAL count is less than a value. According to one
embodiment, the value is 50. If the internal resistance value is
less than the value (e.g., 50), method 600 determines that the
battery cell is a nickel metal hydride battery cell in step 622.
Accordingly, the internal resistance count may be employed to
determine the presence of a nickel metal hydride battery cell.
[0235] If the internal resistance count is not less than the value
(e.g., 50), method 600 proceeds to decision step 636 to determine
if the open circuit voltage V.sub.oc is greater than a fourth
voltage threshold. According to one embodiment, the fourth voltage
threshold is 1.5 Volts. If the open circuit voltage V.sub.oc is
greater than the fourth voltage threshold (e.g., 1.5 Volts), method
600 proceeds to step 616 to determine that the cell is a lithium
battery cell and then supplies the first higher power to the light
source in step 618. Otherwise, if the open circuit voltage V.sub.oc
is not greater than the fourth voltage threshold (e.g., 1.5 Volts),
method 600 proceeds to step 628 to determine the cell is an
alkaline battery cell. Accordingly, step 636 is able to distinguish
between a lithium battery cell and an alkaline battery cell based
on the open circuit voltage V.sub.oc.
[0236] While chemistry detection and control method 600
advantageously determines the chemistry composition of a battery
cell based on internal resistance, recovery time, open circuit
voltage and closed circuit voltage, it should be appreciated that
the method 600 may look to one or more or any combination of these
characteristics to determine the chemistry composition of the
battery cell. It should further be appreciated that the method 600
may control any of a number of devices, including lighting devices,
cameras, cell phones and other electrically powered devices based
on the determined chemistry composition. Further, it should be
appreciated that a stand alone battery chemistry detection device
may be employed to determine the chemistry of the battery cell,
which device may then be useful to provide an indication of the
battery cell type and/or to control operation of an electronic
device.
[0237] Additionally or alternatively, the energy storage system 24
and solar power energy storage system 27 can include the controller
or microprocessor 82, which determines the electrochemical
composition of the battery cells 78,80. Typically, the controller
82 implements substantially the same one or more software routines
and/or receives similar data as the processor 36, as described
above. Thus, the energy storage system 24 and solar power energy
storage system 27 can determine the electrochemical composition of
the power source that is internal to the system 24,27, and can
control other operating characteristics of the system
accordingly.
VII. Electrical Fuel Gauging
[0238] With regards to FIGS. 1-5, 7-11, 23-26, and 28-32, the
lighting devices 14A,14B,14C can have a fuel gauging device 84,
which indicates the state of charge of the power source
16,20,22,24,26,27 that is currently providing electrical current to
the light sources, such as the white flood LED 18A, the white spot
LED 18B, and the red flood LED 18C. According to one embodiment,
the fuel gauging device 84 works in conjunction with the
electrochemical composition device, such as the determination made
by the processor 36 of the lighting device 14A,14B,14C and/or the
controller 82 of the energy storage systems 24,27, so that the fuel
gauging device 84 first obtains the electrochemical composition of
the power source 16,20,22,24,26,27 determined by the processor
36,82 prior to determining the state of charge of the power source
16,20,22,24,26,27. According to one embodiment, the fuel gauging
device 84 determines and indicates the state of charge for the
power sources 16,24,27 that the processor 36 determines the
electrochemical composition. Additionally or alternatively, the
fuel gauging device 84 includes a processor, according to one
embodiment. According to an alternate embodiment, at least one of
the fuel gauging device and the electrochemical composition device
are not included in the lighting device 14A,14B,14C, such that the
fuel gauging device and electrochemical detection device are
individual and separate devices, are used with a recharger device,
a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a multimedia
device, or the like.
[0239] With respect to FIG. 24, the fuel gauging device 84
determines the state of charge of the power source based upon the
internal resistance of the power source and the closed circuit
voltage (V.sub.ccv). Thus, when the processor 36,82 obtains the
internal resistance of the power source and the closed circuit
voltage (V.sub.ccv), the processor 36,82 can use lookup tables, as
represented by the graph of FIG. 14, to determine the state of
charge or the percent depth of discharge of the power source
16,24,27 due to the different characteristics of the exemplary
electrochemical compositions of the power sources 16,24,27. The
fuel gauging device 84 can then provide the state of charge, for
example, as a data signal.
[0240] The fuel gauging device 84 also includes a state of charge
indicator. In one example, the indicator is a graphical display
that displays the remaining charge as a percentage. In another
example, the indicator displays the remaining charge as an estimate
of the remaining time the monitored power source 16,24,27 can
continue to supply an adequate amount of power to illuminate the
lighting sources 18A,18B,18C. According to one embodiment, the fuel
gauging device 84 includes one or more fuel gauging LEDs 86. Thus,
when multiple LEDs 86 are used, the LEDs 86 can be one or more
colors to indicate the different states of charge of the power
source 16,24,27. According to one embodiment, a green LED can be
used to indicate that the power source 16,24,27 is at an adequate
state of charge, and a red LED can be used to indicate that the
power source 16,24,27 is at an inadequate state of charge.
Alternatively, when a single LED 86 is used, a multi-color LED can
be used in order to indicate the different states of charge of the
power source 16,24,27. Further, each LED 86 can be in electrical
communication with an LED driver. According to one embodiment, the
green LED can be connected to a first fuel gauge LED driver
generally indicated at 87A, and the red LED can be connected to a
second fuel gauge LED driver generally indicated at 87B. However,
it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any
suitable number of LEDs and fuel gauging LED drivers can be used in
the fuel gauging device 84.
[0241] Additionally or alternatively, the fuel gauging 84 does not
illuminate the fuel gauging LED 86 when the lighting device
14A,14B,14C is being powered by one of the AC power source 20, the
DC power source 22, or the solar power source 26, since such power
sources 20,22,24 can provide a greater amount of electrical power
than the internal power source 16, the energy storage system 24,
and the solar energy storage system 27. Additionally, since the
internal power source 16, the energy storage system 24, and the
solar energy storage system 27 can include battery cells that have
different electrochemical compositions, the electrochemical
composition of the internal power source 16, the energy storage
system 24, and the solar energy storage system 27 is determined,
and the fuel gauging device 84 indicates the state of charge of the
power source 16,24,27.
[0242] According to one embodiment, the fuel gauging device 84 does
not continuously illuminate the fuel gauging LEDs 86, and thus,
illuminates the fuel gauging LEDs 86 in predetermined time
intervals. In such an embodiment, the fuel gauging device 84 can
indicate the state of charge of the power source 16,24,27 at
substantially the same predetermined time interval as the processor
36 determining the electrochemical composition of the power source
16,24,27. According to an alternate embodiment, the fuel gauging
device 84 can illuminate the fuel gauging indicates, such as, but
not limited to, LEDs 86 continuously. Alternatively, the fuel
gauging device 84 can include a fuel gauging switch or button,
which is depressed or actuated by a user to activate the fuel
gauging device 84 and illuminate the fuel gauging LEDs 86.
According to this embodiment, the processor 36,82 can determine the
electrochemical composition of the power source 16,24,27 when the
fuel gauging button is depressed. According to one embodiment, the
fuel gauging switch is one of the first, second, third, or fourth
switches SW1,SW2,SW3, or SW4, which can be a multi-functional
switch. According to an alternate embodiment, the fuel gauging
switch is an additional switch on one or more of the devices
14A,14B,14C,26,27 or the lighting system 20.
[0243] According to one embodiment, a method of determining a state
of charge of a load or power source 16,24,27 is generally shown in
FIG. 25 at reference identifier 1180. The method 1180 starts at
step 1182, and proceeds to step 1184, wherein a closed circuit
voltage (V.sub.ccv) is determined. At step 1186, an internal
resistance (R.sub.Internal) of the power source 16,24,27 is
determined. The method 1180 then proceeds to step 1188, wherein the
state of charge of the power source 16,24,27 is determined based
upon the closed circuit voltage (V.sub.ccv) and the internal
resistance (R.sub.Internal). The method 1180 then ends at step
1190.
[0244] According to one embodiment, a method of determining an
electrochemical composition of a power source 16,24,27 and
determining the state of charge of the power source 16,24,27 is
generally shown in FIG. 16 at reference identifier 1230. The method
1230 starts at step 1232, and proceeds to step 1164, wherein an
open circuit voltage (R.sub.ocv) is determined. At step 1166, a
closed circuit voltage (V.sub.ccv) is determined. At step 1168, an
internal resistance (R.sub.Internal) of the power source 16,24,27
is determined based upon the open circuit voltage (V.sub.ocv), the
closed circuit voltage (V.sub.ccv), and an operating electrical
current. At step 1170, the electrochemical composition of the power
source 16,24,27 is determined based upon the internal resistance
(R.sub.Internal), the open circuit voltage (V.sub.ocv), and the
closed circuit voltage (V.sub.ccv). The method 1230 then proceeds
to step 1188. At step 1188, the state of charge of the power source
16,24,27 is determined based upon the closed circuit voltage
(V.sub.ccv) and the internal resistance (R.sub.Internal), and the
method 1230 then ends at step 1234.
[0245] Additionally or alternatively, the lighting devices
14A,14B,14C can include a lockout function, which prevents the
lighting sources 18A,18B,18C from being illuminated at undesirable
times, such as a user mistakenly actuating one or more of the
switches SW1,SW2,SW3, or SW4, to illuminate one or more of the
lighting sources 18A,18B,18C. According to one embodiment, the
lockout function can be activated by pressing one or more of the
switches SW1,SW2,SW3, or SW4 in a predetermined combination, for a
defined period of time, the like, or a combination thereof.
According to one embodiment, the fuel gauging LEDs 86 can be used
to indicate when the lockout function is activated and deactivated.
For purposes of explanation and not limitation, if the fuel gauging
LED 86 is a tri-color LED that illuminates in green, yellow, and
red, the fuel gauging LEDs 86 can be illuminated in a
green-yellow-red sequence when the lockout function is activated.
Also, the fuel gauging LEDs 86 can be illuminated in a
red-yellow-green sequence when the lockout function is
deactivated.
[0246] According to one embodiment, the fuel gauging LEDs 86 can
also be used as an indicator for locating the lighting device
14A,14B,14C when the lighting device 14A,14B,14C is not in the
user's physical possession. By way of explanation and not
limitation, a user can activate an indication setting on the
lighting device 14A,14B,14C, such as, but not limited to, when the
internal battery source 16 is inserted into the housing 54. Thus,
the user can select the indicator to be active when the lockout
function is activated, the lockout function is deactivated, or a
combination thereof. Typically, when the indicator function is
activated, the fuel gauging LEDs 86 illuminate in predetermined
intervals when the lighting sources 18A,18B,18C are not
illuminated, and thus, a user can locate the lighting device
14A,14B,14C by seeing the fuel gauging LEDs 86 flashing in the
predetermined intervals. While the invention has been described in
detail herein in accordance with certain embodiments thereof, many
modifications and changes therein may be affected by those skilled
in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, it is our intent to be limited only by the scope of
the appending claims and not by way of the details and
instrumentalities describing the embodiments shown herein.
* * * * *