ALTAIR ENGINEERING, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130146605 | STORAGE TANK CONTAINMENT SYSTEM - A CNG or LNG storage containment tank is formed from four substantially vertical hollow tubular walls with first and a second ends positioned approximately 90 degrees apart. Eight horizontal hollow tubular walls interconnect and are in in fluid communication with the respective vertical tubular wall ends to form a six-sided cube-shaped tank configuration defining an interior fluid chamber. A tank support connected to the outer surfaces of the tubular walls and configured to reinforce the tank against loading arising from dynamic movement of fluid within the fluid chamber. In one example, bulkheads are positioned inside the horizontal tubular walls to reduce the sloshing of fluid through the tubular walls and thus the resulting sloshing loads. In another example, a plurality of gusset plates are positioned in a space between the tubular walls at an interior of the tank and connected between the tubular walls to further reinforce the tank. | 06-13-2013 |
20120147598 | LED FLUORESCENT TUBE REPLACEMENT LIGHT WITH REDUCED SHOCK HAZARD - An LED-based tube light suitable for replacing a conventional 48-inch fluorescent tube light includes LEDs connected into a complete illumination circuit that runs exclusively through connectors at one end of the light. In an alternative embodiment, two LED groups are used, each group being connected exclusively to its own set of end connectors. | 06-14-2012 |
20120146532 | CURRENT REGULATOR CIRCUIT FOR LED LIGHT - A regulator scheme for an LED light wherein the peak input current to the regulator and the regulator duty cycle produce a feedback signal which infers the average regulator output current. Both buck-boost and flyback type output circuits are disclosed. | 06-14-2012 |
20120106157 | MECHANISMS FOR REDUCING RISK OF SHOCK DURING INSTALLATION OF LIGHT TUBE - Disclosed herein is an LED-based light for replacing a fluorescent bulb in a conventional fluorescent light fixture. The LED-based light includes a housing having a first end opposing a second end, a circuit board disposed within the housing and extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing, at least one LED mounted to the circuit board, at least one end cap disposed on one of the first and second ends of the housing, the end cap including a switch and at least one electrically conductive pin configured for physical and electrical connection to the light fixture; and circuitry configured to provide a current path between the at least one LED and the at least one electrically conductive pin, wherein the switch is configured to selectively disconnect the current path. | 05-03-2012 |
20120099322 | LED LIGHTING APPARATUS WITH SWIVEL CONNECTION - Disclosed is a LED lighting apparatus with one or more swivel connections. The LED lighting apparatus includes a housing with at least one end, at least one light emitting diode extending along the housing and at least one end cap. The end cap has an opening with a sidewall to cap the end of the housing and a surface opposite the opening and spanning the sidewall. At least two pin connectors extend from the surface and are connectable to a standard fluorescent or incandescent light fixture. Various configurations are described such that the housing will rotate within the end caps with application of a rotational force after connection of the pin connectors to the light fixture to adjust the light output direction of the LED lighting apparatus. | 04-26-2012 |
20120089472 | METHOD FOR VEHICLE ACQUISITION AND EXCHANGE - Disclosed herein is a method of vehicle acquisition and exchange. The method includes assigning a predetermined number of units for a first vehicle and a predetermined number of units for a second vehicle, providing at least one customer with a customer unit pool representing an amount of available product units, receiving a first request from the at least one customer for the first vehicle, determining whether to approve the first request based upon the at least one customer's customer unit pool and the predetermined number of units for the first vehicle using a processor; and if the first request is approved: receiving a second request from the at least one customer to exchange the first vehicle for the second vehicle and determining whether to approve the second request based upon the at least one customer's customer unit pool and the predetermined number of units for the second vehicle. | 04-12-2012 |
20120081894 | INCANDESCENT LED REPLACEMENT LAMP - An LED-based lamp comprises a contact base, an LED support plate, a circuit board supported by the LED support plate, LEDs mounted to the circuit board, a heat transferring structure, a heat dissipating structure, a reflector and a bulb cover enclosing the circuit board, the LEDs, the LED support plate and the reflector. The LED support plate and the heat dissipating structure each dissipate a portion of the heat generated by LEDs. The heat transferring structure thermally couples the LED support plate to the heat dissipating structure and distributes the heat dissipation between them. The LEDs are oriented to project light in a first direction along a vertical axis of the LED-based lamp. A reflector is positioned in the first direction to diffuse light from the LEDs such that a majority portion of the light is directed in a second direction away from the first direction. | 04-05-2012 |
20120008316 | CIRCUIT BOARD MOUNT FOR LED LIGHT TUBE - Disclosed herein are embodiments of LED-based lights for replacing a conventional fluorescent light bulb in a fluorescent light fixture and embodiments of a circuit board mount for an LED-based light tube having an elongate housing with at least one circuit board spanning the housing. One embodiment disclosed herein of a circuit board mount comprises an end cap configured to fit over an open end of the housing. The end cap comprises an end wall, at least one pin connector extending through the end wall and at least one fitted slot extending from the end wall configured to receive an end of the circuit board, the at least one fitted slot having an elastic member within the at least one fitted slot configured to cushion the circuit board. | 01-12-2012 |
20120008315 | INDEPENDENT MODULES FOR LED FLUORESCENT LIGHT TUBE REPLACEMENT - Disclosed herein are embodiments of a LED fluorescent tube replacement lamp and lighting modules from which the lamp is constructed. One embodiment of a replacement lamp includes a plurality of interchangeable lighting modules that are configured to be electrically connected to adjacent modules. The interchangeable lighting modules can include end modules each having an end cap with pin connectors, at least one of the end modules includes electrical circuitry connected to the pin connectors for powering the modules. The lighting modules can also be center unit modules having LEDs mounted to a circuit board. The replacement lamps can be made from conceivable configurations of the lighting modules, requiring removal of only one module for repair or replacement. | 01-12-2012 |
20120008314 | LED LIGHT TUBE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING LED LIGHT TUBE - An LED light tube and method of manufacturing an LED light tube includes the steps of forming an LED light tube housing of a first housing segment joined to a first end cap. One end of a circuit board is inserted through the one housing segment into contact with the first end cap. One or more additional housing segments are slid over the circuit board into engagement with ends of previously mounted housing segments. A second end cap is joined to the engaged ends of the multiple housing segments are fixed together to complete a unitary housing. | 01-12-2012 |
20110235321 | METHOD OF FORMING LED-BASED LIGHT AND RESULTING LED-BASED LIGHT - A method of forming a LED-based light for replacing a conventional fluorescent bulb in a fluorescent light fixture includes forming a heat sink by shaping an elongate sheet of highly thermally conductive material to increase a surface area to width ratio thereof mounting LEDs in thermally conductive relation with the heat sink, and enclosing the LEDs within a light transmitting cover. | 09-29-2011 |
20110235318 | LED LIGHT TUBE WITH DUAL SIDED LIGHT DISTRIBUTION - Disclosed herein are embodiments of LED-based lights for use in fluorescent fixtures that emanate light in a plurality of directions. One embodiment disclosed herein of an LED light for use in a fluorescent light fixture comprises a housing and a circuit board having a first surface configured to face an illumination area, the circuit board mounted in the housing and defining a plane conceptually dividing the housing into a first portion and a second portion. At least one LED is mounted on the first surface of the circuit board and is configured to emanate light in a first direction. Light distribution means is configured to distribute a portion of the light emanated in the first direction to at least a second direction different than the first direction. | 09-29-2011 |
20110234107 | LED LIGHT WITH THERMOELECTRIC GENERATOR - An LED based light and a method of providing power to the LED are disclosed. The LED based light includes at least one LED and at least one thermoelectric generator having a first side and a second side. The first side is thermally coupled to the at least one LED such that heat generated by the at least one LED is conducted to the at least one thermoelectric generator, producing a temperature differential between the first side and second side. The at least one thermoelectric generator is configured to produce electrical energy from the temperature differential. | 09-29-2011 |
20110234076 | INSIDE-OUT LED BULB - An LED based light comprises a base, a light structure, a heat dissipating structure, and at least one LED. The light structure is adjacent to the base and extends along a longitudinal axis of the light. The light structure includes an inner surface and an outer surface and defines a cavity, and the heat dissipating structure extends into the cavity. At least one LED is mounted in thermally conductive relation to the heat dissipating structure. In one version, the light structure is an annular flange, and an organic LED is mounted to the outer surface. In another version, the light structure is a light pipe configured to distribute a light produced by the at least one LED in a predetermined light distribution. | 09-29-2011 |
20110214471 | PORTABLE RESCUE TOOL AND METHOD OF USE - A portable, hand-operated rescue tool is provided for rescue and extreme duty operations where an object needs to be cut, crushed, pierced and separated, or lifted. The rescue tool includes a body, a support handle and articulating jaw force members used to impart high forces on an object. The tool includes a manually-operated, pivoting actuation handle connected to a high pressure fluid displacement system to pivotally rotate the jaw force arms in a selected direction or mode of operation to suit the situation. | 09-08-2011 |
20110188240 | LIGHTING INCLUDING INTEGRAL COMMUNICATION APPARATUS - A lighting and communication system for use in a standardized light fixture is provided. The lighting and communication system includes a light source and a communication apparatus, and the communication apparatus is at least one of an audio device or a camera. At least one electrical connector configured for physical and electrical connection to the standardized light fixture is included, and the at least one electrical connector is electrically connected to the light source and the communication apparatus. | 08-04-2011 |
20110175397 | HEAVY-DUTY TRAILER - A heavy duty wheeled trailer for use in towing the trailer behind a vehicle. The trailer includes an adjustable height tow connection point to adjust and connect to different types of tow vehicles while maintaining the front deck substantially parallel to the trailer main deck. The trailer further includes a modular support frame allowing the trailer to be easily scaled in length and performance capabilities through removal or addition of modular frame cells. | 07-21-2011 |
20110156608 | LIGHT TUBE AND POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT - The present invention provides a light tube for illumination by a power supply circuit including a bulb portion and a pair of end caps disposed at opposite ends of the bulb portion. A plurality of light emitting diodes are disposed inside the bulb portion and in electrical communication with the pair of end caps for illuminating in response to electrical current to be received from the power supply circuit. | 06-30-2011 |
20100321921 | LED LAMP WITH A WAVELENGTH CONVERTING LAYER - Disclosed herein are embodiments of replacement lights for conventional fluorescent tube lights for use in a conventional fluorescent fixture. One embodiment comprises a tubular housing, a circuit board disposed within the housing, a pair of end caps disposed on opposing ends of the tubular housing with at least one pin connector extending from each end cap, an array of LEDs arranged longitudinally along the circuit board, a number and spacing of the LEDs being such as to uniformly and fully occupy a space between the end caps, wherein at least one of the connectors is electrically connected to the LEDs and a wavelength-converting material in contact with at least a portion of the tubular housing. The wavelength-converting material is excited by transmitted light from the LEDs to produce visible light. | 12-23-2010 |
20100320922 | ILLUMINATION DEVICE INCLUDING LEDS AND A SWITCHING POWER CONTROL SYSTEM - Disclosed herein is an illumination device including light-emitting diodes, an alternating current input, a full-wave rectifier coupled to the alternating current input and configured to produce a rectified voltage output and a power converter, the power converter having a switching element electrically coupled to the rectified voltage output of the full-wave rectifier. An improvement of the illumination device includes a feedback circuit configured to determine an average current across the light-emitting diodes and to invert a signal representing the average current to provide a switching signal to the switching element such that, for a range of operating points, increasing a current drawn into the power converter will decrease LED power and decreasing the current drawn into the power converter will increase LED power. | 12-23-2010 |
20100301729 | SCREW-IN LED BULB - An LED-based light can include a highly thermally conductive base having multiple radially outward projecting nodes. The nodes can be spaced apart in an axial and circumferential directions of the base. An electrical connector and at least one LED can be attached to the base, and a light transmitting bulb can be attached to the base and can cover the at least one LED. The geometry of the base can promote heat dissipation, which can allow the at least one LED to use enough power to produce an amount of luminosity that allows the LED-based light to replicate, for example, an incandescent light without overheating. | 12-02-2010 |
20100289418 | ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT FOR DC CONVERSION OF FLUORESCENT LIGHTING BALLAST - Embodiments of an illumination device including LEDs for connection to an existing fluorescent lamp fixture including a conventional ballast described. One illumination device includes protection circuitry configured to protect the illumination device from the ballast current signal, a full-wave rectifier, a smoothing filter electrically coupled to the full wave rectifier, and a current regulator power circuit electrically coupled to the smoothing filter and the LEDS. The current regulator power circuit can include a first switching element configured to operate in response to a first (PWM) ON/OFF control signal; a current controller electrically coupled to a gate of the first switching element, the current controller configured to generate the first PWM control signal; and a current sense resistor electrically coupled to the first switching element and configured to sense the current through the LEDS, wherein the sensed current is fed back to the current controller. | 11-18-2010 |
20100258571 | Storage Tank Containment System - A storage tank containment system including a cubic-shaped tank having an outer shell having cylindrical walls for the efficient storage and transportation of large quantities of fluid, for example, liquid and compressed natural gas. | 10-14-2010 |
20100228679 | Hardware Unit-Based License Management Method - Disclosed herein is a method for licensing at least one hardware resource for use by a customer computer, the at least one hardware resource provided by an application service provider (ASP) distinct from the customer computer. The method includes providing licensed units to a customer, assigning a predetermined number of ASP assigned hardware units to the at least one hardware resource, and determining whether the customer can utilize the at least one hardware resource using the licensed units provided to the customer and the ASP assigned hardware units for the assigned to the at least one hardware resource. | 09-09-2010 |
20100223677 | DIGITAL CONTENT LICENSING METHOD - Disclosed herein is a method of licensing the use of digital content on a digital content execution device including providing a total number of licensed tokens from a licensed token pool for executing digital executable content on the digital content execution device, assigning a number of tokens to each distinct digital executable content, controlling use of the total licensed tokens provided to the digital content execution device by a license manager separate from and in communication with the digital content execution device and in response to a request to execute digital content on the digital content execution device, the license manager allowing execution of the requested digital content on the digital content execution device through the allocation of the number of tokens assigned to the digital content from the licensed token pool. | 09-02-2010 |
20100220469 | D-SHAPED CROSS SECTION L.E.D. BASED LIGHT - A LED-based replacement light for a fluorescent socket is constructed such that a tubular housing has a D-shaped cross section with a flat base with opposing longitudinal edges, opposing sides extending generally perpendicular to the flat base from the opposing longitudinal edges, and a curved surface spanning the opposing sides opposite the flat base. A circuit board structure defines a LED-mounting side with multiple LEDs mounted on the LED-mounting side at predetermined intervals along a length of the circuit board, with at least areas of a primary heat transferring side directly underlying the respective LEDs in thermally conductive relation with the tubular housing for highly electrically insulated thermal transmission of heat generated by the multiple LEDs from the circuit board to an ambient environment surrounding an exterior of the tubular housing. At least one electrical connector is at a longitudinal end of the housing in electrical communication with the circuit board. | 09-02-2010 |
20100181933 | DIRECT AC-TO-DC CONVERTER FOR PASSIVE COMPONENT MINIMIZATION AND UNIVERSAL OPERATION OF LED ARRAYS - Disclosed herein is a power converter circuit for a LED lighting device. The power converter includes a pair of input terminals adapted to be connected to a signal source, at least one LED, a first circuit adapted to supply current to the at least one LED and including: a first bi-directional switch connected between one input terminal and one side of the at least one LED, and a second bi-directional switch connected between the other side of the at least one LED and the other input terminal, and a second circuit adapted to supply current to the at least one LED and including: a third bi-directional switch connected between the other input terminal and the one side of the at least one LED, and a fourth bi-directional switch connected between the one input terminal and the other side of the at least one LED. | 07-22-2010 |
20100181925 | Ballast/Line Detection Circuit for Fluorescent Replacement Lamps - Disclosed herein is a replacement light for a fluorescent tube usable in a fluorescent fixture connected to a power source and containing at least one LED, the improvement including a detection circuit for connection to the power source, the detection circuit configured to identify the power source. | 07-22-2010 |
20100177532 | LED LENS - A light modifier for an LED producing light about a central axis is provided. The light modifier includes a lens defining an indentation. The indentation is angled relative to the central axis by an amount less than a complementary angle of a critical angle of the lens along the indentation. The lens can reduce the appearance of a bright spot created by the LED. | 07-15-2010 |
20100172149 | LIGHT DISTRIBUTION USING A LIGHT EMITTING DIODE ASSEMBLY - A fluorescent light tube retrofit with light emitting diodes (LEDs) that evenly distribute light to avoid bright spots is disclosed. One LED lighting unit includes a tubular housing and a plurality of LED assemblies mounted about a circumference of the tubular housing. LEDs face inward from a mounting surface that is angled offset of the tube. Alternatively, at least one LED can be oriented to emit light parallel to a tangent of the housing into a light pipe that curves inside at least a portion of the tubular housing. | 07-08-2010 |
20100106306 | INTEGRATION OF LED LIGHTING WITH BUILDING CONTROLS - An LED-based light can be installed in a conventional light fixture. The LED-based light can include a sensor operable to output a first signal indicative of whether an area of one or more of the rooms is in an occupied state or a non-occupied state, and the LED-based light can also include an LED controller operable to control at least one LED in the light in response to the first signal. Additionally, the LED-based light can include a transmitter operable to output a second signal indicative of whether the area is in the occupied state or the non-occupied state to a building environment regulator. | 04-29-2010 |
20100103673 | END CAP SUBSTITUTE FOR LED-BASED TUBE REPLACEMENT LIGHT - Disclosed herein is a replacement light for a fluorescent tube usable in a fluorescent fixture. The light includes a housing having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A support structure is disposed within the housing. At least one LED is positioned within the housing and is arranged on the support structure. A first seal has at least one aperture and is disposed within the first end of the housing. The first seal is configured to conform to an inner circumference of the first end of the housing. At least one electrical connector extends through the at least one aperture is and connectable to the fluorescent fixture. | 04-29-2010 |
20100103664 | LIGHTING INCLUDING INTEGRAL COMMUNICATION APPARATUS - A lighting and communication system for use in a standardized light fixture is provided. The lighting and communication system includes a light source and a communication apparatus including at least one of an audio device and a camera. At least one electrical connector configured for physical and electrical connection to the standardized light fixture is included, and the at least one electrical connector is electrically connected to the light source and the communication apparatus. | 04-29-2010 |
20100102960 | INTEGRATION OF LED LIGHTING CONTROL WITH EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS - An emergency lighting system for a building includes at least one LED-based light. An emergency detector is operable to detect an emergency. The emergency detector produces an emergency signal in response to the emergency. A controller is operable to control the at least one LED-based light in response to the emergency signal. | 04-29-2010 |
20100102730 | LIGHT AND LIGHT SENSOR - An LED-based light tube for use in a conventional fluorescent fixture can feature a housing including a light transmitting portion. At least one electrical connector can be attached to the housing and configured for engagement with the conventional fluorescent fixture. At least one LED can be arranged to produce light in a direction toward the light transmitting portion. A sensor can be operable to detect a brightness level and output a corresponding signal. A controller can be in electrical communication with the at least one electrical connector and operable to control the at least one LED in response to the signal. | 04-29-2010 |
20100067231 | LED-BASED LIGHT HAVING RAPIDLY OSCILLATING LEDS - An LED-based light includes a support structure. At least one oscillator is connected to the support structure. At least one LED is coupled to each oscillator. The oscillator can oscillate the LED to produce a light blurring effect. | 03-18-2010 |
20100052542 | LED LAMP FAILURE ALERTING SYSTEM - Disclosed herein are embodiments of failure alerting systems for LED lamps and LED lamps having the same. An illustrative failure alerting system comprises a photodetector configured to detect an actual light output from the at least one LED, a regulator configured to receive a signal from the photodetector when the actual light output is below a target light output and to increase a current to the at least one LED to maintain the target light output, and a low light output indicator configured to receive a signal from the photodetector when the actual light output remains below the target light output and to produce a low light output signal. A thermal sensor can also be included and configured to sense an operating temperature of the LED and to control the regulator to increase the current and the target light output to ensure the operating temperature does not exceed the target temperature. | 03-04-2010 |
20100027259 | FLUORESCENT TUBE REPLACEMENT HAVING LONGITUDINALLY ORIENTED LEDS - An LED-based light for replacing a conventional fluorescent tube in a fixture is provided. The LED-based light includes an elongate light transmitting rod defining a bore and at least one LED positioned at one or both ends of the rod and oriented to produce light longitudinally into a portion of the rod radially outward of the bore. At least one connector is physically coupled to an end of the rod and electrically coupled to the at least one LED. The at least one connector is adapted for physical and electrical connection to the fixture. In operation, the directional light produced by the at least one LED is dispersed by way of reflection, refraction, and/or diffusion while traveling longitudinally through the rod to reduce the appearance of bright spots. | 02-04-2010 |
20100008085 | METHOD OF FORMING LED-BASED LIGHT AND RESULTING LED-BASED LIGHT - A method of forming a LED-based light for replacing a conventional fluorescent bulb in a fluorescent light fixture includes shaping an elongate sheet of highly thermally conductive material to fashion a heat sink. Shaping the heat sink allows fashioning the heat sink to define cover and end cap attachment structures, surfaces for mounting LEDs at various angles, and a high surface area to width ratio for dissipating heat. | 01-14-2010 |
20090290334 | ELECTRIC SHOCK RESISTANT L.E.D. BASED LIGHT - A LED-based replacement light for a fluorescent socket is constructed such that an entirety of a radially outer portion of a tubular housing at least partially defined by a high-dielectric light transmitting portion is formed of a high-dielectric material. Forming a radially outer portion of the tubular housing of a high-dielectric material prevents a person handling the light from being shocked as a result of capacitive coupling occurring when the LED-based replacement light is installed one end at a time. A circuit board is in thermally conductive relation with the tubular housing, allowing for conduction of heat generated by the LEDs from a side of circuit board opposite the LEDs to the tubular housing for dissipation to the ambient environment. | 11-26-2009 |
20090219713 | LENS AND HEATSINK ASSEMBLY FOR A LED LIGHT TUBE - A LED lighting unit including an elongated heat sink having two spaced apart longitudinal grooves, the grooves facing tangentially or at an angle greater than an angle between a tangent of the lighting unit at the groove and a radius of the lighting unit at the groove. At least one LED is mounted to the heat sink between the grooves, and the at least one LED is enclosed by a lens having bulged longitudinal edges by sliding the bulged longitudinal edges into the grooves. | 09-03-2009 |
20090174226 | Active Stabilizer Bar System For A Vehicle Chassis - An active stabilizer bar system includes an impeller slidably encased in a housing which separates the housing into a sealed first cavity and a second cavity. On forced application of fluid through at least one of the ports, the impeller is axially moved along the housing which rotates at least one rotor with respect to the housing to vary the forces applied by the stabilizer bar on the vehicle suspension. | 07-09-2009 |
20090161359 | LIGHT DISTRIBUTION USING A LIGHT EMITTING DIODE ASSEMBLY - A fluorescent light tube retrofit with light emitting diodes (LEDs) that evenly distribute light to avoid bright spots is disclosed. One tube in the form of a conventional fluorescent tube includes two LEDs mounted to the tube on opposite sides of a single circumference of the tube. The LEDs can face the center of the tube, or the LEDs can be offset facing relative to the center of the tube. A reflecting surface can be disposed inside the tube to reflect light evenly toward an arc of the tube. Alternatively, at least one LED can be oriented to direct light into a light pipe that curves around the interior of the tube. | 06-25-2009 |
20090159919 | LED LIGHTING APPARATUS WITH SWIVEL CONNECTION - Disclosed is a LED lighting apparatus with one or more swivel connections. The LED lighting apparatus includes a housing with at least one end, at least one light emitting diode extending along the housing and at least one end cap. The end cap has an opening with a sidewall to cap the end of the housing and a surface opposite the opening and spanning the sidewall. At least two pin connectors extend from the surface and are connectable to a standard fluorescent or incandescent light fixture. Various configurations are described such that the housing will rotate within the end caps with application of a rotational force after connection of the pin connectors to the light fixture to adjust the light output direction of the LED lighting apparatus. | 06-25-2009 |