Connectable and synchronizable light strings
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A decorative light string comprising:
- a first light strand including a plurality of parallel connected light modules, each light module including a light emitting element and an integrated circuit (IC), the first light strand further including a data channel connecting to each IC and configured to transmit a data signal between the ICs;
a converter configured to convert alternating current (AC) line power to direct current (DC) voltage to power the first light strand;
a controller operatively coupled to the first light strand and the converter, the controller including a DC voltage output and an AC voltage output for powering a second light string, the controller being configured to control each of the plurality of light emitting elements;
an electrical connector coupled to the first light strand, the electrical connector being configured to connect the second light string to the decorative light string; and
a data lead coupled to the data channel and configured to provide the data signal to an IC of the second light string.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a decorative light string including a first light strand, a power supply, a controller, and an electrical connector. The first light strand includes a plurality of parallel connected light emitting elements. The power supply is configured to convert alternating current (AC) line power to direct voltage (DC) voltage power to power the first light strand. The controller is operatively coupled to the first light strand and the power supply. The controller is configured to control the plurality of light emitting elements. The electrical connector couples a first light strand to a second decorative light string via the AC line power.
32 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A decorative light string comprising:
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a first light strand including a plurality of parallel connected light modules, each light module including a light emitting element and an integrated circuit (IC), the first light strand further including a data channel connecting to each IC and configured to transmit a data signal between the ICs; a converter configured to convert alternating current (AC) line power to direct current (DC) voltage to power the first light strand; a controller operatively coupled to the first light strand and the converter, the controller including a DC voltage output and an AC voltage output for powering a second light string, the controller being configured to control each of the plurality of light emitting elements; an electrical connector coupled to the first light strand, the electrical connector being configured to connect the second light string to the decorative light string; and a data lead coupled to the data channel and configured to provide the data signal to an IC of the second light string. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A decorative light string comprising:
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a first light strand including a plurality of parallel connected light modules, each light module including a light emitting element and an integrated circuit (IC), the first light strand further including a data channel connecting to each IC and configured to transmit a data signal between the ICs; a converter configured to convert alternating current (AC) line power to direct current (DC) voltage to power the first light strand; a controller operable in either a master mode or a slave mode and operatively coupled to the first light strand and the converter, the controller including a DC voltage output and an AC voltage output for powering a second decorative light string, the controller being configured to control each of the plurality of light emitting elements, the controller being placed in the slave mode in response to receipt of an externally generated control signal by the controller; an electrical connector coupled to the first light strand, the electrical connector being configured to connect the second light string to the decorative light string, wherein the decorative light string is different from the second light string; and a data lead coupled to the data channel and configured to provide the data signal to an IC of the second light string. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A decorative light string comprising:
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a first light strand including a plurality of parallel connected light emitting elements wherein each of the plurality of parallel connected light emitting elements includes a respective integrated circuit (IC); a data channel connecting to each IC and configured to transmit a data signal between the ICs; a converter configured to convert alternating current (AC) line power to direct current (DC) voltage to power the first light strand; a controller operatively coupled to the first light strand and the converter, the controller including a DC voltage output and an AC voltage output for powering a second light string, the controller being configured to control each of the plurality of light emitting elements via the respective IC; a light pattern selector operatively coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the light emitting elements according to a setting input of the light pattern selector; an electrical connector coupled to the first light strand, the electrical connector being configured to connect a second light string to the decorative light string; and a data lead coupled to the data channel and configured to provide the data signal to an IC of the second light string. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification