US 11988373

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 11988373:

Title: Light fixture with self-test ability of sealing

Assignee: Guangzhou Haoyang Electronic Co Ltd

Inventors: Weikai Jiang, Jinjian Cai, Wenfeng Chen, Qingbi He, Yinru Peng

Filing Date: 2023-05-23

Issue Date: 2024-05-21

Abstract: The patent describes a light fixture with a self-test feature for its sealing performance. It includes a light head with a sealed housing, a light source that emits light and generates heat, and internal temperature and air pressure sensors. A controller analyzes these sensor readings to determine the housing's sealing integrity. The housing also features a waterproof breathable valve and a switch. During normal operation, the switch unblocks the valve to equalize internal and external air pressure, preventing damage from temperature-induced pressure changes. For a sealing test, the switch blocks the valve, allowing heat from the light source to increase internal air pressure, which the controller then uses to assess the seal.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a light fixture designed to test its own airtightness. It comprises a light head with a sealed outer casing (head housing). Inside this casing are a light source (which produces both light and heat), a temperature sensor, and an air pressure sensor to monitor the internal environment. A controller in the fixture analyzes data from these sensors to determine how well the head housing is sealed. The head housing is equipped with a waterproof breathable valve, which normally allows air communication with the outside to balance pressure. A switch is integrated to operate in two modes:
  • Normal operation: The switch unblocks the waterproof breathable valve, ensuring that the air pressure inside the head housing remains balanced with the outside air pressure, thus preventing sealing damage from temperature fluctuations.
  • Sealing performance test: The switch blocks the waterproof breathable valve, isolating the internal space. The heat generated by the light source (or other internal components) causes the air pressure inside to rise, and the controller uses the detected temperature and pressure changes to evaluate the sealing performance of the head housing.

Legal Status:
As of April 26, 2026, US Patent 11988373 is Active.
An Inter Partes Review (IPR) case, IPR2025-01016, was filed and is currently Pending - Instituted, with an effective date of June 13, 2025.
No specific dockets or appeals related to US Patent 11988373 were found in the CAFC 2026 dockets in the conducted search.