When it comes to buying light bulbs these days, the chief tactic may be buy-and-hoard.
"People are coming in and buying $150 worth of incandescent bulbs," said Steve Richmond, co-owner of Richmond Hardware in Braintree. "I was amazed."
What's driving the hoarders are new federal standards, originally meant to go into effect in the new year, requiring 100-watt bulbs to be more energy efficient.
But then Congress, in a bill passed this month to keep the government running, delayed enforcement of the new law until October.
"I see more people grabbing the incandescent one," said Paul Kustka, manager at Curry Hardware in Hanover. "But it's going to come to a point where they'll have to switch."
Retailers will be able to keep selling their supply of 100-watt incandescents until they're out of stock. Manufacturers can't import or make more bulbs that draw the same amount of energy as the existing models, but they are continuing to make a new version of incandescent bulbs that meet the stricter standards.
Four of today's commonly purchased incandescent bulbs – 100-watt, 75-watt, 60-watt and 40-watt – are targeted by a wide-ranging federal law aimed at improved energy efficiency from cars to industry. The incandescent bulbs are considered wasteful because much of the power they consume is released as heat, not light.
As of Sunday, a bulb that puts out the same amount of light as today's 100-watt bulb will be required to draw only 72 watts of power. In January 2013 and January 2014, similar new standards will go into effect for the other three bulb wattages.
Those new, more energy-efficient bulbs are primarily the curly shaped compact fluorescent lamps, known as CFLs, which last 10 times longer than incandescent and, while more expensive, can pay for themselves in nine months.
At Curry Hardware, one 60-watt compact fluorescent bulb was priced at $4.49, compared to a four-pack of the same wattage for $2.50.
Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are about 75 percent to 80 percent more efficient and are meant to last 25 times longer than a regular incandescent light bulb. They're still much more expensive – $25 for a 60-watt-equivalent bulb recently on Home Depot's website, compared with about $5 for a five-pack of CFLs – but prices are expected to drop as more people start using them.
Curry Hardware carried the LEDs for a while but they were so pricey that nobody bought them, said Kustka.
"I think people are totally uninformed and confused about the law," said Richmond in Braintree.
One issue complicating the CFLs is the presence of mercury. The Environmental Protection Agency said that the levels are very small – about 4 milligrams of mercury sealed within the glass tubing – but some consumers worry about it.
"That makes me nervous," said Rose Opanasets of Quincy, who was in the checkout line at Target in South Shore Plaza. "I'm keeping the old stuff until they force me to change."
2011年12月28日星期三
This New Year's, Everyone Get Lit
I was going to write about the Rex Ryan backlash or Giants-Cowboys or new-look Knicks fever but if you don't mind I'm going to swerve and offer an early, bossy, presumptuous New Year's Eve resolution:
Buy some bike lights. Buy some bike lights for someone you love. You can even buy them for someone you merely like.
That's a respectful order. But I'm saying it with a puffed-out chest and a scary Tom Coughlin look on my face. Whether you ride a bike for sport, or to buy chocolate-chip cookie dough at midnight, it's important. Even in winter.
This city is adapting to the bicycle. It's an overdue and necessary transformation. The evolution hasn't been without conflict—cyclists are learning to co-exist with vehicles and pedestrians, and there's too much recklessness on every street—but years from now we'll look back and wonder why anyone thought this wasn't progress.
More people are riding to work. More buildings are accommodating for bikes. Recreational riding is up. Parents feel less anxious putting kids on bikes.
There are plenty of treacherous spots, and too many fatalities occur.
But not long ago, the city's department of transportation announced that the number of cyclists in the city has doubled since 2007. That's an encouraging climb.
But in this improving climate, cyclists need to step up and share responsibility, protecting themselves and everyone else on the road.
And an easy first step is installing some lights. If I sound like I'm wagging a finger it's because I'm wagging a finger. It's such a simple no-brainer.
You need two lights. Sorry, but that's the deal. White light on the front, red one on the back. If you already have lights for your bike, congratulations. When you've stopped patting yourself on the back, put some new batteries in.
If you're buying bike lights for the first time, they come in many sizes and styles. You can spend a lot of money—there are fancy lights that would help you sail a bike across the Atlantic Ocean—but there are plenty under $25. You can hardly do anything in New York for less than $25.
In the city I think it's wise to have lights you can quickly remove from your bike and carry with you. This town still steals anything that's not nailed down. There are quick-release lights made from rubber and silicone that can be installed and removed in two seconds, and fit easily in a jacket, a purse or a Speedo.
Lights that flash are smart—they're easy to see and it saves battery life. If you want to go bonkers, you can buy light cords that wrap around the entire frame and make your bike look like Pee-Wee Herman's Christmas tree.
You could buy all these things on the Internet, but support your neighborhood bike shop. They'll know which lights work the best, and which ones are a waste of dough purchased by idiots who always have to own the most expensive thing. A bike shop employee can be entertainingly honest like that.
Don't let anyone tell you that lights aren't cool. Here's what's not cool: ambulance rides.
This easy resolution may save your life, without you even realizing it.
Buy some bike lights. Buy some bike lights for someone you love. You can even buy them for someone you merely like.
That's a respectful order. But I'm saying it with a puffed-out chest and a scary Tom Coughlin look on my face. Whether you ride a bike for sport, or to buy chocolate-chip cookie dough at midnight, it's important. Even in winter.
This city is adapting to the bicycle. It's an overdue and necessary transformation. The evolution hasn't been without conflict—cyclists are learning to co-exist with vehicles and pedestrians, and there's too much recklessness on every street—but years from now we'll look back and wonder why anyone thought this wasn't progress.
More people are riding to work. More buildings are accommodating for bikes. Recreational riding is up. Parents feel less anxious putting kids on bikes.
There are plenty of treacherous spots, and too many fatalities occur.
But not long ago, the city's department of transportation announced that the number of cyclists in the city has doubled since 2007. That's an encouraging climb.
But in this improving climate, cyclists need to step up and share responsibility, protecting themselves and everyone else on the road.
And an easy first step is installing some lights. If I sound like I'm wagging a finger it's because I'm wagging a finger. It's such a simple no-brainer.
You need two lights. Sorry, but that's the deal. White light on the front, red one on the back. If you already have lights for your bike, congratulations. When you've stopped patting yourself on the back, put some new batteries in.
If you're buying bike lights for the first time, they come in many sizes and styles. You can spend a lot of money—there are fancy lights that would help you sail a bike across the Atlantic Ocean—but there are plenty under $25. You can hardly do anything in New York for less than $25.
In the city I think it's wise to have lights you can quickly remove from your bike and carry with you. This town still steals anything that's not nailed down. There are quick-release lights made from rubber and silicone that can be installed and removed in two seconds, and fit easily in a jacket, a purse or a Speedo.
Lights that flash are smart—they're easy to see and it saves battery life. If you want to go bonkers, you can buy light cords that wrap around the entire frame and make your bike look like Pee-Wee Herman's Christmas tree.
You could buy all these things on the Internet, but support your neighborhood bike shop. They'll know which lights work the best, and which ones are a waste of dough purchased by idiots who always have to own the most expensive thing. A bike shop employee can be entertainingly honest like that.
Don't let anyone tell you that lights aren't cool. Here's what's not cool: ambulance rides.
This easy resolution may save your life, without you even realizing it.
2011年12月27日星期二
Chileans less likely to help the environment on their own
The Center for Sustainability at Universidad Andres Bello has concluded that this year Chileans have become more aware of environmental issues on the grand scale – not only more aware, but more inclined to voice their concern over social media or in protests.
While the awareness and concern on the grand scale has increased, when it comes to the individual, it is a different story. 800 residents of the Metropolitan, Valparaiso and Bio Bio regions were surveyed on a range of topics relating to the environment. These three regions account for 62 percent of Chile's population.
Issues such as HidroAysen have put questions of environment at the forefront of public opinion. While this is true for issues of large-scale debate, when it comes to tasks at home, Chileans have a different stance.
According to the study, 39 percent of respondents said they had never recycled, while 70 percent responded that it was not a habit and considered it cumbersome. As for energy-saving light globes, 90 percent of those surveyed said they used the globes, while only 10 percent said the use was to benefit the environment.
People in positions of executive management were considered by the study to have the worst attitudes towards environmental problems, while young people were the least concerned and less willing to take action to combat pollution.
76 percent of respondents believed the best way to bring companies to task would be to fine polluters, even though there is currently no pollution monitoring authority in Chile and 63 pecent of those polled agreed that the current legislation should be strengthened.
Adriana Palacios, social psychologist at the Universidad Desarrollo told the La Tercera newspaper that "throughout the Chilean identity there is a difference, where the official discourse and practice shows an inconsistency."
Alex Godoy from the Center for Sustainability, the conductors of the research said the key problem was the higher prices of more environmentally friendly products. The high prices locked out low-income earners from making steps towards change, even if they were willing to make a change.
Despite 58 percent saying they would pay more for renewable energy, 62 percent answered that in the next five years more power plants should be built. Less than half of the respondents believed the current energy supplies will be sufficient for the coming years.
41 percent of the respondents said that the lack of motivation from the population stems from a lack of sufficient measures to combat pollution by the government and industry, while only 2 percent of those surveyed said that the environmental problems were over exaggerated.
While the awareness and concern on the grand scale has increased, when it comes to the individual, it is a different story. 800 residents of the Metropolitan, Valparaiso and Bio Bio regions were surveyed on a range of topics relating to the environment. These three regions account for 62 percent of Chile's population.
Issues such as HidroAysen have put questions of environment at the forefront of public opinion. While this is true for issues of large-scale debate, when it comes to tasks at home, Chileans have a different stance.
According to the study, 39 percent of respondents said they had never recycled, while 70 percent responded that it was not a habit and considered it cumbersome. As for energy-saving light globes, 90 percent of those surveyed said they used the globes, while only 10 percent said the use was to benefit the environment.
People in positions of executive management were considered by the study to have the worst attitudes towards environmental problems, while young people were the least concerned and less willing to take action to combat pollution.
76 percent of respondents believed the best way to bring companies to task would be to fine polluters, even though there is currently no pollution monitoring authority in Chile and 63 pecent of those polled agreed that the current legislation should be strengthened.
Adriana Palacios, social psychologist at the Universidad Desarrollo told the La Tercera newspaper that "throughout the Chilean identity there is a difference, where the official discourse and practice shows an inconsistency."
Alex Godoy from the Center for Sustainability, the conductors of the research said the key problem was the higher prices of more environmentally friendly products. The high prices locked out low-income earners from making steps towards change, even if they were willing to make a change.
Despite 58 percent saying they would pay more for renewable energy, 62 percent answered that in the next five years more power plants should be built. Less than half of the respondents believed the current energy supplies will be sufficient for the coming years.
41 percent of the respondents said that the lack of motivation from the population stems from a lack of sufficient measures to combat pollution by the government and industry, while only 2 percent of those surveyed said that the environmental problems were over exaggerated.
2011年12月26日星期一
What next?
The new standards are geared to increase energy efficiency, lower consumers' bills and create less pollution, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
"American consumers are smart enough to determine for themselves which form of light bulb best suits their particular needs," said James Taylor, senior fellow for environmental policy at The Heartland Institute, a Chicago-based conservative public policy group. "There is no compelling reason to take this decision away from free individuals, and the House should be applauded for confronting such nonsense."
But opponents have voiced a variety of other concerns.
Some have said they are concerned about compact fluorescents because they contain mercury, a toxic metal linked to birth defects and behavioral disorders. The EPA has said the average bulb has 4 to 5 milligrams of mercury, enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. While no mercury is emitted while the bulbs are in use, vapors can escape if the bulb is broken.
But the Alliance to Save Energy, an energy independence organization, has said that amount of mercury is just a fraction of what was in old-fashioned thermometers.
The conservative Eagle Forum has said it is concerned that the light bulb issue can set a bad precedent.
"If we don't take a stand to save our light bulbs, what will they go after next?" the group wrote in an alert to supporters.
And Americans for Limited Government representatives maintain Congress is overstepping its authority.
"The American people are extremely concerned there won't be any of their favorite bulbs left on the shelves once the new standards go into effect," said Robert Romano, senior editor.
Memories of my sister stirring me from bed at 5:30 in the so cold, so dark morning in order to scamper to the living room to see how Santa transformed the living room, full of warmth, color, and magic, are precious to me to this day.
When I was a child in public schools, each December an evening winter program was performed for parents with all kinds of kids singing traditional Christmas carols (something verboten today). I was never confused by it. I can easily light Sabbath candles and eat my latkes while getting a lump in my throat at the sight of Kris Kringle's cane in the climax of 1947's "Miracle on 34th Street." I'm perfectly comfortable in my Jewish skin.
Both my parents are gone now, but not the traditions they provided for my brother, sister and me. And I proudly pass on these traditions to my two Jewish boys, who I hope continue to embrace the season as they grow older and have their own families.
Of course, kids love presents and, sure, it's commercial.
But it's so much more. Cool weather combined with warm feelings, inspirational music, family togetherness, kindness for strangers - a marvelous medley in a world of ugliness that gets bleaker by the year.
Yes, I'm Jewish and I love Christmas, and I don't care what anyone thinks of that. It's good to feel good. At least one month of the year.
"American consumers are smart enough to determine for themselves which form of light bulb best suits their particular needs," said James Taylor, senior fellow for environmental policy at The Heartland Institute, a Chicago-based conservative public policy group. "There is no compelling reason to take this decision away from free individuals, and the House should be applauded for confronting such nonsense."
But opponents have voiced a variety of other concerns.
Some have said they are concerned about compact fluorescents because they contain mercury, a toxic metal linked to birth defects and behavioral disorders. The EPA has said the average bulb has 4 to 5 milligrams of mercury, enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. While no mercury is emitted while the bulbs are in use, vapors can escape if the bulb is broken.
But the Alliance to Save Energy, an energy independence organization, has said that amount of mercury is just a fraction of what was in old-fashioned thermometers.
The conservative Eagle Forum has said it is concerned that the light bulb issue can set a bad precedent.
"If we don't take a stand to save our light bulbs, what will they go after next?" the group wrote in an alert to supporters.
And Americans for Limited Government representatives maintain Congress is overstepping its authority.
"The American people are extremely concerned there won't be any of their favorite bulbs left on the shelves once the new standards go into effect," said Robert Romano, senior editor.
Memories of my sister stirring me from bed at 5:30 in the so cold, so dark morning in order to scamper to the living room to see how Santa transformed the living room, full of warmth, color, and magic, are precious to me to this day.
When I was a child in public schools, each December an evening winter program was performed for parents with all kinds of kids singing traditional Christmas carols (something verboten today). I was never confused by it. I can easily light Sabbath candles and eat my latkes while getting a lump in my throat at the sight of Kris Kringle's cane in the climax of 1947's "Miracle on 34th Street." I'm perfectly comfortable in my Jewish skin.
Both my parents are gone now, but not the traditions they provided for my brother, sister and me. And I proudly pass on these traditions to my two Jewish boys, who I hope continue to embrace the season as they grow older and have their own families.
Of course, kids love presents and, sure, it's commercial.
But it's so much more. Cool weather combined with warm feelings, inspirational music, family togetherness, kindness for strangers - a marvelous medley in a world of ugliness that gets bleaker by the year.
Yes, I'm Jewish and I love Christmas, and I don't care what anyone thinks of that. It's good to feel good. At least one month of the year.
2011年12月25日星期日
PUD a leader in NW energy efficiency
There are not many investments in the public or private sector with that kind of rate of return. Investments in energy efficiency create jobs and significantly lower the cost of meeting current and future energy needs.
Under General Manager Steve Klein's leadership, Snohomish County Public Utility District hit a historic high for energy efficiency in 2010, saving 9.2 average megawatts, or enough to serve 6,500 homes. It is on track for one of its best years again in 2011.
Like many other utilities in the Northwest, Snohomish faces a shrinking number of cost-effective choices to meet future demand for power, and this makes low-cost, zero-carbon energy efficiency an increasingly attractive option. In Snohomish County, as in many other parts of the state, customers can choose from a broad range of energy efficiency programs, cash incentives, low-interest loans, and other resources that address virtually every aspect of electricity use -- both at home and at work. The goal is to make saving energy as easy and attractive as possible.
Like the council, the PUD recognizes the need to complement energy efficiency with new, innovative generating and efficiency technologies. To that end, the PUD is testing a variety of cutting-edge products such as heat-pump water heaters in homes and ultra-efficient ventilation systems in businesses. At the same time, traditional efficiency programs are continuing. Last year, for example, compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs sales hit a high mark, with nearly 4.4 million discounted CFLs sold in the last decade through a PUD network of more than 50 local retailers.
Through a partnership with local and regional government, in 2010 the PUD launched a grass-roots program, Community Power, to support energy efficiency measures in underserved areas. To date, more than 5,000 homes and 100 local businesses have taken advantage of energy-saving measures, including efficient windows and lighting retrofits.
While 2010 was a banner year, the Northwest is consistently among the national leaders in energy efficiency. Over the past 40 years, our regional savings have topped 4,600 average megawatts -- enough power for four cities the size of Seattle. Washington ranks fifth in the nation in policies that encourage energy efficiency, according to the 2011 Scorecard Report of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
We represent Washington on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, which works with the Bonneville Power Administration and regional utilities to track energy-efficiency accomplishments every year. This means adding up the savings from compact fluorescent light bulbs, LEDs, home insulation projects, and new efficient home appliances, furnaces, and industrial and agricultural equipment installed in homes, businesses and farms across the region in the past year.
According to the council's regional power plan, if the Northwest continues to invest aggressively in energy efficiency it could reduce the growth of electricity loads by 85 percent over the next 20 years.
However, we don't want to become complacent because of the record results of 2010. In the future we won't have the benefit of the federal stimulus program that provided generous funding for energy-efficiency programs in Washington and other states. But energy efficiency will continue to be a smart investment, and we will continue to rely on homeowners, businesses and local utilities to pursue creative solutions for saving energy and managing future energy bills.
Under General Manager Steve Klein's leadership, Snohomish County Public Utility District hit a historic high for energy efficiency in 2010, saving 9.2 average megawatts, or enough to serve 6,500 homes. It is on track for one of its best years again in 2011.
Like many other utilities in the Northwest, Snohomish faces a shrinking number of cost-effective choices to meet future demand for power, and this makes low-cost, zero-carbon energy efficiency an increasingly attractive option. In Snohomish County, as in many other parts of the state, customers can choose from a broad range of energy efficiency programs, cash incentives, low-interest loans, and other resources that address virtually every aspect of electricity use -- both at home and at work. The goal is to make saving energy as easy and attractive as possible.
Like the council, the PUD recognizes the need to complement energy efficiency with new, innovative generating and efficiency technologies. To that end, the PUD is testing a variety of cutting-edge products such as heat-pump water heaters in homes and ultra-efficient ventilation systems in businesses. At the same time, traditional efficiency programs are continuing. Last year, for example, compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs sales hit a high mark, with nearly 4.4 million discounted CFLs sold in the last decade through a PUD network of more than 50 local retailers.
Through a partnership with local and regional government, in 2010 the PUD launched a grass-roots program, Community Power, to support energy efficiency measures in underserved areas. To date, more than 5,000 homes and 100 local businesses have taken advantage of energy-saving measures, including efficient windows and lighting retrofits.
While 2010 was a banner year, the Northwest is consistently among the national leaders in energy efficiency. Over the past 40 years, our regional savings have topped 4,600 average megawatts -- enough power for four cities the size of Seattle. Washington ranks fifth in the nation in policies that encourage energy efficiency, according to the 2011 Scorecard Report of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
We represent Washington on the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, which works with the Bonneville Power Administration and regional utilities to track energy-efficiency accomplishments every year. This means adding up the savings from compact fluorescent light bulbs, LEDs, home insulation projects, and new efficient home appliances, furnaces, and industrial and agricultural equipment installed in homes, businesses and farms across the region in the past year.
According to the council's regional power plan, if the Northwest continues to invest aggressively in energy efficiency it could reduce the growth of electricity loads by 85 percent over the next 20 years.
However, we don't want to become complacent because of the record results of 2010. In the future we won't have the benefit of the federal stimulus program that provided generous funding for energy-efficiency programs in Washington and other states. But energy efficiency will continue to be a smart investment, and we will continue to rely on homeowners, businesses and local utilities to pursue creative solutions for saving energy and managing future energy bills.
2011年12月22日星期四
The best Christmas gifts don't come from the mall or online browsing
In the antediluvian era of my childhood, when I was six or so — when there was no TV and listening to adventure "serials" like "The Shadow," "Sky King," and "The Green Hornet" on the Crosley tabletop radio was a highlight of long winter evenings, when the Christmas season began in December rather than August and there were no giant shopping malls, and when ordering was from the Sears Roebuck catalog, not online — the holiday season, wish lists, and Santa's largess were far different, far simpler.
In the limey soils of northeast Mississippi, there were cedar trees galore, so getting a Christmas tree involved simply finding one the right size, with a good shape, hacking it down with a hatchet, and dragging it home. We'd have hooted at the thought of an artificial tree, even were there any.
No LED or twinkly lights; all light strings were of the type that if one bulb went bad, all the lights went out — leading to frequent, extended swapping out of bulbs to find the one that was burned out, and elation when they all finally lit again.
I do not now remember any of the presents Santa brought in those years, not that far removed from the deprivations of the Great Depression and World War II, when the country was still getting back on its feet economically and the average family had little in the way of disposable income.
We got practical things, like socks and hankies and gloves, and there were treats not seen at any other time of year: oranges, tangerines, English walnuts, peppermint sticks, Brazil nuts, cloyingly sweet chocolate covered cherries, plus goodies Mother had baked — the traditional fruitcake, sugar cookies, mincemeat pie, black walnut cake.
There were, of course, a few boy-type gifts for my brothers and me, but from the distance of decades, I have no recollection of them. I do remember the fireworks, which could then, long before OSHA safety regs, be purchased at any grocery store for not much money: whistling red devils, cherry bombs, zebra crackers, skyrockets, Roman candles. What fun!
Today, when our eight-and-under youngest granddaughters compile their three-page single-spaced wish lists of every toy and electronic device they've seen on TV in the last six months, they invariably ask what I want Santa to bring me for Christmas, and my reply is: "Nothing — don't need anything, don't want anything."
In their eager anticipation of a Christmas morning with gifts galore, they cannot, of course, even remotely comprehend that there can come a point in one's life when things no longer have much relevance — that rather, the treasured gifts are having them and those we love in our lives, and being safe in a country that, despite its troubles and divisiveness, is still the envy of most of the rest of the world.
And always, the fervent hope that the long-foretold era of peace and brotherhood that underlies this season can, somehow, be their lifelong gift.
In the limey soils of northeast Mississippi, there were cedar trees galore, so getting a Christmas tree involved simply finding one the right size, with a good shape, hacking it down with a hatchet, and dragging it home. We'd have hooted at the thought of an artificial tree, even were there any.
No LED or twinkly lights; all light strings were of the type that if one bulb went bad, all the lights went out — leading to frequent, extended swapping out of bulbs to find the one that was burned out, and elation when they all finally lit again.
I do not now remember any of the presents Santa brought in those years, not that far removed from the deprivations of the Great Depression and World War II, when the country was still getting back on its feet economically and the average family had little in the way of disposable income.
We got practical things, like socks and hankies and gloves, and there were treats not seen at any other time of year: oranges, tangerines, English walnuts, peppermint sticks, Brazil nuts, cloyingly sweet chocolate covered cherries, plus goodies Mother had baked — the traditional fruitcake, sugar cookies, mincemeat pie, black walnut cake.
There were, of course, a few boy-type gifts for my brothers and me, but from the distance of decades, I have no recollection of them. I do remember the fireworks, which could then, long before OSHA safety regs, be purchased at any grocery store for not much money: whistling red devils, cherry bombs, zebra crackers, skyrockets, Roman candles. What fun!
Today, when our eight-and-under youngest granddaughters compile their three-page single-spaced wish lists of every toy and electronic device they've seen on TV in the last six months, they invariably ask what I want Santa to bring me for Christmas, and my reply is: "Nothing — don't need anything, don't want anything."
In their eager anticipation of a Christmas morning with gifts galore, they cannot, of course, even remotely comprehend that there can come a point in one's life when things no longer have much relevance — that rather, the treasured gifts are having them and those we love in our lives, and being safe in a country that, despite its troubles and divisiveness, is still the envy of most of the rest of the world.
And always, the fervent hope that the long-foretold era of peace and brotherhood that underlies this season can, somehow, be their lifelong gift.
2011年12月21日星期三
Mitsubishi Chemical files LED-phosphor lawsuit against Intematix
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation has filed a patent-infringement lawsuit in Korea against Intematix and a distributor, over red phosphors.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC), the Tokyo, Japan-based phosphor, LED and lamp manufacturer, has filed a patent-infringement lawsuit in Korea against US-based Intematix Corporation and a Korean distributor, GVP.
Filed in Seoul Central District Court, the infringement lawsuit seeks to prohibit the two companies from importing and selling certain red-emitting phosphor products in Korea.
Mitsubishi Chemical claims that the products in question infringe a patent in Korea that covers red-emitting phosphors. The patent is owned by MCC and National Institute of Material Science.
Red-emitting phosphors are commonly used in warm-white LEDs, in combination with other phosphors, to provide the desired emission spectrum.
MCC says that it owns many other patents that are also relevant to CASN and SCASN phosphors, adding: "Should a party infringe any of MCC's patents, we will take every appropriate measure without overlooking it."
If you talk to lighting designers about new technology—as we did recently—it's hard not to conclude that the incandescent bulb is headed for almost certain extinction. The reasons seem obvious: LEDs are a lot more energy efficient and much (much) longer lasting.
What's not to like? Well, for now, price. But once economics of scale are achieved and the cost of LEDs come down, then it's simply a matter of time before the incandescent—at one time, a radical breakthrough in its own right—shuffles off into obsolescence.
"My biggest concern is that the incandescent lamp will completely disappear, and with it the spectrum that it brings," she told our Barbara Eldredge recently.
This means that all of the color that has been devised over my lifetime will no longer be the color that my eye recognizes. LEDs are great—they add to the toolbox. But if you look at the spectrum of an LED and the spectrum of an incandescent, they're just fundamentally different.
LEDs don't produce that warm candlelight glow of the incandescent bulb at a low reading. Unfortunately, this has happened throughout the history of lighting. Each new lamp has been colder than the one before it. Lighting today is very, very cold, tilting almost to the inhuman.
So I guess I'm old fashioned, like the people who complained about missing the glow of gaslights when electricity came in. But I do feel very strongly that the toolbox should be complete, and that you shouldn't entirely give up one thing just to have another.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC), the Tokyo, Japan-based phosphor, LED and lamp manufacturer, has filed a patent-infringement lawsuit in Korea against US-based Intematix Corporation and a Korean distributor, GVP.
Filed in Seoul Central District Court, the infringement lawsuit seeks to prohibit the two companies from importing and selling certain red-emitting phosphor products in Korea.
Mitsubishi Chemical claims that the products in question infringe a patent in Korea that covers red-emitting phosphors. The patent is owned by MCC and National Institute of Material Science.
Red-emitting phosphors are commonly used in warm-white LEDs, in combination with other phosphors, to provide the desired emission spectrum.
MCC says that it owns many other patents that are also relevant to CASN and SCASN phosphors, adding: "Should a party infringe any of MCC's patents, we will take every appropriate measure without overlooking it."
If you talk to lighting designers about new technology—as we did recently—it's hard not to conclude that the incandescent bulb is headed for almost certain extinction. The reasons seem obvious: LEDs are a lot more energy efficient and much (much) longer lasting.
What's not to like? Well, for now, price. But once economics of scale are achieved and the cost of LEDs come down, then it's simply a matter of time before the incandescent—at one time, a radical breakthrough in its own right—shuffles off into obsolescence.
"My biggest concern is that the incandescent lamp will completely disappear, and with it the spectrum that it brings," she told our Barbara Eldredge recently.
This means that all of the color that has been devised over my lifetime will no longer be the color that my eye recognizes. LEDs are great—they add to the toolbox. But if you look at the spectrum of an LED and the spectrum of an incandescent, they're just fundamentally different.
LEDs don't produce that warm candlelight glow of the incandescent bulb at a low reading. Unfortunately, this has happened throughout the history of lighting. Each new lamp has been colder than the one before it. Lighting today is very, very cold, tilting almost to the inhuman.
So I guess I'm old fashioned, like the people who complained about missing the glow of gaslights when electricity came in. But I do feel very strongly that the toolbox should be complete, and that you shouldn't entirely give up one thing just to have another.
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