US3678286A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic lamp changer and spare lamp indicator circuit
Assignee: Eastman Kodak Co
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Filing: 1971-03-22
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Granted: 1972-07-18
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Expires: 1991-03-22
Abstract
Abstract A circuit for automatically energizing a spare or standby lamp in response to the burning out of the primary lamp and for continuously monitoring the spare lamp to verify operability thereof up to the time the burned-out lamp is replaced includes a source of electrical power, a relay and a two-position control switch connected such that the switch in one position connects one of the lamps in series with the power source and the relay and, in the other position connects the other of the lamps in series with the power source and the relay. A motor is actuated in response to the burning out of the primary lamp to position the control switch so that the spare lamp replaces the burned out lamp in the series circuit. The spare lamp is continuously monitored by connecting a transistorized switching network from the spare lamp to a warning or indicator lamp. The output stage of the network is switched on, thereby energizing the warning lamp, if the spare lamp is or becomes defective.
Inventors
- 👤 Roger L Willis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 07:21
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B39/00; H05B39/10; H05B39/105
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
177 words
An automatic lamp changer for alternatively connecting one of a pair of lamps in series with a first source of electrical energy, said lamp changer comprising: switch means conditionable between (1) a first state connecting only one of said pair of lamps in series with said first source and (2) a second state connecting only the other of said pair of lamps in series with said first source; an electro-mechanical device having an output; means interconnecting said output and said switch means for changing the state of said switch means upon energization of said electro-mechanical device; a second source of electrical energy; and means (1) responsive to said switch means being in said first state upon the failure of said one lamp for interconnecting said electro-mechanical device and said second source for conditioning said switch means to said second state and (2) responsive to said switch means being in said second state upon the failure of said other lamp for interconnecting said electromechanical device and said second source for conditioning said switch means to said first state.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
177 words
An automatic lamp changer for alternatively connecting one of a pair of lamps in series with a first source of electrical energy, said lamp changer comprising: switch means conditionable between (1) a first state connecting only one of said pair of lamps in series with said first source and (2) a second state connecting only the other of said pair of lamps in series with said first source; an electro-mechanical device having an output; means interconnecting said output and said switch means for changing the state of said switch means upon energization of said electro-mechanical device; a second source of electrical energy; and means (1) responsive to said switch means being in said first state upon the failure of said one lamp for interconnecting said electro-mechanical device and said second source for conditioning said switch means to said second state and (2) responsive to said switch means being in said second state upon the failure of said other lamp for interconnecting said electromechanical device and said second source for conditioning said switch means to said first state.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
180 words
An automatic lamp changer connecting one of a pair of lamps in series with a source of electrical energy, said lamp changer comprising: a relay having an inductive coil; a switch means conditionable between (1) a first state connecting one of said pair of lamps in series with said source and said coil and (2) a second state connecting the other of said pair of lamps in series with said source and said coil; an electric motor having an output; means interconnecting said motor output and said switch means for conditioning said switch means to its second state upon energization of said motor when said switch means is in its first state, and for conditioning said switch means to its first state upon energization of said motor when said switch means is in its second state; and a second source of electrical energy, said relay being effective upon the lack of current through said coil to connect said second source over said motor and upon the presence of current through said coil to disconnect said second source from said motor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
180 words
An automatic lamp changer connecting one of a pair of lamps in series with a source of electrical energy, said lamp changer comprising: a relay having an inductive coil; a switch means conditionable between (1) a first state connecting one of said pair of lamps in series with said source and said coil and (2) a second state connecting the other of said pair of lamps in series with said source and said coil; an electric motor having an output; means interconnecting said motor output and said switch means for conditioning said switch means to its second state upon energization of said motor when said switch means is in its first state, and for conditioning said switch means to its first state upon energization of said motor when said switch means is in its second state; and a second source of electrical energy, said relay being effective upon the lack of current through said coil to connect said second source over said motor and upon the presence of current through said coil to disconnect said second source from said motor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
An automatic lamp changer as defined in claim 2 further comprising: means for sensing the condition of the lamp not connected in series with said first mentioned source and for detecting the failure of such lamp; and means responsive to the detection of a failed lamp by said sensing means for indicating the failure of such lamp.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
85 words
An automatic lamp changer as defined in claim 3 wherein: said indicating means includes (1) a third source of electrical energy, (2) a signal device, and (3) normally open switch means in series with said third source and said signal device; and said sensing means includes (1) means for detecting the continuity of the lamp not connected in series with said first mentioned source, and (2) means for closing said normally open switch means in response to the detection of the noncontinuity of such lamp.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-18 | 1976-01-17 | 1976-07-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-18 | 1980-01-17 | 1980-07-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-18 | 1984-01-17 | 1984-07-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |