Abstract A lighting system is disclosed in which high intensity discharge lamps (e.g. mercury vapor lamps) are operated in combination with other lamps (e.g. incandescent lamps) to afford consistent and improved lighting. Somewhat-conventional ballast circuits are disclosed for energizing a high intensity discharge lamp in any of three states including warm-up, illumination and recovery. Another lamp is then included in the system, to be energized under the control of the potential developed across the high intensity discharge lamp, referenced to a base potential that is somewhat intermediate to the extreme levels developed across the discharge lamp during its various phases of operation, as provided by the ballast circuit. Embodiments with both autotransformer and dual winding transformer ballast circuits are disclosed, along with various sources of the intermediate base potential.
An illumination system comprising: at least one gaseous discharge lamp; a ballast circuit for connecting said gaseous discharge lamp to a source of power and limiting the flow of current therethrough; means for providing a base-level potential that is somewhat intermediate the extreme potential levels occurring across said gaseous discharge device; an auxiliary lamp system including at least one lamp; and means for connecting said auxiliary lamp system to be energized by the potential that is developed across said gaseous discharge lamp under control of said ballast circuit, referenced to said base-level potential.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
93 words
An illumination system comprising: at least one gaseous discharge lamp; a ballast circuit for connecting said gaseous discharge lamp to a source of power and limiting the flow of current therethrough; means for providing a base-level potential that is somewhat intermediate the extreme potential levels occurring across said gaseous discharge device; an auxiliary lamp system including at least one lamp; and means for connecting said auxiliary lamp system to be energized by the potential that is developed across said gaseous discharge lamp under control of said ballast circuit, referenced to said base-level potential.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
An illumination system according to claim 1 wherein said ballast circuit comprises a transformer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
An illumination system according to claim 2 wherein said ballast circuit includes a capacitor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
An illumination system according to claim 2 wherein said transformer is an autotransformer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
An illumination system according to claim 4 wherein said means for providing a base-level potential comprises a tap into said autotransformer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
An illumination system according to claim 4 wherein said ballast circuit further includes a ballast choke.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
An illumination system according to claim 1 wherein said lamp system comprises at least one incandescent lamp.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
An illumination system according to claim 1 wherein said lamp system includes relay means for performing switching control operations.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
An illumination system according to claim 1 wherein said ballast includes a two-winding transformer and a capacitor, and wherein said means for providing a base-level potential comprises a tap on said transformer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
An illumination system according to claim 9 wherein said auxiliary lamp system includes a relay.