US3758823A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Battery powered fluorescent light
Assignee: JETTSON ENGINEERING CO Inc
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Filing: 1971-12-23
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Granted: 1973-09-11
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Expires: 1991-12-23
Abstract
Abstract A battery powered transistor inverter circuit operates a fluorescent light without requiring a capacitor ballast or starting filament current and is enclosed with the light in a waterproof, shock resistant, light transmitting case.
Inventors
- 👤 P Jett
- 👤 J Hutchinson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 13:51
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/26; H05B41/28; H05B41/282; H05B41/285; H02; H02M; H02M3/00; H02M3/22; H02M3/24; H02M3/28; H02M3/325; H02M3/335; H02M3/338; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B20/00; Y10; Y10S; Y10S315/00; Y10S315/05; Y10S315/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 38
Claim 1
Independent Claim
547 words
In a battery powered fluorescent light device, in combination: a. a direct current power source having positive and negative terminals; b. a transistor inverter circuit having first and second load terminals and comprising: 1. a transistor having base, collector, and emitter electrodes with the collector electrode being connected to said positive terminal; 2. a first zener diode having a forward junction connected to said collector electrode and a back junction connected to said base electrode and having a breakdown voltage equivalent to the voltage rating of said transistor; 3. a second rectifier diode having a forward junction connected to said base electrode and a back junction connected to said emitter electrode; 4. a first current limiting resistor connected in parallel with said first zener diode; 5. a current limiting diode-resistor network having parallel branches each including a diode in inverse parallel to the diode of the other branch and a resistor and having a first terminal of said network connected to said base electrode; 6. a first saturating current transformer having a first primary and second and third secondary windings on a common saturable magnetic core, said primary and said second secondary windings having respective positive and negative ends connected together and to said emitter electrode, the respective positive and negatiVe ends of the second and third secondary windings being connected together and to a second terminal of said network and to said base electrode, said third secondary winding having its negative end connected to said second terminal and being in series in one branch of said network; 7. a second transformer having a saturable magnetic core with first and second windings arranged thereon in a dual inductor relationship with the positive end of the first winding of the second transformer being connected to the negative end of the primary winding of the first transformer and the negative end of the secondary winding of the second transformer being connected to said positive terminal; 8. a fifth rectifier-diode having its forward junction connected to the positive end of said second transformer secondary winding and its back junction connected to said first load terminal; 9. a sixth rectifier-diode having its back junction connected to said negative terminal and its forward junction connected to the negative end of said second transformer first winding; 10. a capacitor having positive and negative electrodes with the negative electrode being connected to a common junction between said sixth rectifier-diode and the negative end of said second transformer first winding and with the positive electrode being connected to said collector electrode; 11. an elongated conductor having the functioning qualities of a capacitor and connected on one side of said second load terminal; and c. a load circuit consisting of a gas discharge lamp with appropriate filament windings being connected in series with said load terminals and in close proximity to said conductor whereby said conductor acts as a capacitor with respect to said lamp and said lamp becomes energized when said power source is connected to said terminals and whereby said conductor becomes slightly energized and provides the ionization of sufficient gas particles inside the lamp to substantially instantly start said lamp when current is initially applied, and wherein said lamp draws stored current from said second transformer with each oscillation of said inverter circuit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
547 words
In a battery powered fluorescent light device, in combination: a. a direct current power source having positive and negative terminals; b. a transistor inverter circuit having first and second load terminals and comprising: 1. a transistor having base, collector, and emitter electrodes with the collector electrode being connected to said positive terminal; 2. a first zener diode having a forward junction connected to said collector electrode and a back junction connected to said base electrode and having a breakdown voltage equivalent to the voltage rating of said transistor; 3. a second rectifier diode having a forward junction connected to said base electrode and a back junction connected to said emitter electrode; 4. a first current limiting resistor connected in parallel with said first zener diode; 5. a current limiting diode-resistor network having parallel branches each including a diode in inverse parallel to the diode of the other branch and a resistor and having a first terminal of said network connected to said base electrode; 6. a first saturating current transformer having a first primary and second and third secondary windings on a common saturable magnetic core, said primary and said second secondary windings having respective positive and negative ends connected together and to said emitter electrode, the respective positive and negatiVe ends of the second and third secondary windings being connected together and to a second terminal of said network and to said base electrode, said third secondary winding having its negative end connected to said second terminal and being in series in one branch of said network; 7. a second transformer having a saturable magnetic core with first and second windings arranged thereon in a dual inductor relationship with the positive end of the first winding of the second transformer being connected to the negative end of the primary winding of the first transformer and the negative end of the secondary winding of the second transformer being connected to said positive terminal; 8. a fifth rectifier-diode having its forward junction connected to the positive end of said second transformer secondary winding and its back junction connected to said first load terminal; 9. a sixth rectifier-diode having its back junction connected to said negative terminal and its forward junction connected to the negative end of said second transformer first winding; 10. a capacitor having positive and negative electrodes with the negative electrode being connected to a common junction between said sixth rectifier-diode and the negative end of said second transformer first winding and with the positive electrode being connected to said collector electrode; 11. an elongated conductor having the functioning qualities of a capacitor and connected on one side of said second load terminal; and c. a load circuit consisting of a gas discharge lamp with appropriate filament windings being connected in series with said load terminals and in close proximity to said conductor whereby said conductor acts as a capacitor with respect to said lamp and said lamp becomes energized when said power source is connected to said terminals and whereby said conductor becomes slightly energized and provides the ionization of sufficient gas particles inside the lamp to substantially instantly start said lamp when current is initially applied, and wherein said lamp draws stored current from said second transformer with each oscillation of said inverter circuit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A light device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conductor is in the nature of a wire.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
a first zener diode having a forward junction connected to said collector electrode and a back junction connected to said base electrode and having a breakdown voltage equivalent to the voltage rating of said transistor;
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
a first zener diode having a forward junction connected to said collector electrode and a back junction connected to said base electrode and having a breakdown voltage equivalent to the voltage rating of said transistor;
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
a current transformer having a primary winding with its positive end connected to said emitter electrode and its negative end connected to said dual inductor primary positive, said current transformer further having in series first and second secondary windings, the negative and positive ends of said first secondary winding being connected respectively to said emitter and base electrodes; and
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
a current transformer having a primary winding with its positive end connected to said emitter electrode and its negative end connected to said dual inductor primary positive, said current transformer further having in series first and second secondary windings, the negative and positive ends of said first secondary winding being connected respectively to said emitter and base electrodes; and
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
101 words
resistor-diode elements connected within said oscillator network whereby when said circuit is initially energized said transistor is turned on, energy is stored in all windings of said current transformer and inductor and upon the primary winding of said current transformer becoming saturated said transistor is reversed biased and is turned off and the energy stored in the secondary winding of said inductor is released to said lamp simultaneous with dissipation of energy from the primary winding of said current transformer and upon dissipation of said current transformer primary winding energy said transistor is turned back on and said cycle is repeated.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
101 words
resistor-diode elements connected within said oscillator network whereby when said circuit is initially energized said transistor is turned on, energy is stored in all windings of said current transformer and inductor and upon the primary winding of said current transformer becoming saturated said transistor is reversed biased and is turned off and the energy stored in the secondary winding of said inductor is released to said lamp simultaneous with dissipation of energy from the primary winding of said current transformer and upon dissipation of said current transformer primary winding energy said transistor is turned back on and said cycle is repeated.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A light device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conductor is in the nature of a thin metal sheet.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
a second rectifier diode having a forward junction connected to said base electrode and a back junction connected to said emitter electrode;
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
a second rectifier diode having a forward junction connected to said base electrode and a back junction connected to said emitter electrode;
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
a first current limiting resistor connected in parallel with said first zener diode;
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
a first current limiting resistor connected in parallel with said first zener diode;
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
A light device as claimed in claim 2 including a light transmitting housing internally mounting said lamp and circuit and having leads extending therefrom connectable to said power source.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
A light device as claimed in claim 3 including a light transmitting housing internally mounting said lamp and circuit and having leads extending therefrom connectable to said power source.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
a current limiting diode-resistor network having parallel branches each including a diode in inverse parallel to the diode of the other branch and a resistor and having a first terminal of said network connected to said base electrode;
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
38 words
a current limiting diode-resistor network having parallel branches each including a diode in inverse parallel to the diode of the other branch and a resistor and having a first terminal of said network connected to said base electrode;
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
93 words
a first saturating current transformer having a first primary and second and third secondary windings on a common saturable magnetic core, said primary and said second secondary windings having respective positive and negative ends connected together and to said emitter electrode, the respective positive and negatiVe ends of the second and third secondary windings being connected together and to a second terminal of said network and to said base electrode, said third secondary winding having its negative end connected to said second terminal and being in series in one branch of said network;
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
93 words
a first saturating current transformer having a first primary and second and third secondary windings on a common saturable magnetic core, said primary and said second secondary windings having respective positive and negative ends connected together and to said emitter electrode, the respective positive and negatiVe ends of the second and third secondary windings being connected together and to a second terminal of said network and to said base electrode, said third secondary winding having its negative end connected to said second terminal and being in series in one branch of said network;
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
36 words
A light device as claimed in claim 1 including a light transmitting housing mounting said source, circuit and lamp and including a switch operable externally of said housing and arranged to start and stop operation thereof.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
64 words
a second transformer having a saturable magnetic core with first and second windings arranged thereon in a dual inductor relationship with the positive end of the first winding of the second transformer being connected to the negative end of the primary winding of the first transformer and the negative end of the secondary winding of the second transformer being connected to said positive terminal;
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
64 words
a second transformer having a saturable magnetic core with first and second windings arranged thereon in a dual inductor relationship with the positive end of the first winding of the second transformer being connected to the negative end of the primary winding of the first transformer and the negative end of the secondary winding of the second transformer being connected to said positive terminal;
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
A light device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said circuit is mounted on a printed board and said lamp and board are shock mounted internally of said housing.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
29 words
A light device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said circuit is mounted on a printed board and said lamp and board are shock mounted internally of said housing.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
a fifth rectifier-diode having its forward junction connected to the positive end of said second transformer secondary winding and its back junction connected to said first load terminal;
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
a fifth rectifier-diode having its forward junction connected to the positive end of said second transformer secondary winding and its back junction connected to said first load terminal;
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
a sixth rectifier-diode having its back junction connected to said negative terminal and its forward junction connected to the negative end of said second transformer first winding;
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
a sixth rectifier-diode having its back junction connected to said negative terminal and its forward junction connected to the negative end of said second transformer first winding;
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
A light device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said capacitor is of an electrolytic type.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
146 words
In a fluorescent lamp circuit, in combination: a. a direct current source having positive and negative terminals; b. a dual inductor having a primary winding connected on its negative end to said negative terminal and a secondary winding connected on its negative end to said positive terminal and sharing a common magnetic core; c. a lamp load including a diode and fluorescent lamp connected in series with said secondary winding whereby said secondary winding may release stored energy to said lamp in only one current direction and may cyclically store energy when the load cUrrent would otherwise tend to flow in an opposite direction; d. an oscillator network adapted to cyclically energize said inductor secondary winding in one direction and then to allow said energy to be discharged from said secondary winding into said lamp in another direction whereby to energize said lamp, said network including:
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
146 words
In a fluorescent lamp circuit, in combination: a. a direct current source having positive and negative terminals; b. a dual inductor having a primary winding connected on its negative end to said negative terminal and a secondary winding connected on its negative end to said positive terminal and sharing a common magnetic core; c. a lamp load including a diode and fluorescent lamp connected in series with said secondary winding whereby said secondary winding may release stored energy to said lamp in only one current direction and may cyclically store energy when the load cUrrent would otherwise tend to flow in an opposite direction; d. an oscillator network adapted to cyclically energize said inductor secondary winding in one direction and then to allow said energy to be discharged from said secondary winding into said lamp in another direction whereby to energize said lamp, said network including:
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
42 words
a capacitor having positive and negative electrodes with the negative electrode being connected to a common junction between said sixth rectifier-diode and the negative end of said second transformer first winding and with the positive electrode being connected to said collector electrode;
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
42 words
a capacitor having positive and negative electrodes with the negative electrode being connected to a common junction between said sixth rectifier-diode and the negative end of said second transformer first winding and with the positive electrode being connected to said collector electrode;
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
123 words
an elongated conductor having the functioning qualities of a capacitor and connected on one side of said second load terminal; and c. a load circuit consisting of a gas discharge lamp with appropriate filament windings being connected in series with said load terminals and in close proximity to said conductor whereby said conductor acts as a capacitor with respect to said lamp and said lamp becomes energized when said power source is connected to said terminals and whereby said conductor becomes slightly energized and provides the ionization of sufficient gas particles inside the lamp to substantially instantly start said lamp when current is initially applied, and wherein said lamp draws stored current from said second transformer with each oscillation of said inverter circuit.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
123 words
an elongated conductor having the functioning qualities of a capacitor and connected on one side of said second load terminal; and c. a load circuit consisting of a gas discharge lamp with appropriate filament windings being connected in series with said load terminals and in close proximity to said conductor whereby said conductor acts as a capacitor with respect to said lamp and said lamp becomes energized when said power source is connected to said terminals and whereby said conductor becomes slightly energized and provides the ionization of sufficient gas particles inside the lamp to substantially instantly start said lamp when current is initially applied, and wherein said lamp draws stored current from said second transformer with each oscillation of said inverter circuit.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
59 words
In a circuit as claimed in claim 10 including an elongated conductor element extending lengthwise of and adjacent said lamp and having one end connected to one side of said lamp and being effective as a capacitor to initiate partial ionization of the gas within said tube and substantially instant starting of said lamp upon energization of said circuit.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
37 words
In a circuit as claimed in claim 10 wherein said current transformer primary winding energy is fully dissipated and said inductor secondary winding energy is only partially dissipated at the time said transistor is turned back on.
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) | 1976-09-10 | 1977-03-12 | 1977-09-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-10 | 1981-03-12 | 1981-09-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-10 | 1985-03-12 | 1985-09-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |