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US3836815A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Emergency instant-start lighting system for arc discharge devices
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1972-05-24
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Granted: 1974-09-17
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Expires: 1992-05-24
Abstract
Abstract An emergency lighting system for at least one arc discharge device, utilizing an impedance mismatch between the emergency lighting system and a ballast provided for normal 60 Hz. power operation. This emergency lighting system will be activated when a normal AC voltage source falls below a predetermined level, and operates the arc discharge devices in an instant-start lighting system mode without the requirement for active switching between the normal and emergency modes of operation.
Inventors
- 👤 R Herzog
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 17:53
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02J; H02J9/00; H02J9/04; H02J9/06; H02J9/062; H02J9/065; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B70/00; Y02B70/30; Y04; Y04S; Y04S20/00; Y04S20/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
199 words
An emergency lighting system for arc discharge devices and for use with a normal A.C. ballast having a starting capacitor comprising: a first and second means for electrically connecting the emergency lighting system across at least a pair of serially connected arc discharge devices; means for connecting said first means to the starting capacitor; the starting capacitor being adapted to be connected across at least one of the pair of arc discharge devices for providing starting assistance during the normal and emergency modes; circuit means for providing emergency power having an input means for connection to an emergency power source; said circuit means having first and second output means; capacitance means connected between said first means and said first output means of said circuit means for providing a high impedance when power for the arc discharge devices is provided through the normal A.C. ballast; said circuit means operating at least one of the pair of arc discharge devices at a frequency at which the normal A.C. ballast will have a relatively high impedance; means for inhibiting operation of said circuit means until normaL A.C. voltage drops below a predetermined level, wherein said predetermined level could be substantially above zero.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
199 words
An emergency lighting system for arc discharge devices and for use with a normal A.C. ballast having a starting capacitor comprising: a first and second means for electrically connecting the emergency lighting system across at least a pair of serially connected arc discharge devices; means for connecting said first means to the starting capacitor; the starting capacitor being adapted to be connected across at least one of the pair of arc discharge devices for providing starting assistance during the normal and emergency modes; circuit means for providing emergency power having an input means for connection to an emergency power source; said circuit means having first and second output means; capacitance means connected between said first means and said first output means of said circuit means for providing a high impedance when power for the arc discharge devices is provided through the normal A.C. ballast; said circuit means operating at least one of the pair of arc discharge devices at a frequency at which the normal A.C. ballast will have a relatively high impedance; means for inhibiting operation of said circuit means until normaL A.C. voltage drops below a predetermined level, wherein said predetermined level could be substantially above zero.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system as in claim 1 wherein said emergency power source comprises a DC power source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system as in claim 1 wherein said DC power source is a rechargeable power source and further including: means for recharging the power source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system as in claim 1 including a multiple of series connected capacitor units, each unit comprising at least one capacitive device, connected in series with said first output of said circuit means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system as in claim 1 wherein said circuit means is an inverter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system as in claim 5 wherein said inverter is a tuned secondary, two-transistor, self-oscillating inverter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system as in claim 1 wherein said emergency lighting system is adapted for operating fluorescent lamps of the rapid start type in an instant start mode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said circuit means operates in a frequency range of 5.75 to 7.5 KHz for maximizing ballast impedance.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
50 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the frequency of said circuit means is such that the starting capacitor exhibits a relatively low impedance during the operation of said circuit means whereby at least one of the pair of arc discharge devices is inactivated during the emergency operation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
148 words
An emergency lighting system for arc discharge devices and for use with a normal A.C. ballast comprising: a first and second means for connecting the emergency lighting system across at least one arc discharge device; circuit means for providing emergency power having an input means for connection to an emergency power source; said circuit means having first and second output means; means for activating said circuit means when normal power drops below a predetermined level, wherein said predetermined level could be substantially above zero; said circuit means being operated in such frequency range so that the normal A.C. ballast will exhibit substantially its highest impedance across the at least one arc discharge device; capacitance means connected between said first means and said first output means for providing a high impedance when the power for the at least one arc discharge devices is provided through the normal A.C. ballast.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
148 words
An emergency lighting system for arc discharge devices and for use with a normal A.C. ballast comprising: a first and second means for connecting the emergency lighting system across at least one arc discharge device; circuit means for providing emergency power having an input means for connection to an emergency power source; said circuit means having first and second output means; means for activating said circuit means when normal power drops below a predetermined level, wherein said predetermined level could be substantially above zero; said circuit means being operated in such frequency range so that the normal A.C. ballast will exhibit substantially its highest impedance across the at least one arc discharge device; capacitance means connected between said first means and said first output means for providing a high impedance when the power for the at least one arc discharge devices is provided through the normal A.C. ballast.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
A system as set forth in claim 10 wherein said circuit means operates in a frequency range of 5.75 to 7.5 KHz.
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) | 1977-09-16 | 1978-03-18 | 1978-09-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-16 | 1982-03-18 | 1982-09-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-16 | 1986-03-18 | 1986-09-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |