US4146820A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fluorescent lamp power reducer
Assignee: GTE Sylvania Inc
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Filing: 1977-11-11
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Granted: 1979-03-27
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Expires: 1997-11-11
Abstract
Abstract A power reducer for a rapid start fluorescent lamp includes a time delay circuit that discontinues heater current to the lamp cathode after a predetermined time interval and places, at the same time, a current-reducing capacitor in series with the lamp.
Inventors
- 👤 Carlo S. Bessone
- 👤 William J. Roche
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 03:20
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/36; H05B41/38; H05B41/40; H05B41/42; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S315/00; Y10S315/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A power reducer for a fluorescent lamp comprising: cathode supply circuit means for supplying heater current to the cathode coil of a rapid start fluorescent lamp upon electrical energization of the lamp; impedance circuit means for inserting a current-reducing capacitor in series with said fluorescent lamp; time delay circuit means for disconnecting said cathode supply circuit means from said cathode coil and for connecting said impedance circuit means to said fluorescent lamp upon a predetermined time interval after said electrical energization.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
81 words
A power reducer for a fluorescent lamp comprising: cathode supply circuit means for supplying heater current to the cathode coil of a rapid start fluorescent lamp upon electrical energization of the lamp; impedance circuit means for inserting a current-reducing capacitor in series with said fluorescent lamp; time delay circuit means for disconnecting said cathode supply circuit means from said cathode coil and for connecting said impedance circuit means to said fluorescent lamp upon a predetermined time interval after said electrical energization.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The combination of the power reducer of claim 1 and a shortened fluorescent lamp, the power reducer being disposed within a base extender fastened to the end of the shortened lamp.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The power reducer of claim 1 wherein the cathode supply circuit means includes a high impedance capacitor, having a switch in parallel therewith, in series with the cathode coil.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power reducer of claim 3 wherein said switch closes at the time of said electrical energization and opens at said predetermined time interval.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The power reducer of claim 4 wherein said cathode supply circuit means includes a diode bridge rectifier having a coil winding in the output circuit thereof, said coil winding encircling said switch.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
81 words
The power reducer of claim 1 wherein said cathode supply circuit means includes a diode bridge rectifier having a coil winding in the dc output circuit of the rectifier, the coil winding encircling a switch which is in parallel with said current reducing capacitor, and wherein said time delay circuit means includes a switching transistor shunting the coil winding, the switching transistor being activated by a timing circuit that includes a resistor-capacitor combination, a unijunction transistor and a silicon controlled rectifier.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3956665A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-03-26 | 1982-09-25 | 1983-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-03-26 | 1986-09-25 | 1987-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-03-26 | 1990-09-25 | 1991-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |