US4222047A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lamp failure detection apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1978-11-06
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Granted: 1980-09-09
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Expires: 1998-11-06
Abstract
Abstract A lamp failure detection arrangement includes a device for interrupting electrical energy to a lamp, and a testing device for generating a low level test signal and for supplying it during the testing interval to the lamp for test purposes without causing the lamp to provide illumination. A device responds to the test signal indicating a failure condition of the lamp for generating a failure condition signal, which can be used both to energize a standby lamp and to generate an attention-attracting signal for alerting an attendant to replace the faulty lamp.
Inventors
- 👤 George E. Finnegan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 09:53
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R31/00; G01R31/44; H; H05; H05B; H05B39/00; H05B39/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
154 words
In lamp failure detection apparatus, an arrangement adapted to be connected to a source of alternating current electrical energy and function in a dual mode such that the lamp can be lighted during the time period of one half-cycle of applied power and tested during the time period of the alternate half-cycle of applied power, said arrangement comprising: lamp means adapted to receive electrical energy during a testing interval of time; means for interrupting a circuit between the lamp means and said electrical energy source during a testing interval of time; testing means electrically connecting the lamp means and the source of electrical energy to provide a low level test signal during one half-cycle of the electrical energy to the lamp means for testing purposes without causing said lamp means to provide illumination; and means responsive to said test signal indicating a failure condition of said lamp means for generating a failure condition signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
154 words
In lamp failure detection apparatus, an arrangement adapted to be connected to a source of alternating current electrical energy and function in a dual mode such that the lamp can be lighted during the time period of one half-cycle of applied power and tested during the time period of the alternate half-cycle of applied power, said arrangement comprising: lamp means adapted to receive electrical energy during a testing interval of time; means for interrupting a circuit between the lamp means and said electrical energy source during a testing interval of time; testing means electrically connecting the lamp means and the source of electrical energy to provide a low level test signal during one half-cycle of the electrical energy to the lamp means for testing purposes without causing said lamp means to provide illumination; and means responsive to said test signal indicating a failure condition of said lamp means for generating a failure condition signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said means for interrupting includes a unidirectional device, and means for bypassing said unidirectional device for enabling said lamp means to be tested during said testing interval, whereby said testing interval being one portion of a cycle of the alternating current output of the source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
An arrangement according to claim 1, further including switch means for coupling the source to said lamp means for causing it to be illuminated, means for bypassing said switch means for enabling said lamp means to be tested with said switch means being open and said lamp means being extinguished.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said means for generating a failure condition signal includes a neon lamp.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said lamp means includes a primary lamp and a standby lamp, said failure condition signal energizing said standby lamp for illuminating it in place of said primary lamp to provide a fail-safe operation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said means for generating a failure condition signal includes a light emitting diode.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
An arrangement according to claim 1, further including bi-stable means for coupling said lamp means to the source.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
An arrangement according to claim 7, wherein said bi-stable device includes a silicon controlled rectifier.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
An arrangement according to claim 7, wherein said bi-stable device includes a Darlington amplifier.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
66 words
An arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said lamp means includes a primary lamp and a standby lamp, bi-stable device for controlling the energization of said standby lamp, coincidence gate means responsive to said means responsive to said test signal indicating a failure condition and also responsive to a control signal turning on said primary lamp thereby causing said bi-stable device to energize said standby lamp.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
An arrangement according to claim 10, wherein said gate means includes a pair of diodes.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-09-09 | 1984-03-10 | 1984-09-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-09-09 | 1988-03-10 | 1988-09-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-09-09 | 1992-03-10 | 1992-09-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |