US4234820A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Light regulation system
Assignee: WIDMAYER JOANNE W
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Filing: 1979-04-06
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Granted: 1980-11-18
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Expires: 1999-04-06
Abstract
Abstract A light regulation system is provided wherein the light output of a second, fluorescent lamp fixture is regulated in accordance with the light output of a first or preceeding fluorescent lamp fixture. Each fixture includes a lamp or lamps, a ballast or ballasts and a control or regulating device which controls the ballasting of the lamp(s) of the fixture and hence the light output thereof. The system provides for monitoring the light output of the master fixture and optically coupling a corresponding signal to a photocell in the control device of the following fixture so as to control the output of the lamp(s) of the following fixture. Additional fixtures can be optically coupled in like manner to either the master or a follower fixture to provide additional controlled following fixtures.
Inventors
- 👤 Don F. Widmayer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 06:22
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/36; H05B41/38; H05B41/39; H05B41/392; H05B41/3921; H05B41/3922
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
141 words
A light regulation system for controlling the output of at least one lamp in a follower fixture in accordance with the light output of a master fixture containing at least one lamp, said lamps comprising arc discharge lamps and said lamp units each comprising a ballast for the at least one lamp and a control device for controlling the ballast and hence the light output of the at least one lamp, said system comprising optical-electrical transducer means in the control device of said follower fixture for controlling the output of the control device of the follower fixture in accordance with the light input received thereby, and light collecting and coupling means for collecting the light output of the at least one master lamp and for coupling the said output of said at least one master lamp to said optical-electrical transducer means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
141 words
A light regulation system for controlling the output of at least one lamp in a follower fixture in accordance with the light output of a master fixture containing at least one lamp, said lamps comprising arc discharge lamps and said lamp units each comprising a ballast for the at least one lamp and a control device for controlling the ballast and hence the light output of the at least one lamp, said system comprising optical-electrical transducer means in the control device of said follower fixture for controlling the output of the control device of the follower fixture in accordance with the light input received thereby, and light collecting and coupling means for collecting the light output of the at least one master lamp and for coupling the said output of said at least one master lamp to said optical-electrical transducer means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A light regulation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said master unit includes means for sensing the ambient light in area which said master unit is located.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A light regulation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said light collecting and coupling means comprises a bundle of fiber optic light conductors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
A light regulation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said follower unit further comprises feedback means for sensing a parameter related to the light of output of said follower fixture and for controlling said control device of said follower fixture in accordance therewith.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
49 words
A light regulation system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said feedback means comprises further optical-electrical transducer means for controlling said control device, and light collecting and coupling means for collecting the light output of said follower fixture and for coupling said light output to said further optical-electrical means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
54 words
A light regulation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said master and follower fixtures each comprise an individual fixture in which said at least one lamp, said ballast and said control device are housed, said light collecting and coupling means comprising a light sensing lens and a fiber optic cable interconnecting said fixture.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
A light regulation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said control device of follower unit includes electrical adjusting means for adjusting the relationship between the light output signal from said master fixture and the light output of said follower fixture.
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) | 1983-11-18 | 1984-05-19 | 1984-11-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-11-18 | 1988-05-19 | 1988-11-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-11-18 | 1992-05-19 | 1992-11-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |