US4459515A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Phase-controlled ballast having shifting control
Assignee: General Electric Co
•
Filing: 1982-01-26
•
Granted: 1984-07-10
•
Expires: 2002-01-26
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to a circuit for shifting a control signal from governance by one variable function to governance by another. It is more particularly concerned with a phase-controlled ballast wherein such a circuit shifts the control from a function of lamp current to a function of line voltage for better overall performance and economy.
Inventors
- 👤 Alan M. Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 06:58
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05F; G05F1/00; G05F1/10; G05F1/12; G05F1/40; G05F1/44; G05F1/45; G05F1/455; H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/36; H05B41/38; H05B41/39; H05B41/392
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A phase-controlled load current regulating circuit comprising: an electronic switch and a reactance connected in series with a load across an alternating current voltage source, said switch operating to regulate current through the load by varying its firing angle, means for generating a first reference signal whose amplitude is a function of load current, means for generating a second reference signal whose amplitude is a function of line voltage, diode gate means for each of said signals functioning to transmit predominantly the signal of greater amplitude to a control means, said control means being linked to said switch and operating to increase the firing angle thereof in accordance with the amplitude of the transmitted signal, whereby governance of firing angle shifts to the reference signal of greater amplitude.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
A phase-controlled load current regulating circuit comprising: an electronic switch and a reactance connected in series with a load across an alternating current voltage source, said switch operating to regulate current through the load by varying its firing angle, means for generating a first reference signal whose amplitude is a function of load current, means for generating a second reference signal whose amplitude is a function of line voltage, diode gate means for each of said signals functioning to transmit predominantly the signal of greater amplitude to a control means, said control means being linked to said switch and operating to increase the firing angle thereof in accordance with the amplitude of the transmitted signal, whereby governance of firing angle shifts to the reference signal of greater amplitude.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
123 words
A phase-controlled ballast comprising: a triac and an inductance adapted to be connected in series with a discharge lamp across an alternating current voltage source, said triac serving to limit current through the lamp by increasing its firing angle, means for generating a first reference signal whose amplitude increases with lamp current, means for generating a second reference signal whose amplitude increases with line voltage, diode gate means for each of said signals functioning to transmit predominantly the signal of greater amplitude to a control means, said control means being linked to said triac and operating to increase the firing angle thereof when the amplitude of the transmitted signal increases, whereby governance of firing angle shifts to the reference signal of greater amplitude.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
123 words
A phase-controlled ballast comprising: a triac and an inductance adapted to be connected in series with a discharge lamp across an alternating current voltage source, said triac serving to limit current through the lamp by increasing its firing angle, means for generating a first reference signal whose amplitude increases with lamp current, means for generating a second reference signal whose amplitude increases with line voltage, diode gate means for each of said signals functioning to transmit predominantly the signal of greater amplitude to a control means, said control means being linked to said triac and operating to increase the firing angle thereof when the amplitude of the transmitted signal increases, whereby governance of firing angle shifts to the reference signal of greater amplitude.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3344311A
Cited
US3500124A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-07-10 | 1988-01-09 | 1988-07-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-07-10 | 1992-01-09 | 1992-07-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-07-10 | 1996-01-09 | 1996-07-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |