US4603281A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic fluorescent lamp starter
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1983-12-12
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Granted: 1986-07-29
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Expires: 2003-12-12
Abstract
Abstract A Varistor (which is a non-linear impedance means) is connected in series with the primary winding of a current-transformer; and this series-combination is connected across the fluorescent lamp to be started. Before the lamp starts, the voltage across it is limited in magnitude by the voltage-clamping effect of the Varistor; and the current then flowing through the Varistor is transformed by the current-transformer and applied by way of separate secondary windings to each of the lamp's cathodes for heating thereof. A special high-voltage tertiary winding on the current-transformer provides for lamp starting aid voltage. Thus, the lamp may be gently and rapidly started in the Rapid-Start mode. However, as soon as the lamp starts, the voltage across the lamp diminishes to a magnitude lower than that required for current to flow through the Varistor. Thus, as soon as the lamp has started, the power for heating the cathodes is removed; which thereby provides for the higher efficiency lamp operation normally associated with the Pre-Heat mode. To prevent damage to the Varistor, which might occur if power is applied to a non-operative lamp, or while there is no lamp connected, a thermally responsive latching circuit breaker is thermally connected with the Varistor and arranged to disconnect power as soon as the temperature on the Varistor exceeds a pre-determined acceptable level. The voltage-clamping characteristics of the Varistor are so chosen as to limit the lamp starting voltage to a magnitude suitable for effective lamp starting.
Inventors
- 👤 Ole K. Nilssen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 13:22
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/02; H05B41/04; H05B41/048; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S315/00; Y10S315/05
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
165 words
A starter circuit for a fluorescent lamp, said lamp having two cathodes and being adapted to be powered from a source of current-limited voltage, each cathode having a pair of cathode input-terminals, said starter circuit comprising: non-linear resistive impedance means adapted for connection in circuit between said pairs of cathode input terminals, said impedance means conducting only when the magnitude of the voltage across it is substantially higher than that of the voltage present between said cathodes when the lamp is lit; and power supply means connected in circuit with said non-linear impedance means and operable to provide cathode heating power from separate pairs of cathode output terminals, but only as long as current is flowing through said non-linear impedance means, one of said separate pairs of cathode output terminals being connectable with the cathode input terminals of one of said cathodes, another of said separate pairs of cathode output terminals being connectable with the cathode input terminals of the other one of said cathodes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
165 words
A starter circuit for a fluorescent lamp, said lamp having two cathodes and being adapted to be powered from a source of current-limited voltage, each cathode having a pair of cathode input-terminals, said starter circuit comprising: non-linear resistive impedance means adapted for connection in circuit between said pairs of cathode input terminals, said impedance means conducting only when the magnitude of the voltage across it is substantially higher than that of the voltage present between said cathodes when the lamp is lit; and power supply means connected in circuit with said non-linear impedance means and operable to provide cathode heating power from separate pairs of cathode output terminals, but only as long as current is flowing through said non-linear impedance means, one of said separate pairs of cathode output terminals being connectable with the cathode input terminals of one of said cathodes, another of said separate pairs of cathode output terminals being connectable with the cathode input terminals of the other one of said cathodes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The starter circuit of claim 1 wherein, when the starter circuit is connected with the lamp, the non-linear impedance means is operative to limit the voltage developed between the two cathodes to a magnitude that is operative to effect controlled lamp starting.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The starting circuit of claim 1 wherein, when the starter circuit is connected with the lamp, the power supply is additionally operable to provide lamp starting aid voltage for application to a lamp starting aid electrode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The starter circuit of claim 1 wherein said non-linear impedance means comprises a voltage-limiting semiconductor means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The starter circuit of claim 4 wherein said voltage-limiting semiconductor means is a Varistor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The starter circuit of claim 1 wherein said power supply means comprises a transformer means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The starter circuit of claim 1 wherein circuit protection means is connected with the non-linear impedance means, said circuit protection means being operative to remove power from the non-linear impedance means before it absorbs more energy than it can handle without damage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The starter circuit of claim 1 wherein said current-limited voltage is of a frequency that is substantially higher than those of the voltages normally present on ordinary electric utility power lines.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
202 words
A ballasting arrangement adapted to start and operate a fluorescent lamp from a source of AC voltage, said fluorescent lamp having two cathodes, each cathode having a pair of cathode input terminals, said ballasting arrangement comprising: reactance means adapted to connect with said source and to provide a manifestly current-limited AC voltage across a pair of main output termianls; non-linear resistive impedance means connected in circuit across said pair of main output terminals, said impedance means conducting only when the magnitude of the voltage across it is substantially larger than that of the voltage present between said cathodes when the lamp is lit; power supply means connected in circuit with said non-linear impedance means and operable to provide cathode heating power from separate pairs of cathode output terminals, but only as long as current is flowing through said non-linear impedance means, one of said separate pairs of cathode output terminals being connected with one of said main output terminals, another of said separate pairs of cathode output terminals being connected with the other of said main output terminals; and connect means operative to permit connection of each of said cathode input terminals to one of said separate pairs of cathode output terminals.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
202 words
A ballasting arrangement adapted to start and operate a fluorescent lamp from a source of AC voltage, said fluorescent lamp having two cathodes, each cathode having a pair of cathode input terminals, said ballasting arrangement comprising: reactance means adapted to connect with said source and to provide a manifestly current-limited AC voltage across a pair of main output termianls; non-linear resistive impedance means connected in circuit across said pair of main output terminals, said impedance means conducting only when the magnitude of the voltage across it is substantially larger than that of the voltage present between said cathodes when the lamp is lit; power supply means connected in circuit with said non-linear impedance means and operable to provide cathode heating power from separate pairs of cathode output terminals, but only as long as current is flowing through said non-linear impedance means, one of said separate pairs of cathode output terminals being connected with one of said main output terminals, another of said separate pairs of cathode output terminals being connected with the other of said main output terminals; and connect means operative to permit connection of each of said cathode input terminals to one of said separate pairs of cathode output terminals.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The ballasting arrangement of claim 9 wherein the non-linear impedance means is operative to limit the voltage developed between said pair of main output terminals to a magnitude that is operative to effect controlled lamp starting.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
42 words
The ballasting arrangement of claim 9 wherein circuit protection means is connected with the non-linear impedance means, said circuit protection means being operative to remove power from the non-linear impedance means before it absorbs more energy that it can handle without damage.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
176 words
A fluorescent lighting system comprising: source of current-limited AC voltage, said AC voltage being provided across a pair of main output terminals; fluorescent lamp means having two cathodes, each cathode having two cathode input terminals; non-linear resistive impedance means connected in circuit across said pair of main output terminals, said impedance means conducting only when the magnitude of the voltage across it is substantially larger than that of the voltage present between said cathodes when the lamp means is lit; power supply means connected in circuit with said non-linear impedance means and operable to provide cathode power from separate pairs of cathode output terminal, but only as long as current is flowing through said non-linear impedance means, one of said pairs of cathode output terminals being connected with one of the main output terminals, another of said pairs of cathode output terminals being connected with the other of the main output terminals; and connect means operative to effect connection of each of said cathode input terminals with one of said pairs of separate cathode output terminals.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
176 words
A fluorescent lighting system comprising: source of current-limited AC voltage, said AC voltage being provided across a pair of main output terminals; fluorescent lamp means having two cathodes, each cathode having two cathode input terminals; non-linear resistive impedance means connected in circuit across said pair of main output terminals, said impedance means conducting only when the magnitude of the voltage across it is substantially larger than that of the voltage present between said cathodes when the lamp means is lit; power supply means connected in circuit with said non-linear impedance means and operable to provide cathode power from separate pairs of cathode output terminal, but only as long as current is flowing through said non-linear impedance means, one of said pairs of cathode output terminals being connected with one of the main output terminals, another of said pairs of cathode output terminals being connected with the other of the main output terminals; and connect means operative to effect connection of each of said cathode input terminals with one of said pairs of separate cathode output terminals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
The lighting system of claim 12 wherein said source of current-limited AC voltage comprises an inductor means, and where a capacitor means is connected in circuit across said main output terminals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The lighting system of claim 13 wherein there is resonant cooperation between said inductor means and said capacitor means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
42 words
The lighting system of claim 12 wherein protection means is connected in circuit with the non-linear impedance means, said protection means being operative to remove power from the non-linear impedance means before it absorbs more energy than it can handle without damage.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
166 words
The arrangement comprising: a gas discharge lamp requiring a certain starting voltage for a brief period of time for proper lamp starting and an operating current for continuous lamp operation thereafter; a source of power connected with the lamp and operative to supply said operating current, the magnitude of the voltage developing across the lamp before it starts, in the absence of loading means other than the lamp, being substantially larger than that of said certain starting voltage; loading means effectively connected in parallel with the lamp and operative to cause manifest limitation of the magnitude of the voltage developing thereacross to a level that is not substantially larger than that of said certain starting voltage, said loading means dissipating a substantial degree of power while operative to cause said limitation; and means to substantially reduce the degree of power dissipated in said loading-means if after a brief period of time the lamp does not start, as may occur if the lamp is disconnected or inoperative.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
166 words
The arrangement comprising: a gas discharge lamp requiring a certain starting voltage for a brief period of time for proper lamp starting and an operating current for continuous lamp operation thereafter; a source of power connected with the lamp and operative to supply said operating current, the magnitude of the voltage developing across the lamp before it starts, in the absence of loading means other than the lamp, being substantially larger than that of said certain starting voltage; loading means effectively connected in parallel with the lamp and operative to cause manifest limitation of the magnitude of the voltage developing thereacross to a level that is not substantially larger than that of said certain starting voltage, said loading means dissipating a substantial degree of power while operative to cause said limitation; and means to substantially reduce the degree of power dissipated in said loading-means if after a brief period of time the lamp does not start, as may occur if the lamp is disconnected or inoperative.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
154 words
The arrangement comprising: a source of power providing current from a pair of terminals; a voltage-limiting means effectively connected across said terminals and operative to limit the magnitude of the voltage developing thereacross to a certain level, the voltage-limiting means being conductive only when subjected to a voltage of magnitude about equal to or higher than this certain level; a gas discharge lamp: (i) being connected across said terminals, (ii) requiring for proper starting to be subjected to a starting voltage for a brief period of time, the magnitude of this starting voltage being equal to or somewhat lower than said certain level, and (iii) after having started, exhibiting an operating voltage that is substantially lower in magnitude than said certain level; protection means responsive to power dissipation in said voltage-limiting means and operative to substantially reduce this power dissipation in case the lamp should not start within said relatively brief period of time.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
154 words
The arrangement comprising: a source of power providing current from a pair of terminals; a voltage-limiting means effectively connected across said terminals and operative to limit the magnitude of the voltage developing thereacross to a certain level, the voltage-limiting means being conductive only when subjected to a voltage of magnitude about equal to or higher than this certain level; a gas discharge lamp: (i) being connected across said terminals, (ii) requiring for proper starting to be subjected to a starting voltage for a brief period of time, the magnitude of this starting voltage being equal to or somewhat lower than said certain level, and (iii) after having started, exhibiting an operating voltage that is substantially lower in magnitude than said certain level; protection means responsive to power dissipation in said voltage-limiting means and operative to substantially reduce this power dissipation in case the lamp should not start within said relatively brief period of time.
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) | 1989-07-28 | 1990-01-27 | 1990-07-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-07-28 | 1994-01-27 | 1994-07-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-07-28 | 1998-01-27 | 1998-07-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |