US5010279A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Switched capacitive ballasts for discharge lamps
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1988-03-11
•
Granted: 1991-04-23
•
Expires: 2008-03-11
Abstract
Abstract Ballast and starting circuits for controlling current and voltage applied to an electrical discharge lamp. The ballast circuits use diodes or other suitable means to divide the AC power into positive and negative currents. The ballast circuits use positive and negative capacitors which are charged by the divided AC line current. In some embodiments the positively charged capacitors are charged during positive portions of alternating current and discharged during negative portions of the alternating current. The negatively charged capacitors are charged during negative portions of the alternating current and discharged during positive portions. Transistors or other appropriate switching means are used to controllably conduct current from the positive and negative capacitors to the lamp in an asynchronous manner. Startup circuits are included for boosting the voltage applied to the lamp either manually or automatically upon startup. A startup regular circuit is also shown for controlling current flow during periods of high current demand such as during startup. A further embodiment uses a modulated current control for the positive and negative sides of the ballast circuit to control power flow therethrough and maintain power dissipation across power discharge switching transistors at minimal values.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael S. Lathom
- 👤 Bruce B. Gullixson
- 👤 Bruce P. Sweat
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 06:59
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/26; H05B41/28; G; G05; G05F; G05F1/00; G05F1/02; G05F1/08; H05B41/282; H05B41/2825; H05B41/2828; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S315/00; Y10S315/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 136
Claim 1
Independent Claim
302 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; and modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means; said current flow rate control means being a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current from said positive electrical charge storage means and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current from said negative electrical charge storage means and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein said pulses are provided at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
302 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; and modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means; said current flow rate control means being a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current from said positive electrical charge storage means and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current from said negative electrical charge storage means and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein said pulses are provided at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
298 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; and modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means; said current flow rate control means being a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current from said positive electrical charge storage means and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current from said negative electrical charge storage means and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein said pulses are provided at a modulation frequency which is more frequent than a lamp frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
298 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; and modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means; said current flow rate control means being a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current from said positive electrical charge storage means and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current from said negative electrical charge storage means and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein said pulses are provided at a modulation frequency which is more frequent than a lamp frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
221 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current from said positive electrical charge storage means and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current from said negative electrical charge storage means and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; at least one current regulator means connected between a current modulator and the discharge lamp.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
221 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current from said positive electrical charge storage means and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current from said negative electrical charge storage means and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; at least one current regulator means connected between a current modulator and the discharge lamp.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
246 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising; positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current from said positive electrical charge storage means and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current from said negative electrical charge storage means and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; at least one current regulator means connected between a current modulator and the discharge lamp, and at least one peak voltage generator connected to supply a charge at a voltage which is sufficient to initiate luminescence of the discharge lamp.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
246 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising; positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current from said positive electrical charge storage means and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current from said negative electrical charge storage means and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; at least one current regulator means connected between a current modulator and the discharge lamp, and at least one peak voltage generator connected to supply a charge at a voltage which is sufficient to initiate luminescence of the discharge lamp.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
246 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulation means connected between said positive current modulator and the positive current switching means; at least one negative current regulation means connected between said negative current modulator and the negative current switching means; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
246 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulation means connected between said positive current modulator and the positive current switching means; at least one negative current regulation means connected between said negative current modulator and the negative current switching means; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 5 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 5 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 5 wherein at least one of the current modulators is a pulse width modulator.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 5 wherein the positive and negative current modulators are pulse width modulators.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
37 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 5 wherein the positive and negative current modulators operate to modulate positive and negative current as functions related to approximate voltage drops across the positive and negative current switching means, respectively.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 5 and further comprising at least one peak voltage generator for providing a peak voltage for initiating substantial electrical discharge within the discharge lamp during startup conditions.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
49 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 5 and further comprising positive and negative peak voltage generators for providing positive and negative charges at positive and negative peak voltages for initiating substantial electrical discharge within the discharge lamp during the positive and negative lamp discharge periods, respectively, during startup conditions.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
48 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 5 wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises: a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
35 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 13 wherein the current flow rate control means is a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
36 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 14 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
43 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 14 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
235 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current stored in said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current stored in said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current from the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current from the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulation means connected between said positive current modulator and the positive current switching means; at least one negative current regualtion means connected between said negative current modulator and the negative current switching means; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
235 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current stored in said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current stored in said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current from the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current from the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulation means connected between said positive current modulator and the positive current switching means; at least one negative current regualtion means connected between said negative current modulator and the negative current switching means; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 17 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
33 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 17 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 17 wherein at least one of the current modulators is a pulse width modulator.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
18 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 17 wherein the positive and negative current modulators are pulse width modulators.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
37 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 17 wherein the positive and negative current modulators operate to modulate positive and negative current as functions related to approximate voltage drops across the positive and negative current switching means, respectively.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
33 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 17 and further comprising at least one peak voltage generator for providing a peak voltage for initiating substantial electrical discharge within the discharge lamp during startup conditions.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
49 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 17 and further comprising positive and negative peak voltage generators for providing positive and negative charges at positive and negative peak voltages for initiating substantial electrical discharge within the discharge lamp during the positive and negative lamp discharge periods, respectively, during startup conditions.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
48 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 17 wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises: a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
35 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 25 wherein the current flow rate control means is a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
36 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 26 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
43 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 26 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
231 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulation means connected between said positive current modulator and the discharge lamp; at least one negative current regulation means connected between said negative current modulator and the discharge lamp; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
231 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulation means connected between said positive current modulator and the discharge lamp; at least one negative current regulation means connected between said negative current modulator and the discharge lamp; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 29 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
33 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 29 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
20 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 29 wherein at least one of the current modulators is a pulse width modulator.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
18 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 29 wherein the positive and negative current modulators are pulse width modulators.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
37 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 29 wherein the positive and negative current modulators operate to modulate positive and negative current as functions related to approximate voltage drops across the positive and negative current switching means, respectively.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
33 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 29 and further comprising at least one peak voltage generator for providing a peak voltage for initiating substantial electrical discharge within the discharge lamp during startup conditions.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
49 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 29 and further comprising positive and negative peak voltage generators for providing positive and negative charges at positive and negative peak voltages for initiating substantial electrical discharge within the discharge lamp during the positive and negative lamp discharge periods, respectively, during startup conditions.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
48 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 29 wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises: a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
35 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 37 wherein the current flow rate control means is a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
36 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 38 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
43 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 38 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
223 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; at least one current regulator means connected between a current modulator and the discharge lamp.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
223 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; at least one current regulator means connected between a current modulator and the discharge lamp.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
243 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulator means connected between said positive current modulator and the discharge lamp, and at least one negative current regulator means connected between said negative current modulator and the discharge lamp.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
243 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulator means connected between said positive current modulator and the discharge lamp, and at least one negative current regulator means connected between said negative current modulator and the discharge lamp.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
223 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; at least one current regulator means connected between a current modulator and a current switching means.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
223 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; at least one current regulator means connected between a current modulator and a current switching means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
247 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulator means connected between said positive current modulator and the positive current switching means, and at least one negative current regulator means connected between said negative current modulator and the negative current switching means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
247 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulator means connected between said positive current modulator and the positive current switching means, and at least one negative current regulator means connected between said negative current modulator and the negative current switching means.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
227 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
227 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
234 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
234 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
248 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; at least one current regulator means connected between a current modulator and the discharge lamp, and at least one peak voltage generator connected to supply a charge at a voltage which is sufficient to initiate luminescence of the discharge lamp.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
248 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; at least one current regulator means connected between a current modulator and the discharge lamp, and at least one peak voltage generator connected to supply a charge at a voltage which is sufficient to initiate luminescence of the discharge lamp.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
238 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein the positive and negative current modulators operate to modulate positive and negative current as functions related to approximate voltage drops across the positive and negative current switching means, respectively.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
238 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein the positive and negative current modulators operate to modulate positive and negative current as functions related to approximate voltage drops across the positive and negative current switching means, respectively.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
306 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises: a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means; wherein the current flow rate control means is a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
306 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises: a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means; wherein the current flow rate control means is a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
313 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises: a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means; wherein the current flow rate control means is a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
313 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical charge storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical charge storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical charge storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current modulated by said positive current modulator and control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current modulated by said negative current modulator and control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative current switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises: a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means; wherein the current flow rate control means is a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
249 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical energy storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical energy storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulation means connected between said positive current modulator and the positive current switching means; at least one negative current regulation means connected between said negative current modulator and the negative current switching means; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
249 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged from the positive electrical energy storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating current discharged from the negative electrical energy storage means for powering the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulation means connected between said positive current modulator and the positive current switching means; at least one negative current regulation means connected between said negative current modulator and the negative current switching means; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
26 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 51 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
33 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 51 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
20 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 51 wherein at least one of the current modulators is a pulse width modulator.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
18 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 51 wherein the positive and negative current modulators are pulse width modulators.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
37 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 51 wherein the positive and negative current modulators operate to modulate positive and negative current as functions related to approximate voltage drops across the positive and negative current switching means, respectively.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
33 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 51 and further comprising at least one peak voltage generator for providing a peak voltage for initiating substantial electrical discharge within the discharge lamp during startup conditions.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
49 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 51 and further comprising positive and negative peak voltage generators for providing positive and negative charges at positive and negative peak voltages for initiating substantial electrical discharge within the discharge lamp during the positive and negative lamp discharge periods, respectively, during startup conditions.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
48 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 51 wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises: a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from an energy storage means to power said discharge lamp; modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
35 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 59 wherein the current flow rate control means is a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the energy storage means.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
36 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 60 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
43 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 60 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
234 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulation means connected between said positive current modulator and the positive current switching means; at least one negative current regulation means connected between said negative current modulator and the negative current switching means; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
234 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulation means connected between said positive current modulator and the positive current switching means; at least one negative current regulation means connected between said negative current modulator and the negative current switching means; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
26 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 63 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
33 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 63 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
20 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 63 wherein at least one of the current modulators is a pulse width modulator.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
18 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 63 wherein the positive and negative current modulators are pulse width modulators.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
37 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 63 wherein the positive and negative current modulators operate to modulate positive and negative current as functions related to approximate voltage drops across the positive and negative current switching means, respectively.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
33 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 63 and further comprising at least one peak voltage generator for providing a peak voltage for initiating substantial electrical discharge within the discharge lamp during startup conditions.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
49 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 63 and further comprising positive and negative peak voltage generators for providing positive and negative charges at positive and negative peak voltages for initiating substantial electrical discharge within the discharge lamp during the positive and negative lamp discharge periods, respectively, during starup conditions.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
48 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 63 wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises: A current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from an energy storage means to power said discharge lamp; modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
35 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 71 wherein the current flow rate control means is a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the energy storage means.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
36 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 72 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
43 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 72 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
230 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulation means connected between said positive current modulator and the discharge lamp; at least one negative current regulation means connected between said negative current modulator and the discharge lamp; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
230 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; at least one positive current regulation means connected between said positive current modulator and the discharge lamp; at least one negative current regulation means connected between said negative current modulator and the discharge lamp; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
26 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 75 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
33 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 75 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
20 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 75 wherein at least one of the current modulators is a pulse width modulator.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
18 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 75 wherein the positive and negative current modulators are pulse width modulators.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
37 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 75 wherein the positive and negative current modulators operate to modulate positive and negative current as functions related to approximate voltage drops across the positive and negative current switching means, respectively.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
33 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 75 and further comprising at least one peak voltage generator for providing a peak voltage for initiating substantial electrical discharge within the discharge lamp during startup conditions.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
49 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 75 and further comprising positive and negative peak voltage generators for providing positive and negative charges at positive and negative peak voltages for initiating substantial electrical discharge within the discharge lamp during the positive and negative lamp discharge periods, respectively, during startup conditions.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
48 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 75 wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises: a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
35 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 83 wherein the current flow rate control means is a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
36 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 84 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
43 words
A ballast circuit according to claim 84 wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
215 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
215 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
222 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
222 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
226 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricty source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein the positive and negative current modulators operate to modulate positive and negative current as functions related to approximate voltage drops across the positive and negative current switching means, respectively.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
226 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricty source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein the positive and negative current modulators operate to modulate positive and negative current as functions related to approximate voltage drops across the positive and negative current switching means, respectively.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
294 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises: a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means; wherein the current flow rate control means is a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
294 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises: a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means; wherein the current flow rate control means is a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency greater than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
301 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises: a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means; wherein the current flow rate control means is a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
301 words
A ballast circuit for controlling electrical current flow through an electrical discharge lamp from an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: positive electrical energy storage means connected to receive positive current from said electricity source during said positive potential portions; negative electrical energy storage means connected to receive negative current from said electricity source during said negative potential portions; at least one positive current modulator for controllably modulating positive current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one negative current modulator for controllably modulating negative current discharged through the discharge lamp; at least one positive current switching means connected to receive positive current stored in the positive energy storage means and to control positive current flow through said discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; at least one negative current switching means connected to receive negative current stored in the negative energy storage means and to control negative current flow through said discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; switching control means for controlling said positive and negative switching means so that positive lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with negative lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said current modulators comprises: a current flow rate control means connected to controllably conduct current from a charge storage means to power said discharge lamp; modulation control means for controlling said current flow rate control means; wherein the current flow rate control means is a current gate controlled by the modulation control means to conduct pulses of electrical current from the charge storage means; wherein at least one of the current modulators operates at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the positive and negative current switching means switch.
Claim 117
Independent Claim
160 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: charging at least one positive charge storage means during said positive potential portions; charging at least one negative charge storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating the flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating the flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 118
Independent Claim
160 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: charging at least one positive charge storage means during said positive potential portions; charging at least one negative charge storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating the flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating the flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 119
Independent Claim
164 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: charging at least one positive charge storage means during said positive potential portions; charging at least one negative charge storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating the flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating the flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 120
Independent Claim
164 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: charging at least one positive charge storage means during said positive potential portions; charging at least one negative charge storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating the flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating the flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 121
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: charging at least one positive charge storage means during said positive potential portions; charging at least one negative charge storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating the flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating the flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; regulating at least one of the positive or negative currents after said modulating steps.
Claim 122
Independent Claim
145 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: charging at least one positive charge storage means during said positive potential portions; charging at least one negative charge storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating the flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating the flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; regulating at least one of the positive or negative currents after said modulating steps.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 94 wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 94 wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 125
Independent Claim
228 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: storing positive electrical energy in at least one first positive electrical energy storage means during said positive potential portions; storing negative electrical energy in at least one first negative electrical energy storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating a main operating flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating a main operating flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; storing modulated positive electrical energy in at least one second positive electrical energy storage means; storing modulated negative electrical energy in at least one second negative electrical energy storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current from the at least one second positive electrical energy storage means to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current from the at least one second negative electrical energy storage means to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 126
Independent Claim
228 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: storing positive electrical energy in at least one first positive electrical energy storage means during said positive potential portions; storing negative electrical energy in at least one first negative electrical energy storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating a main operating flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating a main operating flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; storing modulated positive electrical energy in at least one second positive electrical energy storage means; storing modulated negative electrical energy in at least one second negative electrical energy storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current from the at least one second positive electrical energy storage means to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current from the at least one second negative electrical energy storage means to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 127
Independent Claim
232 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: storing positive electrical energy in at least one first positive electrical energy storage means during said positive potential portions; storing negative electrical energy in at least one first negative electrical energy storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating a main operating flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating a main operating flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; storing modulated positive electrical energy in at least one second positive electrical energy storage means; storing modulated negative electrical energy in at least one second negative electrical energy storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current from the at least one second positive electrical energy storage means to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current from the at least one second negative electrical energy storage means to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 128
Independent Claim
232 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: storing positive electrical energy in at least one first positive electrical energy storage means during said positive potential portions; storing negative electrical energy in at least one first negative electrical energy storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating a main operating flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating a main operating flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; storing modulated positive electrical energy in at least one second positive electrical energy storage means; storing modulated negative electrical energy in at least one second negative electrical energy storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current from the at least one second positive electrical energy storage means to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current from the at least one second negative electrical energy storage means to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 129
Independent Claim
174 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: storing positive electrical energy in at least one positive electrical energy storage means during said positive potential portions; storing negative electrical energy in at least one negative electrical energy storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating a main operating flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating a main operating flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 130
Independent Claim
174 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: storing positive electrical energy in at least one positive electrical energy storage means during said positive potential portions; storing negative electrical energy in at least one negative electrical energy storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating a main operating flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating a main operating flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 131
Independent Claim
178 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: storing positive electrical energy in at least one positive electrical energy storage means during said positive potential portions; storing negative electrical energy in at least one negative electrical energy storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating a main operating flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating a main operating flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 132
Independent Claim
178 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: storing positive electrical energy in at least one positive electrical energy storage means during said positive potential portions; storing negative electrical energy in at least one negative electrical energy storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating a main operating flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating a main operating flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 133
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: storing positive electrical energy in at least one positive electrical energy storage means during said positive potential portions; storing negative electrical energy in at least one negative electrical energy storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating a main operating flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating a main operating flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; regulating at least one of the positive or negative currents after said modulating steps.
Claim 134
Independent Claim
159 words
A method for controlling current flow through an electrical discharge lamp powered by an electricity source providing alternating electrical current having positive potential portions and negative potential portions, comprising: storing positive electrical energy in at least one positive electrical energy storage means during said positive potential portions; storing negative electrical energy in at least one negative electrical energy storage means during said negative potential portions; modulating a main operating flow of positive current from the positive charge storage means; modulating a main operating flow of negative current from the negative charge storage means; controllably conducting modulated positive current to the discharge lamp to define positive lamp discharge periods; controllably conducting modulated negative current to the discharge lamp to define negative lamp discharge periods; controlling the lamp discharge periods so that the negative lamp discharge periods do not occur simultaneously with the positive lamp discharge periods; regulating at least one of the positive or negative currents after said modulating steps.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 101 wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 101 wherein at least one of said modulating steps is accomplished at a modulation frequency which is at least 10 times more frequent than a lamp operating frequency at which the discharge lamp operates.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-04-22 | 1994-10-22 | 1995-04-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-04-22 | 1998-10-22 | 1999-04-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-04-22 | 2002-10-22 | 2003-04-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |