Patent US5019751A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5019751A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
End-of-life lamp starter disabling circuit
Assignee: Hubbell Inc
•
Filing: 1989-09-15
•
Granted: 1991-05-28
•
Expires: 2009-09-15
Abstract
Abstract A disabling circuit for deactivating a high pressure sodium lamp starting and operating circuit when the lamp exhibits end-of-life cycling includes a normally closed thermal switch connected to the starting and operating circuit is inoperative, the switch having contacts which open in response to an elevated temperature. A heating element is connected in parallel with the lamp so that the voltage across the lamp is applied to the heating element. The heating element is supported in a selected heat conducting relationship with the thermal switch so that a predetermined elevated temperature is reached and the contacts are opened only after the dissipation of an amount of energy resulting from repeatedly high lamp open-circuit voltage accompanying end-of-life cycling.
Inventors
- 👤 Isaac L. Flory, IV
- 👤 Joe A. Nuckolls
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 12:09
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/16; H05B41/18; H05B41/02; H05B41/04; H05B41/042; H05B47/00; H05B47/20; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S315/00; Y10S315/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
249 words
A disabling circuit for deactivating a gas discharge lamp starting and operating circuit when the lamp exhibits end-of-life cycling, the starting and operating circuit being of the type having an AC power source, a ballast connected to said power source, starting circuit means for supplying high-voltage, high-frequency pulses to start an extinguished lamp and lamp circuit means for connecting said starting and operating circuit to a gas discharge lamp, the disabling circuit comprising the combination of a thermal switch having normally closed contacts responsive to a predetermined elevated temperature to open; a heating element connected in parallel circuit relationship with said lamp circuit means so that the voltage across said lamp is applied to said element; means for supporting said heating element in a selected heat conducting relationship with said thermal switch so that said predetermined elevated temperature is reached and said contacts are opened after an interval of time and the dissipation of an amount of energy resulting from repeatedly high lamp open-circuit voltage accompanying end-of-life cycling; and latching circuit means connected to said contacts and to said AC source to disconnect said source from said starting and operating circuit when said contacts open and to maintain said source disconnected until said latching circuit means is manually reset; said means for supporting said heating element in heat conducting relationship with said thermal switch including a mass of polymeric material having a predetermined thickness and means for holding said element and said switch against opposite sides of said mass.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
249 words
A disabling circuit for deactivating a gas discharge lamp starting and operating circuit when the lamp exhibits end-of-life cycling, the starting and operating circuit being of the type having an AC power source, a ballast connected to said power source, starting circuit means for supplying high-voltage, high-frequency pulses to start an extinguished lamp and lamp circuit means for connecting said starting and operating circuit to a gas discharge lamp, the disabling circuit comprising the combination of a thermal switch having normally closed contacts responsive to a predetermined elevated temperature to open; a heating element connected in parallel circuit relationship with said lamp circuit means so that the voltage across said lamp is applied to said element; means for supporting said heating element in a selected heat conducting relationship with said thermal switch so that said predetermined elevated temperature is reached and said contacts are opened after an interval of time and the dissipation of an amount of energy resulting from repeatedly high lamp open-circuit voltage accompanying end-of-life cycling; and latching circuit means connected to said contacts and to said AC source to disconnect said source from said starting and operating circuit when said contacts open and to maintain said source disconnected until said latching circuit means is manually reset; said means for supporting said heating element in heat conducting relationship with said thermal switch including a mass of polymeric material having a predetermined thickness and means for holding said element and said switch against opposite sides of said mass.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
196 words
A disabling circuit for deactivating a gas discharge lamp starting and operating circuit when the lamp exhibits end-of-life cycling, the starting and operating circuit being of the type having an AC power source, a ballast connected to said AC source, starting circuit means for supplying high-voltage, high-frequency pulses to start an extinguished lamp and lamp circuit means for connecting said starting and operating circuit to a gas discharge lamp, the disabling circuit comprising the combination of a normally closed thermal switch connected in circuit relationship with the starting and operating circuit such that when said switch is open said starting and operating circuit is inoperative, said switch having contacts which open in response to a predetermined elevated temperature; a heating element connected in parallel circuit relationship with said lamp circuit means so that the voltage across said lamp is applied to said element; and means for supporting said heating element in a selected heat conducting relationship with said thermal switch so that said predetermined elevated temperature is reached and said contacts are opened after an interval of time during which an amount of energy resulting from repeatedly high lamp open-circuit voltage accompanying end-of-life cycling is dissipated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
196 words
A disabling circuit for deactivating a gas discharge lamp starting and operating circuit when the lamp exhibits end-of-life cycling, the starting and operating circuit being of the type having an AC power source, a ballast connected to said AC source, starting circuit means for supplying high-voltage, high-frequency pulses to start an extinguished lamp and lamp circuit means for connecting said starting and operating circuit to a gas discharge lamp, the disabling circuit comprising the combination of a normally closed thermal switch connected in circuit relationship with the starting and operating circuit such that when said switch is open said starting and operating circuit is inoperative, said switch having contacts which open in response to a predetermined elevated temperature; a heating element connected in parallel circuit relationship with said lamp circuit means so that the voltage across said lamp is applied to said element; and means for supporting said heating element in a selected heat conducting relationship with said thermal switch so that said predetermined elevated temperature is reached and said contacts are opened after an interval of time during which an amount of energy resulting from repeatedly high lamp open-circuit voltage accompanying end-of-life cycling is dissipated.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A disabling circuit according to claim 2 wherein said contacts of said switch are connected in series circuit relationship with said starting circuit means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A disabling circuit according to claim 2 and further comprising a radio frequency choke connected in series with said heating element for blocking high-voltage, high-frequency pulses produced by said starting circuit means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
209 words
A disabling circuit for deactivating a gas discharge lamp starting and operating circuit when the lamp exhibits end-of-life cycling, the starting and operating circuit being of the type having an AC power source, a ballast connected to said power source, starting circuit means for supplying high-voltage, high-frequency pulses to start an extinguished lamp and lamp circuit means for connecting said starting and operating circuit to a gas discharge lamp, the disabling circuit comprising the combination of a thermal switch having normally closed contacts responsive to a predetermined elevated temperature to open; a heating element connected in parallel circuit relationship with said lamp circuit means so that the voltage across said lamp is applied to said element; means for supporting said heating element in a selected heat conducting relationship with said thermal switch so that said predetermined elevated temperature is reached and said contacts are opened after an interval of time and the dissipation of an amount of energy resulting from repeatedly high lamp open-circuit voltage accompanying end-of-life cycling; and latching circuit means connected to said contacts and to said AC source to disconnect said source from said starting and operating circuit when said contacts open and to maintain said source disconnected until said latching circuit means is manually reset.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
209 words
A disabling circuit for deactivating a gas discharge lamp starting and operating circuit when the lamp exhibits end-of-life cycling, the starting and operating circuit being of the type having an AC power source, a ballast connected to said power source, starting circuit means for supplying high-voltage, high-frequency pulses to start an extinguished lamp and lamp circuit means for connecting said starting and operating circuit to a gas discharge lamp, the disabling circuit comprising the combination of a thermal switch having normally closed contacts responsive to a predetermined elevated temperature to open; a heating element connected in parallel circuit relationship with said lamp circuit means so that the voltage across said lamp is applied to said element; means for supporting said heating element in a selected heat conducting relationship with said thermal switch so that said predetermined elevated temperature is reached and said contacts are opened after an interval of time and the dissipation of an amount of energy resulting from repeatedly high lamp open-circuit voltage accompanying end-of-life cycling; and latching circuit means connected to said contacts and to said AC source to disconnect said source from said starting and operating circuit when said contacts open and to maintain said source disconnected until said latching circuit means is manually reset.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A disabling circuit according to claim 5 and further comprising a radio frequency choke connected in series with said heating element for blocking high-voltage, high-frequency pulses produced by said starting circuit means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
224 words
A disabling circuit for deactivating a gas discharge lamp starting and operating circuit when the lamp exhibits end-of-life cycling, the starting and operating circuit being of the type having an AC power source, a ballast connected to said AC source, starting circuit means for supplying high-voltage, high-frequency pulses to start an extinguished lamp and lamp circuit means for connecting said starting and operating circuit to a gas discharge lamp, the disabling circuit comprising a combination of a normally closed thermal switch connected in circuit relationship with the starting and operating circuit such that when said switch is open said starting and operating circuit is inoperative, said switch having contacts which open in response to a predetermined elevated temperature; a heating element connected in parallel circuit relationship with said lamp circuit means so that the voltage across said lamp is applied to said element; voltage responsive breakdown means connected in series circuit relationship with said heating element to apply energy to said heating element when the lamp voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold; and means for supporting said heating element in a selected heat conducting relationship with said thermal switch so that said predetermined elevated temperature is reached and said contacts are opened after an interval of time and the dissipation of an amount of energy resulting from repeatedly high lamp open-circuit voltage accompanying end-of-life cycling.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
224 words
A disabling circuit for deactivating a gas discharge lamp starting and operating circuit when the lamp exhibits end-of-life cycling, the starting and operating circuit being of the type having an AC power source, a ballast connected to said AC source, starting circuit means for supplying high-voltage, high-frequency pulses to start an extinguished lamp and lamp circuit means for connecting said starting and operating circuit to a gas discharge lamp, the disabling circuit comprising a combination of a normally closed thermal switch connected in circuit relationship with the starting and operating circuit such that when said switch is open said starting and operating circuit is inoperative, said switch having contacts which open in response to a predetermined elevated temperature; a heating element connected in parallel circuit relationship with said lamp circuit means so that the voltage across said lamp is applied to said element; voltage responsive breakdown means connected in series circuit relationship with said heating element to apply energy to said heating element when the lamp voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold; and means for supporting said heating element in a selected heat conducting relationship with said thermal switch so that said predetermined elevated temperature is reached and said contacts are opened after an interval of time and the dissipation of an amount of energy resulting from repeatedly high lamp open-circuit voltage accompanying end-of-life cycling.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
237 words
A disabling circuit for deactivating a gas discharge lamp starting and operating circuit when the lamp exhibits end-of-life cycling, the starting and operating circuit being of the type having an AC power source, a ballast connected to said power source, starting circuit means for supplying high-voltage, high-frequency pulses to start an extinguished lamp and lamp circuit means for connecting said starting and operating circuit to a gas discharge lamp, the disabling circuit comprising the combination of a thermal switch having normally closed contacts responsive to a predetermined elevated temperature to open; a heating element connected in parallel circuit relationship with said lamp circuit means so that the voltage across said lamp is applied to said element; means for supporting said heating element in a selected heat conducting relationship with said thermal switch so that said predetermined elevated temperature is reached and said contacts are opened after an interval of time and the dissipation of an amount of energy resulting from repeatedly high lamp open-circuit voltage accompanying end-of-life cycling; voltage responsive breakdown means connected in series circuit relationship with said heating element to apply energy to said heating element when the lamp voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold; and latching circuit means connected to said contacts and to said AC source to disconnect said source from said starting and operating circuit when said contacts open and to maintain said source disconnected until said latching circuit means is manually reset.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
237 words
A disabling circuit for deactivating a gas discharge lamp starting and operating circuit when the lamp exhibits end-of-life cycling, the starting and operating circuit being of the type having an AC power source, a ballast connected to said power source, starting circuit means for supplying high-voltage, high-frequency pulses to start an extinguished lamp and lamp circuit means for connecting said starting and operating circuit to a gas discharge lamp, the disabling circuit comprising the combination of a thermal switch having normally closed contacts responsive to a predetermined elevated temperature to open; a heating element connected in parallel circuit relationship with said lamp circuit means so that the voltage across said lamp is applied to said element; means for supporting said heating element in a selected heat conducting relationship with said thermal switch so that said predetermined elevated temperature is reached and said contacts are opened after an interval of time and the dissipation of an amount of energy resulting from repeatedly high lamp open-circuit voltage accompanying end-of-life cycling; voltage responsive breakdown means connected in series circuit relationship with said heating element to apply energy to said heating element when the lamp voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold; and latching circuit means connected to said contacts and to said AC source to disconnect said source from said starting and operating circuit when said contacts open and to maintain said source disconnected until said latching circuit means is manually reset.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
221 words
A disabling circuit for deactivating a gas discharge lamp starting and operating circuit when the lamp exhibits end-of-life cycling, the starting and operating circuit being of the type having an AC power source, a ballast connected to said AC source, starting circuit means for supplying high-voltage, high-frequency pulses to start an extinguished lamp and lamp circuit means for connecting said starting and operating circuit to a gas discharge lamp, the disabling circuit comprising the combination of a normally closed thermal switch connected in circuit relationship with the starting and operating circuit such that when said switch is open said starting and operating circuit is inoperative, said switch having contacts which open in response to a predetermined elevated temperature; a heating element connected in parallel circuit relationship with said lamp circuit means so that the voltage across said lamp is applied to said element; and means for supporting said heating element in a selected heat conducting relationship with said thermal switch including a mass of polymeric material having a predetermined thickness and means for holding said element and said switch against opposite sides of said mass so that said predetermined elevated temperature is reached and said contacts are opened after an interval of time and the dissipation of an amount of energy resulting from repeatedly high lamp open-circuit voltage accompanying end-of-life cycling.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
221 words
A disabling circuit for deactivating a gas discharge lamp starting and operating circuit when the lamp exhibits end-of-life cycling, the starting and operating circuit being of the type having an AC power source, a ballast connected to said AC source, starting circuit means for supplying high-voltage, high-frequency pulses to start an extinguished lamp and lamp circuit means for connecting said starting and operating circuit to a gas discharge lamp, the disabling circuit comprising the combination of a normally closed thermal switch connected in circuit relationship with the starting and operating circuit such that when said switch is open said starting and operating circuit is inoperative, said switch having contacts which open in response to a predetermined elevated temperature; a heating element connected in parallel circuit relationship with said lamp circuit means so that the voltage across said lamp is applied to said element; and means for supporting said heating element in a selected heat conducting relationship with said thermal switch including a mass of polymeric material having a predetermined thickness and means for holding said element and said switch against opposite sides of said mass so that said predetermined elevated temperature is reached and said contacts are opened after an interval of time and the dissipation of an amount of energy resulting from repeatedly high lamp open-circuit voltage accompanying end-of-life cycling.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3699385A
Cited
FR2312167A2
Cited
US4179641A
Cited
JPS5410584A
Cited
US4207500A
Cited
US4433272A
Cited
US4461980A
Cited
US4763044A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-05-27 | 1994-11-26 | 1995-05-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-05-27 | 1998-11-26 | 1999-05-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-05-27 | 2002-11-26 | 2003-05-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |