US5046152A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ignition circuit for a gas discharge lamp
Assignee: Heimann GmbH
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Filing: 1990-05-21
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Granted: 1991-09-03
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Expires: 2010-05-21
Abstract
Abstract Ignition circuit for a gas discharge lamp. In the ignition circuit, the generating of uniform current pulses for ignition over the entire useful life of the gas discharge lamp is guaranteed. A control circuit is provided for holding constant the current-time integral of current pulses applied to the gas discharge lamp during ignition.
Inventors
- 👤 Bernd Bartscher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 08:32
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
Ignition circuit for a gas discharge lamp having at least an anode and a cathode and operated from a main source of power, comprising: first power source means for generating a heating current for the gas discharge lamp, the first power source connected to said main source of power and, via means for providing a voltage drop across which is connected a first means for switching, connected to the anode of the gas discharge lamp; second power source means for ignition of the gas discharge lamp, the second power source means connected, via a second means for switching, to the cathode of the gas discharge lamp and connected to the main source of power; and means for controlling for holding constant the current-time integral of current pulses through the gas discharge lamp during ignition, the means for controlling having at least one input for receiving a signal corresponding to current flowing through the gas discharge lamp and an output connected to said first and second means for switching.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
Ignition circuit for a gas discharge lamp having at least an anode and a cathode and operated from a main source of power, comprising: first power source means for generating a heating current for the gas discharge lamp, the first power source connected to said main source of power and, via means for providing a voltage drop across which is connected a first means for switching, connected to the anode of the gas discharge lamp; second power source means for ignition of the gas discharge lamp, the second power source means connected, via a second means for switching, to the cathode of the gas discharge lamp and connected to the main source of power; and means for controlling for holding constant the current-time integral of current pulses through the gas discharge lamp during ignition, the means for controlling having at least one input for receiving a signal corresponding to current flowing through the gas discharge lamp and an output connected to said first and second means for switching.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for controlling has an integrator with a first input operatively connected to the cathode of the gas discharge lamp and a comparator having a first input connected to an output of the integrator and a second input connected to means for setting a threshold.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said integrator has means for changing the gain of the integrator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said means for setting a threshold is adjustable.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-09-02 | 1995-03-04 | 1995-09-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-09-02 | 1999-03-04 | 1999-09-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-09-02 | 2003-03-04 | 2003-09-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |