US5055742A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gas discharge lamp dimming system
Assignee: Lutron Technology Co LLC
•
Filing: 1989-05-18
•
Granted: 1991-10-08
•
Expires: 2009-05-18
Abstract
Abstract A dimming system, which provides a time-varying current from a power source between the electrodes of a gas discharge lamp, simultaneously provides high-frequency, low-level current between the electrodes to sustain an electric discharge in the lamp when the time varying current alone is insufficient. The system provides reduced starting stress in the lamp and, therefore, longer lamp life by delaying the formation of an arc discharge, during start-up, until the electrodes have been heated. The system can be used with standard magnetic ballasts to provide full-range dimming of gas discharge lamps from 3 to 100 percent light output with minimal striations, lamp drop out, and flicker.
Inventors
- 👤 Scott R. Jurell
- 👤 Eric R. Motto
- 👤 Gordon E. Windows, Jr.
- 👤 David G. Luchaco
- 👤 Dennis M. Capewell
- 👤 Donald F. Hausman
- 👤 Joel S. Spira
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 12:15
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/36; H05B41/38; H05B41/39; H05B41/392; H05B41/3921; H05B41/3924; H05B41/382; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B20/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 86
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
A control system for a gas discharge lamp that has electrodes for providing power from a source to said lamp, comprising, in combination: a. means for providing a time-varying first current between said electrodes to produce an electric discharge in said lamp and b. means for simultaneously providing between said electrodes a second current to sustain an electric discharge in said lamp when said first current alone is insufficient.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
69 words
A control system for a gas discharge lamp that has electrodes for providing power from a source to said lamp, comprising, in combination: a. means for providing a time-varying first current between said electrodes to produce an electric discharge in said lamp and b. means for simultaneously providing between said electrodes a second current to sustain an electric discharge in said lamp when said first current alone is insufficient.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The control system of claim 1 wherein said source is an AC source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The control system of claim 1 wherein said first current-providing means comprises a variable autotransformer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The control system of claim 1 wherein said first current-providing means comprises a phase control circuit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The control system of claim 1 wherein said first current-providing means comprises a reverse phase control circuit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The control system of claim 1 wherein said first current-providing means comprises a circuit to substantially block current from said electrodes during a period between, but not including, adjacent zero crossovers of said AC source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The control system of claim 1 wherein said first and second currents are periodic and said second current has a higher frequency than said first current.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The control system of claim 1 wherein said first current is DC.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The control system of claim 1 wherein said second current is DC.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The control system of claim 1 wherein said electrodes comprise first and second terminals and said system further comprises means for providing a high-frequency voltage across said first and second terminals to heat said electrodes.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
42 words
The control system of claim 10 wherein a) said first current-providing means comprises a phase control circuit, b) said first and second currents are periodic, and c) the frequency of said second current is higher than the frequency of said first current.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
100 words
A control system for two gas discharge lamps, each having first and second electrodes for providing power from a source to said lamps, comprising, in combination: a. means for providing a time-varying first current from said first electrode to said second electrode of each of said lamps to produce an electric discharge and b. means for providing a second current from the first electrode of one of said lamps, through each of said second electrodes, to the first electrode of the other of said lamps to sustain an electric discharge through said lamps when said first current alone is insufficient.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
100 words
A control system for two gas discharge lamps, each having first and second electrodes for providing power from a source to said lamps, comprising, in combination: a. means for providing a time-varying first current from said first electrode to said second electrode of each of said lamps to produce an electric discharge and b. means for providing a second current from the first electrode of one of said lamps, through each of said second electrodes, to the first electrode of the other of said lamps to sustain an electric discharge through said lamps when said first current alone is insufficient.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The control system of claim 12 wherein said first current-providing means comprises a phase control circuit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
42 words
The control system of claim 12 wherein said source is an AC source and said first current-providing means comprises a circuit to substantially block current from said electrodes during a period between, but not including, adjacent zero crossovers of said AC source.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The control system of claim 12 wherein said first current-providing means comprises a variable auto-transformer.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
The control system of claim 12 wherein said first and second currents are periodic and the frequency of said second current is higher than the frequency of said first current.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
The control system of claim 12 wherein said first and second currents are periodic and the frequency of said second current is approximately equal to the frequency of said first current.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
The control system of claim 12 wherein said second current-providing means comprises means for sensing said second current and disabling said control system if said second current exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
35 words
The control system of claim 12 wherein said electrodes comprise first and second terminals and said system further comprises means for providing a high-frequency voltage across said first and second terminals to heat said electrodes.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
78 words
A control system for a gas discharge lamp that has electrodes, including first and second terminals, for providing power from a source to said lamp, comprising, in combination: a. means for providing a periodic current at a first frequency between said electrodes to produce an electric discharge in said lamp and b. means for simultaneously providing across said first and second terminals a periodic voltage at a second frequency, higher than said first frequency, to heat said electrodes.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
78 words
A control system for a gas discharge lamp that has electrodes, including first and second terminals, for providing power from a source to said lamp, comprising, in combination: a. means for providing a periodic current at a first frequency between said electrodes to produce an electric discharge in said lamp and b. means for simultaneously providing across said first and second terminals a periodic voltage at a second frequency, higher than said first frequency, to heat said electrodes.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
15 words
The control system of claim 20 wherein said voltage-providing means comprises a regenerative base-drive transformer.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
36 words
The control system of claim 21 wherein said voltage-providing means provides between said electrodes a second current at said second frequency to sustain an electric discharge in said lamp when said first current alone is insufficient.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
The control system of claim 20 wherein said voltage-providing means comprises digital timing means and a controllably conductive device.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The control system of claim 20 wherein said voltage-providing means comprises a step-down transformer.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
The control system of claim 24 wherein said voltage-providing means comprises a regenerative base-drive transformer.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
34 words
The control system of claim 20 wherein said voltage-providing means comprises means for sensing a current through said first and second terminals and disabling said control system if said current exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
The control system of claim 26 wherein said voltage-providing means comprises a step-down transformer.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
36 words
The control system of claim 20 wherein said voltage-providing means provides between said electrodes a second current at said second frequency to sustain an electric discharge in said lamp when said first current alone is insufficient.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
80 words
A control system for a gas discharge lamp that has electrodes, including first and second terminals, for providing power from a source to said lamp, comprising, in combination: a. means for providing a voltage across said first and second terminals to heat said electrodes, b. means for sensing a current through said first and second terminals and providing a signal when said current exceeds a predetermined value, and c. disabling means to receive said signal and disable said voltage-providing means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
80 words
A control system for a gas discharge lamp that has electrodes, including first and second terminals, for providing power from a source to said lamp, comprising, in combination: a. means for providing a voltage across said first and second terminals to heat said electrodes, b. means for sensing a current through said first and second terminals and providing a signal when said current exceeds a predetermined value, and c. disabling means to receive said signal and disable said voltage-providing means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
11 words
The control system of claim 29 wherein said voltage is DC.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
13 words
The control system of claim 30 wherein said sensing means comprises a resistor.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The control system of claim 29 wherein said sensing means comprises a current transformer.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The control system of claim 29 wherein said disabling means comprises a breakdown device.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
The control system of claim 29 wherein said disabling means comprises a positive temperature coefficient resistor.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
11 words
The control system of claim 34 wherein said voltage is DC.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
The control system of claim 29 or 30 wherein said sensing means comprises an optically coupled device.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
The control system of claim 31 or 32 wherein said disabling means comprises a breakdown device.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
18 words
The control system of claim 29, 31, or 33 wherein said disabling means comprises a silicon controlled rectifier.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
74 words
A control system for a gas discharge lamp that has electrodes for providing power from a source to said lamp, comprising, in combination: a. means for providing a time-varying first current, through a ballast, between said electrodes to produce an electric discharge in said lamp and b. means for directly providing a second current between said electrodes when said first current is substantially equal to zero to sustain an electric discharge through said lamp.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
74 words
A control system for a gas discharge lamp that has electrodes for providing power from a source to said lamp, comprising, in combination: a. means for providing a time-varying first current, through a ballast, between said electrodes to produce an electric discharge in said lamp and b. means for directly providing a second current between said electrodes when said first current is substantially equal to zero to sustain an electric discharge through said lamp.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
12 words
The control system of claim 39 wherein said first current is AC.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
35 words
The control system of claim 39 wherein said first current-providing means comprises a circuit to substantially block current from said electrodes during a period between, but not including, adjacent zero crossovers of said AC source.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
30 words
The control system of claim 39 wherein said first and second currents are periodic and the frequency of said second current is higher than the frequency of said first current.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
12 words
The control system of claim 39 wherein said second current is DC.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
33 words
The control system of claim 39 further comprising means for delaying, upon initial lamp start-up, the provision of said second current for a period of time sufficient to allow heating of said electrodes.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
31 words
The control system of claim 39 wherein said second current-providing means comprises means for sensing said second current and disabling said control system if said second current exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
35 words
The control system of claim 39 wherein said electrodes comprises first and second terminals and said system further comprises means for providing a high-frequency voltage across said first and second terminals to heat said electrodes.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
82 words
A control system for a gas discharge lamp that has electrodes for providing power from a source to said lamp, comprising, in combination: a. a leakage auto-transformer electrically connected in series with said lamp, b. means for providing a voltage across the primary of said leakage auto-transformer to provide a first current between said electrodes, and c. means for simultaneously providing between said electrodes a second current to sustain an electric discharge in said lamp when said first current alone is insufficient.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
82 words
A control system for a gas discharge lamp that has electrodes for providing power from a source to said lamp, comprising, in combination: a. a leakage auto-transformer electrically connected in series with said lamp, b. means for providing a voltage across the primary of said leakage auto-transformer to provide a first current between said electrodes, and c. means for simultaneously providing between said electrodes a second current to sustain an electric discharge in said lamp when said first current alone is insufficient.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
14 words
The control system of claim 47 wherein said voltage-providing means comprises a variable auto-transformer.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
15 words
The control system of claim 47 wherein said voltage-providing means comprises a phase control circuit.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
34 words
The control system of claim 47 wherein said voltage-providing means comprises a circuit to substantially block current from said electrodes during a period between, but not including, adjacent zero crossovers of said AC source.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
14 words
The control system of claim 47 wherein said leakage auto-transformer comprises a rapid-start ballast.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
30 words
The control system of claim 47 wherein said first and second currents are periodic and the frequency of said second current is higher than the frequency of said first current.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
35 words
The control system of claim 47 wherein said electrodes comprise first and second terminals and said system further comprises means for providing a high-frequency voltage across said first and second terminals to heat said electrodes.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
16 words
The control system of claim 50 or 53 wherein said leakage auto-transformer comprises a rapid-start ballast.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
90 words
A control system for a gas discharge lamp that has electrodes, which include first and second terminals, for providing power from a source to said lamp, comprising, in combination, means for providing, during lamp start-up; a. a voltage across said first and second terminals to heat said electrodes, b. a time varying second current between said electrodes to initiate a glow discharge in said lamp, and c. after said electrodes are heated to a predetermined temperature, a first current between said electrodes to initiate an arc discharge in said lamp.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
90 words
A control system for a gas discharge lamp that has electrodes, which include first and second terminals, for providing power from a source to said lamp, comprising, in combination, means for providing, during lamp start-up; a. a voltage across said first and second terminals to heat said electrodes, b. a time varying second current between said electrodes to initiate a glow discharge in said lamp, and c. after said electrodes are heated to a predetermined temperature, a first current between said electrodes to initiate an arc discharge in said lamp.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
16 words
The control system of claim 55 wherein said first current-providing means comprises a phase control circuit.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
35 words
The control system of claim 55 wherein said first current-providing means comprises a circuit to substantially block current from said electrodes during a period between, but not including, adjacent zero crossovers of said AC source.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
12 words
The control system of claim 55 wherein said first current is DC.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
30 words
The control system of claim 55 wherein said first and second currents are periodic and the frequency of said second current is higher than the frequency of said first current.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
12 words
The control system of claim 55 wherein said second current is DC.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
113 words
A control system for a gas discharge lamp that has electrodes, including first and second terminals, for providing power from a source to said lamp, comprising, in combination means for providing, during lamp start-up: a. a first current between said electrodes to strike and sustain a glow discharge in said lamp, b. a first voltage across said first and second terminals to heat said electrodes, and c. a second voltage, selected to be between the glow voltage and the Townsend-glow-transition voltage, between said electrodes to initiate an arc discharge through said lamp after said electrodes are heated, whereby lamp start-up is characterized by a glow-arc-transition voltage that is less than said Townsend-glow-transition voltage.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
113 words
A control system for a gas discharge lamp that has electrodes, including first and second terminals, for providing power from a source to said lamp, comprising, in combination means for providing, during lamp start-up: a. a first current between said electrodes to strike and sustain a glow discharge in said lamp, b. a first voltage across said first and second terminals to heat said electrodes, and c. a second voltage, selected to be between the glow voltage and the Townsend-glow-transition voltage, between said electrodes to initiate an arc discharge through said lamp after said electrodes are heated, whereby lamp start-up is characterized by a glow-arc-transition voltage that is less than said Townsend-glow-transition voltage.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
12 words
The control system of claim 61 wherein said first current is AC.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
13 words
The control system of claim 62 wherein said ballast comprises a rapid-start ballast.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
16 words
The control system of claim 61 wherein said first current-providing means comprises a phase control circuit.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
13 words
The control system of claim 61 wherein said ballast comprises a leakage auto-transformer.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
13 words
The control system of claim 61 wherein said ballast comprises a rapid-start ballast.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
13 words
The control system of claim 68 wherein said ballast comprises a leakage auto-transformer.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
17 words
The control system of claim 8, 9, 44, 55, or 60 wherein said first current is AC.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
20 words
The control system of claim 17, 20, 24, 51 or 59 wherein said first current-providing means comprises a variable auto-transformer.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
23 words
The control system of claim 9, 19, 20, 21, 28, 51, or 66 wherein said first current-providing means comprises a phase control circuit.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
24 words
The control system of claim 12, 16, 20, 39, 47, 55 or 61 wherein said first current-providing means comprises a reverse phase control circuit.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
40 words
The control system of claim 10, 20, 21, 44, or 61 wherein said first current-providing means comprises a circuit to substantially block current from said electrodes during a period between, but not including, adjacent zero crossovers of said AC source.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
41 words
The control system of claim 2, 6, 10, 13, 15, 18, 19, 40, 46, 48, or 49 wherein said first and second currents are periodic and the frequency of said second current is higher than the frequency of said first current.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
40 words
The control system of claim 1, 3, 5, 14, 39, 41, 47, 55 or 57 wherein said first and second currents are periodic and the frequency of said second current is approximately equal to the frequency of said first current.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
15 words
The control system of claim 7, 47 or 78 wherein said second current is DC.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
36 words
The control system of claim 1, 28, 43, 47, 52 or 55 wherein said second current-providing means comprises means for sensing said second current and disabling said control system if said current exceeds a predetermined value.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
46 words
The control system of claim 4, 8, 15, 45, 47, 52, 55, 59, 61, 64 or 65 wherein said electrodes comprise first and second terminals and said system further comprises means for providing a high-frequency voltage across said first and second terminals to heat said electrodes.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
31 words
The control system of claim 77 further comprising means for sensing a current through said first and second terminals and disabling said control system if said current exceeds a predetermined value.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-10-07 | 1995-04-08 | 1995-10-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-10-07 | 1999-04-08 | 1999-10-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-10-07 | 2003-04-08 | 2003-10-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |