US5140228A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for regulating the intensity of light emitted by a lamp
Assignee: STOCKER & YALE A CORP OF MA
•
Filing: 1990-02-23
•
Granted: 1992-08-18
•
Expires: 2010-02-23
Abstract
Abstract A control circuit is disclosed that can be used to control the light intensity of a fluorescent lamp. A first embodiment of the control circuit includes one variable inductor and a plurality of fixed inductors. A switch is used to connect one of the inductors to the fluorescent lamp in parallel. The intensity of the light output from the lamp is varied either by adjusting the inductance of the variable inductor, or by switching between the fixed inductors. A second embodiment uses a variable capacitor in place of the variable inductor and uses fixed capacitors in place of the fixed inductors.
Inventors
- 👤 George E. Biegel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 11:41
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/36; H05B41/38; H05B41/39; H05B41/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S315/00; Y10S315/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 78
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a fluorescent lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide suitable alternating current to said fluorescent lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a variable inductor connected in parallel with said lamp for varying the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp is varied, said variable inductor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a fluorescent lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide suitable alternating current to said fluorescent lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a variable inductor connected in parallel with said lamp for varying the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp is varied, said variable inductor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The lighting fixture of claim 1 wherein said control circuit further comprises one or more fixed inductors, each having a fixed inductance, and a switch to connect either said variable inductor or a selected one of said fixed inductors in parallel with said lamp.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The lighting fixture of claim 2 wherein said control circuit comprises a plurality of fixed inductors having different inductances.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 1 wherein said variable inductor can be varied in step increments.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 1 wherein said variable inductor can be varied in continuous increments.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
99 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a discharge lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a variable inductor connected in parallel with said lamp for varying the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied, said variable inductor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
99 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a discharge lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a variable inductor connected in parallel with said lamp for varying the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied, said variable inductor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
The lighting fixture of claim 6 wherein said control circuit further comprises one or more fixed inductors, each having a fixed inductance, and a switch to connect either said variable inductor or a selected one of said fixed inductors in parallel with said lamp.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The lighting fixture of claim 7 wherein said control circuit comprises a plurality of fixed inductors having different inductances.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 6 wherein said variable inductor can be varied in step increments.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 6 wherein said variable inductor can be varied in continuous increments.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
96 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a fluorescent lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide suitable alternating current o said fluorescent lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising an inductor connected to said lamp in parallel to regulate the intensity of light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp is varied, said inductor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
96 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a fluorescent lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide suitable alternating current o said fluorescent lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising an inductor connected to said lamp in parallel to regulate the intensity of light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp is varied, said inductor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
The lighting fixture of claim 11 wherein said inductor is a variable inductor, and wherein the light emitted by said lamp can be regulated by varying the inductance of said variable inductor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The lighting fixture of claim 11 wherein said control circuit further comprises a second inductor and a switch to connect either said first inductor or said second inductor to said lamp in parallel.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
The lighting fixture of claim 13 wherein said first inductor is an inductor whose inductance can be varied and said second inductor is an inductor having a fixed inductance.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
34 words
The lighting fixture of claim 13 wherein said first inductor has a fixed inductance, and said second inductor has a fixed inductance that is not equal to the fixed inductance of said first inductor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 13 wherein said variable inductor can be varied in step increments.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 13 wherein said variable inductor can be varied in continuous increments.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
96 words
The lighting fixture comprising: a discharge lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising an inductor connected to said lamp in parallel to regulate the intensity of light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied, said inductor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
96 words
The lighting fixture comprising: a discharge lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising an inductor connected to said lamp in parallel to regulate the intensity of light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied, said inductor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
The lighting fixture of claim 18 wherein said inductor is a variable inductor, and wherein the light emitted by said lamp can be regulated by varying the inductance of said variable inductor.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
33 words
The lighting fixture of claim 18 wherein said control circuit further comprises a second inductor and a switch to connect either said first inductor or said second inductor to said lamp in parallel.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
29 words
The lighting fixture of claim 20 wherein said first inductor is an inductor whose inductance can be varied and said second inductor is an inductor having a fixed inductance.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
34 words
The lighting fixture of claim 20 wherein said first inductor has a fixed inductance, and said second inductor has a fixed inductance that is not equal to the fixed inductance of said first inductor.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 20 wherein said variable inductor can be varied in step increments.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 20 wherein said variable inductor can be varied in continuous increments.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
106 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a fluorescent lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide suitable alternating current to said fluorescent lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a variable inductor, one or more fixed inductors, and a switch to connect one of said inductors to said lamp in parallel; wherein the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp can be selectably regulated by selecting, through said switch, one of said inductors, the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp remaining substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp is regulated.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
106 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a fluorescent lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide suitable alternating current to said fluorescent lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a variable inductor, one or more fixed inductors, and a switch to connect one of said inductors to said lamp in parallel; wherein the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp can be selectably regulated by selecting, through said switch, one of said inductors, the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp remaining substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp is regulated.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for varying the intensity of light emitted by a discharge lamp comprising the steps of: connecting a power source to said discharge lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said discharge lamp to emit light; connecting a control circuit to said lamp, said control circuit comprising a variable inductor connected in parallel with said lamp; and selectably adjusting the inductance of said variable inductor, to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for varying the intensity of light emitted by a discharge lamp comprising the steps of: connecting a power source to said discharge lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said discharge lamp to emit light; connecting a control circuit to said lamp, said control circuit comprising a variable inductor connected in parallel with said lamp; and selectably adjusting the inductance of said variable inductor, to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 26 wherein said lamp is a fluorescent lamp.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
133 words
A method for varying the intensity of light emitted by a discharge lamp comprising the steps of connecting a power source to said discharge lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said discharge lamp to emit light; connecting a control circuit to said lamp, said control circuit comprising a plurality of inductors having different inductances, one of said inductors being connected in parallel with said lamp; and selectably disconnecting said one of said inductors from said lamp and connecting another of said inductors in parallel with said lamp, to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
133 words
A method for varying the intensity of light emitted by a discharge lamp comprising the steps of connecting a power source to said discharge lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said discharge lamp to emit light; connecting a control circuit to said lamp, said control circuit comprising a plurality of inductors having different inductances, one of said inductors being connected in parallel with said lamp; and selectably disconnecting said one of said inductors from said lamp and connecting another of said inductors in parallel with said lamp, to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 28 wherein said lamp is a fluorescent lamp.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
95 words
A method for varying the intensity of light emitted by a discharge lamp by connecting a power source to said discharge lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said discharge lamp to emit light; and by selectively connecting and disconnecting one or more inductors in parallel with said lamp, to vary selectably the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
95 words
A method for varying the intensity of light emitted by a discharge lamp by connecting a power source to said discharge lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said discharge lamp to emit light; and by selectively connecting and disconnecting one or more inductors in parallel with said lamp, to vary selectably the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 30 wherein said lamp is a fluorescent lamp.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
100 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a fluorescent lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternative current to said fluorescent lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a variable capacitor connected in parallel with said lamp for varying the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp is varied, said variable capacitor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
100 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a fluorescent lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternative current to said fluorescent lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a variable capacitor connected in parallel with said lamp for varying the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp is varied, said variable capacitor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
44 words
The lighting fixture of claim 32 wherein said control circuit further comprises one or more fixed capacitors, each having a fixed capacitance, and a switch to connect either said variable capacitor or a selected one of said fixed capacitors in parallel with said lamp.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
The lighting fixture of claim 33 wherein said control circuit comprises a plurality of fixed capacitors having different capacitances.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 32 wherein said variable capacitor can be varied in step increments.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 32 wherein said variable capacitor can be varied in continuous increments.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
100 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a discharge lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a variable capacitor connected in parallel with said lamp for varying the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied, said variable capacitor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
100 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a discharge lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a variable capacitor connected in parallel with said lamp for varying the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied, said variable capacitor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
44 words
The lighting fixture of claim 37 wherein said control circuit further comprises one or more fixed capacitors, each having a fixed capacitance, and a switch to connect either said variable capacitor or a selected one of said fixed capacitors in parallel with said lamp.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
19 words
The lighting fixture of claim 38 wherein said control circuit comprises a plurality of fixed capacitors having different capacitances.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 37 wherein said variable capacitor can be varied in step increments.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 37 wherein said variable capacitor can be varied in continuous increments.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
97 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a fluorescent lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said fluorescent lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a capacitor connected to said lamp in parallel to regulate the intensity of light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp is varied, said capacitor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
97 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a fluorescent lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said fluorescent lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a capacitor connected to said lamp in parallel to regulate the intensity of light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp is varied, said capacitor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
32 words
The lighting fixture of claim 42 wherein said capacitor is a variable capacitor, and wherein the light emitted by said lamp can be regulated by varying the capacitance of said variable capacitor.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
33 words
The lighting fixture of claim 42 wherein said control circuit further comprises a second capacitor and a switch to connect either said first capacitor or said second capacitor to said lamp in parallel.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
29 words
The lighting fixture of claim 44 wherein said first capacitor is an capacitor whose capacitance can be varied and said second capacitor is a capacitor having a fixed capacitance.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
34 words
The lighting fixture of claim 44 wherein said first capacitor has a fixed capacitance, and said second capacitor has a fixed capacitance that is not equal to the fixed capacitance of said first capacitor.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 44 wherein said variable capacitor can be varied in step increments.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 44 wherein said variable capacitor can be varied in continuous increments.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
97 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a discharge lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a capacitor connected to said lamp in parallel to regulate the intensity of light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied, said capacitor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
97 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a discharge lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a capacitor connected to said lamp in parallel to regulate the intensity of light emitted by said lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied, said capacitor being selectably adjustable to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
32 words
The lighting fixture of claim 49 wherein said capacitor is a variable capacitor, and wherein the light emitted by said lamp can be regulated by varying the capacitance of said variable capacitor.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
33 words
The lighting fixture of claim 49 wherein said control, circuit further comprises a second capacitor and a switch to connect either said first capacitor or said second capacitor to said lamp in parallel.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
29 words
The lighting fixture of claim 51 wherein said first capacitor is an capacitor whose capacitance can be varied and said second capacitor is an capacitor having a fixed capacitance.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
34 words
The lighting fixture of claim 51 wherein said first capacitor has a fixed capacitance, and said second capacitor has a fixed capacitance that is not equal to the fixed capacitance of said first capacitor.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 51 wherein said variable capacitor can be varied in step increments.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
16 words
The lighting fixture of claim 51 wherein said variable capacitor can be varied in continuous increments.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
110 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a fluorescent lamp; a fluorescent lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said fluorescent lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a variable capacitor, one or more fixed capacitors, and a switch to connect one of said capacitors to said lamp in parallel; wherein the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp can be selectably regulated by selecting, through said switch, one of said capacitors, the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp remaining substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp is regulated.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
110 words
A lighting fixture comprising: a fluorescent lamp; a fluorescent lamp; a power source connected to said lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said fluorescent lamp to enable said lamp to emit light; and a control circuit comprising a variable capacitor, one or more fixed capacitors, and a switch to connect one of said capacitors to said lamp in parallel; wherein the intensity of the light emitted by said lamp can be selectably regulated by selecting, through said switch, one of said capacitors, the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp remaining substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said fluorescent lamp is regulated.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for varying the intensity of light emitted by a discharge lamp comprising the steps of: connecting a power source to said discharge lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said discharge lamp to emit light; connecting a control circuit to said lamp, said control circuit comprising a variable capacitor connected in parallel with said discharge lamp; and selectably adjusting the capacitance of said variable capacitor, to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
112 words
A method for varying the intensity of light emitted by a discharge lamp comprising the steps of: connecting a power source to said discharge lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said discharge lamp to emit light; connecting a control circuit to said lamp, said control circuit comprising a variable capacitor connected in parallel with said discharge lamp; and selectably adjusting the capacitance of said variable capacitor, to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 57 wherein said lamp is a fluorescent lamp.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
133 words
A method for varying the intensity of light emitted by a discharge lamp comprising the steps of connecting a power source to said discharge lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said discharge lamp to emit light; connecting a control circuit to said lamp, said control circuit comprising a plurality of capacitors having different capacitances, one of said capacitors being connected in parallel with said lamp; and selectably disconnecting said one of said capacitors from said lamp and connecting another of said capacitors in parallel with said lamp, to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
133 words
A method for varying the intensity of light emitted by a discharge lamp comprising the steps of connecting a power source to said discharge lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said discharge lamp to emit light; connecting a control circuit to said lamp, said control circuit comprising a plurality of capacitors having different capacitances, one of said capacitors being connected in parallel with said lamp; and selectably disconnecting said one of said capacitors from said lamp and connecting another of said capacitors in parallel with said lamp, to vary the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 59 wherein said lamp is a fluorescent lamp.
Claim 76
Independent Claim
95 words
A method for varying the intensity of light emitted by a discharge lamp by connecting a power source to said discharge lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said discharge lamp to emit light; and by selectively connecting and disconnecting one or more capacitors in parallel with said lamp, to vary selectably the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied.
Claim 77
Independent Claim
95 words
A method for varying the intensity of light emitted by a discharge lamp by connecting a power source to said discharge lamp through an inverter to provide a suitable alternating current to said discharge lamp to enable said discharge lamp to emit light; and by selectively connecting and disconnecting one or more capacitors in parallel with said lamp, to vary selectably the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp while keeping the light emitted by said discharge lamp substantially stable as the intensity of the light emitted by said discharge lamp is varied.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 61 wherein said lamp is a fluorescent lamp.
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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) | 1995-08-18 | 1996-02-17 | 1996-08-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-08-18 | 2000-02-17 | 2000-08-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-08-18 | 2004-02-17 | 2004-08-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |