US5487088A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for monitoring lamp system status
Assignee: Veolia Water Technologies Treatment Solutions USA Inc
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Filing: 1993-10-28
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Granted: 1996-01-23
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Expires: 2013-10-28
Abstract
Abstract A lamp system including an alternating current power source for supplying a signal voltage, an input transformer having primary and secondary windings connected to the power source for increasing signal voltage, a signal rectifier connected to the secondary winding for creating a direct current signal from the increased signal voltage, a signal oscillator connected to the signal rectifier for creating a high-frequency signal from the direct current signal, one or more ballasts connected to the signal oscillator to create high-voltage high-frequency signals from the direct current signal, one or more lamps driven by the high-voltage high-frequency signal from the ballasts, a sense winding on an output side of each of the ballasts for inducing alternating current signals, an apparatus for receiving and processing the alternating current signals, and an apparatus for displaying the processed alternating current signals.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard Weltz
- 👤 David J. Milius
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 10:31
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B41/00; H05B41/14; H05B41/26; H05B41/28; H05B41/282; H05B41/285; H05B47/00; H05B47/20; H05B47/21; H05B47/22; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B20/00; Y10; Y10S; Y10S315/00; Y10S315/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 37
Claim 1
Independent Claim
59 words
Ballast monitoring apparatus for a lamp system having one or more lamps and one or more ballasts connected to said lamps comprising: a sense winding contained on an output side of said ballasts for inducing a ballast status signal; ballast monitoring means for receiving and processing said ballast status signal; and means for displaying said processed ballast status signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
59 words
Ballast monitoring apparatus for a lamp system having one or more lamps and one or more ballasts connected to said lamps comprising: a sense winding contained on an output side of said ballasts for inducing a ballast status signal; ballast monitoring means for receiving and processing said ballast status signal; and means for displaying said processed ballast status signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein the means for displaying said processed ballast status signal is an AC current meter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein the means for displaying said processed ballast status signal is a DC current meter.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said means for receiving and processing said ballast status signal is a rectifier in series with said DC current meter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein the means for displaying said processed ballast status signal is a computer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the means for receiving and processing said ballast status signal is a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance, said second resistance being in parallel with said computer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the means for receiving and processing said ballast status signal is a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance, said second resistance being in parallel with the input of a multiplexer, the output of said multiplexer being connected with said computer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein the means for displaying said processed ballast status signal is a programmable logic controller.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the means for receiving and processing said ballast status signal is a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance, said second resistance being in parallel with said programmable logic controller.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein the means for displaying said processed ballast status signal is an annunciator panel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the means for receiving and processing said ballast status signal is a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance, said second resistance being in parallel with said annunciator panel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus defined in claim 1 wherein the means for displaying said processed ballast status signal is a switch.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the means for receiving and processing said ballast status signal is a relay connected to said switch and connected to an output of a signal amplifier, an input of said signal amplifier being connected to said sense winding.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
142 words
A lamp system capable of monitoring ballasts comprising: an alternating current power source for supplying a signal voltage, an input transformer having primary and secondary windings connected to said power source for increasing said signal voltage; a signal rectifier connected to said secondary winding for creating a direct current signal from said increased signal voltage; a signal oscillator connected to said signal rectifier for creating a high-frequency signal from said direct current signal; one or more ballasts connected to said signal oscillator to create high-voltage high-frequency signals from said direct current signal; one or more lamps driven by said high-voltage high-frequency signal from said ballasts; a sense winding on an output side of each of said ballasts for inducing ballast status signals; ballast monitoring means for receiving and processing said ballast status signals; and means for displaying said processed ballast status signals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
142 words
A lamp system capable of monitoring ballasts comprising: an alternating current power source for supplying a signal voltage, an input transformer having primary and secondary windings connected to said power source for increasing said signal voltage; a signal rectifier connected to said secondary winding for creating a direct current signal from said increased signal voltage; a signal oscillator connected to said signal rectifier for creating a high-frequency signal from said direct current signal; one or more ballasts connected to said signal oscillator to create high-voltage high-frequency signals from said direct current signal; one or more lamps driven by said high-voltage high-frequency signal from said ballasts; a sense winding on an output side of each of said ballasts for inducing ballast status signals; ballast monitoring means for receiving and processing said ballast status signals; and means for displaying said processed ballast status signals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The lamp system defined in claim 14.wherein the lamps are selected from the group consisting of fluorescent, mercury vapor discharge and sodium vapor discharge.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The lamp system defined in claim 14 wherein said fluorescent lamps are ultraviolet radiation producing.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The lamp system of claim 1.4 wherein the means for displaying said processed ballast status signal is a computer.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
43 words
The lamp system of claim 17 wherein the means for receiving and processing said ballast status signal is a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance, said second resistance being in parallel with said computer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
55 words
The lamp system of claim 17 wherein the means for receiving and processing said ballast status signal is a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance, said second resistance being parallel with the input of a multiplexer, the output of said multiplexer being connected with said computer.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The lamp system of claim 14 wherein the means for displaying said processed ballast status signal is a programmable logic controller.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
45 words
The lamp system of claim 20 wherein the means for receiving and processing said ballast status signal is a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance, said second resistance being in parallel with said programmable logic controller.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
79 words
An apparatus for monitoring a lamp system having one or more lamps comprising: one or more ballasts connected to said lamps; a sense winding contained within said ballast for inducing an alternating current signal; means for receiving and processing said alternating current signal including a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance; and a computer for displaying said processed alternating current signal, said second resistance being in parallel with said computer.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
79 words
An apparatus for monitoring a lamp system having one or more lamps comprising: one or more ballasts connected to said lamps; a sense winding contained within said ballast for inducing an alternating current signal; means for receiving and processing said alternating current signal including a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance; and a computer for displaying said processed alternating current signal, said second resistance being in parallel with said computer.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said means for receiving and processing further comprises a multiplexer in parallel with said second resistance, the output of said multiplexer being connected with said computer.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
83 words
An apparatus for monitoring a lamp system having one or more lamps comprising: one or more ballasts connected to said lamps; a sense winding contained within said ballast for inducing an alternating current signal; means for receiving and processing said alternating current signal including a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance; and a programmable logic controller for displaying said processed alternating current signal, said second resistance being in parallel with said programmable logic controller.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
83 words
An apparatus for monitoring a lamp system having one or more lamps comprising: one or more ballasts connected to said lamps; a sense winding contained within said ballast for inducing an alternating current signal; means for receiving and processing said alternating current signal including a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance; and a programmable logic controller for displaying said processed alternating current signal, said second resistance being in parallel with said programmable logic controller.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
81 words
An apparatus for monitoring a lamp system having one or more lamps comprising: one or more ballasts connected to said lamps; a sense winding contained within said ballast for inducing an alternating current signal; means for receiving and processing said alternating current signal including a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance; and an annunciator panel for displaying said processed alternating current signal, said second resistance being in parallel with said annunciator panel.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
81 words
An apparatus for monitoring a lamp system having one or more lamps comprising: one or more ballasts connected to said lamps; a sense winding contained within said ballast for inducing an alternating current signal; means for receiving and processing said alternating current signal including a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance; and an annunciator panel for displaying said processed alternating current signal, said second resistance being in parallel with said annunciator panel.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
83 words
An apparatus for monitoring a lamp system having one or more lamps comprising: one or more ballasts connected to said lamps; a sense winding contained within said ballast for inducing an alternating current signal; means for receiving and processing said alternating current signal including a relay; and a switch for displaying said processed alternating current signal, said relay connected to said switch and connected to an output of a signal amplifier, an input of said signal amplifier being connected to said sense winding.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
83 words
An apparatus for monitoring a lamp system having one or more lamps comprising: one or more ballasts connected to said lamps; a sense winding contained within said ballast for inducing an alternating current signal; means for receiving and processing said alternating current signal including a relay; and a switch for displaying said processed alternating current signal, said relay connected to said switch and connected to an output of a signal amplifier, an input of said signal amplifier being connected to said sense winding.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
164 words
A lamp system comprising: an alternating current power source for supplying a signal voltage; an input transformer having a primary and secondary winding connected to said power source for increasing said signal voltage; a signal rectifier connected to said secondary winding for creating a direct current signal from said increased signal voltage; a signal oscillator connected to said signal rectifier for creating a high-frequency signal from said direct current signal; one or more ballasts connected to said signal oscillator to create high-voltage, high-frequency signals from said direct current signal; one or more lamps driven by said high-voltage, high-frequency signal from said ballast; a sense winding on the output side of each of said ballasts for inducing alternating current signals; means for receiving and processing said alternating current signal including a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance; and a computer for displaying said processed alternating current signal, the computer being in parallel to the second resistance.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
164 words
A lamp system comprising: an alternating current power source for supplying a signal voltage; an input transformer having a primary and secondary winding connected to said power source for increasing said signal voltage; a signal rectifier connected to said secondary winding for creating a direct current signal from said increased signal voltage; a signal oscillator connected to said signal rectifier for creating a high-frequency signal from said direct current signal; one or more ballasts connected to said signal oscillator to create high-voltage, high-frequency signals from said direct current signal; one or more lamps driven by said high-voltage, high-frequency signal from said ballast; a sense winding on the output side of each of said ballasts for inducing alternating current signals; means for receiving and processing said alternating current signal including a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance; and a computer for displaying said processed alternating current signal, the computer being in parallel to the second resistance.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The lamp system of claim 27 wherein said means for receiving and processing further comprises a multiplexer parallel with said second resistance, the output of said multiplexer being connected with said computer.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
168 words
A lamp system comprising: an alternating current power source for supplying a signal voltage; an input transformer having a primary and secondary winding connected to said power source for increasing said signal voltage; a signal rectifier connected to said secondary winding for creating a direct current signal from said increased signal voltage; a signal oscillator connected to said signal rectifier for creating a high-frequency signal from said direct current signal; one or more ballasts connected to said signal oscillator to create high-voltage, high-frequency signals from said direct current signal; one or more lamps driven by said high-voltage, high-frequency signal from said ballast; a sense winding on the output side of each of said ballasts for inducing alternating current signals; means for receiving and processing said alternating current signal including a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance; and a programmable logic controller for displaying said processed alternating current signal, the programmable logic controller being in parallel with the second resistance.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
168 words
A lamp system comprising: an alternating current power source for supplying a signal voltage; an input transformer having a primary and secondary winding connected to said power source for increasing said signal voltage; a signal rectifier connected to said secondary winding for creating a direct current signal from said increased signal voltage; a signal oscillator connected to said signal rectifier for creating a high-frequency signal from said direct current signal; one or more ballasts connected to said signal oscillator to create high-voltage, high-frequency signals from said direct current signal; one or more lamps driven by said high-voltage, high-frequency signal from said ballast; a sense winding on the output side of each of said ballasts for inducing alternating current signals; means for receiving and processing said alternating current signal including a rectifier in series with a first resistance which is in series with a second resistance; and a programmable logic controller for displaying said processed alternating current signal, the programmable logic controller being in parallel with the second resistance.
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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) | 1999-01-22 | 1999-07-24 | 2000-01-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-01-22 | 2003-07-24 | 2004-01-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-01-22 | 2007-07-24 | 2008-01-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |