Method and system for switchable light levels in operating gas discharge lamps with an inexpensive single ballast
US5949196A · kind A · utility
2Cited by
11References
27Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 13, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 13, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S315/04
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An arrangement for switchably operating one or more gas discharge lamps, such a compact or circline fluorescent lamps, with a single ballast commonly used with a linear fluorescent lamp. One or more capacitors is either in parallel or in series with the gas discharge lamp. When engaged by a switch, the capacitor either shunts or reduces the current to the gas discharge lamp in a manner which allows appropriate starting voltage, appropriate operating current and a plurality of illumination levels of the gas discharge lamp.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.