Induction circuits for lighting
US6188179A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC02F2201/32
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed is inductive coupling of power to devices having negative resistances, such as gas-filled discharge lamps (fluorescent tubes, neon signs, and the like) from a primary inductive loop, using resonant conditioning of the power provided to the device. A "C" shaped inductor (202) around the loop and a resonating capacitor (406) in parallel with the inductor provide a current source to the lamp (403) from across the capacitor. The circuit is capable of first igniting a lamp using a higher voltage available when the Q of the unloaded circuit is high, then running the lamp or other device at a controlled current. The lamp current is substantially proportional to the primary inductive loop flux, and substantially independent of the lamp resistance. A second inductor (404) in series with the first though not itself a collector of flux acts as a current limit. Applications include lighting, displays (optionally isolated and dimmable), and production of ultraviolet radiation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.