Three-way compact fluorescent lamp system utilizing an electronic ballast having a variable frequency oscillator

A compact low-pressure gas discharge lamp system comprising:

• a ballast circuit operative from a source of high voltage for supplying electrical energy to a variable number of low-pressure gas discharge light generating elements;
• a three-way switch having an input connected with said ballast circuit and two outputs, wherein said switch connects one of said outputs with said ballast circuit in a first switch position, the other one of said outputs with said ballast circuit in a second switch position and both of said outputs with said ballast circuit in a third switch position;
• a lamp assembly including a plurality of compact gas discharge light generating elements capable of being individually energized and a plurality of inductors, each for conducting electrical energy to one of said light generating elements, wherein one of said inductors electrically connects a first one of said light generating elements to one of said outputs and another of said inductors electrically connects at least one other of said light generating elements to the other one of said outputs;
• wherein said three-way switch selectively connects one or more of said inductors in said ballast circuit in order to supply electrical energy to illuminate the light generating elements connected with the ballast circuit;
• and
• wherein said ballast circuit includes an oscillator that oscillates at a frequency that varies as a function of the number of light generating elements connected by said switch to said ballast circuit.

A compact low-pressure gas discharge lamp adapter for use with a conventional incandescent lighting system including an incandescent lamp socket and a three-way switch connected with said lamp socket comprising:

• a lamp assembly including a plurality of low-pressure gas discharge light generating elements capable of being individually energized and supply means including a contact assembly adapted to engaging an incandescent lamp socket for making electrical connection to each of said light generating elements;
• a ballast circuit adapted to being powered from a high voltage electrical power source and supplying electrical energy to a variable number of low-pressure gas discharge light generating elements, said ballast circuit including means for conducting said electrical energy through the three-way switch of a conventional incandescent lighting system and thereby to the incandescent lamp socket of said lighting system;
• and
• wherein said ballast circuit includes an oscillator that oscillates at a frequency that varies as a function of the member of light generating elements connected by the three-way switch assembly to the ballast circuit.