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US 6,528,955 B1Granted
Ballast system for a fluorescent lamp
AssigneeQ2100, Inc.
InventorsGalen R. Powers, Mathew C. Lattis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A flasher ballast system includes a high frequency instant start ballast and one or more transformers. The high frequency instant start ballast may provide the strike voltage and perform the current limiting functions for a fluorescent lamp. The transformers may be electrically coupled to one or both of the filaments of a fluorescent lamp to provide a low voltage to the filaments.
Claims42
A ballast system for controlling the operation of a fluorescent lamp, comprising:
- an instant start ballast, wherein the instant start ballast is configured to deliver a striking voltage to the fluorescent lamp, and wherein the instant start ballast is further configured to regulate the current to the fluorescent lamp when the fluorescent lamp is on;
- and
- a transformer, wherein the transformer is configured to deliver voltage to a filament of the fluorescent lamp when the fluorescent lamp is off;
- and
- wherein the fluorescent lamp is disposed within a lens forming apparatus.
2 more elements
A method of operating a fluorescent lamp, comprising:
- coupling the fluorescent lamp to a ballast system, the ballast system comprising:
- an instant start ballast, wherein the instant start ballast is configured to deliver a striking voltage to the fluorescent lamp, and wherein the instant start ballast is further configured to regulate the current to the fluorescent lamp when the fluorescent lamp is on;
- and
- a transformer, wherein the transformer is configured to deliver voltage to a filament of the fluorescent lamp when the fluorescent lamp is off;
- operating the transformer such that voltage is delivered to the filament of the fluorescent lamp;
- operating the instant start ballast such that a striking voltage is applied to the fluorescent lamp causing the fluorescent lamp to produce light;
- and
- directing light from the fluorescent lamp to a mold assembly within a lens forming apparatus.
5 more elements
An apparatus for preparing an eyeglass lens, comprising:
- a first lens curing unit, wherein the first lens curing unit comprises a fluorescent lamp, wherein activating light produced by the fluorescent lamp is directed toward a mold assembly during use;
- and
- a ballast system to control the fluorescent lamp, wherein the ballast system comprises an instant start ballast and a transformer, wherein the instant start ballast is configured to deliver a striking voltage to the fluorescent lamp;
- and wherein the instant start ballast is further configured to regulate the current to the fluorescent lamp when the fluorescent lamp is on;
- and wherein the transformer is configured to deliver voltage to a filament of the fluorescent lamp when the fluorescent lamp is off.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.