Abstract: A ballast protecting device is connected between an AC input voltage and a ballasted lamp. The device includes a voltage sensing block, a current sensing block, a pulse forming block, a switch block, and a micro-controller unit (MCU). The pulse forming block converts positive half cycles of the voltage and current provided by the voltage and current sensing blocks to square wave pulses, and the MCU performs a phase angle comparison between generated pulses. Upon lamp malfunction, ballast current is phase shifted. Current may also be phase shifted when there is a radical change in the input voltage. As a trend of the phase shift between current and voltage is determined by the MCU, a ballast disconnect decision is made, and the MCU actuates the switch block to disconnect the connected ballast and malfunctioning lamp.

Abstract: A step voltage controlling device and method for High Intensity Discharge (HID) light dimming applications includes an autotransformer, voltage sensing block, current sensing block, pulse forming block, microprocessor control unit (MCU) block and plural three switch blocks which allows an instantaneous variation of the voltage applied to the load which is controlled to be synchronized with the load current zero crossing point.

Abstract: A power regulator system provides power to an electrical load. A power level selector generates a reference signal which indicates a desired power level for the electrical load, and a control circuit connected with a AC power source interrupts flow of the AC current for periods of time responsive to a reference system from the power selector. A filtering circuit filters the output of the control circuit and generates therefrom a second output AC circuit which is smooth relative to this interrupted AC circuit. This smooth AC output is applied to the load. A relay is provided to prevent overload conditions from forming adjacent the load in the circuit. Various types of sensors may be used as the power level indicator, such sensors including the light detector as movement detectors, and other electrical sensors.

Abstract: This voltage control apparatus produces distortionless, stabilized alternating output voltage subject to distortion. The apparatus comprises a wave form reshaping circuit connected to the voltage output for energizing a load, and an internal reference voltage generator amplitude stabilized and synchronized with the input voltage. An error detector generates error pulses which are applied to a controller to generate control pulses. The control pulses are combined with the amplified reshaped input voltage to produce the stabilized, distortionless voltage output. An overcurrent sensor applies signals to the controller to cut off the voltage output when the load draws excessive current. The reference voltage generator can be adjustable to vary the amplitude of the alternating voltage output.

Abstract: An A.C. solid state power controller for controlling the current through a load from an alternating current source, including a diode bridge rectifier with its direct current output connected to a solid state switch, such as a MOSFET or a bipolar transistor, that is gate controlled by gate signals synchronized to the A.C. source. The gate signals are provided from an optocoupler to control the solid state switch and the load current. Overload, short circuit, and low A.C. line voltage conditions are sensed by protection circuits which signal the optocoupler to turn off the solid state switch and, thus, the load current. A fast turn off time, in the range of a few microseconds, is achieved which, together with the rectifier and solid state switch configuration, provides a power controller which is resistant to short circuit and overload destruction present in conventional A.C. solid state circuit breakers and power control devices.