Abstract: An apparatus and method for cycling power to a HID ballast and amp in order to reduce the possibility of arc tube rupture or non-passive end of life light source failure with a warning indicator indicating impending momentary power outage. The apparatus comprises a lamp, a ballast, and a microcontroller operable to generate a warning indicator after expiration of a pre-selected period of time. The warning indicator indicates termination of power to the lamp for a predetermined period of time, by alternatively dimming and increasing the light output of the lamp. After expiration of the pre-determined period of time, the microcontroller restores the power to the ballast. The above described process is repeated periodically in order to reduce the risk of arc tube rupture.

Abstract: An ignitor disabling apparatus is provided to reliably and automatically disable a universal sodium ignitor with hot re-strike capability, or a 120 Hz pulse capability. The ignitor is configured to disable the ignitor portion of a HID lamp if the lamp fails to start. Timing operation of the disabling circuit is achieved using a power supply that ramps to a steady state to provide triggering of a timer circuit. A normally closed, solid state gating device is used for disabling the ignitor to minimize sparks. The disabling apparatus can be retrofit into an existing universal sodium ignitor.

Abstract: A starter circuit is provided for starting an HID lamp. The circuit de-couples the high voltage starting pulse from the input lines (ballast output lines) so that the starter can function properly regardless of the distance between the ballast and the lamp.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for operating one of a plurality of lamps employed within a luminaire via a single ballast, thereby extending the operational life of the luminaire. The operating lamp disables the lamps downstream from itself by preventing current from conducting through lamps other than the operating lamp. The lamps upstream from the operating lamp typically lack a sufficient voltage for ignition and operation. However, if any of the upstream lamps begin to operate, the lamps operating downstream cease to operate. In the event that two lamps begin to operate in an asymmetric manner, a capacitor is preferably provided to maintain a reverse voltage with respect to the output of the ballast, thus ensuring reduced voltage across the rectified lamps until one lamp extinguishes and the second lamp begins to operate.

Abstract: A lighting control system for discharge lamps which comprises a ballast for supplying energy from a power source to a lamp. First and second capacitors and a first control relay and contact set control the supply of energy from the ballast to the lamp to switch the lamp between dimmed and normal wattage operational modes. A second control relay and contact set connects a single output control wire to neutral when a predetermined condition is sensed or a switch is thrown. The first control relay, which is connected at one end to the lamp ballast, is energized when the other end thereof is connected to neutral via the second control relay. The first control relay in turn closes the normally open contact set, which is connected to one of the capacitors, to increase the energy provided to the lamp. In accordance with one embodiment the first capacitor and the contact set of the first control relay are connected in series, and together are connected parallel to the second capacitor.