Patents by Inventor Timothy J. Rust

Timothy J. Rust has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method for starting a discharge lamp using high energy initial pulse
    Patent number: 7880397
    Abstract: The described DC to AC inverter efficiently controls the amount of electrical power used to drive a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL). Additionally, during striking of the CCFL, a higher energy initial energy pulse is used. During normal operation, a lower energy pulse is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Rust, James C. Moyer, David Joseph Christy
  • Fixed operating frequency inverter for cold cathode fluorescent lamp having strike frequency adjusted by voltage to current phase relationship
    Patent number: 7294974
    Abstract: A method of driving a lamp that uses a DC to AC inverter that is connected to a primary winding of a transformer is disclosed. The inverter frequency is variable, and in one embodiment, may be controlled by a voltage controlled oscillator. Circuitry is included that monitors the phase relationship between a voltage across a secondary of the transformer and a current through the primary of the transformer. The circuitry monitors the phase relationship and adjusts the inverter frequency, such as by adjusting voltage controlled oscillator, so that the phase relationship is maintained at a predetermined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Moyer, Timothy J. Rust
  • Method and apparatus for driving an external electrode fluorescent lamp
    Patent number: 7164240
    Abstract: A technique for driving one or more EEFLs, having first and second ends, in a bank of EEFLs involves driving the EEFLs at both the first and second ends. In a non-limiting embodiment a device constructed according to the technique includes a bank of EEFLs connected in parallel. The device further includes a first transformer, wherein a secondary winding of the first transformer is coupled to the first end of the bank of EEFLs. The device further includes a second transformer, wherein a secondary winding of the second transformer is coupled to the second end of the bank of EEFLs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Moyer, Timothy J. Rust
  • Fixed operating frequency inverter for cold cathode fluorescent lamp having strike frequency adjusted by voltage to current phase relationship
    Patent number: RE44133
    Abstract: A method of driving a lamp that uses a DC to AC inverter that is connected to a primary winding of a transformer is disclosed. The inverter frequency is variable, and in one embodiment, may be controlled by a voltage controlled oscillator. Circuitry is included that monitors the phase relationship between a voltage across a secondary of the transformer and a current through the primary of the transformer. The circuitry monitors the phase relationship and adjusts the inverter frequency, such as by adjusting voltage controlled oscillator, so that the phase relationship is maintained at a predetermined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Moyer, Timothy J. Rust