Abstract: A lamp including a primary light source and a secondary light source, and a secondary light source control circuit configured to provide an operating voltage to the secondary light source. The secondary light source control circuit including a resistance element having an initial resistance which changes in response to being exposed to a temperature above a predetermined threshold. The secondary light source control circuit including a charging branch resistance-capacitance time constant that is configured to change with a change in the resistance element resistance.

Abstract: A system to reduce power consumption in a lighting fixture having one or more lamps is provided. The device includes a relay control module, a load control sensor, and a secondary light source. In certain embodiments, the invention includes a power supply to power the secondary light source. In a particularly useful embodiment, the system is retrofitted to standard fluorescent lighting fixtures and uses one or more light emitting diodes as the secondary light source. The system reduces the overall power consumption and attendant lighting costs by substituting a more energy efficient secondary lighting for the main lighting at times when full lighting is not necessary or desired.

Abstract: A method for using an electronic ballast circuit configured to operate a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp. Multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs) are attached to the current output of the electronic ballast circuit, and current is driven from the current output to light said LEDs. Optionally, prior to driving current through the LEDs, the impedance of the current output is sensed; and the current is driven through the LEDs to light the LEDs upon detection of an impedance significantly lower than an impedance characteristic of the HID lamp. Ignition appropriate to ignite the high intensity discharge is not performed when LEDS are attached to the current output. Alternatively, a signal is provided to disconnect the LEDs during a high voltage output for ignition of the high intensity discharge (HID) lamp.

Abstract: A lamp assembly provides both instant light through use of an incandescent/halogen light/lamp source and an energy saving type light provided by a compact fluorescent light/lamp source. Both light sources are enclosed within a common envelope or outer bulb. First and second thermal sensors are provided in the lamp envelope at spaced locations to monitor the temperature of the lamp. When the sum of these two temperatures reaches a preselected value, power to the incandescent lamp source is terminated. Alternatively, when the difference these two temperatures reaches a preselected value, power to the incandescent lamp source is terminated.

Abstract: The present invention is providing an emergency illumination system based on combined LED lamps, comprising: combined LED lamps, a power driver of the lamps, an electromagnetic sensors, an emergency controller, a storage battery and an emergency charger; said external power supply, electromagnetic sensors, power driver of the lamps and conventional illumination LED lamps are in turn connected to form a conventional illumination load circuit; said external power supply, electromagnetic sensors, emergency charger, storage battery are in turn connected to form an emergency illumination charging circuit; magnetic catheter in said electromagnetic sensors serving as a start switch connects with said emergency controller; said emergency controller connects to the storage battery and emergency illumination LED lamps respectively thereby forming an emergency illumination load circuit; It is an uninterrupted illumination system, which comprise a dual-use lamp consisting of conventional illumination, and emergency illum

Abstract: Light fixtures are disclosed having a first light source. The light fixtures can include a second light source, and a flameless candle that includes the first light source. A sensor can also be included that is configured to detect at least one of movement and light, and produces a sensor signal.

Abstract: For safety reasons, industrial lighting fixtures are required to have backup lighting systems so that if the primary lights should fail, there will still be enough light to ensure safe maneuvering. Typically these backup lighting systems have their own power or drive source. The present application contemplates a lighting ballast circuit that is able to power a primary high intensity discharge (HID) lamp and is also able to power an auxiliary lamp in the event of temporary or permanent failure of the HID lamp.

Abstract: An illumination device has an illumination unit which glows when current flows through a load thereof, at least one instruction unit for instructing the illumination unit to glow, a PWM signal generating unit which generates a plurality of PWM signals based on that the instruction unit instructed the illumination unit to glow, and a time difference setting unit for setting a time difference between one of the plurality of PWM signals and an other thereof based on that the instruction unit instructed the illumination unit to glow. The load of the illumination unit is divided into a plurality of portions which are respectively connected with each other in parallel and connected with the PWM signal generating unit. The plurality of PWM signals are generated for currents flowing through the plurality of divided portions of the load of the illumination unit.

Abstract: A method and electronic circuit operate a quartz auxiliary lamp lighting lamp and circuit to light a quartz auxiliary lamp at 120 Vac and 50-60 Hz current connected to an electronic HID ballast operating at a frequency of 100 Hz to over 400 kHz and voltages of from 120 Vac, as provided by a multitap transformer and related circuitry.

Abstract: A high-intensity discharge lamp ballast includes a lamp operation unit configured to supply power from a power source to a high-intensity discharge lamp, a lamp voltage detector configured to detect a voltage applied to the high-intensity discharge lamp, a lamp status determination unit configured to determine whether the high-intensity discharge lamp is in a turned-on state, based on the voltage detected by the lamp voltage detector, an auxiliary lamp switching element configured to connect the power source and an auxiliary lamp having a rated voltage, and a controller configured to control the auxiliary lamp switching element so as to apply to the auxiliary lamp a voltage substantially equal to the rated voltage of the auxiliary lamp when the high-intensity discharge lamp is supplied with the power and the lamp status determination unit determines that the high-intensity discharge lamp is not in the turned-on state.

Abstract: A ceremonial illuminary including a voltage supply mechanism, a switching mechanism that is electrically connected to the voltage supply mechanism, a first lamp electrically connected to the switching mechanism, a second lamp electrically connected to the switching mechanism wherein the switching mechanism provides voltage to the first lamp to illuminate the first lamp and then switches to provide voltage to the second lamp instead of the first lamp when the first lamp burns-out and no longer illuminates. The first lamp and the second lamp are secured with an enclosure.

Abstract: An auxiliary lighting control circuit and method for a lighting system having a HID lamp as the primary light source and an auxiliary light source for providing light when the HID lamp is extinguished or below full brightness but power remains available to the circuit. The circuit senses the HID lamp current and activates a relay to a conductive state using a solid state controller when the HID lamp current is below a predetermined current magnitude to effect the lighting of the auxiliary light source.

Abstract: A system for use in monitoring the operation of motorcycle brake and tail lights is disclosed which, upon determination that a brake or tail light is not operating properly to provide a warning light signal, automatically provides an alternate warning light signal which is highly visible to traffic following the motorcycle. Current sensors are used to determine whether electricity is flowing through the brake light and tail light circuits, or, alternately, whether there is an open circuit condition in one or both circuits which is indicative of a burned-out bulb. If the tail light burns out, control switching elements are used to supply current to the left rear turn signal light, the right rear turn signal light, and the brake light to illuminate them, thereby providing a warning signal at the rear of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A ballast for lighting an auxiliary source of illumination whenever a primary source of illumination fails to ignite. The auxiliary source of illumination is effectively turned OFF by placing a short circuit thereacross whenever the primary source of illumination is lit. The short circuit is removed whenever the primary source of illumination fails to reach a predetermined level of illumination thereby permitting current to flow through and light the auxiliary source of light. The ballast also includes a power factor correction device for increasing the ballast power factor when the primary source of light reaches a predetermined level of illumination.

Abstract: A lighting system having a primary light source and an emergency lamp. The emergency lamp is turned on and remains on upon failure or removal from the system of the primary light source. The system also includes a control device for sensing when the voltage across the primary light source rises above a predetermined level in determining when to turn on the emergency lamp.

Abstract: An arrangement for use with gaseous discharge lamp circuits having a power factor capacitor in which the capacitor can be disconnected from the circuit when the lamp is not drawing current and in which an emergency lamp can be connected across a voltage source when the discharge lamp is not drawing current.

Abstract: This safety lighting arrangement is especially suited for use with variously rated HID light sources having current ratings ranging from relatively low to relatively high values. The safety light arrangement includes a current transformer having a magnetizable core, a primary winding inductively coupled to the core for connection in series with the primary circuit in which the HID light source is connected, and a secondary winding inductively coupled to the core. The core is saturable by the primary winding current present when the current through the HID light source is as low as the current rating of one of the relatively low rated HID sources. The safety light arrangement also includes a monitoring relay connected across the secondary winding and maintained in an activated condition when the primary winding is traversed by current producing saturation of the core. This monitoring relay is set to drop out when current through the primary winding and the HID source is interrupted by a power interruption.

Abstract: An automatic relamping system that provides for operation of a single one of multiple illumination lamps with automatic illumination of a next lamp upon failure of an illuminated lamp. A drive circuit is provided for the multiple lamps including an oscillator and means for connecting the multiple lamps in a parallel circuit with the drive circuit. The connections between lamps include direct conductive conductors so that upon starting of any one of the multiple lamps and ignition thereof, the other lamps are inhibited from ignition due to the reduced "on" voltage, in comparison to the "starting" voltage, of the ignited lamp.

Abstract: A filament bypass circuit for use with a string of lamps in series capable of continuing current flow when a lamp in the string fails. Each lamp is provided with a shunt circuit consisting of a series circuit of a diode and a silicon bilateral voltage triggered switch. The switch becomes conductive upon the application of a substantial increase in voltage from the A.C. source and remains conductive until there is an interruption of current flow or current flow drops below its required holding value. The diode insures that during continued operation after a failure there will not be an excessive voltage applied to the remaining lamps, and also serves as an indicator of a failed lamp.

Abstract: A lighting system having a high pressure gas discharge light source and an incandescent light source within a common sealed and evacuated bulb. A ballast unit fitted externally to the neck of the bulb includes in series with the incandescent light source an interrupter element and control circuitry therefor, and a choke coil in series with the gas discharge light source.The control circuitry represents an equivalence logic with two variables, wherein the output terminal of an equivalence circuit is connected to the control input of the interrupter element while its input terminal is connected to a voltage divider system connected across the gas discharge light source. The output terminal is energized only if either both or neither of the input terminals of the equivalence circuit are energized. The interrupter element is closed when the output terminal of the equivalence circuit is energized.

Abstract: There is disclosed an operating circuit for an electric discharge lamp in which a first DC operating circuit for starting an electric discharge lamp, a second DC operating circuit for making the electric discharge lamp operative by a voltage near a rated lamp voltage and by a current near a rated lamp current, and a third DC operating circuit for supplying a relatively large current to the electric discharge lamp immediately after the electric discharge lamp is started and for stabilizing the lamp luminous flux in a short time, are connected in parallel. A switching circuit for cutting off the first DC operating circuit after the electric discharge lamp is started is provided at the output terminal of the first DC operating circuit. In addition, reverse current preventing circuits for preventing the currents from reversely flowing from the operating circuits at higher voltages are provided at the output terminals of the second and third DC operating circuits.

Abstract: An emergency lighting unit having physical dimensions and electrical and electronic components and circuitry such that it can be directly substituted for a conventional hot cathode type fluorescent lamp in a conventional fluorescent lamp fixture which incorporates a rapid start type ballast. The emergency lighting unit comprises a direct current power supply in the form of rechargeable batteries, a light source in the form of one or more groups of low voltage high intensity miniature lamps, and electronic circuitry and components utilizing power supplied by the rapid start ballast for charging the batteries, monitoring their condition and reacting accordingly, and detecting the state of the normal alternating current power source and reacting accordingly. In a preferred embodiment, the emergency lighting unit utilizes pulses to detect the emergency or "FAIL" state of the system power. The pulses are supplied by a unique pulser unit which is designed to be directly substituted for a standard wall switch.

Abstract: An energy efficient lighting unit is described designed for functional similarity to the incandescent light used in the home. The light unit utilizes a metal vapor arc lamp as the main source of light supplemented by a standby filamentary light source. The lighting unit includes means for converting 60 hertz ac to dc, and a dc energized operating network comprising an inverter operating at above audible frequencies (e.g. 30-40 KHz). The operating network produces a sequence for the arc lamp and the standby filamentary light source appropriate to each operating state of the arc lamp.

Abstract: A control circuit and system is disclosed for providing emergency lighting from a single source of electrical power which itself is capable of providing input power alternately in the form of a sinusoidal power signal and a square wave power signal during interruption of the sinusoidal power signal. In the preferred form of the invention, a high intensity discharge lamp (HID) and an emergency lamp are provided in the same lighting fixture. A control circuit in the form of a power source detector first detects whether a sinusoidal power signal or a square wave signal is being supplied from a power station onto a pair of input lines. The power station automatically supplies the detector with input power in the form of a square wave rather than the normal sinusoidal power signal when an emergency condition exists such as normal power failure.

Abstract: Unitary light source comprises compact HID lamp and starting and operating circuit therefor operable from household AC energizing potential. The HID lamp is ballasted by incandescent filament means which also provides the major portion of developed light during HID warm up and after power interruption. The ballast filament and input terminals of a full-wave rectifier connect in series across the light source input terminals and the HID lamp connects across the rectifier output. A low-impedance path means and high-voltage pulse generator, which includes a high-voltage electrode operatively associated with the HID lamp, connect across the rectifier input. Initially, the voltage developed across the rectifier input is relatively high and the pulse generator and low-impedance path means are responsive thereto to devleop high voltage pulses and also provide a low impedance path in series with the ballast filament to cause it to incandesce brightly.

Abstract: The power/switcher module, bi-filament light bulb, and light bulb socket, of this invention are assembled with standard lamp industry hardware and fittings to provide a lamp fixture with conventional utility increased by the addition of an integrated automatic emergency lighting capability. Normal ON/OFF use of the lamp, while connected to household line current, also provides light bulb filament current for maintaining a full charge on a rechargeable storage battery. The loss of charging current through line current power failure, filament burn out, or selective disconnection by removal of the portable cord, immediately switches on the other filament to battery power, extending the emergency use to that of a portable lantern. Restoration of line current and/or a burned out filament automatically reverts the lamp to normal operation.

Abstract: An electric arc lamp in combination with an electronically controlled incandescent filament to provide auxiliary illumination during warm-up and hot restart of the arc lamp, the filament control circuit being responsive to the arc lamp voltage and current and operative in three modes, full off, full on, and switching on and off the latter so as to allow capacitive and inductive coupling of energy into the arc lamp for the purpose of starting it and bringing it into the arc mode of operation.

Abstract: A lighting unit is described utilizing an energy efficient metal vapor arc lamp as the main source of light supplemented by a standby filamentary light source producing light when the arc lamp is being started. The lighting unit is designed as a more efficient replacement for the incandescent lamp. The lighting unit includes means for conversion of 60 hertz ac to dc, and a dc energized operating network, including a ferrite transformer and an intermittently operated switching transistor serially connected with a load consisting of the filament or the arc lamp, or both, to which regulated output power is provided. The operating network produces an output with minimum dissipation adapted to each operating state of the arc lamp, including the provision of a high ignition potential, adequate power for the lamp during the glow to arc transition, warm-up and ballasting. In addition, while the arc lamp is being started, the operating network provides power for lighting the standby filament.

Abstract: A lighting unit is described utilizing an energy efficient metal vapor arc lamp as the main source of light supplemented by a standby filamentary light source producing light when the arc lamp is being started, the filament thereof serving as a resistive ballast for the arc lamp under normal operation. The lighting unit is designed as a more efficient replacement for the incandescent lamp. The lighting unit includes a rectifier for conversion of 60 hertz ac to dc, and a dc energized operating network, including a ferrite transformer and a transistor switch. The operating network produces an output adapted to each operating state of the arc lamp, including the provision of a high ignition potential, a power boost for the lamp during the glow to arc transition, warm-up and ballasting provisions, and means for sustaining the arc during transients which reduce the line voltage.

Abstract: A converter circuit for use in changing a series wired primary ballast normally employed for operating a mercury vapor lamp to a more energy-efficient high intensity discharge lamp, such as a high pressure sodium lamp, with the circuitry involved incorporating the series type ballasts that usually have operating characteristics for operating a 400 watt and a 175 watt lamp, with the secondary of each ballast comprising isolated neutral secondary winding. These are primary loop series wired ballasts which are controlled by regulators of a constant current type and dimensioned for operating at a 2400 volts ac open circuit voltage class functioning at 60 Hz.

Abstract: A light source includes a high pressure discharge lamp and incandescent filaments which provide illumination during the warm-up and hot restart periods associated with the discharge lamp. A current regulator, which provides dc power to the discharge lamp, draws sufficient current through one filament to energize the filament only during discharge lamp warm-up. A second filament provides illumination during the period after the occurrence of a momentary power failure or power transient which is required by the discharge lamp to cool down to its maximum starting temperature. A bimetal switch permits current flow through the second filament when the discharge lamp is above the maximum starting temperature. An electronic switch permits current flow through the second filament when a current sensing resistor senses a lack of current through the discharge lamp.

Abstract: Circuits are disclosed for use in a gaseous-discharge lamp lighting system which provide starting pulses to the lamp and/or a source of auxiliary light. One circuit provides starting pulses and/or auxiliary light until the gaseous-discharge lamp approaches its normal operating condition, while other circuits terminate these functions once the gaseous-discharge lamp ignites.

Abstract: A lighting network is described which includes a main gas discharge lamp, a standby lamp and a control circuit. The control circuit senses when the gas discharge lamp is operating normally and turns off the standby lamp. When the discharge lamp is not up to full light output after ignition or has gone out due to a momentary power interruption, the control circuit turns on the standby lamp. The control circuit includes a transistor amplitude discriminator and an electronic switch. The discriminator, which senses the voltage at the discharge lamp terminals, has a transfer characteristic which produces a "low" output over a "normal" range of terminal voltages and a "high" output for terminal voltages below and above the normal range. The electronic switch responds to "high" and "low" discriminator outputs to turn on or turn off the standby lamp, respectively.

Abstract: An instant light lamp combining a miniature arc tube and a standby filament in a sealed vitreous envelope is operated by a high frequency power supply combined with a filament control circuit. The power supply comprises transforming means including voltage sensing means having an output proportional to the drop across the arc tube. The control circuit comprises an electronic switch for energizing the filament and a comparator circuit which has an output gating on the switch when the sensing means output is either above a high limit or below a low limit.

Abstract: Circuits are disclosed for use in a gaseous-discharge lamp lighting system which provide starting pulses to the lamp and/or a source of auxiliary light. One circuit provides starting pulses and/or auxiliary light until the gaseous-discharge lamp approaches its normal operating condition, while other circuits terminate these functions once the gaseous-discharge lamp ignites.

Abstract: Gaseous discharge lamp is connected to a current sensing transformer which generates a signal when the lamp is on to turn on a triac operating a relay for turning off an auxiliary incandescent lamp which automatically operates when the gaseous discharge lamp is extinguished. A time delay circuit including a temperature-sensitive resistor is connected to the triac for keeping the auxiliary lamp in operation until the gaseous discharge lamp reaches a suitable light level.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an emergency lighting circuit that operates with a high pressure, gaseous-discharge lamp and associated ballast. When the gaseous-discharge lamp goes out, after once being ignited, sufficient current is supplied to an incandescent light or lights to maintain illumination to the area normally illuminated by the lamp. The device for providing this current may vary, but generally incorporates a voltage breakdown means that receives higher voltage from the ballast when there is failure of the gaseous-discharge lamp than when the arc therein is struck. A preferred embodiment also lights the incandescent lights during initial warm-up of the gaseous-discharge lamp. The incandescent lights may also be used in a cold environment to maintain the gaseous-discharge lamp sufficiently above an ambient temperature level to make possible initial striking of the arc in the lamp when ambient temperature conditions might otherwise prevent it.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an emergency lighting circuit that operates with a high pressure, gaseous-discharge lamp and associated ballast. When the gaseous-discharge lamp goes out, after once being ignited, sufficient current is supplied to an incandescent light or lights to maintain illumination to the area normally illuminated by the lamp. The device for providing this current may vary, but generally incorporates a voltage breakdown means that receives higher voltage from the ballast when there is failure of the gaseous-discharge lamp than when the arc therein is struck. A preferred embodiment also lights the incandescent lights during initial warm-up of the gaseous-discharge lamp. The incandescent lights may also be used in a cold environment to maintain the gaseous-discharge lamp sufficiently above an ambient temperature level to make possible initial striking of the arc in the lamp when ambient temperature conditions might otherwise prevent it.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system, employing a mercury lamp and an incandescent lamp, and relay circuits for turning on the incandescent lamp in substitution for the mercury lamp, when the light output of the latter is limited, during either cold start or hot start, and for turning off the incandescent lamp without chatter.

Abstract: Operating circuit for gaseous discharge lamps, such as those of metal vapor type, having a ballast device of conventional type is provided with high voltage generating means for applying high voltage starting pulses on the lamp. The circuit may be combined with an auxiliary incandescent lamp for turning the latter on for safety lighting purposes when the gaseous discharge lamp goes out. The circuit includes an induction coil in series with the gaseous discharge lamp, a controlled switch connected to a tap on the induction coil, and a charging capacitor in series with the controlled switch. When used, the incandescent lamp is connected in series with the controlled switch in parallel with the charging capacitor.